Hi there fellow TOSers!

I have been battling some serious depression since April. Bad enough to push me to hire a psychologist - my LCSW wasn't helping very much and my weekly Group had morphed into less of a chronic pain focus and more of a OCD/Hoarding/BiPolar group. I think that groups were merged due to financial constraints. Anyhow, I was getting worse - not better.

The new PhD has all the specialties I need, including chronic pain and disability. After 2 visits, my depression is nearly half what it was!!

Summer and early fall are usually good for me pain-wise, but this year has been awful. Pain levels are up and I have had little to no relief. I suspect that the weather is 50% to blame and my stress must be the other 50%. I discovered 2 new allergies: Laytex; and Percocet made by a particular manufacturer. Only 1 pharmacy in town carries the percocet that does not use a cheap-crappy binder.

I bought a condo in February using the proceeds from SSD. My daughter is living in it while she's in college. I use it as a 'getaway' place. I take care of my 86yo Mom, in early stages of dementia.

Life is hard right now.

Anne