Question:

as long as there is crusting, the hole will enlarge.speak to your doctor about using an antibiotic ointment and I recommend you start this soon. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

I just saw my GP, who got me into the ENT. Like yours, my perforation was small, I was told that with such an allergic nose the surgery would probably not be successful because of a continuously irritated nose, and result with a dying/dead surgical flap, resulting in a bigger hole. Putting in a button , would mean making the hole bigger right now. My concern was that the allergist took me off all steroid nasal inhalers, and I have polyps and severe ragweed & perfume problems that hit me in the sinuses. With a 40 year history of problems in the ragweed season, I was concerned. So for now, doing nothing for the hole is best.  Having the hole there, risks getting larger with drying edges and constant airflow (inside my nose swells shut and then I wake myself up whistling…. yuck) risks making the hole larger. I will work on making saline sprays a habit, but vasoline makes my problem worse, ie on my mouth, vasiline helps for a few hours, but then my skin sloughs off in sheets of dead skin.  The same thing kinda happens in my nose, short relief, but then the whole nose situation actually gets worse instead of better. But, at least I now know the  problem is not due to a growth or cancer , and they actually incouraged me to take my nasal steroid, but to be careful to try to spray the outer walls or up, but avoid the septum. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings-I can sympathize with your aliment.  I also have a perforated septum. My pulmonologist discovered it.  He said don’t worry about it as is small also about 1-2mm.  He suggested placing vaseline in the nostril to keep the nose moist.  I have had not problems so far and would not even know it was there if it was not for the pulmonologist.  The surgery to repair seems to be very painful and a long recoup time.  Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

Response:

Because of allergies and asthma and vasular motor rhinitis, I have for years  used a nasal steroid spray, which helped a lot. For a long while, one nostral had a nosebleed / scab problem, but it was minor and much less troublesome than the major sinus problem and the nose swelling shut every time I layed down as was happening before this.  I didn’t notice any structure change. but……. About 6-7 weeks ago, I was put on a prednisone taper ( 18 day, starting at 60mg, with 2X  normal dose220 flovent) , and the nose went nuts. The allergist told me to stop the nasacort and just use nasachrom. So I did.  had 2 weeks of rebound sinuses, but now just have the problem of the nose swelling shut when I lay down. The nose stopped bleeding and scabbing, but about 3 weeks later, my nose would whistle a clear tone whistle in the morning, and late at night, and even waking me up in the middle of the night!    An indentation started at the bottom of one nostral, but I couldn’t see a perferation in the septum. Now, with my nose supposedly healed ( ie no more bleeding or scabbing) the indentation in the floor of the nostral ( ~12 mm up) is deeper! And , now there is a sizable ~ 1 mm hole in the septum,  I can see light shine through  the well defined hole on both sides. I’m so allergic to ragweed that my GP suggested I start up the aquous form of Nasacort  in August, but, but that was  several weeks ago and now I’m scared to, though I know I might be miserable with out it. *  Is it a bad sign for the tissue corrosion to continue after stopping the pred and the nasacort? …. ie is something more serious possible? * Is there anything too bad about having a small hole about 10-14 mm up your nose… besides the whistling I have been to the clinic soooooo much this year with asthma, I feel like an employee!  Just went to the Weekend walkin clinic last week with an ankle swollen up like a football  from an allergy to some kind of insect bite. Should I make an appt for something no one can probably do anything about? I kinda know I should, yet I guess I just need a kick in the pants or some reassurance. Trying to avoid the hypochondriac label….. Lou Ann

Response:

Greetings-I can sympathize with your aliment.  I also have a perforated septum. My pulmonologist discovered it.  He said don’t worry about it as is small also about 1-2mm.  He suggested placing vaseline in the nostril to keep the nose moist.  I have had not problems so far and would not even know it was there if it was not for the pulmonologist.  The surgery to repair seems to be very painful and a long recoup time.  Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

Response:

Question:

try getting doc to Rx Nystatin Mouthswish – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been using Flovent 220(oral corticosteroid) for about a year and swishing as directed but I continue to have some level of thrush in my mouth. I use water and Scope mouthwash. Anyone have a better idea? Thanks Jack

Response:

: : doesn’t even really work), get my Dr. to prescribe an oral dose of 150 : mg Diflucan, a anti-fungal designed to treat women’s yeast infections, : but it works wickedly well on my thrush too.  My Dr. has now given me a : standing prescription for Diflucan. Good luck….. : and when the Diflucan stops working, there is a swish and swallow called Fungizone…tastes awful, but it works — Peace, Tish Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives.-Charles Fisher

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Mycelex Troches (5/day) works every time for me.  I can’t take the oral anti-fungals because they crank up the liver enzymes! Jan

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Has anyone else tried apple cider vinegar for candida thrush? when i use it works great (although i don’t always use it) either rinse with applecider vinegar and water or rinse with water than drink a glass of water with apple cider vinegar and honey. Catriona

Response:

I have been using Flovent 220(oral corticosteroid) for about a year and swishing as directed but I continue to have some level of thrush in my mouth. I use water and Scope mouthwash. Anyone have a better idea? Thanks Jack

Jack, I constantly have/had problems with thrush from my oral steroids until I hit upon the following combination….  – rinse my mouth twice daily with 2 drops of tea tree oil in water (warning, tea tree oil seems to trigger some asthmatics)  – eat at least 250 grams (small container) of yougurt with natural bifidalfous (sp?) bacteria in it daily.   You can get these bacteria in "capsule" form from drug stores and health food stores as acidophus.   — every 4 weeks when this regieme breaks down (who knows, maybe it doesn’t even really work), get my Dr. to prescribe an oral dose of 150 mg Diflucan, a anti-fungal designed to treat women’s yeast infections, but it works wickedly well on my thrush too.  My Dr. has now given me a standing prescription for Diflucan. Good luck…..

Response:

Although Flovent worked well for me, I had constant thrush, even if I rinsed with water and mouthwash immediately.  My doctor switched me to Pulmicort, which is a breath activated dry powder inhaler.  Although I still occasionally get thrush, it has not been as bad as Flovent.  And Pulmicort seems to work.  No attacks since October, and I had been having one every two months. ALS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been using Flovent 220(oral corticosteroid) for about a year and swishing as directed but I continue to have some level of thrush in my mouth. I use water and Scope mouthwash. Anyone have a better idea? Thanks Jack

Response:

writes I have been using Flovent 220(oral corticosteroid) for about a year and swishing as directed but I continue to have some level of thrush in my mouth. I use water and Scope mouthwash. Anyone have a better idea?

Talk to your doctor about using a spacer for the Flovent (I’m assuming that it’s an MDI type) – that may help prevent further bouts of thrush once you’ve got it under control. In the meantime, try an anti-fungal mouthwash – if your doctor can’t recommend one, see what your dentist can come up with ! Chris — Chris King                    | Information provided here should NOT be used http://www.csking.demon.co.uk | practitioner.

