Help Chronic Pain

Neurontin Question

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

How well does Neurontin work for anxiety or as a mood stabilizer? How many mg? I was just prescribed it for diabetic neuropathy, however, I have been reading that it is a good mood stabilizer too. Comments? Thanks, Cougar

My pdoc wanted to prescribe it for me for GAD, and after reading about it I decided not to do it and opt for an SSRI instead (Lexapro). I never did try the Neurontin, but my pdoc claims to have had good success with it. When I asked about it in this group I was told it would not be the first drug of choice from most of the posters who answered my question. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How well does Neurontin work for anxiety or as a mood stabilizer? How many mg? I was just prescribed it for diabetic neuropathy, however, I have been reading that it is a good mood stabilizer too. Comments? Thanks, Cougar My pdoc wanted to prescribe it for me for GAD, and after reading about it I decided not to do it and opt for an SSRI instead (Lexapro). I never did try the Neurontin, but my pdoc claims to have had good success with it. When I asked about it in this group I was told it would not be the first drug of choice from most of the posters who answered my question.

I’m taking 300mg Neurontin and 20 mg Lexapro. I was originally prescribed Neurontin by pain management for nerve pain, however my doctor at mental health is prescribing it for me now along with the Lexapro. The combo works good together for me, however like anything in life, what works for one person may or may not work for another. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Cougar, I was prescribed it at 800mg 2x daily post-surgery for my reconstruction on my spine. It indeed worked very, very well on the neuropathy and nerve damage but I failed to notice any mood stabilization but I was also on a litany of heavy-duty pain killers that might have negated that effect. I too read about the benefit but failed to notice it. Off topic a bit, Cymbalta on the other hand I believe is in the same group and now that I am on it for the nerve damage I am migrated completely off 100mg of Zoloft for the last three months as it has some "magical" effect that my shrink detailed. Not my neurologist or surgeons ( go figure!) . I feel much better physically and I am not taking nearly as much Xanax but I’m still really twitchy and agoraphobic except for some rapid cycling events where I feel normal. I did not experience that on Neurontin but again, at that time they said I’d never walk again too…. I’m sure the Neurontin kept my gun out of my mouth even though I did not expect it. Sort of a side benefit I guess. Take a look at Cymbalta if you feel so inclined to do so. It’s made a day-and-night difference for me. I hope this is of some value to you. Respects, Rob

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Cymbalta, Diabetes and Anxiety

admin — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Cymbalta is a medication used to treat neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and depression. buy Cymbalta and feel better today!

Question:

Saw where the FDA released Cymbalta for diabetic pain in I think 04′. I know it is also prescribed for depression and anxiety. Has anybody else with an anxiety disorder and diabetes tried it. I am thinking seriously about it. Thanks, Cougar — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Cougar, I was just put on Cymbalta since several years of depression and severe anxiety were not phased by 100mg of Zoloft daily. Now for the pain part- I have L4, L5, and S1 fused and have severe, severe, back pain that in pretty much 24/7 from a bad accident and I was switched to 60Mg of Cymbalta (2×30 daily) and honestly, I don’t feel any less pain and I’m still crazy as a three dollar bill is counterfeit. It does merit to say it has been less than a month inclusive of the transition period so the gains may still be in the works (God, I hope so!) I had three doctors- not in the same practice sort of rejoice that my shrink (yes- the noodle Dr.) put me on this as he was first to recognize the benefits as you outlined. I’m going to give it six months to see what develops. If it works for other folks heck, I’m game. If not, I’m still banking on reincarnation as I got screwed in this round! Hope this is of some value to you, Rob

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Help with some issues from others in my shoes please…..

admin — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Response:

