Question:

5/20/06: Todays question is being brought to you by one of our very own anon poster`s What breed of dog is the best looking? Funniest looking breed of dog? Jackie ~*~When you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse.  You could be them~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

5/20/06: Todays question is being brought to you by one of our very own anon poster`s What breed of dog is the best looking? Funniest looking breed of dog? Jackie

Best looking:  A tie between the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and the Irish Setter.  The Afghan hound is beautiful, but way too stupid to consider. Ugliest:  what’s that little nervous dog with the bulging eyes and chronic asthma? That’s the worst. Funniest:  I don’t know the name of the breed.  I see them on the televised Kensington Dog Show — they look like little mops. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

What breed of dog is the best looking?

The kind that doesn’t make any noise. Funniest looking breed of dog?

I have no idea. I’ll ask Tennis Ball. Ian — http://sundry.ws/ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

5/20/06: Todays question is being brought to you by one of our very own anon poster`s What breed of dog is the best looking? Funniest looking breed of dog? Jackie ~*~When you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse.  You could be them~*~

I like most dog breeds, as long as the dog is nice.  I have a black lab/Rotweiler mix, and she is beautiful. Lots of people stop me and tell me how pretty she is.  I was always partial to pugs and English bulldogs. Funniest looking dog : My son’s dog, hands down. It’s a cross between a dalmation and something or another.  He’s black. He’s very fat, like a sausage, and he has a pointy face, and his eyes bulge out.  Now, I love animals, and he is a nice doggie, but he is one very ugly and funny looking dog. He was so hard to train when he was a puppy, they named him "Monster", LOL.  He is a sweetheart, but looking at him is not an easy thing to do. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Question:

People may wear gloves longer than condoms (I assume in your case you only need them a few seconds) but as the rate toxins are absorbed through this region is 200 greater, one hour of condom use is the same as 200 hours of glove use.

Oh, I’m sure I believe this factoid! lol…not. In addittion the friction and added lubricants make the condom even worse than this would suggest..

Dreadful. Penises are dropping off globally as even men’s minds approach the very THOUGHT of a condom. You remind of me that whack job, Lorraine Day, who used to squeal that HIV was SOOOO dangerous that if you even got NEAR one of those infected people you’d be breathing your last. Hey, Paul! I hear they’re having a special on Grips at Home Depot! Maybe you should invest in one.                 George M. Carter

Response:

"Penises are dropping off globally as even men’s minds approach the very THOUGHT of a condom." Go check the statistics for the rise in penile cancers. Look at ovarian and anal cancers at the same time. You are SUCH an idiot.

Response:

"It’s good to be aware of ANY allergies a person may have. Fortunately, condoms don’t appear to be a source for the initiation of such allergies." Latex is latex. Gloves and condoms are almost EXACTLY the same.

Well, if your hands are as big as your penis, you must have trouble picking stuff up. And latex glove allergies are more often associated with people who wear such gloves on a routine basis (e.g., EMA, food prep, etc.) There are differences, gosh, golly, gee, in use of these different gloves. You’re peddling hysteria.                 George M. Carter

Response:

" You’re peddling hysteria." From you that is hysterical. People may wear gloves longer than condoms (I assume in your case you only need them a few seconds) but as the rate toxins are absorbed through this region is 200 greater, one hour of condom use is the same as 200 hours of glove use. In addittion the friction and added lubricants make the condom even worse than this would suggest..

Response:

"It’s good to be aware of ANY allergies a person may have. Fortunately, condoms don’t appear to be a source for the initiation of such allergies." Latex is latex. Gloves and condoms are almost EXACTLY the same. Oh really! According to FDA Medwatch data as far back as June 1996, there were 28 reported deaths and 225 anaphylactic events associated with latex products in all settings. Recent reports in the literature indicate that from about 1 percent to 6 percent of the general population and about 8 percent to 12 percent of regularly exposed health care workers are sensitized to latex. An estimated 17 million Americans are now sensitive to latex ( up from not one recorded case twenty years ago). (Kelley et al. 1996; Katelaris et al. 1996; Liss et al. 1997; Ownby et al. 1996; Sussman and Beezhold 1995). Warning labels follow almost a decade of increasing research and concern by the FDA. From 1989 through 1990, patients began dying from anaphylactic shock related to the use of barium enema kits with latex cuffs. As the number of deaths increased during that period, the manufacturer voluntarily recalled the devices and started using silicone cuffs. In 1990 through 1991, anaphylactic reactions to latex anesthesia equipment were reported among children. The Center for Disease Control discovered that all of the children who had reactions had spine bifida or other conditions involving the genitourinary tract. Between 19XS and 1992, more than 1000 systemic allergic reactions to natural rubber, including 15 deaths, The Medicaid Bulletin, Volume 111, Issue 11, Summer 1998 Latex allergy poses a serious problem for nurses and other health care workers; an estimated 8% to 17% of health care workers are allergic to latex, compared with 1% to 6% of people in the general population. According to a 1996 survey, 75% of U.S. hospitals employ workers with diagnosed latex allergies, up from 62% in 1995.

Question:

"Veronika" <veronikalind…@hotmail.com

wrote

| "Warlock" <witc…@suck.com

wrote

|

cats are low-maintenance, but they aren’t

|

maintenance-free.

| | The self-cleaning litter is amazing yeah, there’s all kinds of good products out there. what i really meant is that most people think that’s all they need to do is get a cat and then leave it to its own devices.  they don’t understand that cats *are* social animals and you can have tons of fun interacting with them.  that’s another good reason to check out that book i mentioned earlier in the thread.  :)

Response:

"Veronika" <veronikalind…@hotmail.com

wrote

| Every good person I know… are either suicidal (or are almost destroyed)… my best friend committed suicide in 1997.  he was only 42.  he was actually my boss when i met him, but we remained best friends long after i left that job. anyway, he was one of the good guys.  he was mild-mannered, conscientious, disciplined and had a heart of gold.  but he was also the kind of guy who went unnoticed by most people and was more-often-than-not torn down by those who did notice him. it was the "good guy badge" that killed him.  i could never make him understand that.  now he’s gone and i can’t explain it to him anymore.

Response:

"Warlock" <witc…@suck.com

wrote in news:bcj801$jb9p1$1@ID-

103147.news.dfncis.de:

but he was also the kind of guy who went unnoticed by most people and was more-often-than-not torn down by those who did notice him. it was the "good guy badge" that killed him.  i could never make him understand that.  now he’s gone and i can’t explain it to him anymore.

That is why I hate this whole society.   What would you have explained him ? That everything sucks !

Response:

Vaipen <nospam.varif…@maildump.nl

wrote in

news:in5rev48f66n4dajqe20t97u5m7ucfmn5c@4ax.com: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

On 15 Jun 2003 22:49:03 GMT, Veronika <veronikalind…@hotmail.com eloquently sang the following hymns: and the world would NOT be a better place without you. hahahahahah  wow   you’re kidding ?   The world is a terrible place to be.  Most people are simply MF.  Every good person I know (except maybe 4) are either suicidal (or are almost destroyed) or want to get away from where they are People are pathetic, hypocrites, stupid … those who aren’t are described below See everyone? I am not the only one who is incapacitated by their own minds. welcome to the club. And perhaps there is a reason why these every good person you know is suicidal or nearly destroyed? Does that tell you something? Perhaps it is not the world that is fucke dup, it is just the perception of those people that make the world look really ugly. And the weird thing is that everyone knows the world is fucked up, they just can’t handle it. So to get on the right track where they realise the world is fucke dup all they require is to first be set straight, i.e. getbtheir emotions aligned with all the rest of the ‘normal’ people and then affirm that indeed the world is a fucke dup place and then realising that in the awareness that their emotional balance is stable enough to take it. That is a tough sentence. The world is going to be even worst because every good person is destroyed by assholes and losers.  My depression is completely atypical. It’s not about divorce, death or anything.. the biggest part isn’t even about me.  It’s the people around me.   There lies the troubles. It is really not the people, they be just an grey mass that slowly grinds eachother to destruction. It is not their problem. Do you see that? It is not their problem that you see this happening and dislike it. That is YOUR problem. Why? It is YOUR perception and other might or might not disagree with it, yet that is irrelevant to them. The bad thing is that you care. And you want others to care. believe me I know, I have been there. Somehow when you feel down and out your perceptions alter to a point where that grey mass of people out there becomes real to you in the weird sense that you start to compare. And that si what ‘normals’ don’t do. Only when you are down you get that awkward perception, that duality between you and your feeelings and problems compared to the rest. THAT is what people always forget and it is one of the fundaments for depression. And why it is hard to battle. Vaipen

Interesting … (you can write more about it if I’d like) Than I guess no pills will ever work on me because those are observations based on actual facts.  Yes, It’s true those observations have tainted my perception.  However this part is normal, every being observes than perceives according to those observations.

Response:

I’m sorry but your story made me cry.  That is very sad.  I feel bad for you Pat – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Warlock" <witc…@suck.com

wrote in message <news:bcj801$jb9p1$1@ID-103147.news.dfncis.de… "Veronika" <veronikalind…@hotmail.com wrote | Every good person I know… are either suicidal (or are almost destroyed)… my best friend committed suicide in 1997.  he was only 42.  he was actually my boss when i met him, but we remained best friends long after i left that job. anyway, he was one of the good guys.  he was mild-mannered, conscientious, disciplined and had a heart of gold.  but he was also the kind of guy who went unnoticed by most people and was more-often-than-not torn down by those who did notice him. it was the "good guy badge" that killed him.  i could never make him understand that.  now he’s gone and i can’t explain it to him anymore.

