Question:

I am using Serevent and Flovent 220 mcg, 2 puffs of each in the morning and then again in the evening.  I use the InspirEase spacer to take my medication.  Both medications state they contain enough medication for 120 puffs, which for me is a months worth of medication.  However, I have noticed that after a month instead of the cannisters being almost empty they are still half full.  I put them in water to measure them.  I am wondering why this is.  Could it be that the InspirEase doesn’t extract enough of the medicatiion from the cannister with each puff? Juls

Response:

I am using Serevent and Flovent 220 mcg, 2 puffs of each in the morning and then again in the evening.  I use the InspirEase spacer to take my medication.  Both medications state they contain enough medication for 120 puffs, which for me is a months worth of medication.  However, I have noticed that after a month instead of the cannisters being almost empty they are still half full.  I put them in water to measure them.  I am wondering why this is.  Could it be that the InspirEase doesn’t extract enough of the medicatiion from the cannister with each puff? Juls

How exactly does InspirEase work? All the spacers I’ve ever used simply had an opening on one end for the inhaler (where the mouth would usually be if not using a spacer) and an opening for me to breathe from. If that’s the case with InspirEase, then it wouldn’t make any difference in the amount of medicine that comes out when you press the canister down. I had actually read on some inhalers (might have been serevent, but I don’t remember) that that water measuring trick wasn’t very accurate and the best thing to do was keep track of how much you’re using. Also, is it possible that you have forgot to take every dose in a given month?

Response:

How exactly does InspirEase work? All the spacers I’ve ever used simply had an opening on one end for the inhaler (where the mouth would usually be if not using a spacer) and an opening for me to breathe from. If that’s the case with InspirEase, then it wouldn’t make any difference in the amount of medicine that comes out when you press the canister down.

Exactly..the only difference is that it has accordian -like folds and collapses as you take the meds…;

Response:

I am using Serevent and Flovent 220 mcg, 2 puffs of each in the morning and then again in the evening.  I use the InspirEase spacer to take my medication.  Both medications state they contain enough medication for 120 puffs, which for me is a months worth of medication.  However, I have noticed that after a month instead of the cannisters being almost empty they are still half full.  I put them in water to measure them.  I am wondering why this is.  Could it be that the InspirEase doesn’t extract enough of the medicatiion from the cannister with each puff?

The canisters are otherwise with propellant in order to ensure that the first actuation with have the same pressure as the 120th actuation.  The problem is that after 120 doses all you will be getting is propellant with no medication. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

Question:

I am a 23 year old who has had excercise induced asthma since I was 16.  Until I was 22, I was able to control my symptoms with Proventil. In the past year, I developed horrible asthma symptoms on a regular basis, not just from excercise.  While I have been able to control the symptoms with Pulmicort and Serevent during regular activity, I am still unable to excercise easily.  It take me weeks to build up the ability to jog on a treadmill for 10 minutes.  I have always been an active person and have become frustrated and angered by my inability to excercise.

Ask your doctor about FloVent.  I consider it a miracle drug since my asthma and COPD are slowly improving ever since I started taking it. If anyone has any suggestions on medications and/or other techniques that help them with their excercise induced asthma, please contact me by email at Monitoring you lung condition with a peak flow meter can let you know where you are at: an Action Plan can be used to adjust asthma drugs per peak flow readings. Before vigorous exercise you should be near the top of the Green Zone. Monitor the smog level and pollen levels (if allergic) and exercise when levels are low; usually in the morning or late evening. Breathe thru the nose to filter out irritatants and humidify the air (some wear a surgical mask). Warm up slowly. Links;

Try Tai Chi.  It is good exercise, promotes physical mobility and flexibility and once you get good at it, you will be surprised at the increase in fitness. http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/jan_96/rupp.htm   Diagnosis and Management of Exercise-Induced Asthma, Jan 96 http://asthma.miningco.com/msub5.htm Sports and Exercise http://www.aaaai.org/public/publicedmat/tips/tip01.html EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHM & BRONCHOSPASM (AAAAI) http://www.runnersworld.com/injuries/asthma.html ASTHMA, EXERCISE-INDUCED Ellis

Sue "It was said she held a grudge until it died of old age, and then had it stuff and mounted…"                         David Weber

Response:

Aha – Norm – I’m one step ahead of you again – I’ve set up my own interstellar spamming station – now even extraterrestrials will be prewarned about your spamtastic spuriosity!! You see Norm – once again buteyko fails in the face of scientific rigour and advancement. For those interested SETI – The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence – have created a downloadable data-chunk screensaver that will allow you to http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/ Rich. (In addition there are reports of a distinct lack of intelligent life on planet Buteyko!!!!!!!)

Response:

Hi Richard I’m amused, I’m sure you can do better than that. I couldn’t find any reference to asthma in you posting at all. Norman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Aha – Norm – I’m one step ahead of you again – I’ve set up my own interstellar spamming station – now even extraterrestrials will be prewarned about your spamtastic spuriosity!! You see Norm – once again buteyko fails in the face of scientific rigour and advancement. For those interested SETI – The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence – have created a downloadable data-chunk screensaver that will allow you to http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/ Rich. (In addition there are reports of a distinct lack of intelligent life on planet Buteyko!!!!!!!)

Response:

Hi Richard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Richard I’m amused, I’m sure you can do better than that. I couldn’t find any reference to asthma in you posting at all. Norman Ahhh Norm – your ignorance is once again apparent – ET asked for email replies – read her post – I am not interested in public displays and proliferation – just helping fellow asthmatics and sportspeople.

Yes I know, my mistake. I noticed that just after I’d posted it to the ng. So I sent a reply by email as well. Norman

Response:

Hi Richard I’m amused, I’m sure you can do better than that. I couldn’t find any reference to asthma in you posting at all. Norman

Ahhh Norm – your ignorance is once again apparent – ET asked for email replies – read her post – I am not interested in public displays and proliferation – just helping fellow asthmatics and sportspeople.

Response:

I would suggest you speak to your pulmonologist about one of the leukotriene inhibitors (ACCOLATE, ZYFLO or my preference SINGULAIR).  All of these have been beneficial to various degrees in exercise induced asthma. Scooby RCP, EMT-P

Response:

I am a 23 year old who has had excercise induced asthma since I was 16.  Until I was 22, I was able to control my symptoms with Proventil. In the past year, I developed horrible asthma symptoms on a regular basis, not just from excercise.  While I have been able to control the symptoms with Pulmicort and Serevent during regular activity, I am still unable to excercise easily.  It take me weeks to build up the ability to jog on a treadmill for 10 minutes.  I have always been an active person and have become frustrated and angered by my inability to excercise.   If anyone has any suggestions on medications and/or other techniques that help them with their excercise induced asthma, please contact me by email at

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a 23 year old who has had exercise induced asthma since I was 16. Until I was 22, I was able to control my symptoms with Proventil. In the past year, I developed horrible asthma symptoms on a regular basis, not just from excercise. While I have been able to control the symptoms with Pulmicort and Serevent during regular activity, I am still unable to excercise easily.  It take me weeks to build up the ability to jog on a treadmill for 10 minutes.  I have always been an active person and have become frustrated and angered by my inability to excercise. If anyone has any suggestions on medications and/or other techniques that help them with their excercise induced asthma, please contact me by email at

Hi I’ve found the Buteyko breathing technique very useful when exercising, I now no longer need to use Ventolin before exercise. Give it a try. Buteyko is a breathing technique. But unlike many other breathing methods Buteyko’s aim is to breath less. Buteyko has improved my asthma, reduced my Ventolin to zero and my steroids by half. I would recommend all asthmatics to try it to see if it works for them. However a word of warning, some have felt so good after using it for a few months they have thrown their medication away. You should continue to carry your medication even though your asthma may be in remission. Buteyko is a great method to help reduce asthma – it is not a miracle cure. For a good introducing and more information on Buteyko try http://www.wt.com.au/~pkolb/buteyko.htm. It is best viewed by using the option to download the whole site and then read at leisure. There is quite a lot of it. See the ‘Get Started Now’ section, to get you started. It is completely free. But for both sides of the camp go to http://home.netscape.com/ and search for Buteyko using SNAP. This will give you other sites of interest including http://home.pacbell.net/colin/ which is Colin Campell’s rejection of the method (which I disagree with). Norman

Response:

Question:

Been on 75 mgs of Effexor for two days now and am feeling just fine. No nausea this time, just a bit wired.  I was given a 7 37.5 mgs to alternate for the first two weeks, one day 75 the next day 37.5, but after day one I felt fine on the 75 mgs so I decided just to take the full dose everyday. I took a Xanax the other day, had a pap test, which causes me so much anxiety I could puke.  I felt awful, real, real tired.  I like the Klonopin better even though it takes longer to take effect.  I guess that’s the way it is, medication works differently for everyone. I am feeling better anxiety wise too, I’ve been taking Effexor ER for a month now.  Am going grocery shopping today and only feel mildy anxious about it.  Which is a big step for me because grocery shopping and the big stores are a huge cause of my anxiety. Hope to be around here more, I am off to check out the German newsreader.  Hugs,  Annette

Response:

So glad your med increase if working out well, Annette.  May your grocery shopping be uneventful. Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Been on 75 mgs of Effexor for two days now and am feeling just fine. No nausea this time, just a bit wired.  I was given a 7 37.5 mgs to alternate for the first two weeks, one day 75 the next day 37.5, but after day one I felt fine on the 75 mgs so I decided just to take the full dose everyday. I took a Xanax the other day, had a pap test, which causes me so much anxiety I could puke.  I felt awful, real, real tired.  I like the Klonopin better even though it takes longer to take effect.  I guess that’s the way it is, medication works differently for everyone. I am feeling better anxiety wise too, I’ve been taking Effexor ER for a month now.  Am going grocery shopping today and only feel mildy anxious about it.  Which is a big step for me because grocery shopping and the big stores are a huge cause of my anxiety. Hope to be around here more, I am off to check out the German newsreader.  Hugs,  Annette

Response:

:Been on 75 mgs of Effexor for two days now and am feeling just fine. :No nausea this time, just a bit wired.  I was given a 7 37.5 mgs to :alternate for the first two weeks, one day 75 the next day 37.5, but :after day one I felt fine on the 75 mgs so I decided just to take the :full dose everyday. Dear Annette, Glad to hear that you are doing well on your increased effexor dose Jackie ~*~I answer the heroic question "Death, where is they sting?" with "It is here in my heart and mind and memories~*~  ~Maya Angelou~

Response:

Question:

Hi… My doctor just increased me from 100mg Zoloft a day to 200mg, and I was just wondering how long it would take to feel a difference, if at all.  I’ve been on Zoloft for six weeks and I’ve just gotten worse.  I’m getting pretty desperate and irrational, so I wish things would get sorted out… -Alex

For me it took several weeks for each dose change to take effect. Be sure to talk to your doctor immediately if you start to feel any serious side effects of Zoloft! My body cannot tolerate more than 50 mg/day.

Response:

Hi… My doctor just increased me from 100mg Zoloft a day to 200mg, and I was just wondering how long it would take to feel a difference, if at all.  I’ve been on Zoloft for six weeks and I’ve just gotten worse.  I’m getting pretty desperate and irrational, so I wish things would get sorted out… -Alex  —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free (anonymous) Usenet News via the Web  —–   http://newsone.net/ — Free reading and anonymous posting to 60,000+ groups    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

Response:

Question:

You’re so sweet Myra and you sound like you write for Cook’s Illustrated. Glad you had such a splendid holiday. — Nichole–in Montana^^^ http://profiles.yahoo.com/ms_fausey http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASDLCMeetGreet Yahoo Messenger ID:  ms_fausey

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s my report on what we ate for Thanksgiving: No gefilte fish.  <sniff  Oh well, at least we still had the chopped liver, which was wonderful.  If you’re not Jewish, you can call it pate! <g The turkey was incredible.  It was smoked over mesquite, and the flavor of the wood goes right to the bone.  I had a wing, as is my wont, and quite a bit of skin. There were two kinds of candied dishes – one of regular candied sweet potatoes and the other a sugar-free candied squash for Mom and me.  The low-carb version was just incredible, and the regular kind was a big hit, too. One of our guests brought a green bean casserole with the little onion bits on the top.  I had a microbite, and it was pretty good!  I’ve never had that before (weird, huh?). I made a broccoli casserole from a recipe posted here, and it came out really nice – very tasty.  It was sort of a cross between a souffle and a crustless quichy thingie.  I may make another one to keep in the fridge for breakfast, as it’s quite eggy. The beans and broccoli must have been good because my non-green veggie eating father had two servings of both!  We were gobsmacked! My lower carb stuffing was delish – but next time I’ll add more chicken broth.  My mother wants the bread recipe, as she loves rye bread, and it doesn’t bother her the way wheat bread does.  If anybody wants the recipe, I’ll post it here – it comes out to about 7-8 carbs a slice, has a real bread texture (no rubber), and not a drop of soy in it. There was also regular cranberry sauce and my low-carb version, which was fine.  My mother asked to keep it (she likes it better than the canned stuff). There were rolls, which I didn’t touch. Dessert was the pumpkin pie and orange-chocolate cheesecake.  The pumpkin pie was good, and the crust had a nice marizpany taste to it.  The cheesecake, however, was not a triumph.  It came out *flattened*, and it was *really* dense.  Also, while orange and chocolate may be a good combination in some desserts, it really doesn’t work for a cheesecake (although raspberry-chocolate does). I don’t know how the cheesecake bottomed out – could it be the Stevia? Perhaps I overbeat the batter?  I don’t know. Along with dessert, we had decaf coffee with a smidge of heavy cream. And then, we womenfolk cleared the table and washed the dishes, made up goodie packages for everyone, and put away the leftovers. I got the other wing, a bunch of white meat (which I’ll turn into turkey salad and turkey, eggs & onions), and the rest of my dressing.  I left the broccoli casserole for my Dad, and the cranberry sauce for my Mom. Good company, good conversation, good food – all in all, a very nice Thanksgiving! But the *best* surprise of all happened when I first arrived.  My parents’ next-door neighbor, Sarah, has been in a convalescent home for several months, after she fell ill.  She’s a very sweet lady who reminds me of my grandmother (may she rest in peace), and we’ve been missing having her around. Imagine my shock when I came in the door and there was Sarah!  Her son and daughter-in-law had drive up from San Diego to take her out for Thanksgiving dinner, and they stopped by before taking her back to the hospital.  She looked really good – and just as good-natured and happy as ever.  What a thrill! So, I had something extra to be thankful for today. Myra

Response:

My Turkey Day went well.   I had meal at about 1PM with a friend. Neither of us was enthusiastic about cooking or eating a big meal. She cooked a turkey breast and made a pumpkin pie.  I took a salad and home made LC cranberry sauce.   I had plenty of green salad and turkey with cranberry sauce.   No pie for me, it wasn’t low carb. About 6:30 my daughter and I met at Luby’s.   Daughter had to work yesterday.   I had another big slice of turkey breast with more cranberry sauce.   I carried in the cranberry sauce in a small container in my purse.  Veggies were spinach and slaw, I brought half of each home with me.   I did the "CAD for a day" thing too, I guess. I ate some supposedly sugar free pie, left the crust.   I don’t really trust "sugar free" stuff  eaten out to be truly sugar free, but it must have been pretty much so.  I didn’t have a hypoglycemic reaction to it, and am feeling no effects today. BTW,  I mentioned to one of the server’s that I was low carbing, and she was very understanding.   All in all,  I did pretty well I think, and I didn’t feel a bit deprived.  Happy day after Thanksgiving everyone.   Smiles,   Alpha

Response:

Here’s my report on what we ate for Thanksgiving:  … My lower carb stuffing was delish – but next time I’ll add more chicken broth.  My mother wants the bread recipe, as she loves rye bread, and it doesn’t bother her the way wheat bread does.  If anybody wants the recipe, I’ll post it here – it comes out to about 7-8 carbs a slice, has a real bread texture (no rubber), and not a drop of soy in it.

Yes please. <g  I’ve been wanting to learn more about your Almond & Rye flour recipes after seeing other mentions. I’ve tried a couple of the Keto and Keteogenic breads and they are sooo disappointing.  I took a couple of bites of the Ketogenic Pumpernickel and threw the loaf away.  I was eating other, regular breads at the time because I had missed them so much (an easy reason to fall off the wagon).  Of the two, at least the Ketogenic Plain was the best.  I have a couple of boxes of the Golden Wheat but haven’t made bread since the Pumpernickel Incident. The breadmachine has tuned into a ‘flat-surface’ for storing other things. I also wanted to make some regular and LC Biscotti to send to family this year. Steve

Response:

You’re so sweet Myra and you sound like you write for Cook’s Illustrated. Glad you had such a splendid holiday.

Thanks! Myra

Response:

Yes please. <g  I’ve been wanting to learn more about your Almond & Rye flour recipes after seeing other mentions.

I’ll post it a bit later today.  It’s for a bread machine, but you can easily adapt it to bake in the traditional method. I’ve tried a couple of the Keto and Keteogenic breads and they are sooo disappointing.  

Most of the commercial low-carb bread mixes are not very good, with Carbolite being the absolute worst (it even smells bad while it’s baking).   Aspen Ice Cream makes prety good bagels and bread, but the loaves are small (the bagels are big, though).  Aspen’s products are pricey, and shipping is expensive, but if you want to buy already made bread products, Aspen’s the company I recommend. The breadmachine has tuned into a ‘flat-surface’ for storing other things.

<g I also wanted to make some regular and LC Biscotti to send to family this year.

I have a great biscotti recipe – that’s was one of the very first baked good recipes I ever developed.  I haven’t posted it in a long time, so I’ll put it up for you. Myra

Response:

Sounds like a fabulous success Myra. My day went very well. I made deviled eggs to take to my daughters.  She did most of the cooking (I bought most of the food) so I think it was a very good deal.  I always make the gravy for her. We had all the traditional stuff, Turkey, Ham, sweet potatoes w marshmallows, green bean casserole, rolls, salad, vegie tray, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, jello salad, etc. I had just finished a 3 day meat fast and somehow didn’t even care about trying to make a lot of lc versions of the old favorites.  I was very satisfied just having some turkey, ham, and cream cheese stuffed celery, olives, cauliflower and a couple of deviled eggs. Later when I got home I had a bit of cream cheese mixed with DaVinci chocolate syrup. The great thing about staying LC is the fact that when the non LC’rs were feeling that awful over-stuffed lazing feeling, I was feeling absolutely wonderful (even though I had only 3 hours sleep the night before)! I was also down another 1/2 lb this morning.  Yippeeeeeee! ConnieW Here’s my report on what we ate for Thanksgiving:

major snippage

Response:

Sounds wonderful, Myra!  I think you should be a food writer <g How wonderful that your neighbor was able to pop in, too! Say hi to Mom & Dad from cheesehead city here! allison aka psycho – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Here’s my report on what we ate for Thanksgiving: No gefilte fish.  <sniff  Oh well, at least we still had the chopped liver, which was wonderful.  If you’re not Jewish, you can call it pate!   <g The turkey was incredible.  It was smoked over mesquite, and the flavor of the wood goes right to the bone.  I had a wing, as is my wont, and quite a bit of skin. There were two kinds of candied dishes – one of regular candied sweet potatoes and the other a sugar-free candied squash for Mom and me.  The low-carb version was just incredible, and the regular kind was a big hit, too. One of our guests brought a green bean casserole with the little onion bits on the top.  I had a microbite, and it was pretty good!  I’ve never had that before (weird, huh?). I made a broccoli casserole from a recipe posted here, and it came out really nice – very tasty.  It was sort of a cross between a souffle and a crustless quichy thingie.  I may make another one to keep in the fridge for breakfast, as it’s quite eggy. The beans and broccoli must have been good because my non-green veggie eating father had two servings of both!  We were gobsmacked! My lower carb stuffing was delish – but next time I’ll add more chicken broth.  My mother wants the bread recipe, as she loves rye bread, and it doesn’t bother her the way wheat bread does.  If anybody wants the recipe, I’ll post it here – it comes out to about 7-8 carbs a slice, has a real bread texture (no rubber), and not a drop of soy in it. There was also regular cranberry sauce and my low-carb version, which was fine.  My mother asked to keep it (she likes it better than the canned stuff).   There were rolls, which I didn’t touch. Dessert was the pumpkin pie and orange-chocolate cheesecake.  The pumpkin pie was good, and the crust had a nice marizpany taste to it.  The cheesecake, however, was not a triumph.  It came out *flattened*, and it was *really* dense.  Also, while orange and chocolate may be a good combination in some desserts, it really doesn’t work for a cheesecake (although raspberry-chocolate does). I don’t know how the cheesecake bottomed out – could it be the Stevia?   Perhaps I overbeat the batter?  I don’t know. Along with dessert, we had decaf coffee with a smidge of heavy cream. And then, we womenfolk cleared the table and washed the dishes, made up goodie packages for everyone, and put away the leftovers. I got the other wing, a bunch of white meat (which I’ll turn into turkey salad and turkey, eggs & onions), and the rest of my dressing.  I left the broccoli casserole for my Dad, and the cranberry sauce for my Mom. Good company, good conversation, good food – all in all, a very nice Thanksgiving! But the *best* surprise of all happened when I first arrived.  My parents’ next-door neighbor, Sarah, has been in a convalescent home for several months, after she fell ill.  She’s a very sweet lady who reminds me of my grandmother (may she rest in peace), and we’ve been missing having her around. Imagine my shock when I came in the door and there was Sarah!  Her son and daughter-in-law had drive up from San Diego to take her out for Thanksgiving dinner, and they stopped by before taking her back to the hospital.  She looked really good – and just as good-natured and happy as ever.  What a thrill! So, I had something extra to be thankful for today. Myra

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati – When all else fails, play dead.

Response:

I don’t know how the cheesecake bottomed out – could it be the Stevia?   Perhaps I overbeat the batter?  I don’t know. Myra

Myra, My Mom is a cheesecake maker, and her favorite is the Lunar Cheesecake out of the Cheesecake Bible. She whips the hell out of the batter when she makes it, so much so that when she puts it in a pan – the recipe specifies one 9" springform – she puts it in one 10" *and* one 6" springform. She uses a 5qt Kitchenaide mixer.      Mebbe it was the stevia – did you you the powder or the liquid? — SnowCat 5′10" 6/27/01 225/188/207.5/186/165 35.9%/32.7%/22% The Ice Wench – Peu de Noir Coeur Wench #48 Madame Cum Laude IDIC

Response:

Sounds wonderful, Myra!  I think you should be a food writer <g

When I used to work for a newspaper the food section people were so snotty, I didn’t *want* to work with them! Say hi to Mom & Dad from cheesehead city here!

Did it already! Myra

Response:

     Mebbe it was the stevia – did you you the powder or the liquid?

I’ve narrowed it down to either the stevia or the orange flavoring.  I used the white powdered stevia.  I even used a bain marie, so I should have had a light, fluffy cake. Sigh. Well, you can’t win them all! Myra

Response:

Wow, everybody had really great dinners! I am still in induction (I guess) so I was very worried about going to my gamma’s for dinner, so after much stalling I packed a thermal lunch bag full of stuff I could eat. Took all the medications I have to take in order to be able to digest bird, and off I went. Everybody there was very interested in my LC diet and all of them told me exactly what ingredients went into each dish they brought. the really cool thing is I had a lot of turkey (first bird I’ve eaten in 10 years, on advice from one of the posters who said LC may change my medical condition of bad digestive system) I felt very good, and the medication held, I digested the Turkey just fine!!! I CAN EAT TURKEY NOW!!!!!! No more total vegan anymore : ) had a great visit with my 44 person family reunion patti

Response:

<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – But the *best* surprise of all happened when I first arrived.  My parents’ next-door neighbor, Sarah, has been in a convalescent home for several months, after she fell ill.  She’s a very sweet lady who reminds me of my grandmother (may she rest in peace), and we’ve been missing having her around. Imagine my shock when I came in the door and there was Sarah!  Her son and daughter-in-law had drive up from San Diego to take her out for Thanksgiving dinner, and they stopped by before taking her back to the hospital.  She looked really good – and just as good-natured and happy as ever.  What a thrill! So, I had something extra to be thankful for today. Myra

======= What a wonderful surprise! I had a nice Thanksgiving too.  A little over a year I bought this home with my sister and brother-in-law; we live here together along with my litttle nephew.  We all work long hours and different shifts and days of the week though, so we  *never* eat meals together. (being a manager in a service industry I usually work on holidays).This Thanksgiving, we amazingly all had the day off at the same time.  We all sat down at the table together for the first tiime in a  year! I’m still trying to figure something  out though … my sister and I cooked and served the meal; I set the table; after the meal she and I cleaned up and did the dishes while my brother-in-law and nephew went to watch TV.  How do you get to be the one who just comes to the table when the food’s ready and leaves when you’re done eating? — Stop By And Sign My Guest Book! My LC Home Page:  http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/marengo Peter

Response:

I’m still trying to figure something out though … my sister and I cooked and served the meal; I set the table; after the meal she and I cleaned up and did the dishes while my brother-in-law and nephew went to watch TV.  How do you get to be the one who just comes to the table when the food’s ready and leaves when you’re done eating?

He’s married, so he doesn’t have to do that stuff anymore. <ducking Aaron — Extreme Systems Consulting – http://esc.pike.il.us/ CGI, Perl, and Linux/Unix Administration

Response:

How do you get to be the one who just comes to the table when the food’s ready and leaves when you’re done eating?

First you have to find someone who is willing to cook, serve, and clean up after the meals, preferably someone who will do it  without complaint.    Then, you just do it.  Come to the table, eat, and leave.   It makes it easier if you are self-centered and inconsiderate.    Somehow I’ve never been able to get to be the one who just  eats and leaves either.    I haven’t prepared a big Holiday meal at home since the year  everyone showed up at different times, gobbled their food and then ran out the door.   If there had been a drive in window I don’t think they would have even come in the house.   The past few years I have either volunteered to help someone who is willing to have a family  meal at their house,  gone to a friend’s (family of choice),  or eaten out.  A few times I have even stayed home alone because that was what I preferred. Alpha

Response:

I’m still trying to figure something out though … my sister and I cooked and served the meal; I set the table; after the meal she and I cleaned up and did the dishes while my brother-in-law and nephew went to watch TV.  How do you get to be the one who just comes to the table when the food’s ready and leaves when you’re done eating? He’s married, so he doesn’t have to do that stuff anymore. <ducking Aaron

Aaron,  I suggest you duck AND RUN.   Smiles, Alpha

Response:

the really cool thing is I had a lot of turkey (first bird I’ve eaten in 10 years, on advice from one of the posters who said LC may change my medical condition of bad digestive system) I felt very good, and the medication held, I digested the Turkey just fine!!! I CAN EAT TURKEY NOW!!!!!! No more total vegan anymore : )

Happy Dance!! Do be careful and eat in moderation- no need to set it off again. But I am very happy for you! -georg

Response:

How do you get to be the one who just comes to the table when the food’s ready and leaves when you’re done eating? —

yesterday (friday) was our little celebration, and thomas was stuck at the during one of our "catch up" calls, he apologized for not being home and helping in the kitchen with the meal preparation, and i informed him that the "cure" for my building resentment, was knowing that after dinner, i would not be setting one foot in the kitchen, and clean up was going to be CHARM! FINALLY, had a wonderful meal, AND dessert, and then watched TV while "the crew" did the clean up! — read and post daily! rosie "Some days, every aspect of my life seems overwhelming and crazy, and I feel so confused. On these days, I need to remember that I only have to do what needs to be done today."

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snip But the *best* surprise of all happened when I first arrived.  My parents’ next-door neighbor, Sarah, has been in a convalescent home for several months, after she fell ill.  She’s a very sweet lady who reminds me of my grandmother (may she rest in peace), and we’ve been missing having her around. Imagine my shock when I came in the door and there was Sarah!  Her son and daughter-in-law had drive up from San Diego to take her out for Thanksgiving dinner, and they stopped by before taking her back to the hospital.  She looked really good – and just as good-natured and happy as ever.  What a thrill! So, I had something extra to be thankful for today. Myra ======= What a wonderful surprise! I had a nice Thanksgiving too.  A little over a year I bought this home with my sister and brother-in-law; we live here together along with my litttle nephew.  We all work long hours and different shifts and days of the week though, so we  *never* eat meals together. (being a manager in a service industry I usually work on holidays).This Thanksgiving, we amazingly all had the day off at the same time.  We all sat down at the table together for the first tiime in a  year! I’m still trying to figure something  out though … my sister and I cooked and served the meal; I set the table; after the meal she and I cleaned up and did the dishes while my brother-in-law and nephew went to watch TV.  How do you get to be the one who just comes to the table when the food’s ready and leaves when you’re done eating? — Stop By And Sign My Guest Book! My LC Home Page:  http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/marengo Peter

Response:

 gone to a friend’s (family of choice),

I LOVE THIS! — read and post daily! rosie "Some days, every aspect of my life seems overwhelming and crazy, and I feel so confused. On these days, I need to remember that I only have to do what needs to be done today."

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How do you get to be the one who just comes to the table when the food’s ready and leaves when you’re done eating? First you have to find someone who is willing to cook, serve, and clean up after the meals, preferably someone who will do it  without complaint.    Then, you just do it.  Come to the table, eat, and leave.   It makes it easier if you are self-centered and inconsiderate.  Somehow I’ve never been able to get to be the one who just  eats and leaves either.    I haven’t prepared a big Holiday meal at home since the year  everyone showed up at different times, gobbled their food and then ran out the door.   If there had been a drive in window I don’t think they would have even come in the house. The past few years I have either volunteered to help someone who is willing to have a family  meal at their house,  gone to a friend’s (family of choice),  or eaten out.  A few times I have even stayed home alone because that was what I preferred. Alpha

Response:

How do you get to be the one who just comes to the table when the food’s ready and leaves when you’re done eating? First you have to find someone who is willing to cook, serve, and clean up after the meals, preferably someone who will do it  without complaint.    Then, you just do it.  Come to the table, eat, and leave.   It makes it easier if you are self-centered and inconsiderate.  

The other way is to "help" with the cooking and cleaning, and do such a bad job of it, the others are glad to get rid of you  Next time, they’ll just run you out of the kitchen, and you can go watch your TV. Georgene Harkness

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The other way is to "help" with the cooking and cleaning, and do such a bad job of it, the others are glad to get rid of you  Next time, they’ll just run you out of the kitchen, and you can go watch your TV. Hey, quit giving away my secrets!

And all this time you thought I didn’t know your "secrets," didn’t you??? Men are *so* dense.  :-) Georgene

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The other way is to "help" with the cooking and cleaning, and do such a bad job of it, the others are glad to get rid of you  Next time, they’ll just run you out of the kitchen, and you can go watch your TV. Hey, quit giving away my secrets! And all this time you thought I didn’t know your "secrets," didn’t you??? Men are *so* dense.  :-) Georgene

If men are  *so* dense, why is it mostly women stuck in the kitchen cooking and cleanig up?   I think I’m by far the exception! <g — Stop By And Sign My Guest Book! My LC Home Page:  http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/marengo Peter

Response:

We all sat down at the table together for the first tiime in a  year!

How nice! How do you get to be the one who just comes to the table when the food’s ready and leaves when you’re done eating?

Be a male in our family? We ladies cleaned up while the menfolk played computer games. We’re old fashioned that way…. Seriously, though, the assistant’s son was doing little fix-it jobs around my parents’ home, so he was already busy. My father’s essential tremor precludes him from handling wet dishes.   That, and he just doesn’t do housework.  Ever.  Except make the bed. Myra

Response:

My father’s essential tremor precludes him from handling wet dishes. That, and he just doesn’t do housework.  Ever.  Except make the bed. Myra

I tried using the fact that I’ve had a stroke as an excuse to get out of helpig with the dishes; it didn’t fly.  I was told that it would be excellent physical therapy … <g — Stop By And Sign My Guest Book! My LC Home Page:  http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/marengo Peter

Response:

I CAN EAT TURKEY NOW!!!!!!

Oh, this is *so* cool!  I saw all those posts telling you that you may be okay with meat, but I didn’t want to say anything – God forbid you ate some meat and got sick on *my* recommendation, but this is just great! Many people on low carb find it wasn’t the meat or fat, but the wheat that was making them ill. Anyway, I think this calls for something special.  This is me doing a happy dance just for you: Shimmy…jump…jump…Egyptian wavy thingy…twist…trip over the light fantastic…wave…Egyptian wavy thingy…hop…tango…rearrange books in alphabetical order by second chapter…lunge…daintily collapse into heap on floor… YAY! Myra

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Here’s my report on what we ate for Thanksgiving: No gefilte fish.  <sniff  Oh well, at least we still had the chopped liver, which was wonderful.  If you’re not Jewish, you can call it pate!   <g The turkey was incredible.  It was smoked over mesquite, and the flavor of the wood goes right to the bone.  I had a wing, as is my wont, and quite a bit of skin. There were two kinds of candied dishes – one of regular candied sweet potatoes and the other a sugar-free candied squash for Mom and me.  The low-carb version was just incredible, and the regular kind was a big hit, too. One of our guests brought a green bean casserole with the little onion bits on the top.  I had a microbite, and it was pretty good!  I’ve never had that before (weird, huh?). I made a broccoli casserole from a recipe posted here, and it came out really nice – very tasty.  It was sort of a cross between a souffle and a crustless quichy thingie.  I may make another one to keep in the fridge for breakfast, as it’s quite eggy. The beans and broccoli must have been good because my non-green veggie eating father had two servings of both!  We were gobsmacked! My lower carb stuffing was delish – but next time I’ll add more chicken broth.  My mother wants the bread recipe, as she loves rye bread, and it doesn’t bother her the way wheat bread does.  If anybody wants the recipe, I’ll post it here – it comes out to about 7-8 carbs a slice, has a real bread texture (no rubber), and not a drop of soy in it. There was also regular cranberry sauce and my low-carb version, which was fine.  My mother asked to keep it (she likes it better than the canned stuff).   There were rolls, which I didn’t touch. Dessert was the pumpkin pie and orange-chocolate cheesecake.  The pumpkin pie was good, and the crust had a nice marizpany taste to it.  The cheesecake, however, was not a triumph.  It came out *flattened*, and it was *really* dense.  Also, while orange and chocolate may be a good combination in some desserts, it really doesn’t work for a cheesecake (although raspberry-chocolate does). I don’t know how the cheesecake bottomed out – could it be the Stevia?   Perhaps I overbeat the batter?  I don’t know. Along with dessert, we had decaf coffee with a smidge of heavy cream. And then, we womenfolk cleared the table and washed the dishes, made up goodie packages for everyone, and put away the leftovers. I got the other wing, a bunch of white meat (which I’ll turn into turkey salad and turkey, eggs & onions), and the rest of my dressing.  I left the broccoli casserole for my Dad, and the cranberry sauce for my Mom. Good company, good conversation, good food – all in all, a very nice Thanksgiving! But the *best* surprise of all happened when I first arrived.  My parents’ next-door neighbor, Sarah, has been in a convalescent home for several months, after she fell ill.  She’s a very sweet lady who reminds me of my grandmother (may she rest in peace), and we’ve been missing having her around. Imagine my shock when I came in the door and there was Sarah!  Her son and daughter-in-law had drive up from San Diego to take her out for Thanksgiving dinner, and they stopped by before taking her back to the hospital.  She looked really good – and just as good-natured and happy as ever.  What a thrill! So, I had something extra to be thankful for today. Myra

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Question:

I was told I have mild case of Gerd earlier this year. I was getting allot of acid reflux. Since then I have been on Protonix and the reflux has stopped, BUT I get a lump feeling in my throat everyday, and sometimes just feel sick to my stomach? Does anyone have these same symptoms or know what they are ? Thanks

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I wish there were more people lurking around here…. I’m not sure, sorry!   try…..www.gerd-support.com/

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I get this same feeling and was told, by my GI MD, that it’s called a "globus sensation," and is caused by acid coming back up the esophagus.  At first, I thought I was going to choke on some food remnants, however, after the cause was explained to me, I now know it’s just part of the reflux problem.  Have you told your MD about this?  I would if I were you, because it’s possible that the Protonix is not working fully for you, and/or your dosage may need to be changed.  I’ve been on Tagamet, Prilosec, Protonix, and Aciphex, and nothing has really worked for me.  Yesterday I went for an EGD (esophagogstroduodenoscopy) and for the first time in one year, I no longer had the "lump in the throat" feeling.  I can only hope it lasts for a long time.  In one week I will know the results of the biopsies taken during the EGD. Hope this helps. Sharon

Response:

I had the camera go down my throat, is that what you had. If so I wonder why you didnt have the lump sensation after having the procedure ?  I dont get the bad reflux like l use to so maybe just a little reflux cause the lump sensation…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I get this same feeling and was told, by my GI MD, that it’s called a "globus sensation," and is caused by acid coming back up the esophagus.  At first, I thought I was going to choke on some food remnants, however, after the cause was explained to me, I now know it’s just part of the reflux problem.  Have you told your MD about this?  I would if I were you, because it’s possible that the Protonix is not working fully for you, and/or your dosage may need to be changed.  I’ve been on Tagamet, Prilosec, Protonix, and Aciphex, and nothing has really worked for me.  Yesterday I went for an EGD (esophagogstroduodenoscopy) and for the first time in one year, I no longer had the "lump in the throat" feeling.  I can only hope it lasts for a long time.  In one week I will know the results of the biopsies taken during the EGD. Hope this helps. Sharon

Response:

Yes, it was the tube and camera.  Actually, I was told by my ENT a while back, during an endoscopic exam, that my esophagus was extremely narrow. Since I had the EGD yesterday, I have noticed that it is easier for me to swallow my daily pills/vitamins, and I attribute that to the procedure. However, my reflux is only a trifle better.  After the procedure, I barely had a sore throat yesterday afternoon and evening, and today I’m right as rain.  I think that during the procedure the doctor must have opened up my esophagus some, and maybe fixed a few other things, because the severe burning/acid reflux did not bother me from dawn to dusk today.  For cripe sakes, I even got reflux from plain Quaker Oats oatmeal!!  Yesterday the GI MD told me to add more fiber to my diet, which may help any digestive problems I may have.  As I stated in my previous email, I won’t know the results of the EGD for one week.  I have to take this one day at a time.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had the camera go down my throat, is that what you had. If so I wonder why you didnt have the lump sensation after having the procedure ?  I dont get the bad reflux like l use to so maybe just a little reflux cause the lump sensation….

Response:

Yes, I have the same symptoms, but my primary doc can’t explain the "lump" in my throat (actually, quite painful with trouble swallowing) that I’m having.  He treated me for GERD for several months, helped the heartburn but not the throat problem, so I’m off to a GI doc next week. Has your doc tried treating you for anxiety?  Mine did (with Xanax and Zoloft), and while it didn’t help me, it’s a common anxiety problem and perhaps a few weeks of trial meds could prove/disprove it for you? HTH, Chip

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was told I have mild case of Gerd earlier this year. I was getting allot of acid reflux. Since then I have been on Protonix and the reflux has stopped, BUT I get a lump feeling in my throat everyday, and sometimes just feel sick to my stomach? Does anyone have these same symptoms or know what they are ? Thanks

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Nancy wrote….. I went for my physical today.  I sure am glad to get it over with.  He wants me to have cholestrol test done not for anything other than high c runs in the family.  He’s also booking me for a brain scan because my mother has anuerisms and they can sometimes run in the family.  My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was good.  This suprised me because it was thumping like a wild think while I was in the waiting room! He doubled up my dose of Zoloft to 50mg and gave me some more ativan.  Thank God for ativan it seems to be the only thing that is keeping me sane these days. Oh also I am off work for at least another month.  *Phew*  I was worried about that because I am just not ready to go back there yet. I had a nice surprise visit from my brother tonight (who has only been to my place twice before in the past 8 years).  It was a really pleasant visit.  I really like him but we have never had a close relationship. I told the doctor that I had a good day on Sunday but then relapsed on Monday and ever since.  He saw that as a good sign.  At least I had one good day.  I really like him, he is our new family doctor and I only started seeing him when I got this bought of PA he seems pretty thorough.

Dear Nancy, I`m glad to hear that your doctor visit went well. I agree with your doctor that your good day even though it was followed by a setback, is a good thing. You can`t have a setback unless you had made some progress to begin with. The 50 mg increase in your Zoloft dose is a big increase at one time for a person with an anxiety disorder. Just wanted to point that out in case your anxiety or side-effects increase a bit during the next few days. Make sure to use your Ativan during this period. Take care Jackie ~*~The world breaks us all. Afterward, some are stronger at the broken places.

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Hi Nancy! I’m happy that things went well at the doctor’s office.  It’s better to get these tests out of the way and be able to relax afterwards.  It’s great you had such a nice visit with your brother.  I hope you have many more of them. I’m with you about Ativan. Hugs, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I went for my physical today.  I sure am glad to get it over with.  He wants me to have cholestrol test done not for anything other than high c runs in the family.  He’s also booking me for a brain scan because my mother has anuerisms and they can sometimes run in the family.  My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was good.  This suprised me because it was thumping like a wild think while I was in the waiting room! He doubled up my dose of Zoloft to 50mg and gave me some more ativan. Thank God for ativan it seems to be the only thing that is keeping me sane these days. Oh also I am off work for at least another month.  *Phew*  I was worried about that because I am just not ready to go back there yet. I had a nice surprise visit from my brother tonight (who has only been to my place twice before in the past 8 years).  It was a really pleasant visit. I really like him but we have never had a close relationship. I told the doctor that I had a good day on Sunday but then relapsed on Monday and ever since.  He saw that as a good sign.  At least I had one good day.  I really like him, he is our new family doctor and I only started seeing him when I got this bought of PA he seems pretty thorough. Sorry for the length, Nancy Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

Response:

This is good that you are having all of these tests and that so far, they are showing that you are doing well.  This will take a big load off your mind once all the tests come back negative.  Having the next month off will give you a chance to get used to the Zoloft at a higher dose and let everything settle. Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I went for my physical today.  I sure am glad to get it over with.  He wants me to have cholestrol test done not for anything other than high c runs in the family.  He’s also booking me for a brain scan because my mother has anuerisms and they can sometimes run in the family.  My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was good.  This suprised me because it was thumping like a wild think while I was in the waiting room! He doubled up my dose of Zoloft to 50mg and gave me some more ativan.   Thank God for ativan it seems to be the only thing that is keeping me sane these days. Oh also I am off work for at least another month.  *Phew*  I was worried about that because I am just not ready to go back there yet. I had a nice surprise visit from my brother tonight (who has only been to my place twice before in the past 8 years).  It was a really pleasant visit.  I really like him but we have never had a close relationship. I told the doctor that I had a good day on Sunday but then relapsed on Monday and ever since.  He saw that as a good sign.  At least I had one good day.  I really like him, he is our new family doctor and I only started seeing him when I got this bought of PA he seems pretty thorough. Sorry for the length, Nancy Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

– Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.                            –Henry Kaiser

Response:

Hi All, I went for my physical today.  I sure am glad to get it over with.  He wants me to have cholestrol test done not for anything other than high c runs in the family.  He’s also booking me for a brain scan because my mother has anuerisms and they can sometimes run in the family.  My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was good.  This suprised me because it was thumping like a wild think while I was in the waiting room! He doubled up my dose of Zoloft to 50mg and gave me some more ativan.  Thank God for ativan it seems to be the only thing that is keeping me sane these days. Oh also I am off work for at least another month.  *Phew*  I was worried about that because I am just not ready to go back there yet. I had a nice surprise visit from my brother tonight (who has only been to my place twice before in the past 8 years).  It was a really pleasant visit.  I really like him but we have never had a close relationship. I told the doctor that I had a good day on Sunday but then relapsed on Monday and ever since.  He saw that as a good sign.  At least I had one good day.  I really like him, he is our new family doctor and I only started seeing him when I got this bought of PA he seems pretty thorough. Sorry for the length, Nancy Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

Response:

Question:

what your experiencing are panic attacks, i get them quite often.  i take st. johns wart to help me relax.  jamie

Response:

Hi! My name is Tracy and I had my first anxiety attack a few months ago.  I woke up and felt I was having a heart attack: fast heart beat, sweating, numbness in my right arm, so bad I had to keep it elevated (thinking is would help the circulation.  I even went as far as dialing 911 just in case I dropped dead – I figured it would be the last thing I would hit….thinking it was the end.  Well when I woke up the next morning, happy to be alive, I played with fate, was a lucky person. and really believed I fought a heart was on my way home when those "heart attack symptons" reoccured, only in my mind I played with fate once before  and new something was seriously  wrong even thought as far as of going to the hospital, but figured it would pass by to go….where she asked.  and me a person who hates going to the dr. insisted we go to the hospital immediately.  Of coarse getting everyone panicked, we were off to  the hospital which was fifteen minutes away.  I didn’t think i was going to make it.  We arrived at the Hospital and they admitted me immediately and ran an ekg, and took blood, even a cardiologist came and took blood.  While waiting for my results the doctor thought that I was just having an axiety attack (yeah right I thought)  he later confirmed that it was indeed a axiety attack and that I was hyperventilating.  (i disagreed – I did not think I was breathing out of control – I know what hyperventilating is) My carbon dioxide level and oxygen levels were high and low wich gives you that dizzy feeling. The worse that could of happened was that I passed out. He gave me a prescription and that was it – that was about 5 months ago.  3.  I just had my third axiety attack while out was friends on Saturday….once again happy to be alive and still wonder if my doctor is correct – am I really having axiety attacks or am I having heart problems and because I’m only 31 he won’t pursue more detailed testing.  I don’t want to die –  And I know I’m not crazy.  I am glad to know i’m not the only one who gets these attacks. I felt better only when I read other people’s experiences.  So many friends don’t understand what it feels like, so to read someone else’s experience makes me feel not reality this is really really short.

Response:

Hi Tracy, welcome to our NG!! You are definitely not alone, everyone here is battling against an anxiety disorder of some sort. I myself experienced symptoms which mirror those you have described. I thought I had some sort of heart dysfunction or defect that was going to kill me at any instant. I woke up in the night with it, delt with it in social situations and when I was alone…it really was terrifying. After a complete physical and cardiac examination (by the head of the cardiology dept. in the largest hospital in my province) nothing could be found…I was only 21 yrs old. Well, three years later here I am, alive!!! The only thing is that I am trying to live with Panic Disorder!!! My medication allows me to live a fairly normal life, despite the occasional unexplained anxiety, which I guess is normal. Good luck to you and try to participate in the group I have found it very beneficial!!! all the best jason – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! My name is Tracy and I had my first anxiety attack a few months ago.  I woke up and felt I was having a heart attack: fast heart beat, sweating, numbness in my right arm, so bad I had to keep it elevated (thinking is would help the circulation.  I even went as far as dialing 911 just in case I dropped dead – I figured it would be the last thing I would hit….thinking it was the end.  Well when I woke up the next morning, happy to be alive, I played with fate, was a lucky person. and really believed I fought a heart was on my way home when those "heart attack symptons" reoccured, only in my mind I played with fate once before  and new something was seriously  wrong even thought as far as of going to the hospital, but figured it would pass by to go….where she asked.  and me a person who hates going to the dr. insisted we go to the hospital immediately.  Of coarse getting everyone panicked, we were off to  the hospital which was fifteen minutes away.  I didn’t think i was going to make it.  We arrived at the Hospital and they admitted me immediately and ran an ekg, and took blood, even a cardiologist came and took blood.  While waiting for my results the doctor thought that I was just having an axiety attack (yeah right I thought)  he later confirmed that it was indeed a axiety attack and that I was hyperventilating.  (i disagreed – I did not think I was breathing out of control – I know what hyperventilating is) My carbon dioxide level and oxygen levels were high and low wich gives you that dizzy feeling. The worse that could of happened was that I passed out. He gave me a prescription and that was it – that was about 5 months ago.  3.  I just had my third axiety attack while out was friends on Saturday….once again happy to be alive and still wonder if my doctor is correct – am I really having axiety attacks or am I having heart problems and because I’m only 31 he won’t pursue more detailed testing.  I don’t want to die –  And I know I’m not crazy.  I am glad to know i’m not the only one who gets these attacks. I felt better only when I read other people’s experiences.  So many friends don’t understand what it feels like, so to read someone else’s experience makes me feel not reality this is really really short.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! My name is Tracy and I had my first anxiety attack a few months ago.  I woke up and felt I was having a heart attack: fast heart beat, sweating, numbness in my right arm, so bad I had to keep it elevated (thinking is would help the circulation.  I even went as far as dialing 911 just in case I dropped dead – I figured it would be the last thing I would hit….thinking it was the end.  Well when I woke up the next morning, happy to be alive, I played with fate, was a lucky person. and really believed I fought a heart was on my way home when those "heart attack symptons" reoccured, only in my mind I played with fate once before  and new something was seriously  wrong even thought as far as of going to the hospital, but figured it would pass by to go….where she asked.  and me a person who hates going to the dr. insisted we go to the hospital immediately.  Of coarse getting everyone panicked, we were off to  the hospital which was fifteen minutes away.  I didn’t think i was going to make it.  We arrived at the Hospital and they admitted me immediately and ran an ekg, and took blood, even a cardiologist came and took blood.  While waiting for my results the doctor thought that I was just having an axiety attack (yeah right I thought)  he later confirmed that it was indeed a axiety attack and that I was hyperventilating.  (i disagreed – I did not think I was breathing out of control – I know what hyperventilating is) My carbon dioxide level and oxygen levels were high and low wich gives you that dizzy feeling. The worse that could of happened was that I passed out. He gave me a prescription and that was it – that was about 5 months ago.  3.  I just had my third axiety attack while out was friends on Saturday….once again happy to be alive and still wonder if my doctor is correct – am I really having axiety attacks or am I having heart problems and because I’m only 31 he won’t pursue more detailed testing.  I don’t want to die –  And I know I’m not crazy.  I am glad to know i’m not the only one who gets these attacks. I felt better only when I read other people’s experiences.  So many friends don’t understand what it feels like, so to read someone else’s experience makes me feel not reality this is really really short.

What you desecribe is the classic beginning of Panic Disorder. Yes, you have panic attacks. The thing to do is see a psychiatrist who is specialized in anxiety disorders (is there a university clinic in your area? often a good bet), get properly diagnosed and prescribed some meds. I’m sorry to welcome you to ASAP, the club nobody wants to belong to but everybody is glad exists ) Philip

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Hi.  I am also a new comer to this group.  Let me tell you a little about what I have gone through.  After my daughter (I was 25 ) was born 23 years ago I started to feel the same way you did, losing my breath, feeling very weird like I was losing my mind and completely out of contro.  So I also went to the doctor and he told me I was having a panic attack and maybe I needed to take some time off work.  I did but the panic attacks were still happening.  I got to a point where I didn’t want to go anywhere (and that is  not me I love to go out and have fun).  So after going to the doctor a million times and to the emergency room because I thought I was having a heart attack or I had some other life threatening disease, I finally read some books and told myself I tired of this and I want it to stop.  So with the help of medication called Tranxene and a lot of hard work on my part I finally felt better.  It took me a long time.  Now 20 years later my attacks have come back. (I’m trying to keep this short) I think the reason is this.  A year and half ago my husband at 46 suffered a massive heart attack.  He is doing fine, but it was the worst thing I have ever gone through.  I held up pretty well until 6 months later.  I started driving to work, my hands and feet got clammy I started to get that weird feeling of losing control and burst into tears.  I was so scared to drive.  I finally called my boss and had him drive me to the doctor.  It was the same thing panic attack!!  He put me on Tranxene (I am not a very good pill taker).  I have been on it since last May.  I stopped taking it about 2 weeks ago and just 3 days ago I started those feelings.  So I am going to take it regularly and get myself back on track.  I have been to a shrink and I got nothing out of it.  I have found that having someone to talk to and keeping myself busy helps.  The problem with me is I worry about everyone and think I can fix the world.  I have been where you are  and I know you will be ok.  It’s just so frightening.  I hope I have helped you in some way and if you every want to talk more e-mail me.  Nothing like this was every available when I first started my panic attacks and being able to talk to someone and knowing they have felt the same way you have does help.  I wish you the best and do know you are ok.  I have to remember to think positive.. Take care…

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I’m a new comer to this group & was wondering if I could get some explanation as to what a panic attack is. I guess I can start off by saying what I have experienced & go from there. I’ll try to keep it short. About a year ago while driving to work (at night, I work midnights) I started losing my breath, feeling very wierd, my arms were going numb, thoughts of wanting to kill myself (which is definately not me!!) i thought i was having a heart attack (I’m 39 now) I made it to work but was to shakey i couldnt cope, went home but was just dazed & confused. I went to my doctor & she said i had a panic attack. I had one similar several days afterwards but wasnt as bad and i tried hard to control myself, after all both times I was driving!! So that was it, back to the doctor & have been on 50mg of Zoloft since. Now I was supposed to start weening off the zoloft this month & what happens, I have one of these attacks at work. So now i’m still on it. I am going to go see a shrink I guess, i dont want it to get worse, I’m getting to the point where I am almost scared of driving & going to work. I feel very strongly that it is my midnight shift that is doing this to me, because I cant think of anything else that it could be. Is there anyone else out there that works nights that is going through this?? The zoloft is good though & i have been very reassured that it is a safe drug to stay on for many years if needed, but i would like to get off it. If anyone has taken the time to read my long storey get back to me with your storey or thoughts I would appreciate it. Thanks & think positive!!!

Hi Frank, Welcome to ASAP! A panic attack can be a very  individual thing. Your attack does sound like a Panic attack. Mine are different, I get very hot, flushed, dizzy, off-balance, shaky, can`t concentrate and tingling sensations in my fingers. I think I either am going to die or go crazy. I think you should see a Pdoc, one that is knowledgeable in anxiety disorders. CBT therapy is a very good compliment with medication. You might want to give serious thought to increasing your Zoloft dose. You are on a very low therapeutic dose, and you are experiencing alot of discomfort still. You might want to get a script for a benzo to be used on a "as needed" basis. Doing CBT, increasing your Zoloft and getting a benzo, could really get you back on your feet again. Yes, you can stay on Zoloft for a long time. About getting off meds, first you need to get better and be better for awhile, before you think of getting off meds. Some of us need meds for the rest of our lives, others need it on and off, depending on setbacks and remissions, and then there are some that are on meds for awhile, get off the meds, and never need them again. Unfortunately, you won`t know, until you go off I am not sure that the night shift "caused" your anxiety, although it could be a contributing factor. I use to work the graveyard shift in a nursing home, and I didn`t like the way it made me feel. It wasn`t anxiety, I just felt off. After a few months I begged to get off that shift, and I felt much better. If you can, change your hours, maybe a note from your doctor could help with that. Take Care and good luck!! Jackie

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Hi I’m a new comer to this group & was wondering if I could get some explanation as to what a panic attack is. I guess I can start off by saying what I have experienced & go from there. I’ll try to keep it short. About a year ago while driving to work (at night, I work midnights) I started losing my breath, feeling very wierd, my arms were going numb, thoughts of wanting to kill myself (which is definately not me!!) i thought i was having a heart attack (I’m 39 now) I made it to work but was to shakey i couldnt cope, went home but was just dazed & confused. I went to my doctor & she said i had a panic attack. I had one similar several days afterwards but wasnt as bad and i tried hard to control myself, after all both times I was driving!! So that was it, back to the doctor & have been on 50mg of Zoloft since. Now I was supposed to start weening off the zoloft this month & what happens, I have one of these attacks at work. So now i’m still on it. I am going to go see a shrink I guess, i dont want it to get worse, I’m getting to the point where I am almost scared of driving & going to work. I feel very strongly that it is my midnight shift that is doing this to me, because I cant think of anything else that it could be. Is there anyone else out there that works nights that is going through this?? The zoloft is good though & i have been very reassured that it is a safe drug to stay on for many years if needed, but i would like to get off it. If anyone has taken the time to read my long storey get back to me with your storey or thoughts I would appreciate it. Thanks & think positive!!!

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Frank, My first anxiety attack was about 5 1/2 years ago while I was driving. Like you I thought I was having a heart attack.  I didn’t want to kill myself but was sure I must be dying.  I had a lot of stresses in my life at that time so once I realized that it was anxiety attacks I was having  I did go to a therapist. I also take Zoloft.  I started at 50 mg but have decreased it to 25 mg.  I have tried to wean off it several times and each time I have a panic attack.  I don’t like taking meds all the time but I believe it is better than going through the feelings of panic and constant anxiety. So who knows how long I will take this stuff.  I feel pretty good when I am on it. I do have times when I don’t feel as well but everyone has good and bad days whether or not they have PA’s. Do you have any particular stressful things going on in your life?  Or did you when the panic attacks started?  It might be a good idea to find a pdoc who specializes in anxiety who can help you to recognize possible triggers. The one thing about panic attacks is that they seem to strike "out of the blue" and that is the most frustrating part about them.  Because you don’t know when you’ll have one you sometimes start to avoid situations where you had one before. (Like driving, grocery shopping, eating in a restaurant)  It is a vicious (sp?) circle but you know what? You are NOT ALONE.  And you will get through them. Good luck and keep us posted. Nori — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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The zoloft is good though & i have been very reassured that it is a safe drug to stay on for many years if needed, but i would like to get off it.

Frank, Is medication the only way you are managing? Not that I am knocking it! I am using three different meds, myself. But I am also doing something that I did not do the last time I was in remission from panic. I am now making the effort to learn Cognitive Behavioral techniques. A few years ago, the med of my dreams rid me of Panic, General Anxiety and Agoraphobia for just over a year. But it did not last, I started having breakthrough attacks and didn’t have the skills that I have since gained in controlling the symptoms. Changing my thoughts, correcting my breathing, muscular relaxation and slowing my heart beat are things I have become pretty good at, but not perfect. And there are many more symptoms that I must work with. I would just like to suggest that you get yourself some long lasting coping skills before going off of your med. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has worked for so many. Some without any meds. But I believe combining the two is very powerful. My two cents and wishing you well, Kathryn

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Hi Frank, The following a criteria for panic attacks recently distributed in a brochure to Australian GPs A discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four (or more) of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes:     palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate     sweating     trembling or shaking     sensations of shortness of breath or smothering     feeling of choking     chest pain or discomfort     nausea or abdominal distress     feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint     feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself     feelings of losing control or going crazy     fear of dying     paraesthesia (numbness or tingling sensation)     chills or hot flushes I reckon I have experienced each and every one of these! Given that your symptoms are recurring I suggest that you discuss your medication, dosage, with your doctor. It doesn’t sound like a good time to wean off. I am also experiencing a recurrence of some symptoms, in particular situations, so my medication is being reviewed. I guess where lucky that our conditions are treatable. Take care, Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I’m a new comer to this group & was wondering if I could get some explanation as to what a panic attack is. I guess I can start off by saying what I have experienced & go from there. I’ll try to keep it short. About a year ago while driving to work (at night, I work midnights) I started losing my breath, feeling very wierd, my arms were going numb, thoughts of wanting to kill myself (which is definately not me!!) i thought i was having a heart attack (I’m 39 now) I made it to work but was to shakey i couldnt cope, went home but was just dazed & confused. I went to my doctor & she said i had a panic attack. I had one similar several days afterwards but wasnt as bad and i tried hard to control myself, after all both times I was driving!! So that was it, back to the doctor & have been on 50mg of Zoloft since. Now I was supposed to start weening off the zoloft this month & what happens, I have one of these attacks at work. So now i’m still on it. I am going to go see a shrink I guess, i dont want it to get worse, I’m getting to the point where I am almost scared of driving & going to work. I feel very strongly that it is my midnight shift that is doing this to me, because I cant think of anything else that it could be. Is there anyone else out there that works nights that is going through this?? The zoloft is good though & i have been very reassured that it is a safe drug to stay on for many years if needed, but i would like to get off it. If anyone has taken the time to read my long storey get back to me with your storey or thoughts I would appreciate it. Thanks & think positive!!!

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Question:

Jim wrote Rob, I’ve taken Zoloft, too. (200 mg: 100 mg 2xday). I have been diagnosed with Depression and Panic Disorder for 11 years now. I have tried every med combo possible and have just tried a new combo. My Xanax has been increased to 4mg per day. In addition I have been given 150 mg of Zoloft per day. After 6 weeks I have had the most marked improvement ever. However the Zoloft seems to give me naseua and loss of appetite. Is this a common side effect and will it ever go away? Anyone ever using Zoloft, Pleas

Rob, I didn’t experience nausea or a lack of appetite. Perhaps I was doing something differently than you.  How are you taking it? (divided dose, twice a day)? Taking any med on a full stomach usually helps with the nausea. I’ve also taken Zanax, briefly, as it didn’t agree with me very well. E-mail me if you want. Best regards, Jim

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Dear Jim, I am interested to know what the side effects were from taking Xanax.  I have been taking inc. amounts of it as per MDs directions and it doesn’t agree with me, either.What did you take in its place, if anything.  Thanks for your help – either e-mail me or post to group your feedback.

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Hey Rob, All I can tell you is that I’ve been diagnosed with manic depression for five years and Zoloft is the only medication that has not in any way caused any side effects. Good luck. .. Yours, Joe Pirrello – Toronto

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me  too

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I have been diagnosed with Depression and Panic Disorder for 11 years now. I have tried every med combo possible and have just tried a new combo. My Xanax has been increased to 4mg per day. In addition I have been given 150 mg of Zoloft per day. After 6 weeks I have had the most marked improvement ever. However the Zoloft seems to give me naseua and loss of appetite. Is this a common side effect and will it ever go away? Anyone ever using Zoloft, Please give some advice to me via E-Mail. Sincerely, Rob

I started taking Zoloft about 6 months ago and had the same problem. Try taking the Zoloft after meals & the nausea should subside.

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I have been diagnosed with Depression and Panic Disorder for 11 years now. I have tried every med combo possible and have just tried a new combo. My Xanax has been increased to 4mg per day. In addition I have been given 150 mg of Zoloft per day. After 6 weeks I have had the most marked improvement ever. However the Zoloft seems to give me naseua and loss of appetite. Is this a common side effect and will it ever go away? Anyone ever using Zoloft, Please give some advice to me via E-Mail. Sincerely, Rob

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Oh Blue, this is so true…. I was perfectly sane (cough cough cough) much however.  I would give my life for him… With Metta & Blessings,  Jehanne "It is good to have an end to journey toward;   but it is the journey that matters, in the end"             Ursula Le Guin

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says… you know, money tends to run in families. Maybe that’s biological too, like there’s a money gene or something. ..Don’t laugh, that’s the way these researchers think. On the lighter side, did you know that having children tends to run in families? If your parents didn’t have children, chances are you won’t either.

Did you know that insanity is hereditary?  You get it from your children. Bluebird oh, is *that* where it came from?

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you know, money tends to run in families. Maybe that’s biological too, like there’s a money gene or something. ..Don’t laugh, that’s the way these researchers think. On the lighter side, did you know that having children tends to run in families? If your parents didn’t have children, chances are you won’t either.

doh… Leslie — Mom always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be when I grew up, "within reason."  When I asked her what she meant by "within reason," she said, "You ask a lot of questions for a garbage man." – Jack Handey Visit My Website! http://www.flex.net/users/tuesday

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it’s CATCHING!!!!!!!

for *real* well, i don’t suppose i’ve ever actually *driven* someone to depression, but i know it’s *really* hard to live with a depressive person, specially someone who wants to prove how unlovable they are. anna xxx

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Owlgirl, Thanks for confirming something I long suspected!  lol Thanks for the chuckle. Brenda

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you know, money tends to run in families. Maybe that’s biological too, like there’s a money gene or something. ..Don’t laugh, that’s the way these researchers think. On the lighter side, did you know that having children tends to run in families? If your parents didn’t have children, chances are you won’t either.

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you know…both my parents (who, nb, are NOT my biologial parents) have depression and are on medication. Same with my ex-de facto, my uncle and aunt, and 3 close rl friends. I could never relate to it, but now, i’ve finally succumbed myself. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhhhhh! this can only mean one thing: it’s CATCHING!!!!!!! warn all your friends and family….. owlgirl – who had a shitty aftyernoon, thanx to zoloft withdrawal, but who feels good cos you are all here, and is especially grateful for the posts from Cris/z, Eva Marisa, and kdaly. Thanx.  :)

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