Kellie, Thank you very, very much for your advice and comforting, reassuring words. I took your advice about making the full disclosure and I simply handed my girlfriend my laptop with this on the display and let it all out. Nothing to hide and she was very receptive and understanding. Not to mention appreciative of the honesty rather than dating a "time-bomb". She assured me she was in for the long haul and would help me as much as possible. As far as the medical aspect of my issue I se a psychiatrist once every three months for med management only. No real dialogue about the surrounding issues. Thus, my rationale for a fresh set of eyes on my problems. The Cymbalta was prescribed for a two-pronged approach. Since the accident where my spine was broken I was left with severe nerve damage and pain. The Cymbalta does indeed help with the nerve pain but I still think there must be a better option for the depression and anxiety. It’s been a litany of trial and error for years. Prozac, Klonopin, Valium, Lexapro, just to name a few. As far as the work things go. I work for myself now and I afford myself the luxury of making my own hours and I do indeed meet my deliverables on contracts and my work is accurate but it;s like pushing a boulder up a mountain and without a good staff I would be screwed beyond belief. Is there anything you do to force yourself out of bed and get on with the day? For me it’s a nightmare. I don’t know if it’s related to the fact I’m self employed or just feeling sorry for myself. I guess the short answer is I just feel "bored" and useless as self pitying that sounds. I don’t know if some exercise would help but it too is not something I care to engage in even though I used to be in the gym five times a week before the accident. ( I slammed a top fuel dragster into a wall at about 280mph you can guess how that turned out). I’m looking around my area for a doctor today. I guess that’s a start. The one thing that really sucks us is I have to keep a lot of this bottled up. I can’t go public as my family is deep in politics and I do not want to embarrass my dad with this and I don’t want my "friends" to see me vulnerable and weak as stupid as that sounds. Thanks again so very much, Rob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, I have exhausted myself with anxiety and depression since Highschool. I live in a constant state of fear and heightened anxiety for no valid reason. This has cost me my marriage. I left a very lucrative career and I can barely muster the emotional strength to leave my house. I will stay in bed for days on end and just try to find comfort or "bunker" myself in my bed. I have no interest whatsoever in my hobbies or social interests. I have a wonderful girlfriend who I have not fully disclosed the full impact this is having on my life. I’m only 37 and I look forward to death as absurd as it sounds. I was recently in a really bad racing accident and I thought I was going to die (honest) At that time it was the only peace and solace I have felt in years. I’m not suicidal. I would never harm anyone, I’m totally confused by this and the inability to finish anything I start ???? I have been considered a subject matter expert in my field but I am SO gun-shy I defer any work and make excuses as I feel the anxiety building from the moment something is tasked on to myself. I am financially independent, educated, medicated (Cymbalta 60mg 2x daily and I eat 1mg Xanax all day long and have done so for years. I do not drink. I do not abuse drugs (I do smoke a little pot to calm me down). My doctor has just changed me to Cymbalta from two years of Zoloft and to no avail, no improvement. I have been considering looking for a local support group but I can’t muster the strength to pursue it. I think it stems from my fear of leaving the safety of the house. I’m not a "Chatty" type and tried cognitive(sp?) therapy and it’s just not for me. I feel life is passing me by and the cycles of up’s-and-down’s are maddening. I never know when I’m going into recluse mode or if I’m going to be normal for a while then button up. Is this a normal feeling amongst the group here? I can’t really figure this out and the ‘07PDR has little information on side effects such as E.D. as well as the other swaying things I’m experiencing. I am thinking a new set of eyes from a new doctor may be in order. Maybe bi-polar? Any suggestions or comments of help or similar situations is greatly appreciated before I wind up the crazy old guy with 500 cats in my house! All the best, Rob- Chicago area — Hi Rob- First welcome to the group. I can really understand where you are coming from. I think I’m going to be the crazy old spinster at the end of the street with all the animals!! Sometimes I think it would be easier that way! My first piece of advice to you is to tell your girlfriend you ENTIRE situation. Its hard for someone who doesn’t experience this to be supportive, not because they don’t want to but because they dont understand. Anxiety ruined my first marriage, then I was divorced/single for 9 years before remarrying 2 years ago. Once I got married, even though I was completely up front with my situation, my spouse has totally become unsupportive and even irritated with me. He now says that he doesn’t believe in this or think it’s real so that’s making things worse. My marriage SUCKS and now I’m not even sure if I want to stay in it soooooooo make sure your girlfriend knows the entire truth before getting seriously involved to see if she will or can handle it. You of course are not alone. Your symptoms and the things you are going through are common to most everyone on this support group and I can say that any of the stories and advice have been helpful. Sometimes it helps to know someone else knows what you’re going through. By the way, I’m 34 and have dealt with panic disorder/anxiety for 13 years now. I take Zoloft daily and Xanax usually once a day or prn. Personally I dont think Cymbalta would be a good drug for anxiety because from what I understand it is designed for pain and depression. They had my brother on it because he had blood clots and depression but I don’t know why they would put you on that. I absolutely HATE changing medications!! I took Paxil for 6 years before it conked out on me and then I switched to Zoloft 3 years ago. The first four years of this I just dealt with without medication. It definately sounds to me like you are one of the depression cycles hence your lack of interest in hobbies/social activities and anxiety concerning your job. I can’t tell you HOW many days I have just wanted to stay in BED or hide in the closet!!!! Without the support from my mom/dad/and brothers I don’t know if I would have made it. So if you ever want to talk or need anything just holler. My email address is to therapy and I really think how you respond to it depends on the doctor!!! If the psychologist isn’t good or you don’t have a connection with them then it will do NO Good. Hugs! Kellie- Memphis area Kellie, Thank you very, very much for your advice and comforting, reassuring words. I took your advice about making the full disclosure and I simply handed my girlfriend my laptop with this on the display and let it all out. Nothing to hide and she was very receptive and understanding. Not to mention appreciative of the honesty rather than dating a "time-bomb". She assured me she was in for the long haul and would help me as much as possible. As far as the medical aspect of my issue I se a psychiatrist once every three months for med management only. No real dialogue about the surrounding issues. Thus, my rationale for a fresh set of eyes on my problems. The Cymbalta was prescribed for a two-pronged approach. Since the accident where my spine was broken I was left with severe nerve damage and pain. The Cymbalta does indeed help with the nerve pain but I still think there must be a better option for the depression and anxiety. It’s been a litany of trial and error for years. Prozac, Klonopin, Valium, Lexapro, just to name a few. As far as the work things go. I work for myself now and I afford myself the luxury of making my own hours and I do indeed meet my deliverables on contracts and my work is accurate but it;s like pushing a boulder up a mountain and without a good staff I would be screwed beyond belief. Is there anything you do to force yourself out of bed and get on with the day? For me it’s a nightmare. I don’t know if it’s related to the fact I’m self employed or just feeling sorry for myself. I guess the short answer is I just feel "bored" and useless as self pitying that sounds. I don’t know if some exercise would help but it too is not something I care to engage in even though I used to be in the gym five times a week before the accident. ( I slammed a top fuel dragster into a wall at about 280mph you can guess how that turned out). I’m looking around my area for a doctor today. I guess that’s a start. The one thing that really sucks us is I have to keep a lot of this bottled up. I can’t go public as my family is deep in politics and I do not want to embarrass my dad with this and I don’t want my "friends" to see me vulnerable and weak as stupid as that sounds. Thanks again so very much, Rob

Hi Rob, it would be a good idea for you to try to find a psychiatrist/psychologist/ or psychotherapist skilled in anxiety if possible, or start with any professional who you click with to start with. Seeing a psychiatrist every 3 months just for meds sounds like its not enough for you. I go to my family doctor for counselling/therapy, and though she is not specially trained in anxiety, but has had some training in it and in depression, and is a good listener and sympathetic, so for me, that is OK. But for people whose lives are greatly affected by severe anxiety, that may not be enough.I agree with Kellie when she says you need to have a connection with a psychologist/psychiatrist or other professional or it will do NO good. I think its absolutely vital. I think its good you told your girlfriend about your anxiety and I’m glad she is being supportive. I’m sure she appreciates the fact that you were honest about your condition . It will help you both to know she believes in you. There are many good people here who can relate to your situation and understand what you are going through so keep posting and learning. Best wishes, Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello all, I have exhausted myself with anxiety and depression since Highschool. I live in a constant state of fear and heightened anxiety for no valid reason. This has cost me my marriage. I left a very lucrative career and I can barely muster the emotional strength to leave my house. I will stay in bed for days on end and just try to find comfort or "bunker" myself in my bed. I have no interest whatsoever in my hobbies or social interests. I have a wonderful girlfriend who I have not fully disclosed the full impact this is having on my life. I’m only 37 and I look forward to death as absurd as it sounds. I was recently in a really bad racing accident and I thought I was going to die (honest) At that time it was the only peace and solace I have felt in years. I’m not suicidal. I would never harm anyone, I’m totally confused by this and the inability to finish anything I start ???? I have been considered a subject matter expert in my field but I am SO gun-shy I defer any work and make excuses as I feel the anxiety building from the moment something is tasked on to myself. I am financially independent, educated, medicated (Cymbalta 60mg 2x daily and I eat 1mg Xanax all day long and have done so for years. I do not drink. I do not abuse drugs (I do smoke a little pot to calm me down). My doctor has just changed me to Cymbalta from two years of Zoloft and to no avail, no improvement. I have been considering looking for a local support group but I can’t muster the strength to pursue it. I think it stems from my fear of leaving the safety of the house. I’m not a "Chatty" type and tried cognitive(sp?) therapy and it’s just not for me. I feel life is passing me by and the cycles of up’s-and-down’s are maddening. I never know when I’m going into recluse mode or if I’m going to be normal for a while then button up. Is this a normal feeling amongst the group here? I can’t really figure this out and the ‘07PDR has little information on side effects such as E.D. as well as the other swaying things I’m experiencing. I am thinking a new set of eyes from a new doctor may be in order. Maybe bi-polar? Any suggestions or comments of help or similar situations is greatly appreciated before I wind up the crazy old guy with 500 cats in my house! All the best, Rob- Chicago area — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

