Donna: I am so sorry. You have had such a long stretch lately. I am glad the medication is helping with the depression, but you already know any medication can have side effects. In your case, that might be it for you. May not be common, but if it is listed to that medication, someone had it. I hate to see you have to start over with a new medication, so maybe it is time to try 1/2 dose.

The depression is improved, but you can't continue with the fatigue and deal with every day life and Lauren who is more debilitated. There are many days when I feel just exhausted but like you, just get through it. But it sounds to me like this is just too much.

Because I am talking to you, I know you had a complete physical and all was within normal limits before you started the medication. Look to your nutrition - are you eating and hydrating? I am sure with all the house issues even with help, you worked many overlong days, even with Lauren in respite. Plus just the stress - Lauren is not right and house issues, on top of every day stuff. Plus do try to get some fresh air every day, even if you just sit on the steps with a cup of coffee for a few minutes.

Do have Lauren checked for a UTI - you can probably tell just by your experience with his normal condition. I don't remember if he has a foley, but may be time for a foley change if so (back pain).

Big hug - best I can do and of course, thoughts and prayers. Please do let me know how you are doing. Debbie

Good advice from Debbie. Now from me, simple things, like get enough time out in the sun, expose some skin, get some vitaimin D naturally. Take Lauren out in the sun too, it will energise him and reconnect him to the natural world. Early mornings and late afternoons so you can see and hear birds and whatever can be heard above the more human landscape noises, traffic etc.

Get some serious planning in, plan some work, plan some breaks, plan some FUN!!!

I know what it is like for the long haul and I know for some people that is all there is of life. I experienced some of the group members of our dementia group dying before their loved ones so that was a wake-up call for me. This life is all we have so we have to make the most of it.

I know it is hard to be a caregiver and live a fulfilling life but you need to break it down into steps. A picnic in the yard is the first step, a picnic in the park is the next step, a picnic by water (lake, river, sea) is the next step. Then a couple of hours out, half a day out, a full day out. It is easier to be home but it is better to experience life as you found with your girlfriend's visit.

As soon as you can, get out of the house for a while. While you are in the house you are looking at all the work that needs to be done, when you are out in the sun you look at the sky, the trees, the flowers. As we say here "every day above the grass is a good day".

(((hugs))) from Sue.

Speaking of house troubles I had a completely new roof put on a two story home and it cost me my deductible of 2050.00 while the insurance paid 5800.00 for their share. I had no idea it was that high of a deductible so I'm changing to USAA immediately!

My wife had title put down in bathrooms and entry ways but the commode sprung a leak upstairs and it came through the ceiling downstairs that will cost me 735.00 sooner or later. That's less than my deductible so I pay!

Isn't life great????