Response:

I have been using Flovent 220(oral corticosteroid) for about a year and swishing as directed but I continue to have some level of thrush in my mouth. I use water and Scope mouthwash. Anyone have a better idea? Thanks Jack

Response:

Question:

WHAT IS ANYONES EXPERIENCE WITH FLOVENT # OF PUFFS/# OF TIMES PER DAY? ARE YOU MILD/MODERATE ASHTMATIC?  USE OF PROVENTIL HFA AND ACCOLATE.  Have been trying to cut back on flovent 110 mg 4 puffs/2x’s per day.  Have great success with accolate but upsets stomach.  Nee Proventil for exercise and in addition to flovent on bad days/ times. Thank you

Response:

WHAT IS ANYONES EXPERIENCE WITH FLOVENT # OF PUFFS/# OF TIMES PER DAY? ARE YOU MILD/MODERATE ASHTMATIC?  USE OF PROVENTIL HFA AND ACCOLATE.  Have been trying to cut back on flovent 110 mg 4 puffs/2x’s per day.  Have great success with accolate but upsets stomach.  Nee Proventil for exercise and in addition to flovent on bad days/ times. Thank you

I checked your meds against the 1997 Asthma Guidelines/Expert Panel Report. Your dose of Flovent, 880 ug/day, puts you in the Moderate-to-High category with Moderate to Severe asthma. The Guidelines recommend you also use a long-acting bronchodilator (either Serevent, or sustained-release theophylline, or long-acting beta2-agonist tablets). Proventil as needed. I’m suprised you get an upset stomach from Accolate. The product information sheet doesn’t seem to indicate this is a significant problem. I haven’t tried Accolate yet. My steroid inhaler is Vanceril DS 84. I tried to switch to Flovent 44 but my HMO won’t pay for it. I also use Serevent & Intal inhalers; and low dose Theo-Dur, 200 mg/day. Note that Flovent is twice as strong as Vanceril per ug; 1 puff Flovent 44 = 1 puff Vanceril DS 84 or 2 puffs Vanceril 42. Ellis

Response:

I use Flovent 220 mcg, two puffs 2/day. I am doing well on this dosage. Previously I was taking 500 mcg beclomethasone 2/day. I had to buy the stronger puffer in Mexico as it was never sold here. I began that treatment in France which made a world of difference in my condition. I have been told that Flovent is stronger than what I was taking and I should only need one puff twice a day, but it doesn’t seem to work that way. I need the four puffs/day. Sue

Response:

Bill, regarding your questions on Flovent, I use a combinaaation of Flovent/Serevent.  My M.D. feels the combination is better than just Flovent on its own.  I am now trying Accolate in order to reduce inhalants.  We shall see……. at least the combination above has gotten me off of prednisone for the first time in 4 years!!!  I use 2 puffs of the long-term bronchodilator twice daily and 8 puffs of the steroid inhalant daily in the afternoon (works as well as 4 puffs twice daily). My M.D. believes that Merck will have something even better than Zyflo or Accolate available in Sept.   Keep breathing!!! Jan

Response:

Bill, regarding your questions on Flovent, I use a combinaaation of Flovent/Serevent.  My M.D. feels the combination is better than just Flovent on its own.  I am now trying Accolate in order to reduce inhalants.  We shall see……. at least the combination above has gotten me off of prednisone for the first time in 4 years!!!  I use 2 puffs of the long-term bronchodilator twice daily and 8 puffs of the steroid inhalant daily in the afternoon (works as well as 4 puffs twice daily). Jan

Regarding the 8 puffs of Flovent/day in a single dose, the manufacturer, Glaxo, recommends divided doses, twice a day. See www.industryreport.com/glaxo/glaxo.html There is evidence that this can reduce the total number of puffs/day required, since the medication is designed to work for about 12 hr. If you took the Flovent at the same time as the Serevent, you would only be using inhalers twice a day instead of 3 times/day. Also it is beneficial to use a steroid inhaler in the evening because asthma is usually worst at nite with symptoms peaking around 3 am. Perhaps you could work back to 3 puffs twice a day. Of course you would need to monitor symptoms and peak flows. Congratulations on getting off the prednisone. Just a suggestion, Ellis

Response:

Question:

I know people have probably over posted about this, but.. is there anyone (besides me that is) who *hasn’t* had wonderful success with Singulair?? I’ve been on it for months now and I’ve hardly noticed a thing. I’m still taking my inhaler 3 and 4 times a day! Are the people who’re having lots of luck with it taking it in conjunction with other things? It’s *so* frustrating, since I still can hardly walk down the hall without having problems. Thanks for your help! Kelly

Maybe one of these days this info will get incorporated into the FAQ. Singulair and Accolate have a pattern of beneficial response where VERY APPROXIMATELY 1/3 of users expereince a strong, positve response; 1/3 of users get a mild benefit; and 1/3 of users derive NO BENEFIT at all.  IT takes a month or two to distinguish between the second and third groups.

Response:

Hi Kelly, I have felt exactly the same about Singulair.  I have been on it now for about 1 year but have not noticed any improvement with it at all.  I am still on Prednisolone 20mg, Theophylline 300mg x2, Fluticasone 1000mcg x2, Serevent 50mcg and 100mcg, Atrovent 40mg x2 and Ventolin 200mg x4 everyday. Why is it that Sigulair seems to be the saviour for some, and a waste of time for others like us? Maybe some others out there will know the answer to that. Becky – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know people have probably over posted about this, but.. is there anyone (besides me that is) who *hasn’t* had wonderful success with Singulair?? I’ve been on it for months now and I’ve hardly noticed a thing. I’m still taking my inhaler 3 and 4 times a day! Are the people who’re having lots of luck with it taking it in conjunction with other things? It’s *so* frustrating, since I still can hardly walk down the hall without having problems. Thanks for your help! Kelly

Response:

Singulair is ususally prescribed for those with mild to moderate asthma. an expert on asthma but I’m surprised that your symptoms are so servere after a year of treatment!  Has your doctor changed your meds during that time or suggested other forms of therapy?

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I know people have probably over posted about this, but.. is there anyone (besides me that is) who *hasn’t* had wonderful success with Singulair??

Not a wonderful success but I would say *some* success.  I was on flixotide, atrovent, ventolin, phyllocontin and needing prednisolone about every 3 months.  After some difficulties and disruption at work I rapidly went downhill until I was at 6 days per month off work and needing prednisolone every few weeks.  The doses I was on of the other things were about the maximum suggested (and about 30+ shots of ventolin per day). In April 1997 my parents went on holiday for a while and I "house sat" for them; playing computer games mainly.  I got so involved in one of them I played for 36 hours straight; the only medication I took in that time was ventolin.  I felt a lot better.  I haven’t touched flixotide or atrovent since; medical advice was that I was looking for a very serious attack anytime soon if I didn’t go back on the medication.  I held out. However the medication I *was* on appears to be the "standard" treatment for "brittle asthma" – i.e. very rapid onset (the stuff that may kill on the first attack with a new subject); I *don’t have* rapid onset asthma. The treatment I had had and had been receiving was a "hold over" from the prescription practices of a previous doctor – it had never been explained to me what it was all for and my current doctor had (as I had) assumed it was all o.k. Since I was still at about *two* days off work per month I saw my *new* doctor again; she suggested Singulair (‘cos we’d tried everything else). I’m now down to about 1 day per month on average from asthma related problems.  So, I wouldn’t say it was *hugely* succesful; I would say it works reasonably well for me as I have a very slow declining sort of asthma problem and it stabilises my base levels. I’ve now been on Singulair over a year; my energy levels are much more than previously and I don’t have to worry about going out (I know I shall be able to physically cope until I can get back).  I have had less ‘flu and bronchitic problems (possibly because I’m not on oral steroids all the time now) and I’m a lot happier with my state generally. It *wasn’t* a quick fix; it’s been very gradual in my case. change demonically challenged to demon in reply; hoping to avoid the spam Rex M F Smith

Response:

I know people have probably over posted about this, but.. is there anyone (besides me that is) who *hasn’t* had wonderful success with Singulair?? I’ve been on it for months now and I’ve hardly noticed a thing. I’m still taking my inhaler 3 and 4 times a day! Are the people who’re having lots of luck with it taking it in conjunction with other things? It’s *so* frustrating, since I still can hardly walk down the hall without having problems. Thanks for your help! Kelly

I’ve read Singulair has a sucess of 1/3 show dramatic improvement, 1/3 show significant improvement, 1/3 show no improvement. If you show no improvement, you should stop taking it. New studies show it starts to become effective within the 1st 24 hr, if it doesn’t help in 7 days, it probably won’t help. I started Singulair last spring. Initially I got a 10% improvement with peak flow and was happy with it. In the summer I had some exacerbations that dropped peak flows to 50%, and Singulair didn’t seem to help (tho it isn’t supposed to help in exacerbations) I did notice some side effects of tiredness, and was taking every other day. Lately I just stopped taking, may start up again. I use a peak flow meter to monitor lung function and a Action Plan to increase meds when peak flow drops into Yellow Zone. I’ve been using a new steroid inhaler, Pulmicort, since beginning of year. It’s so effective I don’t seem to need Singulair. If you need inhalers 3-4x/day, your asthma is not well controlled. Most asthmatics can control their asthma with inhaled steroids twice a day; and an occasional puff of albuterol less than once/day. (I also use Serevent twice a day) Ellis

Response:

I know people have probably over posted about this, but.. is there anyone (besides me that is) who *hasn’t* had wonderful success with Singulair?? I’ve been on it for months now and I’ve hardly noticed a thing. I’m still taking my inhaler 3 and 4 times a day! Are the people who’re having lots of luck with it taking it in conjunction with other things? It’s *so* frustrating, since I still can hardly walk down the hall without having problems.