First welcome to the group. I can really understand where you are coming from. I think I’m going to be the crazy old spinster at the end of the street with all the animals!! Sometimes I think it would be easier that way! My first piece of advice to you is to tell your girlfriend you ENTIRE situation. Its hard for someone who doesn’t experience this to be supportive, not because they don’t want to but because they dont understand. Anxiety ruined my first marriage, then I was divorced/single for 9 years before remarrying 2 years ago. Once I got married, even though I was completely up front with my situation, my spouse has totally become unsupportive and even irritated with me. He now says that he doesn’t believe in this or think it’s real so that’s making things worse. My marriage SUCKS and now I’m not even sure if I want to stay in it soooooooo make sure your girlfriend knows the entire truth before getting seriously involved to see if she will or can handle it. You of course are not alone. Your symptoms and the things you are going through are common to most everyone on this support group and I can say that any of the stories and advice have been helpful. Sometimes it helps to know someone else knows what you’re going through. By the way, I’m 34 and have dealt with panic disorder/anxiety for 13 years now. I take Zoloft daily and Xanax usually once a day or prn. Personally I dont think Cymbalta would be a good drug for anxiety because from what I understand it is designed for pain and depression. They had my brother on it because he had blood clots and depression but I don’t know why they would put you on that. I absolutely HATE changing medications!! I took Paxil for 6 years before it conked out on me and then I switched to Zoloft 3 years ago. The first four years of this I just dealt with without medication. It definately sounds to me like you are one of the depression cycles hence your lack of interest in hobbies/social activities and anxiety concerning your job. I can’t tell you HOW many days I have just wanted to stay in BED or hide in the closet!!!! Without the support from my mom/dad/and brothers I don’t know if I would have made it. So if you ever want to talk or need anything just holler. My email address is to therapy and I really think how you respond to it depends on the doctor!!! If the psychologist isn’t good or you don’t have a connection with them then it will do NO Good. Hugs! Kellie- Memphis area — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My travel adventures :-)

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Sorry you got off the wrong stop, Simon, but glad you are home safe and sound. :-) Hugs, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I got the train today. Full price ticket as there are no discounted tickets in the holiday season. The train journey was uneventful except that it stopped at Luton, 35 miles short of my destination. I was asleep but the activity woke me up. Most trains are first and last stop London. I got off the train and realised that this station did not look familiar. I got back on the train. Such is life. Amazing what you do when tired. I felt a bit silly. Like there are only 56 trains a day and the one I got was the _one_ that stopped at Luton! Martini anyone? [British joke. "did you come to me from paradise? No, Luton airport"]. I have now been to Luton airport. I get home and get a silent phone call. I assumed some sales droid. Five minutes later they call again. It goes like this: Them: Hello Me: Will you speak to me this time Them: Yes, it will only take ten minutes Me: How much will you pay me for this call? CLICK! LOL!!! I will use that phrase in the future Simon, tired with a bit of back pain but glad to be back in his own home and as cantankerous as ever

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Simon, Glad you didn’t let the train situation upset you. LOL about the telemarketer…good line!!! smiles, Elise

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Nother Newbie Here

admin — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Want to learn more? Find for more information about hemochromatosis at our partner site FeelTheHurt.com

Question:

Unfortunately, I can’t take beta blockers. — … Tasha … ~8)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi MikeY! Yep, I made it! — Tashabeth … ~8)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! I am Tasha, the old lady of the Safe Zone group! Some people here know me and like me. **Ya got that right!!!! )) It is SO good to see you here, Tasha!!! Welcome! Lots of wonderful people here…. great group! You should fit right in! Big HUGS! MikeH . — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Kili! From what I have learned, you may have a genetic form of hemochromatosis as they believe that all the genes causing it have not yet been found. They know of two now. I have the more common Celtic version. Your age is right for having problems from hemochromatosis. I bet you will lick all this yet! You could go and give blood, you know. Some people do this. I sure wouldn’t dwell on the doctor’s predictions. I sure hope so. — … Tasha … ~8)

Tasha, I was thinking that I didn’t understand how it COULDN’T be genetic because my aunt has an iron problem, too. So, maybe you’re right. Doctors aren’t infallable. Meanwhile, I’m trying to be good, but gosh darn it, I slip because I want to eat! I love green veggies! I’ve been a seafood, seaweed, spinach, salad freak my whole life. Who knew it was killing me? That’s the kicker! I’ve been eating healthy since I could cook for myself. It’s so depressing. I’m on the kick now where, heck, the doctors gave me a deadline, so why not eat what I want? I want my tofu, I want my miso soup, I want my sushi, I want my spinach salads and I will have them!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! I am Tasha, the old lady of the Safe Zone group! I think I have experienced most every possible thing one can experience with panic, but my worst problem is with GAD. I still want to know how to handle that! I also have agoraphobia which has been pretty well taken care of through CBT therapy, but there are some places I am just NOT going. I don’t need to go there, so why bother. I have SAD and some depression. I also have horrible migraines on a regular basis. I take a real cocktail of meds, starting with 75 mg. amitriptyline, 10 mg of Lexapro and 2 or 3 Klonopin a day. I am struggling to integrate Neurontin into the mess for the nerve pain and migraines. It really does control the nerve pain that I have. I do have another disorder which is called Hemochromatosis. That is a problem caused by inheriting two recessive genes, one from each parent. It causes my body to retain twice as much iron from my food etc that most people do. This iron causes lots of destructive problems, usually to the liver, heart and pancreas. I, fortunately, have been de-ironed through phlebotomies, the drawing of pints of blood during a short period of time for as long as it takes to bring down the ferritin (iron) level in my blood and draw it out of my skin, joints etc where it has settled. That is a lot to understand. I hope I have explained it well. I believe this is responsible for the nerve pain and a lot of the migraines. It was the neurologist who first tested me for Hemochromatosis and discovered it. So, I am an old grammie who lives in Maine. I have worked in a funeral home most of my life, but also been a teacher of sixth graders and adults. In between, I was a florist with a shop of my own. I am not working now due to all the problems I have and because I don’t want to anymore. Some people here know me and like me. I hope to meet more of you and like you. … Tasha … ~8)

Hi Tasha and welcome to the group. I’ve also battled with agoraphobia and CBT worked wonders with me and like you there are still some places I don’t need to go to. All the best, Vanessa — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! I am Tasha, the old lady of the Safe Zone group! I do have another disorder which is called Hemochromatosis. That is a problem caused by inheriting two recessive genes, one from each parent. It causes my body to retain twice as much iron from my food etc that most people do. This iron causes lots of destructive problems, usually to the liver, heart and pancreas. I, fortunately, have been de-ironed through phlebotomies, the drawing of pints of blood during a short period of time for as long as it takes to bring down the ferritin (iron) level in my blood and draw it out of my skin, joints etc where it has settled. That is a lot to understand. I hope I have explained it well. I believe this is responsible for the nerve pain and a lot of the migraines. It was the neurologist who first tested me for Hemochromatosis and discovered it. Some people here know me and like me. I hope to meet more of you and like you. … Tasha … ~8) Hi, Tasha! I, too, suffer from GAD, agoraphobia, panic attacks, (along with chest wall cancer), AND hemochromatosis , but my hemochromatosis is self-inflicted through past alcohol abuse; there are two kinds and I’ve had the genetic testing done to prove that it isn’t genetic. They won’t do the blood letting thing for me, so I just have to be really careful with what I eat, since you know iron is toxic to us. I’ve been told between the cancer and my liver I have a whopping 5 more years to live. I’m 38 years old and trying not to dwell on doctor’s predictions. Anyway, enough about me, it’s nice to meet you. I just wanted to say hi, and say I understand everything you’re experiencing. I’m looking forward to more posts from you. kili

Hi Kili! From what I have learned, you may have a genetic form of hemochromatosis as they believe that all the genes causing it have not yet been found. They know of two now. I have the more common Celtic version. Your age is right for having problems from hemochromatosis. I bet you will lick all this yet! You could go and give blood, you know. Some people do this. I sure wouldn’t dwell on the doctor’s predictions. I sure hope so. — … Tasha … ~8) — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi! I am Tasha, the old lady of the Safe Zone group!

