#actually-audhd — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #actually-audhd, aggregated by home.social.
-
#Journal of a Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Saturday, 05/09/2026).
After the stressful day, I was exhausted again, and hoping for a good night’s sleep. But, it took me quite some time to be able to doze off. Koa snoozed sooner than I’d expected, guess he was worn out from the stress he experienced as well. I did manage to doze off, and experienced some bad dreams, and night sweats. But, thankfully, Koa was rather sweet, and allowed me some more sleeping time. It was still broken, and not the most restful, but I was glad that I had been able to get some hours in.
We got up to start our “day”. I fixed Koa’s meal, and took my meds. I let Koa into the garden, and got dressed. When both Koa and I were ready, and I cleaned up his smelly prezzie, we went to the couch. I got my tablet, and started writing a reply to an email from a very sweet friend. Although I am getting a bit better at typing, it still is a sore and slow thing to do. When I finished the reply, I took Koa out for a little walk.
I made and ate some brekkie when we got back. Then, I started writing a blog post for this morning, as I had not written one yet. This typing took some time as well, and when I had finished the post, it was time to walk with Koa again. We got back, and I started writing my journal toot. I had a little pause, when it was time to fix some food for the dude. I went back to my typing, when I felt rather hungry. I didn’t want to grab too much candy, so I decided to fix some food. While the food was being made, I was able to finish my journal toot.
I enjoyed my meal, and took Koa out for another walk. When we got back, I finished up on sharing the journal in the usual places. I put the laptop away, and I was hoping to relax a bit. Even though I hadn’t done that much during the night, mostly typing and doggy walks, I felt like I had run a marathon. I was able to get some telly time in, when Koa hinted that he wanted some more walkies.
We were able to walk a slightly larger route, but it was a challenge on my left hand. But, Koa loved the walk, and all the sniffs, and he was able to relax a bit when we got back. When a white van stopped in front of the house, he started bouncing, and I barely managed to get to the hallway, and close the door behind me.
The delivery dude was very kind, and he even put the package in my hallway, when he saw the splint on my hand. Which was very welcome, as I would not have been able to open the door to the living room, with that box in my hands. Both due to Koa being behind the door, and due to me not having enough strength in my right hand just yet. I opened the door, let Koa sniff the box, and then, with some effort, due to the “helpful paws” of my dude, I was able to bring the box to the kitchen. I opened it up, and went looking for one of the big snacks that I ordered for the dude.
When Koa saw the big treat, he went even more nuts than usual! And that’s saying something, haha! I gave it to him, after he’d given me many rather uncoordinated paws, haha. He ran around, and it seemed like he just couldn’t believe his luck. For the next 30 minutes or so, Koa was just so focused on his snack, that I was able to watch some telly, and relax a bit.
Koa and I went out for another walk. I fixed him some food, and then we relaxed for a while, while Koa was enjoying his huge snack some more. After some time, I got ready to head to bed. I watched a series for a while, then Koa and I went into the garden, before we tried to get some snoozing time in. Unfortunately, sleep didn’t come too easy for me. I had a very broken night, with bad dreams, and night sweats. When I woke up, and saw it was time to get up, I still felt like I could use some more hours of sleep. But, I’d just have to take it easy during the night, and see how things would work out.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
#Journal of a rather exhausted Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Thursday, 03/09/2026).
A very broken night. I dozed off OK, but woke up in tears due to a bad nightmare. It took me two hours to settle down. After that, I was able to get some more sleep, but when Koa told me it was time to get up, I still felt so tired… I wish I could just turn around and sleep some more, but that would not be fair to Koa. I am already failing him in so many ways, I need to do this right by him. So, I got up, fixed his meal, and let him out to do his things. I took my meds, got dressed, and when Koa and I were both ready, we got to the couch.
I got my tablet, and wrote an email reply to a sweet friend of mine. When I was done, it was time to get ready to take young master Koa out for a little walk. He got in his sniffs, and did his things, and we went home again. I fixed myself some brekkie and ate it. As I had made a blog post for today already, I was able to focus on my journal toots. I had noticed that the journal toot that I’d written about Monday, which I was sure to have shared on Masto on Tuesday afternoon, before I went to bed, wasn’t on my wall. I found a small part of it on my tablet, but most of the long toot had vanished…
So, I finished Monday’s journal, and shared it, before I started writing Wednesday’s journal. It was quite a bit of writing, and I was not done yet, when it was time for another walk with the dude. When we got back, I wrote a bit more, before I made some food for Koa. I finished the journal toot, and tried to relax a bit. But my body was rather sore, so it was hard to properly rest some.
I decided that I wanted to watch a bit of my series on my tablet on bed, so I took out Koa for a short walk first. I wanted to be sure that he would be OK in his crate for a bit, should I maybe doze off… And, I did doze off for about an hour, which felt good, but also left me a bit dozy. I knew I had to get up again, and all I felt like doing, was trying to sleep some more. But, I got up, and tried to clean up the living-room and kitchen a bit.
Mum would be coming over in the afternoon, to spend the night, so I could take a sleeping pill, and try to get some better sleep. So I wanted the house to look a bit better before she’d come. I walked a short round with Koa again, and then I crated him for a bit. This way, it would be a bit easier to use the small vacuum cleaner. It’s not the best sucking machine, but all it could take off the floors, meant it was a bit cleaner in the house again.
When I spent most of my spoons, the house wasn't all sparkling yet. But, it was a bit better, which made me feel a bit better as well. I tried to watch some telly, and to relax a bit. The cleaning and bad night’s sleep, they had worn me down quite a bit. So when mum finally texted me that she was on her way, I was quite relieved. It was a bit later than I’d hoped, but it was still early enough to give me a few hours to sleep, should my body, and the sleeping pill allow it.
I got mum all settled in, and then I got ready to go to bed. I took the sleeping pill, and after a little while, I dozed off. I woke up about an hour later, as I felt rather warm. I struggled a bit with my blankets, and managed to doze off again. I woke up when my alarm started to make some noise. I felt like I could have slept a lot longer… But, I wanted to get up in time, so that mum would have enough time to sleep properly too. So, I got dressed, wished my mum a good night, and I started my “day”.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
CW: Nothing terribly bad happened, thankfully. But it's a rather long journal Toot, so this should save some folks from scrolling too much 😇
#Journal of a slightly rested, but also anxious, Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Friday, 04/08/2026).
It had taken me some time to be comfortable and doze off. Something woke me up again about an hour later. After a bit, I got comfortable again, and the sleeping pill I'd taken before going to bed, it started doing its work, and I dozed off again. I woke up again when my alarm told me it was time to get up, and get to the living room, so mum could go to bed, and hopefully get some sleep.
Koa was glad to see me, and I think mum was too. I fixed Koa's food, while mum was getting ready for bed. We said goodnight, again 😉, and she went upstairs. I let Koa in the garden where he did his things. After I'd taken my meds, I headed to the couch. I got my tablet, and I started writing my email reply to a sweet friend's message. Koa went to his bed, where he snuggled up, and he dozed off. I was able to finish my email, and then I took the dude out for a short walk.
We got back, and I made, and ate, my brekkie. I got my laptop out, and started working on a blog post for today. When I finished it, Koa let me know that he was ready to head out again for another little walk. We got back, and I started to write my journal Toot. But I didn't get very far. Koa got his meal, and then I decided that I wanted to try and get a shower by myself. Mum had brought the shower crutch, so I could safely sit, while trying to wash my hair and body, while keeping my right hand safe from my clumsiness.
It wasn't too easy, and I had to take Koa into the bathroom with me (and he still barked once, but fortunately mum did not hear it), but... I managed to wash my hair, and most of my body, and with some more effort, I managed to dry myself off, and get dressed again. I was still catching my breath a bit, after all the hard work, when Koa let me know that I'd better put on my shoes... Yup, he wanted to go out again. As it was near the time that bestie said she'd call me, I got my headphones on. They also helped to keep my cap in place, as it was rather windy outside. Koa and I were on our way, when bestie called.
We chatted while Koa got his sniffs in, and we were still talking when my mum came downstairs. She wanted to help me shower, and I had to tell her twice that I'd already done that. As mum was a bit oblivious to me being on the phone, bestie hung up so I could focus on mum. Ugh, all the times she was on the phone, and I just had to wait till she was ready. And when I'm on the phone, she just babbles through, not really realizing how annoying it is. Of course, just after we hung up, mum went upstairs to get ready, which took quite a while, so I could have just finished the call. 😔
When mum came back down again, she had some breakfast. I went out with Koa, while mum changed the bedding for me. I tried to walk slowly, so Koa could have all the sniffs, and do his things. When we got back, I started getting everything ready, as it was almost time for mum and me to head to the hospital for my hand rehab appointments. I set up the tablet, so I could use the webcam app to keep an eye on the dude. He got some snacks, we offered him water, and then we headed out.
Koa kept being a bit restless. Nothing too bad but it got me worried some, as he didn't seem able to relax. I had texted the neighbor, but she wasn't able to check on him, to see what was bothering him. I even texted our friend, but she also wouldn't be able to check on Koa. It still went OK enough during my first appointment with the ergo therapist. He was able to make me a new, smaller, splint, and when it was done, we had to wait in the waiting room for 15 minutes till the second appointment. But... That's when things went worse with Koa, and I got so worried that I started crying. All I wanted to do was to go home to hug my dude. But, mum thought it was better if I would stay for the appointment, as my exercises were important for my rehab.
So, I waited for the appointment, while I hoped mum would be careful, driving to Koa, and that she would be in time, before anything would go terribly wrong. Koa started pulling on the metal with his teefs again, and that's when I tried out the "talk" function for the first time. Koa seemed to hear me, as he reacted to it. But it also made me worry some more, cause what would happen when he realizes that I am not there? I got called in for my appointment, and I told the therapist about the situation. She probably wasn't a dog person or at least not familiar with steel wire crates, as she didn't understand my worries over Koa's teefs getting stuck in the wires, and what could happen if that happened and he'd panic...
I tried to focus on the exercises, but I was teary-eyed and a bit too distracted. The therapist was happy about the progress I had made during the last few weeks. And she taught me a new exercise, which hurt quite a bit. I couldn't properly relax, which made the exercise harder. I apologized for being so distracted, and tense, but I do think that she kinda understood. So when she was sure that I understood the exercises for the week to come, she dismissed me a little earlier, so I could focus on Koa first. Just after I walked out of the therapy ward, I saw that mum was opening the crate for a very excited Koa. While I walked to the entrance/exit, I was softly crying from relief.
I sat down in the little waiting/sitting area, and called mum. She would take Koa with her, and they'd pick me up together. I was so glad that nothing bad had happened. I used Koa's GPS tracking app to follow mum and him, while they were on their way. When they were close, I got outside, and happily got in the car.
Mum drove back home, once again, and she walked with Koa on the grassy field, while I tried to put mum's things in their car. I was very grateful for mum's help both with sleeping over, so I could use a sleeping pill to get some rest. And for taking the time to pick up Koa when I was so worried over him. 😢
I fixed Koa his meal, and I got myself a snack. It seemed that I wasn't the only one who was exhausted of all the stress from this morning. I had thought that Koa would be eager for walkies. But he wanted to go to the garden, and then he kept checking out the bedroom crate. So, I got everything ready for bedtime. I first watched a bit of my series, and then I let out Koa again, before trying to get some sleep.
I dozed off, and woke up shortly after, from a very weird and scary nightmare. Then, I started to feel rather warm again, so I struggled with my bedding for a bit. I dozed off and woke up a few times. Koa and I went out once again, and then I got some broken sleep, till it was time to get up, and start our "day". I felt very sore, and still rather tired, but I had to take care of my sweet boy, so...
Hey ho, let's see what today will bring us...
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
@tripplehelix As I am not a regular human, I have no idea. I sure don't know how to. #actuallyaudhd
-
#Journal of a slightly rested Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Wednesday, 02/09/2026).
I had not expected it, but after a bit of a wonky start, Koa allowed me more sleep than usual. When I got up, it was almost 1am, and according to my watch, I had gotten about 8½ hours of sleep in total. Which felt good, but also weird, as it's been quite a while since I was able to sleep a bit more. I quickly got up, fixed Koa's meal, and let him out for a pee and poop. I took my meds, got dressed, and then Koa and I headed to the couch.
