Help Chronic Pain

Question:

I had such a HUGE HEADACHE yesterday, that I cancelled my plans and stayed in bed & did laundry. I think it was a weather front that went through and it deposited some bad air through my windows. I cleaned the top of my refridgerator because I kept breaking out into severe coughing whenever I’d walk past it. It was very dirty, and hadn’t been cleaned in 5 years. Then I found my ionizers were not functioning for one reason or another, so I reset those to "ON" and installed one on top of the refridgerator, and turned on my two Ozone emitters (one on my fridge and one in my bedroom). I went to bed at 3 am last nite, and now I’m up 6 hours later feeling refreshed, and the air doesn’t seem to be attacking me right in my lungs as harshly. I may even go outdoors and do something before the snow flies again today (it was in the 60’s the past few days).

Response:

Exactly one year after our very first gig, we’re invited back to the same fund-raising party. Wish us luck. all the best Katie "come on and be my little good luck charm uh huh huh you sweet delight.. I wanna good luck charm a hangin’ offa my arm, to have, to hold, tonight!"

Response:

Hi Katie, (Warning: This is a kinda long post) I’ve become a vegatable. I think I’m either broccoli or an artchoke. Can’t be sure yet. I do nothing, not laundry or "music". I practice daily but do nothing. I’m learning to hate myself as well. That way I can become a member of  the club, acquire a feeling of belonging. HOWEVER!!!! Guess what? An old friend’s wife has gone home to help deal with a family medical problem and he wrote me an e-mail. Trick is we can team up while she’s away. He was a manager/promoter back in the old days of Be-ins, flower power and Love ins. And he wants to take me out to some open mikes and similar events. So this coming episode to the Damo Saga may help me get my feet back on the ground. This is the same friend who had taken me to those first open mike nights when I was living on the farm. During my early "Beginnings" of my return to music. That was the time, when I was posting here, that I played under the name of "Damo" and shared here about each event. That when I realized I was better then a great percentage of fellow gituar players. These days , of course,  I have no apprehension nor great fears about standing up in front of people with my gituar. Knock on wood. Its almost impossible for me to consider doing this sort of thing on my own. I feel like if people don’t go with me that there is something sad happening. Hopefully, after a few open mike nights and whatevers with my friend, I’ll have another platform in my heart. I seem to have lost it, or used it for winter firewood. With this very timely good fortune and good friend perhaps I’ll find another piece of firm ground within my heart to get back up and continue. See my friend was waiting for his wedding day and that was really the way back first germination of my return to performance, outside of the traditional party circuit I have played since the sixties, on again and off again. Yeah he was my right hand as I restablished my self, to myself, as being capable of facing a crowd. And also to begin updating my repetoire and defining myself as an onstage persona. This hadda have been back in Early 2000 or late 1999. I still had the farm. And I had just come on line as well at that time. I remember I would reflect on the group here at Alt Sz and nod to myself in affirmation that I was doing it in the name of all here who have …."social apprehensions"? It was a really big thing for me to do. I would fear the performer ahead of me, and I would fear the one behind me. And I would fear that I would have no influence or attention or too much attention from the audience. I would reflect on alt sz, my support group, to reinforce me in those earlier times. This was back before Mr MaD left, he was the establishing Father and Founder of alt sz I believe. (You recall he said the group had perverted its original intent and he split?) This was before I ever imagined dealing with CDs too… Yeah I would reflect for an instant before I looked out and stood in front of the mike. Alt sz was an immense support at that time. These days I just reflect on the various cars and trucks that drive past my window and try to add up messages from the names of various businesses writen on the trucks. WoW Good you picked up a an "as usual" gig. That will be like my "traditional" party gigs. And chances are the same crowd will be there for you as well. This is a wonderful establishing situation for you all. It all adds up to good times. Of course my goal is to go up river where all the hokes live and where the best gituar talent pool exsists. Go play with the big kids these days. No fear. There’s a nice open mike up there, no nutso heavy strumming pretensions college boys there. All good talent. Problem is its limited to only something four minutes then they turn off your electricity and the M.C. struts out. EXCELLENT stage. They get big name acts there. And I have a few other ideas where my friend and I can go and profile for the "locals". My advice for your gig? Dress up the audience. Like this…. Have someone moving around with a camera and taking pictures of the performance. Why not? Make it an act. The audience will see this. Second simple advice on how to dress the audience? Even if its only a cassette recorder, record it and inform the people that the event is being recorded. Reference the recording during the event. "The recorder running?" "Any distortion going on the burner/recorder?" Just small rrferences like that. The audience will respond well to such gentle strokings. Remember they will likely be much of the same crowd as last year. And of course, from ole Damo, Hugs to you and the others and certainly you have been and will be, well received. My idiom number 273A: They want to believe you are good and they want to have a good time. Don’t interfere with that. Bye Damo

Response:

Thanks Damo for the advice. I really like the last bit: "they want to believe you’re good… don’t interfere" Priceless. I feel like a vegetable a lot too and I *do* laundry, but that’s part of the problem. Sometimes it seems like that’s *all* I do. And I get to hating myself often too. I once read that there’s nothing more crazy-making than hating yourself. That sounded true to me. Probably we expect too much of ourselves. And then there’s something like the gig we had last night and I feel okay for a while. I had a good time. The part I like best is the teamwork feeling (we’re 12 people onstage). But then, as usual, I realize that the sound isn’t all that great and all the effort I’m making to sing well isn’t even being heard and I get disappointed and lose all my energy. Today I have a major headache though and I don’t even drink alcohol. I sit there and watch everybody else downing incredible amounts and I’m the one who ends up with the hangover. (since I’ve had fibromyalgia that is). I hope the thing works out with your old friend. Katie <damod…@webtv.net> a

Question:

Thank you Mike for sharing your story.  It has to hurt to go over all this again but I am hoping that at least it helped you a bit to get it out. There are a lot of people here that care about you and I hope you know that and get out whatever feelings you need to here. And as many others have already said – you are one hell of a writer.  Have you been published?  Do you have anything in particular you have been working on? Take care Mike, Bonnie —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I learned exactly what the worst-case scenario for unmedicated bipolar can be – I lived it, minus the forced hospitalizations and suicide.  Those are about the only things I did not do.  I had to kiss my Landcruiser goodbye – I had to just walk away from my own vehicle because it was impounded and I couldn’t afford the fees, and because I was in trouble with the law.  It will be some time before I have a license again – imagine the embarrassment of somebody who had to just "walk away" from their own vehicle.  Now I walk, ride my bike or take the bus anywhere I need to go. Finally, the one doctor I’ve trusted for a long time finally convinced me to come down from the mountain top and start taking my meds again.  He put me on disability (state for now, we’ll reevaluate about permanent in eight or nine months).  DSV began to heal, although as I mentioned previously she needed one more major surgery.  Our relationship had gone so far beyond therapist-patient that I felt I was no longer receiving any kind of help, and I was angry about what had happened.  Then, DSV showed her own *true colors* while trying to enlist my aid in getting back at JSC through a massive malpractice lawsuit – which I would happily have supported – the only problem was, the star witness was me, lying through my teeth about things that, if true, would have made the case solid gold, and both of us rich, while completely humiliating and ruining the JSC’s  career.  Part of me desperately wanted to go through with it, if for no other reason than to create a wonderful Hell On Earth for JSC to rot in, before she goes to the real one.  But, I’ve lied a lot in my lifetime and I’m sick of it.  In the end I feel like I’d rather be truthful and poor than deceptive and wealthy. And that just about brings this account to an end.  Fortunately, I still have my health.  I’m back on my meds; my medical doctor never abandoned me. My family is supporting me.  The County is assisting me.  Luckily God blessed me with an extremely high level of intelligence, because I’ve probably lost a third of it and I can still pretty much mentally outrace anybody I know.  My computer skills are outstanding, my management capabilities are sharp, my desire to teach and my work ethic are as rock-solid as ever. But I don’t really like working for anybody any more.  I’m tired of spending grindstone hours fixing other people’s mistakes.  I want to write books, and that’s about the only thing that matters to me. I’m not really interested in diving back into the IT support world.  Most days I get up at 11, have coffee and a smoke on my balcony while reading a book or the paper, then I get on my PC for a few hours, then I go for a bike ride or a walk.  In the evening I have a leisurely meal and watch TV or listen to music.  I really hate to give that up …. There are still problems, to be sure.  I am unwilling, and probably unable, to work in any kind of structured environment – and I have developed a very strong dislike of the unwashed masses, the public, in general.  As I’ve mentioned, to me my only hope is my writing; I am trying to begin another novel – the one I was working on until it was taken from me I have had to concede as gone.  In addition, as some of you here know, on multiple occasions I could have been  arrested (or at the very least, sued for libel and slander) for making death threats against Jessica St. Clair; I routinely search the Internet to find new places at which she might be working or teaching, and I send off hateful and damaging letter to her supervisors or colleagues.  Her (my old) office is only two blocks away from my apartment; I’ve ridden my bike there at night and peered in the window, and I can still see my furniture and all the work I did, now used by JSC and her new office partner.  To this very moment I have to say that if I saw her on the street I cannot completely guarantee that I would not try to harm her. Is this any way to live a life?  Did I deserve this?  For fun, you can decide for yourself.  But it hasn’t been any fun for me. Mike Costello – compiled on February 19, 2003 – this is the account of my life up until now.  I am bipolar, I am not ashamed of saying so, but I will no longer respect or honor anybody that crosses my path with the intent of harming me or those I hold dear.  What else can I say? End – Finale

