A quick hello and a little update

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poppy123456
poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,464 Championing

Hello everyone, It's been a while since I've posted or even been on the community. When I first took the break I didn't plan or expect to be away for quite so long but my health was worse than I ever thought it was.

As you're all very aware that I've always put my heart and soul into helping so many people and have always put others first before myself and this has been my way of life for decades. I got so wrapped up with helping others I totally disregarded how my health was. Then it came crashing down on me like a tonne of bricks.

Am I feeling better? in all honesty, no I'm not and that's my reason for not returning or even looking at anything related to the community and/or benefits.

I've been in regular contact with my GP and she's been amazing. Just having someone to sit and listen and take an interest is a huge thing. I was put on medication a few months (or so) ago but sadly that didn't help and the side effects, including severe tinnitus got the better of me. My sleep became almost non existent and I've been feeling like a zombie. As well as everything else, which I won't go into details with here.

My medication was changed and the side effects didn't improve. After a recent GP visit I've now been taken off antidepressants and the tinnitus went within a few days.. hooray! Unfortunately my mental health still isn't great and it's been quite a battle. Along with my pain levels increasing to an unmanageable level. 😫

I've been waiting to start some talking therapy and when I was referred I was told I was put as urgent due to caring responsibilities with my daughter. Finally I had a phone call last week offering me an appointment for next Tuesday so I'm hoping that will help me get back on track, eventually.

I know some of you are most likely wondering whether I will return and the answer to that is yes absolutely! I just don't know when that will be.

@chiarieds has been keeping me updated with the messages from all of you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the lovely thoughts.

Thank you also to those that have been emailing me, I won't mention names but you know who you are. I can't even begin to tell you how much that has helped, just knowing that you've been there means a lot, even if I don't reply very quickly.. which I do apologise about.

Thank you also to those that have PM'd me and I'm so sorry for not replying to anyone but I haven't been on for 5 months and didn't want to log in for fear of being tempted to read some threads. Please don't think I don't care because I really do! I can't even begin to tell you just how grateful I am for all the friends I've made on here over the years!

It's taken me some courage to come back and post this because my head is all over the place and thoughts of letting you all down is a big thing for me too.

Please excuse my ignorance if I don't respond to any replies anytime soon but I will of course come back to the thread when I eventually return.

I hope you're all as well as can be and please know that I've been thinking of you all. Much love to all of you! Poppy xx

Comments

  • 66Mustang
    66Mustang Online Community Member Posts: 15,032 Championing
    edited July 23

    Hi Poppy, I've been away too till a few days ago but was keeping in touch with a few people privately. I thought of you but was worried to disturb you. Thanks for the update 😊

    Is the service you've been referred to literally called "Talking Therapies"? I've been referred to them and have had 3 sessions so far… it's obviously dependant on who you get but I've found them really good. If just having someone to listen means a lot to you, and that you seem realistic enough that you're not expecting instant miracles, I think you'll benefit from their approach. I hope you get a good result πŸ‘

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,201 Championing

    Hi Poppy, how lovely to see your post.

    I took around a month away from the forum first while on holiday, then straight into dealing with a very difficult situation on my return.

    Of course more recently inevitably my own health has crashed and my pain has also become too much, last week I started a combination physiotherapy and sports massage treatment 🀞🏻

    I'm trying to find a better balance of still helping people which I genuinely enjoy and gives me purpose, but not taking away too much from myself. It's a work in progress!

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 10,436 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Heya Poppy!

    It's great to hear from you, I've not wanted to pester to see how you've been keeping as I know how important time away can be, but the team have all been asking after you. I'm glad to hear there's at least some progress with the mental health, but it's a real shame about the anti depressants, I know how much of a lottery it can be finding ones that fit with minimal side effects, so I really hope the talking therapies give you some relief and release. ❀️

    I'm always about if you need to moan about not sleeping haha.

    Please take care of yourself and take all the time you need, just know we're all here for you if you ever need us. The same goes for you @Kimi87 make sure you're your own number one priority. ❀️

  • Otteline
    Otteline Online Community Member Posts: 42 Connected

    Dear Poppy123456 thanks for posting! Like many others I have been following @Chiarieds' updates and was pleased to know she has been in touch with you.

    I'm so sorry your health has been so bad. I'm not surprised though as the energy you put into this forum is immense. We are all aware that your work here is entirely voluntary but still you have been subject to nasty comments from people who should know better.

    I hope you realise how much people care about you as although you were not around your name has popped up on numerous threads while you've been away. Please take care of yourself and your daughter. I am back another name after suffering some horrible comments which although quite pathetic actually knocked me sideways (which surprised me as I am usually quick thick skinned).

    I hope you are settled in your new home and that you can see the light at the end of tunnel. It's such a nice surprise to see you posting again 😍

  • Holly_Scope
    Holly_Scope Posts: 3,144 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    It's great to see you back, Poppy. You have been missed.

    Wishing you all the best.

  • Biblioklept
    Biblioklept Online Community Member Posts: 205 Empowering

    Awwww Poppy, I can't tell you how happy it made me to see you'd posted!!πŸŽ‰πŸ’–

    I'm so sorry things are still so hard for you and don't put pressure on yourself to return before you're ready!!! And when you come back, I hope you'll let us look after you the way you've supported so many of us for so long xxxx  ❀️❀️❀️

  • Kiki23
    Kiki23 Online Community Member Posts: 82 Empowering
    edited July 23

    You were the reason I joined Scope after being a silent watcher for months. Your advice was always so helpful

    Nice to meet you and to see your name on here again 😊

  • luvpink
    luvpink Online Community Member Posts: 2,509 Championing

    @poppy123456

    Hello dear Poppy.

    So sorry to hear that you have been unwell.

    You have been greatly missed here.

    Wishing you all the very best and I hope you eventually feel better.

    Take care.

    Lots of love. X πŸ’•

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 2,081 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Lovely to hear from you again @poppy123456 and we're wishing you all the best πŸ˜„