Question:

Anyone know of a home supplier of Flovent and Serevent that bills through MEDICARE. Thank you!

Response:

Response:

Question:

Dear Coral,     Have you tried to set an alarm for when to take your meds.  I have my inhalers by my toothbrush that way I can take the flovent BEFORE I brush my teeth. When I had to take the inhaled steroid in the middle of the day I set my watch alarm to remind me.  I think they even make little med reminder clocks that you can set to remind you.  Hope this helps  Pam.

Response:

I don’t know if this applies to you, Coral, but I work in the computer industry, and I’m at a computer 8-10 hours a day. I’ve set reminders in Outlook that pop up so that I don’t forget to take my meds. Whatever you try, good luck! — Grant Thornley   "Do you like my mask? It brings thing back from the dead."     Giles, Season 3

Response:

Thanks for replying guys: Chris, yes, Im going to check that pill thing out in a while after I leave the computer, Pam, thats a good idea,and yes I ve tried an alarm but I share the alarm with my hubby, who needs it to wake him up for work, so thats no good. Grant, thats a good idea, didnt think about that. (in a rush) thanks Coral

Response:

I realize that I have to take my maintenance meds if I want to live, but my problem is that I constantly loose track of the time that I have to take them and end up skipping a night or two. Now, Ive been on Flovent and Serevent night and day for two months now and begining to feel like a crack head constantly inhaling on my areochamber.lol but seriously, sometimes I cant keep track of the time and I end up forgetting to take em. And after a while it feels like I going through some type of withdrawal.

At almost any drug store, you can get a pill box with a built-in alarm.  In almost any department store, you can get a watch with a built-in alarm.  Either will cost you less than $50, and be well-worth the expense if it helps you remember your meds. Chris Owens

Response:

I realize that I have to take my maintenance meds if I want to live, but my problem is that I constantly loose track of the time that I have to take them and end up skipping a night or two. Now, Ive been on Flovent and Serevent night and day for two months now and begining to feel like a crack head constantly inhaling on my areochamber.lol but seriously, sometimes I cant keep track of the time and I end up forgetting to take em. And after a while it feels like I going through some type of withdrawal. Coral

Response:

Question:

My  12 year old son was the same way, our first Dr. had this kids on 5 different things, 3 and 3 times a day – no adult would want to do that, so why should I expect a 12 year old to?  We changed Drs. last fall.  I explained to him the hassle of getting Aaron to take his meds.  We are now on just Pulmicort and Rhinocort once a day with saline nose spray a few times a day and Claritin as needed. what a difference in compliance!  I don’t pester anymore, life is much nicer in our household – no more crabby mom and dad and a kid who actually takes his meds on schedule.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!  I always note the day he starts a new inhaler and if it isn’t pretty much empty when it should be, then I know he’s not been taking his meds.  His doctor is very good about discussing the need for taking meds on a regular basis.  I think part of the problem is that since his asthma is in good control (the good part) he tends to ignore the importance of preventative meds. Good luck in your campaign to quit smoking!  It’s a tough battle (I quit in 1998) but well worth it! Patrice I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Glad to see I’m not alone on this.  True, even adults don’t like to take meds all the time…let alone so many and frequently.  Why should a kid? Regardless how intelligent and responsible he is….DS is still only 12. The Family Dr and the Allergist didn’t lecture him as the Pulmonologist did. Basicially, they let him know they were glad he was out of the hospital and okay now…and hopefully he has learned why needs to take his meds unless he wants to experience a close encounter again. Sally Avery

Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!  I always note the day he starts a

new

Response:

I believe that as he begins to take his meds as he should, eventually we may be able to cut some things down….hopefully.  Thanks for the message.  It helps to know others have same problems. Sally Aver

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My  12 year old son was the same way, our first Dr. had this kids on 5 different things, 3 and 3 times a day – no adult would want to do that, so why should I expect a 12 year old to?  We changed Drs. last fall.  I

Response:

The most important part is your not smoking.   Hard! Hard! Hard! to do and I wish only you the best and may your willpower be strong enough to overcome the addiction.  I was very happy 19 years ago when I quit cold turkey. I had a nightmare about being in a hospital and the Doc telling me I had emphysema.  I woke the next day and have not smoked since, however; this last year my doc made my dream come true (50% FEV1).  I feel that by quitting when I did at 33 that I am much better off with my lungs that had I not. Good Luck and keep the faith!!! Tim Washington State

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!