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – typed: An incredible story.  You are an excellent writer.  Keep writing from what you know and you will become successful.  If this is what feeds your soul then this is what you must do.  I think the world will be a better place with your words. c snip I would like to reiterate what Colleen says. It is indeed an incredible story. Thanks for sharing with us Mike Hilaire

I just broke into tears. Thanks, guys – finding this group has truly been a godsend.  Now I just have to learn to STAY HERE when I’m in my down phase, which today is about three days away (good ol MC clocks in at 5 days up, 3 days down – always).  Us "rapid swingers" can practically calendar our moods, and yet if not properly medicated we still fly all over the map as if we’d never seen a pharmacy in our life. But for me that’s part of the issue; I don’t like being medicated.  (Unless – of course – it’s something I smoke or something I got from some guy in an alley – why don’t they make a SMOKEABLE or SNORTABLE lithium?  I’d be all over that.) : ) and to think my dad’s main feeling about ASDMM is:  "You need to stay away from those crazies on the Internet and get yourself grounded with a real therapist!" (A real therapist?  From the county nut bin?  How interesting – that’s how DSV got her start here in Orange County!  I’ll be grounded all right – like a jet liner with a four-inch-wide crack running across its belly …) MC

Response:

Hey, Mike, you surely can write!  Definitely your calling now, I’d say.  I’d enthusiastically buy any book you wrote.  If only your saga you posted here in installments were fiction, I wouldn’t feel so guilty about thinking of it as the next novel I was reading–quickly, so I could see what happened next! Tell us when you do have a work ready to market; you can count on us to tell everyone we know.  In the meantime, I think your life is beautiful and I’m very glad I know you at least this much!    Kathy

Thank you very much, Kathy!  I appreciate your comments.  I don’t think "my life is beautiful", but perhaps when I begin to, it will be so!  Who nows? That’s why a therapist is a big need for me right now.  BP is not just the problem. MC

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – permanently into the ether: Then, DSV showed her own *true colors* while trying to enlist my aid in getting back at JSC through a massive malpractice lawsuit – which I would happily have supported – the only problem was, the star witness was me, lying through my teeth about things that, if true, would have made the case solid gold, and both of us rich, while completely humiliating and ruining the JSC’s  career.  Part of me desperately wanted to go through with it, if for no other reason than to create a wonderful Hell On Earth for JSC to rot in, before she goes to the real one.  But, I’ve lied a lot in my lifetime and I’m sick of it.  In the end I feel like I’d rather be truthful and poor than deceptive and wealthy. Now that is INTEGRITY!  I’m proud of you!

<sniff Thanks!  I wish I could feel that way about myself – that’s the biggest problem.  I’ve always basically equated myself with a lump of shit, and around 40 that kind of feeling really magnifies.  I have to make some changes … MC

Response:

Hey, Mike, you surely can write!  Definitely your calling now, I’d say.  I’d enthusiastically buy any book you wrote.  If only your saga you posted here in installments were fiction, I wouldn’t feel so guilty about thinking of it as the next novel I was reading–quickly, so I could see what happened next! Tell us when you do have a work ready to market; you can count on us to tell everyone we know.  In the meantime, I think your life is beautiful and I’m very glad I know you at least this much!    Kathy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I learned exactly what the worst-case scenario for unmedicated bipolar can be – I lived it, minus the forced hospitalizations and suicide.  Those are about the only things I did not do.  I had to kiss my Landcruiser goodbye – I had to just walk away from my own vehicle because it was impounded and I couldn’t afford the fees, and because I was in trouble with the law.  It will be some time before I have a license again – imagine the embarrassment of somebody who had to just "walk away" from their own vehicle.  Now I walk, ride my bike or take the bus anywhere I need to go. Finally, the one doctor I’ve trusted for a long time finally convinced me to come down from the mountain top and start taking my meds again.  He put me on disability (state for now, we’ll reevaluate about permanent in eight or nine months).  DSV began to heal, although as I mentioned previously she needed one more major surgery.  Our relationship had gone so far beyond therapist-patient that I felt I was no longer receiving any kind of help, and I was angry about what had happened.  Then, DSV showed her own *true colors* while trying to enlist my aid in getting back at JSC through a massive malpractice lawsuit – which I would happily have supported – the only problem was, the star witness was me, lying through my teeth about things that, if true, would have made the case solid gold, and both of us rich, while completely humiliating and ruining the JSC’s  career.  Part of me desperately wanted to go through with it, if for no other reason than to create a wonderful Hell On Earth for JSC to rot in, before she goes to the real one.  But, I’ve lied a lot in my lifetime and I’m sick of it.  In the end I feel like I’d rather be truthful and poor than deceptive and wealthy. And that just about brings this account to an end.  Fortunately, I still have my health.  I’m back on my meds; my medical doctor never abandoned me. My family is supporting me.  The County is assisting me.  Luckily God blessed me with an extremely high level of intelligence, because I’ve probably lost a third of it and I can still pretty much mentally outrace anybody I know.  My computer skills are outstanding, my management capabilities are sharp, my desire to teach and my work ethic are as rock-solid as ever. But I don’t really like working for anybody any more.  I’m tired of spending grindstone hours fixing other people’s mistakes.  I want to write books, and that’s about the only thing that matters to me. I’m not really interested in diving back into the IT support world.  Most days I get up at 11, have coffee and a smoke on my balcony while reading a book or the paper, then I get on my PC for a few hours, then I go for a bike ride or a walk.  In the evening I have a leisurely meal and watch TV or listen to music.  I really hate to give that up …. There are still problems, to be sure.  I am unwilling, and probably unable, to work in any kind of structured environment – and I have developed a very strong dislike of the unwashed masses, the public, in general.  As I’ve mentioned, to me my only hope is my writing; I am trying to begin another novel – the one I was working on until it was taken from me I have had to concede as gone.  In addition, as some of you here know, on multiple occasions I could have been  arrested (or at the very least, sued for libel and slander) for making death threats against Jessica St. Clair; I routinely search the Internet to find new places at which she might be working or teaching, and I send off hateful and damaging letter to her supervisors or colleagues.  Her (my old) office is only two blocks away from my apartment; I’ve ridden my bike there at night and peered in the window, and I can still see my furniture and all the work I did, now used by JSC and her new office partner.  To this very moment I have to say that if I saw her on the street I cannot completely guarantee that I would not try to harm her. Is this any way to live a life?  Did I deserve this?  For fun, you can decide for yourself.  But it hasn’t been any fun for me. Mike Costello – compiled on February 19, 2003 – this is the account of my life up until now.  I am bipolar, I am not ashamed of saying so, but I will no longer respect or honor anybody that crosses my path with the intent of harming me or those I hold dear.  What else can I say? End – Finale

Response:

into the ether: Then, DSV showed her own *true colors* while trying to enlist my aid in getting back at JSC through a massive malpractice lawsuit – which I would happily have supported – the only problem was, the star witness was me, lying through my teeth about things that, if true, would have made the case solid gold, and both of us rich, while completely humiliating and ruining the JSC’s  career.  Part of me desperately wanted to go through with it, if for no other reason than to create a wonderful Hell On Earth for JSC to rot in, before she goes to the real one.  But, I’ve lied a lot in my lifetime and I’m sick of it.  In the end I feel like I’d rather be truthful and poor than deceptive and wealthy.

