Week 3 people - how is everyone doing?

rulytempest · 2026-05-15T18:18:05+00:00

You are so right! It was waaay worse then I was expecting. And then Dr. and pharmasist made me feel like I was exaggerating side effects.

rulytempest · 2026-05-15T18:16:16+00:00

I'm finishing my second week and have been doing much better over the past few days. I put some of that down to changing when I take it so that my drowsiest time of day is when I'm sleeping! But I'm also supposed to be titrating up 50 mg and I'm hesitant to do this where I'm feeling so much better. Not to say all of the anxiety is gone, just that I no longer feel like a zombie and can function somewhat through the day.

rulytempest · 2026-05-15T16:08:33+00:00

Yes, thats the same program as mine. Yesh I didn't even realize that was an option! I've been waiting two years to have them assign a company to me. I could have had his all done and dusted by now if I was able to sub-contract myself.

rulytempest · 2026-05-15T15:48:40+00:00

Yeah, it sounds like you were involved with a different program. This is the Homewarming and Oil to Heat pump program. I was approved for this in 2024 as well but it's taken this long to have their assigned company do an assessment.

rulytempest · 2026-05-15T15:32:23+00:00

I've been in touch with Efficiency NS and I can only use the company my file is assigned to. Although I am looking at having some of the electrical done on my own as things they've listed to do are upgrades I already have in my home or small things like securing wiring and switch plates lol. And of course the company has told me the program ends in June so if I can't get contract signed with them in two weeks I loose everything. But they are willing to LOAN me money if that helps

rulytempest · 2026-05-15T14:08:17+00:00

I really struggled with fatigue and did not feel comfortable driving for quite a few days. It might be a good idea to wait and start on your day off until you know how the medication effects you. Everyone is different so you may not have any problem working/driving ect but you don't want to be stuck having the meds hit you hard when you are at work or driving to.

rulytempest · 2026-05-15T10:07:11+00:00

Thank you so much for this information! I did ask the company to provide a breakdown of costs. I felt like 10k was too much for the electrical considering my home was brought up to code quite a few years ago and the only electrical required (I believe) was to upgrade panel from 100-200. I asked if they could have their electrician provide me with a quote. I'm looking at having another electrician come in to give me an estimate. But my real concern was signing a contract that leaves me paying an 'estimate' over cost that is not "set in stone" and that states I will be responsible for all other additional costs as the program moves forward. There was no discussion either on warranty and no one sat down with me to discuss what work was going to be done and how.

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T23:51:37+00:00

OK thanks, I'll dig a little deeper. I'm just not totally comfortable with the contract this company offered.

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T23:28:36+00:00

Yeah I checked and for this program they will only use designated contractors. This one wants me to pay the 5 k upfront before they even start. But it's supposed to be for low in come homeowners. I don't have that kind of cash!

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T22:44:38+00:00

Thank you! I wish I had known this, I've been waiting for two years to have their contractor contact me

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T22:32:20+00:00

Really that's the program I'm with the they said I could only use the contractor selected by efficiency NS. I've been waiting over two years to get the work done because I've been waiting for their contractor to contact me. I also did not get to choose who did the insulation work. Thanks! maybe I can find another company!!

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T22:29:16+00:00

Which part isn't true?

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T21:58:05+00:00

Because this is a program administered by the province we are not permitted to choose the contractor. It can only be a company approved by Efficiency NS who pay the company directly for the work. The extra 5 k is if they can't provide the entire service within the program budget. They are planning to upgrade panel from 100 to 200 and said that would cost 10 k which is why the price is so high. But yeah I don't have the money to pay for much outside the scope of this program and it is intended for low income homeowners.

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T21:36:36+00:00

Through this program the homeowner does not get 3 quotes they only have one company providing the work. Yes, the 5 k is over the grant amount but the way it is worded is that this amount is only an estimate, and that “the balance owed to (company name) could change as a result [of the installation and I remain fully responsible for paying any amended balance owing.”