I gave Koa his coffee wood chew stick, and while he was was gnawing away, I got my tablet, and started writing my reply to a sweet friend's email. Typing without the splint, after wearing it all night, feels strange. My wrist is still sore, and I have to be careful with my thumb. But it's a bit faster, and less painful, than when I tried to type while wearing the cast, or the first version of the splint. Of course my hand and fingers are slowly healing, which also helps to make typing a bit easier. But, to be honest, I can't wait till I am finally able to type more normally again. Let's wait and see how things will go next Friday, what they'll tell me at the hand rehab therapy.
When I'd finished the email, Koa was eager for a short walk. So, we headed out, so he could do this things. We made our round, and when we got back, I fixed and ate some breakfast. I worked a wee bit on my blog and then started writing on my journal Toot. After some time, Koa got a bit restless again, so we went out for another short walk. After some relaxing, I fixed Koa's meal. I finished the journal Toot, and tried to relax a bit with some telly. Due to the different waking up time, our walkies schedule was a bit off.
So Koa and I were out on walkies again when bestie called me on her way to work. We talked during walkies, and we continued it till she parked her car. When we hung up, I made myself some food. After I'd eaten, Koa was hoping for yet another walk. The weather was OK enough, so we went out again. After our walkies, I tried to relax a bit with some telly on the couch.
Koa had his chewy wood for a while, and after some time, I took it away again, as I didn't want him to get too much of the wood fibers in him. I looked around, and the whole room was filled with wood pulps here and there. I put Koa in his crate, and I got the little vacuum. I tried to clean as best as I could with left, and with the limited power that the little thing has. But, when I was sweaty all over, and Koa had enough of it as well, the little bin did have quite a bit of dirt in it. So, it was better than before I started. 😊
I needed some time to catch my breath, and dry up a little, as I was rather moist. Of course, as soon as I tried to squeeze in some chill time, Koa started whining some, and we needed to go out for another walkies. I know that my walks are shorter than what he'd like, and I feel bad about that. So I try to give him some more shorter walks, instead of just a few long ones. But, I'm afraid that the short ones aren't doing "it" for him. 😔 Still, I try to do my best, and occasionally I am able to have a friend or neighbor take him out for a longer walk. I can't wait till I'm able to take him out on proper walks again...
We got back, and we both enjoyed something to snack. After some time, I fixed Koa his food, and slowly started prepping for bedtime. I was tired enough, so hopeful I'd get a decent night again. But, as I had a rather good night the previous night, I kinda knew chances were slim of me being able to repeat that.
I tried relax a bit, and after half an hour, Koa and I went for our last walkies before bed. I watched a bit of my series on my tablet. After an hour, I hoped that I was a bit more relaxed. I let Koa in the garden, got him his snacks, and after some time, I heard him doze off. A little while longer, I was able to do the same.
I woke up with wet eyes, feeling horrible, about 90 minutes later. I wasn't able to calm myself down for quite some time. When I felt more at ease, I let out Koa again, hoping that he and I would be able to sleep some more after that. I woke up once more, before Koa told me it was time to get up and start our "day". I got about 5 hours of sleep in total, but it was all broken up, so when I got out of bed, I still felt dead tired and terribly sore...
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
CW: Nothing too bad, really... Just a longer journal Toot (from Monday). So this saves some folks from scrolling too much 😇
#Journal of an over-exhausted Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Monday, 31/08/2026).
Another broken night. I got some sleep though, but it wasn't the best, and it should have been longer. But, it is as it is, and I needed to make the best of it. This was going to be a long day, and I was already getting anxious about the talk with the coach in the morning. But, I got up, let out Koa, and we started our "day".
Koa got his food, I took my meds, and I got dressed. When Koa and I were ready, we headed to the couch. I got my tablet, and started writing a reply to a sweet friend's email. It took me a while to write my reply, and Koa started whining more, so I decided to take him out for a little walk. When we got back, I finished the email, and then made myself brekkie.
After brekkie, I got my laptop out, and started writing today's blog post. It was a simple one, but written from the heart. It wasn't difficult to write, and it felt good when it was finished. I started writing my journal Toot after that, when Koa let me know that he was ready to head out again for some walkies. So, like a good humom, I paused my writing, and took the dude out for his sniffs.
I wrote a bit more when we got home. After I had fixed a meal for the dude, and I had a snack, I wrote more on my journal toot. But the typing went slow, and I felt too tired and sore to keep going. I decided to just relax for now, allow my hands some rest, and hopefully I would be able to finish it later that day.
I tried to relax a little while watching some telly. But, apparently, Koa really needed more attention from me, so out we went for another walkies, When we got back, I started to fix some food. While the food was being prepped, bestie called me on her way to work. She'd texted me on Sunday, letting me know about the call. But my mind had been distracted with other things, and to be honest, I'd forgotten about it.
Bestie did most of the talking, while I did all of the eating. When she arrived at work, we hung up. I cleaned up my things, and whadda ya know? That little bugger wanted to go out, again! To think that, when he was younger, I had to lure him to the hallway to get his harness on. Now, it's him begging me again and again, to take him out for walkies.
We just got back, when our friend texted me that she was on our way to our place. Which was good news, as it meant that she would be early enough so we could discuss some things, before the coach would come. When she arrived, Koa was all excited, and he pretended that he'd not been taken out for walkies for ages! He was a poor dude, who never got any love and attention. Of course our friend knew better than that, but she still indulged Koa, and we went for another walk. She and I discussed how we'd try to get the important talk done together. Which was good, because I knew she would pick up the conversation whenever I struggled to keep talking. When we got back, I saw the coach's car parked already, but I didn't pay it any attention.
I was just cuddling on the couch with Koa, when the doorbell rang. As Koa got all excited, and put his paws everywhere, also in some painful parts, our friend decided to open the door, so I could catch my breath. The coach was rather surprised when someone else opened up, so I guess she knew something was happening... She asked how I was doing, and I started to tell about the shitty fucked up way she handled things last Monday, and how it hurt me, and damaged the trust that I'd put in her offer of helping me. When I was getting a bit too emotional, my friend took over, and started explaining why I felt like I did. The coach was very surprised, but I think that she did listen to us. She asked some questions, and my friend and I tried to answer as best as she could. I think she slowly started to realize that she had definitely messed up with how she treated me, and she seemed to understand why I was disappointed, angry, and hurt over how things had happened.
An hour or so later, she left after taking many notes, based on all we had explained to her. She had apologized, so that was something. I'm still not all back to trusting her, and I did honestly tell her that. This had been a big trigger for my cptsd, and it would take me quite a while to try to recover from this. After she left, our friend and I took Koa for a longer walk. Koa didn't mind another walk at all. 😇 She helped me with vacuuming before she went back home again. I had thanked her several times before she left, and later again in chat.
I felt exhausted. Short, bad, and broken nights for so long now and then all this stuff with the coach... 😔 I tried to relax a bit, before it was time to fix a meal for the dude. After he had finished, we watched some telly. Then, I got everything ready for bedtime, as I was so exhausted. But, I couldn't sleep just yet, as I had to wait for the GP to call about my meds. I had run out of them, so I needed the GP to prescribe me some new ones. Usually, she calls me early during the time scheduled for patient calls. When it was 15:30, and I still had not received the call, I got to the GP app, and I wrote a message there, as I was just getting too tired for a call, and I really needed to get the meds.
When I'd just given up on waiting, I put away my phone. I wanted to put away my Kobo a few minutes later, and then I saw the incoming call. I picked up, and had a chat with the GP. I told her all that I'd written in my message, which she told me she had seen. She agreed on everything, and would make sure that they'd get the meds to my mailbox. Hoping that it would go well this time around, I tried to finally get some sleep.
First, Koa got some attention. After going out, where he did nothing, we went back to bed. Koa got some kibble and water, and after that, he allowed me to sleep some. But, after a short time, he woke me up again. When he woke me the last time, it was time to get up and start our "day". Unfortunately, I had less than 6 hours of sleep, and it had been very broken. So, I felt dead when I got up...
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
CW: Nothing bad really, just a rather long journal Toot. So I added a CW to save some folks from scrolling too much 😇
#Journal of a very tired and sore Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Tuesday, 01/09/2026).
Thanks to the late call from the GP, and the time my body and brain needed after that, to be able to relax enough to fall asleep, it was a short night. And, it was a broken one as well, thanks to the dude. When he woke me up again, it was a good time, I just could have used a few more hours of sleep. Ah well, it was time to get up and start our "day".
Koa got his meal, and went to the garden to do his things. I went to the mailbox to get my meds, and found out that there was only one of the two meds that the GP and I had discussed. So, after taking my meds, the next thing I did was writing a message in the GP app, to ask what went wrong with the prescription. I was bummed that the meds had not all been delivered, and I was glad that I still had a few old ones that I could use in the meantime.
Koa and I got to the couch. I got my tablet, and started writing a reply to my sweet friend's email. Even though taking the splint off makes it a wee bit easier to type (and get a little bit of exercise in for my wrist), I'm still so slow, and it still takes more energy. But, I managed to finish the email, and then I got ready to take the dude out for a short walk.
After the walk, I fixed and ate some brekkie. I finished up today's blog post, so it was scheduled for a 7am publication. I started writing my journal Toot. I was halfway through when Koa wanted to go out again. We went for a short walk, and when we got back, I was able to finish the journal Toot. When it was uploaded to the usual places, I fixed a meal for Koa. While Koa enjoyed it, I was able to do some of my wrist exercises. I try to do them several times a day. But, due to my hypermobolity issues, when I try to make certain moves, it feels like some of my joints need to "unlock".
Sometimes, some of my joints will get "displaced" a bit. They usually don't dislocate all the way, and certain movements can make them "slide back" again. Many times, I can do this for myself, sometimes I need my physical therapist to help me out, as it's a "two handed job". And now, with two of my fingers, and one of the bones near my wrist, it feels like a little "knack" is needed, so it will "unlock", and be able to properly move again. But, due to the surgery, it's not allowed to put the pressure on the needed places, as it could cause serious damage, and cause issues with a proper healing. I know the joints are stiff from the casts and splints. I know the surgery caused some trauma in the area, that needs time (and some effort) to heal. But I also know how it feels when the little bones aren't properly placed, and need a little effort to be put back.
I'll need to discuss this with my hand therapists during my appointments next Friday. And, I wonder if they will take me seriously, or if they just say it's normal soreness from the surgery. I know the therapists I had after my previous hand surgery never really believed me when I'd pinpoint a certain issue I felt in my hand while doing the exercises. I wonder what they'll do this time around. Because I can't do the exercises properly as long as these three joints aren't working along... Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 for next Friday.
After some time, I fixed myself some food. I took Koa for another short walk. I promisef him the little longer one after bestie's call, when it would be light outside. I watched some telly, and then I had my call with my friend. 😊 When we hung up, I got my headphones and phone, and took Koa for the promised walk. The headphones brought me some Roxette music, and they made sure that my cap wouldn't be blown off by the wind.
When we got home again, I texted the neighbor about the little parcel for Koa, that had been delivered at her place last night. We picked it up when she said we could. 😊 I was very curious about Koa's reaction to the coffee wood chewing "toy". But, he took it from me, all excited, and he immediately started sinking his teefs in it. He was super happy with it, running around, even throwing it up in the air, nibbling here and there. As I have no experience with these wooden chewing things, I am keeping an eye on it, every time Koa is chewing on it. When it gets too small, and Koa may be thinking of inhaling the bit, it needs to be taken away from the dude before this may happen. But, I have no idea how fast the dude is going with his chewing, so yeah, a careful eye is very much needed.
Mum texted that she was on her way. So when I saw her car in the parking ou back, I told Koa to check the kitchen door window. He got all excited, jumping around with his coffee wood stick, and... He ran to the front low window, and got all disappointed that there was no one there. 😂 Until he heard something out back, and realized he had checked out the wrong window! 😂
After trying to jump over my mum, Koa settled back down again with his stick, and mum was able to enjoy a choco coffee. When mum was done, we took out Koa for a walk, before we headed to the car, to drive to Cuijk for my PT appointment. All went well, and we arrived safe and sound. We had to wait for a little while, and then we were called in.