You do have to watch these kids.When they have something chronic like asthma, I think they just want to try and ignore it sometimes. My son was like that . I put my daughter’s meds out for her even though she is 16 so she can’t "forget". The scary thing is I have to watch to see that she doesn’t decide to take an extra dose of something when she feels she isn’t getting relief. This has happened before(luckily not harmful) and I never would have dreamed she would be so careless. Hopefully now she does understand the seriousness of this.

Response:

I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Hello Sally, My son has been guilty of not taking his meds daily, also.  He is 16 and one would think he would be responsible!  I always note the day he starts a new inhaler and if it isn’t pretty much empty when it should be, then I know he’s not been taking his meds.  His doctor is very good about discussing the need for taking meds on a regular basis.  I think part of the problem is that since his asthma is in good control (the good part) he tends to ignore the importance of preventative meds. Good luck in your campaign to quit smoking!  It’s a tough battle (I quit in 1998) but well worth it! Patrice

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I took my 12 yr old son to an appointment with a Pulmonologist yesterday. As of the one visit, I liked her no-nonsense attitude.  After reviewing his breathing tests, current meds and recent breathing tests from the Allergist’s office, she flat out told my Son she didn’t trust his age group as they tend to lie about taking their meds.  Turns out she was right on the money. He’s only been taking the Serevent and Pulmicort about half the time, although he does take the Singulair and allergy meds as he should.  She gave him a good lecture about what being on Prednisone too often would do for him, that he’s already a severe asthmatic and isn’t doing himself any good, etc.  He didn’t deny it and finally admitted it.  Seems for 113% effort, his bottom line was only 70%.  She let him know that the meds he’s on should be working great for him.  Feels that if he takes it all as he should then next winter he should be able to participate in ski club like he wanted to this year.  At least there’s no flying allergens on a snow-covered slope!!! The only changes she made to his meds were she ordered him to take him in front of us parents each time, to stay on the nebulized Albuterol for another two weeks, and added Zantac to work along with the Prilosec for his stomach. Today he saw the Family Dr and tomorrow he sees the Allergist.  Within the next few weeks he’ll be seeing a Pediatric Gastro since it’s pretty much felt he has GERD…which isn’t surprising considering his asthma level and meds. The dog leaves Saturday afternoon…being returned to the shelter we got her from three years ago as a small puppy. The cat is in the works as soon as we can reach DH’s niece to arrange the hand-off.  DH will be looking into what wood stuff he wants for Son’s room floor. Here’s the Big One…DH and I have Rx’s for Zyban (and for me the patch too since I’ve been smoking for over 20 years). — Sally Avery

Response:

Question:

Increasing one’s albuterol is not one of the recommended answers to falling peak flows. Inhaled steroids… yes. The overall goal is to use as little of the albuterol as possible. This should have been something that your doctor discussed. I would certainly call your doctor if your peak flows fall below 80%… and I would expect some immediate treatment.

Response:

I have a question. I recently started on Pulmicort and Accolate. For the past week, I have had very few symptoms and haven’t used any albuterol. My peak flow is running from 80% to 85% of peak. This means my peak flow is about 400 most of the time with my max at 500. The question is this, should I use albuterol when I reach the 80% mark? Or should I pass it up since I feel OK? I haven’t been using it on the theory that the least medicine is the best. I’d like to see your opinions on this. I haven’t had a chance to get back to my doctor for a while. Probably won’t see him until April. Thanks, Jim

Response:

Question:

I haven’t logged on in long time and I’m trying to catch up. I would like to know if people have had difficulty weaning themselves from Pulmicort Turbohaler, especially at the 800 mcg/day or higher dosage. I would also appreciate hearing from folks who have received significant therapeutic benefits from switching from the old Serevent to the new propellant-free Serevent. Thanks

Response:

Don’t know about effects, but it is supposed to work better..get more meds in. My daughter switched and loves it because she gets no residue, no need for aerochamber.

Response:

Question:

:My shrink has started me on 20mg though I’m having a rough time with it. I’m :trying to stay away from benzos. I got some with me but never take it due to :the addictive nature of the drug. Not to say that AD drugs aren’t addictive :unlike the shrink says. I take Cipramil at night to help with sleeping a bit :due to its sedative effect. :How r u going with your problems? Dear Wiseguy, Please call your doctor and ask about lowering your celexa dose and weaning slower, especially that you are trying to stay away from benzos. There is no reason to suffer like this. I read in your reply to Vanessa that you recently broke up with your fiancee over her inability to deal with your disorder. I`m so sorry about that. My husband isn`t very understanding about my disorder and it has caused a lot of problems too. {{{{{Wiseguy}}}}} Jackie ~*~I am of nothing special; of this I am sure.   I am a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life.  There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough~*~  ~Nicholas Sparks~

