FishnetMama has never been one to go to the doctor all that much. She is not a pill popper. She has taken antibiotics about three times in the last twenty years and only takes pain killers for migraine attacks. Yet, today she found herself walking down the road with a box of Prozac in her bag, asking herself how the hell that happened.

FishnetMama’s life went kind of pear-shaped last year, which lead to her moving from one country to another (via yet another) this July. This involved a rather long train journey with several changes en route - without benefit of lifts, escalators, or porters. Luggage trolleys were hard to come by for FishnetMama’s two cats in a carrier, heavy suitcase, computer, handbag and one bag of shoes which the nice removal people had forgotten to put in their lorry. So, when FishnetMama finally reached her destination, she found that she had knackered her back.

She eventually went to the doctor. She got referred to a physio ( 4 visits so far, back still knackered) and the doctor asked her if she had any other problems. FishnetMama said she was trying to give up smoking and had put on some weight, could she have some help here. She got given free nicotine patches (they don’t work, and the lozenges aren’t so hot, either) but was told that any kind of appetite suppressant was a no-no. A big no-no. So, a big no-no help with the weight gain, there, folks.

Doctor: I think you are probably depressed.

FNM: Maybe. My life has kind of fallen apart.

Doctor: Fill in this questionnaire and we’ll talk about it next time you come to see me. Book an appointment on your way out.

Six weeks elapsed between appointments (the doctor went on holiday). Today, it transpired that - according to the doctor - FishnetMama is suffering from mid-level depression. (She thinks that this is pretty fucking good, considering what she has been through in the last year). According to the doctor, this accounts for why FNM is a bit low on energy and keeps on conking out.

Doctor: Still, I think you need some help. I’m going to give you …..bla bla bla. Are you taking any other pills?*

(*My fucking doctor is asking me THAT ?????)

FNM: No, I don’t take pills. Is this stuff addictive in any way?

Doctor: No. It takes about ten days to kick in, then you have to take it for three months after you are better. You can’t come off it straight away. There are several kinds - I’m going to give you one that’s called Prozac.

FNM: Prozac? Holy shit.

FishnetMama still has a box of Prozac sitting in her bag.

Filed under: Health & Fitness by fishnetmama