I tried Accolate and Singulair for two months each.  I could have been taking sugar pills, they had no effects whatsoever (but no side effects either). From the reports in the newsgroup about 1/3 of the people who try it get dramatic results, another 1/3 get mild results and the final 1/3 (us) get no results. "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." Einstein

Response:

I know people have probably over posted about this, but.. is there anyone (besides me that is) who *hasn’t* had wonderful success with Singulair?? I’ve been on it for months now and I’ve hardly noticed a thing. I’m still taking my inhaler 3 and 4 times a day! Are the people who’re having lots of luck with it taking it in conjunction with other things? It’s *so* frustrating, since I still can hardly walk down the hall without having problems. Thanks for your help! Kelly

Response:

Kelly,  I showed almost immediate results from taking singulair!  When you say inhaler, to what medicaiton are you refering.  Is it a preventor medication like servent or a reliever med like proventil?  You might require a preventor med to stop your asthma from getting out of hand.  Are you taking any inhaled steriods such as azmacort or flovent?  These are primary meds in preventing asthma since they help to prevent inflamation of the bronchial tubes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know people have probably over posted about this, but.. is there anyone (besides me that is) who *hasn’t* had wonderful success with Singulair?? I’ve been on it for months now and I’ve hardly noticed a thing. I’m still taking my inhaler 3 and 4 times a day! Are the people who’re having lots of luck with it taking it in conjunction with other things? It’s *so* frustrating, since I still can hardly walk down the hall without having problems. Thanks for your help! Kelly

Response:

Question:

(in message    It probably has more to do with a build up of residual metabolic by products (such as lactic acid) than hypertrophy of fast twitch muscle fibers.

huh?? me dumb… me no understand  Posted with Hogwasher. For a free Test Drive click on:      http://www.asar.com/cgi-bin/product.pl?58/hogwasher.html

Response:

The problem with strength-building devices is that they build up the slow-twitch muscles, which can increase your strength at the expense of your flexibility and agility (fast-twitch muscles). I notice a slowing in my playing after working out. It takes a few hours for that sluggishness to ease.

Hmm…I guess "at the expense" is the wrong choice of words. I don’t think you are helping your agility with these devices, but that’s it. JMK

Response:

If you play an acoustic (or electric, for that matter) w/ heavy strings, make sure you warm up slowly at first.  I highly advocate using thicker strings, when you play .012’s for even a little while, going back down to .010’s gets your fingers flying.

You could also do finger exercises if you’re just sitting around somewhere or waiting in line at the grocery store or whatever.  Tap your fingers to your thumb one at a time and try mixing em up, like 1,3,2,4   4,3,2,1  and see how many times you can do it without screwing up.  It doesn’t help strength a whole bunch but it trains your mind into getting used to playing leads. Peace & Grooviness schmange http://www.guitartricks.com/2000/host.php?input=7 Monday, May 28, 2001 3:07:30 AM  Posted with Hogwasher. Mac first, Mac only:      http://www.asar.com/cgi-bin/product.pl?58/hogwasher.html

Response:

I have Essential Tremor, so my hands shake like a motherfucker when I try to get all intricate. I feel better when I just jam out. If I jam out a good riff I like, the more I play it, the more fluid it becomes. I have no patience for learning/practicing anything that I don’t enjoy playing. But that’s just me. Everyone has their own style. If you want to do scales and exercises, that’s cool. But I’d rather just play what’s in my head, and what sounds good to me. Sven – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is  needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc? Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated.

Response:

x-no-archive:  yes The problem with strength-building devices is that they build up the slow-twitch muscles, which can increase your strength at the expense of your flexibility and agility (fast-twitch muscles). Where’d you get that?

Why, this newsgroup! I guess that’ll learn me. I notice a slowing in my playing after working out. It takes a few hours for that sluggishness to ease. It probably has more to do with a build up of residual metabolic by products (such as lactic acid) than hypertrophy of fast twitch muscle fibers.

I’m not a medical professional so I’ll defer to your expertise. JMK

Response:

The best thing to do is just play.  But you cant exactly carry a guitar in your pocket so you can play it during a ride home or chemistry class.   I used a gripmaster for a while, but sooner or later it stops doing any good. If you play an acoustic (or electric, for that matter) w/ heavy strings, make sure you warm up slowly at first.  I highly advocate using thicker strings, when you play .012’s for even a little while, going back down to .010’s gets your fingers flying.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is  needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc? Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated. Play an acoustic daily.  That’s all the exercise you’ll need.

Response:

Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is  needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc? Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated.

I used to squeeze a tennis ball when I first started playing but it didn’t really help much..   I also tried one of those spring loaded grip things… but same thing.  It just made my hand hurt a lot and didn’t help with chords or anything.   I think ya just have to practice a whole bunch with barre chords and be patient…   Getting into a band helps a lot too cause it causes you to play your butt off and try harder than normal cause you don’t wanna look like a dork in front of everybody. Peace & Grooviness schmange http://www.guitartricks.com/2000/host.php?input=7 Sunday, May 27, 2001 2:34:34 PM  Posted with Hogwasher. Mac first, Mac only:      http://www.asar.com/cgi-bin/product.pl?58/hogwasher.html

Response:

The problem with strength-building devices is that they build up the slow-twitch muscles, which can increase your strength at the expense of your flexibility and agility (fast-twitch muscles). I notice a slowing in my playing after working out. It takes a few hours for that sluggishness to ease. The best way to build up strength in conjunction with agility is just to play. JMK

I vastly prefer the machines at my gym because the barbells and dumbells can be really hard on my hands. Weight lifters will deny all this, but, they are full of beans. Isometric type exercises can be ok.. simple, smart, stretching.. like putting your hands together as if in prayer and lifting the elbows is ok.. also spread the fingers out and do the same thing. Exercises in which you practice control.. like laying the hand on a table and practicing lifting each finger in different orders.. is also ok. I’ve not tried any of the devices. Twang! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Kilbrannon Sound home page: http://www.kilbrannonsound.batcave.net MP3’s, schedules, other info…..

Response:

I bought a Gripmaster, which is a great little device.  But I then learned that I have some tendonitis in my left hand, and the Gripmaster can make it worse.  So I say, just play the guitar.  That should be exercise plenty. Mark

Response:

The problem with strength-building devices is that they build up the slow-twitch muscles, which can increase your strength at the expense of your flexibility and agility (fast-twitch muscles). I notice a slowing in my playing after working out. It takes a few hours for that sluggishness to ease. The best way to build up strength in conjunction with agility is just to play. JMK — The Kilbrannon Sound home page: http://www.kilbrannonsound.batcave.net MP3’s, schedules, other info…..

Response:

Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is  needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc?

Hi Timo: Mind you, I’m a beginner of only 11 months so take my comments with a grain of salt. ‘Bout 10 months ago when getting into barre chords, I had the same question/feeling about finger gadgets and such.    Thankfully I followed the advice of folks on this newgsroup and decided just to let the strength develop over time whilest playing.   Barre Chords and other things of that nature (IHMO) cannot be rushed.    I say that because I learned the hard way by trying to rush my progress of barre chords and have a torn ligament in my index finger on my fret hand to prove that.    10 months later, it’s still slightly tight at times BUT finally healing.    My doctor said certain types of ligament tears in the finger can take over a year to heal.    I suspect I have that such tear.    It happened because I tried to rush and "forced" too much strength/pressure into barre chords the first week getting into them because I wanted to sound good at them right away.       Not to sound like a "born again" or a preacher (I ain’t neither) but don’t let this happen to you as I would not wish this injury on my worst enemy.    It’s extremely painful and takes forever to heal.    Fortunately the worst is over for me and I’ve been playing thru the injury since it happened and know that it will be completely healde in another few months.    Aside from the injury, I noticed barre chords got easier and easier with daily practice and NOT exerting too much pressure/strength.    Anymore (thanks to the "Heavy Arm" method where I use my thumb like a clamp and let my "heavy arm" hold the strings down naturally with the weight of my arm, the barre chords (even on the first fret) are relatively easy now.    It also seems like I barely have to put much strength into it.     So this will definitely happen to you too over time.   That "Jamey Adreas" book called "Principles of Correct Guitar Practice" also talks about the "heavy arm" and it does make a difference for barre chords. thanks, Theron – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated. —   Timo   To reply, remove "ei", "roskaa" and ".invalid" from my e-mail address.