Response:

Veronka I haven’t been here long but long enough to know you seem quite special.  I can also tell you make a big difference in this f’d up world.  I have been where you are and maybe I’m still there.  If we can just give it another day sometimes we will feel better, sometimes it takes longer.  We all have a purpose and it’s not always easy to see that.  I visualize you as beautiful inside and outside and just wanted you to know that. Pat – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Veronika <veronikalind…@hotmail.com

wrote in message <news:bcit4u$j1ui7$1@ID-144771.news.dfncis.de… hahahahahah  wow   you’re kidding ?   The world is a terrible place to be.  Most people are simply MF.  Every good person I know (except maybe 4) are either suicidal (or are almost destroyed) or want to get away from where they are People are pathetic, hypocrites, stupid …  those who aren’t are described below The world is going to be even worst because every good person is destroyed by assholes and losers.  My depression is completely atypical.  It’s not about divorce, death or anything.. the biggest part isn’t even about me.  It’s the people around me.     I cannot see the purpose of my life in this world.  The human race is a disgrace to life in general.  It destroys everything good in people. Yes I could live .. but what is the purpose of living alone in a tent **?  I don’t get it ! I can’t get it !  (Sorry Mike but for me Life for the purpose of life .. it isn’t enough)  However I don’t even want to meet people right now.  I could only be happy in a world where I could freely develop my potential, help people, construct, create …  It’s certainly isn’t the case.  The world has almost completely destroyed me .. and will probably destroys me soon enough.  When I look at my kindergarten’s teacher remark, I can’t people how the world has destroyed me.   **there’s the fact that we can’t even live in a tent for free.  :S

Response:

"PatUunya" <PatUu…@hotmail.com

wrote

| I’m sorry but your story made me cry.  That is very sad. | I feel bad for you thanks.  i don’t think about it much anymore, but i can still generate a tear or two over his memory when i think of him, like when i wrote that post.  immediately after his death i was barely able to function.  i went to work but just went through the motions.  i remember one night standing on the steps of an old catholic church on a college campus that faced the minneapolis skyline in the distance.  i couldn’t stop crying as i looked at the skyscraper in which he worked shining brightly.  he loved that building.  he was in charge of its security.

Response:

"Warlock" <witc…@suck.com

wrote in news:bclog2$jvd0k$1@ID-

103147.news.dfncis.de:

"Veronika" <veronikalind…@hotmail.com wrote | you mean for him, for the guy   right ? why would she feel bad for him?  he’s dead. chill out.  your INTJ is beginning to show.  lol

why ? because he is the one who is dead and he is the one whose life had been destroyed that’s why !

Response:

PatUu…@hotmail.com (PatUunya) wrote in news:838d11ea.0306160740.6af55194@posting.google.com: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I’m sorry but your story made me cry.  That is very sad.  I feel bad for you Pat "Warlock" <witc…@suck.com wrote in message <news:bcj801$jb9p1$1@ID-103147.news.dfncis.de… "Veronika" <veronikalind…@hotmail.com wrote | Every good person I know… are either suicidal (or are almost destroyed)… my best friend committed suicide in 1997.  he was only 42.  he was actually my boss when i met him, but we remained best friends long after i left that job. anyway, he was one of the good guys.  he was mild-mannered, conscientious, disciplined and had a heart of gold.  but he was also the kind of guy who went unnoticed by most people and was more-often-than-not torn down by those who did notice him. it was the "good guy badge" that killed him.  i could never make him understand that.  now he’s gone and i can’t explain it to him anymore.

you mean for him, for the guy   right ?

Response:

And that si what ‘normals’ don’t do there is no such thing as " normal" cogge`

Response:

Vaipen <nospam.varif…@maildump.nl

wrote in

news:sl0sev8ocjsiq9c4srsqqsshqd3gui9h4v@4ax.com:

you sue drugs,

Yes I’m gonna sue the MFs .. because antidepressants aren’t working  ! drugs are 0-2

Response:

don’t listen to a word of the gobbledygook vaipen is trying to cram up your ass in his futile effort to actually make connections with people here.  he’s full of shit. there is *one* reality that is completely independent of any individual human being’s perception of it.  people like vaipen don’t enjoy that fact for a multitude of reasons, but it’s a fact nonetheless. reality is reality.  it’s there.  it needs to be dealt with, at least if a person wants to derive any kind of meaning from their life. if you’re interested in a cohesive philosophy that uses objective reality as its basis, see "objectivism" as expounded by ayn rand.

Response:

"Veronika" <veronikalind…@hotmail.com

wrote

| you mean for him, for the guy   right ? why would she feel bad for him?  he’s dead. chill out.  your INTJ is beginning to show.  lol

Response:

nakedlightb…@aol.comyourself (Diana DeLuna) wrote in news:20030615114659.23612.00000475@mb-m27.aol.com:

 that means you have many people who really do care about you.

lol they don’t care about me.  They are egotistical MF Having someone in your family who kill herself isn’t what they want to have to through.  It would just be annoying for them. Yes.. Annoying   It has nothing to do with love or empathy   Sadly! P-S I think there’s one person right now that really cares for me.  The aunt I’ve told you about (the one who lives near Vermont) However, because of family conflicts I’ve only known her since 3 weeks (+ met her a week only). She empathizes with me because she had to go through lot of things I go through.  It’s too bad I didn’t have the opportunity to meet her before   she’s 60+    I can believe someone I’ve met one time care more about me than almost everyone I know (except my grandma .. I think)

Response:

"Veronika" <veronikalind…@hotmail.com

wrote

| The only thing (almost ) I didn’t do is get a kitten. | However, I have explained why I prefer to wait.  I’m not the | kind of person that would get pregnant if I know I’m not stable. | He deserves (would deserve) only the best | It’s the same with the pets ! i like the way you think.  :) if you get a cat, please feel free to come to me with any questions or concerns you might have.  i have a wealth of experience and know-how with our feline friends.  cats are low-maintenance, but they aren’t maintenance-free. before you take the plunge, i’d highly recommend a book by claire bessant titled "the cat whisperer."  it’s a quick read and very informative.  you could also learn a great deal just by lurking in alt.cats and especially rec.pets.cats.health+behav they are fascinating little critters.  i think you should have one (or two).  :)

Response:

"Warlock" <witc…@suck.com

wrote in news:bcib44$jbmdr$1@ID-

103147.news.dfncis.de:

i think you should have one (or two).  :)

two males  lol I would have more than enough work with one  :P

Response:

"Warlock" <witc…@suck.com

wrote in news:bcib44$jbmdr$1@ID-

103147.news.dfncis.de:

cats are low-maintenance, but they aren’t maintenance-free.

The self-cleaning litter is amazing

Response:

"

I got sick and tired of everything two years ago too. So, I stop the

pills,

began to take care of myself and I went back to school but .. after 2 sessions I’ve "crashed" again  :( I’m afraid that all my efforts will eventually lead to the same results.

I know that you are not a "religious" person per se, but consider, as a parable perhaps, the comments that the apostle Paul made about the "thorn in his side".  He frequently made mention of this thorn and how he prayed and prayed that God would take it away from him, yet it always remained.  I often relate my own mood issues in such a way.  I feel that it is a "thorn in my side" and that just because it is there, does not mean that I can’t do things to better my life.  Paul was basically the founder of the Christian church, and his teachings affected many many people.  He was the only writer of the new testament who didn’t actually even meet Jesus in person, yet he accomplished much.  I don’t know what his thorn-in-the-side was, but I often imagine some sort of mental anguish.  You may never be free of the self-doubts you have, or of the inclination to "crash" periodically, but it doesn’t have to keep you down permanently.  Going back to the wheelchair analogy you mentioned earlier–your friend was in a wheel chair but went to school with you.  He probably had to make some sort of adjustments because of his disability–but he lives with it.  Mental illness is much the same way.  You live with it, but it doesn’t *have* to be the total focus of your existance.  Some times it is….when things are going rough–but just don’t allow the expectations of conquering it to disappoint you. I know that you are a strong person, and you can overcome these down times cogg

Question:

I Have used Nortriptylene (Pamelor) for 4 years as a preventative. I have experienced both weight gain and impact on sex life. I have run the full gamut of other prevents and in my opinion the Nortriptylyne has had the least amount of side affects. Topmax , Lithium, Paxil …. etc etc. all caused my to go into to zombie world.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve had chronic headaches for the past two years and have had an MRI which was negative. My migraines are treated with Maxalt and that works fine but since I have other daily headaches as well as 2-3 migraines a month my doctor wants to put me on a daily medication to hopefully prevent the headaches. I’m not big on taking a daily medication because of the side effects. However, I do need some help to control the daily headaches. I’ve read some of the posts on this newsgroup over the months and I’ve read alot of negative feedback from the daily medication to prevent headaches. There seems to be alot of side effects and sometimes not too much help. I’ve tried Zoloft but got extrememly nauseous from the drug and was not able to tolerate it. I know everyone is different but I am looking for some feedback from people who have been on either inderal or nortriptylene. Both have been suggested for me. I know the usual side effects written up in the literature that comes with the drugs but I would like some first hand info on long term use of either drug and whether the drugs actually helped significantly. Thanks for any help. Dale Inderal REALLY screwed with my head.  If you have a familial tendency towards depression, I’d avoid it.  It made me VERY depressed and took all the energy out of me.  Plus, it messed up my short-term memory, and I’m not at all convinced the long-term effects of that are nil, like my doctor says.  My memory has improved somewhat since getting off of it, but not anywhere near the level it was at before the med. I FORGOT I had an exam, while I was on the medication.  Completely forgot it was happening. Nortriptyline, on the other hand, really helped my migraines.  It didn’t make me gain weight, but it did have some unwanted sexual side effects. Hope this is helpful. Tracy Don’t reply to the eudoramail address.

Response:

I don’t know about the unwanted sexual side effects of Inderal  but then again, most of the drugs I take have taken my libido away for years.But Inderal may have fogged me up as well with the short term memory loss, because I really "flubbed the dub" in two of one of my college (fall) classes and I really could have done much better in another one. I really studied hard for my tests but when it came time to remembering my notes,and taking the tests,  my mind went blank. I have great long term memory. I am hoping it will improve because I’ve been off the Inderal for several weeks now. Preppie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Inderal REALLY screwed with my head.  If you have a familial tendency towards depression, I’d avoid it.  It made me VERY depressed and took all the energy out of me.  Plus, it messed up my short-term memory, and I’m not at all convinced the long-term effects of that are nil, like my doctor says.  My memory has improved somewhat since getting off of it, but not anywhere near the level it was at before the med. I FORGOT I had an exam, while I was on the medication.  Completely forgot it was happening. Nortriptyline, on the other hand, really helped my migraines.  It didn’t make me gain weight, but it did have some unwanted sexual side effects. Hope this is helpful. Tracy Don’t reply to the eudoramail address.

I have been on 160 Inderal for 8 months. It seems to help a bit but I feel like I am walking aorund in a fog. Last January (1-02) I had 28 days with migraine pain. Last month it was down to 5 or 6 days. I had such a severe attack last week that I finally got an injection. I don’t know what it was but i want more! I haven’t felt that good in two years. My wife even commented on how much more I was able to get done around the house on Friday and Saturday. My dose was doubled to 160 twice daily. So we’ll see how that goes. I don’t have great hopes though. But with hypertension I have limited prophylactic options and Inderal is supposed to help with hypertension too.