Now that is INTEGRITY!  I’m proud of you! Nancy administrator/creator/moderator alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated) alt.support.depression.manic.moderated to email me from news groups, just remove the Z.

Response:

An incredible story.  You are an excellent writer.  Keep writing from what you know and you will become successful.  If this is what feeds your soul then this is what you must do.  I think the world will be a better place with your words. c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I learned exactly what the worst-case scenario for unmedicated bipolar can be – I lived it, minus the forced hospitalizations and suicide.  Those are about the only things I did not do.  I had to kiss my Landcruiser goodbye – I had to just walk away from my own vehicle because it was impounded and I couldn’t afford the fees, and because I was in trouble with the law.  It will be some time before I have a license again – imagine the embarrassment of somebody who had to just "walk away" from their own vehicle.  Now I walk, ride my bike or take the bus anywhere I need to go. Finally, the one doctor I’ve trusted for a long time finally convinced me to come down from the mountain top and start taking my meds again.  He put me on disability (state for now, we’ll reevaluate about permanent in eight or nine months).  DSV began to heal, although as I mentioned previously she needed one more major surgery.  Our relationship had gone so far beyond therapist-patient that I felt I was no longer receiving any kind of help, and I was angry about what had happened.  Then, DSV showed her own *true colors* while trying to enlist my aid in getting back at JSC through a massive malpractice lawsuit – which I would happily have supported – the only problem was, the star witness was me, lying through my teeth about things that, if true, would have made the case solid gold, and both of us rich, while completely humiliating and ruining the JSC’s  career.  Part of me desperately wanted to go through with it, if for no other reason than to create a wonderful Hell On Earth for JSC to rot in, before she goes to the real one.  But, I’ve lied a lot in my lifetime and I’m sick of it.  In the end I feel like I’d rather be truthful and poor than deceptive and wealthy. And that just about brings this account to an end.  Fortunately, I still have my health.  I’m back on my meds; my medical doctor never abandoned me. My family is supporting me.  The County is assisting me.  Luckily God blessed me with an extremely high level of intelligence, because I’ve probably lost a third of it and I can still pretty much mentally outrace anybody I know.  My computer skills are outstanding, my management capabilities are sharp, my desire to teach and my work ethic are as rock-solid as ever. But I don’t really like working for anybody any more.  I’m tired of spending grindstone hours fixing other people’s mistakes.  I want to write books, and that’s about the only thing that matters to me. I’m not really interested in diving back into the IT support world.  Most days I get up at 11, have coffee and a smoke on my balcony while reading a book or the paper, then I get on my PC for a few hours, then I go for a bike ride or a walk.  In the evening I have a leisurely meal and watch TV or listen to music.  I really hate to give that up …. There are still problems, to be sure.  I am unwilling, and probably unable, to work in any kind of structured environment – and I have developed a very strong dislike of the unwashed masses, the public, in general.  As I’ve mentioned, to me my only hope is my writing; I am trying to begin another novel – the one I was working on until it was taken from me I have had to concede as gone.  In addition, as some of you here know, on multiple occasions I could have been  arrested (or at the very least, sued for libel and slander) for making death threats against Jessica St. Clair; I routinely search the Internet to find new places at which she might be working or teaching, and I send off hateful and damaging letter to her supervisors or colleagues.  Her (my old) office is only two blocks away from my apartment; I’ve ridden my bike there at night and peered in the window, and I can still see my furniture and all the work I did, now used by JSC and her new office partner.  To this very moment I have to say that if I saw her on the street I cannot completely guarantee that I would not try to harm her. Is this any way to live a life?  Did I deserve this?  For fun, you can decide for yourself.  But it hasn’t been any fun for me. Mike Costello – compiled on February 19, 2003 – this is the account of my life up until now.  I am bipolar, I am not ashamed of saying so, but I will no longer respect or honor anybody that crosses my path with the intent of harming me or those I hold dear.  What else can I say? End – Finale

Response:

I learned exactly what the worst-case scenario for unmedicated bipolar can be – I lived it, minus the forced hospitalizations and suicide.  Those are about the only things I did not do.  I had to kiss my Landcruiser goodbye – I had to just walk away from my own vehicle because it was impounded and I couldn’t afford the fees, and because I was in trouble with the law.  It will be some time before I have a license again – imagine the embarrassment of somebody who had to just "walk away" from their own vehicle.  Now I walk, ride my bike or take the bus anywhere I need to go. Finally, the one doctor I’ve trusted for a long time finally convinced me to come down from the mountain top and start taking my meds again.  He put me on disability (state for now, we’ll reevaluate about permanent in eight or nine months).  DSV began to heal, although as I mentioned previously she needed one more major surgery.  Our relationship had gone so far beyond therapist-patient that I felt I was no longer receiving any kind of help, and I was angry about what had happened.  Then, DSV showed her own *true colors* while trying to enlist my aid in getting back at JSC through a massive malpractice lawsuit – which I would happily have supported – the only problem was, the star witness was me, lying through my teeth about things that, if true, would have made the case solid gold, and both of us rich, while completely humiliating and ruining the JSC’s  career.  Part of me desperately wanted to go through with it, if for no other reason than to create a wonderful Hell On Earth for JSC to rot in, before she goes to the real one.  But, I’ve lied a lot in my lifetime and I’m sick of it.  In the end I feel like I’d rather be truthful and poor than deceptive and wealthy. And that just about brings this account to an end.  Fortunately, I still have my health.  I’m back on my meds; my medical doctor never abandoned me. My family is supporting me.  The County is assisting me.  Luckily God blessed me with an extremely high level of intelligence, because I’ve probably lost a third of it and I can still pretty much mentally outrace anybody I know.  My computer skills are outstanding, my management capabilities are sharp, my desire to teach and my work ethic are as rock-solid as ever. But I don’t really like working for anybody any more.  I’m tired of spending grindstone hours fixing other people’s mistakes.  I want to write books, and that’s about the only thing that matters to me. I’m not really interested in diving back into the IT support world.  Most days I get up at 11, have coffee and a smoke on my balcony while reading a book or the paper, then I get on my PC for a few hours, then I go for a bike ride or a walk.  In the evening I have a leisurely meal and watch TV or listen to music.  I really hate to give that up …. There are still problems, to be sure.  I am unwilling, and probably unable, to work in any kind of structured environment – and I have developed a very strong dislike of the unwashed masses, the public, in general.  As I’ve mentioned, to me my only hope is my writing; I am trying to begin another novel – the one I was working on until it was taken from me I have had to concede as gone.  In addition, as some of you here know, on multiple occasions I could have been  arrested (or at the very least, sued for libel and slander) for making death threats against Jessica St. Clair; I routinely search the Internet to find new places at which she might be working or teaching, and I send off hateful and damaging letter to her supervisors or colleagues.  Her (my old) office is only two blocks away from my apartment; I’ve ridden my bike there at night and peered in the window, and I can still see my furniture and all the work I did, now used by JSC and her new office partner.  To this very moment I have to say that if I saw her on the street I cannot completely guarantee that I would not try to harm her. Is this any way to live a life?  Did I deserve this?  For fun, you can decide for yourself.  But it hasn’t been any fun for me. Mike Costello – compiled on February 19, 2003 – this is the account of my life up until now.  I am bipolar, I am not ashamed of saying so, but I will no longer respect or honor anybody that crosses my path with the intent of harming me or those I hold dear.  What else can I say? End – Finale

Response:

Question:

To those on Neurontin – have you acclimated to the tired part?  If so, how long did it take, and how long at each dosage raise? Thanks, Jen

Response:

Jen I still seem to get extremely fatigued EACH time I up the dose….try adding the next dose at bedtime…that helps some.. When I finally did climb up to 3600mg per day,,,,I had pretty much overcome the daytime fatigue…it IS a challenging drug!! good luck rb Hawki…..the nurse practitioner

Response:

To those on Neurontin – have you acclimated to the tired part?  If so, how long did it take, and how long at each dosage raise? Thanks, Jen

I sometimes still get sleepy, which I consider good because then I nap. Have to grab sleep when I can get it, LOL I am up to 800 mg 3 x a day.                                Laura, Keeper of the Hounds                     Servant to 4 Cats, Shadow, Terra, Storm, Shotzie.                                                    AKA                         Lady’s and Boomer’s Mom. Slave to the Cats.