Response:

Do you feel training for hand/finger strength with specific exercices is  needed? Should I use some "grip strength building devices" etc? Or is better method just play with acoustic with heavy strings? Sometimes I have troubles forming barre chords, and my wrist also hurts occasionally. Should I stretch more etc? Any comments, pointer to WWW pages etc. is greatly appreciated.

Play an acoustic daily.  That’s all the exercise you’ll need.

Response:

<snipped Play an acoustic daily.  That’s all the exercise you’ll need. <snipped Thats true!! But if you want them, there are gadgets on the market, from the typical sports grip thing through to the Gripmaster, designed for guitarists andworks individual fingers. The sports gripscost about

Question:

Hi Betsy, Excellent thread! For those of you who are on antidepressants, what different sorts of experiences have you had that show they’re working? We’re all taught to recognize such symptoms of depression as deep sadness, lack of energy, apathy, etc.

What shows they are working.  I think it’s good to approach this from both the lack of negative symptoms *and* the return of positives: – Less deep sadness, replaced by feelings of calm or "normalcy".  The "normalcy" is noticed by realizations that "hey!  this is how I used to feel when I wasn’t depressed!". – Lack of energy, replaced by just the ability to get out of bed and in the shower in order to make it to work on time.  Feeling rested after a normal nights sleep, instead of wanting to sleep all day. – Apathy replaced by hope that things can get better, and caring about that, which also can ironically cause some fear in me.  In the 3 weeks I’ve been taking meds for dysthymia (low grade chronic depression), these things, to the less profound degree I’ve felt them, have cleared up.  

Good!  I’m glad for you! But a more noticeable difference for me is a greater ability/willingness to be open and honest with my feelings *before* a fuse gets lit — I don’t keep from speaking up and let things fester so much.  Then a problem can be resolved when it’s still small, and my feelings stay more neutral during and after the resolution.  It’s weird.  : )

I’ve noticed that I tend to be able to resolve things in a more tactful appropriate manner sooner when I’m doing well on antidepressants.  One concern that I have is that one of the meds I take is Klonopin, and it gives me what I would consider an artificial self confidence and changes my personality in ways that I’m more laid back and I’ve noticed that people respond very positively to that.  My sense of humor increases too, or at least my ability to convey it. The concern is that Klonopin is addictive, and I must moderate its use.  I never take more than the prescribed dosage, but sometimes recently I have been taking up to 2mg (like today), so I want to go a week or so without it, or maybe taking only .5mg. Two of the lesser-talked-about symptoms of depression are persistent feelings of low self-worth and guilt.  I’m not saying that antidepressants are the cure-all for these feelings, but I wonder if the meds are helping to relieve some of these feelings in me so that speaking up is a more tolerable option now?

I think this goes back to speaking up — that can help relieve guilt. If you’re feeling less depressed and good about yourself in general, it’s easier to brush off someone else’s inappropriate guilt feelings. This past weekend I told my Mom I was going to try to contact the Make a Wish Foundation to see if she could get tickets to see Tiger Woods in Rockford.  My Mom’s been through a lot, she loves Tiger Woods, and it would make her sooooooo happy.  It would make me equally or more happy to be able to make her happy.  Well, when I asked my Mom if I have her permission to do that, my sister said, in an irritated condescending tone of voice that Make a Wish is only for terminally ill children. Well, my first feeling was hurt.  I had taken a risk and gone out of my way to try to do something positive, and immediately it was shot down by my sister (but my Mom liked the idea — anything to see Tiger Woods  My sister started to say more, and I realized I didn’t want to get into a debate with her.  So, I said I didn’t want to talk about it.  She called me rude for not wanting to talk about it, that when someone wants to talk I "should" talk.  I said no, I’m setting a boundary and I choose not to talk about it. Mainly, because I saw it as a lose-lose conversation or a win-lose conversation.  In converstations like that, I don’t want to be the winner or loser.  I want it to be win-win, or an intelligent discussion of the ways to find out what the Make a Wish covers, and also an acknowledgement of the intent. If I were in depression, I may not have been as internally comfortable about how I handled it.  I was at peace after I set the boundary, event though my sister was frustrated and tried to get me to participate more in the conversation. She also has a young daughter.  During the weekend she said "Kevin!!! Shannon has hair spray in her hand, you "should" have closed the bathroom door".  I said "Sure, no problem, I will be happy to do that in the future.  I just need to be informed of these things and you hadn’t let me know to do that".  She said yes, I know I did because I told Randy (my brother).  (as if someone else is evidence that she told me).  I left it as a final "I don’t believe you told me otherwise I would have gladly complied, but I’ll be sure to do it in the future". It’s almost like the meds have taken the power out of the "excuses" depression makes me vulnerable to (I’m too tired; it’ll never work; I’m not good enough) and the healthier thoughts I’ve been planting all along in therapy, etc. have a chance to actually be heard — by me.

YES.  *This* is what meds (IMO) are good for.  The depression support group I go to says this too, and this is my experience.  For me, the meds put me in a state where I’m more willing to remember and apply the healthy thoughts from therapy and other sources, and it also makes therapy more effective — instead of always dealing with depression in therapy and "dysthymia-struggles" (to coin a term), it can get to dealing more in the soluiton. Of course, it could all be placebo effect, too.  At this point I really don’t care.  : )  Just wondered what you guys have experienced?

I don’t think it’s the placebo effect.  After years of taking meds, not taking them when I was supposed to, forgetting to take them, not taking them as prescribed, taking them while drinking, I eventually had a lot of empirical data that leads me to believe, for me anyway, that the meds do help a lot.  I have been taking them as prescribed, except for Klonopin which I choose to take as needed because I know how addictive it can be. Betsy

Another point about meds.  Sometimes it takes a loooong time to find a good match, or the right meds (not to mention a good psychiatrist). Right now, crossing fingers, the combination of 150mg of Effexor XR, with 50mg Zoloft recently re-added (because I was proactive and contacted the psychiatrist), occasional use of Klonopin as needed, and 50-100mg of Trazodone for sleeping (I almost always take 50mg) works very well.  Today, I can honestly say I feel "normal" (just for today).  Maybe a little depressed and sad, but at least functional. About the placebo effect.  I wonder whether the full spectrum lights and the SAD lights have a placebo effect for me.  I don’t care.  All I know is that after a long day at work under my full spectrum light, when I go out into the dark winter here, I almost feel like I had a day of sunshine and the dark night seems more natural.  So, the lighting helps also. Kevin P.S. — thanks for your recent e-mail Betsy, I’ll try to get back to you (and a few others who’ve e-mailed in the last few weeks, some of whom I haven’t heard from in a while)

Response:

For those of you who are on antidepressants, what different sorts of experiences have you had that show they’re working? We’re all taught to recognize such symptoms of depression as deep sadness, lack of energy, apathy, etc.  In the 3 weeks I’ve been taking meds for dysthymia (low grade chronic depression), these things, to the less profound degree I’ve felt them, have cleared up.  But a more noticeable difference for me is a greater ability/willingness to be open and honest with my feelings *before* a fuse gets lit — I don’t keep from speaking up and let things fester so much.  Then a problem can be resolved when it’s still small, and my feelings stay more neutral during and after the resolution.  It’s weird.  : ) Two of the lesser-talked-about symptoms of depression are persistent feelings of low self-worth and guilt.  I’m not saying that antidepressants are the cure-all for these feelings, but I wonder if the meds are helping to relieve some of these feelings in me so that speaking up is a more tolerable option now? It’s almost like the meds have taken the power out of the "excuses" depression makes me vulnerable to (I’m too tired; it’ll never work; I’m not good enough) and the healthier thoughts I’ve been planting all along in therapy, etc. have a chance to actually be heard — by me. Of course, it could all be placebo effect, too.  At this point I really don’t care.  : )  Just wondered what you guys have experienced? Betsy

Response:

– Lack of energy, replaced by just the ability to get out of bed and in the shower in order to make it to work on time.  Feeling rested after a normal nights sleep, instead of wanting to sleep all day.