Response:

I have been on 160 Inderal for 8 months. It seems to help a bit but I feel like I am walking aorund in a fog. Last January (1-02) I had 28 days with migraine pain. Last month it was down to 5 or 6 days. I had such a severe attack last week that I finally got an injection. I don’t know what it was but i want more! I haven’t felt that good in two years. My wife even commented on how much more I was able to get done around the house on Friday and Saturday.

I’m glad the Inderal is helping you, but the side effects do seem troubling.  Inderal made me awfully foggy, too…but it didn’t help me, so it was an easy decision to stop using it. My dose was doubled to 160 twice daily. So we’ll see how that goes. I don’t have great hopes though. But with hypertension I have limited prophylactic options and Inderal is supposed to help with hypertension too.

If increasing the dose makes the side effects intolerable for you, ask your doctor about trying a calcium channel blocker.  That is another type of blood pressure medication that is sometimes used to prevent migraines.  I think the kind I tried was called Verapamil, but my memory is fuzzy on the subject. Adrian Turtle

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. Tracy You are correct.All this time I thought it was an antihistamine like chlorpinephrine maleate. Thanks. rorschandt You said you’re taking Zyrtec-D(cetirizine HCI 5mg and pseudophedrine HCI 120mg) Extended Release Tablets. That’s probably a combination antihistamine/ decongestant, like the Claritin-D I used to take. My doc talked me out of the D-version first, because he felt the decongestant was adding fuel to the migraine fire. Then he took me off Claritin altogether, because of its bad habit of causing headaches as a side/adverse affect. Ginnie

Well whatever it is, it seems to be helping (~: I was confused about what was what in the zyrtec-D. My wife takes claritin for allergy purposes, and I have heard that it is not very good for the liver.<sigh I suppose that is true of everything… rorschandt

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Inderal REALLY screwed with my head.  If you have a familial tendency towards depression, I’d avoid it.  It made me VERY depressed and took all the energy out of me.  Plus, it messed up my short-term memory, and I’m not at all convinced the long-term effects of that are nil, like my doctor says.  My memory has improved somewhat since getting off of it, but not anywhere near the level it was at before the med. I FORGOT I had an exam, while I was on the medication.  Completely forgot it was happening. Nortriptyline, on the other hand, really helped my migraines.  It didn’t make me gain weight, but it did have some unwanted sexual side effects. Hope this is helpful. Tracy Don’t reply to the eudoramail address.

I have been on 160 Inderal for 8 months. It seems to help a bit but I feel like I am walking aorund in a fog. Last January (1-02) I had 28 days with migraine pain. Last month it was down to 5 or 6 days. I had such a severe attack last week that I finally got an injection. I don’t know what it was but i want more! I haven’t felt that good in two years. My wife even commented on how much more I was able to get done around the house on Friday and Saturday. My dose was doubled to 160 twice daily. So we’ll see how that goes. I don’t have great hopes though. But with hypertension I have limited prophylactic options and Inderal is supposed to help with hypertension too.

Response:

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. Tracy You are correct.All this time I thought it was an antihistamine like chlorpinephrine maleate. Thanks. rorschandt

You said you’re taking Zyrtec-D(cetirizine HCI 5mg and pseudophedrine HCI 120mg) Extended Release Tablets. That’s probably a combination antihistamine/ decongestant, like the Claritin-D I used to take. My doc talked me out of the D-version first, because he felt the decongestant was adding fuel to the migraine fire. Then he took me off Claritin altogether, because of its bad habit of causing headaches as a side/adverse affect. Ginnie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – SNIP< I may try 2 a day, as it is a 12hour pill. I suspect you may get results with many OTC stuff like chlortrimeton(one of my favorites) and sudafed (pseudophedrine). I haven’t really taken decongestants much, so that may help too. Astelin~ a puff in each nostril twice a day. rorschandt Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. Tracy

You are correct.All this time I thought it was an antihistamine like chlorpinephrine maleate. Thanks. rorschandt

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Interesting this as on a daily basis the only thing that helps me is syndol (which is paracetamol, codiene, caffeine and antihistamine), I take only third to half of one tablet at a time.  What amount of antihistamine and what tablets are you taking? zyrtec-D(cetirizine HCI 5mg and pseudophedrine HCI 120mg) Extended Release Tablets~ 1 per day.   I may try 2 a day, as it is a 12hour pill. I suspect you may get results with many OTC stuff like chlortrimeton(one of my favorites) and sudafed (pseudophedrine). I haven’t really taken decongestants much, so that may help too. Astelin~ a puff in each nostril twice a day. rorschandt

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. Tracy Don’t reply to the eudoramail address.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve had chronic headaches for the past two years and have had an MRI which was negative. My migraines are treated with Maxalt and that works fine but since I have other daily headaches as well as 2-3 migraines a month my doctor wants to put me on a daily medication to hopefully prevent the headaches. I’m not big on taking a daily medication because of the side effects. However, I do need some help to control the daily headaches. I’ve read some of the posts on this newsgroup over the months and I’ve read alot of negative feedback from the daily medication to prevent headaches. There seems to be alot of side effects and sometimes not too much help. I’ve tried Zoloft but got extrememly nauseous from the drug and was not able to tolerate it. I know everyone is different but I am looking for some feedback from people who have been on either inderal or nortriptylene. Both have been suggested for me. I know the usual side effects written up in the literature that comes with the drugs but I would like some first hand info on long term use of either drug and whether the drugs actually helped significantly. Thanks for any help. Dale

Inderal REALLY screwed with my head.  If you have a familial tendency towards depression, I’d avoid it.  It made me VERY depressed and took all the energy out of me.  Plus, it messed up my short-term memory, and I’m not at all convinced the long-term effects of that are nil, like my doctor says.  My memory has improved somewhat since getting off of it, but not anywhere near the level it was at before the med. I FORGOT I had an exam, while I was on the medication.  Completely forgot it was happening. Nortriptyline, on the other hand, really helped my migraines.  It didn’t make me gain weight, but it did have some unwanted sexual side effects. Hope this is helpful. Tracy Don’t reply to the eudoramail address.

Response:

Interesting this as on a daily basis the only thing that helps me is syndol (which is paracetamol, codiene, caffeine and antihistamine), I take only third to half of one tablet at a time.  What amount of antihistamine and what tablets are you taking?

 zyrtec-D(cetirizine HCI 5mg and pseudophedrine HCI 120mg) Extended Release Tablets~ 1 per day.    I may try 2 a day, as it is a 12hour pill. I suspect you may get results with many OTC stuff like chlortrimeton(one of my favorites) and sudafed (pseudophedrine). I haven’t really taken decongestants much, so that may help too. Astelin~ a puff in each nostril twice a day. rorschandt

Response:

So, I’m not the only one   Sorry to hear NTI didn’t work for you at all, either Dale. Take care, Jasmine

[snip] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks somuch for your input. I do have an NTI device but it offered no relief at all unfortunately. I appreciate your idea about finding the best dosage for yourself sometimes on your own without the doctor’s input.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve had chronic headaches for the past two years and have had an MRI which was negative. My migraines are treated with Maxalt and that works fine but since I have other daily headaches as well as 2-3 migraines a month my doctor wants to put me on a daily medication to hopefully prevent the headaches. I’m not big on taking a daily medication because of the side effects. However, I do need some help to control the daily headaches. I’m sorry your headaches are giving you such a hard time.  It makes sense to try a preventative if you’re in pain nearly every day.  If you’re scared of side effects, have you considered an NTI?  It’s a device that prevents clenching or grinding teeth during sleep, which turns out to be a big aggravating factor in some people’s migraines and frequent headaches.  Ask your dentist if you clench your teeth… it leaves marks. I’ve read some of the posts on this newsgroup over the months and I’ve read alot of negative feedback from the daily medication to prevent headaches. There seems to be alot of side effects and sometimes not too much help. There’s the natural human tendency to talk mostly about what’s NOT working, in hope of fixing it.  What IS working…we don’t talk about as much.   I’ve tried Zoloft but got extrememly nauseous from the drug and was not able to tolerate it. I know everyone is different but I am looking for some feedback from people who have been on either inderal or nortriptylene. Both have been suggested for me. I know the usual side effects written up in the literature that comes with the drugs but I would like some first hand info on long term use of either drug and whether the drugs actually helped significantly. Side effects can vary a lot from person to person.  So can the effectiveness of the drug.  I took nortriptylene about 8 years ago, and actually felt it was helping quite a bit with my headaches. The main side effect for me then was drowsiness, and it was not all that bad (I was taking quite a low dose…10 or 20 mg/day.) At that time, I didn’t realize I had a mild seizure disorder, and I didn’t recognize that my (quite infrequent) absence seizures were getting more frequent.  I tapered off the nortriptylene after about a year and managed to keep my migraines more-or-less under control with biofeedback, trigger avoidance, and abortives…I don’t think I could have done it a year earlier, starting from the out-of-control very frequent migraines.  I tried nortriptylene again recently, and found that it aggravated my seizures enough to be intolerable – but I don’t think that’s going to be a problem for very many people. I tried Inderal way back in 1987 – it was the first preventative I ever used.  It was not effective at all, and I found the side effects of dizziness and sedation really overwhelming.  The really big problem was that I was so inexperienced, and let myself be pushed around by my doctor.  Patient:  "I don’t think this is working, and the side effects are really bothering me."  Doctor:  "Try a higher dose."  I wish I could go back to my 19-year-old self and make me stand up for myself. When you try a new preventative (or any new medication), give your body 2-4 weeks to get used to it.  Sometimes side effects diminish in the first few days or weeks.  Sometimes it takes a little while for the drug to build up in your bloodstream and become effective. Sometimes you need to figure out the best times to take it (with meals?  at bedtime?  divided dose?  the doctor’s recommendation isn’t always best for reducing side effects – ask about changes if you’re having problems.)  If you don’t have bad side effects, then you can increase the dose if you see a good effect you want to increase.  If you have really bad side effects after a month, you should be thinking about *decreasing* the dose, or deciding the drug is not right for you so you should stop using it altogether. Adrian Turtle sidewalk radical

Thanks somuch for your input. I do have an NTI device but it offered no relief at all unfortunately. I appreciate your idea about finding the best dosage for yourself sometimes on your own without the doctor’s input.