Response:

Hi Wiseguy, Sorry to hear about the break-up with your fiance. It is so hard for our partners and loved ones to understand, hey it’s hard for *us* to understand it all. I’ve been married 14 years and my condition has really tested our relationship many times. I must be one of the lucky ones as my husband comes along to therapy with me and supports me as best he can even though he doesn’t understand it. I am doing really well, thanks for asking. No panic attack for 3 months now, yipeee. Still some anxiety here and there but I can live with that. I am working 3 days per week and enjoying it, instead of dreading each day. I went to see my husband in the World Masters Games here in Melbourne last week, and I didn’t get anxious as i thought I might….sunny day….lots of people….open spaces….eeek, enough to normally keep me away or get tied up in knots. So you work at Quantas huh? Going back to work may bring some routine back to your life. It’s great that you are looking forward to it, great positive attitude, especially after all you have been through. Are you happy with you shrink? Other than prescribing meds does she give you any CBT therapy – may not be for you but it worked great for my problems. Can’t comment on your med as I have never taken ssri’s, I do take rivotril (clonazepam) which is a benzo, has helped me but you are different and you need to work out the combo and treatment that works best for you. Let us know how you are going – side effects etc. Other posters take the med you are on now (celexa) so am sure they can advise better than me. best wishes, Vanessa )

Response:

Hi Vanessa, thanks for asking. My pulpatations seemed to be in connection with the EFFEXOR XR so I’ve been told to change over. So now it’s a waiting game again. Getting off EFFEXOR XR was hell for me, I didn’t know they’re so addictive unlike what the shrink told me. Getting on Cipramil wasn’t fun either. Started off on 20mg straight out so I’m still getting used to it altough I seem to feel a bit better. As far as checking my pulse, that shoul wear off as my heart rate goes down hence reducing further anxiety. It hasn’t been the best of times for me, broke up with my fiancee of almost 5 years because she wasn’t understanding with this so she couldn’t put up with me anymore. As for now I’m a bit deppressed but trying to have a positive attitude about things though things arn’t so bright at the moment. I’m looking forward to going back to work to QANTAS next month after taking 3 months off. Hows thing with you if I may ask? Thanx

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All i know is that it’s an SSRI, used mainly for anxiety, depression and OCD. Good to see you posting again wiseguy. Sorry to hear you are still suffering from anxiety/panic and have had side effects from the meds you have tried. How are your heart palpitations going? Are you still checking your heart rate as often as you used to? Vanessa ) Hi everyone. I haven’t posted for a while but I have a queation. I have just started on Cipramil for anxiety and panic disorder after having tried Aurorix and Effexor XR with no luck and a lot of side effects. Anyone have any info or experience with Cipramil? Thank You all

Response:

Hi Jackie, My shrink has started me on 20mg though I’m having a rough time with it. I’m trying to stay away from benzos. I got some with me but never take it due to the addictive nature of the drug. Not to say that AD drugs aren’t addictive unlike the shrink says. I take Cipramil at night to help with sleeping a bit due to its sedative effect. How r u going with your problems? Thanx and may God be with you all.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – :Hi everyone. I haven’t posted for a while but I have a queation. I have just :started on Cipramil for anxiety and panic disorder after having tried :Aurorix and Effexor XR with no luck and a lot of side effects. : :Anyone have any info or experience with Cipramil? : :Thank You all Dear Wiseguy, I hope your doctor is starting you at a low dose and weaning you slowly onto the celexa. Usual starting dose for people with anxiety disorder is 5mgs, increasing that dose every week or so until you reach the prescribed dose. It is also a common practice to use a benzo such as xanax or klonopin while weaning on antidepressants. Give the celexa 6 to 8 weeks to kick in. Make sure to take it with food and/or water as to prevent any stomach irritation that some antidepressants can cause. You may also have to experiment with the time you take the dose to see what works best for you. I wish you much luck with your new med Jackie ~*~I am of nothing special; of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life.  There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough~*~  ~Nicholas Sparks~

Response:

Hi everyone. I haven’t posted for a while but I have a queation. I have just started on Cipramil for anxiety and panic disorder after having tried Aurorix and Effexor XR with no luck and a lot of side effects. Anyone have any info or experience with Cipramil? Thank You all

Response:

All i know is that it’s an SSRI, used mainly for anxiety, depression and OCD. Good to see you posting again wiseguy. Sorry to hear you are still suffering from anxiety/panic and have had side effects from the meds you have tried. How are your heart palpitations going? Are you still checking your heart rate as often as you used to? Vanessa ) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. I haven’t posted for a while but I have a queation. I have just started on Cipramil for anxiety and panic disorder after having tried Aurorix and Effexor XR with no luck and a lot of side effects. Anyone have any info or experience with Cipramil? Thank You all

Response:

:Hi everyone. I haven’t posted for a while but I have a queation. I have just :started on Cipramil for anxiety and panic disorder after having tried :Aurorix and Effexor XR with no luck and a lot of side effects. : :Anyone have any info or experience with Cipramil? : :Thank You all Dear Wiseguy, I hope your doctor is starting you at a low dose and weaning you slowly onto the celexa. Usual starting dose for people with anxiety disorder is 5mgs, increasing that dose every week or so until you reach the prescribed dose. It is also a common practice to use a benzo such as xanax or klonopin while weaning on antidepressants. Give the celexa 6 to 8 weeks to kick in. Make sure to take it with food and/or water as to prevent any stomach irritation that some antidepressants can cause. You may also have to experiment with the time you take the dose to see what works best for you. I wish you much luck with your new med Jackie ~*~I am of nothing special; of this I am sure.   I am a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life.  There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough~*~  ~Nicholas Sparks~

Response:

Question:

I am starting welbutrin sr and need to know what to expect. I am bi-polar/mood swings/OCD/major panic attacks, and I am obsessive about what meds will do to me. Then I panic once I take them, and It is just a bad circle of needing meds/ being afraid of meds.I have been on different meds in the past, but have been off them for a while(except xanax, I keep that around just in case a panick attack). Any info on what I should expect with wellbutrin sr would be great….Mary

Response:

I am starting welbutrin sr and need to know what to expect. I am bi-polar/mood swings/OCD/major panic attacks, and I am obsessive about what meds will do to me. Then I panic once I take them, and It is just a bad circle of needing meds/ being afraid of meds.I have been on different meds in the past, but have been off them for a while(except xanax, I keep that around just in case a panick attack). Any info on what I should expect with wellbutrin sr would be great….Mary

– I’ve heard that is one of the more stimulating ones – so if you are anxiety prone, you might get more anxious with this one – but I have not tried it myself.  For bipolar, lithium with some long-term benzo seems to be a first choice, or tegratol, or Valproate.  I used to take Xanax for panic but I think i had the panic from too high a Synthroid dose.  I only take it now very rarely but my Synthroid has been reduced since then about 40%. Squiggles

Response:

It seems to me that that Wellbutrin is not the best choice for someone with your conditions.  I’m only going on memory of the many posts here by other members and various links supplied also.  I took Wellbutrin and was suffering from mood swings.  I ended up hypomanic and had to stop. Well, I’m not the word of God about this.  Just check into it. Good luck. Carrie ;o)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am starting welbutrin sr and need to know what to expect. I am bi-polar/mood swings/OCD/major panic attacks, and I am obsessive about what meds will do to me. Then I panic once I take them, and It is just a bad circle of needing meds/ being afraid of meds.I have been on different meds in the past, but have been off them for a while(except xanax, I keep that around just in case a panick attack). Any info on what I should expect with wellbutrin sr would be great….Mary

Response:

—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– Hash: SHA1

I am starting welbutrin sr and need to know what to expect. I am bi-polar/mood swings/OCD/major panic attacks, and I am obsessive about what meds will do to me. Then I panic once I take them, and It is just a bad circle of needing meds/ being afraid of meds.I have been on different meds in the past, but have been off them for a while(except xanax, I keep that around just in case a panick attack). Any info on what I should expect with wellbutrin sr would be great….Mary