Response:

At 200mg 3x day I no longer get sleepy, but I also don’t feel it is doing me any good… Typical. 4 me that is. Sometimes I think I’m the most drug-resistant person on the planet!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To those on Neurontin – have you acclimated to the tired part?  If so, how long did it take, and how long at each dosage raise? Thanks, Jen I sometimes still get sleepy, which I consider good because then I nap. Have to grab sleep when I can get it, LOL I am up to 800 mg 3 x a day.                                Laura, Keeper of the Hounds                     Servant to 4 Cats, Shadow, Terra, Storm, Shotzie.                                                    AKA                         Lady’s and Boomer’s Mom. Slave to the Cats.

Response:

At 200mg 3x day I no longer get sleepy, but I also don’t feel it is doing me any good… Typical. 4 me that is. Sometimes I think I’m the most drug-resistant person on the planet!

My wife (73 years old) has been "titrating" dosages of Neurontin to deal with neuropathic pain in her legs.  She started at 100 mg 3xday. No help. Then went to 200 mg 3xday. Still no help.  Now she’s on 200 mg in the am; 400 mg (plus Vioxx 25mg and ES Tylenol) at midday; then 200 mg (w/Vioxx and ES Tylenol) at or near bedtime.  I think before she’s through, she and her doc will settle out near this latest arrangement.  She has mild sedation effects from the Neurontin but when she is able to get back on her exercise regime, I think these may become negligible. Hope this helps. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To those on Neurontin – have you acclimated to the tired part?  If so, how long did it take, and how long at each dosage raise? Thanks, Jen I sometimes still get sleepy, which I consider good because then I nap. Have to grab sleep when I can get it, LOL I am up to 800 mg 3 x a day.                                Laura, Keeper of the Hounds                     Servant to 4 Cats, Shadow, Terra, Storm, Shotzie.                                                    AKA                         Lady’s and Boomer’s Mom. Slave to the Cats.

Response:

I am on neorontin for 1 year now…and i find it good…I get tired very easy ..I take 3 "800" mg a day . I take them all at bed time plus I am on paxil..I have myofacial…     i got sick after i gave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At 200mg 3x day I no longer get sleepy, but I also don’t feel it is doing me any good… Typical. 4 me that is. Sometimes I think I’m the most drug-resistant person on the planet! To those on Neurontin – have you acclimated to the tired part?  If so, how long did it take, and how long at each dosage raise? Thanks, Jen I sometimes still get sleepy, which I consider good because then I nap. Have to grab sleep when I can get it, LOL I am up to 800 mg 3 x a day.                                Laura, Keeper of the Hounds                     Servant to 4 Cats, Shadow, Terra, Storm, Shotzie.                                                    AKA                         Lady’s and Boomer’s Mom. Slave to the Cats.

Response:

Hi you need  to get your doctor to up your meds to 1200mg 3x a day it has been working for me for 3 year’s now. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At 200mg 3x day I no longer get sleepy, but I also don’t feel it is doing me any good… Typical. 4 me that is. Sometimes I think I’m the most drug-resistant person on the planet! To those on Neurontin – have you acclimated to the tired part?  If so, how long did it take, and how long at each dosage raise? Thanks, Jen I sometimes still get sleepy, which I consider good because then I nap. Have to grab sleep when I can get it, LOL I am up to 800 mg 3 x a day.                                Laura, Keeper of the Hounds                     Servant to 4 Cats, Shadow, Terra, Storm, Shotzie.                                                    AKA                         Lady’s and Boomer’s Mom. Slave to the Cats.

Response:

Question:

Judy, what brand and what model is this bed? M

Response:

I also sleep on a high quality foam core cotton futon.  It’s nice, and doesn’t cost very much. Jean Mc.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have tried spring, air, latex mattresses and none of them worked. I am now interested in purchasing a Tempurpedic memory foam mattress. I also have fibromyalgia. Anyone have any suggestions or luck with Tempurpedic type Odd as it may seem, I sleep best on a high quality foam core cotton futon. Judith

Response:

Anyone have any suggestions or luck with Tempurpedic type

We love our Select Comfort. I have RA and FMS. julie molli

Response:

I went thru the same dilemna about a year ago.  I got so many opinions it confused me more.  Finally I met a saleslady who was a former nurse (like me), she convinced me finally (thick skull) that I need something soft to sleep on. She just about had me 100% convinced when she showed me one mattress set with a 50-50 split on the top….half was firm…half was plush.  This works good for me because if my shoulders or hips hurt, the plush side if best, if my back is bothering me, I prefer the firmer side. This is a queen-size, btw.  I also had tried out every mattress in the store by sitting on the edge to see which would collapse the least.  Well, the most expensive ones collapsed the most, to the dismay of the salesclerks, so fortunately I did not have to pay top dollar for my mattress.  I know people with the Tempurpedic and they say they like them, but they never say they love them or are crazy about them.  I can say that I do love my new mattress set. BTW, I have RA and fibro. Judy Wisconsin

Response:

Nann, It was the tempur-pedic and they even tell yo in the literature that the smell will be intense for a while.  I used all of my tricks including an indutrial ozone machine to outgass that thing and it still took forever.  When we get new eggcrates for the office we let them set for a month before we use them as we have a number of MCS people but this was way beyond that.  You wouldn’t even want it in the house with you for a while.  There is a topper product that my front house tenant has that is some kind of gel stuff that is so comfortable and was fairly inert when she got it.  I’ll find out what it is and let you know. M

Response:

I have tried spring, air, latex mattresses and none of them worked. I am now interested in purchasing a Tempurpedic memory foam mattress. I also have fibromyalgia. Anyone have any suggestions or luck with Tempurpedic type

Odd as it may seem, I sleep best on a high quality foam core cotton futon. Judith

Response:

I also had a tempur-pedic before I got a select comfort.  I was so much happier with my select comfort.  They do have that 30 day trial period thing but the one thing I will tell you is that they have a very intense smell that takes months to outgas.  I actually had to keep mine in the garage for several months before the smell was tolerable.

Is this the tempur-pedic that had the outgassing problems? I’ve been thinking about getting a topper for our futon as this costo thing  has my ribs so tender that I often want more cushioning when I lie down. But with my allergies, outgassing could be a problem (and we have nowhere to air it out for now). Nann cut the Gator cheer to email me I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells. – Dr Seuss

Response:

I am sleeping on a Cuddle Ewe wool matress pad. It is costly close to $300 but I can tell a difference whn I sleep at MIL’s house. Even though she has very good matresses I miss my Cuddle Ewe. http://www.cuddleewe.com/ I do not work for the company nor do I get a kickback. There is a 90 day guarantee. I got mine back in October and have not regretted it at all. Kim W – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have tried spring, air, latex mattresses and none of them worked. I am now interested in purchasing a Tempurpedic memory foam mattress. I also have fibromyalgia. Anyone have any suggestions or luck with Tempurpedic type

Response:

I also had a tempur-pedic before I got a select comfort.  I was so much happier with my select comfort.  They do have that 30 day trial period thing but the one thing I will tell you is that they have a very intense smell that takes months to outgas.  I actually had to keep mine in the garage for several months before the smell was tolerable. Melinda

Response:

I have tried spring, air, latex mattresses and none of them worked. I am now interested in purchasing a Tempurpedic memory foam mattress. I also have fibromyalgia. Anyone have any suggestions or luck with Tempurpedic type

Response:

I had one and got rid of it for the air mattress.  I really need to be able to change the pressure several times each night. — DeLores Wilson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have tried spring, air, latex mattresses and none of them worked. I am now interested in purchasing a Tempurpedic memory foam mattress. I also have fibromyalgia. Anyone have any suggestions or luck with Tempurpedic type

Response:

Question:

Explain this to me: my saliva tests consistently after 2 hours of not drinking or eating, at 7.8 (alkaline), while my wife’s and sister’s and mother ( who is 96) test at 6-6.2 ( acid). The premise that is bandied about, is that saliva alkaline ph is indicative of general good health, while acid is the converse ( also, cancer could be indicative if one’s saliva tests acid). If that is the case, why do I feel lousy most of the time ( pains, and aches etc) while the rest of my family who test acid, feel  "great to good"???? Any one have an explanation??