Response:

Atenolol (similar to Inderal) has been a god send for me.  The tri-cyclics (nortriptylene and amitriptylene) never did me a bit of good.  I also use an NTI which has been helpful as well. Dan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve had chronic headaches for the past two years and have had an MRI which was negative. My migraines are treated with Maxalt and that works fine but since I have other daily headaches as well as 2-3 migraines a month my doctor wants to put me on a daily medication to hopefully prevent the headaches. I’m not big on taking a daily medication because of the side effects. However, I do need some help to control the daily headaches. I’ve read some of the posts on this newsgroup over the months and I’ve read alot of negative feedback from the daily medication to prevent headaches. There seems to be alot of side effects and sometimes not too much help. I’ve tried Zoloft but got extrememly nauseous from the drug and was not able to tolerate it. I know everyone is different but I am looking for some feedback from people who have been on either inderal or nortriptylene. Both have been suggested for me. I know the usual side effects written up in the literature that comes with the drugs but I would like some first hand info on long term use of either drug and whether the drugs actually helped significantly. Thanks for any help. Dale

Response:

I’ve had chronic headaches for the past two years and have had an MRI which was negative. My migraines are treated with Maxalt and that works fine but since I have other daily headaches as well as 2-3 migraines a month my doctor wants to put me on a daily medication to hopefully prevent the headaches. I’m not big on taking a daily medication because of the side effects. However, I do need some help to control the daily headaches.

I’m sorry your headaches are giving you such a hard time.  It makes sense to try a preventative if you’re in pain nearly every day.  If you’re scared of side effects, have you considered an NTI?  It’s a device that prevents clenching or grinding teeth during sleep, which turns out to be a big aggravating factor in some people’s migraines and frequent headaches.  Ask your dentist if you clench your teeth… it leaves marks. I’ve read some of the posts on this newsgroup over the months and I’ve read alot of negative feedback from the daily medication to prevent headaches. There seems to be alot of side effects and sometimes not too much help.

There’s the natural human tendency to talk mostly about what’s NOT working, in hope of fixing it.  What IS working…we don’t talk about as much.   I’ve tried Zoloft but got extrememly nauseous from the drug and was not able to tolerate it. I know everyone is different but I am looking for some feedback from people who have been on either inderal or nortriptylene. Both have been suggested for me. I know the usual side effects written up in the literature that comes with the drugs but I would like some first hand info on long term use of either drug and whether the drugs actually helped significantly.

Side effects can vary a lot from person to person.  So can the effectiveness of the drug.  I took nortriptylene about 8 years ago, and actually felt it was helping quite a bit with my headaches. The main side effect for me then was drowsiness, and it was not all that bad (I was taking quite a low dose…10 or 20 mg/day.) At that time, I didn’t realize I had a mild seizure disorder, and I didn’t recognize that my (quite infrequent) absence seizures were getting more frequent.  I tapered off the nortriptylene after about a year and managed to keep my migraines more-or-less under control with biofeedback, trigger avoidance, and abortives…I don’t think I could have done it a year earlier, starting from the out-of-control very frequent migraines.  I tried nortriptylene again recently, and found that it aggravated my seizures enough to be intolerable – but I don’t think that’s going to be a problem for very many people. I tried Inderal way back in 1987 – it was the first preventative I ever used.  It was not effective at all, and I found the side effects of dizziness and sedation really overwhelming.  The really big problem was that I was so inexperienced, and let myself be pushed around by my doctor.  Patient:  "I don’t think this is working, and the side effects are really bothering me."  Doctor:  "Try a higher dose."  I wish I could go back to my 19-year-old self and make me stand up for myself. When you try a new preventative (or any new medication), give your body 2-4 weeks to get used to it.  Sometimes side effects diminish in the first few days or weeks.  Sometimes it takes a little while for the drug to build up in your bloodstream and become effective. Sometimes you need to figure out the best times to take it (with meals?  at bedtime?  divided dose?  the doctor’s recommendation isn’t always best for reducing side effects – ask about changes if you’re having problems.)  If you don’t have bad side effects, then you can increase the dose if you see a good effect you want to increase.  If you have really bad side effects after a month, you should be thinking about *decreasing* the dose, or deciding the drug is not right for you so you should stop using it altogether. Adrian Turtle sidewalk radical

Response:

I’ve had chronic headaches for the past two years and have had an MRI which was negative. My migraines are treated with Maxalt and that works fine but since I have other daily headaches as well as 2-3 migraines a month my doctor wants to put me on a daily medication to hopefully prevent the headaches. I’m not big on taking a daily medication because of the side effects. However, I do need some help to control the daily headaches. I’ve read some of the posts on this newsgroup over the months and I’ve read alot of negative feedback from the daily medication to prevent headaches. There seems to be alot of side effects and sometimes not too much help. I’ve tried Zoloft but got extrememly nauseous from the drug and was not able to tolerate it. I know everyone is different but I am looking for some feedback from people who have been on either inderal

I took Inderal for about 4 months with little impact if any on the headaches. There was an initial "feeling of well-being" that went away after about a week. It did lower my already low blood pressure.    For the every day headaches, have you tried an antihistamine daily? Two weeks ago, I began daily antihistamines and have felt a definite reduction in frequency and pain level, perhaps 50% and 50%. In the past, I’ve been on "brain chemistry altering" meds and they haven’t helped the pain.To say the least, I was very skeptical that a simple antihistamine would have an affect after some of the drastic things I’ve tried. It hadn’t occurred to me that antihistamines would have a further reaching effect than just my sinuses. Duh.    My latest doc specializes in allergies, asthma and headaches. Coming from the allergy angle, he has a different theory than the neurologists. Perhaps it is a matter of "when you have a hammer in your hand everything starts to look like a nail"? The neurologists haven’t been right so far… rorschandt zyrtec-D and Astelin nasal spray

Response:

Gained 30 lbs in 5 months on Nortriptylene.  Had previously been skinny all my life.  The Nortriptylene seemed to have turned on some sort of ‘hunger switch’ for me.  Oh, and it did nothing for my migraines, plus I felt kind of spacey on it.  It’s an older line drug that does help some people with migraine, though.

Response:

I have taken both medications for extended periods of time. The Nortiptylene was the first medication ever prescribed to me by a neurologist for head pain. It did absolutely nothing for my pain but succeeded in making me gain weight, get dry mouth, and feel very sedated as well as very rapid heart rate. The inderal was given to me as a preventative and an anxiety medication. They never should have given me this med as I have chronic asthma. Nevertheless, It didn’t help me one bit, but at least it didn’t have many side effects. Good luck PokerGuyAA – JJ

Response:

Gained 30 lbs in 5 months on Nortriptylene.  Had previously been skinny all my life.  The Nortriptylene seemed to have turned on some sort of ‘hunger switch’ for me.  Oh, and it did nothing for my migraines, plus I felt kind of spacey on it.  It’s an older line drug that does help some people with migraine, though.

I’ve had a few replys from people who said exactly what you did. I don’t need excessive weight gain-I was on prednisone for 6 months for another problem and I gained 20 pounds.

Response:

Inderal did nothing at all and nortriptylene made me gain weight but did nothing for the migraines. I wish you well. pat – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve had chronic headaches for the past two years and have had an MRI which was negative. My migraines are treated with Maxalt and that works fine but since I have other daily headaches as well as 2-3 migraines a month my doctor wants to put me on a daily medication to hopefully prevent the headaches. I’m not big on taking a daily medication because of the side effects. However, I do need some help to control the daily headaches. I’ve read some of the posts on this newsgroup over the months and I’ve read alot of negative feedback from the daily medication to prevent headaches. There seems to be alot of side effects and sometimes not too much help. I’ve tried Zoloft but got extrememly nauseous from the drug and was not able to tolerate it. I know everyone is different but I am looking for some feedback from people who have been on either inderal or nortriptylene. Both have been suggested for me. I know the usual side effects written up in the literature that comes with the drugs but I would like some first hand info on long term use of either drug and whether the drugs actually helped significantly. Thanks for any help. Dale

Response:

I’ve had chronic headaches for the past two years and have had an MRI which was negative. My migraines are treated with Maxalt and that works fine but since I have other daily headaches as well as 2-3 migraines a month my doctor wants to put me on a daily medication to hopefully prevent the headaches. I’m not big on taking a daily medication because of the side effects. However, I do need some help to control the daily headaches. I’ve read some of the posts on this newsgroup over the months and I’ve read alot of negative feedback from the daily medication to prevent headaches. There seems to be alot of side effects and sometimes not too much help. I’ve tried Zoloft but got extrememly nauseous from the drug and was not able to tolerate it. I know everyone is different but I am looking for some feedback from people who have been on either inderal or nortriptylene. Both have been suggested for me. I know the usual side effects written up in the literature that comes with the drugs but I would like some first hand info on long term use of either drug and whether the drugs actually helped significantly. Thanks for any help. Dale

Response:

Question:

I’m on Ventolin/Proventil for Exercise Induced asthma and often have the opportunity to pick up an inhaler overseas where I travel regularly.   The cost generally varies from the equivalent og $6.50 to perhaps $8.50. Yet I see that I pay here (Stateside) after something like an 80% "reduction" through my insurance company something like &$7.50 with one of our local "discount"  drugstores advertising today that these are available at everyday low price of $22.50. Anybody know what gives.  Sound like somebody getting the shaft!