The physio started with an echo of my right hip area. He had taken one several months ago. As the area started to hurt more again, but in a different way, I had asked him to do it again. Maybe the echo could locate the issue with the hip, and show us to a possible solution. After a little while, with my leg shaking a bit at times when the scanner put pressure on certain parts of my hip, the physio found the cause of the pain. But, unfortunately, there was no easy solution coming with the conclusion of the scan. 😔
I've had many hip surgeries, so the area has taken quite a bit of damage. When I got the big hematoma and edema after the last (emergency) surgery, it hurt so bad. The edema never fully recovered. And now, it seems that the remaining part got in between several tissue layers and tried to settle there. So it's in between the layers, and because the fluids cause more pressure against muscles and nerves... The PT didn't know about any (simple) ways of dealing with this, on how to get the fluids out, so it could be the next issue on my long list of "learn to deal with it until you die" list. 😭
We headed back home again. Mum took Koa to the grassy area for a pee, while I fixed his food. Mum headed home again, and Koa and I got ready for bed. For once, it didn't take me too long to doze off. But a little while later, I was awake again, as I was startled by a weird dream. Before I could fall asleep again, Koa wanted some attention. We got back to bed, and both dozed off again, until about 2½ hours later, Koa woke me up again. I was getting a bit desperate, as I really needed some longer sleep... When we went back to bed again, I asked Koa for a longer sleep... I begged him even. So, when he woke me up again, I had to check the time twice, as Koa had come through for me, and allowed me almost 5½ hours of snoozing in one go! I quickly got up, as I knew Koa was in need of food, and a pee and poop. So, I got up, and we started our "day".
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
#Journal of a slightly bläh but also grateful Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Sunday, 30/08/2026).
We had a bit of a broken night again. It took me some time to finally be able to fall asleep. Koa did wake me up a few times. And while he did get some drink and a bit of kibble, he didn't seem to need to go potty. Really hoping that, soon enough, he'll be able to sleep longer, with less need of food and drink du the night. This could maybe result in less breaks during the night... Which would be very welcome, as all the waking up and getting up is really making it harder to feel more relaxed when it's time to get up again.
We got up, and I let Koa out while I fixed his meal. While Koa was gobbling up his kibble and meat, I took my meds and got dressed. When Koa and I were ready, we headed to the couch. I got my tablet, and started to write a reply to an email from a sweet friend. When I was almost done, Koa started whining, indicating that he wanted to head out. I quickly finished my mail, and then I put on my shoes, and we got ready for a short walk.
Fortunately, I had my head lamp on as there were quite a few little dead frogs on the road. Many had come out during all the rain, and quite a few had not survived it. But every "splat" on the road, Koa was eager to rush to, and try to get a bite. 🤢 So, I tried to look ahead, to try and keep the dude away from all the dead bits... Koa's just pooping normally again, and I don't want his bowels to get upset again, especially not due to dead frog! Koa is still good at passing some awful gasses, but he already did this before he decided to eat a plushie's tail...
When we got home again, I fixed myself some brekkie, and enjoyed it. I got my tablet again, and I fixed up a silent Sunday post for my blog. Then, I got my laptop, and I started writing my journal Toot. I uploaded it to the usual places when I was done. Then, I headed out again with the sweet furball. I fixed him his meal when we got back.
Then I went on Mastodon, and I shared a Toot about the book I'd recently finished. When I was done, my hands were done with all the typing as well. I put away the laptop and tablet, and I tried to relax with a bit of telly time. While Koa did come for some of his Koa cuddles (meaning he was standing over me, trying to lick me and nibble me, while I did my best to keep my hand safe), I did manage to get some TV time in.
When my back and neck started to annoy me, I went to the bathroom and started the washing machine. I played a bit with Koa and I tried to relax some more as well. When the machine was done, I took the laundry upstairs to hang it out to dry. When I came back down, Koa acted like it had taken me ages! 😂 It sure felt that way to me...
It was time for another walk with the dude. We got back, and had some time to try and enjoy some telly. I had asked the neighbor if she'd be willing and able to take out Koa for a longer walk. She let me know that she'd be able to pick him up around one. I made sure that he had his food in time. But I made the mistake to tell Koa that Nicole would be here in an hour for walkies. Koa only heard the Nicole and walkies part, so the next hour, he kept whining and barking every time someone came near the gate.
So when it was finally time for Koa to be picked up, he got all excited! He bounced away happily between the neighbor and her son, before I could put his leash on. Knowing the son was joining in, I knew Koa was going to be having some major fun! While Koa was out having fun, I did my exercises for my wrist. It was a lot more relaxed, knowing there was no bouncing idiot nearby. I was just checking the GPS app, when I heard the gate open. A very happy, and tired, doggo was coming in, together with the neighbor. We chatted a bit, and then she headed back home again.
I slowly started to get ready for bed, hoping that a tired Koa meant that I would get some rest (and hopefully be able to doze off soon). While Koa did doze off soon enough, I was not that fortunate. Even though I was so terribly tired, it took me almost two hours to fall asleep. Shortly after that, I woke up again as Koa was whining a little. He drank a little, did nothing while outside, and after some kibble, he dozed off again. I managed to fall asleep too. A few hours later, the same happened again. I asked Koa for 2-3 hours more sleep, and he allowed me 3! So when I woke up again, it was really time to start our "day".
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
#Journal of a Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Saturday, 29/08/2026).
Another broken night. I had some bits of sleep, but it took so long to finally be able to doze off... And then the weather, my body, and Koa... As mentioned, I got some sleep, but when I woke up again, my eyes felt like I had been crying. I got up, let Koa out, fixed him his food, took my meds, and got dressed. When Koa finished eating, we got to the couch, where I got my tablet. I started to write a reply email to a sweet friend. I had taken the splint off for a bit, which felt weird, but also good. I made sure not to move my thumb abound, as I typed my message.
When I finished the email, I got ready to walk a short round with Koa. When we got back, I fixed myself some brekkie, and ate it, of course. After that, I got my laptop, and I started writing my blog post for this day. It took a bit of time, but I managed to get it done, and scheduled to be shared at 7am. I started writing the journal toot, but then it was time to head out with my little dude again.
We got back, I wrote a bit on my toot, and then fixed the little hairball a meal. I finished the journal toot, uploaded it, then put away the laptop, and got myself something to eat. I tried to relax for a bit, watch a bit of telly. After a bit of that, Koa let me know it was time to go out for walkies again. This time, I brought my head lamp, as Koa was trying to snatch everything he could, and there were many little frogs out and about, due to the wet weather. As he almost snatched up a living one, and later jumped at a dead one, this time, I wanted to see ahead more clearly. And, it helped, as I was able to keep him away from most of the things that he tried to snatch,
We got back again, and I tried to relax for a bit. Walking with Koa becomes more challenging, as he gets bigger and stronger, and I only have my left hand to deal with the leash at the moment, But, adding in little hopping frogs in the dark, it's even harder to keep the dude under control. I really hope that I can start gaining mobility and strength in my right hand and arm soon again, but I know that, in reality, it will take several more weeks before I am allowed and able to do that. So I really hope I'll stay able to keep the little rascal under control.
We got back, and I was able to relax for a little while. I got a bite to eat, and I watched a bit more telly. I was feeling so tired, and I also felt bad that I wasn't able to give Koa a longer walk, or some more play time. I am starting to wonder if the little whines he does, if they mean that he's bored, or in need of attention... But, he also does them after we've been on a half hour walk, so you'd think he would have gotten some attention then, and some release of his energy.
Koa and I went for one more walk, and then I got things ready to head to bed. I wanted to watch some series on my tablet first, hoping that my body would relax, hoping that my arm would find a way to be comfy enough to get some sleep. I watched my tablet for an hour, then we got ready dor some snoozing. But, after an hour with my Kobo, I still had not been able to doze off. I went to the loo, and let Koa out, just in case. After a few minutes in the garden, we headed back to bed. It still took me a little while, but then I finally fell asleep.
Koa woke me twice, and we went out every time, but it seems he only wanted cuddles and a bit of drink and kibble. When I woke up again, it was time to get up, and start our "day". According to my watch, I had managed 7,5 hours of sleep. But I woke up with puffy, sore, eyes, like I had been crying... Still, I let Koa out, fixed his meal, took my meds, and got dressed. Let's see what this day will bring us...
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
#Journal of a terribly overwhelmed Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Friday, 28/08/2026).
Another broken night. I got about 5¼ hours of sleep in total, according to my watch. Which was not nearly enough to make me feel a bit better again. But, Koa let me know it was time for a pee, and some food, so his humom did as he wished. She got up, let him out, fixed his food, and then she took her meds, and got dressed.
We went to the couch, where I got my tablet, and started writing a reply email to a sweet friend. When I had finished the email, it was time to take Koa out for a short walk. We'd been fortunate during our night, and we missed the rain during the times we were in the garden. But now it was still raining some. Which was good for nature, but made the walkies a bit more challenging. I'm usually someone who prefers an umbrella ☔ over a raincoat, but with the splint, I wanted to keep it dry, and I could not hold an umbrella...
When Koa had done his stuff, we got back inside again. I made and ate my breakfast, and then I got my laptop, to start writing today's blog post. I still struggle a bit, writing the posts such a short while before they are supposed to be shared. But my hands still struggle with typing and I'm also still so tired all the time... I've not really been able to write more than one post a day. 😔 I finished the blog post, and then it was time again to take Koa out for a short walk. Fortunately it was dry this time.
We got back again, and I fixed Koa another meal. While he enjoyed it, I started writing my journal Toot. Bit by bit, I got closer to finishing it, and when I was finally done, it felt rather good. I put my laptop away, and made myself some food. After the meal, and some telly time, I walked a bit with Koa again. We just got back home, when mum texted me that she was on her way to us. I put Koa in his crate and got the little vacuum out. I tried to clean the downstairs area a bit. Koa went wild when he saw the vacuum. I guess it's due to his puberty, as he used to just bark at it, but never like this.
When I was done, I needed to relax a bit, and I was glad that mum would help me shower in a bit. Koa was in his dog bed, while I watched some more telly. Koa started barking, looking at the back door. When I got up from the couch, I saw that my mum was parking next to Skoosh. I don't know if Koa recognized the sound of the car, and knew it was mum, or he just saw something behind the house, and he barked because of that.
Koa greeted my mum, and then he had to wait inside for a bit, while mum got the groceries from the car. I tried to clean them up, and then we got ready to get me in the shower. I was a bit scared that something would go wrong with my right hand, especially the thumb as I had taken the splint off for the shower. I tried to keep my hand higher up, and out of the way. And when we were done, nothing had happened to it, so that was some relief for me.
I struggled to get dressed, as I could not put my splint on yet. I wanted to use some lotion on it first, meaning I couldn't use my right fingers to get dressed. Mum helped a bit, and while she cleaned up the bathroom, I cared for my hand, and then I put on my shoes. The little idiot was trying to get some attention, so when mum and I were ready, we took him for a short walk. After we got back, mum helped me fix an elastic shoelace, and I tried mum's hair blower, to warm up the splint, and try to get a painful bump out. Which, fortunately, I was able to do. When we were both done, mum headed back home again.
Koa and I relaxed for a bit. I fixed his meal, and then I slowly started to get everything ready for bedtime. I took my meds, and was yawning quite a bit now. I was really hoping that I could finally get some decent enough sleep this night. We got to bed, and in a little while, I heard Koa snoozing. It took me quite a while to get comfortable enough, and when I finally started to doze off, Koa whined a few times.
He drank a little, but didn't want to do anything outside, except for chilling. We got back again, and back to bed. I finally dozed off. I woke up a few times, heard part of the big thunderstorm, was fortunate that it was dry when Koa wanted out again. I dozed some more after that, and when I woke up again, it was time to get up, and start our "day". I still felt so tired. But I guess that's how it's been for a while now... 😔
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
@actuallyautistics What follows isn't a cry for help... I don't think? When I'm troubled, I often find myself "info dumping" because I can't identify the need that I'm trying to satisfy.
Sitting in this coffee shop, taking my noise cancelling headphones off, I am disoriented.
I'm bummed. Grieving. I'm not sure when it will stop. It's been 18 months since the autism diagnosis and 6 years since the ADHD. With the autism diagnosis came several other "comorbid" suspected diagnoses that seemed less relevant to follow up and more relevant to flag, remain aware of, and manage.
It's just cacophony here.
ASIDE: How did I survive this long without knowing what I am? Working in offices. Public spaces in general. "Socializing". Answering my own question: by wrecking myself almost daily, working/doing/self-shaming until I ran out of capacity, turning into a pile of useless goo, then rinsing and repeating for most of my life.
The man the table over is loudly talking at his acquaintance. The other conversations, their sounds bouncing off of the hard surfaces of the cafe. The music playing in the background. I could go on.
I tried to sit with it, allowing it. After about 30 seconds, I reluctantly surrendered, replaced my noise cancelling headphones and cranked them up. Once again, I withdraw from the world, for my health.
I want to be a part of the world, even though I don't care for a lot of what happens within it. I just don't see how. It's been 18 months of minimal contact between me and the world with curated attempts at more—like sitting in this cafe today.
