Mood Swings, ect...

[CherylAnne]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to this site, so allow me to explain why I'm here;

I have been dating a guy (Bill) for 5 months, he is a diabetic. (10 years) Although, I have known him for over 20 years, I have never spent such extended time with him. One thing I've noticed different about him, is his disposition, mood swings!

I know little about diabetes, he is very open about it and tries to explain the details, but there is soooo very much to learn! I get confused at times. One time, he was 'crashing' and (not knowing any better) I tried to convience him to take an insulin shot, to get back up! (something I seen in a movie) Sheesh, I could have killed him! He kept yelling; 'What are you doing?'

The worst thing I have experienced so far, is the 'crash'... He is so helpless, incoherent and defensive! He doesn't know what he's doing or saying. I'm afraid he'll lash out and slug me, to keep me from helping him. He yells at me, usually not making any sense. He's normally laying down, sweating, and very strong, rolling away from me, into a fetal position. I watch the clock... I am so frightened, as I know there isn't much time to get sugar into his system before I have to phone 911. He's resistant to eating or drinking something that will help him back to reality. I feel so alone!

He tries to control his sugar level, but sometimes gets on a rollercoaster, so to speak! He's very concious about his diet and exercise...

The mood swings... They are next to worst! At the drop of a hat, he'll lash out, about seemingly anything, nothing! I'm concerned about my self esteem! Why is he yelling at me, saying this or that?

In public, I'm totally embarassed!

I have compassion and empathy for Bill...I've told him so! I also explain to him that I need respect... Folks, how do you handle this with your mate?

I would like to hear from you;

*Do you realize when you are high or low and becoming irratible?

*How do you explain to your mate, what has just happened?

*How does your mate deal with your attitudes and nastiness?

*How should I deal with the way Bill's attitude makes me feel?

*Can you suggest any books that will help me cope?

I look forward to your response...

CherylAnne

[TAutry]

Hi CherylAnne,

Welcome to the forums!

I am the diabetic in my house. Yes, I have noticed mood swings, at times, over the years. Mine have come at home and at work. Most of the time, I can see them coming and prevent any hurt feelings.

I have never had the severe low blood sugar reaction that you describe. Mine has gone pretty low, but never totally incapacitated me. Either my diabetes is different or it is more controlled. The best way to handle a 'crash' is to prevent it.

It appears to me that Bill needs to have a serious talk with his doctor. Whatever it takes, he needs to get his diabetes under control. That should help both of you in the short term and him for the long term. If he isn't, he needs to get very conscientious about his medication, diet, exercise and monitoring. I currently check my sugar 3-4 times each day. If I don't feel well or think I need to check more often, I do it. How often is Bill checking his? Monitoring is extremely important.

I know there are others here who can and will contribute much more than I have. Maybe you can get Bill to come to the forums too. We are a very open group that is willing to share.

Good luck and keep us posted!:)

Travis

[Tony]

CherylAnne

Welcome!

I have Diabetes, nine years this month. I have my mood swings too, but nothing like your boyfriend. When my blood is low I get real cranky. I don't yell or nothing like that, I'm a calm person I rather not talk.
My blood sugars been high all day today kind of falling asleep on the job. Left work a little early went to bed when i got home. Just woke a little while ago.

Sounds like he needs to be on the insulin pump. Like travis said, he needs to see the dr. And you should go with him.

When he is having these mood swings you should check his blood. Keep track of what the readings are. After time you will be able to tell if he is crashing or if his blood is going high.
Just by looking at him and seeing how he is acting.
He probably can't tell if his blood is droping. And when he does it is a little late.

They have this shot that is prefilled(forgot the name) you give him the shot when his blood is real low.

I knew this couple his name was bill also and his wife knew when he was crashing. He would put up a big fuss , get mad. would refuse to take anying to bring up his bg's. She was kind of cashing him around the room, he was jumping up and down on the bed. she had to call 911. I guess they had to strap him down and give him a shot to bring his blood back up. This happen a few times.

He was on the pump too! He could not get his bg's under control. That is what he said anyway.

He ended up getting a pancreas transplant. He taking about ten different meds a day.