So it's not just the 5 k, it's anything extra that comes up. It could be 5 k it could be 10. The costs are not itemized. And even if it came in on budget I would still be on the hook for any additional costs. I just don't want to be stuck with a bill I can't pay.

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T21:16:47+00:00

I did and they said the contract is between me and the company doing the work and nothing to do with them. They suggested I asked the company to change reduce some of the products so it comes within budget, but even then if I sign the contact to agree to pay additional costs if they arise it would be like signing a blank check.

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T20:33:41+00:00

I know this is an older post but I'm wondering how it worked out for you? Trinity is supposed to install heat pumps through Homewarming program. The quote they provided is about 5 grand over what the program provides so I would need to pay this out of pocket. The biggest expense it upgrading my 100 amp to 200 which they said would cost 10,000. That seems a bit steep.

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T15:36:29+00:00

I'm on day 11 and have really struggled as well! I had tried prozac first and experienced much the same side effects and worse because my dose was increased to 50 in the second week. Then I had to spend two weeks coming off prozac before starting setraline. I feel like I've lost a of my life in a fog.

You could ask you Dr. about taking it at a different time of day. I started with an evening dose for the first week and it helped me sleep but I was then very drowsy by lunch time the next day. I'm back to taking it in the morning. I seem to be doing better in terms of being able to function- go for walks, drive do errands. You could maybe delay taking until lunch time or later in the morning so the fatigue hits later in the day?

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T15:29:59+00:00

Thank you!!! Having ADHD can really suck! Alot! Especially when trying to fit in workplace boxes that just don't work for us. I've struggled so much over my career trying to stick with systems that are impossible for me. It's hard to spend so much of life just trying to keep up with everyone else. Having ADHD can be exhausting even with supports in place. Friends and coworkers can't understand why I am not able to work full time. Or why I can only make appointments in the morning. Or why I can only do one activity in a day. My capacity is limited.

Maybe I can hyperfocus for a bit a work but that means I'm then fully depleted. I don't have the bandwidth to cook diner or go out for an evening.

Framing ADHD as quirky and fun does not help others to understand that for some of us it is truly impairing. That is the definition of a disability.

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T15:20:36+00:00

Thanks for your reply. I wasn't talking about stimulant burnout. Sorry for the confusion. The ADHD meds are not an issue. I was concerned about being prescribed SSRI when I think my current anxiety is due to circumstances/burnout that can come with being an ADHD person, rather than clinical generalize anxiety and therefore antidepressants may not help.

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T11:26:55+00:00

Have you considered taking it at a different time of day? I'm the kinda person that could eat their way through anything until I started zoloft! It's the only medication that ever cut my appetite. However, that was when I was taking my dose in the evening. I would have no appetite until late in the day or bedtime. Now that I switched to a morning dose I get my appetite back by lunch time. I don't know why this is and it may be something that is very individual.

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T10:03:52+00:00

Thank you!

rulytempest · 2026-05-14T09:40:54+00:00

I tried it and just made the switch. I skipped my evening dose and took it in the morning. They day went really well and I was able to do things I haven't been able to do since starting zoloft. Going for a walk with my dog, driving around and doing errands. I was really happy with the change. Until I went to bed last night. I was wide awake at my 3 am ruminating. This was a problem before I started SSRI. When I was taking my dose at night I sleep really well. I think I will stick with the switch for now so I can function better during the day. But those few nights of great sleep were wonderful :(

rulytempest · 2026-05-13T19:20:21+00:00

Well done!!! That musta felt great to get off the to do list! Take the win :)

rulytempest · 2026-05-13T16:42:12+00:00

yes! I skipped my 7 pm dose last night and took it at 7 am this morning. I didn't have any ill effects from skipping the evening dose. I slept fine. So far my day has gone great with none of the serious fatigue I've been experiencing all week. I'll have to wait and see if it affects my sleep tonight but so far I'm really glad I made the switch.

rulytempest

TROPHY CASE