I’ve stopped taking 3-4 hour naps on the weekends.  : )  There’s all sorts of stuff to do when you look for it. I’ve noticed that I tend to be able to resolve things in a more tactful appropriate manner sooner when I’m doing well on antidepressants.  One concern that I have is that one of the meds I take is Klonopin, and it gives me what I would consider an artificial self confidence and changes my personality in ways that I’m more laid back and I’ve noticed that people respond very positively to that.

Is it an antianxiety med?  It’s interesting that you say it feels like an artificial self-confidence.  Does that mean that anxiety feels natural for you??  I don’t quite know how to respond, except that you seem to be staying self-aware about your use of it and that’s a good thing. I think this goes back to speaking up — that can help relieve guilt. If you’re feeling less depressed and good about yourself in general, it’s easier to brush off someone else’s inappropriate guilt feelings.

Exactly.  And the low self-esteem, that also leads to not speaking up or even counting my needs and feelings as important enough to bother dealing with. It’s a sort of self-sustaining loop in depression, apathy/low self-worth/lethargy. Regarding the incident with your sister, she sounds more than a little stressed-out herself.  : )  But you handled her very well! It’s almost like the meds have taken the power out of the "excuses" depression makes me vulnerable to (I’m too tired; it’ll never work; I’m not good enough) and the healthier thoughts I’ve been planting all along in therapy, etc. have a chance to actually be heard — by me. YES.  *This* is what meds (IMO) are good for.  The depression support group I go to says this too, and this is my experience.

You don’t know how encouraging it is to hear this, Kevin. One of the worst things about chronic depression is that little by little, year by year, you’re just resigning yourself to the fact that this is what life feels like.  You don’t even think it CAN be different.  It’s such a relief to know there’s something that can actually help.  And yet, I don’t feel as if the meds are "doing" it to me, I feel like I’m the one making the choices and changing my behavior.  I don’t think it’s the placebo effect.  After years of taking meds, not taking them when I was supposed to, forgetting to take them, not taking them as prescribed, taking them while drinking, I eventually had a lot of empirical data that leads me to believe, for me anyway, that the meds do help a lot.  I have been taking them as prescribed, except for Klonopin which I choose to take as needed because I know how addictive it can be.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it really is valuable to me. You’ve been around the block with this and I know you speak from experience. Happy New Year! Betsy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Shanon, How is it different that I am using a drug to alter the way I feel in somewhat the same way that they are using drugs to alter the way that they feel. -)  You are being monitored by a professional throughout the complete period of taking your "drugs" — your friends are not. -)  You are being prescribed the correct dosage of your "drug" — your friends not. -)  Your friends may become addicted to their drugs — you are *very* unlikely to become addicted to yours.

I agree with you completely.  I’m not a chemist, so when I was using pot all those years I really had no idea exactly what dosage I needed to obtain the feeling I wanted.  And I didn’t want to alleviate a painful condition, I wanted to obtain a high. The partnership with one and maybe two professionals, if you have a therapist, makes treatment with meds for depression a vastly different experience than chasing a high with street drugs. Betsy

Response:

Shanon, How is it different that I am using a drug to alter the way I feel in somewhat the same way that they are using drugs to alter the way that they feel.

-)  You are being monitored by a professional throughout the complete period of taking your "drugs" — your friends are not. -)  You are being prescribed the correct dosage of your "drug" — your friends not. -)  Your friends may become addicted to their drugs — you are *very* unlikely to become addicted to yours. Yes, medicine can also be a "drug" and basically humans can become addicted to almost anything, I think. Drugs have been widely used since the beginning of mankind. Weren’t it the Maya who used leaves of the coke plant to enhance their bodily capabilities?? The main difference between the drug known as medicine and what people think of as "real" drugs is that there is a safety/precaution variable included — your doc. If you’re self-medicating yourself its drug abuse and may lead to dependency. At least I think of it that way. Hope that helped. Pete ;O) — ~ But if you’re in the eye of storm. Think of the lonely dove. The experience of survival is the key. To the gravitiy of love. ~ -Enigma

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Since I have started Paxil, I have noticed so many positive effects.. First of all, my anxiety level has plummetted  - thank God!!  Secondly, my need to complete everything in order has subsided a little bit, I no longer panic if I don’t follow a schedule  or stick to an exact plan.  My depression has gotten so much better as well, I still feel bad sometimes, but nothing how I used to feel. But, then I wonder if this is a good thing.  I mean, I have friends who do drugs like pot and ecstacy – they say that the drugs make them happy – ecstacy makes them feel empathetic and like they have a connection with people.  Pot makes them calm, helps them concentrate, takes the edge off of their angry dispositions.  So I’m wondering, how am I different from them in my own use of Paxil?  How is it different that I am using a drug to alter the way I feel in somewhat the same way that they are using drugs to alter the way that they feel.  The only difference is that my drugs are legal.   I guess I’m rambling.. Shanon

Response:

For those of you who are on antidepressants, what different sorts of experiences have you had that show they’re working?

I am able to sleep.  I am able to not obsess about things, to let things go, to go to work.  I am able to eat better without so much worry that I will wake up the next morning weighting a ton.  When I have gone off my antidepressants the first thing I notice returning is my anxiety, which results in insomnia and obsessive compulsive behaviors.  I have gone off and back on many times against medical advise, and I know that they help me tremendously.  When I am off, I crash so bad.  Love Kal

Response:

i am not as reactive emotionally. but in a good way.  i can still cry and i do feel anger, but its not rage anymore.

What a relief this must be.  I have had flashes of rage throughout the years, for me I think they’re related to unrelenting depression.   it has slowed my mind down.  my mind used to race so fast , i talked fast, etc.  now i am more even keeled.  it has helped me to sleep better and longer.  which is wonderful considering my history of insomnia.  and i am more positive thinking now, i dont get so down on myself and i dont feel hopeless. i look for solutions to problems now and it helps to keep my chin up

but you’re an important part of ase-d for me. You are not your struggles, you are the person inside and I just wanted to let you know I see you.  : ) Happy New Year! Betsy

Response:

Question:

hi key, that happened for me on effexor and every other a-d  i tried including aurorix, celexor, tofranil and luvox. my doc said the effects would wear off over time- but they didn’t. it took great perseverance to get it up, let alone climax. naturally, being a guy, this is hard to take. I was going to say ‘hard to swallow’, but I’m trying to be serious here…. normal sexual response returns within weeks of giving up the a-d. at least it has for me. Erm, Wellbutrin is an a-d that’s known to have a positive effect on sex drive so, if you’re somewhere in the world where its available (its not available in Australia – dang!)  you could ask your pdoc to swap you over. hope this helps… rossco (aka brother john) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m experiencing loss of sex drive and inability to reach orgasm on 150mg Effexor XR/day.  Has anyone had a similar experience and noticed a reduction of these side effects?  Basically, will I get my sex drive back? key Before you buy.

Response:

Key, I’m on 150mg Effexor a day also.  I’ve been on it for a few months.  I have the same problem.  It’s faded a little, but it still takes a long long time to reach orgasm.  I don’t know though, I think it’s different for everyone.   Jen(I know this didn’t help much) I’m experiencing loss of sex drive and inability to reach orgasm on 150mg Effexor XR/day.  Has anyone had a similar experience and noticed a reduction of these side effects?  Basically, will I get my sex drive back? key

And there was much rejoicing,     yaaaaaaaayyyyyyy. "My head won’t leave my head alone" -Dave Matthews band

Response:

Hi key… It’s the same thing with Paxil… I don’t know how reduce side effect. Aline – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m experiencing loss of sex drive and inability to reach orgasm on 150mg Effexor XR/day.  Has anyone had a similar experience and noticed a reduction of these side effects?  Basically, will I get my sex drive back? key Before you buy.