[CherylAnne]

Thank you both for your replies!

Bill checks his blood a minimum of two times a day, in the morning and the evening, prior to his injections. I always ask what his number is. There are times when he's feeling strange, or has eaten differently than the norm, that he checks his blood in between.

It is frustrating to him, when his sugar level is out of whack, when seemingly he's done all the right things.

I believe he has said, that his doctor suggests he test his blood 4 or 5 times a day. Bill, says that gets expensive, so I believe he more or less self medicates.

I read somewhere that low blood sugar can cause a release of endorphins (I think this is right), that make you 'happy'... In regard to the mood swings, I'm now wondering if low causes happy attitude, and high causes irritable attitude. Possibly, everyone is affected differently?

I couldn't help but notice, the number of hits on this thread vs. the replies... I encourage your feedback, as I am new to this disease and any input would be greatly appreciated... :)

Thanks again,
CherylAnne

[TAutry]

Hi CherylAnne,

I am curious. How old is Bill? The reason I ask is so I can tailor/modify/tone down my response to the 'too expensive' argument on the monitoring. Some insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of diabetic testing supplies. If you can get him on here, I will be happy to address my reply/rant directly to him. I am reluctant to unleash on you. You are an innocent bystander and my sense of justice prevents me from shooting messengers.

The likelihood is that a regimen of testing more often for a period of time would assist him in getting his diabetes under control. It is conceivable that after that was accomplished, he could reduce the number of times he tested per day.

As for expense, has he checked the price of amputations? It is my understanding that losing a limb because of uncontrolled diabetes can really cramp your style. I know a woman who is in her mid-40's and just lost a foot because she didn't look after her diabetes. Her family is seeking financial help to purchase a prosthesis for her. Apparently, those things are darned expensive too.

This post may seem rather negative and unfriendly, but it is merely factual. Again, any harshness isn't directed at you.

Travis

[CherylAnne]

Travis,

I certainly appreciate your diplomacy. You have made your point quite well and I'm positive, Bill could use a scolding or two about the cost to live a healthy life!

Bill is 42.

He realizes the importance of a health care plan that will help support the financial requirements for diabetes supplies.

Up until a couple of months ago, he worked for himself and couldn't afford health insurance. He is currently employed with a company that offers a health plan and will be elegible in another month. He claims, he will not be so money conscious about testing himself, once the insurance kicks in.

When I want him to test himself, sometimes I'll say; 'here's a dollar, test yourself'...lol

I doubt he will visit this site with eagerness. He knows I visit a couple of forums for business and special interests and he's not up on trusting cyber friends yet. Maybe a reference to liturature or a book will help get the importance of these issues, across to him.

My purpose in visiting this forum, is to gain knowledge, insight and advise on how to cope. I promise you, I will not be offended if your tone is off or even if you rant. Possibly, someone can learn from it or there is someone else out there lurking who is going through the same thing as Bill and I, and arn't willing to speak up!

I have read many of the posts on this forum. It appears you are a kind and loving bunch, with something in common to discuss among yourselves. I know personalities flare up from time to time, nothing's perfect! I will monitor this site and hope to become involved, with a 'mates' point of view.

I am fond of your tackfulness and sense of humor... :)

CherylAnne

[hels]

There are times when I am so glad that i live in the Uk and don't have to woory about what can or can't be paid for. I guess working in the NHS makes me a bit biased, but it really does provide a good free service for all, although sometimes we have to wait a bit :-)

I hope you can sort things out CherylAnne

[Tony]

Maybe try this book Beating the Blood Sugar Blues (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=42OCUYLJFM&isbn=1580400485&itm=1)

There was one another book but i forgot the name. I do some searching to see if I can find it.

[mweber]

CherylAnne

I've had three of the lows(crash's),that you talked about since I"ve been with my wife.It freeks her out,to but she"s gotten to be an expert at giving me a glucagon shots(It's an injection to be used when your out or in convolsion's).My advice would be go to his doctor with him,ask your questions,It helped with my wife alot,and ask for glucagon emergancy kit every type 1 diabetic should have them,If not for my wife and the kits iI would not be able to post this reply lows or crashing as you call it are serious.

