Thank you for helping me be ordinary

I posted a couple days ago that I was having trouble being ordinary.  I haven't worked since 07/92 due to problems with being bi-polar and I do get an occupational disability from the Fed govt.  I easily get overwhelmed when a have to make a few decisions or prioritize doing even a few things.   Well, you guys stepped up to the plate in response to my post and your comments really helped me.  I lived life one day at time like the 12 step programs advocate.  But, I also addressed each perceived problem one step at a time.  Looking at  what has to be done right now is nowhere as daunting as being overcome by trying to find a solution to a problem without breaking it down into components. Specifically, I was going to see my shrink and talk to her about addiction counseling as well as my meds which are fine.  Unfortunately, the one person who has the keys to the file cabinets where patient files are kep was out.  Unless your therapist or shrink already had your file in their office, you were out of luck.  Such was my case, but I will see her again on Tues.  More importantly, I did find that there is outpatient addiction counseling available and they even have a special program for people who have a mental illness along with an addiction problem.  I'm addicted to white carbs and sugar. My second problem is that I have to see a lymphedema therapist for MLD ( a specialized massage for moving protein rich lymph fluid through the body).  I have swollen extremities on my right leg and elephantitis on my right thigh.  My PCP had made suggestions on where I might be able to find a therapist and the first place I called hooked me up with one within 5 miles of my house.  However, the next day I got a calf from my PCP's office saying I might have a problem with that because my  HMO is CAPITATED with another service.  I hate that term "capitated."  It may mean that I may have to drive an hour or more to get a service avilable right next door.  But, all is not lost.  My doc's office staff are topnotch and took down all of the facts they need to get a waiver to the ruling or to appeal it without me even to have to lift a finger. So, I'm calm.  Again, thanks for your support.  Bob

Bob, Good to hear that those two challenges are being dealt with as separates that can be overcome, rather that just part of some big insurmountable Whole. Great to hear you are climbing the steps one at a time. Keep up the great work! Best Wishes- Dx

Bob,

I was just reading Sir Edmund Hillary's obituary, and beyond the Everest headlines there seemed to be a theme to his life. Outside of the accolades placed on him, Hillary describing himself as being average, but highly motivated.    “Tough, rawboned, 6 feet 5 inches tall, with a long leathery and wrinkled face, Sir Edmund was an intelligent but unsophisticated man with tigerish confidence on a mountain but little taste for formal social doings. For many years after the Everest climb, he continued to list his occupation as beekeeper -- his father's pursuit -- and he preferred to be known as Ed.”   http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/world/asia/11cnd-hillary.h tml?pagewanted=3 Give that perspective, he seemed to be a person that was able to break down big tasks into small achievable goals and take them on, one at a time. While he was climbing he made a few mistakes but through the help of his support team, he was able slip but also was supported enough to recover and refocus on his goal.  Then, after systematically following a plan and using his tools correctly he was able to continue to cut steps into the ice one after the other to move him forward and upward. After a lot of hard work, he looked up and saw that there was nothing left of the mountain to conquer but to look around and enjoy the view. I think this approach is similar to how the most successful WLS success stories flow as well. Keep it up Bob, break off a piece, then work it out, slow and steady. We are all behind you.  Herb