The plan that my doctor and I decided upon was that I would go back on Cymbalta, the medication that so far I have had the best results and the least amount of side effects. But my new insurance company requires a pre-authorization for Cymbalta. We thought it wouldn't be a problem since I have been dealing with side effects now from 3 other different medications. Well, after a week and a half of waiting I got a call from my doctor. She told me that the insurance company denied our request. They will not approve me taking Cymbalta unless I "try" a medication called Effexor first.
Initially, I was quite upset by this news. I was very frustrated thinking that I would have to take another medication and suffer with it for who knows how long before I could get approved for the one that I already know works. My doctor was very reassuring and she told me that Effexor is in the same family as Cymbalta, it has just been around longer which is probably why the insurance company wanted me to try it first. She told me to take a half dose of the Effexor for a week, and keep taking the Wellbutrin for that first week, and then start taking a full dose of the Effexor and STOP taking the Wellbutrin.
So I filled the prescription, then I did some research and compared the possible side effects of Effexor with Cymbalta. The possible side effects are virtually identical. I was relieved to see that Effexor did not list the dreaded "abnormal dreams" or "nightmares" as a possible side effect. Every thing that I have taken that has listed that as a side effect has been a side effect for me. Today was the day I have been waiting for, I took my last dose of Wellbutrin this morning. I am not sure how it will all turn out, but I am hopeful. At the very least, as long as I can get some better sleep, I think that my outlook will be much better. For the first time in a long time, I actually took a decent nap yesterday that was not over run with crazy dreams. This was a great relief because lately even my naps have been tainted with nightmares. I am definitely ready for this chapter to end. Spring is coming and I need more energy to get everyone outside in the fresh air.
So in other news....It really seems like my kids are so big all of the sudden. It is really surreal. I was watching old videos of them last night and I can't believe how much they have changed. I am so amazed by how much they can do. Overnight Anne has turned into this artist, she is suddenly coloring in the lines in coloring books and drawing amazing pictures. This is the picture that she drew of herself, me, her brother, and her Daddy (from left to right). She explained to me that this was me being mad that she wasn't picking up. I think that she captured my "yelly" face very well. LOL!
Life does feel kind of surreal some days when I look at these kids and see how much they have grown and changed. Then I stop and think about how much I have grown and changed. Things are definitely changing in our lives for the better. Anne is growing more creative and independent and is absolutely blossoming at pre-school and at home. She is learning things so fast, and I cannot keep up with her imagination. Matthew is so sweet and loving, and he is suddenly so tall. His wild side is coming out to balance his serious, focused side. He likes to jump on the furniture and throw things, which I guess is typical of a two year old boy. He is also very funny. He cracks me up every day. And although he is getting older he has not lost his ability to charm the ladies.
And I am continuing to grow and learn and change as journey along. There are still many things I know I need to work on but I am also able to see how far I have come.
You are very blessed to have such an awesome doctor! I am praying that the new med works! Love you and your crazy, growing like crazy kids! <3
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