New therapist

[Dimity]

Oh dear what a mess @tyme . Sounds as though she's growing up though and maybe outgrowing her pen and needing mental stimulation... they're quite bright I think.  When you're home she probably loves your company. 

I've only had cats and they're independently minded too. My current cat sleeps most of time. He's elderly and has lost interest in games.

[Patches59]

I have only had cats for years now.  @tyme  Reading about your pup reminds me of pups I’ve had over the time and the total mayhem they have caused.  There are sooo funny though, kinder makes up for the mischief they get into.

Few different people where I live have cavoodles.  Female about 9 mths old has curly poodle coat, is full of beans.  Male who is few years ago has similar coat but is heaps lighter in colour.  First opportunity either one gets they are out the front door and come for visit (both live in same street as me).  He is happy just for pats whereas she prefers to get to peoples face to lick them. 🤣.   lady in another street has a female who gets all excited every time she sees someone.  This one looks like gold and white spaniel.

sorry to hear you have not been well @Dimity,.

just over 2 weeks and I have surgery on my worst eye.  Scary as the thought is, know I’m looking forward to having the surgery.  My sight is still ok to do this close up but only under certain conditions.  I’m trying to avoid all driving as I don’t feel safe, when my eyes are tired or dry vision starts to blur about half car length in front of me.  

[Dimity]

Cavoodles seem very popular @Patches59 . They seem to have nice personalities. 

It does sound like time to attend to your eyes. I'm sure you're doing the right thing, but I understand your nervousness. The fortnight will go quickly.  I had to start antii-nflammatory drops 3 or 4 days before surgery, and other drops after surgery, which I tapered off over 4 weeks. I kept the cat in a cattery for another 3 nights after surgery as I was advised not to bend. Is there someone who can help with feeding and litter trays?

[Patches59]

I’ve got good neighbours @Dimity plus one very good friend.  Neighbour will be driving me to and from hospital, he has offered to feed my cats night Im in hospital plus morning before I come home.  Friend has offered to help with anything.  Will be asking neighbour to change the litter for few weeks as gets very heavy plus to avoid bending over.

earlier this year I bought some strong plastic plates from local op-shop which I put cats wet food onto.  I bought a handi grip recently to use to pick anything up with.  Dry food goes into a cat feeding tower as my male vacuums dry food otherwise.

the last 2 weeks have travelled quickly.  Was hoping to work on another set of drapes before having my eyes done, doubt it will happen.  As my therapist has taught me, most plans are not set in concrete and can easily be changed.  I moved in 11 months ago, few months delay isn’t going to have negative impact

[tyme]

I usually don't mind giving the cavoodle a cuddle, but she stinks at the moment. She just got desexed so she can't be bathed yet... so she's stinky. @Patches59 

Then again, I can imagine how stinky WE are to them seeing their sense of smell is MUCH stronger than ours!

All the best with your eye surgery @Patches59 . Hope it all goes okay.

[Dimity]

You sound very well organised @Patches59 . I'm glad you've got it all planned.

[Patches59]

@Dimity  ways I’ve found help ease or prevent panic attacks is doing things I’ve got control over plus finding out as much information before hand.

Im forever writing to do lists.  Stops me forgetting things plus gives me feel good when can cross off an item when it’s finished.  Also helps slow my thought processes.  Don’t make lists and I have too many things rattling around in my mind to keep up with. End up with headaches and crashing.

[Patches59]

Thanks @tyme  🤗💐

specialist put me at ease very quickly, has a relaxed manner about him and is highly regarded by my local doctor.

still doesn’t feel real that 2 weeks tomorrow and I’m having first cataract removed.

no where near as worried as I have been with other surgeries.  Trying to stay positive hence keeping busy and looking forward to being able to clearly see again with my left eye.

Need to write up my first to do list covering these next couple of weeks. 

Won’t be long and your pup will get a well deserved wash … maybe coat trim 

One of the worst smells I can remember from when had a dog is when they come out of the bay after enjoying a swim. Either that or have rolled in something that doesn’t smell nice and the smell stinks the entire house out.

as pet owner, we still love them even when they stink 🤣 🤣 

[Dimity]

I've got out of the habit of to-do lists lately 

@Patches59 and yep I've experienced the negative consequences but hadn't made the connection.  Thanks.

Hope you're doing OK @lighthouse22 . Have you had any more EMDR? I got quite upset today recounting things that must have sounded quite trivial. It's a couple of months since my EMDR was discontinued. 

[lighthouse22]

Hello @Dimity 

Lovely to hear from you. Yes I do weekly emdr. It is taxing but worth it. It's been 2.5 long years of weekly reliving it all. I call it the cyclone 🙂 Thankfully, of late the fog has really lifted and the change in how I feel at home in my body now is vastly different. I sometimes think my things are trivial too but end up being the exact thing that needs airing in a safe space and kindness and care applied. 

How are you today? Do I remember correctly that you are having eye appointments? How is it all going?