As always, the effects depend on the individual, and I am not a medical pro. However, I am ramping up on Wellbutrin myself.  Your results may vary, especially since I am very responsive to any neuro drug I can find (one drink gives me a buzz, one cup of coffee wakes me right up, one dose of Benadril makes me a zombie for 24 hours) Wellbutrin claims to be very low on side effects (it claims to be one of the few ADs that rarely cause sexual side effects).  The only ones I have noticed from personal experience are diminished appetite and weight loss, which are fine since I’m overweight to begin with.  BTW, that’s why anorexia and bulimia are contraindications. The other big contraindication is alcohol.  Stay completely dry while on Wellbutrin.  Alcohol may interfere with other ADs, but with Wellbutrin it can cause seizures.  If you can be (or already are) a teatotaller, this should be no problem for you. My prescriber is also trying to find an antianxiety med that I can tolerate (I have nasty side effects with Effexor and Celexa), so I’m guessing that Wellbutrin isn’t itself an antianxiety.  But for me, it is good at treating depression.  I sensed immediate results during the first week at the 50mg/day level (standard therepudic dose is 300 mg/day).  Again, I am likely _very_ responsive to Wellbutrin, so you may have to wait several weeks at a higher dose. —–BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE—– Version: PGPfreeware 6.5.8 for non-commercial use <http://www.pgp.com iQA/AwUBPIUmCkdroV5D+kXPEQJumQCgrRN47bk6RWTmoZnHmLKB2l4LmoEAnR58 AC1BP8lgKRyh8WCV6ON+kh19 =08UA —–END PGP SIGNATURE—–

Response:

Question:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

I prefer using a pick for strumming chords and lead lines, but using the thumb and fingers for many chord arpeggios and other patterns requiring a lot of string skipping. Lucas B.

Response:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

I use both, sometimes concurrently.  No reason to limit yourself; they are both useful depending on context. -pk

Response:

you should use your fingers and your pick for different things the sound it’s note the same! use whatever suits best! strangest picking i’ve ever seen. a guy holdind a pick with the thumb and the index (not strange) to play what the thumb would normaly play. the other fingers would play the first three stings!

Response:

I find that i play better with my fingers, but i like the sound of the pick much better.

Response:

Use a thumb pick! Dunlop has all kinds…you can grab it like a regular pick if you must or let go of it and user your fingers. This sounds strange but I really like it.  It takes a while to get use to but after a while if feels strange wasting all your energy pinching a pick between your index and thumb…uuuugggggg!!! http://www.mp3.com/skyfishermen Scott Reinson I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

Response:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful? I prefer using a pick for strumming chords and lead lines, but using the thumb and fingers for many chord arpeggios and other patterns requiring a lot of string skipping.

Agreed. I fingerpick on acoustic almost exclusively, and I only use a pick on electric (but that’s mainly because I have Benign Essential Tremor and it would be way too sloppy if I fingerpicked on the electric). But a pick makes for much better soloing (aside from bluegrass and stuff like that). And you can’t solo as fast fingerstyle. Sven

Response:

I can use a pick fairly well but I get more feeling by using my thumb and fingers. Would using the pick be that more useful?

Response:

Question:

Perhaps we could start with defining self-worth, and considering evolutionary roots leading to it, or how it is seen (or not seen) in lower animals. Below is a suggestion of the meaning of "self worth."  There are needs for certain aspects of belonginness.  Perhaps self-worth would include an assessment of the probability of their being met.  Perhaps this would also include an assessment of one’s "deservingness" of their being met, or in other words, an absence of shame or guilt. We might also consider that there may be brain based templates for such things as shame or guilt, such that if they are stimulated, or their conditions met, an unpleasant feeling is generated, which has the effect of modifying behavior. (more)