Response:

Medical systems in many foreign countries are subsidized (socialized medicine) and the prices are controlled by decree of the country.  For instance, some European countries may not allow a new drug like Flovent to be prescribed, preferring to stick with less effective, but lower priced, older steroids.  Usually, you will find these exclusions in countries like The Netherlands or Denmark.  Other countries will use their collective buying power to reduce prices through the publication of pricing schedules.  In order for pharmaceutical firms to be profitable worldwide, they have to offset losses in some countries with extra profits in others.  The US is a prime locality to recoup profits. Now to be fair to everyone, no one country should be allowed to force a pharmaceutical company to sell at abnormally low prices in their country. As for profit margins, pharmaceutical companies earn about 18-25%  gross profit (before taxes).  This is not an unusually high profit margin, although it is at the high end of "normal".  Considering the risks, the money and time it takes to bring a new drug to market, and the value that many new drugs bring to patients, this kind of profit is not out of line. Remember, you don’t want to make developing new drugs an undesirable activity for them.  Otherwise, you won’t see advanced drugs making it to market.  On the other hand, you don’t want pharmaceutical firms earning an unjustifiable profit.  In a world where stock market players, and those who fund credit card advances, can earn 18-21% profit before taxes for the value of a loan, I find pharmaceutical firm profits to be reasonable. Banks can often earn 2.5-3.0 times the value of an original mortgage over a 20-30 year time period.  Now, if I told you there was an investment where you could nearly triple your monetary value in 20 years, you’d probably jump at the chance if you had the money.  Yet, the only "value" a mortgage consumer gets is a loan. . . Joe Toomey

Response:

Looks like a fish, smells like a fish, is a fish! Yes we are getting the shaft. In Merida, Central America you will pay about 15% of what it costs in the U.S. I have chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic pulmonary edema. The asthma, I have had since childhood, it has gotten worse every year from then to now 47 years. My Dad (pharmacist) brought home this funny looking nebulizer and a little bottle of liquid. This was the greatest day of my life, I could breathe! I played football and have lived an almost normal life until the past 6 years or so. I have, throughout the years been there, done that, didn’t get the tee shirt, in regards to treatment. Other than the inhaled steroids and injected steroids in complicated times, theodur tablets and volmax tablets on daily routine, I am thoroughly convinced (bet your doctor will tell you different) the little bottle that can be bought for $11.64 and the investment of a funny looking nebulizer that is a pain in the ass to carry around, relief is just a pump away. Bullshit on the bad on the heart deal, over use of any bronchial dialator will effect the heart. Don’t buy into that crap. Listen up!!!! Go to your local Pharmacy, have them order (they will probably not know what your talking about, insist them to find it) Asthma Nefrin, Solution A. A 1/2 ounce bottle should cost $11.00 to $12.00, if not, find a pharmacy that will. Order the nebulizer (Asthma Nefrin brand). The Distributor is Menly & Johnson Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, PA. This is over the counter, but now is controlled by keeping behind the counter because recently the bathtub chemists can make speed from it. Tell your doctor you are going to buy it, decide for yourself after his comments, buy it, use it and breathe well, depended on how severe you asthma is. My brother uses it about twice a year, keeps the bottle in the refrigerator, I use about a bottle a month. Beats the shit out of $40 to $100 a month. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m on Ventolin/Proventil for Exercise Induced asthma and often have the opportunity to pick up an inhaler overseas where I travel regularly.   The cost generally varies from the equivalent og $6.50 to perhaps $8.50. Yet I see that I pay here (Stateside) after something like an 80% "reduction" through my insurance company something like &$7.50 with one of our local "discount"  drugstores advertising today that these are available at everyday low price of $22.50. Anybody know what gives.  Sound like somebody getting the shaft!

Response:

Question:

Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t. — Alasdair Baxter, Nottingham, UK.Tel +44 115 9705100; Fax +44 115 9423263         "It’s not what you say that matters but how you say it.          It’s not what you do that matters but how you do it"

Response:

As a T2 also I would not class it as a disability as such, you have to watch every thing you do and eat but it doesn’t stop me from doing anything, work wise I had to make my company aware of my condition because of insurance implications and being a service engineer working on different sites around UK, my company have gone out of their way to help me in my job with medicals etc paid by them. I’ve had no problems at all and if you are up front with every thing should have no troubles. Martin Perman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t. — Alasdair Baxter, Nottingham, UK.Tel +44 115 9705100; Fax +44 115 9423263         "It’s not what you say that matters but how you say it.          It’s not what you do that matters but how you do it"

Response:

Well I know T1 is as you can clain Disability Living allowance in some cases, but unsure about T2 as I don’t have that!, but I would say yes it is as it is still a condition that affects your everyday life. I would trust Diabetes UK over the CAB in this matter Dave Townsend T1 Dx March 2001

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t. — Alasdair Baxter, Nottingham, UK.Tel +44 115 9705100; Fax +44 115 9423263         "It’s not what you say that matters but how you say it.          It’s not what you do that matters but how you do it"

Response:

Dave, did you come back from Mexico with a snake oil cure for diabetes? Please tell me that chillies are proven to cure diabetes, as I just love those little red fiery chaps! Peter Hamilton-Scott. T1, dx 23rd March 2001, (8u+10u Insulatard; 2×8u Humalog). Diabetes, eh? Does it hurt? Only when I laugh! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I know T1 is as you can clain Disability Living allowance in some cases, but unsure about T2 as I don’t have that!, but I would say yes it is as it is still a condition that affects your everyday life. I would trust Diabetes UK over the CAB in this matter Dave Townsend T1 Dx March 2001 Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t. — Alasdair Baxter, Nottingham, UK.Tel +44 115 9705100; Fax +44 115 9423263         "It’s not what you say that matters but how you say it.          It’s not what you do that matters but how you do it"

Response:

Haven’t been yet, 13th May and counting every day til I go. I’ll experiment with the curative effects of chillies I promise and report back!! Dave Townsend T1, Dx March 2001 Dave, did you come back from Mexico with a snake oil cure for diabetes? Please tell me that chillies are proven to cure diabetes, as I just love those little red fiery chaps! Peter Hamilton-Scott. T1, dx 23rd March 2001, (8u+10u Insulatard; 2×8u Humalog). Diabetes, eh? Does it hurt? Only when I laugh! "Dave Townsend"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I know T1 is as you can clain Disability Living allowance in some cases, but unsure about T2 as I don’t have that!, but I would say yes it is as it is still a condition that affects your everyday life. I would trust Diabetes UK over the CAB in this matter Dave Townsend T1 Dx March 2001 Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t. — Alasdair Baxter, Nottingham, UK.Tel +44 115 9705100; Fax +44 115 9423263         "It’s not what you say that matters but how you say it.          It’s not what you do that matters but how you do it"

Response:

I think this is one that is down to semantics. Diabetes, isn’t counted as a ‘disability’ but it is a ‘problem. If you are fired because of it, you have lots of legal backing but you will have difficulties getting a job, travel insurance mortgages etc and there is little that can be done because it is not  counted as a legal disability.

Response:

Martin Perman Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t.

Hi All From what I understand, any medical condition which requires a reliance on regular medication is considered under Statute as being a disability. Cheers Steve Whitley Bay – North East Coast of England www.geordies.force9.co.uk Photographs of the Newcastle Upon Tyne Area – http://www.steve-ellwood.org.uk "Geordie goes beyond mere geography and is a quality of heart"

Response:

Dave, did you come back from Mexico with a snake oil cure for diabetes? Please tell me that chillies are proven to cure diabetes, as I just love those little red fiery chaps!

hmm I think I can come up with a possible mechanism here chilis taste good…eating food that tastes good makes one feel good…feeling good reduces stress and generally helps ones overall health…it is essential for a diabetic to maintain as good a standard of overall health as possible…ergo…eating chili is good for diabetes HTH it works for me — eric "all characters portrayed in this post are entirely fictitious and should not be confused"

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Martin Perman Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t. Hi All From what I understand, any medical condition which requires a reliance on regular medication is considered under Statute as being a disability.

nope asthma doesn’t I know because I spent some years pretty much crippled by spinal problems, constant eczema and chronic asthma…and despite being unable to work for over two years and able to only intermittently for another five, I was not able to claim any disability benefits I don’t imagine adding diabetes is going to make a blind bit of difference now losing the tip of your little finger OTOH — eric "I am a man of many parts, unfortunately most of them are no longer in stock"

Response:

This is the Legal definition of "disabled" For the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 a person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Dave Townsend T1 Dx March 2001

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Martin Perman Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t. Hi All From what I understand, any medical condition which requires a reliance on regular medication is considered under Statute as being a disability. Cheers Steve Whitley Bay – North East Coast of England www.geordies.force9.co.uk Photographs of the Newcastle Upon Tyne Area – http://www.steve-ellwood.org.uk "Geordie goes beyond mere geography and is a quality of heart"

Response:

Alistair Hi See the definition within the DDA itself:- http://www.diabetes.org.uk/infocentre/inform/dda.htm The interpretation there seems to hinge on the taking of medication to effect control of the progressive ( regressive??) nature of  DM. HTH Take care — Chris 2de dx Sept 99 All the funky folk trip over http://www.asduk.org.uk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t. — Alasdair Baxter, Nottingham, UK.Tel +44 115 9705100; Fax +44 115 9423263         "It’s not what you say that matters but how you say it.          It’s not what you do that matters but how you do it"

Response:

For Information This is the Legal definition of "disabled"……. "For the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 a person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities." This of course does not mean you are able to claim Disability Living Allowance, the qualification for DLA is that you must have difficulty or be unable to prepare a meal for yourself due to your disability. So you can be disabled, just not disabled enough ;o) Dave Townsend T1 Dx March 2001

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Martin Perman Can someone tell me whether suffering from type 2 diabetes constitutes a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act? According to Diabetes UK, it is but according to the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, it isn’t. Hi All From what I understand, any medical condition which requires a reliance on regular medication is considered under Statute as being a disability. nope asthma doesn’t I know because I spent some years pretty much crippled by spinal problems, constant eczema and chronic asthma…and despite being unable to work for over two years and able to only intermittently for another five, I was not able to claim any disability benefits I don’t imagine adding diabetes is going to make a blind bit of difference now losing the tip of your little finger OTOH — eric "I am a man of many parts, unfortunately most of them are no longer in stock"

Response:

Question:

Hi everyone. I’ve been taking Xanax to sleep for the past 2 months since I’ve been trying to use the meds for chronic asthma. Not only do they keep me awake, it’s depressing finding out you have chronic asthma and it won’t get better, right? As I mentioned in another post, the meds are causing a great deal of pain to my bladder.

From this I would surmise that your physician isn’t taking side effects into account when he treats you.  Insist that he do something about the bladder pain, or go seek a second opinion.  You shouldn’t take meds that cause you permanent pain and then have to paper that over with pain-killers. That brings me to my question. I have tried low-dose (25 mg) Elavil to sleep and for pain reduction, and it seems to worsen the asthma. My chest feels so heavy and tight. Are all tricyclic anti-depressants even in low doses bad for chronic asthma? If so, what can we use for pain reduction and sleepl?