[TAutry]

CherylAnne,

Me tactful? That would surprise people that know me!!!:p

Let's see, Bill is 42. He thinks monitoring his blood sugar costs too much. He 'probably' wouldn't be eager to join our forum where he could get advice and encouragement from other diabetics.

Let me guess here, I bet he won't be too eager to go to the doctor. He will be even less eager to have you go with him and talk to the doctor. Unless I am badly mistaken, your Bill is a stereotypical, hardheaded male of the genus homo and species sapiens.

If all the above is true or close to true, you can give it the college try, but he won't get with the program until HE decides it is time.(I hope that it doesn't take an extreme circumstance to wake him up.) Until then it will be moods and excuses and other assorted bull feces.

For you, that will lead to much biting of your tongue, clenching of your jaw and probably the occasional tension headache. To combat these symptoms, I prescribe much patience, rest, laughter, regular exercise, play and regular visits to www.diabetesforums.com).;

Travis

P.S. Contrary to popular belief, anyone who enjoys my sense of humor is not insane.:D

[statdeac]

P.S. Contrary to popular belief, anyone who enjoys my sense of humor is not insane.:D
Thank God, I was getting a bit worried about that!;)

[CherylAnne]

Haha, Travis!

You've hit the proverbial, nail on the head! My Bill, indeed sounds like a
hardheaded male of the genus homo and species sapiens

lol

In all fairness to Bill, this is my side of the story. The way I see it. I am the one seeking insight and advise! He is living the frustrating life of a diabetic and through my involvement with him, I am now living it too. He is very knowledgible about diabetes, way far ahead of me. I'm here, looking for another means to learn more about it...

So far, I have come to understand that the fluxuations in blood sugar a diabetic may experience, can cause a certain level of frustration and irritibility, which may explain the mood swings I have inquired about. It appears that not everyone is affected in the same way, by the same blood sugar levels.

In my haste to express myself, I may have misled you, Bill does not walk like a zombie or tear up a town like godzilla. ;) In fact, he is a very gentle, sensative, mild mannered guy. (King Kong?):)His mood swings are out of the ordinary, unlike him.

From all indications, 'hard headed' Bill, is aware of the program, but 'yo-yo's' sometimes. Seriously, is this unusual?

He tries to control his sugar level, but sometimes gets on a rollercoaster, so to speak! He's very concious about his diet and exercise...

I believe he has said, that his doctor suggests he test his blood 4 or 5 times a day. Bill, says that gets expensive, so I believe he more or less self medicates.

When I said 'self medicates', I meant, if his sugar level is too high, he injects more insulin. Is this unusual?

Since Bill isn't checking his blood as often as his doctor suggests, only time will tell if HE is going to 'get with the program' once he's elegible for insurance and see's his doctor again.

TONY, thanks for the link, I've added it to my list to check out at the book store.

MWEBER, thanks for relating your story. I haven't seen Bill go into convulsions or comotose. Although, he says he's been there once. Your wife is an angle, I trust that you tell her how much you appreceiate her. I will inquire about the glucagon emergancy kit... Thanks!

CherylAnne

[Harold]

Hi CherylAnne,

Starting with the LOWS. Anyone taking insulin needs an emergency kit! Lows will happen and eventually an extreme low will happen and you need to know when/how to use it. When the insurence kicks in see if the insurance will cover diabetes classes given by a CDE and if it does make sure you go with him. It should cover both of you, you as a caregiver. Back to the lows. A low is typically defined as a reading below 60 and how it feels at 55 and 45 may be completely different. He may euphoric at 55 and have the shakes at 45 or he may have the shakes first. This is because there are different stages as ones bg's are dropping through the floor. Oh yes let me explain that frequent lows will desensetize him from noticing going low. Now HIGHS feel just like lows and every symptom for lows show up for highs including the eventual coma. This means before doing anything when you suspect a low use the meter and get a reading. A low means he need sugar and a high he needs a fast acting insulin but not too much of either. The reason they both feel the same is because in both cases the cells are starving for energy.

