How SAD am I?

dreamdaisy
dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
edited 15. Oct 2011, 07:30 in Living with Arthritis archive
The truthful answer is I don't know (although I suspect many of you would love to provide an answer). Mr DD and me were in town on Sunday and we toddled into Miplans (boy heaven) and I saw that they had light boxes on offer. This morning I was able to rustle up the necessary rhino so charged into town and bought one.

I know that I feel low on gloomy days, my mood defintely shifts and I have always assumed it is to do with the moulds that are released in low pressure weather (those days would always get me wheezing when I was a 'proper' asthmatic). I never put it down to SAD (seasonal affective disorder). As many of you know I am currently on the anti-deps and they have made a world of difference but I would like to be off them soon and this might be a way to do it. This has a 10,000 lux output and I have read the destructions. It is beautifully sunny here today so I won't be trying it just yet.

Steroid-wise I am back to the 2mgs alternating with 2.5 and so far, so good. Health wise the pharyngitis has gone, I still have a few penicillin left so I guess I will be resuming the H&M next week. I am not looking forward to that. I actually feel very well at the moment. It's pleasant. DD
Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
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Comments

  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    was it a bargain have looked at them but put off getting one let me know if it helps val
    val
  • bertyboy
    bertyboy Member Posts: 1,860
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi DD hope it makes the winter more bearable , sounds as if things are settling just a little health wise which is good , and its good that the anti-ds are doing good , xx
    I know i am a lady ,all life is a journey xx MAY xx
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hey Hey.....good for you. I have wondered if they work so please let us know. Typical that the flippin sun shines the moment you purchase one, Can't you sit in wardrobe for half an hour and see if it works :lol:

    Well done for the steroid reduction again and pleased that (at this moment) you are not feeling too bad.

    Thinking of you (sat in the wardrobe) :lol:
    Love Juliepf x
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I would be interested to know if it works. I think we all suffer from a touch of SAD, I can't get out of bed on dark mornings. I bought an alarm clock that awoke you by light, drove me mad so it is in cupboard now!!! :lol:

    I shall look forward to an update, from you bright and breezy in the dark cold months when we have all hibernated!!! :shock: :oops:
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dreamdaisy wrote:
    I actually feel very well at the moment. It's pleasant. DD

    Aw, DD, your last sentence in your thread made my heart "wobble". I loved reading that last sentence and have now read it 8 times. Those 10 words speaks volumes and so good to see that it was written by you.

    Love
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Not at all sad, DD. Just sensible. This isn’t like quack pills. There’s common sense behind it, not to mention a whole history of language – we talk of our moods as being light/dark, bright/gloomy etc. I’m lucky enough to live in a house that makes the most of natural light all year round and I’m sure I’d be a much ‘sadder’ person in a duller place. It makes absolute sense to me to explore all avenues.

    As a footnote, I have noticed sometimes that my arthritis feels better after antibiotics.

    Julie – Come on! Unlock that wardrobe door right now & let DD out or there'll be no supper for you tonight, my girl.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Poppyg1rl
    Poppyg1rl Member Posts: 1,245
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm SO glad you are feeling well DD! :grin: after that nasty bout of pharyngitis you needed and deserved it. Hope the light works for you, anything that helps is a good thing!
    Love and a hug ((( X
    'grá agus solas'
    'Love and Light' translated from Irish. X
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Should you find that the light box does not work for you, DD, you can always sell it on eb*y.

    People say they do work, though, don't they?

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am putting down the improvement in my general health to three things: no H&M, penicillin that has sorted the pharyngitis and last week-end's 48 hours of fun and general all-round excellence. I know that I do not experience much in the way of side effects with the arthritis meds but I do feel much better in myself without them. :sad: Never mind, they are meant to help matters and I suppose they do - I have a tiny, tiny patch of psoriasis on my right upper arm.

    I have been told imsomniacs should not use the a light box after 1pm, I think that is a useful piece of info and worth relaying. It also says in my destructions that those with retinal diseases and diabetics should consult their doctor before using one, and those with cataracts, glaucoma, diseases of the optin nerve or with inflammation of the vitreous humour should NOT use one at all. DD

    Elna: I don't know what to say. I made your heart wobble? Crikey. :oops:
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    :wink::smile: DD

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Elna, you are right hun.. It was a joyous sentence indeed.. :grin:

    I truly hope it makes a difference hun.