Response:

I’m experiencing loss of sex drive and inability to reach orgasm on 150mg Effexor XR/day.  Has anyone had a similar experience and noticed a reduction of these side effects?  Basically, will I get my sex drive back? key Before you buy.

Response:

     The side effects I experienced were similar to the ones experienced on 20 mg of Paxil.  I am now taking 225mg of Effexor XR.  I am experiencing delayed ejaculation, it now takes about 20 minuets.  As opposed to the usual 5 to 10 minuets unmedicated. I left off reading newspapers once i got my journalism degree and realized HOW THEY WERE PRODUCED, and by WHAT sort of … life form.                                             – Ron Zucchini

Response:

I’m experiencing loss of sex drive and inability to reach orgasm on 150mg Effexor XR/day.  Has anyone had a similar experience and noticed a reduction of these side effects?  Basically, will I get my sex drive back? key

No sex drive and inability to reach orgasm.  I had the same side effects. After several months these side effects hadn’t gone away, so my pdoc added Wellbutrin.  Much, much better now.  :-)

Response:

Classic Effexor side effect. In some people the sex drive comes back. I don’t think the anorgasmia (is that what they call it?) goes away, if it’s one of the side effects for you, until you’re off Effexor. Then everything will be back the way it was before. Let the doc who prescribed it for you know if it’s a big issue for you. Take care. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m experiencing loss of sex drive and inability to reach orgasm on 150mg Effexor XR/day.  Has anyone had a similar experience and noticed a reduction of these side effects?  Basically, will I get my sex drive back? key Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

Response:

Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

Can I just send you pictures instead? -cg

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA Can I just send you pictures instead? -cg What, no web-cam?

i dunno , i’m not done yet . but it don’t feel empty . —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA Can I just send you pictures instead? -cg

What, no web-cam?

Response:

Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.

As a 70 year old man, I am pleased to report (using various methods) that I have this experience approximately 75 times per month. How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? I take about 6 kinds of medication and it has slowed me down considerably as you can see by my number. And I ask you, docz, can you top this?

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I see no one has dared to give a straight answer on this question.  I wonder why? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

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Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

  Orion The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.        Walden * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I would give an answer, but Mary Beth has me handcuffed under her desk, and I can’t reach the number keys.

+ I see no one has dared to give a straight answer on this question.  I + wonder why? +Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you +experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any +medication you have taken affected this rate? + +TIA — For info about this service, see http://www.twwells.com/anon/ or e-mail:

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i want to see the prevalence sexual disinterest side effect of meds for depression. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -x-no-archive: yes ummmm…why do you wanna know. and  why should we wanna answer? (besides – how do you quantify this when  multiples are taken into consideration?) I see no one has dared to give a straight answer on this question.  I wonder why? Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA – Sasha "I must live this chaos"            - Anais Nin

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female. never achieved orgasm but still have hormones…. sex? whenever i want it, usually a fair bit at the moment. do not get me on the subject of sex when i have work to do… — And if I was an angel I could fly over Jordan And I wouldn’t need no Greyhound to save my soul But maybe that’s a good thing because I’ll be home before I know And if I was an angel I’d have a long way to go — Matraca Berg

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate? TIA

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lines of text: Please answer honestly.  What is your gender and how often do you experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month.  How have any medication you have taken affected this rate?

To have sex you must have a partner to do it with.  whether you a partner or not will affect the frequency of your sex much more than any level of depression would. truthseeker (Don’t forget to change header to seekertruth0 at mindspring.com if replying by email.)

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+Please answer honestly. What is your gender and how often do you +experience orgasm (any means to achieve it) per month. How have any +medication you have taken affected this rate? + +TIA

Well, I’m male, 22 years old, been diagnosed with dysthemia, and i’m on 225mg of Effexor Daily… With regards to sex, well, i’ll just say, i rub my firemans purple helmet till he spits in my eye(!)  one or twice a week, (8 to 10 times a month) or if i’m feeling fruity… I was one Seroxat once, which stopped my fireman sneezing!!!!!! (Not a very pleasant side effect, let me tell you). Oh, one more thing, i’ve also got a blue dick, as i’m a tight fisted wanker!!!!! DepressedNudist Before you buy.

Response:

Sorry to topple you Stan…. but I have approximately (give or take a hundred) 289 & 1/2 orgasms with my g/f – all of course simultaneously with her! per week! This is despite the fact she lives on another continent! We must just be really good at sex!  :) God Im good! As is she! Lee * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

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I would give an answer, but Mary Beth has me handcuffed under her desk, and I can’t reach the number keys.

Shut up or I’ll tighten them again. Mary Beth

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Sorry to topple you Stan…. but I have approximately (give or take a hundred) 289 & 1/2 orgasms with my g/f – all of course simultaneously with her! per week! This is despite the fact she lives on another continent! We must just be really good at sex!  :) God Im good! As is she!

I yield to a champion.:-)) Stan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lee * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

very, very easily thank you very much. And no, i don’t need *your* help so stay the hell away from me *plonk* away you go — *** DO NOT ADJUST YOUR MIND; THE FAULT IS WITH REALITY! Adam came first. But then, men always do. God created men because a vibrator couldn’t mow the lawn so you can make me cum — that doesn’t make you jesus

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gnomie said: <<never achieved orgasm Oh, that is so sad. How can you put up with that kind of life?

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Gnomie said: <<never achieved orgasm Oh, that is so sad. How can you put up with that kind of life?

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Question:

Hi Wes, by my babysitter as a child. I too have no problem with my sex drive or getting an erection. I just orgasm less than a minute into sex & lose the desire to continue. I want to continue but the drive is no longer

Your sex drive seems OK. Have you tried an anti-depressants like Zoloft (Sertraline)? They can delay the orgasm. — FBI, CIA, KGB, Interpol, MIB, MI6… choke on this pal! Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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The best "lesson" I’ve never read. — Samy (France)

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Everything which you posted was so true, I congratulate you Many years ago in a now outdated book called "Any Man Can" I learned that orgasm and ejaculation are NOT the same thing and that a guy can masturbate having multiple orgasms as long as he does not ejaculate. Just knowing that one can do this was a real shocker. The stop and start technique which you so very well described IS the way to multiple orgasms….and it works. For me it is not possible to do while having intercourse, because I really believe that "Mother Nature" intended us to ejaculate (as soon as possible) and reproduce. That IS what sex is really all about…..continued repopulation. I am interested in the ancient Celtics ad have read that groups of guys( cousins and brothers) stood around waiting their turn to have sex with the women…so any guy taking too long to "get it done" would most likely removed from the female. As an added interest since the "tribes" were brothers and cousins etc, any baby born would obviously look like every one else – fair skinned and lightish hair. This child would then be greatly accepted by the tribe regardless of its father. BOB

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Fabulous answer, Fred . :::::::::standing ovation:::::::::::