Here's a couple of links, one with online classes and the other has some usefull links to info and books.

http://www.joslin.harvard.edu/education/beginnerguide.shtml

http://www.mendosa.com/advice.htm

Check out the directory!

[CherylAnne]

HAROLD,

Thank you so much for the links, precisely what I've been searching for, to gain a better understanding of a diabetic!

To you all and this forum, your input and understanding has been most helpful.

Bill and I, had a few good talks this past weekend.

He appreciates the fact that I want to learn about diabetes and encourages me to join him on his doctor visits!

I also paid close attention to his moods and blood tests. Going low made him 'testy' and I encouraged him to check his blood sugar level, after eating or drinking something, he was back on track. The understanding of this, has allowed me to be more patient and persistant to get him to test.

Each time he tested, we discussed the numbers and the cause and effects for each result. We laughed over the variables, there are so many! Sorta like a game of 'what if'... It helped me to understand more about the diabetic lifestyle.

He explained, that when he was diagnosed with diabetes, he tested his blood all of the time, before and after eating, exercising, sleeping, etc. to find out how his body was affected. He said that he is sometimes unable to tell when he is high or low and needs me to speak up, he will also test more often.

I told him, that I don't want to be a nag, but to work with him to maintain a healthy lifestyle, for the BOTH OF US.

Thanks to those who replied, for getting involved!

CherylAnne

[TAutry]

CherylAnne,

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

It appears that you two have made significant progress. Bill apparently understands what a valuable asset you can be in helping with his diabetes.

Good Luck to you both!:D

Travis

P.S. Who knows, he might even deign to join us soon!;)

[millien]

Mood swings are real especially when diabetes is out of control and going from high to low over and over as a person medicates and eats. I am a non insulin diabetic for about 15 years. I had more mood swings before oral medications were prescribed for me. I was controling by diet and exercise. I still have them now but I am usually able to cover them up as a "blonde moment" or a "senior moment". Mine seem to be memory lapses when something I am familiar with just does not come to mind or I do something strange for no apparant reason. I also have some problems related to head injury from auto accidents too so at times it is really hard to determine which is which.

I am familiar with the lashing out. I try to hold it back. Don't know if that is good or bad. I know the time will pass and I will regret it if I say or do something I don't really mean except at that moment. When I start feeling weak and hot and I feel cold and clamy to Doug's touch then I know I'm having a low and test my sugar and eat something or drink some juice. I carry flavored glucose tablets in my purse at all times. Sometimes traveling we are not at a convenient place to stop and eat when it is time for me to eat. I carry snacks for both of us. For him to get over the hungry and for me to prevent lows. So far I have been able to do something about a low before it gets medically a problem (pass out). I have told Doug that is a possibility but I don't think he would remember if it happened. I have started wearing a medical alert bracelet that states I am diabetic in case of a situation where others would need to treat me (car accident or something).

Your Bill sure needs to discuss all his problems with his Dr. with you present if he wants to make a success of this relationship. Your wanting to go with him should make him feel good about you and he.

I have rambled a bit but perhaps you have gained some useful information from my post.

Love and blessings,
Millie

[Mick]

CherylAnne,

Hello. I am a "diabetic husband" speaking. I totally understand the frustrations and difficulties you face dealing with Bill--I WAS pretty much that kind of guy for quite a while, and it does put a lot of stress on the individuals, not to mention the relationship. From the point of view of the diabetic, let me attempt to explain something, which does not in any way excuse his behavior, but may help you to understand it. We're scared of high readings. We're scared sh!tless of them--they represent the bogeyman of complications, unseen, wrecking our internal organs. If high readings are our enemy, it must follow that low readings are our friend. Faulty logic, we realize, but nonetheless, the more time we spend low, the faultier our logic becomes and the less we can feel our lows, until this sort of twilight edgy state of consciousness becomes accepted as nearly normal. It makes us edgy, nervous, paranoid, stubborn and, unfortunately, enormously resistant to seeing how "off" we are and trying to change it. It makes us resistant to suggestions that we need to change anything. And it's a vicious cycle--Afraid of highs, we drive our sugars progressively lower and lower. the lower we get, the less we "feel" low--in other words, when we live at 90 and seldon venture lower than 75, 65 feels pretty bad. But if we live at 70 and often venture down to 55, we barely notice 50. It's a VERY small range, when you think of it-- between 75 being just below fine, and 55 being just above whacky--only 20 points. There's no clinical difference between the 20 points separating 85 and 105, but a HUGE difference between 55 and 75. The more time we spend in the 70's and lower, the less we feel it affects us, and the less we feel it at all.