Hi! What are the attached files for? I’m getting a virus warning. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Oh, I will be around! I won’t be here a lot as I have to take care of the Safe Zone, but I shall be here. I want to meet new people and get some new ideas. — … Tasha … ~8)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! I am Tasha, the old lady of the Safe Zone group! I think I have experienced most every possible thing one can experience with panic, but my worst problem is with GAD. I still want to know how to handle that! I also have agoraphobia which has been pretty well taken care of through CBT therapy, but there are some places I am just NOT going. I don’t need to go there, so why bother. I have SAD and some depression. I also have horrible migraines on a regular basis. I take a real cocktail of meds, starting with 75 mg. amitriptyline, 10 mg of Lexapro and 2 or 3 Klonopin a day. I am struggling to integrate Neurontin into the mess for the nerve pain and migraines. It really does control the nerve pain that I have. I do have another disorder which is called Hemochromatosis. That is a problem caused by inheriting two recessive genes, one from each parent. It causes my body to retain twice as much iron from my food etc that most people do. This iron causes lots of destructive problems, usually to the liver, heart and pancreas. I, fortunately, have been de-ironed through phlebotomies, the drawing of pints of blood during a short period of time for as long as it takes to bring down the ferritin (iron) level in my blood and draw it out of my skin, joints etc where it has settled. That is a lot to understand. I hope I have explained it well. I believe this is responsible for the nerve pain and a lot of the migraines. It was the neurologist who first tested me for Hemochromatosis and discovered it. So, I am an old grammie who lives in Maine. I have worked in a funeral home most of my life, but also been a teacher of sixth graders and adults. In between, I was a florist with a shop of my own. I am not working now due to all the problems I have and because I don’t want to anymore. Some people here know me and like me. I hope to meet more of you and like you. … Tasha … ~8)

Hi, Tasha! I, too, suffer from GAD, agoraphobia, panic attacks, (along with chest wall cancer), AND hemochromatosis , but my hemochromatosis is self-inflicted through past alcohol abuse; there are two kinds and I’ve had the genetic testing done to prove that it isn’t genetic. They won’t do the blood letting thing for me, so I just have to be really careful with what I eat, since you know iron is toxic to us. I’ve been told between the cancer and my liver I have a whopping 5 more years to live. I’m 38 years old and trying not to dwell on doctor’s predictions. Anyway, enough about me, it’s nice to meet you. I just wanted to say hi, and say I understand everything you’re experiencing. I’m looking forward to more posts from you. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi! I am Tasha, the old lady of the Safe Zone group! Some people here know me and like me.

**Ya got that right!!!! )) It is SO good to see you here, Tasha!!! Welcome! Lots of wonderful people here…. great group! You should fit right in! Big HUGS! MikeH . — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks for the welcome, and you are Rob! I have to get people straight! — … Tasha … ~8)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – welcome tasha. I wish you the best. If you’re familiar with the group, then you’ll know we’re a good bunch; very helpful and supportive. I have some sort of anxiety/panic disorder….which has flared up particulary in the past 6 weeks. But typically, I do fairly well on just propranolol and xanax (have taken imipramine in the past). As I was saying to a previous newbie, it’s nice to come here because we can all relate! Hope you stay and find the group useful. Be well. -z- [aka rob] Hi! I am Tasha, the old lady of the Safe Zone group! I think I have experienced most every possible thing one can experience with panic, but my worst problem is with GAD. I still want to know how to handle that! I also have agoraphobia which has been pretty well taken care of through CBT therapy, but there are some places I am just NOT going. I don’t need to go there, so why bother. I have SAD and some depression. I also have horrible migraines on a regular basis. I take a real cocktail of meds, starting with 75 mg. amitriptyline, 10 mg of Lexapro and 2 or 3 Klonopin a day. I am struggling to integrate Neurontin into the mess for the nerve pain and migraines. It really does control the nerve pain that I have. I do have another disorder which is called Hemochromatosis. That is a problem caused by inheriting two recessive genes, one from each parent. It causes my body to retain twice as much iron from my food etc that most people do. This iron causes lots of destructive problems, usually to the liver, heart and pancreas. I, fortunately, have been de-ironed through phlebotomies, the drawing of pints of blood during a short period of time for as long as it takes to bring down the ferritin (iron) level in my blood and draw it out of my skin, joints etc where it has settled. That is a lot to understand. I hope I have explained it well. I believe this is responsible for the nerve pain and a lot of the migraines. It was the neurologist who first tested me for Hemochromatosis and discovered it. So, I am an old grammie who lives in Maine. I have worked in a funeral home most of my life, but also been a teacher of sixth graders and adults. In between, I was a florist with a shop of my own. I am not working now due to all the problems I have and because I don’t want to anymore. Some people here know me and like me. I hope to meet more of you and like you. … Tasha … ~8) — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

welcome tasha. I wish you the best. If you’re familiar with the group, then you’ll know we’re a good bunch; very helpful and supportive. I have some sort of anxiety/panic disorder….which has flared up particulary in the past 6 weeks. But typically, I do fairly well on just propranolol and xanax (have taken imipramine in the past). As I was saying to a previous newbie, it’s nice to come here because we can all relate! Hope you stay and find the group useful. Be well. -z- [aka rob]

— The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi! I am Tasha, the old lady of the Safe Zone group! I think I have experienced most every possible thing one can experience with panic, but my worst problem is with GAD. I still want to know how to handle that! I also have agoraphobia which has been pretty well taken care of through CBT therapy, but there are some places I am just NOT going. I don’t need to go there, so why bother. I have SAD and some depression. I also have horrible migraines on a regular basis. I take a real cocktail of meds, starting with 75 mg. amitriptyline, 10 mg of Lexapro and 2 or 3 Klonopin a day. I am struggling to integrate Neurontin into the mess for the nerve pain and migraines. It really does control the nerve pain that I have. I do have another disorder which is called Hemochromatosis. That is a problem caused by inheriting two recessive genes, one from each parent. It causes my body to retain twice as much iron from my food etc that most people do. This iron causes lots of destructive problems, usually to the liver, heart and pancreas. I, fortunately, have been de-ironed through phlebotomies, the drawing of pints of blood during a short period of time for as long as it takes to bring down the ferritin (iron) level in my blood and draw it out of my skin, joints etc where it has settled. That is a lot to understand. I hope I have explained it well. I believe this is responsible for the nerve pain and a lot of the migraines. It was the neurologist who first tested me for Hemochromatosis and discovered it. So, I am an old grammie who lives in Maine. I have worked in a funeral home most of my life, but also been a teacher of sixth graders and adults. In between, I was a florist with a shop of my own. I am not working now due to all the problems I have and because I don’t want to anymore. Some people here know me and like me. I hope to meet more of you and like you. … Tasha … ~8) begin 666 sig.jsp !#0“ ` end — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