Sometimes the change of venue helps though I have to insulate myself in these settings. I'm like an alien who needs to don their environment suit so that the atmosphere here doesn't poison me within hours to minutes.
I get out of the house sometimes. I have doctor appointments. I shop for groceries. I even sometimes go out to restaurant or cafe, like today—sometimes even with my wife.
Occasionally, I get in a bike ride but even that requires the reflexes of a healthy nervous system. The days that would be best for me to ride, I find my nervous system too strained and exhausted to trust myself to ride safely.
Most days, I'm at home with the cats. I struggle to start and to complete chores. That's executive dysfunction and other fun autism-adjacent conditions operating on me. And this is with my ADHD medication.
Often, I'll spend weeks immersed in computer games. Lately, I spend most of my time working on personal projects to automate the house, trying to use the tech we already have as much as possible to keep the costs down. Though I often wreck myself on these as I seem incapable of pacing myself, despite having attempted so many times and ways throughout my former career.
I don't have a job. I don't see how to hold one down that won't rapidly lead to autistic burnout again (ASIDE: For the non-autistic readers at home, autistic burnout is a whole different thing from the kind that you know. *See below for more). The emotional labor of employment wrecks me; I know this with clarity now. I can only shake my head, having the hindsight of how I tried to develop systems to help me function in that environment. Torturous. Yet being unemployed, in the United States, is a source of shame. We're taught to be "fiercely independent" and "not to be a burden on society". Also, our social safety net system is intentionally designed to be hostile to use so there's that.
I applied for Social Security Disability a few months ago. So... here I am.
(* Courtesy of my self-hosted RAG system which, frankly, I needed an AI to help me setup because my nervous system can't handle too many of the steps involved anymore without losing the plot:
1.Debilitating exhaustion - A profound, chronic state of mental and physical exhaustion that is more persistent and severe than typical burnout. Participants described being "drained, depleted and fatigued," with their "battery running dry."
2.Loss of abilities - A reduction or loss of previously acquired skills and functioning, including:•Inability to process sensory stimuli (increased sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures)
•Difficulty processing emotions, leading to meltdowns or shutdowns
•Cognitive impairment, including memory loss, speech difficulties, and executive dysfunction
•Inability to perform daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, and self-care
3.Increased sensory sensitivity - Heightened sensitivity to sensory input, where everyday stimuli that are normally manageable become overwhelming or painful.
Source: Raymaker, et al 2020FWIW, I've read this and a lot of other studies on this. My AI just saves me time—after investing a shit load setting it up)
-
CW: AI
Admission: I find myself increasingly leaning into AI.
We've had some *serious shit* come up for our cats, over the past couple years. We've had a couple of them pass during this time. We have three now where two are grappling with serious shit: one with FGESF and another 16 y/o dealing with typical age-related stuff.
Claude, in particular, has helped enormously searching for and digging into studies/the underlying medical science to get the best possible treatment. This has helped to aleviate a significant amount of my fear for their quality of care and life.
FGESF... JFC. It's an enormously poorly understood condition where the science is slowly evolving. *I* (not Claude, IIRC) found a study that none of the internists we've worked with even knew about! But Claude has helped me keep an eye on the tests to ask for, the questions to ask, the medication protocols, all of it.
As someone #actuallyaudhd, because of the extreme overwhelm of life at age 53, it's entirely too easy for me to lose track of extremely important details in their care. Doing this all without AI assistance? There would be unforgivable (to myself) errors in their care.
Increasingly, I've been setting up a system at home, using my COVID-purchased gaming rig and its 3090. The power consumption is insane but at least it's only so when it's actively "reasoning".
It is increasingly impressive, and a bit frightening too, how capable the models are becoming that can run on commodity hardware. Qwen3.6-35b-a3b runs fairly quickly and gives useful answers when connected up to a search engine. I also use it for "Retrieval-Augmented Generation" (RAG) to help keep track of cat care, given the sheer number of PDFs of instructions and data points that we receive for each cat.
Of course, like with all technologies, it can be wielded for evil. It's already happening. And it's going to get worse. The democritization of AI, particularly through self-hosted open weight models, will certainly empower bad actors to affect more malicious outcomes at a likely exponential rate.
I don't have data for this; what follows is my pattern-matching nature digesting information.
The advent of (currently) increasingly skilled/"intelligent" LLMs seems likely to outstrip humanity's maturity. This is the latestsocietal inflection point where we are at high risk of self-destruction. The difference here: AI is more accessible than the technology to build nuclear weapons. I can't speak to how easy it is to build bio weapons. But that's the crux: AI seems poised to lower the barrier to entry for creation of deadly physical tools.
Then, of course, there's the infrastructure-crippling InfoSec possibilities—and this seems the most immediate threat vector as it requires the least resourcing. We seem to have already seen an uptick in InfoSec attacks on infrastructure.
This Pandora's box isn't going to be closed.
While there's so much potential for good, if used responsibly, the opportunity for evil is enormous.
-
You know those moments, in a really good story, when you hit an inflection point and everything changes? I almost wish that I could live within those moments. I think of B5, BSG, and Attack on Titan. If you know any of those stories, you know the moments I'm thinking about.
I think it's an autistic thing. Some part of my mind attaches to one of these moments and then I find myself listening to some piece of music from the show on infinite repeat when I'm deliberately trying to lock in and hyperfocus on something.
I "learned" this habit decades before I was diagnosed. The diagnosis created so many "aha" moments afterward—for instance, recognizing this behavior as decidedly autistic.
-
#Journal of a sore and tired Dutch AuDHD Pixy (Thursday, 27/08/2026)
I got some sleep, but not nearly enough to feel like I had enough energy to deal with the new "day". I just wished for some nights where I could get some decent sleep. And I wished that I knew the reason of Koa's occasional whines... And to be able to help him to get to a point where he won't have a need to whine... How I wish he'd feel good enough so he can stop making me feel desperate... I want the best for him, but I'm finding it harder and harder to deal with his whining. 😢 I want so desperately for Koa to feel amazing, loved, and happy. And I need him to allow me to sleep longer, as I really need the energy to keep going on...
Koa woke me up again, and it was time to start our "day". I let Koa out, fixed his food, took my meds, and then I got dressed. We got to the couch, where I got my tablet, and replied to an email of a sweet friend. I was allowed to take the new splint off for longer periods of time, to get some of the exercises done. I wasn't allowed yet to use the thumb and mouse yet, without wearing the splint. But, I found that I was able to carefully type a bit, while sticking to the therapist's instructions. The typing still went slowly, but it felt a bit better on my hands.
When I had finished the email, I took Koa out for a short walk. When we came back, I fixed some brekkie and ate it. I worked on today's new blog post. When that was finished, I got my laptop, and started working on two journal Toots. As I had not been able to finish the one for Tuesday, I started with that. When it was done, I took out Koa for another short walkies. He got a meal when we'd returned, and I got back to some more typing.
After some typing, I made myself some good, and ate it. I finished Wednesday's journal Toot, and felt rather relieved to finally have finished all the typing. I took out Koa for a bit of a longer walk. When we got back, I was hoping to get a bit of relaxing time, as it had been a busy morning. I had started the dishwasher, and just settled on the couch to watch a bit of telly. Unfortunately, Koa started his whining again. He sat near the kitchen door, and I figured that, this time, I kinda understood what he wanted from me...
So, I got a towel, I got the water hose nozzle, and the furry brown idiot went wild! So, for a few minutes, I tried to hose down the grass, while trying to avoid the bouncing, jumping, wild doggo. I think he had a good time, and when it came time to dry him off, he enjoyed it some more. Even though this all seemed like a simple thing, I really needed to be able to relax a bit now. I did hear some little whines from the moist pup, but they faded away when he dozed off after all the excitement.
Koa finally allowed me some TV time. I gave him a mat with some kibble. Then, I texted the neighbor, asking if she would be up for a walk with Koa, and maybe with me as well. I had not heard back from her, when it was time for another walk, so I took the dude out on my own again. We got back, and after a bit of time, I fixed his food.I wasn't sure yet if I would be up for another walk with the dude. But then, the neighbor texted, that she would be up for joining us for a walk. So, a few minutes later, I was putting on my shoes. I took Koa’s harness to the garden, where Koa was enjoying a bit of sun. He saw me with his harness and leash, and he ran to the gate and tried to peek through, probably hoping to see the neighbor. But, to his disappointment, she wasn’t there. I was able to put on his harness, and together, we went to the neighbor’s gate. After a wee bit of waiting, Koa gave out a loud bark. The neighbor came out, and Koa went nuts. I guess it’s safe to say that he really likes her. We went for a walk, and the neighbor helped me by taking the leash. We managed a rather long walk, and Koa was rather tired when we got back.
I was really hoping that Koa would now be tired and satisfied enough to get a good bit of snoozing in. We went to bed, and I was also hoping to get a good bit of snoozing in. So, of course, there were many things causing me to stay awake, or wake up again after just dozing off. And, knowing my luck, I had finally managed to fall asleep, when Koa started to whine a bit.
I got up, went to the loo, and let Koa out. He took a little sip of water, and followed me outside, where he just lay in the sun… After a few minutes, I really wanted to get back to bed, and try to get some real sleep this time. So, we went back, and after a little while, I finally managed some sleep. I woke up again when Koa whined again. Figuring it had been a while since he peed, I took him out, and he did it all. It was a little too early to get up, and I was still rather tired. So, I asked Koa for another chance to sleep a bit more. I had to bribe him with a snack. But, when he woke me up again, it was a decent time to get up, and it had allowed me a bit more sleep. So, we got up, and started our “day”.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
CW: Nothing bad at all! 😁 Just a little longer journal Toot, so this should save some folks from scrolling too much 😇
#Journal of a bit more at ease Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Wednesday, 26/08/2026).
While Koa did wake me up a few times, I managed to get about 6½ hours of sleep. It’s a nice improvement from the previous 3, but getting less than 10 hours of sleep in two nights, it’s not enough. So, when I got up, I still felt like my body weighed a ton. But, perhaps it does, as I haven’t used the scale this month. I just could not be bothered, as there was no way that it was going to show me anything good.
Today was going to be a busy one, but with some good things, so while I was tired, I was also looking forward to it. Koa and I started our “day” in our usual way. Koa got his meal, I took my meds and got dressed, and then we headed to the couch. I got my tablet, and started to type a reply email to a sweet friend of mine. I was still struggling with the cast, and my typing suffered from it.
When I had finished the reply, I took Koa out for a short walk. We got back, and I fixed my brekkie, and I ate it. I got my laptop, and I started working on today’s blog post, as I still needed to get one ready, so I would not break my streak. It took some time and effort, but I was glad to have it ready in time.
Koa and I went out for walkies again, and I fixed him some food. I started writing my journal toot, but my hands just weren’t really willing anymore. I lost my motivation due to all the soreness, so I decided to just let it be for now. I didn’t like not finishing it, but I had to stop typing for a while, and allow my hands the rest they needed. I put my laptop away, and fixed myself a meal.
When mum texted me that she was on her way, I took Koa out for a bit of a longer walk. This way, hopefully, he would be tired and empty enough to be able to relax in his crate, while we were out at the hospital. We just got back when we saw mum arrive.
I set up the tablet, so I could spy on my little dude again while we were out. We left for Nijmegen, and I kept a close eye out, still thinking about that time when he panicked so much, because he had forgotten to drink before he went into the crate. I was so glad that we were able to get back to him then, and that’s why I am checking on him now, every time he’s home in his crate when I need to head out.
He was a bit restless. Nothing very bad, but he couldn’t seem to calm down long enough to get some relaxing done. I was just texting a neighbor, to ask if it was busy/loud outside behind our houses. She confirmed, so I knew that Koa was just getting distracted by the noises of the folks working there. I was called in while I was just thanking the neighbor for the update.
The therapist asked me about my issues. I tried to explain as best as I could. He took off the splint, and checked my hand. He started making adjustments to my splint. But, he wasn’t too pleased with how my thumb and wrist were positioned, and he needed to adjust the splint to correct that. When he started doing just that, tears started rolling down my cheeks. That area was still so very painful, and he had to apply quite a bit of pressure for the time it took the splint to cool and harden. He gave me some exercises to do during the next 9 days, as I would see him for my therapy on September 4. I thanked him for the adjustments, and for giving me a little cry (I did that with a wink and smile), and then mum and I headed back to the car.
