Update + Upcoming (3/19) (Patreon)

Went to the GP for two issues that have been plaguing me for anywhere from a couple/few months to actual years: ankle swelling, and The Cough That Never Left. We likely know what the cause of the swelling is but I need a chest x-ray to make sure, which I'll be getting this Saturday. I'm prescription Flonase for the throat issue, but to be honest I wouldn't surprised if I wind up at an ear/nose/throat specialist in the near future.

I also asked about an ADD* diagnosis, and should be getting a call soon to set up an assessment with a psychiatrist.

I also applied for their financial assistance, which is apparently an all or nothing deal. If I'm approved, my visits will be free. If not, full cost. Not exactly the sliding scale I've experienced in the past. Also, the application process for this help is ridiculous and the bureaucratic stuff of my anxious nightmares. What's more, it's on a time limit! And even if I apply and get accepted, I have to do it all again every six months! I might have to pay the mental health tax** but I'm going to do my best not to and get it all submitted because the financial concern has crept back in a little bit from xrays, specialists, etc.

I'm doing my best to breathe deep and reassure myself that, despite the year not starting with the productive bang the way I wanted it to, that my health is a perfectly valid reason for the delay. No guilt or shame required, health and mental health comes first. Without those you can't do anything else anyway. And there's the bonus that if I didn't take care myself I'd be a massive hypocrite, lol.

Still doing what I can to get what reactions out to you that I can. Young Royals will take priority since Mary and George doesn't premiere in the US until early April. Next up on the After Dark list is the season four finale of Merlin, since that'll put us between seasons on Merlin and MDZS and I feel out which one I'll pick up next.

This month's sweepstakes winner will be announced tonight!

*Lumping it all into the ADHD label was a stupid decision and I've elected to ignore it.

**Mental health tax: Forego an opportunity that would offer help or a benefit because the process of accessing the help/benefit costs more anxiety than the help is worth. Best used when it comes down to choosing between money or panic attacks.