How to find a thearpist that will work with me on anxiety?

admin — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

HI, You guys all know that I have a pretty complicated history of health issues, and has more recently starting looking like what they call a sero negitive rheumatological problem, is possiable, on top of the fibromyalgia. I have been working with the doctors a lot on the medical side of things. I went to my psychical medicine doctor monday. I asked her about going into there chronic pain managment program that does pt, ot, and thearpy with a pschylogist. Well she said that she does not want me to do the program because she doesnt belive that we really have a full understanding of what is going on with me, just that she is certin that there is far more invloved than the fibromyalgia is what I understand. So basically I can not take part in the pt or the pschylogical program. This is more or less what they told me when I applied for this program in there oshkosh office, but then they sent me to this physical medicine doctor in menasha and she was supose to figure things out and put me in the program, but it didn’t work out because she can’t figure out what is going on with me exactly. I guess I have to keep being paitent with the medical stuff and putting up with all the tests. Its hard though. In terms of my mental stuff, I have been taking adderall in the day, and it seems to work better than anything else. The problem I have is that I still have a degree of ongoing anxiety, it is not as bad as it was in the past, but it is still a problem in my life. When I have seen thearpists in the past, they always seem to just want to work on things for like one or two sessions a month and I never feel like I make any progress. I feel like I need to do something with a good thearpist on like a weekly basis. I don’t know if I should push to get some more agressive medical treatment for the anxiety. As you have read there have been some concerns about if my new medical doctor is will to handle xanax or not. So it starts me thinking about if thearpy is a better choice to work on the anxiety stuff some more. I guess I am willing to work with a thearpist and try and reslove some of the anxiety stuff, but I just don’t know how to find a thearpist that would really be good at dealing with or helping me deal with the anxiety of my life and the whole medical situation that I am enduring. I guess I am just espically frustrated and anxious because of the doctor change and the whole thing with them not letting me do the pain managment program. And I don’t even really know if I should be trying to find a thearpist or if I should should work more agressivly on finding better medical treatment of the anxiety… jd — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

worse. Why must you choose between finding a better therapist and medical treatment for your anxiety? Can’t you do both? That is what I suggest you do! Good luck, Jamie.

HI Thats a good point. Hopefully my old doctor will have a suggestion for a new doctor that will handle xanax, and that would proboly be a good place to start. Maybe that doctor would be able to recomend a thearpist that is good. I hope that my old doctor has someone to recomend, that will make it 100X eaiser than just trying to find someone on my own… jamie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

OT? I'm tired of being sick

admin — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

:: It’s weird, the pain is ::just in front and partially in the heel. It happens quite often and my ::first steps in the AM are always painful. Pain in the AM, especially the first few steps….. suggest Plantar Fasciitis. You should see a podiatrist to get this treated. Jackie ~*~The shoe that fits one person…. pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hmm…. I have been using my "easy rider" exercise machine almost every day. I’ll try positioning my feet different. It’s a problem that I’ve had off and on for many years. Thanks Jackie, — Tony Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted. Albert Einstein — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been pretty sick the last two days and I’m getting tired of this. Not sure but it feels like a Fibromyalgia flare up along with a bad cold or flu. I hurt all over. My head hurts and I’m in a total brain fog. My feet have been hurting more and more every morning for the past 2 weeks. The first few steps make me want to scream, then it sort of lets up if I keep moving. I guess it’s at least Fibro and maybe more. No fever but I have the chills (it’s 75F in here). I think my body forgot how to have a fever? I don’t think I’ve had more than a 1 degree fever in many years. I wonder if having a cold or flu can trigger my Fibro? That is how it normally feels. Come to think of it, I even declined a chicken soup delivery offer from someone I’m quite attracted to. I *am* sick! I don’t get offers like that very often. Shivering, Tony Tony, I’m so sorry you’re sick. I hope you’re feeling better by now. We’ve all had a strange chills/stomach pain (not nausea)/general malaise thing here. Oh, and my hip is acting up and sometimes I can’t walk well. Maybe it’s some flu going around? Sending virtual chicken soup your way! (((((((((((((((((((((Tony))))))))))))))))))))))))

Except for my left foot hurts like all hell. It’s weird, the pain is just in front and partially in the heel. It happens quite often and my first steps in the AM are always painful. I often start on my toes, but still with some pain. This time as soon as it sits too long (20 minutes), getting up and going is quite a painful chore. The left foot hurts like hell now even walking on my toes. I guess it can’t be too bad if I went out on the Jet Ski today. Actually the more I use it the better it feels. (see other reply about the JetSki) — Tony Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted. Albert Einstein — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’ve been pretty sick the last two days and I’m getting tired of this. Not sure but it feels like a Fibromyalgia flare up along with a bad cold or flu. I hurt all over. My head hurts and I’m in a total brain fog. My feet have been hurting more and more every morning for the past 2 weeks. The first few steps make me want to scream, then it sort of lets up if I keep moving. I guess it’s at least Fibro and maybe more. No fever but I have the chills (it’s 75F in here). I think my body forgot how to have a fever? I don’t think I’ve had more than a 1 degree fever in many years. I wonder if having a cold or flu can trigger my Fibro? That is how it normally feels. Come to think of it, I even declined a chicken soup delivery offer from someone I’m quite attracted to. I *am* sick! I don’t get offers like that very often. Shivering, Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Feel better, Tony. I have had some days when I was sure I was coming down with something, a cold or whatever. But I think it’s early-fall allergies. I used to get the stuffed-up nose from them, but now I get headaches, lethargy, "shivers," itchy eyes, and general malaise and fatigue. Hope tomorrow is better for you. Chicken soup is the Jewish penicillin and highly recommended! xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Tono, This is not OT at all. Try to rest and have plenty of fluids. Meryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been pretty sick the last two days and I’m getting tired of this. Not sure but it feels like a Fibromyalgia flare up along with a bad cold or flu. I hurt all over. My head hurts and I’m in a total brain fog. My feet have been hurting more and more every morning for the past 2 weeks. The first few steps make me want to scream, then it sort of lets up if I keep moving. I guess it’s at least Fibro and maybe more. No fever but I have the chills (it’s 75F in here). I think my body forgot how to have a fever? I don’t think I’ve had more than a 1 degree fever in many years. I wonder if having a cold or flu can trigger my Fibro? That is how it normally feels. Come to think of it, I even declined a chicken soup delivery offer from someone I’m quite attracted to. I *am* sick! I don’t get offers like that very often. Shivering, Tony