Bill has no doubt dulled his sense of alarm and danger by spending way too much time in this "too-low" neighborhood. There IS one fairly certain way out of this--it requires a lot of dedication and hard work. He needs to scrupulously avoid a reading below 80 for two weeks. If he can manage that (and he can--IF a coalition of friends, family, doctor, employer, whoever can be enlisted to support you puts the screws to him) than he will recover his own internal sense that these low readings are bad for him. It's a form of intervention that took me from a twilight of nearly 10 lost years of my life into a fully functioning person. I remember doing the same stupid things--being outside working in the yard, or shoveling snow, lost track of time and eating, went too low to know or care, figuring, "Whatever...", then wondering why, when my wife finally pulled me in to eat when I was way too low to stop and figure it out myself, why someone hadn't taken better care of me sooner... And her being really mad at me for letting myself get like that, and me being mad at her for letting me get like that... and around and around.

It's HIS fault, and it's NOT his fault--at this point his thinking processes are likely slightly impaired on an on-going basis, and if he spends a lot of time low, he likely has never sufficient glucose in his system to built up his counter-regulatory store of glycogen in his liver to allow him to fight off lows himself. He requires a time-out, as we say in Special Education, both for his mind and his body. He needs to repair his thought process and his liver response to hypoglycemia. He needs to back off his dangerously tight degree of control. with many low blood sugar episodes, he's courting permanent brain damage, which will scar his memory, judgement, reaction time and mental acuity. I've been diabetic for 38 years, and I lost the entire 1990's to the fog of hypoglycemia. I dragged myself back through fear, guilt over the hurt I'd inflicted on my wife and children, a couple of near-misses in the car and one wake-up fender-bender, two 911 calls at work and several more at home, and a desire to stop being a ticking time bomb. I wanted control, not just over the diabetes, but over myself. It takes incredible patience, determination, strength and willpower to do it. Read him the riot act. Call his doctor and insist that the doctor read him the riot act as well. He may think he's protecting himself from a tomorrow of being blind, in dialysis, in a wheelchair, but he's subjecting you to a today of anger, frustration, danger, hurt, emotional torment and confusion. Print out my letter and sit with him as he reads it. Look into his eyes and ask him, "What are we going to do about this problem?"

He MUST test his blood sugars 5-8 times a day, especially as he attempts to get off the roller coaster and normalize his readings. Self-regulating insulin doses IS a fairly standard practice, but he is obviously not doing it successfully. Perhaps he needs his ratios recalculated, or his basal dosage adjusted. Maybe he's not counting carbs accurately enough. There are a lot of things which would lead to his difficulties, and all of them are correctable--this is NOT a side effect he has to tolerate.

Good luck. Michael, type 1 since 1965

[TAutry]

G'day Mick!

Now that is a post!;) You offer some great insight and information. I had not looked at CherylAnne's orginal post from your perspective, nor could I.

This is great!! Please become regular here with us and post more often.:)

Travis

[Harold]

Hey Mick it's been awhile and that was a great post straight from the heart. You have been holding that one back for awhile. Like the way you brought that lows can become effectively habit forming and a way of life. The damage from extreme lows are long lasting and likely some of which can never be recovered from. Whenever the bodies cells are starving it sacrafices some cells to save others and it happens accross the board to all of the different types of cells.

[millien]

Mick,

That was a great post. I'll re-read it a couple of times to be able to pass it on to Doug. It will certainly help him understand better what is going on.

Thanks,
Millie

[CherylAnne]

Michael,

WOW!

Reading your post, I could hear Bill. He has told me some of the things you have mentioned.