 :–  :                            Rational Negativism:  :               A Divergent Theory of Emotional Disorder  :  :Objective: To account for self-worth related emotion (i.e., needs for  :   love, acceptance, moral integrity, recognition, achievement,  :   purpose, meaning, etc.) and emotional disorder (e.g., depression,  :   suicide, etc.) within the context of an evolutionary scenario; i.e.,  :to  :   synthesize natural science and the humanities; i.e., to answer the  :   question:  ’Why is there a species of naturally selected organism  :   expending huge quantities of effort and energy on the  :survivalistically  :   bizarre non-physical objective of  maximizing self-worth?’  : If we view nature films of animals which live in groups, we find the existence of a heirarchy in many of them.  Often that heirarchy is constantly shifting, and is frequently re-ordered.  Sometimes, an individual is on the low end so often, he becomes a permanently low-status member.  He is fearful, and doesn’t even dare to challenge a higher-status member. Since the capacity for this behavior is species-wide, there must be templates for those behaviors involved.  Certainly, one can not impose them on reptiles, or solitary animals like certain cats.  Coincidentally, those seem to be the same animals which are prone to domestication. What are those templates?  How about feelings, such as shame, guilt, fear, a feeling of "less than," of being impressed with another who is "more than." In other words, feelings of a lack of self-worth.  And why do some individuals strive to change the pecking order?  Because those feelings are unpleasant, and they wish for them to be lost.  The way to lose those feelings is to increase one’s status, and with an absence of shame and fear, one has a greater feeling of self-worth. Viewing this in an evolutionary way, why would it happen?  For one thing, a group is more efficient in meeting its needs if it is organized.  For another, lower status enhances cooperation.  And it may be that the higher status individuals breed more often, passing along the genes of the stronger members of the group more frequently than those of the weaker ones. Thus, it is advantageous that the lower ones should strive for higher status, as a test of their potential for ancestry of a future group.  And it may be advantageous if the bolder ones lead the group in defending against intruders. Consequently, we have negative feelings and if not opposite feelings, then at least the absence of the negative ones. There is also an element of confidence.  With confidence, one feels that his behavior is likely to produce a desired result.  And he feels that he has the personal ability to carry out the behaviors.   Consequently, he is more likely to act when he is unable to know the outcome, than would a less confident individual.  Feelings of self-worth seem to be necessary for one to have confidence, and energy to carry out a plan. With the problem of bipolar disorder, this mechanism seems to go astray. The person attains such high confidence, he gambles on high risk propositions.  He has the energy to do a lot of work, and may be aggressive without purpose, as if he were at the top of a pack. Then he swings toward the opposite end, and lacks all confidence, lacks all energy, as if he were at the very bottom.  Is it possible that bipolar disorder means that existing templates for feelings and behavior are being triggered without environmental information which generally does that?  :Observation: The species in which rationality is most developed is  :   also the one in which individuals have the greatest difficulty in  :   maintaining an adequate sense of self-worth, often going to  :   extraordinary lengths in doing so (e.g., Evel Knievel, celibate  :monks,  self-endangering Greenpeacers, etc.).  : We have imposed culture upon our biological nature.  Where other creatures might be satisfied to find a place within a small pack, humans overlay their learning on this impulse, and seek through displays of wealth or education to gain the esteem of others, to bolster their self-esteem.  They may be holier than thou, humbler than thou, stronger or more beautiful, wherever they might find their niche.  Their learning may communicate to them that better means more powerful or more envied, or that better means more right.  :Hypothesis: Rationality is antagonistic to psychocentric stability  :(i.e.,  :   maintaining an adequate sense of self-worth).  :  :Synopsis: In much the manner reasoning allows for the subordination  :   of lower emotional concerns and values (pain, fear, anger, sex, etc.)  :   to more global concerns (concern for the self as a whole), so too,  :   these more global concerns and values can themselves become  :   reevaluated and subordinated to other more global, more objective  :   considerations. And if this is so, and assuming that emotional  :   disorder emanates from a deficiency in self-worth resulting from  :   precisely this sort of experiencially based reevaluation, then it can  :   reasonably be construed as a natural malfunction resulting from  :   one’s rational faculties functioning a tad too well.  : Negative information can cause negative feelings, but negative feelings can also cause all information to seem negative.  There is also a theory that depression has an evolutionary survival function. There was an observation of I think, some perigrene falcons, which mate for life.  The female did not return to the nest, and the male waited for her until he starved to death.  It was concluded that this was not helpful to the species, and therefore, depression was a fluke of nature. However, what would have happened if he had eventually concluded that she was not returning, and he was hungry and needed to find a meal?  Possibly the behavior of mating for life would have been weakened, which is connected to the survival of that species.  So if that happened a lot, and such birds passed along their genes and increased in number, the behavior may have diminished or disappeared, together with its survival function. So a very strong motivation to be loyal to the partner to the very end, possibly contributes to the survival of that species.  Consequently, depression is not without its function there (assuming the bird was depressed, of course.)  :Normalcy and Disorder: Assuming this is correct, then some  :   explanation for the relative "normalcy" of most individuals would  :   seem necessary. This is accomplished simply by postulating  :   different levels or degrees of consciousness.  From this perspective,  :   emotional disorder would then be construed as a valuative affliction  :   resulting from an increase in semantic content in the engram indexed  :   by the linguistic expression, "I am insignificant", which all persons  :of  :   common sense "know" to be true, but which the "emotionally  :   disturbed" have come to "realize", through abstract thought,  :   devaluing experience, etc.  :  :Implications: So-called "free will" and the incessant activity presumed  :   to emanate from it is simply the insatiable appetite we all have for  :   self-significating experience which, in turn, is simply nature’s way  :of  :   attempting to counter the objectifying influences of our rational  :   faculties. This also implies that the engine in the first  :"free-thinking"  :   artifact is probably going to be a diesel.  : Huh?  :  :   "Another simile would be an atomic pile of less than critical size:  :an  :   injected idea is to correspond to a neutron entering the pile from  :   without. Each such neutron will cause a certain disturbance which  :   eventually dies away. If, however, the size of the pile is  :sufficiently  :   increased, the disturbance caused by such an incoming neutron will  :   very likely go on and on increasing until the whole pile is  :destroyed.  :   Is there a corresponding phenomenon for minds?" (A. M. Turing).  :  :  :Additional Implications: Since the explanation I have proposed  :   amounts to the contention that the most rational species  :   (presumably) is beginning to exhibit signs of transcending the  :   formalism of nature’s fixed objective (accomplished in man via  :   intentional self-concern, i.e., the prudence program) it can  :reasonably  :   be construed as providing evidence and argumentation in support of  :   Lucas/Godel. Not only does this imply that the aforementioned  :   artifact probably won’t be a computer, but it would also explain why  :a  :   question such as "Can Human Irrationality Be Experimentally  :   Demonstrated?" (Cohen, 1981) has led to controversy, in that it  :   presupposes the possibility of a discrete (formalizable) answer to a  :   question which can only be addressed in comparative  :   (non-formalizable) terms (e.g. X is more rational than Y, the norm,  :etc.).  : There are some games, including the prisoner’s dilemma, which generally result in irrationality.  There is also a bird which has a behavior of tearing down its neighbor’s nest.  The bird has several choices.  1.) Spend all his time guarding what part of his nest is built, 2.) Look for new … read more »