I texted my friends that we were on our way to Koa again, so they knew they could come our way once they were ready. Mum helped me to change the plaids on the couch, as the ones on it were in serious need of refreshing. When mum was done, she headed back home again. I got everything ready for my friends, and then Koa wanted to head out for walkies. So, I texted my friends that we headed out for a bit, so they would know where we were.
When Koa and I were almost home, our friends were just driving up. So we met them at the car, and then we headed to the house. Koa was all hyper and excited, and it took a little while for him to get a bit calmer. We chatted for a while, while I tried to keep Koa from getting too wild again. Koa got his meal, and after some time, he hinted he needed a walkies. Our friends joined us, and we had a nice little walk in the sun. We got back, had a bite to eat, and then our friends got ready to head back home again.
I slowly prepared everything for bedtime. I was hoping that Koa would feel good and tired enough to allow me some decent sleep. It took me a little time to finally get comfy enough with the new splint. And, just as I dozed off, you guessed it! A buzzing terrorist came to wake me up again. I got out the deet, and turned on the UV swatter. I had just dozed off again when I heard the loud crackle, meaning at least one terrorist had committed suicide. After I dozed off once more, Koa allowed me a couple of hours, before waking me up with some whining.
I went to the loo, opened his crate, and he didn’t come out at first. Then he came, went outside, and after a few minutes, it became apparent that he didn’t need to do anything. So, we got back to bed again. A bit later, I heard a few whines, and I listened, and I heard Koa doze off again, so I did the same. When he woke me up again, I saw the time, and understood why he used a little different whine, as it was time for food. So, we got up, and we started our “day”.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
#PixysJourney
#WeirdFolks
#ActuallyAuDHD
#KoaKoolaniPS. Picture was taken on Tuesday, as I didn't take any pictures today.
-
CW: Nothing bad, some good news really, just a little longer Toot, so this should save some folks from scrolling too much 😇
#Journal of a double celebrating Dutch Pixy :pixy_party: (Tuesday, 25/08/2026).
I had a crappy and short night. All the worries over Koa and the plushies tail were taking its toll. Time was running out, and we were getting closer and closer to needing to call the emergency vet. I was rather stressed, but thanks to the help of our sweet friend, at least I knew what to do, in case things were going the wrong way. Koa woke me up several times, and every time, I was hoping for him to produce some smelly brown stuff.
So when it had finally come, I was so happy, relieved, and excited, that I stood crying with a smile on my face, while Koa did his thing. When I realized that the plushies tail had come out, I cried some more. I was hoping to get some more sleep now, but it seemed that Koa's belly was too upset, and he kept whining from time to time, and because I could not be sure that he didn't really need to go out... I got up, with a little less than 3 hours of sleep in total, to go out and out, every time Koa indicated it to me. Most of the time, he just sniffed around, and lay down to relax. I wished he'd let me relax every now and then, because I was tired before all this, but now I'm truly exhausted. Three hours of sleep, with all the stress, worries, and anxiety... It's not nearly enough, but it's all I got.
I tried to start the “day” as best as I could. The relief of the tail coming out was big, but it didn’t take away how exhausted I felt. But, part of me needed to keep to our current routine as much as I could, so after I fed Koa, and had taken my meds and got dressed, we got to the couch. I got my laptop out, and wrote an email reply to my friend. After some time spent writing, Koa indicated that he had to go out. So, I put on my shoes, and we went for short walkies.
During the walk, Koa brought me an even better feeling of relief, as he made a nice, decent sized, poop. So I could breathe a bit more easy now, knowing that it all looked like it was going to be OK. We got back home, I fixed myself some brekkie. I started writing my journal toot after that.
I was having issues with my splint again. It felt like it was too small, as my hands and fingers were warmer now, then when it had been made. And, I had been retaining a bit more fluids, so I was a bit more swollen as well. It really started to hurt in several places. It made it harder to type with it, so I had to do even more with my left hand, making me even slower.
I walked a short round with Koa again, and fixed him some food. I was still working on the journal toot, but due to the pain and being too tired, I struggled to keep motivated to keep writing. Bit by bit, I managed to add text to the post, and when I was finally done, it felt like I had written a book. And yeah, it was a longer toot, but it had just taken me so much time and effort...
I uploaded it to the usual places, and then I fixed myself some food. I ate it, and followed it with a longer walk with Koa. When we got back, I really wanted to relax on the couch for a bit, before my mum would come to take us to my physio appointment. But, I guess the fatigue and all the stress of the previous days was coming out, and I had to rush to the loo. It wasn’t a pretty sight, and made me feel even more uncomfortable.
When mum came, I called the hospital about my splint. I explained the situation, and the lady on the phone understood that this needed to be looked at sooner than later. She asked when we could come, and fortunately, mum had the car the next day. We made an appointment for the following morning, which I felt good about. Then, I realized that friends were coming over that day too. We should be back in time, but with hospitals, you never know. So, when mum drove us to the physio, I texted my friends to tell them I needed to visit the hospital first. We made plans to make sure all would go well, and that was done.
My physio appointment went well, and mum, Koa and I headed back to Herpen. I made a quick pit stop at the supermarket, and then we went home. Mum let Koa out on the grassy field behind the house, while I put away the groceries, and fixed Koa’s food. Mum went home, I snacked a bit, and then I got everything ready for bedtime.
Koa’s breeder had asked for a nice picture of all the pups this day, as this was their 6-month anniversary. I took Koa into the garden, and tried to take a snap of the dude. He was goofing around at first, but in the end, he even posed for a proper picture of him.
I did start to get a bit worried again though, as his bowels weren’t back on track yet, and he had not pooped again since early this night. And the 24-hour rule was still fresh in my mind. But, we still had several hours before we’d get to that point. And, as I was almost keeling over from exhaustion, it was time for Koa and I to get to bed.
Unfortunately, my hand and arm were not allowing me to properly relax for quite a while. When I finally dozed off, I could only get a wee bit of sleep, before Koa woke me up again. Because I was eager for him to go potty, I went outside with him every time he woke me up. When he gave a bit of a louder whine, I knew it was time to get up. We quickly went outside, and after some time, there came a poop. Yay!
I was glad that I got a bit more sleep, but it had been broken up in many short bits, and it wasn’t nearly enough to help me feel more rested. But still, I fixed Koa’s food, took my meds, dressed, and we had started our new “day”.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
CW: Nothing too bad, some venting, but a good ending... Just a long journal Toot... 😊
#Journal of a very worried Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Monday, 24/08/2026).
After a broken, and a bit short, sleep, Koa and I got up to start our “day”. Koa went outside, and he pooped. While I was cleaning it up, he went for a second poop. This one started soft, and ended runny. Which worried me a bit, as it could be a sign that his bowels were struggling too much with the plushies tail, which he ate the previous night. He wasn’t a happy puppy, although fortunately, he didn’t show any of the warning signs, and he was still doing things like eating, drinking, playing. But I could see that he didn’t feel too good about it all.
I got dressed, fixed Koa’s dinner, and I took my meds. Koa ate his food without issue, which was a good thing. He was restless, and whined every now and then. I felt so bad do something, anything, to help him feel better again. I tried to comfort him as much as I could, while also trying to write an email to my sweet friend. I felt a bit sorry for my friend, as the last few emails I sent him, they were mostly me venting about all my worries for Koa. But it did feel like he really was the center of my world, as I spent a lot of time worrying over him. Raising a puppy on my own has proven to be quite difficult at times. And the situations with my back, and now my hand, add even more challenges to it all.
When I had managed to finish the email to my friend, I took Koa out for a short walk. We got back, I fixed some brekkie for me, and after I was done, I started working on my blog post for that day. I got interrupted every now and then, by a little whine from Koa. As I didn’t know if this was due to his ears, or due to him eating that tail, I tried to be there for him as much as I could. This way, I hopefully would not miss any signs of Koa struggling too much.
I finished the blog post. I took Koa out for another walk, and he only peed again. We got back home, and I fixed Koa another meal. Fortunately, he still had his appetite, and he also was still drinking well enough. After a little while, I texted my coach, telling her about the situation with Koa, and how worried I was. I asked her if she could help me to call the vet, as I was already in tears over the stress. Koa had swallowed the tail around midnight the previous night, and this night, his poop turned to diarrhea, which is usually a sign that something is not going too well in the bowels. She texted me that she would make the call, and try to be at our place as soon as she could.
Unfortunately, she had not asked the questions that I told her were important to me, to be able to deal with this situation appropriately. When she got to our place, she called the vet again… And again didn’t ask my questions. She kept hanging on the part that I already knew, the part that didn’t help me. And she kept repeating the things she had found online, which sounded like she had swallowed an AI generator (as I had used AI myself to check on the things I thought I knew were indeed correct), and it was a bit annoying. She kept focusing on the “positive things”, but I kept telling her I needed to know about the negative ones, and how I would need to act if any of those would happen later… So that was not really helping me.
We walked Koa for a while, and still no poop. When she left, she let me know to update her before 17, so she could check with the vet, so I could be prepared for the evening and night. I had a bit of hope that she finally understood what I needed, and I would make sure to give the best update later that day, so she could check, and prepare me for the situations that could happen.
I tried to relax for a little while, as all the worrying, and the lack of decent sleep, was getting to me. I was so hyper vigilant of every sound that Koa made, of every little thing he did, so worried that something in his behavior would change, and not in a good way. So while I really needed to recharge my battery a bit, I could not switch myself off for a bit, as my focus was so strong towards keeping an eye on Koa… I was so worried that I would miss a sign, a warning, and then realize it too late. The trauma still has a strong grip on me, unfortunately.
I walked with Koa, and when it was time for his meal, he still ate it like a mad-man. Which was a good sign. When it was time to get ready for bed, I set an alarm, so I could update the coach in time, so she could make the promised call for me. Turned out I didn’t need the alarm, as I barely managed to sleep for half an hour. Then I woke up from Koa whining a bit, and I wasn’t able to sleep some more.
I took Koa out to the garden, and started typing all the observations in a chat with the coach. And… Nothing happened. No indication that she read the messages. No reply. Absolutely nothing. Around 17:15, I texted our friend that had helped us over the weekend. She immediately asked me about my worries, about my questions, and about my observations. And then, she made the call for me. After a few minutes, she updated me. We discussed it all, and then she made a second call for me. While she was on the phone for me, I got an incoming call from the coach. I ignored it, as it had been an hour since I shared everything with her… She sent a text, which was not helpful at all, and, as later turned out, was very bad advice for Koa’s situation.
Our friend asked if she could call me to discuss the outcome from her call with the vet. I was sobbing a little, and I told her so, but also told her it was OK to call me. While she explained everything to me, I got even a bit angry with the coach, as she broke her promise, she made light of it, and her advice was not good at all… When we ended the call, I wrote a long text, where I told her that someone else made the call because she never responded. And that what she had told me to do, was bad advice, and I told her what the right advice should have been.
I wanted to sleep, I was so tired. But I was also worried, and my body was sore all over. I finally dozed off, and managed a whole 2½ hours of sleep, until Koa woke me up again. It was a different kind of whine, and I got up fast to take him outside. Within a few minutes, Koa started to bend down and… One poop came out! I was so excited, after 23 hours, he finally pooped. I got my bright headlamp, and with my left hand, I tried to examine it as good as I could. And, if I was not mistaken, part of the poop seemed to be formed by a tail! It really looked like the whole thing had come out in one piece!
I was very excited and happy about this. I tried to get back to bed, but I guess that pushing that thing out had brought some discomfort to Koa, and as soon as I was in bed, he started whining. So, totally exhausted, sore all over, but also extremely relieved, I got up, again, and Koa and I started our “day” a little early.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
CW: A bit of a long journal Toot, where something happened that made me rather worried and sad... Nothing triggering, I think, but almost 6k characters, so it may save some folks from scrolling too much 😇
#Journal of a very worried Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Sunday, 23/08/2026).
After a bit of a broken night, Koa and I got up to start our “day”. We did all the usual things, and then we got to the couch. I got out my laptop, and started to write an answer email to my sweet friend. Koa was next to me, playing with his IKEA dachshund plushie. At some point, it fell to the ground. While I picked it up, I heard Koa chew. When I saw the plush, I realized what he was chewing on. But by the time I had my left hand free to check his mouth, it was gone. I panicked for a while, and didn’t know what to do.
I tried to look up the actions needed, after such a happening. Koa could get an injection to induce vomiting, but it was most effective when administered in the next 1-2 hours. I started crying, as there was no way that I would be able to arrange someone to drive us to the on duty emergency vet, depending where the vet was. So I cried some more, and looked up the rest of the recommendations. I felt so guilty for not having the means to get Koa to a vet in time, and I even considered just calling the vet, and daring to drive myself. But that idea was struck down by an immense fear, as due to the surgery and splint, I was prohibited by law to drive. And, if something would go wrong, I would also not be insured (and I still couldn’t get Koa the help he needed in time). I was a wreck and so confused as what to do. I cried for quite some time, while bullying myself for not being a responsible humom.