He IS frightened at the thought of what is happening to his body! And 20 points from 70 to 50, is a HUGE difference...

Until coming here and doing even more internet research, I didn't realize how frightening this disease is. Bill's Mother, would tell me how important it is to keep an eye on him. I would tell her, he's a full grown man, he should know how to take care of himself! I have learned different... He does not always know what he is doing.

You explain, nearly a mirror of Bill's experiences, since the onset of his diabetes. He has an incredible inner strength and willpower. He is literaly a walking book of knowledge when it comes to foods and their affects on the body. I know he has what it takes get a grip on his blood sugar levels. He is a perfectionist, and having fought the ties of perfectionism myself, I know that too, plays it's own nasty roll in his frustrations.

When I started this thread, I was frustrated at the way I thought Bill was treating me. I felt he had no respect for me, as he would lash out at me for seemingly no apparent reason. I had been through a few months of periodical, unacceptable behavior and apparent negligance of his blood sugar levels. Since I have applied myself to learn about diabetes and payed better attention to him and his blood sugar levels, the unhealthy occurances of either have subsided. My lack of knowledge kept me from seeing what was actually happening. I can communicate better, and have more compassion and patience.

Bill, has always been proud of his body, his appearance is a fine speciman of male physique. He tells me that he hasn't worked out with weights, in a few years and amoungst other things, I think he's been in a slump. Last night, we started a weight lifting program and he told me, he will be monitoring his blood sugar more often, in order to compensate for food and insulin. I know, if he feels better about himself, he will in turn take better care of his body.

MILLIE, I have noticed that Bill may be having the memory lapses you speak of. It seems to be more short term, like he will not remember the name of a friend I introduce to him, even after he has met them several times, been to their home, etc. When he's talking about something, explaining whatever, the point will be on the 'tip of his tounge', so to speak and I see a frustrated look come over his face, he know's it's there, but it won't come out! Bill has also been in an auto accident, with head injuries, over 10 years ago.

When Bill lashes out, he'll smile afterwards, almost like he is surprised at what he said. He never stays angry.

Thanks again, for getting involved in this thread, you've been a great help to me...

CherylAnne

[millien]

Cheryl Ann,

I can truly understand what Bill must be going through with the memory lapses. Head injury problems sometimes don't show up for many years or start causing problems but not often enough to think there is anything really wrong. Does he have any problems with balance, particularly in the dark? Ever fall for no reason?

Low blood sugar can certainly add to these events. Drs tell me high sugar can as well. Can't win.

I had to quit my job 3 years ago because of the memory problems. And quit night school about a year before that. I got to the point that I could not even balance the bank statement. It was lengthly and I would forget where I was when I would be interrupted (phone, boss, customers, etc.). I started making mistakes in data entry that I would not catch until the next day. Lots of dyslexia there. It was very hard for me. I worked there 3 years and most of 2 years was great. Every now and then I would have a lapse but not enough to worry about - then it got worse. It was explained to me by a neuro-psychologist that whenever I was distracted, tired or not feeling well I would have concentration and memory problems. She gave me several tests - verbal and written and one on computer and talked to me for quite a while to make her determination and reviewed my medical file. There are days when I do great. I really enjoy those days.

I have a pilots license (private pilot, single engine, land). I have not flown as pilot in many years. Loved it when I had access to an airplane. Between my diabetes and the memory and balance problems I doubt that I could pass the physical now to fly. I am having to accept that with health problems I won't be able to do a lot of things I have enjoyed in the past. Not even sure how I would do on a boat. Maybe my balance problems (from head injury and ear disorder) and the boat could rock opposite one another and cancel each other out. A friend of mine said his sister told him "getting old was not for sissies". I am beginning to realize that. I am far from old at 60 though. My 82 yr old Aunt is beautiful and such a great outlook. She does not look over 60 (any only because of the gray hair). She is charming. I hope I can acquire some of her charm and grace as I get older.

I wandered a bit as usual. Hard for me to stay on the subject sometimes.