Tricyclic anti-depressants have a drying effect on the mucus membranes. This can make the mucus in your airways thicker and more viscous and harder to expel. The SSRI class of anti-depressants have less of a drying effect.  In this class, Paxil is more sedating than most of the others, and so it can help both your depression and your sleeping problems.  A different class of anti-depressant that you could also try is Trazodone.  It’s so sedating it can be taken at bedtime to help with sleep, but I don’t know how much of a drying effect it has. If you’re having sleeping problems due to depression, then Xanax (a tranquilizer) won’t help the depression, and can even make it worse. People suffering from depression should be very careful about living on tranquilizers. — Steven D. Litvintchouk                  

Response:

Hi everyone. I’ve been taking Xanax to sleep for the past 2 months since I’ve been trying to use the meds for chronic asthma. Not only do they keep me awake, it’s depressing finding out you have chronic asthma and it won’t get better, right? As I mentioned in another post, the meds are causing a great deal of pain to my bladder. That brings me to my question. I have tried low-dose (25 mg) Elavil to sleep and for pain reduction, and it seems to worsen the asthma. My chest feels so heavy and tight. Are all tricyclic anti-depressants even in low doses bad for chronic asthma? If so, what can we use for pain reduction and sleepl? Shirley

Response:

Question:

As we all know the surgical course is different in every individual and depends on your concommitant problems and state of health. Reconnection can be simple and strat forward or complications can arise. COnsidering your past history and your quite normal anxiety I would hope that you are getting psychological support and anxiolytic medication. I know very well that when we know what is to happen our anxiety level lessens. Good luck. — Pearl L pearle…@hotmail.com <ME…@webtv.net

wrote in message

news:12728-3C3C34BA-2@storefull-117.iap.bryant.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

The good news is,I went to the surgeon yesterday and I am going to be scheduled some time next week for reconnection surgery after having a colostomy since 7/28/01 for a severe blockage, diverticulitis and peritonitis. The not so good news is he can’t do a simple reversal, long story, he has to do a complete colon resection again and plans to use the same incision line. I also have a terrible history of chronic asthma and the last time I ended up on a ventilator which was a horrifying experience .  Because of the asthma I may end up on a   ventilator for one or two days. I know people in tis group have had many surgeries including reconnection surgery. I have to admit I feel like I am acting like a big baby and am really nervous about this. oth te surgeom andtepulmonary doctors know my fears. The thought of going through all this again   is  scary, I am just starting to feel better. I  would really appreciate any feedback about reconnection surgery, what to expect etc,  Any words of support would sure be music to my ears right now. Peg

Response:

Peg, although our reconnection surgeries stem from different circumstances, I would be glad to share my experience with you.  If you would like to email me, I will give you as much information I can.  In the mean time, keep your spirits up and things should be just fine.  Our prayers are with you and your family. Allen <ME…@webtv.net

wrote in message

news:12728-3C3C34BA-2@storefull-117.iap.bryant.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

The good news is,I went to the surgeon yesterday and I am going to be scheduled some time next week for reconnection surgery after having a colostomy since 7/28/01 for a severe blockage, diverticulitis and peritonitis. The not so good news is he can’t do a simple reversal, long story, he has to do a complete colon resection again and plans to use the same incision line. I also have a terrible history of chronic asthma and the last time I ended up on a ventilator which was a horrifying experience .  Because of the asthma I may end up on a   ventilator for one or two days. I know people in tis group have had many surgeries including reconnection surgery. I have to admit I feel like I am acting like a big baby and am really nervous about this. oth te surgeom andtepulmonary doctors know my fears. The thought of going through all this again   is  scary, I am just starting to feel better. I  would really appreciate any feedback about reconnection surgery, what to expect etc,  Any words of support would sure be music to my ears right now. Peg

Response:

Thanks Pearl.  I have a good support system.  I have been using relaxation tapes and they seem to be helping my anxiet level.  My surgery is scheduled this Wenesday. Peg

Response:

The good news is,I went to the surgeon yesterday and I am going to be scheduled some time next week for reconnection surgery after having a colostomy since 7/28/01 for a severe blockage, diverticulitis and peritonitis. The not so good news is he can’t do a simple reversal, long story, he has to do a complete colon resection again and plans to use the same incision line. I also have a terrible history of chronic asthma and the last time I ended up on a ventilator which was a horrifying experience .  Because of the asthma I may end up on a   ventilator for one or two days. I know people in tis group have had many surgeries including reconnection surgery. I have to admit I feel like I am acting like a big baby and am really nervous about this. oth te surgeom andtepulmonary doctors know my fears. The thought of going through all this again   is  scary, I am just starting to feel better. I  would really appreciate any feedback about reconnection surgery, what to expect etc,  Any words of support would sure be music to my ears right now. Peg

Response:

Question:

a chance of odds, but my surgery was on May 15th, close to your date of May 18th, but in 1996 Best– Ron "bch m8" <dc…@webtv.net

wrote in message

news:12064-3BB52FEF-126@storefull-282.iap.bryant.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Peg, By no means am I always happy…ask anybody here!!   And, yes, I’m on anti-depressants.  I don’t think they work as good as they used to…probably all the other drugs have weakened the effectiveness.  I’m only 4 months into all this…ostomy due to severe Crohn’s with not much small bowel left. I did not want to live when the surgeon called on Valentine’s Day to tell me that  he knew I didn’t want to hear it BUT an ostomy was my best shot at a better life. I struggled with the decision for basically 6 yrs. and I’m here to tell you (NEVER thought I’d say this) that YES, MY LIFE IS BETTER!!  That’s not to say I don’t have problems.  I can’t imagine your experience on the ventilator.  I’ve come away from my hospital experience with a terrible fear of surgery and hospitals…to the point where I cry when thinking about it and dream about it…not because of the ostomy, though.  Because I was losing so much blood and everyone around me was freaking out and my blood pressure and pulse were totally messed up and I was aware of what everyone was saying and doing (or maybe it’s what they weren’t doing)…total fear. Stick with this group. You’ll learn a lot…much more than any nurse or doctor will ever tell you. Susan (5-18-01…given a 2nd chance)

Response:

Lee, I had chemo and radiation therapy, at the same time, prior to my ostomy surgery.  At the  end I became very anemic and weak, but everyone reacts differently .  I think having both at the same time was too much for me. However the treatments were painless.  My radiation was for rectal Ca, so had some radiation burns on the rear, that were a little uncomfortable, but not unbearable.  ( Much less discomfort than the rear after surgery)  Good luck with your treatment.  I have been cancer free for 4 years, so guess it was all worth a little  discomfort Sonja.

Response:

Thank you for responding to me .  I am going to make an appointment with a clinical social worker as well as a psychiatrist to be evaluated. I can’t seem to stop thinking about being awake on the ventilator without crying. I am usually happy and find myself feeling sorry for myself. It seems that I am chronically sick for the past year.  I want to start feeling healthy and  get back to work and have a normal life again.  

Response:

. I know for sure I am to have radiation treatment, and perhaps chemo. Maybe you have had the same experience. I just want to know what to expect.

Hi Lee, I am a six year cancer survivor. Went through complete regimen of radiation and 18 months of chemo.  I’m assuming you had colon cancer?  The chemo was not bad at all, just felt kind of yucky and tired, but did not lose hair or become nauseous to the point of vomiting.  The radiation made me quite ill, had to be hospitalized twice during the six week regimen.  But overall, the experience wasn’t unbearable. Your reaction may be completely different and better/worse than mine.  Just know, you can live through it!! Have a good one, Joy

Response:

Thank you so much for your input. You have made me feel better about the treatments.   Lee

Response:

You may need an antidepressent, However the biggest help for me was to realize that I was able to do 99% of the activities after surgery that I did before. Once I realized this and did a more and more of those activities I felt a lot better and tiredness went away.  To put it bluntly get off your butt and get active. It works. However if the depression does continue get in and see your doctor soon. Wayne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Fri, 28 Sep 2001 20:31:03 -0400 (EDT), ME…@webtv.net wrote:

I went into the hospital with acute diverticulitis and an intestinal blockage. After 20 days of IV’s I had unexpected surgery, I woke up and found myself on a ventilator.  I never realized one could be alert and oriented on a respirator.  It was a petrifying experience to say the least.  Now I am trying to deal with a colostomy, perforated wounds that are in the process of healing and chronic asthma. After the surgery I went to a rehab hosp.  It is 2 months today since the surgery. I’ m home now and so tired of hearing Thank God you came out of surgery".  I am  really having a difficult time and find myself crying for no reason when I am alone. Has anyone felt like this?   When I read the posts you all sound so happy.  I’m wondering if I need an antidepressant. Peg

Response:

Have been on ventilator twice now. The first time was after going to theatre for observation due to severe abdominal pain. I was kept under for 13 days as bowel had burst and I had been given no chance of living. I cannot remember the ventilator that time but my family remember it and hated my pleading to take it out. The second time was precautionary because of how ill I had been so I was nor too scared although I did try and talk but to no avail/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

damn, i guess i had it easy.  i was SO SICK before my surgery, that i needed ritalin to calm me down after surgery.  i was so excited to be healthy and not in pain anymore, i was boucing off the walls.  i was on zoloft for years pre-surgery.  i was off nearly everything except pain killer after it.   hang tough and do what you have to do get through the day.   Lauren! (take out the "nojunk" to reply) beer drinking, sax playing, baseball junkie on a rampage … beware!

Response:

Its normal to feel out of sorts after a major operation. I remember trying not to look at myself in the mirror. Finally one day after about 3 weeks I took one long look and had a good cry. Now 4 years later I love my body more now then I did when I was sick. Why? Because my skin has a healthy glow now. I can eat food. When things get stressfull I don’t run to the bathroom. I just feel better overall. When you feel better, it shows. So yes I now undress in front of my husband (would not do that when I was sick) and I love to shop at Victoria Secrets. No I don’t look like the models in the ads but I bet I feel better then they do and thats what counts to me. Don’t rush the healing. Take each day as it comes. Do look into meds for depression to help pull you through this. Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. Happy healing. — Susan R.  VA

Response:

<ME…@webtv.net

wrote in message

news:774-3BB51647-76@storefull-117.iap.bryant.webtv.net…

I went into the hospital with acute diverticulitis and an intestinal blockage. After 20 days of IV’s I had unexpected surgery, I woke up and found myself on a ventilator.  I never realized one could be alert and oriented on a respirator.  It was a petrifying experience to say the least.  Now I am trying to deal with a colostomy, perforated wounds that are in the process of healing and chronic asthma. After the surgery I went to a rehab hosp.   It is 2 months today since the surgery. I’ m home now and so tired of hearing Thank God you came out of surgery".  I am  really having a difficult time and find myself crying for no reason when I am alone. Has anyone felt like this? When I read the posts you all sound so happy.  I’m wondering if I need an antidepressant. Peg