I texted my friend about what happened, as I needed to share it with someone, and I was hoping she would have some advice that I could use. I had looked up all the things that I needed to keep an eye out on, and decided to just keep monitoring like a hawk. I managed to finish the email to my friend. Every time Koa made a weird sound, or did something, I went to check on him. I was so terribly worried…
When I had finished the email, I took Koa out for a walk. He behaved like he usually does. He peed, he pooped, and had all the sniffs. We got back, and I fixed my brekkie, and ate it. I started writing my journal toot. When Koa let me know he wanted to go out, I got ready for another walkies with him. He was still his usual self, but that didn’t stop me from worrying every second.
We got back from walkies, and I fixed Koa’s meal. He was still eating like a hungry Lab, so I guessed that this was a good sign (so far). What made watching him a bit harder, was that before the swallowing of the tail, he already made the occasional whining noises, probably due to his ears. So, I told myself that so long as the whining didn’t change in any ways, it wasn’t due to the tail… Or so I hoped…
I made myself some food. I had a lasagna, easy to make, and able to eat with just one hand. While I was eating the lasagna, I started to feel nauseated. At first I thought it was because there were some mushy bits of carrot in it, that didn't feel good in my mouth. But that normally wouldn't make me so nauseous. I didn't finish the meal. And within 15 minutes, it was all coming back out. When I checked the packaging of the lasagna, at the end of the ingredients list, I found the cause of my throwing up: zucchini. The lasagna I usually buy, they don't have the carrots or the zucchini, so I didn't realize I should have checked the ingredients for this one.
I felt a bit better again, but still felt so worried about Koa. I tried to do the usual things, while keeping an eye on the dude. During the walkies, he acted all normal. And then, when our friend came, he was all excited and happy. He showed most of his usual behavior. The only thing he now also did with our friend, was to grab her hand or arm, and he nibbled and kinda sucked while he did this. He did it more than usual with me already, but now he did it to her too.
I kept being unsure if waiting for it to hopefully come out on its own was the right thing to do. But what could a vet do now? It was way too late for the vomiting trick to work. Maybe they would take an x-ray to see where the tail was... But then? I was so worried, so conflicted, because I wanted to get help for him, but it would probably be too expensive for me to afford, even with the insurance (if they would pay me back for costs like these...). I felt like such a bad person for not immediately calling someone to get Koa the help he could/would need.
Our friend walked with Koa for me, so he could get his walkies, and I could get some rest. I glanced at the tracker app every now and then, and saw that our friend was spoiling Koa with a rather long walk. So I had a bit of time to relax and prepare for bedtime, and Koa got some exercise in, which could help him with his excessive energy.
When they came back, I had one more challenging question for our friend: if she would be able to sow up the Dachshund's butt, so that Koa could take it with him for bedtime. It was a challenge for her for sure, but, in the end, the plush had a sowed up butt. Yay! I thanked her again, and then she headed off to another appointment. She had been a great help, and Koa and I are lucky to have her as a friend.
I got everything ready for bed, and Koa and I headed to the bedroom. When Koa finished his snack, and had a bit to drink, he made himself comfortable, and slowly dozed off. Unfortunately, it took a while longer for me to doze off. And, when I was finally snoozing, Koa woke me up for a drink and potty break. I slept a bit after that. When Koa woke me up again, it was still a bit early. But the way he whined, it sounded like potty break. And since he still had the plushies tail in him, I quickly got up, got Koa out of the crate, and we started our "day".
Would this be a good day, where Koa would (hopefully) poop out the little tail?
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
CW: Nothing really triggering bad, but a bit long journal Toot, where I write about some struggles with Koa... But the CW should save some folks from scrolling too much 😇
#Journal of a worried Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Saturday, 22/08/2026).
After a bit of a mixed night, Koa woke me up again, and informed me that it was time for us to start our “day”. I fixed Koa’s food, took me meds, got dressed, and then, we headed to the couch. While I was busy, trying to write an answer email to my sweet friend. While I was busy typing, Koa was busy chewing on one of his snacks. And yes, I checked to make sure if it was a snack, and not something else he was secretly trying to destroy.
At some point, I heard Koa gobbling up his snack too quickly, and I think it got stuck in his throat for a while. Koa was stressed, and he drank almost all of his water-bowl in one go. He was panting, whining a bit, and constantly grabbing for my hand. I did my best to check his mouth and throat, and I could find nothing stuck somewhere. So I thought that the last bit of the snack had been stuck for a little while, which caused him the distress. As it took some time for Koa to settle down, I texted a dear friend that I was worried about him.
The panting got less, he had a normal pee and poop, he was able to eat without any visible issues. The only thing that remained, was the occasional sad whining. But the difficult thing was/is, that Koa has always been a bit of a whiner, ever since he came to live with me (probably due to his ears). So I had no idea what these whines were about, making me worry all through the night.
After I finished the email to my friend, I took Koa out for walkies. He did all the usual things in his normal ways. But, when we got back, there were moments again where Koa let out some of his sad whines. I made and ate my brekkie, and then I started writing my blog post for that day. Koa seemed to relax a bit more. But, every time he whined a bit again, I felt it through and through. I felt so helpless, as I felt like he was dealing with some sort of discomfort, and I just wanted him to feel better again, but I didn’t know how to help him.
I scheduled the blog post, walked another short round with Koa, and fed him his meal. I watched him closely, and I saw no issues with his eating. But shortly after he finished, he lay down, and there was some whining again. I tried to comfort him every time when he whined, but I still felt like I should be doing more to help him feel better.
I started writing my journal toot, but my hands were tired, and I had to take it easy for a bit. I fixed some food, and when I had enjoyed it, Koa wanted out for another walk. After the walk, I tried to relax a bit, until our friend was coming. She texted that she was on her way, but Koa hinted that he needed to go out. I texted our friend that we were heading out for a short walk, and just as Koa and I were heading out the door, our friend walked up to our home.
We went for a little walk, which seemed to make Koa happy. We talked about what happened with Koa during the night. Our friend observed Koa for a while, and of course, Koa didn’t show any of the signs, as he was too excited of her visiting us. She checked some of the things that I had observed with Koa with some info she found online.
The trouble is, that I don’t really have a “natural baseline” for Koa. When he came to me, he whined every now and then. But, it was stressful, being away from his family. And, when he moved into my home, he already had some issues with some ear wax. So, he could have been dealing with his ears already then. He never completely stopped the occasional whining, but then, his ears weren’t being treated yet, as I didn’t know that he was suffering from the infections. So, it’s making it very hard for me to know the actual reasons for his whining. He doesn’t do it all the time, and he’s not really showing any other clear signs that he’s in some sort of discomfort.
It’s also harder for us to really find out what Koa is dealing with, as he never showed any of the clear signs of dealing with ear infections, except maybe the little whines, so there are no diminishing signs to show us that the treatment is working. And… He will be 6 months in a few days time, so there is so much happening in his body and mind. He’s still growing, so there’s always a chance of growing pains. He’s hitting puberty, so that means a lot of changes too. And, if he has been dealing with his ears since he was just a wee lad, then it will be strange to him what could be happening to his ears now, as the meds are (hopefully) destroying the infections.
We tried to find out all we could, and the answers we found were good, but inconclusive, as we can’t be sure of any of it. There are moments where I wish dogs could just talk to us with words. So Koa could tell me why he keeps whining every now and then, so I could make sure to do anything possible to help him feel better again.
My friend joined us for a nice walk, and then she got ready to head back home again. Of course, within a few minutes, Koa lay himself down again, and did the little sad whiney thing again. I tried to capture it on video, so I could share it with our friend. When she heard some of the little whines, she understood why they worried me some. So I’ll just keep monitoring Koa as best as I can, so I can give him the best support.
Koa had his meal, I had a snack, and then I got everything ready so we could head to bed. It took me quite a while to get comfortable enough to doze off, as my hand was being annoying. When I was finally snoozing, Koa woke me up to get a drink, and go potty. We went back to bed after that, and I managed to get some sleep, until Koa woke me up again. We went outside, Koa did his thing, and back to bed again. Koa whined a bit again, and I checked the clock, and told Koa I needed a bit more sleep. And, for some magical reason, he stopped whining, and we dozed off again. An hour later, Koa told me that it was, in fact, now time to get up. So I did, and we started our “day”.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
#Journal of a sore Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Friday, 21/08/2026).
After a bit of a broken night, Koa woke me up to let me know it was time for a potty break, to be followed by some delicious food. So, I got up, and we started our "day". I let Koa out, fixed his meal, and I took my meds. I got dressed while Koa was eating. When we were both done, we headed to the couch. I got my laptop, and started writing a reply email to a sweet friend. It took me a while to get it finished. When the email had been sent, I took Koa out for a little walk.
We got back, I fixed some brekkie, and then I worked on a blog post for that day. Typing was slower than usual, as I was having some issues with my splint being too tight in some spots. After I was relieved that I would not break my long posting streak, with a new post ready for the day, I started writing my journal toot. When that was finally finished too, my hands needed a bit of rest. I walked with Koa first, fed the dude, and then… I tried to relax a bit with some telly.
I fixed myself some food, texted my mum about my issues with the splint, and that I was getting myself prepared to call the hospital as soon as I could, to see if they would be able to adjust the splint, so it would hopefully hurt me a little less.When it was time to call the hospital, I hoped that I was prepared enough. Calls just make me so anxious, especially with strangers, and when I need to explain things about my health, to try and get them to help me. I explained my situation, and the person who would have to handle this wasn’t in yet. So, they made a note and promised to call me back.
And then, I anxiously waited for them to call me back. I had no idea when to expect their call-back, and in my mind, I kept going over and over of what I needed to discuss with them, when they would call. I had hoped to discuss everything when I called them, but now I needed to be ready for them, which was costing me a few of my scarcely available spoons.
So when they finally called me, I did my best to tell them about my issue, and ask them for help. And... I managed to get an appointment with them at 11:30. I let mum know, and she would be here in time to pick me up.
She texted me when she was on her way, and I took Koa out for a walk, so he'd be OK while we were at the hospital. Koa and I had a nice walk, and he did his things, so I was happy about that, as it would hopefully mean that he would be able to relax while mum and I were out. When we got back, I set up the tablet to use as webcam, as it proved to be very helpful the last time we went to the hospital.
We left the house, and I eagerly kept checking the webcam app, as I was a bit anxious due to what happened last time we went to hospital. But, after a few barks, Koa quickly settled down. He was alert to sounds coming from outside, but he was quiet, and lay himself down after every sound disruption.
We got to the hospital a little early. Mum wanted to visit a store for me, after the appointment. As there still was some time, and I didn't want to stay away from Koa too long, I suggested that mum would go to the store, and I would go to the appointment, and I'll meet her at the pick-up area in front of the hospital when we were both done.I was texting a friend, when I was called in early. So, I went along with the lady, and I explained the issue with the splint. While the lady was working on it, I got my phone to check on Koa. I left it on, so I could keep an eye on him, while the lady went back and forth to get the splint adjusted properly. He was being a very good boy, and I just felt proud of him. When the splint was done, the lady gave me a new fabric tube to go over my arm, under the splint. I thanked her for her help, and went downstairs, where I found mum already waiting for me.
We got back home, and Koa was the happiest dude. While we were heading home, the new tube had started to hurt my hand and arm. So, mum helped me to change it back to th and old one. It didn't go all too well, and some tears were shed. But it felt good to have the tight fabric come off. The splint got back on, and I fed the dude, as it was a little past his meal time. When he finished, mum headed back home, and Koa and I relaxed for a while.
I slowly got everything ready for bedtime. After some telly time, Koa and I got settled for some snooze time. It was a bit of a broken night, with my hand annoying me, and I could not get too comfortable. Koa woke me up a few times too. When he woke me up the last time, I would have preferred another hour of sleep. But, Koa needed to go potty. So it was time to get up and start our "day".Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
#Journal of an exhausted Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Thursday, 20/08/2026).