Response:

–                             Rational Negativism:                A Divergent Theory of Emotional Disorder Objective: To account for self-worth related emotion (i.e., needs for    love, acceptance, moral integrity, recognition, achievement,    purpose, meaning, etc.) and emotional disorder (e.g., depression,    suicide, etc.) within the context of an evolutionary scenario; i.e., to    synthesize natural science and the humanities; i.e., to answer the    question:  ’Why is there a species of naturally selected organism    expending huge quantities of effort and energy on the survivalistically    bizarre non-physical objective of  maximizing self-worth?’ Observation: The species in which rationality is most developed is    also the one in which individuals have the greatest difficulty in    maintaining an adequate sense of self-worth, often going to    extraordinary lengths in doing so (e.g., Evel Knievel, celibate monks,    self-endangering Greenpeacers, etc.). Hypothesis: Rationality is antagonistic to psychocentric stability (i.e.,    maintaining an adequate sense of self-worth). Synopsis: In much the manner reasoning allows for the subordination    of lower emotional concerns and values (pain, fear, anger, sex, etc.)    to more global concerns (concern for the self as a whole), so too,    these more global concerns and values can themselves become    reevaluated and subordinated to other more global, more objective    considerations. And if this is so, and assuming that emotional    disorder emanates from a deficiency in self-worth resulting from    precisely this sort of experiencially based reevaluation, then it can    reasonably be construed as a natural malfunction resulting from    one’s rational faculties functioning a tad too well. Normalcy and Disorder: Assuming this is correct, then some    explanation for the relative "normalcy" of most individuals would    seem necessary. This is accomplished simply by postulating    different levels or degrees of consciousness.  From this perspective,    emotional disorder would then be construed as a valuative affliction    resulting from an increase in semantic content in the engram indexed    by the linguistic expression, "I am insignificant", which all persons of    common sense "know" to be true, but which the "emotionally    disturbed" have come to "realize", through abstract thought,    devaluing experience, etc. Implications: So-called "free will" and the incessant activity presumed    to emanate from it is simply the insatiable appetite we all have for    self-significating experience which, in turn, is simply nature’s way of    attempting to counter the objectifying influences of our rational    faculties. This also implies that the engine in the first "free-thinking"    artifact is probably going to be a diesel.    "Another simile would be an atomic pile of less than critical size: an    injected idea is to correspond to a neutron entering the pile from    without. Each such neutron will cause a certain disturbance which    eventually dies away. If, however, the size of the pile is sufficiently    increased, the disturbance caused by such an incoming neutron will    very likely go on and on increasing until the whole pile is destroyed.    Is there a corresponding phenomenon for minds?" (A. M. Turing). Additional Implications: Since the explanation I have proposed    amounts to the contention that the most rational species    (presumably) is beginning to exhibit signs of transcending the    formalism of nature’s fixed objective (accomplished in man via    intentional self-concern, i.e., the prudence program) it can reasonably    be construed as providing evidence and argumentation in support of    Lucas/Godel. Not only does this imply that the aforementioned    artifact probably won’t be a computer, but it would also explain why a    question such as "Can Human Irrationality Be Experimentally    Demonstrated?" (Cohen, 1981) has led to controversy, in that it    presupposes the possibility of a discrete (formalizable) answer to a    question which can only be addressed in comparative    (non-formalizable) terms (e.g. X is more rational than Y, the norm, etc.).      Along these same lines, the theory can also be construed as an    endorsement or metajustification for comparative approaches in    epistemology (explanationism, plausiblism, etc.)    "The short answer [to Lucas/Godel and more recently, Penrose]     is that, although it is established that there are limitations to the    powers of any particular machine, it has only been stated, without    any sort of proof, that no such limitations apply to human intellect "    (A. M. Turing).    "So even if mathematicians are superb cognizers of mathematical    truth, and even if there is no algorithm, practical or otherwise,    for cognizing mathematical truth, it does not follow that the power    of mathematicians to cognize mathematical truth is not entirely    explicable in terms of their brain’s executing an algorithm.  Not    an algorhithm for intuiting mathematical truth —  we can suppose that    Penrose [via Godel] has proved that there could be no such thing.      What would the algorithm be for, then?  Most plausibly it would be an    algorithm — one of very many — for trying to stay alive … " (D. C.    Dennett). Oops!  Sorry!  Wrong again, old bean.      "My ruling passion is the love of literary fame" (David Hume).    "I have often felt as though I had inherited all the defiance and all the    passions with which our ancestors defended their Temple and could    gladly sacrifice my life for one great moment in history" (Sigmund    Freud).    "He, too [Ludwig Wittgenstein], suffered from depressions and for long    periods considered killing himself because he considered his life    worthless, but the stubbornness inherited from his father may have    helped him to survive" (Hans Sluga).    "The inquest [Alan Turing's] established that it was suicide.  The    evidence was perfunctory, not for any irregular reason, but because    it was so transparently clear a case" (Andrew Hodges) —                Phil Roberts, Jr. Feelings of Worthlessness and So-Called Cognitive Science         http://www.geocities.com/Athens/5476