    Not an explanation, but I would go and get checked for fibromyalgia. If the pains and aches are consistent on both sides of the body, that is a good indicator. If by feeling lousy, you mean fatigued. That is another sign. I suffered for close to 15 years before I finally found a doctor who could help. I know nothing of mouth PH though.                      Justin

–      Ya’at’eeh, Greg     Breaking things since 1956     http://members.home.net/nosalwoodbender

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Explain this to me: my saliva tests consistently after 2 hours of not drinking or eating, at 7.8 (alkaline), while my wife’s and sister’s and mother ( who is 96) test at 6-6.2 ( acid). The premise that is bandied about, is that saliva alkaline ph is indicative of general good health, while acid is the converse ( also, cancer could be indicative if one’s saliva tests acid). If that is the case, why do I feel lousy most of the time ( pains, and aches etc) while the rest of my family who test acid, feel  "great to good"???? Any one have an explanation??                      Justin

That’s because the pH drivel is BS, as you’ve found out.

Response:

Explain this to me: my saliva tests consistently after 2 hours of not drinking or eating, at 7.8 (alkaline), while my wife’s and sister’s and mother ( who is 96) test at 6-6.2 ( acid). The premise that is bandied about, is that saliva alkaline ph is indicative of general good health, while acid is the converse ( also, cancer could be indicative if one’s saliva tests acid). If that is the case, why do I feel lousy most of the time ( pains, and aches etc) while the rest of my family who test acid, feel  "great to good"???? Any one have an explanation??                      Justin

Your saliva pH is best tested immediately upon awakening.  Try checking it then. Cher (Who believes your assumptions of others, speaks truths about yourself). Healthy Blessings..        O/ Let Freedom Ring!

Response:

Your saliva pH is best tested immediately upon awakening.  Try checking it then. Cher (Who believes your assumptions of others, speaks truths about yourself). Healthy Blessings..        O/ Let Freedom Ring!

Here’s a good article and some books on acidity: http://www.healthresearchbooks.com/articles/ph.htm Carole http://www.austarmetro.com.au/~hubbca – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Your saliva pH is best tested immediately upon awakening.  Try checking it then.

Sometimes I sleep with my mouth open, sometimes it’s closed.  Would that change the pH? I went to bed once with a "chewable vitamin" tablet that I was supposed to suck.  When I woke up in the morning it was still there.  Would that change my saliva pH? How about if I drank warm milk as I went to sleep? Perhaps saliva pH is best tested with the brain turned off. — Oisin  "Curly++"  Curtin   SURVIVOR    http://pages.infinit.net/curlypp/

Response:

Explain this to me: my saliva tests consistently after 2 hours of not drinking or eating, at 7.8 (alkaline), while my wife’s and sister’s and mother ( who is 96) test at 6-6.2 ( acid). The premise that is bandied about, is that saliva alkaline ph is indicative of general good health, while acid is the converse ( also, cancer could be indicative if one’s saliva tests acid). If that is the case, why do I feel lousy most of the time ( pains, and aches etc) while the rest of my family who test acid, feel  "great to good"???? Any one have an explanation??

    Sure. It’s BS.

Response:

Question:

Thanks you guys, it is so good to be back.      You know, I have been afraid of this happening. I had back surgery 1n 1996, and I knew I would have to have it again. But it is worrisome because of the interaction of pain meds for your back and your headache. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I tend to not go to the Dr. so much for other stuff.  I have so much to deal with medically and monetarily with my headaches, that there is a reluctance to add any more to the mix.      Also, because I rebound and, and because strong pain meds ravage my body so, I get a real problem when I take pain meds too often, which in my case is two days in a  row. Because of this, the last few months, I have had to stop taking pain meds for my back for 2-3 days, in order to stop a headache caused my the pain meds. Then, my back is killing me(actualy my left leg and hip) and I can’t do anything but lay on my left side, 24/7 and rock back and forth groaning. So back to the pain meds. Also, I end up taking  alot more Phenegran and Benedryl  and Ativan to try to control the side effects of the pain meds. The end is getting near, I believe. Thank God.    I know I am not the only one on this ng who has these worries, and I would sure like to hear how other people handle these types of situations. I know alot of you out there have really serious long term dual pain status’s. Thanks, Sue

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sue – Your symptoms sound like the sciatica I had from a herniated disk several years ago. So just to present another side – a cat-scan showed the hernia in the disk, so I had surgery and I’ve been fine ever since. It was called micro-surgery so the incision was small, and as surgeries go, it was easy. I was up walking the next day – relatively pain free! (Although my back was stiff for quite some time.) I couldn’t sit for a few weeks afterwards on doctor’s orders, but once I got through the recovery period, my back has been better than ever. I know many people have a strong bias against surgical correction for a back problem, and maybe for good reason, but for me, it worked! I just wished they had operated sooner – there is some residual permanent damage to the nerve in my leg and foot. Good luck on whatever course you end up on! Phyllis Sue.  I know what you mean.  Pain medications give me a headache, too. Do you have a slipped disk or cracked bone in your back?  The reason I ask is I have sciatica which makes me a lot like you prescribe.  I know I am going to get flak for saying this but I am going to say it anyway.  I went to a chiropractor (throw fruit, throw tomatoes, boo, etc.) and he fixed me up right away.  I went to him because all doctors do is prescribe drugs and want to cut.  It worked for me. — Val in Boise "  Thanks- I hope it will be better. I have arthritis in my hips, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, bone spurs and some congenital malformation in the hips.  My siblings, who share these traits, all had back surgery before they turned 30.

   This time, the dr. told me that my weight gain had really exacerbated my problem. I told dr. Merle that, and we are going to try a different preventative med than the Elavil. Since increasing the dosage, I have gained 60 pounds. But I want to wait until Im off any pain medication for my back and that situation stabilizes. Trying different preventative meds is not something that I am looking forward to. But there are a couple of things out there I have not tried, and maybe one of them will do the trick. I did notice the difference, this time, of how people treat you when you tell them about back surgery vs. chronic migraine. I got meals, errands run, prayers in church, housecleaning, flowers, etc.. for my back surgery. For migraines-de nada. And for all my back problems, I have had nothing but impatience.Well, I guess it’s the difference between the known and unknown. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sue

Response:

Sue – Your symptoms sound like the sciatica I had from a herniated disk several years ago. So just to present another side – a cat-scan showed the hernia in the disk, so I had surgery and I’ve been fine ever since. It was called micro-surgery so the incision was small, and as surgeries go, it was easy. I was up walking the next day – relatively pain free! (Although my back was stiff for quite some time.) I couldn’t sit for a few weeks afterwards on doctor’s orders, but once I got through the recovery period, my back has been better than ever. I know many people have a strong bias against surgical correction for a back problem, and maybe for good reason, but for me, it worked! I just wished they had operated sooner – there is some residual permanent damage to the nerve in my leg and foot. Good luck on whatever course you end up on! Phyllis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sue.  I know what you mean.  Pain medications give me a headache, too. Do you have a slipped disk or cracked bone in your back?  The reason I ask is I have sciatica which makes me a lot like you prescribe.  I know I am going to get flak for saying this but I am going to say it anyway.  I went to a chiropractor (throw fruit, throw tomatoes, boo, etc.) and he fixed me up right away.  I went to him because all doctors do is prescribe drugs and want to cut.  It worked for me. — Val in Boise "

Response:

Sue.  I know what you mean.  Pain medications give me a headache, too. Do you have a slipped disk or cracked bone in your back?  The reason I ask is I have sciatica which makes me a lot like you prescribe.  I know I am going to get flak for saying this but I am going to say it anyway.  I went to a chiropractor (throw fruit, throw tomatoes, boo, etc.) and he fixed me up right away.  I went to him because all doctors do is prescribe drugs and want to cut.  It worked for me. — Val in Boise "