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Chills are almost always part of fevers for me. Get wrapped up warm and drink water and juice, and sleep as much as you can. And swallow a little pride, call your attractive friend and say, weakly, "Um, is that chicken soup still available?" I’m serious. I hope you feel better very soon, Tono. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Tono, Sorry to hear you aren’t feeling well. Hopefully, the symptoms will pass quickly. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been pretty sick the last two days and I’m getting tired of this. Not sure but it feels like a Fibromyalgia flare up along with a bad cold or flu. I hurt all over. My head hurts and I’m in a total brain fog. My feet have been hurting more and more every morning for the past 2 weeks. The first few steps make me want to scream, then it sort of lets up if I keep moving. I guess it’s at least Fibro and maybe more. No fever but I have the chills (it’s 75F in here). I think my body forgot how to have a fever? I don’t think I’ve had more than a 1 degree fever in many years. I wonder if having a cold or flu can trigger my Fibro? That is how it normally feels. Come to think of it, I even declined a chicken soup delivery offer from someone I’m quite attracted to. I *am* sick! I don’t get offers like that very often. Shivering, Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’m so sorry you’ve been sick, Tony. Might be a fibro flare up. Just take good care of yourself. You need that chicken soup. I’d rethink that offer. Hope you feel better real soon. {{{{{Tony}}}}} Di

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Sorry to hear that you are feeling so poorly Tony. I hope that this doesn’t last very long. Give that "chicken soup lady" a call, it could cheer you up some;) — Ron P The trouble with sitting on the fence is getting pickets up the butt — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Tony: Sorry to hear that you are feeling so bad. I hope you don’t have a Fibro flare up. I have heard many folks talk about that illness but I can’t seem to understand what it is. Sounds nasty tho. Re: the chills and no fever — I experience that and have never figured out why. A couple times it happened when I changed meds but it seems to happen to me often. Maybe change of weather and/or season. I hope you are feeling better today. -frizz (vibes of healing coming your way) ps Call the chicken soup person even if you are feeling like hell. Might cheer you and the soup might be good.

Response:

I’ve been pretty sick the last two days

Thanks everyone. This morning I felt a little better, and as the day went on I kept feeling better. I’m still congested but not too bad, and my pain level went from about a 7 down to a 4. Now, about that chicken soup delivery! — Tony Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted. Albert Einstein — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been pretty sick the last two days

Tony, So sorry I’m late in replying. I’ll probably be replying late to a lot of things for awhile..glad you are feeling a bit better. I know fibro is really bad. I just hope that you feel much better very soon – looks like you may be on the mend. You know I hope so. Take care, Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’ve been pretty sick the last two days

Good to hear! During a really bad cold my pain levels will increase too, I’m on the tail end of a sinus/congestion thing myself… it’s been two weeks so far, maybe I should have seen the doc about the sinus thing but well- the doc can’t do much more than the OTC stuff does, right? I had a mild raise in temp which was when I had the most pain. Put an onion(cut on half) beside your bed to ease the congestion, smells awful when it works, LOL! Hope it clears right up soon. — Vashti — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Tono, Have any chicken soup today??? Glad you’re feeling better. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been pretty sick the last two days

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’ve been pretty sick the last two days

So glad you’re feeling better. {{{{{Tony}}}}} Di — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Tony, I’m so sorry you’re sick. I hope you’re feeling better by now. We’ve all had a strange chills/stomach pain (not nausea)/general malaise thing here. Oh, and my hip is acting up and sometimes I can’t walk well. Maybe it’s some flu going around? Sending virtual chicken soup your way! (((((((((((((((((((((Tony)))))))))))))))))))))))) Love, Dawn — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been pretty sick the last two days

Ahhh! Me too! I was even out on the lake on my Jet Ski today. Came close to running out of gas. Very close! There was only a cup or so of gas when I got back, and that was on the reserve tank! I doubt I would have made it another 1/4 mile. The scary part is that it’s a big lake and getting to be off season, plus a weekday. If I ran out it would be me and a whistle to call for help. Most of the time there were no other boats in sight. — Tony Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted. Albert Einstein — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

have a "chicken or the egg " question

admin — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi rox: Your feelings are amazingly common between axyety / nervous sufferers. You lighht headness is probably a product of hipervent when you are anxious. Sensations of thoughts ‘going trhough the back of your head’ or ’swimming’ are as well pretty frequent. Your anxiety comes from fear of these sensations, so you become more fightened to feel them again,, thus raising the probability of triggering your ‘nerves’. To break this circle you need pattience, let time pass by, and they will get better. In the meantime, confront them, but not struggling nor fleeing: simply accepting that what’s happening to you comes from nervous exhaustion. If you had a hearth illness, for example, you woould’nt feel pain exactly in your chest, but below it. You can check your cardiac rythm and you’ll see it’s normal, despite you think it’s not. Try this: when an ‘attacks’ comes (or better than that, without the presence of it) think about the feelings involved and try to make them appear. If they should appear, try to take them to the limit, to boost them. You will then check that nervous manifestations are self-limited and, once they reach their peak, they o not go beyond. Our bodies take good care of themselves. And, finally, congratulations if you are engaging in activities that will let you ‘flow’ and distract you from having this dismal thoughts all the time.

Response:

Hi GFX: Are you a medic, if it’s not too daring on my side to ask?

Response:

i, personally, was not hurt but my mother had a serious heart problen that was not detected for 5 months, she then had surgery only to have a MASSIVE coronary 3 months later. which is partially the origin of my anxeity. the pain i experience is dull to stabbing chest pain which leads to my attacks.i also think i can’t breath although i take a deep breath fine it just doesn’t feel like it. i live in a fairly small town(15000) and know of other things that went on here. i also am light headed and feel like my head is swimming often. the usual meds have side effects that are similar to my symtoms so i can’t take them. it is so hard because i know its the anxiety but during the attacks i can’t seem to rationalize. all my tests comeup neg. but since they missed my mothers problem who says they won’t miss mine, i am slowing working on things to improve my health. i think if i could accomplish these my anxiety will go away. is that unrealistic? i have finally made an appt. with a psychologist today. its not for 3 weeks but i’ve been going thru this since last november so 3 more weeks should hurt. i have faith in l-theanine because there are no side effects and it has helped but not eliminated them. since jan. i’ve only had 3 major or what i call major attacks. also i have heard that putting "foreign" substances in your body can often lead to anxiety and depression after you stopped. yet another cause for anxeity. if you knew me personally and my demeanor and personality you would never geuss i had all this going on. in a crowd i am always the "together "one. believing i am a strong person and letting my mind do this to me is hard to choke down hope this insight into my mania answers your questions. R.

Response:

I know you have great faith in L-theanine, so I posted a link to a company who produces a fairly good version of it. http://www.biosynergy.com/theanine.htm Consider the idea that, while an amino acid may be helping you, it may not be helping you "enough". B-vitamins help me, but B-vitamins and good nutrition, and adequate hydration, and careful selection of physician specialists, and adherance to a sane medicine regimen help me a LOT more. Nothing against the B-vitamins, but they alone would not do the trick – for me. You have to figure out what will do the trick for you. Do not fear seeing a mental health practitioner – of whatever type – it is becoming so common, that you’ll be one of the few people at the next cocktail party who doesn’t have a "shrink story" to tell, if you never get around to seeing one. Just my opinion of course.