    Xx
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
    k040.gif
    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • dachshund
    dachshund Member Posts: 9,113
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi DD
    i hope you wont be sad anymore using the lights should make you glad.
    take care.
    joan xx
    take care
    joan xx
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi DD
    I really hope this works for you and lightens your mood. I have now ordered one and hubby may pick it up tomorrow or it is free postage. It's been hailstones today and windy shame most of that is coming from hubby the wind that is :lol:
    Love
    Vonski xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Vonski! :shock: :grin: I am shortly going to have to explain it to Mr DD - wish me luck. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    DD good on you....I have often thought about getting one....but will have to do with this light bulb for the min.. :???: glad you are feeling better....sorry its short but I have to type like the clappers before this dongle gives up...
    Love
    Barbara
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good luck DD, if you can make him laugh and jump straight in he might still be laughing, or give him a cuddle :smile:
    Love
    Yvonne x
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi DD, glad you feel well at the moment, enjoy. Sounds like the steriods reduction is going amazingly well (no mean feat.)

    I suffer from SAD especially after Christmas whilst we wait for spring and longer daylight hours. I decided I wouldn't have time in the mornings to sit infront of one of those lamps and bought a visor thing instead - trouble was my glasses were react-o-light .... so never got to find out if it helped or not as I'm blind as a bat without them on!

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi DD

    Hope you are having a good weekend :smile:

    The light box......Do you still have the ordinary lights in as well? or does this light light up the whole room?

    Barbara.....I have looked at light bulbs too, do you recommend those?

    Juliepf x
  • theresa4
    theresa4 Member Posts: 696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    An old friend of mine is an holistic therapist and his new wife has serious depression and he wanted her off her meds so bought her one and she has reduced her anti D's right down.
    Good luck with it DD

    Theresa x
    There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those. --Michael Nolan



    Theresa xxx
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi DD
    Ohhh let us know what happens....does it work well???I've looked at them as well but thought....ohhh....bit pricey......but if it works for you great.
    Good that you are alternating the meds and its working.
    Love
    Hileena
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    SAD update: Mr DD did not blink an eye, he is far too concerned with a swollen finger (actuallly it is quite nasty). My mum has demanded I get one for her too, which I will tomorrow (I've reserved one) and she has paid for mine. This is by way of an apology as she and me, well, stuff happened. :roll: I meant to try it this morning but as Mr DD was watching the rugby and the halogen was going it didn't happen.

    I will keep a note of how things go with it, I still think it was £40 well-spent. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • CJHunter
    CJHunter Member Posts: 1,038
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    An extra word of caution using Light boxes. If you have Bi-polar you should NOT use one, they can make you go hyper. (worked in mental health for my sins!)
    Also DO NOT look directly at light, can damage eyes.

    Ok enough warninga, enjoy and let us know if any cop :smile:
    Clare xxeyeore-1.jpg
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi DD, Have you tried it yet? I ordered mine and it arrived on Monday morning and I've used it twice. I know you shouldn't stare into it but the lights still get you in the eyes anyway. It is nice and warm. Maybe Mr. DD was happy as it might help you which I hope it does.
    Love
    Vonski x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have not tried it yet: I have decided to put it in my 'office' and this requires a major upheaval. This time last week I would have tackled that quite happily, this time this week after one humira and one meth life ain't so easy. I have less energy than a sloth. :sad:

    My mum got her revenge: the cheque she sent is dated for next month. :smile: We had words because when I told her I bought the lamp I accidentally let slip that I have been on anti-depressants for the past few months. I deliberately had not told her because I knew her reaction would not be sympathetic and true to form it was not. Apparently I lack moral fibre, backbone, spirit and yet again I have let her down. Unusually for me I fired back that when she was my age she was still playing tennis, riding a bike, going for walks with my Pa and holding his hand (I vaguely remember doing that with my husband) so how bloody dare she. We are nearly 'friends' again (well, as much as I ever am with her) as she is coming this week-end to stay for a fortnight. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dreamdaisy wrote:
    My mum got her revenge: the cheque she sent is dated for next month. :smile: We had words because when I told her I bought the lamp I accidentally let slip that I have been on anti-depressants for the past few months. I deliberately had not told her because I knew her reaction would not be sympathetic and true to form it was not. Apparently I lack moral fibre, backbone, spirit and yet again I have let her down. Unusually for me I fired back that when she was my age she was still playing tennis, riding a bike, going for walks with my Pa and holding his hand (I vaguely remember doing that with my husband) so how bloody dare she. We are nearly 'friends' again (well, as much as I ever am with her) as she is coming this week-end to stay for a fortnight. DD

    mums can not live with them can not live with out you need the meds it all part of arther if she can not see that she is hideing her head in the sand good luck with visit i live near mine so see her most days but not 24/7 lol
    val