Peg, I want you to know that you’re not alone and that many of us out here hear what you are saying.  It IS petrifying.  It’s a trauma that doesn’t disappear just because you are home now.  You still have a lot to deal with and it will take time.  You will get through it, but in your own way and your own time.  People who have surgery without complications, go home & recover, are fortunate.  People mean well when they say "Thank God you came out of the surgery",  some times they don’t know what else to say.  The implication, after what you have been through that no one understands, is that since you are home and it’s 2 mos post-op, that you must be "all better now".  So, why aren’t you acting like you’re all better?  Another good one is the stand-by, "She/he came through the surgery fine!", which actually means the patient didn’t  *%#@ die. Take all the help you can get or feel comfortable with during this time. Don’t discount your own feelings and don’t let anyone else discount them. You lived through a horrifying ordeal and you deserve to find your OWN way to deal with it.  It’s an emotional time after what you’ve experienced. Family and friends told me some years after, that after most of my surgeries (all with complications), especially after the ones with long periods in ICU, that I cried in my sleep.  Deep down, a deep cry they said.   I never knew that.  But I’m glad I was able to keep crying the trauma out. Crying is good & make sure one of your drs know just how you are feeling and what you going through emotionally.  Some of us on this ng have adverse reactions to most medications so I couldn’t take anti-depressants but as you see from the replies here they have helped large numbers of people on this newsgroup. What you need now is good support and a good ET.  There is strong support on this group and you know where we are.  Concentrate on people who ARE supportive and helpful.  You need all your energies to heal and get through this.  What you do not need is to have to explain why you aren’t out dancing yet.  Try to surround yourself only with people who are positive for you. (I know, easier said….) You WILL be happy again.  And you will feel joy.  And this will end up way back in your past.  Even if you can’t imagine it yet, just know it’s there, in the background.  The first day you have a second or two when you are not in pain or you feel encouraged by something, you’ll know it’s started, and that more moments like that are coming, and the moments will become hours, then days.  It’s the little things that give you hope in the beginning. Every single day is different.  Do what you have to do and get all the support you can.  Keep us posted if you feel up to it, Peg. NewzD…@NOSPAMyahoo.com remove NOSPAM to reply —–=  Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News  =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!  Check out our new Unlimited Server. No Download or Time Limits! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 19 Different Servers!  ==—–

Response:

Vince Puma <snick…@aug.com

wrote in message

news:trcg4mnqscm9ed@corp.supernews.com…

Thanks for the advice & support, Chuck, but I’ve tried every class of antidepressants at varying dosage levels in varying combinations and singularly, just about every permutation you could imagine, but alas, I’m one of those folks who is highly sensitive to meds overall.  Ever read the PDR where it mentions the side-effects that less that 1% of the population experiences?  Well, guess what?  Now you know one of that 1%!  (I even

added

one to Asacol a few years back. . . .) Thanks again. Vince

Vince,  same here. Highly sensitive, that’s exactly what it is.  In trying a medication I take just a quarter of a pill, never an entire dose so the reaction isn’t as bad if there is one.  About the only thing left that doesn’t come in a capsule is my folic acid and plain tylenol.  If I ever need sulfa or steroids again I’m SOL. How do you get antibiotics if you need them? I’m allergic to penicillin and just about everything these days has some form of it.  I didn’t realize Cipro is included in that.  The dr who rx’d it insisted that it was okay to take.  The pharmacist insisted it had PCN properties.  I touched a Cipro with a finger then put the finger on my tongue and my lips immediately started to swell.  I kept washing it off but my throat did get tight too. Not all meds cause anaphylaxis, some are the adverse reactions from being highly sensitive to them. I wonder why it is that some of us are in that 1%.  It can’t be gut related because there are others in that 1% who have no gut prob history. IIRC, your ostomy is not from UC or CD.  I had UC. NewzD…@NOSPAMyahoo.com remove NOSPAM to reply —–=  Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News  =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!  Check out our new Unlimited Server. No Download or Time Limits! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 19 Different Servers!  ==—–

Response:

Thanks for the advice & support, Chuck, but I’ve tried every class of antidepressants at varying dosage levels in varying combinations and singularly, just about every permutation you could imagine, but alas, I’m one of those folks who is highly sensitive to meds overall.  Ever read the PDR where it mentions the side-effects that less that 1% of the population experiences?  Well, guess what?  Now you know one of that 1%!  (I even added one to Asacol a few years back. . . .) Thanks again. Vince "C. Berlin" <cberl…@pitt.edu

wrote in message

news:9p5a6n$oai@dispatch.concentric.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Dear Vince, >     Interactions between antidepressants and other meds including > heart meds are pretty well defined at this point, and there are a > variety of antidepressant meds that have no significant > interactions with heart meds.  You may well have other reasons to > not want or need antidepressant meds, but if the interaction > concerns are the main reason you’ve not pursued pharmacologic > help with this, you might want to consult with a knowledgeable > psychiatrist (or your cardiologist) about this. Meds or not, > however, individual therapy or a support group is almost always a > good idea. >                   Best regards, Chuck B. > "Vince Puma" <snick…@aug.com

wrote in message

> news:trc0h3k24e517c@corp.supernews.com… > > The only reason I’m not taking antidepressants is that they > interact with my > > heart meds, so I’ve been in therapy for a while now.  Yeah, > clinical > > depression happens, and when it hits, it’s certainly best to > get help.  Life > > is better, no doubt, but those downtimes can get really > paralyzing.  Go > > ahead and get the help that you need. > > Peace, > > Vince > > <ME…@webtv.net

wrote in message

> > news:774-3BB51647-76@storefull-117.iap.bryant.webtv.net… > > > I went into the hospital with acute diverticulitis and an > intestinal > > > blockage. After 20 days of IV’s I had unexpected surgery, I > woke up and > > > found myself on a ventilator.  I never realized one could be > alert and > > > oriented on a respirator.  It was a petrifying experience to > say the > > > least.  Now I am trying to deal with a colostomy, perforated > wounds that > > > are in the process of healing and chronic asthma. After the > surgery I > > > went to a rehab hosp. > > >   It is 2 months today since the surgery. I’ m home now and > so tired of > > > hearing Thank God you came out of surgery".  I am  really > having a > > > difficult time and find myself crying for no reason when I am > alone. > > > Has anyone felt like this? > > > When I read the posts you all sound so happy.  I’m wondering > if I need > > > an antidepressant. > > > Peg

Response:

Dear Vince,     Interactions between antidepressants and other meds including heart meds are pretty well defined at this point, and there are a variety of antidepressant meds that have no significant interactions with heart meds.  You may well have other reasons to not want or need antidepressant meds, but if the interaction concerns are the main reason you’ve not pursued pharmacologic help with this, you might want to consult with a knowledgeable psychiatrist (or your cardiologist) about this. Meds or not, however, individual therapy or a support group is almost always a good idea.                   Best regards, Chuck B. "Vince Puma" <snick…@aug.com

wrote in message

news:trc0h3k24e517c@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

The only reason I’m not taking antidepressants is that they

interact with my

heart meds, so I’ve been in therapy for a while now.  Yeah,

clinical

depression happens, and when it hits, it’s certainly best to

get help.  Life

is better, no doubt, but those downtimes can get really

paralyzing.  Go > ahead and get the help that you need. > Peace, > Vince > <ME…@webtv.net

wrote in message

> news:774-3BB51647-76@storefull-117.iap.bryant.webtv.net… > > I went into the hospital with acute diverticulitis and an intestinal

blockage. After 20 days of IV’s I had unexpected surgery, I

woke up and

found myself on a ventilator.  I never realized one could be

alert and

oriented on a respirator.  It was a petrifying experience to

say the

least.  Now I am trying to deal with a colostomy, perforated

wounds that

are in the process of healing and chronic asthma. After the

surgery I

went to a rehab hosp.   It is 2 months today since the surgery. I’ m home now and

so tired of

hearing Thank God you came out of surgery".  I am  really

having a

difficult time and find myself crying for no reason when I am

alone.

Has anyone felt like this? When I read the posts you all sound so happy.  I’m wondering

if I need

an antidepressant. Peg

Response:

In addition to possibly benefitting from an anti-depressent, you need to find somebody to talk to about your feelings and fears. You need to talk, and talk, and talk about them.  If you can’t find a friend who will listen to you over and over again, find a good social worker or psychotherapist and pay them to listen to you. Life WILL get better, but this type of experience is not one that you just brush off and walk away from. It stays with you forever. Yes, most of us on this newsgroup are pretty happy (generally much happier than those on the Crohns & Colitis newsgroup who haven’t had surgery), but we all have our scars — and they aren’t just physical one’s either. Keep talking and keep writing.

Response:

I am manic depressive too!!!!! I think my long time use of steroids contributed to my highs and lows

Response:

The only reason I’m not taking antidepressants is that they interact with my heart meds, so I’ve been in therapy for a while now.  Yeah, clinical depression happens, and when it hits, it’s certainly best to get help.  Life is better, no doubt, but those downtimes can get really paralyzing.  Go ahead and get the help that you need. Peace, Vince <ME…@webtv.net

wrote in message

news:774-3BB51647-76@storefull-117.iap.bryant.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I went into the hospital with acute diverticulitis and an intestinal blockage. After 20 days of IV’s I had unexpected surgery, I woke up and found myself on a ventilator.  I never realized one could be alert and oriented on a respirator.  It was a petrifying experience to say the least.  Now I am trying to deal with a colostomy, perforated wounds that are in the process of healing and chronic asthma. After the surgery I went to a rehab hosp.   It is 2 months today since the surgery. I’ m home now and so tired of hearing Thank God you came out of surgery".  I am  really having a difficult time and find myself crying for no reason when I am alone. Has anyone felt like this? When I read the posts you all sound so happy.  I’m wondering if I need an antidepressant. Peg

Response:

Hi all, I was operated the beginning of June for a colostomy and then gall bladder 5 days later. Has anyone in the group had treatments for cancer? My surgeon has turned me over to my oncologist now to start treatment since all my wounds have healed. I know for sure I am to have radiation treatment, and perhaps chemo. Maybe you have had the same experience. I just want to know what to expect. Thank you in advance for any input, Lee

Response:

Anti-depressants here too.  :) I can identify with that ventilator thing too !   I woke from surgery a couple of weeks ago with that tube down my throat and panicked big time! I’m not sure if it was connected to the ventilator, but I assume it was.  I clearly remember them telling me that I could come off of it as soon as I had some muscle control and I couldnt’ hold my hand up by myself.  I dont’ think you are supposed to remember that part LOL  I think I was panicking a lot because someone finally said to take it out. What a scary thing that I hope never happens again ! I have a colostomy due to diverticulitis too    We have a club for it on yahoo, it’s kind of inactive right now, but I try !   *G* http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/diverticulosis Is yours permanent or temporary ? <ME…@webtv.net

wrote in message

news:774-3BB51647-76@storefull-117.iap.bryant.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I went into the hospital with acute diverticulitis and an intestinal blockage. After 20 days of IV’s I had unexpected surgery, I woke up and found myself on a ventilator.  I never realized one could be alert and oriented on a respirator.  It was a petrifying experience to say the least.  Now I am trying to deal with a colostomy, perforated wounds that are in the process of healing and chronic asthma. After the surgery I went to a rehab hosp.   It is 2 months today since the surgery. I’ m home now and so tired of hearing Thank God you came out of surgery".  I am  really having a difficult time and find myself crying for no reason when I am alone. Has anyone felt like this? When I read the posts you all sound so happy.  I’m wondering if I need an antidepressant. Peg