Response:

Question:

(posted wiht permission) ASDMM FAQ–Section 5, 6 and 7 FAQ5: "Ultra Rapid Cycling" by Lynda Cunningham FAQ6: "Choosing a Psychiatrist" by Christopher Lapp FAQ7: Search Engines and web sites FAQ5: "Ultra Rapid Cycling" by Lynda Cunningham URC can be a formidable condition to treat. Moods cycles so rapidly, one can barely come up for air. Unless someone is there to support the person who is URC it may be difficult to recognize what is happening…especially if the person is experiencing delusions or is paranoid. Treatment of a person with URC involves combination therapy.often with one of the new mood stabilizers – MS  (Neurontin, Lamictal, and Topomax). These may be used together or may be added to the older MS such as Lithium, Tegretol, and Depakote. The use of antipsychotics (Zyprexa. Risperdal, Seroquel) are used in during a manic episode. They are effective in curbing, agitation, irritation, and delusuions. Often, they are only needed short term but a person may benefit from a longer trial. There is effective treatment for people with URC but it is essential for one’s pdoc to be made aware of hese mood swings. Delaying treatment can be hazardous to those who are experiencing these rapid swings in mood as well as to one’s family and friends. FAQ6: "Choosing a Psychiatrist" by Christopher Lapp: Success in treatment of mental illnesses like bipolar condition can hinge on the successful relationship between the patient and the doctor.  I firmly believe that people with mental illness should find the most experienced, most accessible physician possible as a prerequisite to the disciplined and thoroughgoing pursuit of the correct combination of drugs and lifestyle changes necessary to maintain a stable mental state.   But what is a good psychiatrist?   I have, in my treatment uncovered what I believe to be a philosophical set of principles that creates the right relationship between the doctor and the patient: Here are the principles: 1. The doctor must empathize with the patients illness and have an emotional understanding of the drugs and lifestyle changes that the doctor is asking the patient to embark on.  An example is the dry mouth and skin some drugs cause, or drooling, and how to treat it. Perhaps suggesting a high fiber diet to offset the constipation resulting from a drug.  A doctor should be concerned enough about weight gain from medications to be able to recommend a treatment center, should it become a problem. 2. The doctor should be happy about the success of the patient in treatment and concerned when things don’t go well.  The doctor should have a personal satisfaction interest in seeing that you do well.  It should be expressed as a willingness to spend time researching the correct, perhaps innovative, perhaps conservative alternative to an unsuccessful therapy regime.  A doctor once went through fifteen years of medical history to find a drug which was used successfully, but was switched due to some minor side effect, as a replacement to a drug that had failed the patient.  A doctor must be willing to do his homework in the course of treatment. 3. He must see his efforts to treat you as his contribution to improving the human condition, and not as a tool to make money regardless of the outcome of the treatment. He must subscribe to the Hippocratic oath. 4. He must communicate the personal responsibilities of the the patient toward the treatment and the doctor, and he must be prepared to consistently apply those principles.   He must demand you take your medicine, but he must also keep track of the your prescription renewal times and the drugs you are on as part of his service.   He must demand you make all appointments on time, but he must also make every effort to not summarily cancel appointments for personal reasons.  He should demand you tell the truth about your symptoms and side effects and general health and mental state, but he must also be willing to make changes in response to those complaints. 5. In short the psychiatrist must enter into a mutually advantageous relationship with the patient, where treatment, costs and benefits are balanced so the patient gets treated to the highest standards in the psychiatric profession, and the doctor gets compensated for his efforts.  That is in my mind the best relationship between a patient and the doctor. FAQ7: Search Engines and Web Sites Try this site  http://www.highway61.com   and type in drug in question. You can also use an Alta Vista search. Another medical site is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ Health & Medical Search Engines http://www.healthcareforums.com/sengines_frame.html Contains: Internets – search 1000 databases MedHunt by HON CiteLine by Citizen 1 Open Directory Project by NewHoo (just purchased by Netscape) Bookmark this great new resource.  http://www.isleuth.com/usen.html is a site that allows you to type in specific things, like a particular drug, and get a large list of references both at drug web sites and from dejanews listings of newsgroup discussions.  This information courtesy of runner1, one of of our resident researchers. Then there is the following list compiled by James Milton: Health & Medical Search Engines http://www.healthcareforums.com/sengines_frame.html Contains: Internets – search 1000 databases MedHunt by HON CiteLine by Citizen 1 Open Directory Project by NewHoo (just purchased by Netscape) — Lynda Nancy to email me, remove the Z. administrator/creator/moderator alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated) alt.support.depression.manic.moderated

Response:

(posted wiht permission) ASDMM FAQ–Section 5, 6 and 7 FAQ5: "Ultra Rapid Cycling" by Lynda Cunningham FAQ6: "Choosing a Psychiatrist" by Christopher Lapp FAQ7: Search Engines and web sites FAQ5: "Ultra Rapid Cycling" by Lynda Cunningham URC can be a formidable condition to treat. Moods cycles so rapidly, one can barely come up for air. Unless someone is there to support the person who is URC it may be difficult to recognize what is happening…especially if the person is experiencing delusions or is paranoid. Treatment of a person with URC involves combination therapy.often with one of the new mood stabilizers – MS  (Neurontin, Lamictal, and Topomax). These may be used together or may be added to the older MS such as Lithium, Tegretol, and Depakote. The use of antipsychotics (Zyprexa. Risperdal, Seroquel) are used in during a manic episode. They are effective in curbing, agitation, irritation, and delusuions. Often, they are only needed short term but a person may benefit from a longer trial. There is effective treatment for people with URC but it is essential for one’s pdoc to be made aware of hese mood swings. Delaying treatment can be hazardous to those who are experiencing these rapid swings in mood as well as to one’s family and friends. FAQ6: "Choosing a Psychiatrist" by Christopher Lapp: Success in treatment of mental illnesses like bipolar condition can hinge on the successful relationship between the patient and the doctor.  I firmly believe that people with mental illness should find the most experienced, most accessible physician possible as a prerequisite to the disciplined and thoroughgoing pursuit of the correct combination of drugs and lifestyle changes necessary to maintain a stable mental state.   But what is a good psychiatrist? I have, in my treatment uncovered what I believe to be a philosophical set of principles that creates the right relationship between the doctor and the patient: Here are the principles: 1. The doctor must empathize with the patients illness and have an emotional understanding of the drugs and lifestyle changes that the doctor is asking the patient to embark on.  An example is the dry mouth and skin some drugs cause, or drooling, and how to treat it.   Perhaps suggesting a high fiber diet to offset the constipation resulting from a drug.  A doctor should be concerned enough about weight gain from medications to be able to recommend a treatment center, should it become a problem. 2. The doctor should be happy about the success of the patient in treatment and concerned when things don’t go well.  The doctor should have a personal satisfaction interest in seeing that you do well.  It should be expressed as a willingness to spend time researching the correct, perhaps innovative, perhaps conservative alternative to an unsuccessful therapy regime.  A doctor once went through fifteen years of medical history to find a drug which was used successfully, but was switched due to some minor side effect, as a replacement to a drug that had failed the patient.  A doctor must be willing to do his homework in the course of treatment. 3. He must see his efforts to treat you as his contribution to improving the human condition, and not as a tool to make money regardless of the outcome of the treatment. He must subscribe to the Hippocratic oath. 4. He must communicate the personal responsibilities of the the patient toward the treatment and the doctor, and he must be prepared to consistently apply those principles.   He must demand you take your medicine, but he must also keep track of the your prescription renewal times and the drugs you are on as part of his service.   He must demand you make all appointments on time, but he must also make every effort to not summarily cancel appointments for personal reasons.  He should demand you tell the truth about your symptoms and side effects and general health and mental state, but he must also be willing to make changes in response to those complaints. 5. In short the psychiatrist must enter into a mutually advantageous relationship with the patient, where treatment, costs and benefits are balanced so the patient gets treated to the highest standards in the psychiatric profession, and the doctor gets compensated for his efforts.  That is in my mind the best relationship between a patient and the doctor. FAQ7: Search Engines and Web Sites Try this site  http://www.highway61.com   and type in drug in question. You can also use an Alta Vista search. Another medical site is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ Health & Medical Search Engines http://www.healthcareforums.com/sengines_frame.html Contains: Internets – search 1000 databases MedHunt by HON CiteLine by Citizen 1 Open Directory Project by NewHoo (just purchased by Netscape) Bookmark this great new resource.  http://www.isleuth.com/usen.html is a site that allows you to type in specific things, like a particular drug, and get a large list of references both at drug web sites and from dejanews listings of newsgroup discussions.  This information courtesy of runner1, one of of our resident researchers. Then there is the following list compiled by James Milton: Health & Medical Search Engines http://www.healthcareforums.com/sengines_frame.html Contains: Internets – search 1000 databases MedHunt by HON CiteLine by Citizen 1 Open Directory Project by NewHoo (just purchased by Netscape) — Lynda Nancy to email me, remove the Z. administrator/creator/moderator alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated) alt.support.depression.manic.moderated