Response:

Usually the exhaustion of the nervous system goes through several steps: it starts with physical tiredness, then emotional one, and finally spiritual. Your pains are physical and real, because, other considerations of the CNS appart, there is no diferentiation from mind and body (no hardware and software analogy). If your test are ok, then the cause is anxiety and stress, I venture. Wrongs choices for stress are to have the so called reaction ‘fight or flee’ wich is common in almost every animal. Either of them will retrofeed your stress. So don’t simply ignore. be concious that your nervoous system is manifesting hiimself, and that what you can do is accept it until it normalises again. Of course, that does not deprives you from chemical aids, if you cannot bear it bare.

Response:

"Is the physical pain caused by anxiety real or in my head?" A couple of things: a) All pain is ‘in your head’, as that is where pain is perceived (that and the spinal cord, but they are linked enough that I see no reason to make a huge distinction). If you drop a bowling ball on your foot, that pain will be in your head, and if you get other more "vague" symptoms resembling pain, because you are severely stressed, those will also be in your head. Thus, I’m not fond of the "in your head" concept from jump street. b) When you say "is the physical pain caused by anxiety…" it sounds to me as if you’ve already decided the reason for your pain. Because you put the word "real" on the end, what you’re essentially saying is "I’m having pain which is caused by anxiety, and I want to know if it’s real." If that is the case, then it is just like the person coughing while they have pneumonia. You can give them all the cough syrup you want to, but until the underlying cause is addressed (the pneumonia), they will keep right on coughing. Anti-biotics, nutrition/hydration, and rest will stop the cough (in my example) without a drop of cough syrup, because it (generally) eliminates the underlying cause. Always look for the underlying cause. c) In that a "usual battery of tests" (whatever that is) was done, and nothing was found, it is presumbable that you have no obviously "concrete medical problem", in which case (if it were me…) I’d probably consider sitting down and deciding exactly what was making me "less than happy". Most people, contrary to popular opinion, know *exactly* why they are not mentally comfortable with their lives, and most of the time they even know exactly what to do about it – but it involves changing something, and then we have a problem – people hate to change anything. d) The only thing I’ve ever met up with that, when ignored goes away, is a tooth in the human mouth. Ignore your teeth, and they will go away. Please tell me more about your pain situation. What kind of pain? Where is it? What is the character of it (sharp, dull, aching, searing, throbbing, tingling, burning?) Is there any particular time of the day that it’s worse, or more noticeable to you (and vice-versa, is there any time of the day that it’s better?) Does anything you do (certain seating positions, any particular movement, repeated movements, exposure to any particular situation…) make your pain worse? Have you discovered anything that made it better? If yes, how did you discover that strategy? If what you *really* meant by your post was something like: "is my chronic pain causing my anxiety, or is my anxiety causing my chronic pain" (as would be suggested by the chicken/egg title)……. The answer is, often it is not easy to figure that out. I am all for eliminating (aggressively, with pharmacology) anxiety as much as possible, and then getting a re-evaluation after a few weeks on the pain situation. I have read a few of your posts, and I detect a distrust or uneasy feeling in reference to orthodox medical practices. I’m not saying that’s bad, or good – but I wonder why you have those thoughts. Were you harmed in a medical situation at some point? How so? Please advise. Gary

Response:

just my opinion, its real and its a probably hard thing to pin down physically because a, you admit to a doctor you have anxiety and b, often physical condition are secondary reactions to stress and very very possible. Probably the same things that would help anxiety would help your other conditions. The key is everything is connected.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is the physical pain caused by anxiety real or in my head? Or am I manisfesting it? If I went to the Dr. would they find the cause of my pain. I have had the usual battery of test and all came up neg. for everything. If I ignore it, will it go away? Any reply will help.

Response:

Is the physical pain caused by anxiety real or in my head? Or am I manisfesting it? If I went to the Dr. would they find the cause of my pain. I have had the usual battery of test and all came up neg. for everything. If I ignore it, will it go away? Any reply will help.

Response:

Chirpster the Molester. :)

admin — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Does Gigglz have small girl children?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – but it is. In other words…each bite, it feels like someone poked a needle directly into my NERVE. That sounds like neuropathic pain. I wonder if the nerve roots in your teeth are being stretched. I should have said "the nerves that come out of the roots of your teeth are being stretched" Chippz Chirpie is turned on. Does Gigglz have small girl children?

"His [Preete aka Not that Dan] style is to accuse other people of doing what he has been charged with on the Kamloops file, committing incest with his daughter and drugging her and some of her friends and molesting them." (From investigation report by Investatec Ltd, July 19, 2003 License: PA46934.01.03 http://www.calgaryprivateinvestigators.com)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – but it is. In other words…each bite, it feels like someone poked a needle directly into my NERVE. That sounds like neuropathic pain. I wonder if the nerve roots in your teeth are being stretched. I should have said "the nerves that come out of the roots of your teeth are being stretched" Chippz Chirpie is turned on. Does Gigglz have small girl children? "His [Preete aka Not that Dan] style is to accuse other people of doing what he has been charged with on the Kamloops file, committing incest with his daughter and drugging her and some of her friends and molesting them." (From investigation report by Investatec Ltd, July 19, 2003 License: PA46934.01.03 http://www.calgaryprivateinvestigators.com)

SPAM!!!!! — The charter is available at:

Post Op pain

admin — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All, Been a month since my RRP and I’m curious about everyone’s post op pain. I see the Uro tomorrow for my first post op blood test and first real post op follow up. I’ve been pro active regarding pain control with a regular regimen of usually a gram of Acetaminophen every 6 hours. I am going to refrain from any meds today (if I can) so I can identify my aches for the doc tomorrow. Can you describe your pains as best as you remember it a month out? I can feel it in the scrotum, in the peritoneal and even the shaft of the penis. I expect some of you to say ‘nope, no pain at all’ and some of you to say ‘ yep, it hurt for months’ following our mantra of ‘everyones different’. Thanks guys, WhiteSoxFan

I had, except for the penis pain, what you have described for almost 6 weeks. It wasn’t until I took 1 week of antibiotics that I began to feel better. At 8 weeks out, I was almost totally healed, with very little/no surgical pain. HTH. KenA

Response:

Your a White Sox Fan you should be used to pain… I on the other hand am a Red Sox Fan, I live for pain. Seriously my wife would tell you I am a wooosey when it comes to pain and i had similar pain locations to those that you described , sharp, stabbing but fleeting, not constant, usually just sporadically came and went. Otherwise, I did only one pain med after leaving the hospital post RRP.

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The first week was abdominal discomfort along with pain in the peritoneal area that ranged from high/moderate discomfort that lasted about a minute or more then subsided, and then started again. Kind of made me squirm when it was happening. The abdominal muscles were sore for me mostly because the robotic laparoscopic technique required the abdomen to be inflated with gas to get the trocars in there without stabbing vital organs in the process. I got through the aches and pains afterwards with just a few tylenol now and then. I had a prescription for percocet but if I took one that was a lot. The next few weeks the pain in the peritoneal area was less frequent and less painful, but I was aware that something was different. The best was when the cath came out in about 8 days though. Then I could start getting somewhat back into shape again without the bag, tube, etc. I think everyone feels the pain at different levels, but everyone does feel something. It is, after all, major abdominal surgery. B.A.