After a mixed night, we got up when Koa let me know it was time for a potty break, followed by some food. So, I got up, let Koa out, fixed his meal, took my meds, and then I got dressed. When Koa finished his meal, we got to the couch. I got my tablet, and wrote a reply email to my sweet friend. While I was writing, Koa had been busy with his snack. I could not see him, but after a while, I thought his snacking sounded a bit different. When I got up, and went to check on him, I saw the reason for the change in sounds… The little idiot had switched out the snack for a corner part of my skirting boards. Or, what was left of them… I got angry, both with him, for chewing up my boards, and with myself, for not realizing sooner that this sound wasn’t coming from the snack. I grabbed him by the neck, with some louder verbal support, and got him in his crate. *Sigh* I had been hoping the chewing would become less, after the teething was done. But unfortunately, I have been proven wrong, resulting in the death of a cool old controller, and now parts of the skirting boards.
When I finished writing my email, Koa and I went out for a little walk. Back home, I fixed myself some brekkie. Then, I wrote my journal toot. It took me a while to write, as my hands weren’t really into it. So when I had managed to finish it, I was glad to give my hands a little rest, before it was time to take Koa out on another walk.
We got back, and I made Koa another meal. I was tired and sore, but fortunately I had no appointments for today. So Koa and I could take it easy, even though I felt like Koa would want a bit less easy, and a bit more action. I still struggle with not being able to offer him what he needs at the moment. And I still feel guilty over never realizing that he had been struggling with an ear infection… Ugh…
We relaxed for a little bit, watching some telly, trying to give my hand a little bit of rest. Of course, trying to scroll on my phone was not really giving it a lot of rest… You never realize how much you use your hands, until you can’t use one of them. And, this is not my first time in a cast/splint. It’s not my first hand surgery, although the first (and hopefully last) on my right hand. But me, being very dominant with my right hand, and having a left hand that’s not working fully properly… It’s quite challenging, and I guess having to care for Koa makes it even more than that.
But, I want to take care of him as best as I can, and I hope that this way, Koa will also learn that there are times when I can do more, and times when there is less. But, I will always give him my best, and I hope that he will learn that as well. I try to give him all I can, and at times, I try to ask help from friends and family to provide Koa with some of the things that I can’t offer him at the moment.
We spent some time trying to relax, and enjoying an occasional little walk here or there. I tried to open my bedroom window. But, something went wrong, and it got unlatched. I wasn’t able to get it beck, and to be honest, I didn’t know how… So, I texted my poor neighbor again, with a request for help. She came over, and tried loads of things, but the stupid window would not budge. So, I had to be brave again, and make a call with the rental coop, asking for their support.
While I was on hold with the company, mum came in with some groceries. I told her I was on the call, but she still babbled through it, while I tried to understand the lady that had come back on the line. The lady scheduled an appointment, which would not be for several days, and it got me a bit worried, as I was not able to properly close the window now. Just a few minutes after the call, they called me back, saying a mechanic was in the neighborhood, and he had some time to pop the window back! Yay for that!
Mum helped me with a few little chores, then the man came, and fixed the window in a blink of an eye! And the worst of it is, what he did, was something the neighbor had tried several times… He went on his way, and when mum was ready, she headed back home too. I fixed Koa’s meal, and slowly prepped everything to head to bed.
Koa and I relaxed a bit, he went into the garden, and then we got ready for bed. It didn’t take too long for the both of us to doze off. I woke up for a bit, when a buzzing terrorist zapped itself in the UV swatter. The next time I woke up, Koa and I had a little potty break. We got back to bed, and quickly dozed off again. Koa whined a little bit, which woke me up again, and I realized that there was a bad thunderstorm happening, to which Koa reacted. I told him all was OK, and even with the storm still happening, we dozed off again. The next time Koa woke me up, was a good time to get up and start our “day”. It was a bit of a broken night, but we did get some sleep here and there.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
#Journal of a sore and tired Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Wednesday, 19/08/2026).
Fortunately, I had been able to get some sleep this night. I know I needed it very much, after the very short and broken previous night. Around midnight, Koa woke me up, and let me know it was time for a potty break, followed by some food. So, I obeyed the dude's wishes, and got up. I let Koa out, and prepped his food. While he was eating, I got dressed. When Koa was finished, we got to the couch. I got my tablet out, and wrote a long reply email to my sweet friend.
When I finally finished the email, I took Koa out for a short walk. It was a rainy night. And nature needs the rain, but it makes the walkies a bit more challenging. When we got home, I fixed myself some brekkie, and I enjoyed it. After I finished, I wanted to start writing my journal Toot, but I remembered that I had not scheduled a blog post for today yet. And I didn't want to break the awesome daily posting streak that I've been able to keep going for so long...
I had already started working on a post, which made it easier for me to keep going to finish it. When I was finally done with it, it was time to start writing my journal Toot. My hands were getting tired, and the right one was getting more painful, so I had to take my time to be able to finish the Toot. But while I was writing, it was time to take Koa out into the rain again. I fed him when we got back, and then I got back to finishing the journal Toot. When it was done, I uploaded it to the usual places.
Then, I had a little time to try and relax. My body was still very sore. And whatever I tried, I kept feeling pain and discomfort... It didn't help that I was also still feeling rather tired. I tried to relax as best as I could, and I tried to walk a short round with Koa every now and then. Koa wasn't too pleased that we weren't walking bigger walks. I saw that he was eager to let out some of his pent up energy. So I texted our neighbor, asking if she would be willing and able to take Koa for a longer, and more challenging, walk.
Koa had just finished his meal when I received a text from her, letting us know she'd be able to walk with the dude. I made sure that the dude was all ready, and he was very excited when he saw the neighbor through the fence. They went out for their walk, and I was able to relax a bit on the couch.
I was just sorting my meds and bedtime supplements, when the dude came bouncing into the bathroom. He had some time in the closed off doggy pen, and apparently, he enjoyed a few minutes of very crazy zoomies there. I thanked my neighbor, and then took the pills. I relaxed for a little while, while I was waiting for Koa's breathing to calm down again. When it did, I got us both ready to head to bed.
Koa dozed off rather quickly, but I wasn't so lucky. It took me quite a while before I was able to doze off. And, of course, knowing my luck, I had just dozed off, when an annoying buzzing terrorist started doing zoomies around my head. Ugh... It took me a while again, before I was finally able to get some sleep. Koa woke me up after a while, needing a potty break. We both did our thing, and then went back to bed again. I was able to doze off again, and slept until Koa woke me a bit before midnight, informing me that it was time to go potty, followed by a nice meal. So, I got up, and we started our "day".
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
CW: Nothing really bad, just quite a bit of frustration... But it's a 6700 character Toot, so this should save some folks from scrolling too long 😇 CW on picture due to showing two week old scars with several stitches visible as well.
#Journal of a very stressed Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Tuesday, 18/08/2026).
Due to me waiting endlessly for my meds to be delivered, there wasn't much time for me to catch some sleep, until Koa would wake me up again for his pee, poop, and, of course, food. When I just dozed off, a buzzing terrorist 🦟 decided to hover around my head, making me very cranky. When I applied the deet, and turned on the UV swatter, it took a little while before I managed to doze off again. After just two hours, I woke up for the loo. I decided to take Koa out for a wee, and gave him some kibble (as I always do) when he went back to the crate. I had given him a little extra, hoping it would buy me some more time to sleep.
Unfortunately, Koa woke me up again around midnight. So, after about 4 hours of sleep in total, feeling like utter crap, I got up to start our "day". I let Koa out, and then I fixed his food. While Koa was enjoying his meal, I tried to get dressed. My hand was swollen enough to make it hurt more again, so getting dressed was a bit more challenging. When I was done, I had to make due with my short working meds, because I never received the ones I had been waiting on for so long... When Koa had finished his meal, and I took some of the meds available to me, we got to the couch.
I got my tablet out, and worked for a while to write a reply to my sweet friend's email. When I was finally done, as typing is still so slow these days, I took Koa out for a little walk. I fixed my brekkie after that, and then I started writing my journal toot. It was a harder one to write, as I still felt much of the stress and frustration of the previous day. I seemed to be typing for ages, and when I was finally done, I felt a bit of relief, in a way. But my hands also needed a proper rest. So, I tried to relax for a while, as best as my body was allowing it. And after a bit, it was time to take out Koa for a walk again.
When we got back, I fed the little monster, and made some food for myself. Unfortunately, my food made me feel so very nauseous all of a sudden, and I had to rush to the loo. So, besides feeling terribly sore all over, I now was feeling super nauseous as well. This was going to be a fun filled day...
I walked a short walk with Koa again, and then I tried to get a bit more relaxed. The message from the hospital said they'd call at 8:30, so of course I made sure to be ready for it. And, of course, the left me waiting till 8:50 before they finally called. Ugh, how I dislike people treating others that way... But I could have known, as I had dealt with this person before, and they left me waiting for ages before finally contacting me before as well.They started with some sort of apology about the confusion concerning my canceled appointments. I was supposed to receive a call last Friday, from the planning folks, where they should have explained that they made an error with the planning... But nope, they just deleted the appointments, and that was it... So I guess she never read my message properly, as I clearly stated that I had received no form of explanation... Ugh... The rest of the call was rather tedious, as it was the same stuff as after my previous hand surgery. Still the same comments of all I should be doing, and still the same resistance when I tried to explain to them, again, that due to how my brain communicates with my body, the standard things just won't work for me. They still pressed on about how I should at least try certain things... I stopped explaining that those things had not worked for me for all my life, so I doubted they would magically start working now... I just didn't have the spoons for this stuff...
The dreadful call lasted for half an hour. I was even more exhausted than before, when the line finally disconnected. Soon after that, my mum arrived, and we got ready for her to help me take a well needed shower. It was a bit of a hassle, but in the end, I did feel a bit better. I still don't like the sensation of the water, and it's even harder when you're not the one in control, but it was worth it to feel a bit more refreshed again.
When I finally managed to get dressed again, Koa was showing me he was a bit displeased with my lack of action. I should have walked with him after the phone call, but I really needed to shower first, to get that done. So, mum and I took Koa out for a little walk, which seemed to please the dude, so that was a plus. When we got back, mum wanted to get the vacuum out, as it had been two weeks since it was last done. I tried to gather some courage to make a phone call, as I had to find out what happened to the meds that I really needed. So, I made the call, and explained the situation. They told me they'd check, and then call me back. Which they did, a few minutes later. And it turned out, my meds had been delivered, sort of... They had put them in the mailbox! While I sat there, waiting... And while last year, when I had asked them if it were possible to get meds to the mailbox, as I could not be home all afternoon, since I needed to take Arwen out at times. And the man told me, with great conviction, that they were never allowed to do that, due to theft. They needed to deliver it to a person, answering the recipient's door... So yeah... Never believe what they tell ya, I guess... 🤔
So, I hung up, frustrated with yet another thing that just made no sense at all, and I went to the mailbox to get my meds, finally... When mum was ready, it was time for us to get to the car, and head to Cuijk for my physio. The session helped me to get a bit of relief in my right shoulder and back. Then, we headed back to Herpen. A quick pitstop at the supermarket. Then, mum took Koa for a little round over the field behind the house, while I put away the groceries, and then fixed Koa's meal.
I tried to eat a bit, as I was hungry, since I had not eaten anything since I became so nauseous and threw up after my morning meal. Koa and I relaxed a bit on the couch, with a bit of telly. As I was rather tired from all the happenings, and lack of decent sleep. So, I started to get everything ready to head to bed.
I woke up once to a buzzing terrorist. I applied some deet, turned on the UV swatter, and fell back asleep. Koa woke me up after a few hours for a potty break. And then, he allowed me to sleep some more hours. I got a little over 7 hours of sleep in total, which had been very welcome. So now, Koa and I got up to start our "day".Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
CW: A rather long journal Toot, as many things didn't go too well today... Nothing really triggering, just a long one... 😇
#Journal of a very stressed and exhausted Dutch AuDHD Pixy (Monday, 17/08/2026).
After a bit of a broken night, Koa and I got up to start our "day". I got dressed, fixed Koa's kibble, and took my meds. When Koa had finished with his meal, we got to the couch. I got my tablet, and started writing an email to my sweet friend. When I was done, Koa and I went for a short walk.
I fixed some brekkie when we got back. After that, I got my laptop, and wrote my journal Toot. After that, I finished up my journal blog post. I worked a little bit on a new post, but after all that typing, my hands were rather tired, and a tad sore. I tried to relax a little bit, before it was time to walk with Koa again.
After the walk, I fed the little bugger. I got back to the couch a little while, but my hip, back, and neck were causing me some discomfort. So getting some proper rest was not really possible. A little while later, I fixed myself some food. I went out with Koa again, and then I got ready to walk to the GP's office for my appointment. It was raining quite a bit, which was very good for nature, but made things a bit more challenging for me. When you only have one functioning hand, and you need to hold an umbrella.
