Disturbed by Google

Google how could you design such a disturbing Google Doodle? It's Jim Henson's 75th birthday, and Google, in partnership with Jim Henson studios (or something), designed one of their famous doodles for people to tinker around with on the search engine's website. It so happens that one of the creatures (i.e., puppets) eats its neighbor. Even as a grown up, I find that slightly disturbing.

But it's all in fun, right? After all, a frog can fall in love with a pig!

Lexapro & Brain Zaps

After more than a week off of Lexapro, my brain zap sensation is more than 90% gone. I may have had two at the most today. And, even those, were quite mild and unnoticeable.

In other news, I thought I felt depressed yesterday, so I treated myself to a DQ Mocha Moolatte and felt a lot better. Sometimes chocolate and ice cream is exactly what a person needs to combat the blues!

SSRI Holiday

Last Thursday marked my last dose of Lexapro.

Let me clarify. First off, I didn't quit out of choice. I simply ran out in the beginning. I had to get my prescription refilled. In the meantime, I got the idea of waiting to see what would happen if I didn't take my daily 10mg.

For about a year, I have been wondering what life would be like post-Lexapro. I have been afraid to go off of it for various reasons. One of course, being that I may go into a deep, dark depression. That hasn't happened. In fact, I feel pretty good. My mind is clearer, as a result of not taking it. I have noticed that sometimes my brain feels like it is pulsing. (Those may be called "brain zaps.") It's like when the electricity almost goes off, but it comes back on at the last second. I do not feel as if I will pass out, though. It is just a curious sensation. Dizziness and tinnitus were also initial withdrawal symptoms. They have since gone.

Lexapro has been like looking at the world through a foggy glass. You see the major points, but you often miss the small things. Also, my ability to think has improved. Before, I felt like a babbling fool on occasions. I was often lost for a word, or my mind drifted from one subject to another in mid-sentence, which is slightly embarrassing. I had no control over it.

If the proverbial lights stay on in my head, I may extend this holiday to a more indefinite date.

Accutane & Acne (Days 153-207)

After being on Accutane for over half of a year now, I am happy to report that my skin is acne free! My skin feels reborn. The only thing now to work on is the hyperpigmentation of former blemishes. I have been using a 5% glycolic facial wash, by DDF, which is really nice. Even though, my skin is blemish free, I still take 40mg of Accutane three to four times a week. Before, I was taking it daily (sometimes twice daily). It is a good maintenance program for me at this time. Of course, I will endeavor to wean myself completely from the drug in the coming months; even though, my dermatologist informed me that she takes 40mg once a week. She said it keeps collagen built up in her skin; I agree.

I did bloodwork on Friday, and I have an appointment with my dermatologist on Tuesday. I hope everything is a-ok!

Sinus & Allergies

I spent part of today at the doctor's office. My allergies have been killing me this season. I usually can control them with Zyrtec or Allegra and a little Flonase, but not this time. In fact, it had escalated--like things often do--into a sinus and lung infection.

I received two shots in the butt: Rocephin and Decadron. Also, prescriptions for Cipro, Prednisone and Singulair. I felt like I could run a mile shortly after receiving my Decadron injection! There's nothing like a steroid to take you out of a funk.

I was also quite surprised when my opinion was sought on my preference for an oral antibiotic. I was asked how I liked the infamous Z-Pack. I said, "No way!" Usually, I have to bring up that conversation. I just don't care for it. So I opted for Cipro. I don't know why some doctors see azithromycin as the cure all for all ailments. One day I'll be diagnosed with AIDS or cancer and the doctor will put me on a Z-Pack!

Seriously!

Time for Some Balls?

House Speaker John "Cries a Lot" Boehner (R-OH) recently rejected a presidential request to a Joint Session of Congress to address the creation of new jobs. Boehner requested that the address be postponed for a day, as to allow for adequate "security measures" in the House chamber of Congress. It just so happens, of course, Republican presidential candidates are set to debate that same night.

Hmmmm....sounds a bit fishy to me.

If it were me (as president), I'd bust some balls of my own. Sure, the House of Representatives may reject me, but that wouldn't deter me from making my speech on my own terms. Who needs to the House of Representatives anyhow to do it? Personally, since the Senate is Democratic-controlled, I'd go to the Senate chamber and make my speech to the nation. Unprecedented? Of course. But so is denying the President's request for a Joint Session of Congress. As a matter of courtesy, I would invite members of the House to the Senate, if they felt so inclined. Boehner: non persona gratis.

As you may have already guessed, President Obama acquiesced to the demands of Speaker Boehner and rescheduled HIS speech. I suppose Republicans can add this to their "win" category. When is the President of the United States going to realize that his political party controls the executive branch and a house of Congress? It's time to put House Republicans in their place and truly get on with the business of America. If you really think about it, how is the President going to get House Republicans to join him on his jobs initiative if he can't even get them to allow him to make a simple speech?

Duh!