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The only unusual post surgical pain I felt was when the catheter came out. I was pretty much continent within 48 hours, but then each time I urinated I felt really bad pain at the base of the penis. That got gradually better and was gone within two weeks. The rest of it was just the pain you would expect healing from a major surgery.

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each time I urinated I felt really bad pain at the base of the penis.

Forgot to mention pain while urinating. I had to sit the first few times! B.A.

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I stopped taking Vicodan 5 days post surgery and Tylenol a couple days later. I asked about pain in the abdomen not at the incision site when I had my catheter out at two weeks. The urologist palpated here and there and suggested I have "air" in some sections of a "lazy" intestine. That air pushes out and causes what for me were the sharp stabbing pains, he said. Also I had body fluids from the surgery that pushed up under the skin instead of being absorbed internally; that would also cause disomfort he said. Overall those pains were 2-4 on a scale of 10. Though annoying, it wase not enough to take a regular dose of Tylenol. After a few more days those pains were mostly gone. Paul

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Hi World Champion White Sox Fan…:-) After a month…we were still healing and might have had some soreness…but not terrible pain. The fact that you are taking Tylenol says that your pain is hopefully not horrible. It DOES take time for the internal sewing to heal and the scrotum can be sore due to a pooling of blood. So…soreness is common (though everyone is different)…but hopefully you don’t have very bad pain. (Taking Tylenol is better than needing stronger meds) Here’s to feeling better, Ron B. Chicago

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Hello All, Been a month since my RRP and I’m curious about everyone’s post op pain. I see the Uro tomorrow for my first post op blood test and first real post op follow up. I’ve been pro active regarding pain control with a regular regimen of usually a gram of Acetaminophen every 6 hours. I am going to refrain from any meds today (if I can) so I can identify my aches for the doc tomorrow. Can you describe your pains as best as you remember it a month out? I can feel it in the scrotum, in the peritoneal and even the shaft of the penis. I expect some of you to say ‘nope, no pain at all’ and some of you to say ‘ yep, it hurt for months’ following our mantra of ‘everyones different’.

I never had any extreme pain from my surgery — nothing like a bad ankle sprain, for example — but then I don’t need to be pain-free every moment. I was off all meds by 8-10 days post-op despite two operations at once, and felt ready to play a good game of football at one month. Risk, lingering ab discomfort, and brains prevailed, fortunately. But 4 gms of Tylenol a day is risky; it’s the maximum dose allowed, right up against the organ damage firewall. If you drink any alcohol, or take any other meds containing Tylenol (MANY do), you are trolling for liver failure. You are getting your liver enzymes tested, I hope. I.P.

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also for me one month after RRP very little pain when I bent and my testicles are more sensitive when touched. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All, Been a month since my RRP and I’m curious about everyone’s post op pain. I see the Uro tomorrow for my first post op blood test and first real post op follow up. I’ve been pro active regarding pain control with a regular regimen of usually a gram of Acetaminophen every 6 hours. I am going to refrain from any meds today (if I can) so I can identify my aches for the doc tomorrow. Can you describe your pains as best as you remember it a month out? I can feel it in the scrotum, in the peritoneal and even the shaft of the penis. I expect some of you to say ‘nope, no pain at all’ and some of you to say ‘ yep, it hurt for months’ following our mantra of ‘everyones different’. Thanks guys, WhiteSoxFan

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I didn’t have surgery so I can’t speak for myself here. However I have a friend who, one month after surgery, couldn’t sit in a chair for more than 15 minutes without pain and also had numbness in the quadriceps in one leg. I last saw him about a month ago so I’m not sure what has happened to him in that time. I agree with I.P. about the Tylenol. You may be better off just sucking up the pain than taking the maximum dose over an extended period of time. Pain is such a subjective thing. I’ve had chronic back pain that, when I first experienced it 15 years ago seemed debilitating at the time. Now, unless it’s acute, I hardly notice it. It’s just background noise. I’m careful about how I lift things and how I bend and move, but I don’t really think about the pain much at all. Alan

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello All, Been a month since my RRP and I’m curious about everyone’s post op pain. I see the Uro tomorrow for my first post op blood test and first real post op follow up. I’ve been pro active regarding pain control with a regular regimen of usually a gram of Acetaminophen every 6 hours. I am going to refrain from any meds today (if I can) so I can identify my aches for the doc tomorrow. Can you describe your pains as best as you remember it a month out? I can feel it in the scrotum, in the peritoneal and even the shaft of the penis. I expect some of you to say ‘nope, no pain at all’ and some of you to say ‘ yep, it hurt for months’ following our mantra of ‘everyones different’. Thanks guys, WhiteSoxFan

From the other posts I must be in the minority along with you. I’m about 2.5 months out from the surgery. I have had tenderness that will sometimes be enough to be considered painful in my penis. It might be referred pain from bladder spasms and comes and goes. I also continue to have discomfort if I sit too long but that’s slowly improving. Its not unusual to feel, shall we say, discomfort in the perineal area when shutting off the flow after peeing or sometimes when doing kegals. Depending on what your doctor tells you, you might consider switching to Ibuprofen, 600 mg three to four times a day. That was what I was told to take to reduce inflammation. You can buy generic IB that’s 200 mg and take three of them, it’s cheaper then a prescription for the 600mg ones. Another possibility to bounce of the doc is Aleve, which is also available in generic. I have rarely found any of the pain medications that are non-prescription to do much for any of my pains except for the Aleve, it seems to be moderately helpful sometimes but I’m referring to things like headaches. Since the surgery the only thing I’ve taken is either the IB or Tylenol with codeine during the first several days after surgery. Unless you count my kidney stone pain, I’ve been taking percocet for that – it’s prescription and is really the only "pill" I’ve ever taken that truly relieves pain, the Tylenol three’s just dull it.

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I had no pain. I took the meds they gave me in the hospital but I didn’t take anything after I got home. There was a little discomfort when rising from a chair. You just have to find the correct position and take it slow. The only problem I really had was I have to sleep on my stomach. I can’t sleep on my back. That took a little while to get used to. It didn’t hurt it was just uncomfortable laying on the incision.

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Nope, no pain at all. At 4 weeks, I was extremely sensitive to the possibility of pain if I did the wrong thing, but I was antsy to get back to work. — Biopsy 11/01/2000 G7 (3+4), T2c RRP 12/15/2000 G7 (3+4), T3cN0M0 Neg margins PSA .1 .1 .1 .27 .37 .75 PSA .34 .22 .15 .21 .32 Lupron 07/03 (1 mo) 8/03 (4 mo), 12/03, 4/04, 09/04, 01/05, 5/05, 10/05, 2/06 PSA .07 .05 .06 .09 .08 .132 Non Illegitimi Carborundum

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The only pain I had was caused by the catheter. No pain at all after the dam thing was removed.

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Like the others have said, getting the catheter out made the biggest difference in comfort. After a month I would say that I still had some soreness when using my abdominal muscles for certain movements, but I wouldn’t call them pain.