I had set up the tablet again to keep an eye out on Koa, especially after what had happened last Friday. I wasn't able to watch the screen, as I could not hold the phone, due to the umbrella. But I could hear his barking. He did not bark continuously, but there was a bit of barking while I tried to walk to the GP. I had taken an extra painkiller, as I knew my back would not be too pleased with the longer walk.
I arrived at the office, and while it was grey, wet, and only 16°C, I was sweating like crazy. I tried to relax a bit, hoping my temperature would get a bit better. I tried to watch the video from the tablet, but it was a bit too dark to see Koa in the crate. I could hear him though, and thankfully, he seemed to get a bit calmer. It was almost 8, so I put away the phone, to make it easier to follow the GP when she called me in.
We had a good chat, where she informed me on some options when it comes to trying to manage my peri issues. And we talked a bit about my pain management, and my need for a new prescription for some painkillers. She send the pharmacy a new order for meds, and added that it should be delivered today. I thanked the GP, and got ready to brave the rain again.
When I got home, I was hoping to relax a wee bit, before the coach would come. But Koa let me know that he wanted out for a little walk. So, instead of some rest, I was back out in the rain again. We walked a short round, and on the way home, I saw the coach already parked. She was a bit early, and on the phone. Koa and I went inside, and a few minutes later, the doorbell rang. No rest for the wicked.
The coach and I discussed several things. She noticed that I was tired so we only did the necessary things. Then she offered me to walk with Koa so he could have a bit of exercise, and I could have a little bit of rest. After Koa came back home, the coach headed to her next appointment.
I felt rather broken, I was hurting all over, and the couch was not allowing me to rest properly. SD Koa had just been taken for a walk, I decided we'd get to the bedroom for a bit, so we could both try to relax a bit. It would be a longer day, as I should be getting my meds this afternoon.
I watched some series on my tablet, and Koa snoozed for a while. I found it hard to relax, as I was just so sore, and it seemed impossible to get comfortable. We got up again, I fixed Koa's meal, and after a bit of telly, I texted my coach and asked if she could help me. But there came no reply for quite a while, and I still needed the help. So, I texted a dear friend, explained the situation, and asked if she could help me. She said OK, and called the pharmacy to check if all went well, and that they would be delivering the meds this afternoon. I was very grateful that she wanted to check it for me. And glad that they said that the meds were on their way.
I also asked my friend if she could help with the issue I was having with the hospital. Where all of a sudden, they canceled all my scheduled hand therapy, and instead only gave me a phone appointment for an intake... I was so confused, as I had already started therapy on Friday morning. I had sent them a message through their app, and had not heard back yet. I shared all info with my friend, and she was OK to call the hospital for me the next day.
We were chatting while I was waiting for the meds. As it was getting later and later, I was getting worried that something was not right. I did receive a message from the hospital though. But, it was a bit weird. While it did give me a time when to expect the call, it referred to a message I supposedly had been sent by them. That message should contain some sort of explanation for the situation with the cancelation of my appointments. I checked all my emails, I checked every option in their app... But, I couldn't find that message anywhere... So that only brought me more annoyance. 😔
Time kept ticking away, and when it was 17:45, I was giving up the last bit of hope that I would be able to get my meds for the night. They had told my friend twice that the delivery was coming... Guess they forgot about me. My whole body was so sore. I was so tired. I had wasted my time, waiting for the meds, meaning there was less time left to get some sleep as after some time, I would need to get up, as Koa needed his routine when it comes to his meals.
I f got to bed, and my brain was such a mess due to the incompetence of the medical field today. So I wasted another precious hour, while I tried to get my brain calm enough to be able to doze off. Then, when I just dozed off, a buzzing terrorist 🦟 came at me. I was so frustrated with everything, that I ended up crying while I was applying some deet, and I turned on the UV fly fryer.
I woke up when a terrorist decided to commit suicide... That was one mosquito that would not be bugging me anymore. I went to the loo, took Koa out for a wee, and I gave him some kibble, hoping it would buy me some extra time to sleep... I dozed off again. Unfortunately, around midnight, Koa woke me up, ready to start his "day". So, with just over 4 hours of sleep, it was time to get up again. I wondered how I wad going to get through this day... Especially with that intake call, going to PT, and hopefully being able to finally get the meds I need...
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
#Journal of a sore Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Sunday, 16/08/2026).
We had an OK enough night. I guess we were both tired enough, especially Koa after his walk with the neighbors, and maybe Koa felt a bit better due to the painkiller, so we had been able to get a few hours of snoozing in. When we got up, we started our routine again. So, getting dressed, Koa getting fed, taking meds, and getting to the couch.
My thumb was rather sore, because it had swollen during the night, even though I had it elevated as best as I could. I opened the Velcro of the splint, to open it up a bit, so the flow could be restored a bit. But, it wasn’t enough, so I had to carefully take the splint off. I supported my arm and hand as best as I could, while it rested on my leg. I felt the tingling get less, and saw my thumb regain some of its normal size and color again. When it felt a lot better again came the painful struggle: to carefully get the splint back on my hand and arm. It’s a challenge to do with just one hand, as you can’t properly keep it open all the way to slide the thumb in, followed by the rest. It’s painful for sure, but not relieving the thumb from the fluids is even more painful.
When all that was done, I got my tablet, and started writing an email to my sweet friend. It took some time to get it all typed out, but it’s going better now, with the splint, than it did while I still had the cast. Guess it’s also partially due to my fingers being less painful now than several days ago. After the email, I took Koa out for a short walk.
We came back, and I fixed myself some brekkie. When I finished that, I started on writing my journal toot. My hands were a bit tired, so the typing took a bit longer now. But, I managed to finish it, and then I was done with typing for a bit. I walked another short round with Koa, and I fixed him his meal. Then, I got to the couch, and quickly tried to make my blog post for today. When I scheduled it, my hands were a tad tired. So, I tried to relax for a bit with some telly.
Koa wanted to go out again, and his wish is my command (when it’s a reasonable wish), so we headed out and went for a walk. Koa had a good time, so that was a plus. But, while we were heading back home again, Koa spotted a butterfly, and… He tried to rush after it. Which caused a big jolt on the leash, which caused a pain to shoot through my back, shoulders, neck, and hand. So, when we got back home, Koa went into his crate, and I went to bed with my tablet. Not to sleep, but to, hopefully, have my body relax a bit after the “butterfly incident”.
After a little time, Koa got restless, so I figured that this was all the rest I was going to get, and I got up again. I loaded the washing machine, and went outside to play a bit with Koa and his ball. He played a bit, got in some running and jumping, and then we went back in. He wasn’t too pleased that I went upstairs without him for a while. Hanging out the laundry goes a little slow when one hand can’t properly help out. So when I got back downstairs, Koa behaved like I left him alone for ages.
I walked Koa again, and then I fixed myself some food. When I was done, it was time to feed Koa. We relaxed for a little while, which Koa didn’t agree with. But, he settled down a bit, and after a little while, food had settled enough, and we could take a little walk. When we got back, I took my meds and prepped things for bedtime. I was still rather sore from Koa and his love for trying to snatch butterflies…
I had prepared everything for bed. Koa and I went to the garden, in case he needed a last wee or poop before going into his crate. It took a while for me to be able to relax enough to doze off. I woke up for a potty break, and took Koa out after that. It took him a little time to settle down after that, and when he finally relaxed, I tried to get back to sleep again as well.
When Koa woke me up again, I still felt so tired. But Koa was sure about wanting to get up, so, I got out of bed so we could start our “day”.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾
-
I also understand why some autistics break down crying when in meltdown. I experience intense anger to the point of rage, at times. Underneath that anger and rage is profound grief. Likely owing to a history of trauma, I don't grieve easily. And so the rage is typically rhe dominant emotion. My resistance to/difficulty experiencing grief sometimes compounds contemporary as more trauma.
-
I *FINALLY* understand why we tend to self-harm. Our senses can become so overwhelmed that the only way to manage them is buy causing intense localized discomfort to force us to focus ourselves to a far smaller set of sensory inputs. In that way, self-harm is a form of sensory-deprivation, as counter-intuitive as that may seem.
I realize that I have had these kinds of behaviors, in different forms, almost my entire life.
The more I reflect on the entirety of my life, the more past autistic experiences and behaviors reveal themselves. Back then, what I lacked was the autistic frame of reference. After all, I was diagnosed at age 50.
-
#Journal of a worried Dutch AuDHD Pixy :pixy_party: (Saturday, 15/08/2026).
After the busy and long Friday, it had taken a little time before I was relaxed enough to fall asleep. First, I was woken up by a buzzing terrorist. Then, I was woken up by Koa. He was panting at times, licking the front paw that they had drawn the blood from for the titer testing, and at times, he gave a small whine. It was clear to me that he wasn't feeling too well. I took him outside, and then I sat in front of the crate for a while, to try and calm him down again. I tried to check his paw, and I could not see or feel anything wrong with it, After a while, Koa dozed off, and I went back to bed.
We managed to get some sleep, but it was obvious Koa was not a happy puppy.We got up, and started our "day", and we did the usual things. But, Koa seemed a bit more clingy than usual. He would sometimes start panting, or give some sad whines. I could not find anything that could be upsetting him, so I wondered if the stuff they had put into his ears the previous day was bothering him now.
I wrote an email to my sweet friend. Then I took Koa out for a short walk. He seemed to be doing everything as usual, so that was a bit of a relief. We got back, I had some brekkie, and then I did my best to write my journal toot, which was a rather long one, by the time I finally finished, My hands were tired after all the typing, so I put away the tablet. I tried to relax for a little while, before it was time to take Koa out for another little walk.
We got back, and I fixed Koa some food. I was still worried, as he didn't seem too happy. And I was having flashbacks about the times Arwen dealt with her ear infections. How she never wanted to show me how she was hurting, because with the infections she had, she must have been in pain. But then, she also didn't want me to know about the tumor near her heart. I struggled with those flashback, started crying every now and then. Heck, even typing this now has brought me to tears again. Stupid trauma...
When it was a little after 9, I called the vet. I was on hold for a while. When I got someone on the line, I explained the behavior that Koa had been showing me. Because they weren't sure what was going on, they offered me the last free spot of the morning, at 11:45. When I hung up, I called my neighbor. I explained the situation, and she agreed to drive us in Skoosh. I was so grateful, as it meant that I could have Koa checked out again, before the weekend.
I tried to get through the morning as best as I could. When it was almost time, I took out Koa for a wee, before we had to go. He wasn't interested in a pee, so I tried to get him settled in the car, so we'd be ready when the neighbor came. When she saw Koa was seated and on his belt, she came to the car. She settled in the driver's seat, and off we went to the vet.
We had to wait a little bit, and in that time, the neighbor managed to get Koa on the scale. He was around 22 kilos now. Getting bigger and bigger... The vet called us in, and I told her about Koa's behavior. She checked everything, and, fortunately, she could not find anything wrong with him. Which lead to the conclusion that it was probably due to his ears that he was not feeling too well. Yesterday, they had prodded in his ears, put in the medicine ointment/lotion/something. So his ears must be more irritated and more sensitive now, which is probably causing his discomfort. He got a 24-hour painkiller shot, which should hopefully help him to get past it, giving some time for his ears to settle down again.
I was glad for the help, and also glad that the bill was less high than I was expecting it to be. The neighbor had gone outside with Koa, and she was on the phone when I got out. When she hung up, she told me that her son and his GF had offered to take Koa for a nice walk when we got back. So, when we got back, she took Koa home, and he went for a long walk with the "kids" (they're both adults and strong enough to handle him).
I tried to relax a bit, until they brought back my dude. He was all worn out, but he looked happy. I thanked the "kids", and gave Koa his meal. It took some time for Koa's breathing to settle down a bit. When his breathing was more relaxed again, I got everything ready so we could head to bed. It took a little time for me to get comfortable. I heard that Koa was snoozing, so I felt more at ease. And then I dozed off.
I woke up a few hours later, I went to the loo, and took Koa outside for a bit. Then, we went back to bed. And, I guess that Koa was feeling a bit better, as he allowed to sleep some more until I woke up again. I saw the time, and knew that it was time to get up. So, I got up, and opened Koa's crate, so he and I could start our "day" together.
Thanks to all for your kindness and support during my "journey through daily life" :bear_love: I really appreciate it :bear_hugs: as it helps me to keep going on bad/harder days! :bear_nuzzle:
:pixy_party: 💜 🍀 🐾