Wes, First off, stop beating yourself up.  EVERY man, expecially young ones masturbate.  If someone tells you he doesn’t masturbate you can rest assured he’s lying (yes, even married men and old codgers like most of us on this newsgroup). From about 14, or whenever you reach puberty, through into the twenties, many masturbate daily or even several times a day. ALL MEN either fantasize about sexual situations or look at porno while they masturbate.   IT DOES NO HARM!  If you jack off too much, your body will make you slow down automatically because you’ll either get a sore dick or you just can’t get it up any more on that particular day.   What CAN happen is you can train yourself to come as quickly as possible while masturbating, either because you’re afraid of being caught doing it, you’re doing it when you don’t have much time, or you feel guilty about it.  When you start to have sex with a partner that quick-cum training can carry over and cause you to cum too quickly. As to not being able to get an erection again after you cum, that’s perfectly normal.  It’s called a "refactory period", and the amount of time before you can get an erection again varies greatly between individuals.  The older you get, the longer it takes before you can get another erection.  It’s very rare to find a man who can get an erection again right away after cumming, or avoid losing it at all. Supposedly some young teens can, but I believe that ability fades quickly. There are some things you can do to avoid this Premature Ejaculation (that’s the proper name for it). One is to masturbate before you expect to have sex (far enough ahead of time to get through the refactory period). You should be able to last longer on the second go-around after masturbating earlier.  Some recommend pulling out when you feel it coming, but before you reach the point of no return and having your _partner_ (not yourself) squeeze hard on the head of your penis.  Some recommend trying to think of something else during sex; preferably something you don’t particularly like, to take your mind off it (although this seems to me like it’d take a lot of the pleasure out of sex).  You can also be sure to wear a heavy duty condom and maybe get and use some desensitizing cream, (Prolong is one trade name)  You can get it at a pharmacy or a sex shop.  Be sure to put the cream on and then use a condom on top of it or you’ll desensitize your partner as well. The long term solution is to retrain yourself to lay back and enjoy sex for the great feelings of the slow buildup leading eventually to orgasm, without any sense of urgency.  You can do this with SLOW masturbation to EVENTUAL orgasm, which will have the added bonus of relieving some of the sexul tension and horniness which contribute to your cumming too quickly.   Extended mutual foreplay with your girlfriend, having her stop stimulation when you feel you’re near the edge, can also help. Concentrate on her feelings rather than your own, and try to get her to orgasm either orally, manually or both as many times as you can before you enter. A woman’s centers of sexual pleasure include the vagina only incidentally and she can get as much or more pleasure from stimulation of her clitoris, breasts and nipples, inner thighs, ears, neck, anus (stroke it lightly with a moistened finger or use your tongue), lips, buttocks, feet,  and any other areas she points out (Ask her.  Do the things she says she likes and avoid those she doesn’t.).  Don’t overlook the value of holding, hugging, kissing and just general caressing. To me, at least, there’s nothing that’s as much of a turnon as  giving my wife a series of screaming, out of control orgasms. There’s also a masturbation technique you could try to train yourself not to cum so quickly: First, you need to masturbate when you can take your time and really enjoy the sensations without the possibility of being disturbed.   Lay back on the bed, use some good lube like KY jelly or Astroglide and handle your penis very lightly all over with the fingertips of both hands just enough to maintain your erection. Keep a cup of warm water handy to remoisten the lube from time to time. If you feel yourself getting too close, stop for awhile until the sensation slacks off, then begin again. The idea is to make the good sensations last as long as possible without ejaculating.  Don’t use your fist, just the tips of your fingers lightly stroking the underside of the shaft, your balls, and  your inner thighs. Run a finger lightly from your anus up over your balls to the tip of your penis several times.  Relax and concentrate on the sensations and nothing else. You should be able to go on as long as you like this way, without ejaculating.  When you decide it’s time to cum, increase the tempo and pressure just enough to bring yourself slowly to orgasm. Don’t beat it frantically.. remember there’s no urgency. In the future, try to avoid masturbating when you’re hurried for any reason, or there’s a possiblilty you might be disturbed by someone intruding on your solitude. Use this technique as often as the opportunity presents itself, and you should find that you’ll learn a lot more self control, as well as enjoying sex more.  Using the extended foreplay techniques on your partner will make your sex last longer and give you both more satisfaction, even if you’re never able to lengthen the duration of actual intercourse. Good Luck!

Response:

I waz wondering if Yu had any progress with any of the suggestions in curing yur problem? & if so, what did Yu use to cure it? My name is Wes & I am only 19 years old. I too am experiencing some dysfunction of my erection. But I think I brought it on myself. I have had a difficult past where I constantly masturbated & was obsessed with poronography. I masturbated consistently for atleast more than 5 years average. I was molested, not sexually abused, but touched by my babysitter as a child. I too have no problem with my sex drive or getting an erection. I just orgasm less than a minute into sex & lose the desire to continue. I want to continue but the drive is no longer there. My X-girlfriend wants to help me by practicing with me & I tied but it just doesn’t work. I sometimes/most of the time, find myself getting aroused or having sexual thoughts the moment I get close to, hugging, or even sitting next to my girlfriend. I feel like my mind is perverted & my life is over. I try to exercise, I’ve thought about viagra but I didn’t think I could get a hold of it b/c of my young age. I figured it was for people up in age. I’ve thought about getting some type of surgery in the future when I came across enough money but I heard of certain cancers that can be acquired or side affects. There are so many different inventions that say they’re the best. I haven’t tried anything yet or seen a Therapist/Urologist/Whatever. I’m just investigating my options. I’ve now heard of: cock rings, penile injections, caverjet/ject, Paroxetine, Tri-mix, Stud 100, Sildenafil Citrate Loxanges, Yohimbine, & Herbal Viagra. I’m sorry to have written so much but Yu understand the seriousness of this subject. I’m in need of Help. juslt like Yu, I’m very interested in a sex life. I’m only 19. If Yuhave any ideas or opinions please respond. Thank Yu so much for Yur time, & I hope anyone with the same problem overcomes their discomfort. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I waz wondering if Yu had any progress with any of the suggestions in curing yur problem? & if so, what did Yu use to cure it? My name is Wes & I am only 19 years old. I too am experiencing some dysfunction of my erection. But I think I brought it on myself. I have had a difficult past where I constantly masturbated & was obsessed with poronography. I masturbated consistently for atleast more than 5 years average. I was molested, not sexually abused, but touched by my babysitter as a child. I too have no problem with my sex drive or getting an erection. I just orgasm less than a minute into sex & lose the desire to continue. I want to continue but the drive is no longer there. My X-girlfriend wants to help me by practicing with me & I tied but it just doesn’t work. I sometimes/most of the time, find myself getting aroused or having sexual thoughts the moment I get close to, hugging, or even sitting next to my girlfriend. I feel like my mind is perverted & my life is over. I try to exercise, I’ve thought about viagra but I didn’t think I could get a hold of it b/c of my young age. I figured it was for people up in age. I’ve thought about getting some type of surgery in the future when I came across enough money but I heard of certain cancers that can be acquired or side affects. There are so many different inventions that say they’re the best. I haven’t tried anything yet or seen a Therapist/Urologist/Whatever. I’m just investigating my options. I’ve now heard of: cock rings, penile injections, caverjet/ject, Paroxetine, Tri-mix, Stud 100, Sildenafil Citrate Loxanges, Yohimbine, & Herbal Viagra. I’m sorry to have written so much but Yu understand the seriousness of this subject. I’m in need of Help. juslt like Yu, I’m very interested in a sex life. I’m only 19. If Yuhave any ideas or opinions please respond. Thank Yu so much for Yur time, & I hope anyone with the same problem overcomes their discomfort.

Wes, First off, stop beating yourself up.  EVERY man, expecially young ones masturbate.  If someone tells you he doesn’t masturbate you can rest assured he’s lying (yes, even married men and old codgers like most of us on this newsgroup). From about 14, or whenever you reach puberty, through into the twenties, many masturbate daily or even several times a day. ALL MEN either fantasize about sexual situations or look at porno while they masturbate.   IT DOES NO HARM!  If you jack off too much, your body will make you slow down automatically because you’ll either get a sore dick or you just can’t get it up any more on that particular day.   What CAN happen is you can train yourself to come as quickly as possible while masturbating, either because you’re afraid of being caught doing it, you’re doing it when you don’t have much time, or you feel guilty about it.  When you start to have sex with a partner that quick-cum training can carry over and cause you to cum too quickly. As to not being able to get an erection again after you cum, that’s perfectly normal.  It’s called a "refactory period", and the amount of time before you can get an erection again varies greatly between individuals.  The older you get, the longer it takes before you can get another erection.  It’s very rare to find a man who can get an erection again right away after cumming, or avoid losing it at all. Supposedly some young teens can, but I believe that ability fades quickly. There are some things you can do to avoid this Premature Ejaculation (that’s the proper name for it). One is to masturbate before you expect to have sex (far enough ahead of time to get through the refactory period). You should be able to last longer on the second go-around after masturbating earlier.  Some recommend pulling out when you feel it coming, but before you reach the point of no return and having your _partner_ (not yourself) squeeze hard on the head of your penis.  Some recommend trying to think of something else during sex; preferably something you don’t particularly like, to take your mind off it (although this seems to me like it’d take a lot of the pleasure out of sex).  You can also be sure to wear a heavy duty condom and maybe get and use some desensitizing cream, (Prolong is one trade name)  You can get it at a pharmacy or a sex shop.  Be sure to put the cream on and then use a condom on top of it or you’ll desensitize your partner as well. The long term solution is to retrain yourself to lay back and enjoy sex for the great feelings of the slow buildup leading eventually to orgasm, without any sense of urgency.  You can do this with SLOW masturbation to EVENTUAL orgasm, which will have the added bonus of relieving some of the sexul tension and horniness which contribute to your cumming too quickly.   Extended mutual foreplay with your girlfriend, having her stop stimulation when you feel you’re near the edge, can also help. Concentrate on her feelings rather than your own, and try to get her to orgasm either orally, manually or both as many times as you can before you enter. A woman’s centers of sexual pleasure include the vagina only incidentally and she can get as much or more pleasure from stimulation of her clitoris, breasts and nipples, inner thighs, ears, neck, anus (stroke it lightly with a moistened finger or use your tongue), lips, buttocks, feet,  and any other areas she points out (Ask her.  Do the things she says she likes and avoid those she doesn’t.).  Don’t overlook the value of holding, hugging, kissing and just general caressing. To me, at least, there’s nothing that’s as much of a turnon as  giving my wife a series of screaming, out of control orgasms. There’s also a masturbation technique you could try to train yourself not to cum so quickly: First, you need to masturbate when you can take your time and really enjoy the sensations without the possibility of being disturbed.   Lay back on the bed, use some good lube like KY jelly or Astroglide and handle your penis very lightly all over with the fingertips of both hands just enough to maintain your erection. Keep a cup of warm water handy to remoisten the lube from time to time. If you feel yourself getting too close, stop for awhile until the sensation slacks off, then begin again. The idea is to make the good sensations last as long as possible without ejaculating.  Don’t use your fist, just the tips of your fingers lightly stroking the underside of the shaft, your balls, and  your inner thighs. Run a finger lightly from your anus up over your balls to the tip of your penis several times.  Relax and concentrate on the sensations and nothing else. You should be able to go on as long as you like this way, without ejaculating.  When you decide it’s time to cum, increase the tempo and pressure just enough to bring yourself slowly to orgasm. Don’t beat it frantically.. remember there’s no urgency. In the future, try to avoid masturbating when you’re hurried for any reason, or there’s a possiblilty you might be disturbed by someone intruding on your solitude. Use this technique as often as the opportunity presents itself, and you should find that you’ll learn a lot more self control, as well as enjoying sex more.  Using the extended foreplay techniques on your partner will make your sex last longer and give you both more satisfaction, even if you’re never able to lengthen the duration of actual intercourse. Good Luck! -Fred- Visit Fred’s Page of Impotence Information and ASI FAQ’s at: http://www.chesco.com/~fps/index.html

Response:

You have no problems, young man!  You are just confused and you someone, perhaps a psychologist-sex-therapist to straighten you out.

Response:

You might take comfort in that fact that you’re not much different than thousand of others. I’m not sure what operation you were talking about. Circumcision? I’ve heard it said that the uncircumcised are very sensitive. There’s a lot of discussion going on about circumcision. Whether is mutilation or not. I would suggest you try some of those desensitizing chemicals. And yes, see a urologist. There’s no age limit to ED or PE. Jerry of ASI I waz wondering if Yu had any progress with any of the suggestions in curing yur problem? & if so, what did Yu use to cure it? My name is Wes & I am only 19 years old. I too am experiencing some dysfunction of my erection. But I think I brought it on myself. I have had a difficult past where I constantly masturbated & was obsessed with poronography. I masturbated consistently for atleast more than 5 years average. I was molested, not sexually abused, but touched by my babysitter as a child. I too have no problem with my sex drive or getting an erection. I just orgasm less than a minute into sex & lose the desire to continue. I want to continue but the drive is no longer there. My X-girlfriend wants to help me by practicing with me & I tied but it just doesn’t work. I sometimes/most of the time, find myself getting aroused or having sexual thoughts the moment I get close to, hugging, or even sitting next to my girlfriend. I feel like my mind is perverted & my life is over. I try to exercise, I’ve thought about viagra but I didn’t think I could get a hold of it b/c of my young age. I figured it was for people up in age. I’ve thought about getting some type of surgery in the future when I came across enough money but I heard of certain cancers that can be acquired or side affects. There are so many different inventions that say they’re the best. I haven’t tried anything yet or seen a Therapist/Urologist/Whatever. I’m just investigating my options. I’ve now heard of: cock rings, penile injections, caverjet/ject, Paroxetine, Tri-mix, Stud 100, Sildenafil Citrate Loxanges, Yohimbine, & Herbal Viagra. I’m sorry to have written so much but Yu understand the seriousness of this subject. I’m in need of Help. juslt like Yu, I’m very interested in a sex life. I’m only 19. If Yuhave any ideas or opinions please respond. Thank Yu so much for Yur time, & I hope anyone with the same problem overcomes their discomfort. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

Question:

says… It hardly seems fair that those who guard our health do so at this kind of price. Without blaming all such woes on lifestyle, I do wish doctoring were a less heroic and more comfortable thing. Good luck — Julianne

In Australia, we don’t tend to glorify doctors — at least general practitioners.In many ways it’s just another job. This has its advantages and disadvantages. People don’t believe we are superhuman; they feel free to ask us questions if they don’t understand something. I’m sure if you scratch any American doctor, you’d find a patient of some type; and also a person — unless you’ve begun cloning your MDs (which, from reading some of the stories here, I would believe!) Ciao, Raymot ======= Brisbane, Australia [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[

Response:

It hardly seems fair that those who guard our health do so at this kind of price. Without blaming all such woes on lifestyle, I do wish doctoring were a less heroic and more comfortable thing. Good luck — Julianne

Response:

Hi All, Ok, here’s the post about my headaches. I have always had tension headaches. I used to be rarely without them — just sometimes they were worse than others. I’ve tried all sorts of medications over the years — and being a physician myself, I can prescribe for myself what I think I need (except for narcotics, and controlled drugs). This year my headaches have dramatically reduced, I think due to several reasons. Firstly, I decided not to feel guilty about self-prescribing the drugs I needed. Secondly, I got a second opinion about not feeling guilty about self- prescribing the drugs I needed. The drugs I’m taking are Zoloft (sertraline) 100mg/day, Xanax (alprazolam) 1mg/day (a small dose, but it works), and Digesic (dextropropoxyphene + paracetamol) as necessary (usually ~ 3-4/day) Adequate and regular sleep is essential for me. I am using a mouth splint at night (to stop snoring and to stop teeth-grinding). This really helps lessen the headaches, and is as important as the drugs. After having a $300 splint fall apart, I made one myself out of a $7.95 sports mouthguard. The essential features are that it stops the bruxism, and acts as a mandibular advancement splint (insofar as I have an overbite, and with the splint I can’t close my teeth together fully, so my airway stays more open.) I also believe the texture of the splint takes some pressure off the clenching muscles — temporalis and masseters etc. It’s springy and pushes back. I’m really amazed at the difference a hunk of rubber between my teeth at nighttime can make to the severity of those waking headaches. In order of importance, I would say the following factors have contributed to the significant improvement in my tension headaches: 1) Zoloft;  2) Mouth splint at night;  3) Xanax;   4) Adequate Sleep; 5) Digesic – Analgesics. Note, this is only a personal story. It won’t work for everyone, and I’m not suggesting it in the capacity of a physician. But it’s worked for me and I can honestly say that I can go for most of the day without a headache sometimes! Ciao, Raymot ======= Brisbane, Australia [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[

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