Response:

(posted wiht permission) ASDMM FAQ–Section 5, 6 and 7 FAQ5: "Ultra Rapid Cycling" by Lynda Cunningham FAQ6: "Choosing a Psychiatrist" by Christopher Lapp FAQ7: Search Engines and web sites FAQ5: "Ultra Rapid Cycling" by Lynda Cunningham URC can be a formidable condition to treat. Moods cycles so rapidly, one can barely come up for air. Unless someone is there to support the person who is URC it may be difficult to recognize what is happening…especially if the person is experiencing delusions or is paranoid. Treatment of a person with URC involves combination therapy.often with one of the new mood stabilizers – MS  (Neurontin, Lamictal, and Topomax). These may be used together or may be added to the older MS such as Lithium, Tegretol, and Depakote. The use of antipsychotics (Zyprexa. Risperdal, Seroquel) are used in during a manic episode. They are effective in curbing, agitation, irritation, and delusuions. Often, they are only needed short term but a person may benefit from a longer trial. There is effective treatment for people with URC but it is essential for one’s pdoc to be made aware of hese mood swings. Delaying treatment can be hazardous to those who are experiencing these rapid swings in mood as well as to one’s family and friends. FAQ6: "Choosing a Psychiatrist" by Christopher Lapp: Success in treatment of mental illnesses like bipolar condition can hinge on the successful relationship between the patient and the doctor.  I firmly believe that people with mental illness should find the most experienced, most accessible physician possible as a prerequisite to the disciplined and thoroughgoing pursuit of the correct combination of drugs and lifestyle changes necessary to maintain a stable mental state.   But what is a good psychiatrist?   I have, in my treatment uncovered what I believe to be a philosophical set of principles that creates the right relationship between the doctor and the patient: Here are the principles: 1. The doctor must empathize with the patients illness and have an emotional understanding of the drugs and lifestyle changes that the doctor is asking the patient to embark on.  An example is the dry mouth and skin some drugs cause, or drooling, and how to treat it. Perhaps suggesting a high fiber diet to offset the constipation resulting from a drug.  A doctor should be concerned enough about weight gain from medications to be able to recommend a treatment center, should it become a problem. 2. The doctor should be happy about the success of the patient in treatment and concerned when things don’t go well.  The doctor should have a personal satisfaction interest in seeing that you do well.  It should be expressed as a willingness to spend time researching the correct, perhaps innovative, perhaps conservative alternative to an unsuccessful therapy regime.  A doctor once went through fifteen years of medical history to find a drug which was used successfully, but was switched due to some minor side effect, as a replacement to a drug that had failed the patient.  A doctor must be willing to do his homework in the course of treatment. 3. He must see his efforts to treat you as his contribution to improving the human condition, and not as a tool to make money regardless of the outcome of the treatment. He must subscribe to the Hippocratic oath. 4. He must communicate the personal responsibilities of the the patient toward the treatment and the doctor, and he must be prepared to consistently apply those principles.   He must demand you take your medicine, but he must also keep track of the your prescription renewal times and the drugs you are on as part of his service.   He must demand you make all appointments on time, but he must also make every effort to not summarily cancel appointments for personal reasons.  He should demand you tell the truth about your symptoms and side effects and general health and mental state, but he must also be willing to make changes in response to those complaints. 5. In short the psychiatrist must enter into a mutually advantageous relationship with the patient, where treatment, costs and benefits are balanced so the patient gets treated to the highest standards in the psychiatric profession, and the doctor gets compensated for his efforts.  That is in my mind the best relationship between a patient and the doctor. FAQ7: Search Engines and Web Sites Try this site  http://www.highway61.com   and type in drug in question. You can also use an Alta Vista search. Another medical site is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ Health & Medical Search Engines http://www.healthcareforums.com/sengines_frame.html Contains: Internets – search 1000 databases MedHunt by HON CiteLine by Citizen 1 Open Directory Project by NewHoo (just purchased by Netscape) Bookmark this great new resource.  http://www.isleuth.com/usen.html is a site that allows you to type in specific things, like a particular drug, and get a large list of references both at drug web sites and from dejanews listings of newsgroup discussions.  This information courtesy of runner1, one of of our resident researchers. Then there is the following list compiled by James Milton: Health & Medical Search Engines http://www.healthcareforums.com/sengines_frame.html Contains: Internets – search 1000 databases MedHunt by HON CiteLine by Citizen 1 Open Directory Project by NewHoo (just purchased by Netscape) — Lynda

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(posted wiht permission) ASDMM FAQ–Section 5, 6 and 7 FAQ5: "Ultra Rapid Cycling" by Lynda Cunningham FAQ6: "Choosing a Psychiatrist" by Christopher Lapp FAQ7: Search Engines and web sites FAQ5: "Ultra Rapid Cycling" by Lynda Cunningham URC can be a formidable condition to treat. Moods cycles so rapidly, one can barely come up for air. Unless someone is there to support the person who is URC it may be difficult to recognize what is happening…especially if the person is experiencing delusions or is paranoid. Treatment of a person with URC involves combination therapy.often with one of the new mood stabilizers – MS  (Neurontin, Lamictal, and Topomax). These may be used together or may be added to the older MS such as Lithium, Tegretol, and Depakote. The use of antipsychotics (Zyprexa. Risperdal, Seroquel) are used in during a manic episode. They are effective in curbing, agitation, irritation, and delusuions. Often, they are only needed short term but a person may benefit from a longer trial. There is effective treatment for people with URC but it is essential for one’s pdoc to be made aware of hese mood swings. Delaying treatment can be hazardous to those who are experiencing these rapid swings in mood as well as to one’s family and friends. FAQ6: "Choosing a Psychiatrist" by Christopher Lapp: Success in treatment of mental illnesses like bipolar condition can hinge on the successful relationship between the patient and the doctor.  I firmly believe that people with mental illness should find the most experienced, most accessible physician possible as a prerequisite to the disciplined and thoroughgoing pursuit of the correct combination of drugs and lifestyle changes necessary to maintain a stable mental state.   But what is a good psychiatrist? I have, in my treatment uncovered what I believe to be a philosophical set of principles that creates the right relationship between the doctor and the patient: Here are the principles: 1. The doctor must empathize with the patients illness and have an emotional understanding of the drugs and lifestyle changes that the doctor is asking the patient to embark on.  An example is the dry mouth and skin some drugs cause, or drooling, and how to treat it.   Perhaps suggesting a high fiber diet to offset the constipation resulting from a drug.  A doctor should be concerned enough about weight gain from medications to be able to recommend a treatment center, should it become a problem. 2. The doctor should be happy about the success of the patient in treatment and concerned when things don’t go well.  The doctor should have a personal satisfaction interest in seeing that you do well.  It should be expressed as a willingness to spend time researching the correct, perhaps innovative, perhaps conservative alternative to an unsuccessful therapy regime.  A doctor once went through fifteen years of medical history to find a drug which was used successfully, but was switched due to some minor side effect, as a replacement to a drug that had failed the patient.  A doctor must be willing to do his homework in the course of treatment. 3. He must see his efforts to treat you as his contribution to improving the human condition, and not as a tool to make money regardless of the outcome of the treatment. He must subscribe to the Hippocratic oath. 4. He must communicate the personal responsibilities of the the patient toward the treatment and the doctor, and he must be prepared to consistently apply those principles.   He must demand you take your medicine, but he must also keep track of the your prescription renewal times and the drugs you are on as part of his service.   He must demand you make all appointments on time, but he must also make every effort to not summarily cancel appointments for personal reasons.  He should demand you tell the truth about your symptoms and side effects and general health and mental state, but he must also be willing to make changes in response to those complaints. 5. In short the psychiatrist must enter into a mutually advantageous relationship with the patient, where treatment, costs and benefits are balanced so the patient gets treated to the highest standards in the psychiatric profession, and the doctor gets compensated for his efforts.  That is in my mind the best relationship between a patient and the doctor. FAQ7: Search Engines and Web Sites Try this site  http://www.highway61.com   and type in drug in question. You can also use an Alta Vista search. Another medical site is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ Health & Medical Search Engines http://www.healthcareforums.com/sengines_frame.html Contains: Internets – search 1000 databases MedHunt by HON CiteLine by Citizen 1 Open Directory Project by NewHoo (just purchased by Netscape) Bookmark this great new resource.  http://www.isleuth.com/usen.html is a site that allows you to type in specific things, like a particular drug, and get a large list of references both at drug web sites and from dejanews listings of newsgroup discussions.  This information courtesy of runner1, one of of our resident researchers. Then there is the following list compiled by James Milton: Health & Medical Search Engines http://www.healthcareforums.com/sengines_frame.html Contains: Internets – search 1000 databases MedHunt by HON CiteLine by Citizen 1 Open Directory Project by NewHoo (just purchased by Netscape) — Lynda