Response:

When I had my surgery, I almost bled to death on the table. They told me that it would take one and a half hrs. and it took five hrs.(for two hrs. I had zero blood pressure). I had 27 units of blood pumped in me- the body holds 11.We all deal with things in different ways. I try to use my sense of humor to get me thru it. I’ve had alot of tears, too.Don’t be afraid to try some anti-depressants.Sounds to me that you’re just a little "lost" right now.It can be so overwhelming at times.God  bless you Peg,   Suzanne (Suzzer) <ME…@webtv.net

wrote in message

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I went into the hospital with acute diverticulitis and an intestinal blockage. After 20 days of IV’s I had unexpected surgery, I woke up and found myself on a ventilator.  I never realized one could be alert and oriented on a respirator.  It was a petrifying experience to say the least.  Now I am trying to deal with a colostomy, perforated wounds that are in the process of healing and chronic asthma. After the surgery I went to a rehab hosp.   It is 2 months today since the surgery. I’ m home now and so tired of hearing Thank God you came out of surgery".  I am  really having a difficult time and find myself crying for no reason when I am alone. Has anyone felt like this? When I read the posts you all sound so happy.  I’m wondering if I need an antidepressant. Peg

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I, too, am on antidepressants…and I still have days that I curse at the fact that I have an ostomy ( I miss being able to be completely naked!)…I am thankful that I am no longer in pain and can lead a more normal life, but I still mourn my old body image…. What you are going thru is normal! God’s grace to you.    eMi

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eMi says it for me!! It’s been 6 years since cancer & and an ostomy. I can cry at the drop of a hat. Like you I look in the mirror and wonder at the weird body that stares back. I’m on antidepressants, I think they help sometimes, but not always. To top it all off, I’m a better person. I sympathise with other peoples misfortune more so now than when I was "healthy" . I think of myself as lucky! I’m a mass of contradictions but I’m generally contented. You’ll get use to it. John H(I) "Emily Barrett" <je…@bellsouth.net

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news:3BB5555D.5C22F3A6@bellsouth.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I, too, am on antidepressants…and I still have days that I curse at the fact that I have an ostomy ( I miss being able to be completely naked!)…I am thankful that I am no longer in pain and can lead a more normal life, but I still mourn my old body image…. What you are going thru is normal! God’s grace to you.    eMi

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Hi Peg!  Glad you found this group. Depression is very normal after surgery.  Your mind and body have been through a lot.  I was on anti depressants for about 3 months.  They help a lot so don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about it. Love & Peace, Connie

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On Fri, 28 Sep 2001 20:31:03 -0400 (EDT), ME…@webtv.net wrote:

 It is 2 months today since the surgery. I’ m home now and so tired of hearing Thank God you came out of surgery".  I am  really having a difficult time and find myself crying for no reason when I am alone. Has anyone felt like this?   When I read the posts you all sound so happy.  I’m wondering if I need an antidepressant.

Try them.  I think you’ll find many people who outwardly seem the life and soul of the party depend on their little pills.   I do! Confession time. On top of my ileostomy I’m a bipolar manic depressive.  I couldn’t get by without my daily Seroxat. My body lacks Vitamin B12, so I have weekly injections to top it up.  Nobody thinks any the worse of me for that. My brain lacks Serotonin, so I take a pill to top it up.  Why should that be any different? If they make you feel better, they’re doing their job. As usual, just my 2 (Euro) cents worth. — Bill

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I went into the hospital with acute diverticulitis and an intestinal blockage. After 20 days of IV’s I had unexpected surgery, I woke up and found myself on a ventilator.  I never realized one could be alert and oriented on a respirator.  It was a petrifying experience to say the least.  Now I am trying to deal with a colostomy, perforated wounds that are in the process of healing and chronic asthma. After the surgery I went to a rehab hosp.   It is 2 months today since the surgery. I’ m home now and so tired of hearing Thank God you came out of surgery".  I am  really having a difficult time and find myself crying for no reason when I am alone. Has anyone felt like this?   When I read the posts you all sound so happy.  I’m wondering if I need an antidepressant. Peg

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Peg, By no means am I always happy…ask anybody here!!   And, yes, I’m on anti-depressants.  I don’t think they work as good as they used to…probably all the other drugs have weakened the effectiveness.  I’m only 4 months into all this…ostomy due to severe Crohn’s with not much small bowel left. I did not want to live when the surgeon called on Valentine’s Day to tell me that  he knew I didn’t want to hear it BUT an ostomy was my best shot at a better life. I struggled with the decision for basically 6 yrs. and I’m here to tell you (NEVER thought I’d say this) that YES, MY LIFE IS BETTER!!  That’s not to say I don’t have problems.  I can’t imagine your experience on the ventilator.  I’ve come away from my hospital experience with a terrible fear of surgery and hospitals…to the point where I cry when thinking about it and dream about it…not because of the ostomy, though.  Because I was losing so much blood and everyone around me was freaking out and my blood pressure and pulse were totally messed up and I was aware of what everyone was saying and doing (or maybe it’s what they weren’t doing)…total fear. Stick with this group.   You’ll learn a lot…much more than any nurse or doctor will ever tell you. Susan (5-18-01…given a 2nd chance)

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Question:

Can pneumonia cause asthma ? I’ve been told yes….then no.I was diagnosed with asthma 3 months ago and was told by my family doctor (not a pulmonary specialist) that my history of pneumonia attacks are "very probable" the reason for my asthma now.

I’d suspect that the asthma may have caused the pneumonia.   "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." Einstein

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Can pneumonia cause asthma ? I’ve been told yes….then no.I was diagnosed with asthma 3 months ago and was told by my family doctor (not a pulmonary specialist) that my history of pneumonia attacks are "very probable" the reason for my asthma now. I’d suspect that the asthma may have caused the pneumonia.

After I had pneumonia my lungs were pretty sensitive for a year or so both times. That was years before I had asthma. The pneumonia history is not a good sign for sure. Try very hard not to get it again by getting your asthma under control and getting to the doctor when you first start having problem and not letting it develop into pneumonia. Gordon

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Gordon Couger wrote "getting to the doctor when you first start having problem and not letting it develop into pneumonia. Gordon is correct and I am learning that hard lesson now. When you have bad days that keep escalating or don’t improve get to a doctor. Don’t wait like I did….I am now fighting the pneumonia thing. Denise Indianapolis

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I’ve always been bad about "I’ll wait and see if it gets better" and of course it doesn’t. I’d had pneumonia about every year all my life and am a lifelong asthmatic. I don’t know about which came first, like the chicken or the egg, I just know both are miserable. Another thing that can be done and has kept the occurences of pneumonia down for me, is to get the pneumonia vaccine. I don’t know the exact name off-hand but your medico would know. Nell – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gordon Couger wrote "getting to the doctor when you first start having problem and not letting it develop into pneumonia. Gordon is correct and I am learning that hard lesson now. When you have bad days that keep escalating or don’t improve get to a doctor. Don’t wait like I did….I am now fighting the pneumonia thing. Denise Indianapolis

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I’ve always been bad about "I’ll wait and see if it gets better" and of course it doesn’t. I’d had pneumonia about every year all my life and am a lifelong asthmatic. I don’t know about which came first, like the chicken or the egg, I just know both are miserable. Another thing that can be done and has kept the occurences of pneumonia down for me, is to get the pneumonia vaccine. I don’t know the exact name off-hand but your medico would know.

The last time I had pneumonia I argued with the doctor for 20 minutes before he gave me antibiotics. He said he couldn’t see anything on the x-rays and wasn’t running enough fever. The radiologist said I had pneumonia. That was interesting. The doctor and I grew up together and he always was a PITA but he was almost as good as he thought he was but his bed side manner was awful. Having asthma and MS my doctor is pretty free with the prophylactic antibodies. The MS affects my breathing some as well. Plus I am pretty sensitive to chemicals. I don’t think he wants me to die in his hospital. Needless to say I don’t either and I damn careful. I have had enough sinus infections when I was farming and stripping cotton and working in a cotton gin that I can usually tell when I am getting a bacterial infection 3 days before it starts to cause trouble. I give to two days to be sure an call the doctor and I keep enough anitbodics to get me though a weekend if I am out of pocket. When they give you the story about needing to wait and see if it is a bacteria remind them that that treatment is for normal folks not ones with chronic asthma. Gordon

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Can pneumonia cause asthma ? I’ve been told yes….then no.I was diagnosed with asthma 3 months ago and was told by my family doctor (not a pulmonary specialist) that my history of pneumonia attacks are "very probable" the reason for my asthma now.

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You all should also get a pneumonia vaccination, especially oldsters. And especially you hacking smokers, ex or otherwise. — Best, Frederick Martin McNeill Poway, California, United States of America http://www.fuzzysys.com http://members.cox.net/fmmcneill/ Phrase of the week : "One of the symptoms of approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important." — Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)  :-))))Snort!)

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You all should also get a pneumonia vaccination, especially oldsters. And especially you hacking smokers, ex or otherwise.

Not to worry, one can’t get through a Medicare, Medicaid, or VA flu shot line without being offered a pneumonia shot. Rochester Minnesota USA

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| | You all should also get a pneumonia | vaccination, | especially oldsters. And especially you hacking | smokers, ex or otherwise. | | Not to worry, one can’t get through a Medicare, Medicaid, or VA | flu shot line without being offered a pneumonia shot. | | Rochester Minnesota USA You’re right. If I didn’t have this aversion to needles that I’ve got, I could have had about 4 pneumonia shots by now instead of just one. Every doctor you see seems to offer a pneumonia shot. Chuck

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You all should also get a pneumonia vaccination, especially oldsters. And especially you hacking smokers, ex or otherwise.

I can’t help but remember the list of what killed the most people in 1903.  It was pneumonia which was called "the old man’s friend".  We should be grateful for immunization. -Connie

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