If Bill's memory gets worse or he is having balance problems a neurologist would be a good place to start and follow up with neuro pshychologist. Several Drs thought I had possibly had a stroke but no evidence of that in any of the tests. I was not able to work and did not have insurance during these tests. I was lucky to qualify for medical help through the County or I could not have had the tests. Applied for disability social security and finally got that approved near a year ago. Took 2 years and a trip to a hearing with a judge and an attorney to get it done.

all for now,
Love and blessings,
Millie

[CherylAnne]

Millie,

A result of Bill's head injury, he only has hearing in one ear, and a slight ringing in the other. He says it's difficult to socialize with a group of people because he can not hear all of the conversation. Ha, last night, I said to him; 'I have dinner ready for you' and his reply was; 'I love you too.' Ahhh... As for music, he hears the bass over treble. If the song doesn't have much bass, to him it sounds a blur. He's an excellent mechanic, worked on cars all his life, since losing hearing in one hear, it's difficult for him to hear the sounds of engine error, without hearing in stereo.

I have noticed his unsteadiness, but I have attributed it to low blood sugar. I have never seen him fall, nor has he told me so.

I have a sailboat, a Morgan 34. He went with me once to deliver it a short distance, in calm water, without the sails up. I didn't notice if he had any problem with it, and we sat most of the time anyway. It's being hauled out next week, for a new bottom job and then we will be able to take a cruise. I suppose, I will find out soon enough if he's steady on uneven, bouncy surfaces...hehe

Kudos to you, for making it through the process of social security and disability. I helped a friend through it, I thought I was in a time warp! Papers, more papers please! Where's your papers? And then hurry up and wait...!

Yeah, I have to agree, getting old isn't for sissies! Although, I'm nearly 20 years your junior, I am certainly beginning to notice the affects of aging. Years ago, I started letting my hair grow long, I had always kept a short doo, so I told myself, when my hair covers my breast, I'll cut it short again... Haha, my hair is still growing and you can imagine where my breasts are going! :eek:

I have heard, that attitude and the immune system go hand in hand. Keeping a possitive attitude and omitting stress is good! So let yourself soar, my dear!

CherylAnne

[millien]

CherylAnne,

I had a reply all typed and when I sent it I was offline and did not know it and I lost it. If it shows up in cybe space anywhere I will try to repeat it now.

Glad to hear things are going better for you 2.

I have tinnitus in both ears along with a hearing deficency. I too; have difficulty having a conversation in a crowd. I have hearing aids but they seem to bother me more than not hearing. They increase "all" noise so the background noise is still there. They have been adjusted as much as they can. the noise in my ears is 24/7 and gets worse as the day goes by. My Dad had the same thing - runs in my Dad's family. My Aunt has great hearing aids, computerized, etc. They are so small and fit entirely in the ear with a little wire to pull them out by. About $5,000. I can say "Huh" a whole lot for that amount of money.

In one of my previous lives (marriage) we had a 26' wooden hull Chris Craft. Sure enjoyed it. Sold it when we were transferred to Dallas from Beaumont. We enjoyed salt water fishing. Never knew what you were going to catch and sometimes even before you could reel it in a larger fish or a shark might bite part of it off. Fresh water fishing was boring to me and I did not like the bait. I don't mind putting a shrimp on a hook. Just have to have someone else take my catch off the hook. When my step son was younger we had a 14' fiberglass boat and fished in Galveston Bay. One day he hooked a sting ray and when he realized that he ran to the back of the boat away from it. We kept the chris Craft at Port Arthur to go out in Gulf through Sabine Pass. there was a pet alligator that lived in the Marina. We would feed it our left overs when we would get back. Beat on the back of the boat to get his attention and he would swim over. Did not let him get too close. He did not care for peanut butter cookies but liked ham sandwiches. A stranger to the marina with a gun (not allowed) shot Allie Gator one day. Did not know he was a pet of sorts. All he had to do was stay away from him. We were not there that day or that person would have certainly heard from me. Illegal gun and shooting Allie Gator.

We are going to meetings of Coast Guard Auxilliary at Lake Conroe. Doug transferred his membership and I will re-qualify. Other flotila lost my paperwork or something.

All for now,
Love and blessings,
Millie