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Question:

Semester is winding down. I have enjoyed teaching the graduate students. Exams are in 2 weeks. Each student has 1 hour to complete a physical exam. I am trying to decrease their stress. We are all going out after the last class next Thursday….some good food and company. o be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

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Semester is winding down. I have enjoyed teaching the graduate students. Exams are in 2 weeks. Each student has 1 hour to complete a physical exam. I am trying to decrease their stress. We are all going out after the last class next Thursday….some good food and company. o be, but the way they actually are. – Robert J. Ringer

I’m so glad you found a job you like!  And one with breaks in it!  Have a great party! Hugs, Nancy to email me, remove the Z. administrator/creator/moderator alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated) alt.support.depression.manic.moderated

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Question:

I’ve been taking Lamictal (75 mg/day) for a little over a year and have noticed a more frequent inability to remember names and words.  My ability to conceptualize and genrally speaking, think, is fine.  But the loss of words doesn’t help me to be able to express myself. I’m 57 yrs old and this may just be a function of age and not of the Lamictal – but I’m far from sure. Has anyone had any experience with this? TIA Louise

For me, just being BP has affected my memory and word search.  I retired at 39 for partly this reason–I could no longer do my job effectively.  I’ve never been on Lamicatal. Six months after retiring I got fibromyalgia–talk about memory loss. I used to write everything down–now I know just how much I didn’t write down–cause if I dont have a note in the right place–I will NOT remember.  I blame it on age and just being bp and fibro.  Not the meds–they help me think. As always, YMMV, Nancy to email me, remove the Z. administrator/creator/moderator alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated) alt.support.depression.manic.moderated

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I’ve taken 400 mg of Lamictal a day for about a year, and I have definitely noticed memory deficiencies, finding the right word especially.  I substitute words — "gentleman" for "generate" for example.  I don’t always notice, and my family has picked up the pattern.  I’ve just learned to finish speaking and not stop and fret.

Interesting pattern.  I think it worth mentioning to ALL your docs–as it may be a sign of something else altogether. Or it could be nothing–as I seem to remember getting excited when I was younger and having a similar experience. I loose words totally and find words around them to describe the word. So, I take a LOT more words to say what I wanted to in the first place.  I’ve been known to try to describe colors even. LOL Nancy to email me, remove the Z. administrator/creator/moderator alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated) alt.support.depression.manic.moderated

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I loose words totally and find words around them to describe the word. My family’s favorite is when I can’t remember the names for beverages. They’re all "juice."  They know "white juice" is milk, "plain juice" is water, "yellow juice" wine, "green juice" Mountain Dew, "brown juice" cola, and "red juice" any fruit juice. (I know I gave too many examples, but I have the words today, and darn it, I’m going to use every one of them!)

Oh Jane–ROFLOL  Boy do I KNOW that feeling. LOL Hugs, Nancy to email me, remove the Z. administrator/creator/moderator alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated) alt.support.depression.manic.moderated

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I’ve been taking Lamictal (75 mg/day) for a little over a year and have noticed a more frequent inability to remember names and words.  My ability to conceptualize and genrally speaking, think, is fine.  But the loss of words doesn’t help me to be able to express myself. I’m 57 yrs old and this may just be a function of age and not of the Lamictal – but I’m far from sure. Has anyone had any experience with this? TIA Louise

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Hi, Louise. I’ve taken 400 mg of Lamictal a day for about a year, and I have definitely noticed memory deficiencies, finding the right word especially.  I substitute words — "gentleman" for "generate" for example.  I don’t always notice, and my family has picked up the pattern.  I’ve just learned to finish speaking and not stop and fret. I’m 39, probably early for normal deterioration.  Neuropsych test results was perfectly normal because I could focus on the test without distractions. It’s worse when I’m busy or stressed — preoccupied in any way.  It wouldn’t matter so much if I weren’t a writer by trade. But one thing I DON’T forget is how bad things were as I stopped responding to lithium, so I’m considering this frustration a difficult but acceptable price.  I’m going to have some more good time before the next round of med changes. You’re not alone, Louise.  In case there’s another common link, I’m also on 400 mg of Wellbutrin and 100 mg of Celexa, along with 100 mcg Synthroid and the occasional 1 mg Ativan. Best wishes for good days, Jane – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been taking Lamictal (75 mg/day) for a little over a year and have noticed a more frequent inability to remember names and words.  My ability to conceptualize and genrally speaking, think, is fine.  But the loss of words doesn’t help me to be able to express myself. I’m 57 yrs old and this may just be a function of age and not of the Lamictal – but I’m far from sure. Has anyone had any experience with this?

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Question:

Does anyone have information on what exactly is an alpha intrusion. It was discovered in my initial sleep study.

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Bob Dickie wondered: > Does anyone have information on what exactly is an > alpha intrusion. It was discovered in my initial sleep study.

When the brain is awake, it has lots of alpha waves.  During deep sleep the brainwave patterns should switch mostly to delta waves (slow waves).  But sometimes, the alpha wave patterns tend to intrude.  This often results in an arousal (movement from deep sleep to lighter sleep).  If this occurs frequently, it results in minimal (or no) deep sleep, with resulting sleep deprivation. What causes this not understood.  However, it does seem to be a common problem amoung folks that have Fibromyalgia.  Having alpha wave intrusion does not mean you have fibro.  But having fibro seems to indicate alpha wave intrusion might be present. Some medications help restore a natural sleep pattern to sleep.  Trazodone (in subclinical dosages – not high enough to act as an antidepressant) seems to be one that helps. Regards, =jbf= John B. Fisher

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IMHO periodic breathing will also cause alpha intrusions John John B. Fisher <john_b_fis…@bellsouth.net> wrote in message news:J85U3.5181$zL5.11592@news3.mco… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Bob Dickie wondered: >> Does anyone have information on what exactly is an >> alpha intrusion. It was discovered in my initial sleep study. >When the brain is awake, it has lots of alpha waves.  During deep sleep the >brainwave patterns should switch mostly to delta waves (slow waves).  But >sometimes, the alpha wave patterns tend to intrude.  This often results in >an arousal (movement from deep sleep to lighter sleep).  If this occurs >frequently, it results in minimal (or no) deep sleep, with resulting sleep >deprivation. >What causes this not understood.  However, it does seem to be a common >problem amoung folks that have Fibromyalgia.  Having alpha wave intrusion >does not mean you have fibro.  But having fibro seems to indicate alpha wave >intrusion might be present. >Some medications help restore a natural sleep pattern to sleep.  Trazodone >(in subclinical dosages – not high enough to act as an antidepressant) seems >to be one that helps. >Regards, >=jbf= >John B. Fisher

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