Hi all… A week ago Tues I saw my specialist who said to reduce my FloVent to 500 mcg per day and see how it goes. So Tues I had the reduced dose and Wed I woke with that familar tiggle and congestion in the back of my throat. I posted a message about this being related to reduced FloVent so fast but no one replied. Then Wed afternoon my PEF dropped into my yellow zone where it has remained (9 1/2 days total). During this time, I returned to 1000 mcg (last Fri). Since I was taking my Bricanyl more frequently, I called my doctor who said to up the dose to 2000 mcg until things calm down then gradually reduce to my regular 1000 mcg. I can’t figure out what caused this drop in PEF; I’m still very close to my red zone so I’m taking it easy, staying indoors and close to the phone incase my PEF drops to the red zone. I’m drinking lots of tea and water. At first I thought I may have a cold but no real cold symptoms have appeared other than feeling quite run down and sluggish. I don’t have any nasal congestion, excessive coughing, sneezing. I did notice a low grade transient fever that didn’t last very long. Does anyone have any ideas what may have caused this? I sure would like to find out so I can prevent it from happening again. — Janine
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A week ago Tues I saw my specialist who said to reduce my FloVent to 500 mcg per day and see how it goes. So Tues I had the reduced dose and Wed I woke with that familar tiggle and congestion in the back of my throat. I posted a message about this being related to reduced FloVent so fast but no one replied. Then Wed afternoon my PEF dropped into my yellow zone where it has remained (9 1/2 days total). During this time, I returned to 1000 mcg (last Fri). Since I was taking my Bricanyl more frequently, I called my doctor who said to up the dose to 2000 mcg until things calm down then gradually reduce to my regular 1000 mcg. I can’t figure out what caused this drop in PEF; I’m still very close to my red zone so I’m taking it easy, staying indoors and close to the phone incase my PEF drops to the red zone. I’m drinking lots of tea and water. At first I thought I may have a cold but no real cold symptoms have appeared other than feeling quite run down and sluggish. I don’t have any nasal congestion, excessive coughing, sneezing. I did notice a low grade transient fever that didn’t last very long. Does anyone have any ideas what may have caused this? I sure would like to find out so I can prevent it from happening again. —
Janine (in Canada), I would guess your exacerbation is caused by a virus, this happens often; external symptoms may be minimal but the lung function gets knocked down; another possibility is its one of your other triggers. Have your triggers been identified and exposure to them minimized? Per US Guidelines, fluticasone use above 660 mcg/day, or 3 puffs/day of Flovent 220 constitutes a High Dose. I believe in Canada you use the same MDI inhaler but labeled Flovent 250 since you measure dose at the nozzle whereas in the US its measured at the holder opening; so this translates to 750 mcg/day is a High Dose. It would be desireable to get your dose down to 500 mcg/day per your doctor’s suggestion, after you are over the exacerbation. Are you using any steroid-sparing meds; a long acting bronchodilator is usually recommended, Serevent, 2 pf twice a day; or TheoDur tablets. [I take both.] Another possibility is Accolate. Do you have Sinusitis or Gastroesophageal Reflux, that could be contributing to asthma? If so it needs to be treated. Do you breathe thru your nose most of the time (filters & humdifies air) Here are links on Asthma Triggers: ASTHMA TRIGGERS http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip04.html TRIGGERS OF ASTHMA http://www.njc.org/MFhtml/TRI_MF.html Identifying Triggers of Asthma, 1994 http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/identify.htm Identifying Asthma Triggers http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9602/htm/trigg_sb.htm Trigger-proofing your environment http://www.lungusa.org/learn/asthma/astastrig.html Asthma Triggers http://www.lungusa.org/global/news/medical/medfebaf.html Ozone Air Pollution, Particulates Ellis
snip I would guess your exacerbation is caused by a virus, this happens often; external symptoms may be minimal but the lung function gets knocked down
There’s a nasty respiratory bug going around right now. My son, who is normally a Mild Persistant asthmatic, had a horrible time of it last week. He dropped into his red zone fairly quickly, and when we got to the doctor, he was in bad shape. He had to go onto oral prednisone for five days–and two days later, had a coughing fit so bad he had problems catching his breath and we did the 911/emergency room run, ending up with another breathing treatment (and a verdict of clear lungs) and a diagnosis of a virus-caused cough triggering bronchospasm. So he got codeine to go with the prednisone. That same day he had a brief, but intense fever, going from normal to 103 degrees back down to normal in the space of five hours. We visited the doctor, had x-rays done, because the doctor was worried about the possibility of pneumonia. Lungs looked good, with only a few mucus plugs remaining in his lungs (the doctor pointed them out to me, saying "this is what an asthmatic’s lung looks like on x-rays)…it’s just an ugly, ugly virus causing coughing which irritates the bronchial tubes. I’m hoping we don’t have to go back on prednisone, because he’s now off–but he’s still blowing in his yellow zone. It’s borderline yellow/green–but I’d like him to get back to Intal only, not Intal and Ventolin, as we’ve been doing to manage the attack. jrw
280 is panic time??? Wow, I don’t get worried until I am down below 200. Sharre T.
It depends on what your personal best is. Obviously if your personal best is 600, your normal lung capicity is more than someone whose personal best is 400. Kim
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went to the doctor’s again today since I have been in my yellow zone since the 7th despite increased FloVent (from 1000 mcg to 2000 mcg daily). A side effect of the FloVent has been thrush 
so he prescribed medication for that and Prednisone. Funny, I was rinsing after each FloVent inhalation, using tea tree oil toothpaste and using my spacer but still developed thrush! Perhaps I’m a little run down? I mentioned this to the doctor and he said I should call him Thurs to let him know how I was doing and if things were not improving then he would run some blood tests. Isn’t asthma fun? Even when you do everything you are supposed to, things can still go wrong. Janine
Yep, that’s true. I would suggest that instead of using a tea tree oil toothpaste you use a tea tree oil mouth wash. You can gargle with it and get the areas of your throat that a toothpast will miss. Also swishing it around your mouth will cover areas the toothpaste would miss. Hang in there. Sometimes, as you said, you do everything right and things still go wrong. Loki
I would suggest that instead of using a tea tree oil toothpaste you use a tea tree oil mouth wash. You can gargle with it and get the areas of your throat that a toothpast will miss. Also swishing it around your mouth will cover areas the toothpaste would miss.
I’m not familiar with tea tree oil. Is it an antispetic of some sort? Anyway, I use a standard antispetic mouthwash for the same purpose. It may not be ‘natural’ but it seems to do the job just fine (and is probably a lot less expensive).
I would suggest that instead of using a tea tree oil toothpaste you use a tea tree oil mouth wash. You can gargle with it and get the areas of your throat that a toothpast will miss. Also swishing it around your mouth will cover areas the toothpaste would miss. I’m not familiar with tea tree oil. Is it an antispetic of some sort?
It is an essential oil that has antiseptic and antifungal properties. As an antiseptic it’s ok. I use it on minor things like paper cuts. As an antifungal it is extremely good. Anyway, I use a standard antispetic mouthwash for the same purpose. It may not be ‘natural’ but it seems to do the job just fine (and is probably a lot less expensive).
As long as it works, that’s all that matters. I used just plain water for a long time. I’ve started using the tea tree oil mouthwash mostly because I had begun to get thrush no matter how thoroughly I rinsed. It seems to be doing the job (at least for now). I’m sure your mouthwash tastes better than mine anyway. Tea tree oil isn’t exactly the most appetizing thing in the world even when masked with spearmint oil (as mine is). Oh, I do believe you are correct about the cost. Someone who is adventurous might try just adding a drop of tea tree oil to their regular mouthwash but I’m uncertain of the correct dilution for that purpose so I wouldn’t. (I could go do the research but I’m in a hurry.) Now, if you need the dilution for shampoo (dandruff), that I can give you. <chuckle Loki
One more note about tea tree–as with any herbal remedy, be cautious with it. My niece is allergic to it, as she discovered to her horror when she used it on a skin inflammation and made it WORSE. I may be a bit sensitive to it as well, as I’ve found it irritating to some of the things I’ve tried to treat with it, and pretty much ineffective for me. Your mileage may vary, but do be careful in testing it. Tea tree oil is also sometimes called "ti tree oil". I understand the tree itself, which was imported into Florida, has become a pest there and is displacing native plants. Maybe if someone turned Floridians on to the market for the stuff, they’d harvest the interloper trees and the price would go down. ;-) My sympathies for those who get thrush from Azmacort or other inhalers. Apparently following my doctor’s recommendation of rinsing my mouth (or just drinking something) after use has been enough to prevent it in my case. Kiwi Carlisle
280 is panic time??? Wow, I don’t get worried until I am down below 200. I only use ventolin, and five mgs methylprenisolone with an antibiotic if I get an infection. I have never really understood peak flow numbers. I didn’t even own one for the first three years of my asthma. Once when I got an infection that went too long before I got my refill for prednisone, I blew 95. THEN I was panicked. I am a half an hour from the hospital. The doctor keeps telling me that there are no definite numbers. I keep wondering why the hell I have the meter. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all… I talked to my doctor on Thursday after trying to get my PEFs up out of the yellow for the past two weeks. Despite prednisone, they were still in the yellow. He referred me back to my specialist who I saw this afternoon at the end of his day. The first few minutes of the visit were disasterous! I told him that my peak flows were down and he commented that "You are obsessed with you peak flows, we have worse cases of asthma than this…go down to spirometry." I was stunned, since any other time I had dealt with him there had been no problem. I went down to spirometry, and the first try produced severe chest tightness and pain. The respirologist immediately left to talk to the specialist, then came back and asked if I would be ok to try again. I managed to get through two more tries. The last two loops could easily fit within the first loop as they were quite a bit smaller. This was under the influence of prednisone and Bricanyl (within 1 hr of the test). I headed back to the examining room while he looked over my results. When he returned, his attitude was significantly changed. Now he was extremely interested in my peak flow chart and commented that he hadn’t realized that I had been this bad for this long. He said that the FloVent was not depositing in my lungs so he has now put me on Pulmicort turbuhaler (400 ug) and he replaced my SereVent with Foradil aerolizer. He also gave me a renewable prescription for prednisone (5 mg) with instructions to use 4 tablets if my PEF drops to 280. I now have to go back in three weeks, sooner if things don’t settle down. He said I definitely had a viral infection which caused my peak flows to drop but I didn’t feel "sick" so I’m still wondering about this. What I found so interesting was his change in attitude and I am left wondering why the change. I definitely will make sure that my next visit with him is not at the end of the day though. — Janine
Sharre T. Truth is infinite; therefore, Truth cannot be known in finite terms – Joel Goldsmith
Hi all… <snip if things don’t settle down. He said I definitely had a viral infection which caused my peak flows to drop but I didn’t feel "sick" so I’m still wondering about this.
<snip I feel that quite a low-grade viral infection which I wouldn’t have noticed before asthma, or which would have lead to a slight drippy nose, can affect my chest or possibly increase my sensativity to chemical smells, such as toilet cleaner, which seem to make my asthma worse. — Surfer! http://www.nevis-vieww.demon.co.uk Hopeful anti-spam: alter double ‘w’ to single ‘w’ to view site & send Email.
Hi all — I wanted to report my pleasure with my Gurney’s black-stripe sunflowers. The plants are about 6 feet tall and vigorous, but for a change the flowers do not bend down and face the ground. The flower heads are smaller than some varieties, but hold themselves up very well. They look just fantastic! I hope the birds will find and harvest them. KeziaK Northern VA
I would like to second that sunflower rave. I have generic sunflowers, dont knnow what type, I first planted them about 5 or 6 years ago in a small plot on the edge of my garden about 12 x 12, every year they have re seeded. I look forward to the blue jays that cruise by every fall for a few weeks and feast. Its a sustainable sunflower bed. Except of course for the roundup I spray every spring to clear out the weeds, the 2,4-D I use to clear out the broad leaf stuff, and the insecticides I use 3 or 4 times a year just to be on the safe side. NOT. Hi all — I wanted to report my pleasure with my Gurney’s black-stripe sunflowers. The plants are about 6 feet tall and vigorous, but for a change the flowers do not bend down and face the ground. The flower heads are smaller than some varieties, but hold themselves up very well. They look just fantastic! I hope the birds will find and harvest them. KeziaK Northern VA
– Ken Toews * In life effects are certainty while causes Stay Hungry, Stay foolish <<
Bill has probably posted relevant, pertinent cites, but I’m wondering if someone might be able to either a) point me in the direction of info. on these meds, particularly the new one, singulair, and how they work, versus how steriods work, what’s the downside etc., or b) summarize the info. in relatively easy to understand, non-jargonese. Thanks a lot. Merril, writing from where it’s -25 still, but warm enough that my cold induced attacks have stopped — and which I won’t seek advice on again since starting the last match.
Bill has probably posted relevant, pertinent cites, but I’m wondering if someone might be able to either a) point me in the direction of info. on these meds, particularly the new one, singulair, and how they work, versus how steriods work, what’s the downside etc., or b) summarize the info. in relatively easy to understand, non-jargonese. Thanks a lot.
You can try:http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/guide/guidelin/comp3/… A promotional site for Accolate (which is similar to Singular) is at: http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/zeneca/about/default.htm This has information on Leukotrines and Leukotrine receptor agonists (Singulair is a Lueknotine receptor agonist).
One junior aspirin is ok, but large doses are contraindicated with insulin or glucose-reducing tablets. Possible hypos you see. References Professor Peter Sonksen Emeritus Professor of Endocrinology Guy`s, King`s and St. Thomas` Hospitals` School of Medicine St. Thomas Hospital London Dr. Charles Fox Consultant Physician Northampton General Hospital Sue Judd DSN St. Thomas` Hospital London — Al. Idiopathic t1 HbA1c 5.95 Total Chol 2.7 Blood Pressure 105/70 Beef Lente 1x Beef Neutral 2x
Many diabetologists prescribe 75mg aspirin per day as a matter of course since stroke is major danger for T2s.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it the same for paracetamol? Ian I done some searching, and the supposed dangers of paracetamol are just one more urban myth. http://tinyurl.com/zau9 A website that has a vested interest. They also don’t mention liver damage due to paracetamol which eventually causes death. They quote 30+ tablets are required to kill you. They don’t say that liver damage can occur with far fewer. They also don’t point out that a tub of 100 can be bought for a couple of quid, or that an overdose of, for example, 100 prozac/effexor can be survived but are POM. Al, with your inherehent cynicism I’m surprised you don’t look for the info that’s between the lines.
With my inherent cynicism I don`t trust a mere paramedic dxed less than 6 months ago. Is your HbA1c less than 6mmol yet? Might be, if so good. Is your total chol below 4 yet? If so good Stick around a bit, some of us here were dxed decades ago, you might learn, but with you inherent arrogance you might not. I remember you claiming on upsd that dm can cause immediate organ failure. Oh no, it is takes 20+ years to do it slowly and painfully. Paracetamol used correctly takes at least that long to cause liver failure. Al Cynical to my last dying breath.
Is it the same for paracetamol? Ian
I done some searching, and the supposed dangers of paracetamol are just one more urban myth. http://tinyurl.com/zau9 — Al. Idiopathic t1 HbA1c 5.95 Total Chol 2.7 Blood Pressure 105/70 Beef Lente 1x Beef Neutral 2x
One junior aspirin is ok, but large doses are contraindicated with insulin or glucose-reducing tablets. Possible hypos you see.
Funny, my GP said that when I asked about using aspirin as an anti- coagulant: no more than 75 mg. He didn’t connect it with diabetes though. — Joe Soap
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it the same for paracetamol? Ian Not afaik. But paracetamol in very very large doses damages the liver, or so I am told, by a doctor I used to trust back in the good old 1970`s when I was not diabetic. Paracetamol is dangerous in *not very* large dosages. In fact I’d go as far as to say it is probably the most dangerous non-prescription medicinal drug.
Do you have an URL, please? You might well be right, I certainly prefer not to touch it. — Al. Idiopathic t1 HbA1c 5.95 Total Chol 2.7 Blood Pressure 105/70 Beef Lente 1x Beef Neutral 2x
Is it the same for paracetamol? Ian
Not afaik. But paracetamol in very very large doses damages the liver, or so I am told, by a doctor I used to trust back in the good old 1970`s when I was not diabetic. — Al. Idiopathic t1 HbA1c 5.95 Total Chol 2.7 Blood Pressure 105/70 Beef Lente 1x Beef Neutral 2x
Is it the same for paracetamol? Ian
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One junior aspirin is ok, but large doses are contraindicated with insulin or glucose-reducing tablets. Possible hypos you see. References Professor Peter Sonksen Emeritus Professor of Endocrinology Guy`s, King`s and St. Thomas` Hospitals` School of Medicine St. Thomas Hospital London Dr. Charles Fox Consultant Physician Northampton General Hospital Sue Judd DSN St. Thomas` Hospital London — Al. Idiopathic t1 HbA1c 5.95 Total Chol 2.7 Blood Pressure 105/70 Beef Lente 1x Beef Neutral 2x
Is it the same for paracetamol? Ian Not afaik. But paracetamol in very very large doses damages the liver, or so I am told, by a doctor I used to trust back in the good old 1970`s when I was not diabetic.
A great many suicides are caused by overdosing on paracetamol. The sad bit is that death is not immediate, but if not treated within a few hours, the liver damage is irreversible, so the patient dies slowly over the next few days even though they might have had a change of heart about killing themselves. Many suicide attempts are in reality a cry for help, not a genuine desire to end it all. At one time it was suggested that all paracetamol tablets have the antidote incorporated into them, so that the more tablets you took, the more antidote you got, and the whole thing was self neutralising, but nothing ever happened and the suicides continue. I had a relative who had a very close shave overdosing with paracetamol. — Chris E-mail: christopher[dot]hogg[at]virgin[dot]net
How many here are at least 50 years old? If you are what anti-depressant are you using and have you been using it since turning 50 years young? I know this probably doesn’t make much sense to lots of people in here–but I’m trying to find out if one medicine is prescribed more for older folks? We live in a world of numbers and age of course bing the biggest factor of all in the numbers "game". (Another example of numbers that I read is that 66% of all alcoholics who have quit drinking, have mental problems of some sort) Even car insurance companies use age in figuring their fees for insurance–another number. What is your income level–another number. So what I’m asking here is simple. 50 years of age and up: what anti-depressant are you taking and how is it working for you? Now if no one replies, then I know that I’m the oldie in here. Thanks Much and allways remember in all you do this one very important factor: "If it doesn’t fit, You MUST acquit"
Dan: I am 51, and while I stopped taking meds this fall, I was previously on Celexa 20 mg for 3 years and Paxil 20 mg and then 30 mg for one year. – Anne
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many here are at least 50 years old? If you are what anti-depressant are you using and have you been using it since turning 50 years young? I know this probably doesn’t make much sense to lots of people in here–but I’m trying to find out if one medicine is prescribed more for older folks? We live in a world of numbers and age of course bing the biggest factor of all in the numbers "game". (Another example of numbers that I read is that 66% of all alcoholics who have quit drinking, have mental problems of some sort) Even car insurance companies use age in figuring their fees for insurance–another number. What is your income level–another number. So what I’m asking here is simple. 50 years of age and up: what anti-depressant are you taking and how is it working for you? Now if no one replies, then I know that I’m the oldie in here. Thanks Much and allways remember in all you do this one very important factor: "If it doesn’t fit, You MUST acquit"
I am 54 and am currently on *imipramine* and Xanax and they work well for me. In the first 18 years or so of my PD which started in 1968 when I was 20 I was only on a benzo. Around age 42 or so I needed to add an AD which was *clomipramine*, another TCA (and one that is much researched and often prescribed in Europe while imipramine seems more of an American first choice TCA). At some point clomipramine seemed to *poop out* on me and I tried SSRI’s and even the RIMA *moclobemide* (always together with a benzo) which worked but I seem to respond just a bit better to TCA’s. In my case I don’t think any of this has anything to do with age. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -How many here are at least 50 years old? If you are what anti-depressant are you using and have you been using it since turning 50 years young? I know this probably doesn’t make much sense to lots of people in here–but I’m trying to find out if one medicine is prescribed more for older folks? We live in a world of numbers and age of course bing the biggest factor of all in the numbers "game". (Another example of numbers that I read is that 66% of all alcoholics who have quit drinking, have mental problems of some sort) Even car insurance companies use age in figuring their fees for insurance–another number. What is your income level–another number. So what I’m asking here is simple. 50 years of age and up: what anti-depressant are you taking and how is it working for you? Now if no one replies, then I know that I’m the oldie in here. Thanks Much and allways remember in all you do this one very important factor: "If it doesn’t fit, You MUST acquit"
I’m 57, and have been on the TCA dothiepin (prothiaden) for some years – though recently discontinued it, and have felt no ill effect from that: therapy alone is now enough for me. Before the TCA, I was on Paxil, which didn’t agree with me – too many side effects. If I needed an AD again, I would go back to dothiepin. -David-
Hi Dan! I’m 57 and I’ve been on Paxil for about 4 – 5 years. I only require 10 mg. I seem to be very sensitive to meds, but I don’t know if it’s due to age or not. Even that amount, combined with .5 mg Ativan twice a day makes me lethargic. Dot
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many here are at least 50 years old? If you are what anti-depressant are you using and have you been using it since turning 50 years young? I know this probably doesn’t make much sense to lots of people in here–but I’m trying to find out if one medicine is prescribed more for older folks? We live in a world of numbers and age of course bing the biggest factor of all in the numbers "game". (Another example of numbers that I read is that 66% of all alcoholics who have quit drinking, have mental problems of some sort) Even car insurance companies use age in figuring their fees for insurance–another number. What is your income level–another number. So what I’m asking here is simple. 50 years of age and up: what anti-depressant are you taking and how is it working for you? Now if no one replies, then I know that I’m the oldie in here. Thanks Much and allways remember in all you do this one very important factor: "If it doesn’t fit, You MUST acquit" I am 54 and am currently on *imipramine* and Xanax and they work well for me. In the first 18 years or so of my PD which started in 1968 when I was 20 I was only on a benzo. Around age 42 or so I needed to add an AD which was *clomipramine*, another TCA (and one that is much researched and often prescribed in Europe while imipramine seems more of an American first choice TCA). At some point clomipramine seemed to *poop out* on me and I tried SSRI’s and even the RIMA *moclobemide* (always together with a benzo) which worked but I seem to respond just a bit better to TCA’s. In my case I don’t think any of this has anything to do with age. Philip Thanks Philip, Is that "imipramine" the generic name or the other name form.
It’s the generic name. Most common brand name: *Tofranil*. I should buy a medical book to look these up.
You can find them on the net at Arthur’s excellent dictionary at http://www.anxiety-panic.com Is it taken daily and in what measurements does it come.
Here the smalles dosage is 25 mg (and I also mean the pill is so small that one can hardly cut it in half). In the US tabs 0f 10 mg are available. It is taken daily, like with all AD’s it’s a matter of finding out whether taking it in the AM or in the PM agrees best with you. I actually take part of it in the AM and part of it in the PM, don’t really remember why 
Like all TCA’s is has a large therapeutic window, from 75 mg to, say, 225 mg. Too high TCA doses are toxic though which angain is individual and can, if necessary, being measured by blood work. (Just as a side note, my regular MD, told me yesterday–that I sould ask my psycharist to switch me to another medicine, when I told him I was no lonfer taking celexa-because of excessive sleepiness).
If that sleepiness bothers you too much it may be a good idea. I am going to ask my Pdoc about it–but I’m not so sure he’ll put me on it anyway.
Another good choice may be Effexor, a newer med which, like TCA’s but in a somewhat different way, targets both serotonin and norepinephrine receptors. The different types of doctors–if they do one thing–it is protect their territory–when you ask for a med. change.
I have been rather lucky in this dept. as my pdoc actually agreed to my own choice of meds. Also you MAY be right about age making no difference, but if so–then it’s one of those very RARE things where age doesn’t count.
This is a big *YMMV*, I was strictly talking about myself. Medication for the elderly (but we’re not yet there when we are in our fifties or early sixties IMO) can sometimes be different (as in smaller benzo doses, for instance, or no TCA’s when having cardiovascular problems etc.etc.) Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
So what I’m asking here is simple. 50 years of age and up: what anti-depressant are you taking and how is it working for you?
Zoloft for anxiety and depression, Ativan when needed, and Concerta to keep me peppy. Take care, Liz
So what I’m asking here is simple. 50 years of age and up: what anti-depressant are you taking and how is it working for you? Now if no one replies, then I know that I’m the oldie in here. I’m 58 and started Zoloft for depression 10 years ago (when I was 48). My dose of Zoloft depends on whether I am depressed or not. I also take a TCA called desipramine to boost the effects of the Zoloft. Zoloft works well for me. I take Klonopin for anxiety/panic/agoraphobia. Chip
Thank you each and every one . As for zoloft–I just could not take that–it kept me awake. Celexa–the opposite. Basically–I can use xanax for attacks of anxiety–with no problem, but I would definately like to try something else. Good suggestions here–will he write me something different is the question.
I am posting this for LM being his post never showed up – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -ubject: If You are at least 50 Years of age and on anti-depressants How many here are at least 50 years old? If you are what anti-depressant are you using and have you been using it since turning 50 years young? I know this probably doesn’t make much sense to lots of people in here–but I’m trying to find out if one medicine is prescribed more for older folks? We live in a world of numbers and age of course bing the biggest factor of all in the numbers "game". (Another example of numbers that I read is that 66% of all alcoholics who have quit drinking, have mental problems of some sort) Even car insurance companies use age in figuring their fees for insurance–another number. What is your income level–another number. So what I’m asking here is simple. 50 years of age and up: what anti-depressant are you taking and how is it working for you? Now if no one replies, then I know that I’m the oldie in here. Thanks Much and allways remember in all you do this one very important factor: "If it doesn’t fit, You MUST acquit"
the only time age is a factor in prescribing any medication is if the patient is geriatric in nature, or has some compromised abilities in metabolizing some types of drugs-usually the longer half life drugs like valium, klonopin and prozac etc… other then that profile of patient and drug are used as a methodology for prescribing LM ~*~I may not be perfectly beautiful, I may not be perfectly wise, I may not be perfectly obedient, but I am perfectly me~*~
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many here are at least 50 years old? If you are what anti-depressant are you using and have you been using it since turning 50 years young? I know this probably doesn’t make much sense to lots of people in here–but I’m trying to find out if one medicine is prescribed more for older folks? We live in a world of numbers and age of course bing the biggest factor of all in the numbers "game". (Another example of numbers that I read is that 66% of all alcoholics who have quit drinking, have mental problems of some sort) Even car insurance companies use age in figuring their fees for insurance–another number. What is your income level–another number. So what I’m asking here is simple. 50 years of age and up: what anti-depressant are you taking and how is it working for you? Now if no one replies, then I know that I’m the oldie in here. Thanks Much and allways remember in all you do this one very important factor: "If it doesn’t fit, You MUST acquit" I am 54 and am currently on *imipramine* and Xanax and they work well for me. In the first 18 years or so of my PD which started in 1968 when I was 20 I was only on a benzo. Around age 42 or so I needed to add an AD which was *clomipramine*, another TCA (and one that is much researched and often prescribed in Europe while imipramine seems more of an American first choice TCA). At some point clomipramine seemed to *poop out* on me and I tried SSRI’s and even the RIMA *moclobemide* (always together with a benzo) which worked but I seem to respond just a bit better to TCA’s. In my case I don’t think any of this has anything to do with age. Philip
Thanks Philip, Is that "imipramine" the generic name or the other name form. I should buy a medical book to look these up. Is it taken daily and in what measurements does it come. (Just as a side note, my regular MD, told me yesterday–that I sould ask my psycharist to switch me to another medicine, when I told him I was no lonfer taking celexa-because of excessive sleepiness). I am going to ask my Pdoc about it–but I’m not so sure he’ll put me on it anyway. The different types of doctors–if they do one thing–it is protect their territory–when you ask for a med. change. Also you MAY be right about age making no difference, but if so–then it’s one of those very RARE things where age doesn’t count. Thanks much for your comment.
So what I’m asking here is simple. 50 years of age and up: what anti-depressant are you taking and how is it working for you? Now if no one replies, then I know that I’m the oldie in here.
I’m 58 and started Zoloft for depression 10 years ago (when I was 48). My dose of Zoloft depends on whether I am depressed or not. I also take a TCA called desipramine to boost the effects of the Zoloft. Zoloft works well for me. I take Klonopin for anxiety/panic/agoraphobia. Chip
Migraine Prophylaxis [snip] 10. gabapentin (Neurontin
I am on celexa, and for me the sexual side effects are the same, very low desire. Best of luck to you! Chad Love is true when you can’t see eye to eye, but can still walk hand in hand.
:Hi, i have been on zoloft(50mgs) with .25 xanax(as needed) for about a :year now. i have not had a panic attack since but feel i could panic at :times. i am a compulsive thinker and usually have the "anxiety" feeling :in my stomach(knots or whatever). i think i want to try celexa but dont :want to screw up my progress i have with zoloft but zoloft seems to make :me numb and dumb. i use to be very sexual but now i can care less about :sex. before when i saw arousing things(naked women) my heart would pound :and i would get that "aroused" feeling. now i could look at nudity and :get the same effect as a gardening magazine:(( i heard celexa has less :sexual side effects so this is why i am considering switching meds. my :sexual side effect from zoloft is not impotence but very low desire and :ejaculation takes very very long. any ideas on celexa for me? :experiences? anything?
Celexa may have less effect on your libido, or it may be worse. The only way to find out is to try it. In most cases you can switch between SSRIs (and SSRIs to TCAs, SSNRIs) overnight. But there are other things you could try first. Do a search of ASAP’s archives at Deja (or whatever they are now called) for " sexual dysfunction ". Best wishes Ian
Hi, i have been on zoloft(50mgs) with .25 xanax(as needed) for about a year now. i have not had a panic attack since but feel i could panic at times. i am a compulsive thinker and usually have the "anxiety" feeling in my stomach(knots or whatever). i think i want to try celexa but dont want to screw up my progress i have with zoloft but zoloft seems to make me numb and dumb. i use to be very sexual but now i can care less about sex. before when i saw arousing things(naked women) my heart would pound and i would get that "aroused" feeling. now i could look at nudity and get the same effect as a gardening magazine:(( i heard celexa has less sexual side effects so this is why i am considering switching meds. my sexual side effect from zoloft is not impotence but very low desire and ejaculation takes very very long. any ideas on celexa for me? experiences? anything?
I feel for you! No advice, just hugs. You aren’t a total slug, since you just joined this new NG and are still searching for answers – or at least advice. Bravo! Helen "PhBtBet" <phbt…@aol.com
wrote in message
news:20000609130806.23881.00000332@ng-ck1.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Hi group! Thought it was about time I formally introduced myself and
asked for
some advice since I have been lurking for a very long time. My name is Betty, I’m 46 years old and I have Lupus, RA, Fibro, MPS, and
mitral
valve prolapse along with "vasoconstriction" (I have angina attacks at
rest and
on the go). I think it appropriate to give some history here: I’ve had fibro since I was 27. I’d had my son when I was 25 and went for several years without sleep–the kid screamed *non-stop* and was (still
is) an
incredibly intense child! Anyway, one day I woke up and my entire rib
cage and
back was in spasm and screaming pain. Went to my GP who did blood tests
and I
came out with a positive ANA. Referred to a rheumy who did a zillion
tests for
Lupus, but finally diagnosed FMS. Also discovered MVP at that time. Flash forward to a few years ago when, all of a sudden, my body went
totally
haywire. I had major tremors (looked like an alcoholic desperately in
need of
a drink!). Additionally, I had major chest pains. Went to a cardiologist
who
first blew me off but when she did a stress test and I failed big time,
she
apologized profusely saying I looked so young and fit that she thought I
was
just a hypochondriac. Anyway, she offered to hospitalize me that day but
I
declined. Went in for an angiogram the next Monday and the heart was
clear but
when she injected me with some kind of medicine it brought on the angina.
Gave
me meds and did a follow up stress test which I still failed! At this
point
she admitted that she didn’t have a clue and thought I should have a
second
opinion. I went to a doctor outside of the group and he couldn’t find
anything
else either. Right now I’m taking Cardizem CD and have my little Nitroglycerine spray for my "attacks." As for the tremors, he thought
perhaps
I had "essential tremor" and suggested seeing a neurologist. During this same time my rheumy did some extra blood tests and I tested positive for Lupus–my anti-Sm was positive. My joints were acting up big time–swelling of the knees and hands, costochondritis, etc. She started
a
regimen of Plaquenil and prednisone which controlled my symptoms for a bit
and
also helped to relieve my tremors and my migraines which lasted for days
at a
time. Unfortunately, my symptoms gradually worsened–terrible swelling of
my
knees and hands–and she started me on Methotrexate and increased the prednisone. I asked her if I had RA and she, at first, insisted that I couldn’t have RA since I definitely had Lupus and said that even if I did,
the
meds should control the RA as well as the Lupus. Several months ago my joints were SO swollen I couldn’t move, I broke down crying in her office and told her "I don’t have a life!" She was
sympathetic,
sat down and told me that I DO have RA and wanted to add Arava to the mix. That helped quite a lot with the swelling so I started to taper the
prednisone.
She also put me on Neurontin for the FMS pain which was severe. Well, now
the
tremors and the migraines (which had subsided for 6 months) are back with
a
vengeance and I’m wondering if the prednisone helped control the migraines
and
tremors. Any thoughts? Currently I’m taking 20mg. MTX, Folic Acid, 20mg. Arava, Robaxin, Xanax, Remeron, Cardizem CD, 9mg. Prednisone, Cytotec, Vicodin, Neurontin, and a
few
other things that I can’t remember off-hand. I never have a "good" day–it’s always bad or awful. I’m basically house-bound. I get severe tendonitis for no apparent reason that comes
and
goes on a whim. By the time my morning regimen of having coffee,
showering,
and getting dressed is over with, I’m wasted and my legs are so swollen
along
with my ankles, toes, etc., that I sit on the couch all day! I try to
pace
myself but the reality is that I can either clean a few bathroom sinks OR
cook
a meal and by that time I’m in screaming pain. I’m really getting fed up
with
this! I used to be so active–played tennis, racquetball, swam laps,
worked
out on the treadmill and did weights, etc.–and now I’m a slug. I am on several NGs and see other people with Lupus or RA saying they can
do
things, go places, go to work, and all the other things that comprise
having a
life. I don’t know what ailments to attribute to RA and to Lupus. The Neurontin has helped with the FMS but not the other pain. Frankly, I’m beginning to lose it! I have planned a trip to Italy for the fall–a 12-night Mediterranean
cruise
with a few nights in Barcelona at the beginning and end of the trip. I
want to
be able to see the sights and am desperately trying to find out what to do
that
will enable me to have a decent time. I went on a cruise 1 1/2 years ago
for 7
days and barely came out of my cabin I was so sick the entire time (not
seasick
either)! I don’t want a repeat. Well, sorry for the long rant, pity party and so on, but I’m in need of
some
help, suggestions, thoughts–anything that might lead me to a better life. Thanks in advance for any advice or words of wisdom! Hugs, Betty
Dear Betty, Sounds like you’ve had a tough time and I’m so sorry, will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Back to business-my experience with Neurontin brought on tremor type seizures. I took it to reduce inflammation in the nerves of a particularly bad leg. Tremors-Seizures were bad enough to spend 4 days in the hospital. Discontinued the neurontin and I haven’t had any more. Best of luck to you -I can empathize, I have Ra and SLE. God Bless. Cindy
I want to welcome you to the group. You certainly sound like you’ve had a really tough time with lupus and RA. You have my utmost sympathies and respect for the incredible courage you show every day just facing life. Fortunately, it does sound like you’ve been blessed with some good doctors. My sister, BTW, has had similar problems with angina associated with her MVP (mitral valve prolapse). Fortunately, after lots of testing, it looks like even though she has a lot of symptoms, nothing overtly dangerous is going on with her heart. She’s been treated symptomatically since then. So far as the tremors and migraines go, this sounds very much like CNS involvement of lupus. My daughter also has CNS lupus. We’ve been told by some very prominent researchers on her case that Methotrexate isn’t a great drug for this particular complication. It’s wonderful for RA, but not as useful with lupus. In my daughter’s case, they’ve suggested Imuran, Cellcept or Cytoxan. If you’d like some weblinks where you can get more RA and lupus information, I’d be h happy to send them. You’re also welcome to e-mail or IM me anytime. Take care, Sandra
Hi group! Thought it was about time I formally introduced myself and asked for some advice since I have been lurking for a very long time. My name is Betty, I’m 46 years old and I have Lupus, RA, Fibro, MPS, and mitral valve prolapse along with "vasoconstriction" (I have angina attacks at rest and on the go). I think it appropriate to give some history here: I’ve had fibro since I was 27. I’d had my son when I was 25 and went for several years without sleep–the kid screamed *non-stop* and was (still is) an incredibly intense child! Anyway, one day I woke up and my entire rib cage and back was in spasm and screaming pain. Went to my GP who did blood tests and I came out with a positive ANA. Referred to a rheumy who did a zillion tests for Lupus, but finally diagnosed FMS. Also discovered MVP at that time. Flash forward to a few years ago when, all of a sudden, my body went totally haywire. I had major tremors (looked like an alcoholic desperately in need of a drink!). Additionally, I had major chest pains. Went to a cardiologist who first blew me off but when she did a stress test and I failed big time, she apologized profusely saying I looked so young and fit that she thought I was just a hypochondriac. Anyway, she offered to hospitalize me that day but I declined. Went in for an angiogram the next Monday and the heart was clear but when she injected me with some kind of medicine it brought on the angina. Gave me meds and did a follow up stress test which I still failed! At this point she admitted that she didn’t have a clue and thought I should have a second opinion. I went to a doctor outside of the group and he couldn’t find anything else either. Right now I’m taking Cardizem CD and have my little Nitroglycerine spray for my "attacks." As for the tremors, he thought perhaps I had "essential tremor" and suggested seeing a neurologist. During this same time my rheumy did some extra blood tests and I tested positive for Lupus–my anti-Sm was positive. My joints were acting up big time–swelling of the knees and hands, costochondritis, etc. She started a regimen of Plaquenil and prednisone which controlled my symptoms for a bit and also helped to relieve my tremors and my migraines which lasted for days at a time. Unfortunately, my symptoms gradually worsened–terrible swelling of my knees and hands–and she started me on Methotrexate and increased the prednisone. I asked her if I had RA and she, at first, insisted that I couldn’t have RA since I definitely had Lupus and said that even if I did, the meds should control the RA as well as the Lupus. Several months ago my joints were SO swollen I couldn’t move, I broke down crying in her office and told her "I don’t have a life!" She was sympathetic, sat down and told me that I DO have RA and wanted to add Arava to the mix. That helped quite a lot with the swelling so I started to taper the prednisone. She also put me on Neurontin for the FMS pain which was severe. Well, now the tremors and the migraines (which had subsided for 6 months) are back with a vengeance and I’m wondering if the prednisone helped control the migraines and tremors. Any thoughts? Currently I’m taking 20mg. MTX, Folic Acid, 20mg. Arava, Robaxin, Xanax, Remeron, Cardizem CD, 9mg. Prednisone, Cytotec, Vicodin, Neurontin, and a few other things that I can’t remember off-hand. I never have a "good" day–it’s always bad or awful. I’m basically house-bound. I get severe tendonitis for no apparent reason that comes and goes on a whim. By the time my morning regimen of having coffee, showering, and getting dressed is over with, I’m wasted and my legs are so swollen along with my ankles, toes, etc., that I sit on the couch all day! I try to pace myself but the reality is that I can either clean a few bathroom sinks OR cook a meal and by that time I’m in screaming pain. I’m really getting fed up with this! I used to be so active–played tennis, racquetball, swam laps, worked out on the treadmill and did weights, etc.–and now I’m a slug. I am on several NGs and see other people with Lupus or RA saying they can do things, go places, go to work, and all the other things that comprise having a life. I don’t know what ailments to attribute to RA and to Lupus. The Neurontin has helped with the FMS but not the other pain. Frankly, I’m beginning to lose it! I have planned a trip to Italy for the fall–a 12-night Mediterranean cruise with a few nights in Barcelona at the beginning and end of the trip. I want to be able to see the sights and am desperately trying to find out what to do that will enable me to have a decent time. I went on a cruise 1 1/2 years ago for 7 days and barely came out of my cabin I was so sick the entire time (not seasick either)! I don’t want a repeat. Well, sorry for the long rant, pity party and so on, but I’m in need of some help, suggestions, thoughts–anything that might lead me to a better life. Thanks in advance for any advice or words of wisdom! Hugs, Betty
Hi Sherri. I was here about two years ago and now I’m back. But I don’t feel depressed. Right now, I should add. I take prozac and I am also 28. Depression is pretty much a biweekly battle for me (meaning, every two weeks, it tries to take me down). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was here about a year ago, looking for some support for this horrible feeling. Now I’m back. I don’t think this will ever go away. Sometimes giving in sounds much better. From some of your post you know what i mean. I was really gone last year at this time, but I’m feeling better now. Who knows about tomorrow. Well anyway I really would like to get to know some of you. But I really don’t know how to start. I was wondering how many woman verses men there are that suffer from depression. And also the age. I’m wondering if you fell the same as I do. Are most of you taking medication? If so what do you take, and are you getting better? I’ve probably taken about 15 different kinds. I feel like I’m riding a roller coaster ride that makes me sick. UP Down UP DOWN Hopefully you can answer some of my questions. Anxiously awaiting you reply. Sherri
Note: the following sweeping generalizations are based on my opinion and experience, not on anything scientifically reliable, like a Cosmo quiz or Glamour poll 
Realize that Men Don’t Cry
~~<snipping throughout~~ Hi Beth i did quit my job and quit driving and just ran away from all the things that i thought were making me nervous. not healthy, eh?
Know what you mean – I did exactly the same. Wish I’d quit driving though coz instead I just took to crashing the car! a lot of things on my mind right now. and , i’m REALLY suffering for it in the panic/anxiety department. my stomach has been a mess for months..and has been ESPECIALLY bad over the past month. my nerves are rather frayed. i am starting to be more afraid of the fear than ofwhat’s causing the fear..and i’m trying to find a single cause of this anxiety so i can just kick it out of my life and get on..but it ISN’T just one thing. i’m jus scared in general. i’m afraid of not being able to cope w/ life.
Beth, if there’s no obvious cause then don’t waste any more time looking. Try to accept the way you feel right now and work on that. Don’t get angry about it coz that won’t help. I know you’re scared but it’ll get better and you’ll get through. Be kind to yourself. so, that’s kind of a synopsis of what’s going on and some histry. i just wanted to give that before i start participating in this group. i just wantt o talk w/ people who are in a similar boat as i am..because as much as some of my friends care and want to help ,they just don’t know how bad it feels to be so nervous that you’re gagging and your mind is spinning at 24000 RPM. ya know?
Only 24000 RPM? How do you get it to go that slow? Just think of all the extra thinking you can do in that time which your friends can’t. One day you might find that speed-thinking is an asset! As you probably know the gastric problems are caused by your body preparing you to fight a sabre-toothed tiger. Part of the blood flow is re-routed from your digestive system to your muscles (for running/fighting) and your brain (for quick thinking/staying alive). That’s why you feel nauseous, jumpy and your head spins. Personally I’d suggest that you look into relaxation exercises or biofeedback to reduce the level of background anxiety. This will also help reduce all that *noise* going on in your head. Through periods of proper relaxation you can convince your body that the *danger* has passed and give it the opportunity to settle down. well, thanks for the open ear/eye. i’m goign to check this group out some more and i hope i can offer something good for it and get somethign good out of it. okay? -Beth
Nice to hear from you and wishing you all the best. Sounds like you’ve got a lot going on in your life right now but things will settle down in time. Good luck — ROB… "high mileage but reliable!"
Hi Gary, I wondered if you have read or even heard of Lucinda Bassett’s new book "From panic to power", I’ve just started reading it and so far it seems pretty good! Any comments, thanks Rocco Rocco
: Sounds like you’re definitely "one of us", which is rotten luck : for you, but good in as much as you’ve found the right place. : I hope you get as much support and encouragement from ASAP : as I have yup, i guess i am. = / this has been an ongoing problem since iwas younger. i’m goign through a rather rough spot right now. i was pretty much off all of my meds and feelign pretty damn good until about 2 months ago. then , shit just went downhill. i’m just in need of support wherever i can get it..and, from some of the email i’ve been getting, i am finding that my strange phobias and paranoias aren’t unique. that’s encouraging as hell. at least i’m not hte only one. thanks again. i think i’m going to stick around here for a while. -Beth ** some esoteric quote from some pretentious band or writer pasted here ** (check out beffie’s homepage: http://www.aracnet.com/~martine/bethie.html)
Hi Gary, I wondered if you have read or even heard of Lucinda Bassett’s new book "From panic to power", I’ve just started reading it and so far it seems pretty good!
Can I just remind people to *please* not post *and* e-mail? I replied to Rocco’s message earlier, as I received it via e-mail, not realising he’d also posted it here as well. This isn’t a flame – just a plea to avoid duplication of effort — Gary Cooper
i have lurked in this group and commented a tad a while back…but i was on a good upswing w/ my anxiety problems at the time and didn’t feel that i needed to be adding my $.02 at that time. ya know? anyhow, i’m back because i’ve been feeling a tremendous amount of anxiety about some major changes in my life.
Hi, welcome to ASAP <words deleted to save space so, that’s kind of a synopsis of what’s going on and some histry. i just wanted to give that before i start participating in this group. i just wantt o talk w/ people who are in a similar boat as i am..because as much as some of my friends care and want to help ,they just don’t know how bad it feels to be so nervous that you’re gagging and your mind is spinning at 24000 RPM. ya know? well, thanks for the open ear/eye. i’m goign to check this group out some more and i hope i can offer something good for it and get somethign good out of it. okay?
Sounds like you’re definitely "one of us", which is rotten luck for you, but good in as much as you’ve found the right place. I hope you get as much support and encouragement from ASAP as I have — Gary Cooper
hi there, i have lurked in this group and commented a tad a while back…but i was on a good upswing w/ my anxiety problems at the time and didn’t feel that i needed to be adding my $.02 at that time. ya know? anyhow, i’m back because i’ve been feeling a tremendous amount of anxiety about some major changes in my life. let me give a little background: i’m 23. i’ve been suffering from general anxiety and panic stuff since i was a littler kid (say, about 8 years old or so). i had my first hardcore panic attacks when iwas about 16..and then a really bad episode when iwas 18 and ended up shutting myself inside forabout 3 months so iwas basically agoraphobic(sp?). i got a good case about a year ago too, when my parents moved out of state. i’ve been off and on medication for all of this: norpramine (for depression and anxiety), xanax and, more recently, zoloft. xanax and zoloft work wonders for me but i don’t like the side effects of zoloft thati feel. so, i quit zoloft last march or so. my anxiety hits me in the bowels and stomach. i start gagging and can’t stand the smell of food. my body either wants to puke or shit or both. pretty icky, if you must know. = b i’ve been seeing a good therapist and a good doctor lately to help w/ this all. the doctor has me taking a lot of stomach/intestine meds which help that end..and xanax for when the panic or the nerves get overwhelming. so, i’m on my way to recovery..it’s just taking a while. i’m having trouble eating still..and if i don’t keep myself busy, my brain just tries to eat itself and runs in circles, causing more and more anxiety. i ususally start having a good bout of what i call the "heebie jeebies" in my life when i’m going through a lot of change. when iwas 16, there was about 5 new things going on in my life: moving away from my hometown, coming out, my dad remarrying, new job, newly licensed to drive. so, i got overwhelmed and started having anxiety attacks. i got stabilized but was not really ever formally treated for these attacks because i was functioning okay and at least gong to school. i did quit my job and quit driving and just ran away from all the things that i thought were making me nervous. not healthy, eh? then, when i was 18, well, i graduated from highschool and i just totally freaked. it took a long time to get over that one. i was a mess and a half over that summer, didn’t barely leave the house, was having paraniod thoughts, the works. my family deicded that it was probaly a good idea to send me to a psychiatrist, who put me on xanax and norpramine. it really worked. i went to commnity college and did well and slowly learned to face my fears. it took a lot of time, though. the episode of major anxiety i felt a year ago was over my paretns moving to texas and my grades slipping here at UCD. i promply went to see a shrink and worked it out…as usual, it took a while. and then there’s now: i’m goign to be graduating from college in 2 quarters. my parents are out of state. i have a new relationship that started out very intense becuase of distance factors (she’s up in oregon and i’m down here). i have to figure out what i’m goin to do after graduation..a lot of things on my mind right now. and , i’m REALLY suffering for it in the panic/anxiety department. my stomach has been a mess for months..and has been ESPECIALLY bad over the past month. my nerves are rather frayed. i am starting to be more afraid of the fear than ofwhat’s causing the fear..and i’m trying to find a single cause of this anxiety so i can just kick it out of my life and get on..but it ISN’T just one thing. i’m jus scared in general. i’m afraid of not being able to cope w/ life. so, that’s kind of a synopsis of what’s going on and some histry. i just wanted to give that before i start participating in this group. i just wantt o talk w/ people who are in a similar boat as i am..because as much as some of my friends care and want to help ,they just don’t know how bad it feels to be so nervous that you’re gagging and your mind is spinning at 24000 RPM. ya know? well, thanks for the open ear/eye. i’m goign to check this group out some more and i hope i can offer something good for it and get somethign good out of it. okay? -Beth ** some esoteric quote from some pretentious band or writer pasted here ** (check out beffie’s homepage: http://www.aracnet.com/~martine/bethie.html)