Response:

Question:

Any side effects would be physical in nature. If things are fairly "whacked"  (and I don’t know exactly what you mean) then it suggests the Zoloft is not  working. Either you need to increase the dose up to the max of 200 mg or  switch to another OCD drug such as Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, or Anafranil. Its  pretty much trial and error. There is no way to know ahead of time which is  most likely to work. Erich

Response:

D iIR r T wrote:

i have been on zoloft for about 7 months and haven’t noticed any physical side effects, but things are fairly wacked and i’m not sure if there are any known mental/emotional side effects… (?)

I’ve also been taking Zoloft for about 7-8 months and have noticed just one side effect … that being fatigue. I’m taking 300mg daily and my OCD symptoms have improved significantly. The major symptom of my OCD is having to go back and "check" if I’ve hit someone while driving … and because of the Zoloft and behaviour therapy, this symptom has pretty much disappeared (thankfully!). However, I can’t seem to get enough sleep …. I now require at least 8 hours to function and even then I’m pretty tired. However, I find this side effect tolerable in comparison to my OCD symptoms. I’ve also found a drastic improvement in regards to my mood swings. Shannon

Response:

Subject: Zoloft: side effects???? From: dii…@aol.com (D iIR  r T) Date: Sun, Oct 26, 1997 01:01 EST Message-id: <19971026060100.BAA12…@ladder02.news.aol.com i have been on zoloft for about 7 months and haven’t noticed any physical side effects, but things are fairly wacked and i’m not sure if there are any known mental/emotional side effects… (?)

I think I know just what you mean.  I tried Zoloft for about three or four  months.  After the first month or so, I would wake up and be in this strange,  surreal state of mind for about 30 minutes or so before I would completely  "awaken".  It felt REALLY weird, and was quite unpleasant.  The Zoloft also  would alter my sleeping in such a way so that I would sometimes be asleep, but  would be somewhat aware of what was happening in my environment; if someone  cut a radio on, for instance, I would be aware of that, but would STILL BE  ASLEEP.  Strange.  The stuff also interfered with my ability to concentrate to  a certain extent, which I also didn’t like. Basically, you’ve just got ask yourself whether or not the medicine is taking  care of the problem(s) it’s supposed to; then ask yourself whether or not the  side effects are worth putting up with.  If your answer to EITHER one of these  questions is "no", you might want to give another SSRI a try.  I personally  went back to Prozac, and am glad I did.  Good luck… -Bill Spruell

Response:

i have been on zoloft for about 7 months and haven’t noticed any physical side  effects, but things are fairly wacked and i’m not sure if there are any known  mental/emotional side effects… (?)

Response: