Question:

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

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Question:

i did literature search using Medline this afternoon, in between the patients ! But i did not find any article on "flovent and acne" or "flovent and rash" or "flovent and skin" good luck with aerobid. yatin j patel md http://md4lungs.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – –WebTV-Mail-24826-3781 Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit Thanks for your response. My doctor put me on Aerobid about two weeks ago. So far I seem to be doing alright on it. Then again, I have been on an antibiotic, as well as O2. I finish it tonight. We shall see. However, I still have the red bumps. Perhaps they will clear up with time. I must tell you that I have COPD. Scaring on my left lung since childhood,bronchitis, and asthma. I became sick four years ago. Had to be hospitalized for a week, and was sent home with the O2. I was on it for about two months. Had to go back on two weeks ago. I checked out your website. I will be visiting often. We all use the same treatments and medications. –WebTV-Mail-24826-3781 Content-Description: signature Content-Disposition: Inline Content-Type: Text/HTML; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit <html<clock</clock</html –WebTV-Mail-24826-3781–

– Yatin J Patel MD http://md4lungs.com If you have asthma, this is your home. Join Dr. Patel every wednesday 7 PM Indiana Time for online chats. Before you buy.

Response:

Thanks for your response. My doctor put me on Aerobid about two weeks ago. So far I seem to be doing alright on it. Then again, I have been on an antibiotic, as well as O2. I finish it tonight. We shall see. However, I  still have the red bumps. Perhaps they will clear up with time. I must tell you that I have COPD. Scaring on my left lung since childhood,bronchitis, and asthma. I became sick four years ago. Had to be hospitalized for a week, and was sent home with the O2. I was on it for about two months. Had to go back on two weeks ago. I checked out your website. I will be visiting often. We all use the same treatments and medications.

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have you tried other steroid inhalers like aerobid or pulmicort? yatin j patel md – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – –WebTV-Mail-14553-2611 Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit I do use a spacer. I do not have red bumps around my mouth, I have acne on my face, (not around my mouth) and red bumps on my arms and legs. When I am on this medication for very long periods my neck also turns red. When it first happened my pulmonary doctor sent me to a dermatologist, he said it was from sun and weather. When I went off it I cleared up. I know this is going to sound crazy, but when I first go off Flovent I can breathe better. Unfortunately I have to go back on it. I would like to know if any one using inhaled steroids has been diagnosed with hypohyroidism. I was diagnosed with it about six months after starting Flovent. It may or may not be a factor, but I can’t see inhaling anything can be good for my thyroid. My doc says no. After all they know best. If I sound fed up, it’s because I am. They just don’t listen. I’m scared. Any ideas? Thanks….. –WebTV-Mail-14553-2611 Content-Description: signature Content-Disposition: Inline Content-Type: Text/HTML; Charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7Bit <html<clock</clock</html –WebTV-Mail-14553-2611–

– Yatin J Patel MD http://md4lungs.com If you have asthma, this is your home. Join Dr. Patel every wednesday 7 PM Indiana Time for online chats. Before you buy.

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I’m also very, very fair-skinned. Blonde hair, lashes, brows. I have never had zits, but I did have "follicle infections" due to a hormone imbalance … but that was 25 years ago! My doctor at that time told me to wash my face, rubbing the sores til they bled, and then apply Polysporin ointment. Even with the ointment, it took a month or more for each sore to heal. Birth control pills helped the hormone problem and the sores (of course, if you’re male…. ignore this advice). This time it’s not hormones. I do use a spacer. I got desperate over the weekend and I used Victoria Principal’s blemish buster on each sore. They’re about 50% improved overnight. I’m also overweight, but I blame that on developing asthma 2 years ago and not being able to exercise as often as I want/need. I thought about seeing a dermatologist, but what’s the use of being on tetracycline when I’m still on Flovent? I’m on a 4-week tapering program. My allergist wants me off Servent BEFORE going off Flovent. So next week I stop the Serevent, and then 2 weeks later (if I survive), I try going off Flovent … no inhalers. But I’m on a double-dose of Claritin (2 a day). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I have been lurking for months, afraid to post. Your post on Flovent prompted me to take the plunge. I have had the same problem. Was on Flovent for three years. Have had acne, and small red raised bumps on my legs and arms. Every time I go off the Flovent I clear up. My pulmonary doctor changed me to another steroid, Aerobid. However, I am afraid it is not any better. I hate the steroids. I am 40lbs. over my normal weight. I don’t even recognize myself. I was also told it was non-related. I have very fair skin, this may have something to do with it. I feel some doctors are not educated on the side affects of some of these drugs. That’s why we have to educate ourselves. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.

Response:

Hello, I am so glad you posted.  This is a support newsgroup…please don’t be afraid to be involved.  I will admit it gets pretty intense at times, but most folks here are in the same boat.  We have asthma and we use this newsgroup as a method to exchange information and to share experiences, plus gain some support if we happen to be having a hard time with our illness or meds.  There is no one person here that has all the answers, but all are willing to try and help.  Glad to see you here! I also gained weight after starting meds….I don’t know why.  I have always been a thin kind of girl, but not now.  :o(  I work out whenever I have the breath and do pretty well most times.  To me it’s a real battle and hits in the old self esteem area pretty hard.  I just keep doing the best I can. Take care, Patrice

Hi, I have been lurking for months, afraid to post. Your post on Flovent prompted me to take the plunge. I have had the same problem. Was on Flovent for three years. Have had acne, and small red raised bumps on my legs and arms. Every time I go off the Flovent I clear up. My pulmonary doctor changed me to another steroid, Aerobid. However, I am afraid it is not any better. I hate the steroids. I am 40lbs. over my normal weight. I don’t even recognize myself. I was also told it was non-related. I have very fair skin, this may have something to do with it. I feel some doctors are not educated on the side affects of some of these drugs. That’s why we have to educate ourselves. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.

Response:

I do use a spacer. I do not have red bumps around my mouth, I have acne on my face, (not around my mouth) and red bumps on my arms and legs. When I am on this medication for very long periods my neck also turns red. When it first happened my pulmonary doctor sent me to a dermatologist, he said it was from sun and weather. When I went off it I cleared up. I know this is going to sound crazy, but when I first go off Flovent I can breathe better. Unfortunately I have to go back on it. I would like to know if any one using inhaled steroids has been diagnosed with hypohyroidism. I was diagnosed with it about six months after starting Flovent. It may or may not be a factor, but I can’t see inhaling anything can be good for my thyroid. My doc says no. After all they know best. If I sound fed up, it’s because I am. They just don’t listen. I’m scared. Any ideas? Thanks…..

Response:

Hi, I have been lurking for months, afraid to post. Your post on Flovent prompted me to take the plunge. I have had the same problem. Was on Flovent for three years. Have had acne, and small red raised bumps on my legs and arms. Every time I go off the Flovent I clear up. My pulmonary doctor changed me to another steroid, Aerobid. However, I am afraid it is not any better. I hate the steroids. I am 40lbs. over my normal weight. I don’t even recognize myself. I was also told it was non-related. I have very fair skin, this may have something to do with it. I feel some doctors are not educated on the side affects of some of these drugs. That’s why we have to educate ourselves. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.

Response:

Using flovent inhaler without a spacer would increase the oral deposition of the medicine. This may predispose one to those bumps on the skin around the lips. In article Nope, not on prednisone, and I don’t have a history of acne. In fact, I’ve always been complimented on my porcelain skin. That’s why this is a horrific experience for me. are you on prednisone also? because i take flovent and serevent, and only get the redness and welts when i’m on the prednisone also…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you have a history of acne? PErhaps you have developed it and it is totally unrelated to the asthma. Two doctors tell me that the dozens of pimples/sores on my face are not related to Flovent, yet the Flovent insert mentions follicle infections as a rare side effect. It cleared up when I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection but it came right back. I went off Flovent for 2 weeks and saw minor improvement, but my asthma doc said I could not be on Serevent without being on Flovent, so I had to go back on Flovent. He wants me to wean off both eventually, if possible. In the meantime, I’m using an antibiotic ointment called MetroGel on my face, but it only controls the severity of the welts; it doesn’t make it go away. Anybody have a similar experience? Any hope?

– Yatin J Patel MD http://md4lungs.com If you have asthma, this is your home. Join Dr. Patel every wednesday 7 PM Indiana Time for online chats. Before you buy.

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are you on prednisone also? because i take flovent and serevent, and only get the redness and welts when i’m on the prednisone also…

Response:

Nope, not on prednisone, and I don’t have a history of acne. In fact, I’ve always been complimented on my porcelain skin. That’s why this is a horrific experience for me. are you on prednisone also? because i take flovent and serevent, and only get the redness and welts when i’m on the prednisone also… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Do you have a history of acne?  PErhaps you have developed it and it is totally unrelated to the asthma. Two doctors tell me that the dozens of pimples/sores on my face are not related to Flovent, yet the Flovent insert mentions follicle infections as a rare side effect. It cleared up when I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection but it came right back. I went off Flovent for 2 weeks and saw minor improvement, but my asthma doc said I could not be on Serevent without being on Flovent, so I had to go back on Flovent. He wants me to wean off both eventually, if possible. In the meantime, I’m using an antibiotic ointment called MetroGel on my face, but it only controls the severity of the welts; it doesn’t make it go away. Anybody have a similar experience? Any hope?

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Do you have a history of acne?  PErhaps you have developed it and it is totally unrelated to the asthma. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two doctors tell me that the dozens of pimples/sores on my face are not related to Flovent, yet the Flovent insert mentions follicle infections as a rare side effect. It cleared up when I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection but it came right back. I went off Flovent for 2 weeks and saw minor improvement, but my asthma doc said I could not be on Serevent without being on Flovent, so I had to go back on Flovent. He wants me to wean off both eventually, if possible. In the meantime, I’m using an antibiotic ointment called MetroGel on my face, but it only controls the severity of the welts; it doesn’t make it go away. Anybody have a similar experience? Any hope?

Response:

Two doctors tell me that the dozens of pimples/sores on my face are not related to Flovent, yet the Flovent insert mentions follicle infections as a rare side effect. It cleared up when I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection but it came right back. I went off Flovent for 2 weeks and saw minor improvement, but my asthma doc said I could not be on Serevent without being on Flovent, so I had to go back on Flovent. He wants me to wean off both eventually, if possible. In the meantime, I’m using an antibiotic ointment called MetroGel on my face, but it only controls the severity of the welts; it doesn’t make it go away. Anybody have a similar experience? Any hope?

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Question:

Boy can I sure relate to this post!  I see a Pulmonologist while also receiving allergy shots.  I had some unanswered questions about the immunology shots that only the Allergist could answer.  Can we say the Allergist is a bit arrogant? He totally disagreed with all the med’s that the Pulmonologist has me on..commented that it was a child’s dose.  Said the blood test the Pulmonary dr. did was…"A waste of money"..questioned why I was changed from Serevent MDI to the Discus and the Pulmicort.  Wanted to know why I was off the Flovent and this guy already slammed into me when I said I was experiencing side effects from the Flovent he said that it was.."ALL up in my head".  That Flovent doesn’t cause side effects.

The 2 newest steroid inhalers in the US are Flovent [3 strengths, MDI & DPI versions] and the Pulmicort Turbuhaler. There seems to be a lot of controversy over which of the 2 is ‘best’. My personal preferance is the Pulmicort Turbuhaler [200 ug budesonide/puff]. 200 puffs/container My doctor has to write an annual justification to my HMO to cover it, but it’s the one that works best. It has no additives, just pure drug; and no propellant. And the 200 pf/canister lasts a long time. The Serevent Discus is one I would like to transfer to since it’s also a DPI, but don’t know if my HMO will cover it. It’s a little more expensive. Note that inhaled steroid should be used in the lowest dose needed to control the problem; if all you need is a ‘child’s dose’ that’s all you should use. However this is usually called a ‘Low Dose’, not a child’s dose. Maybe a new allergist would work better. Anyway I prefer advice from your pulmonologist on asthma drugs. Ellis

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It’s impossible to generalize without knowing the individuals involved. I’m a pulmonologist and I use allergists and ENT’s. While I obviously have my bias, I just note to people that the pulmonologist will be able to take care of your asthma if you are hospitalized – even if you’re so sick you wind up on a ventilator. I don’t know of any ENT’s or allergists who do this. Most allergists don’t work in the hospital at all and most tend to not be that available after hours. Further, in the case of asthma (but perhaps not in other diseases) there’s no financial incentive on the part of the pulmonologist to pursue allergy shots or surgery though these referrals are certainly available if they seem indicated. I have both sinusitis and asthma.  I have been to see ENTs, allergists, and pulmonologists.  And one thing I have noticed is that each type of specialist seems to be a bit "prejudiced" toward the others.  That is, some allergists think that ENTs only care about surgery; some pulmonologists think they know how to treat asthmatic bronchitis better than allergists; some allergists think THEY are the best experts on asthma; etc. Anyone else noticed this?  Is it just good-natured rivalry, or is there some legitimate basis for this mutual suspicion?

– Don Elton Columbia, SC http://www.midcarolina.org

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Boy can I sure relate to this post!  I see a Pulmonologist while also receiving allergy shots.  I had some unanswered questions about the immunology shots that only the Allergist could answer.  Can we say the Allergist is a bit arrogant? He totally disagreed with all the med’s that the Pulmonologist has me on..commented that it was a child’s dose.  Said the blood test the Pulmonary dr. did was…"A waste of money"..questioned why I was changed from Serevent MDI to the Discus and the Pulmicort.  Wanted to know why I was off the Flovent and this guy already slammed into me when I said I was experiencing side effects from the Flovent he said that it was.."ALL up in my head".  That Flovent doesn’t cause side effects. Gee…could it be all the samples of Flovent I see marching in the doors sometimes?  I had mentioned that they were alot of people on the internet suffering from side effects and this jerk proceeds to tell me.."Well, if you listen to the idiots on the internet there’s nothing I can tell you"….

Denice, as one of the "Internet idiots," I would like to point you to the Clinical Pharmacology database at http://cp.gsm.com/ where under "Flovent:  Adverse Reactions", it states the following: "Common adverse reactions to oral inhalation of fluticasone include pharyngitis (10

Question:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

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Question:

Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group.  Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. — Yvonne

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying. No problem It sounds like you’ve got a good case worker. I also thought you should stop taking the Wellbutrin, but would never give out that advice on-line. Let us know how it goes. BTW – Wellbutrin made me wildly manic within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time. Hilaire WOW! For years I thought I was weird, have had many similar circumstances and at that time I was undiagnosed and manic. Whew, it was good to hear another woman stating that the same stuff happened with her. Definitely do something about the meds, you can’t go through life wrapped in gauze and afraid to talk to men for fear of the repercussions. Sounds like you have a very supportive husband girl, it takes a lot for our men to stay through the worst, but the best will come. My best to you and yours, Tanja

when taking wellbutrin,i was irritable(imagine that)so that my case manager thretened to resign.& i was flirtatious(to say how successful might be embarassing).what you’re experiencing might be related to medications,or you could be getting a bit hypo- or manic.I’m bd 1 but the effects are similiar,some enjoyable.Harry("not well")

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying.

No problem It sounds like you’ve got a good case worker. I also thought you should stop taking the Wellbutrin, but would never give out that advice on-line. Let us know how it goes. BTW – Wellbutrin made me wildly manic within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time. Hilaire

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying. No problem It sounds like you’ve got a good case worker. I also thought you should stop taking the Wellbutrin, but would never give out that advice on-line. Let us know how it goes. BTW – Wellbutrin made me wildly manic within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time. Hilaire WOW! For years I thought I was weird, have had many similar circumstances

and at that time I was undiagnosed and manic. Whew, it was good to hear another woman stating that the same stuff happened with her. Definitely do something about the meds, you can’t go through life wrapped in gauze and afraid to talk to men for fear of the repercussions. Sounds like you have a very supportive husband girl, it takes a lot for our men to stay through the worst, but the best will come. My best to you and yours, Tanja

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening. To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck

Thank you for responding, Hilaire, and for your advice. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of a manic episode. I saw my case-worker today and she said the same thing you did, plus she told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin. She’s also scheduled me for an "emergency" appointment to see the psychiatrist tomorrow (instead of waiting for the one I had for June 4th) to see what type of med would be better suited for my condition. I’m feeling somewhat better this evening, but the need to rock back and forth and to keep my body in some kind of motion is still with me. As well, I am extremely tired as if I haven’t slept in days. But, at least I know it’s only a few more hours before I see the psychiatrist. Again, thank you for replying. — Yvonne

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello. I am a Canadian female, mid-40s, married, an at-home mother. I have diabetes type 2 since Dec. 1999, have suffered from depression for perhaps seven years now, and have been tentatively diagnosed with Bipolar 2 this past March by a psychiatrist. The doctor recommended I add Wellbrutin S.R. (150 mg x a day) to the Effexor XR (150 mg x a day) . I didn’t think that either meds were working, until earlier last week when my libido kicked in. (I was ‘neutral’, so to speak, for many months.) It was quite a pleasant experience for my husband and I. But then, within a few days, it’s as if my increased libido "overtook" me and I began to flirt (playfully, I would say, but with sexual overtones) with various men, men I didn’t even know, in a chat group. Without revealing too many details, one of these flirty episodes turned out badly yesterday evening. I took this *very* badly, and it triggered an episode of self-injury, something I hadn’t done in over twenty years. Along with the seemingly never-ending tears, I began to scratch – using my own fingernails – my upper and lower back, my upper chest, my breasts, my waist and parts of my legs. This crying/scratching last over one hour, until my husband’s 2nd attempt to calm me down worked. I share all of this with you not to be condemned, but to ask if the oral meds I am taking could be responsible for (1) my increased libido (where previously there was almost none), (2) this urge to flirt with strangers, and (3) thoughts and actions of self-injury. Thank you for listening.

To me, and I am in no way a doctor, it would seem that it is possible that the anti-depressants that you are taking are throwing you into a manic episode (it’s a common occurrence). If your pdoc thinks that you are bipolar then he should add a mood stabilizer into the mix. I suggest that you call him immediately and let him know what’s going on. Good luck Hilaire

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Question:

What Makes Tics Tick? Clues Found in Tourette Twins’ Caudates August 1996 For the first time, scientists have a neurobiological explanation for the variation in severity of tics in Tourette Syndrome. Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health have traced such symptom differences to "supersensitivity" of certain neurotransmitter receptors in the brain structure responsible for carrying out automatic behaviors. They suggest that this dysfunction may underlie the compulsion to act out the sudden movements and vocalizations that characterize Tourette Syndrome, which affects about 100,000 Americans with its full-blown form and up to 0.5% of the population with milder symptoms. The researchers report on their findings in the August 30th issue of Science. In a brain imaging study of identical twins differently affected by the disorder, Daniel Weinberger, M.D., Steven Wolf, M.D., and colleagues in the NIMH Clinical Brain Disorders Branch found that binding to D2 dopamine receptors in the caudate nucleus was higher in the sibling with the more severe symptoms. "Strikingly, the degree to which the twins differed in this caudate D-2 binding predicted almost absolutely their differences in tic severity," said Weinberger. "This also likely explains the ebb and flow of tics experienced over the course of Tourette Syndrome and its overlap with obsessive compulsive disorder. "While we know that genetics plays an important role in transmission of Tourette Syndrome, the fact that identical twins show differences in symptom severity suggests that environmental influences modify the clinical expression of the disorder," he explained. "We studied identical twins discordant for such symptom severity to control for normal genetic variation in brain function." Although previous studies comparing unrelated Tourette patients with unaffected persons had failed to show differences in dopamine system function, the NIMH investigators were spurred by the fact that Tourette symptoms respond to drugs like haloperidol that block D2 dopamine receptors. They used a radioactive tracer drug, IBZM (iodobenzamide), that similarly blocks D2 receptors, and a SPECT* (single-photon emission computed tomography) scanner to image dopamine binding in five identical twin pairs with the disorder. In each case, the differences were observed in the head of the caudate nucleus, but not in the adjacent putamen, suggesting that D2 caudate binding accounted for almost all of the symptomatic variance within each twin pair. Previously, preoccupation with the motoric aspects of Tourette Syndrome had led researchers to search for clues in the putamen, according to Weinberger. Subtle changes in receptor availability in one small area appear to explain rather large differences in clinical presentation, say the researchers. Functional brain imaging studies of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), which often occurs along with Tourette Syndrome, also implicate a brain circuit that includes the head of the caudate nucleus, along with areas in the frontal and cingulate cortex. Thus, the new NIMH finding adds to evidence that the disorders are "overlapping neurobehavioral conditions," suggest the researchers. They speculate that the caudate nucleus may be related to the compulsive component of tics, whereas the dopamine dysfunction there may be the "common link between the ideational and motor components of Tourette Syndrome." Other NIMH researchers participating in the study included: Drs. Douglas Jones, Michael Knable, Thomas Hyde, Richard Coppola, Kan Sam Lee, and Julia Gorey. Twin subjects were recruited by the Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc., which also provided partial funding for the study. Additional information and b-roll are available from the association (718-224-2999). Information provided by the NIMH. *The SPECT scanner employs radiation detectors to get a fix on the location in the brain of a tracer drug. Unlike other similar techniques, such as PET (positron emission tomography), SPECT uses a tracer with a long half-life, making possible studies such as this one, which involved a prolonged series of scans over a 4-hour period. http://www.mhsource.com/hy/tic.html

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Hi Elaine, http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/defined/forms.asp This is a link to they Dystonia Research Foundation website. You can check your symptoms with Ormandibular or Meige These are focal forms of Dystonia, which is a movement disorder. These are sometimes caused from side effects from certain medications. I have Blepharospasm which affects the eyes and Meige which affects the face. Facial tics and Meige are very similar. The best type of doctor for diagnosing would be a Movement Disorder Specialist. I was watching Oprah the other day, it was about Tourettes. It was an excellent show. I was very interested in the similaraties of finding things that we can do to get a rest from the movements (tics) they showed a girl who can act and sing on stage tic free. The other things were how we feel inside living and coping with this. The show came about from the book "Icy Sparks" which talks about emotions. Sounds like a great book. Please come back and let us know how you are doing. Best Wishes, Mindy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi, I was doing a search online, and obtained a reference to this newsgroup for possible help. I have Tourette Syndrome and have been on different medications over the years. Recently, I was taking Prolxin. When I stopped, a new tic appeared (which is common with TS — for tics to come and go and change). This tic was in my face though and hasn’t followed the usual course of tics I have had in the past. I am concerned that this is not part of TS but rather Tardive Dyskensia caused from taking Prolixin. At this point, I am not sure what to do, or what can be done. I contacted the doctor who prescribed the Prolixin who is located in Houston.  (I live in Albuquerque). He said I should make an appointment to come in for an exam. While this may be the best thing to do, I am concerned, since he was the one who prescribed the Prolixin to begin with. My symptoms include movements in my face, particularly the right side of my face in my jaw and check area. It has become quite painful for my jaw. It is a facial contortion that somewhat looks like chewing, and also smacking with my lips. I have read some information that the earlier it is detected the better the chance it will disappear. I don’t know if there is a treatment for this or not. I also have started taking Vitamin E, as I ran across this information as well as something that could potential help. I would appreciate any advice that I can get from anyone who has information regarding this. thanks, elaine

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Hi, I was doing a search online, and obtained a reference to this newsgroup for possible help. I would appreciate any advice that I can get from anyone who has information regarding this. thanks, elaine

Hi Elaine, I had a no no tic for a few years and can really sympathize with you.  Tics are so exhausting and embarrassing.   Onset started after taking medication for an ulcer.   The prescrition’s name is unknown. I only made the connection between onset and the medication years later. I was never treated for the tic.  It went away on its own.   I do have essential tremor and Dystonia.   Please check out the following sites for more http://www.wfubmc.edu/surg-sci/ns/tremor.html http://www.parkinsons-information-exchange-network-online.com/archive… Regards, Gene

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Hi, I was doing a search online, and obtained a reference to this newsgroup for possible help. I have Tourette Syndrome and have been on different medications over the years. Recently, I was taking Prolxin. When I stopped, a new tic appeared (which is common with TS — for tics to come and go and change). This tic was in my face though and hasn’t followed the usual course of tics I have had in the past. I am concerned that this is not part of TS but rather Tardive Dyskensia caused from taking Prolixin. At this point, I am not sure what to do, or what can be done. I contacted the doctor who prescribed the Prolixin who is located in Houston.  (I live in Albuquerque). He said I should make an appointment to come in for an exam. While this may be the best thing to do, I am concerned, since he was the one who prescribed the Prolixin to begin with. My symptoms include movements in my face, particularly the right side of my face in my jaw and check area. It has become quite painful for my jaw. It is a facial contortion that somewhat looks like chewing, and also smacking with my lips. I have read some information that the earlier it is detected the better the chance it will disappear. I don’t know if there is a treatment for this or not. I also have started taking Vitamin E, as I ran across this information as well as something that could potential help. I would appreciate any advice that I can get from anyone who has information regarding this. thanks, elaine

Response:

What a great group! Thanks for the quick response and the links you have all recommended. This is the kind of doc I went to for my Tourettes. It is Dr. Jankovic at Baylor in Houston. It is a Movement Disorders clinic. Unfortunately, he is also the one who prescribed the Prolixin. I am currently trying to get an appointment with him again to try to figure out what is going on. He also mentioned botox treatment. Has this been successful for any of

you? Several months ago, I heard that someone had gone to Dr. Jandovic in Houston, also for Tourettes and received botox injections.  Apparently, it is being done but I never heard anything else from this young man as to success.   Botox is also being used for tics with success. Dr. Jankovic has a good reputation.   I’ve heard from one lady here locally that saw him but she did not care for his bedside manner.  She hasn’t been happy with any of her doctors, though.  She has Blepharospasm symptoms but apparently keeps getting different diagnoses depending on where she goes. Shirley

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What a great group! Thanks for the quick response and the links you have all recommended. This is the kind of doc I went to for my Tourettes. It is Dr. Jankovic at Baylor in Houston. It is a Movement Disorders clinic. Unfortunately, he is also the one who prescribed the Prolixin. I am currently trying to get an appointment with him again to try to figure out what is going on.

Dr. Jankovic, apparently, is one of the top in his field.  He has an excellent reputation. He also mentioned botox treatment. Has this been successful for any of you?

Botox is used on  focal dystonias.  Many patients have had good results with it.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Several months ago, I heard that someone had gone to Dr. Jandovic in Shirley

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Hi Mindy, It has been very helpful! I am grateful for the information. Positive thinking – BINGO Stress Management and Humor are the best medicines. I can’t forget God and prayer, is #1

Yes, I can see where all of these would be important. I have noticed stress plays a big part in the disorder. It does in Tourettes as well, but seems to be more so with this. the eye twitch you refer to I might describe as a soft fluttering feeling.

right, that is what I a good example… Our eye spasms are involuntary but they are hard blinks, sometimes forecful. Other times they close and will not open on command. These type of spasms are very noticable. The eye and facial spasms are extremely hard to suppress.

Tics from tourettes are involuntary as well, but there is this sense at some level that you "should" be able to stop the movement. I feel this as well with whatever is going on with my face. Even though realistically it doesn’t feel like I can stop it, it also doesn’t feel as involuntary as the eye twitch described above. It also seems much harder to suppress than tics that I normally have with TS. It also feels like it is getting worse. I don’t know if that is from stress or maybe from being off the offending medication for a longer period of time. Its very confusing! And painful… Just like TS, when I do try to suppress it, it is only short lived. It seems to be more prevalent in frequency as well compared to the tics I have with TS. That is exactly what happens. It would help if I laid down closed my eyes, opened my mouthly slightly, relaxing my jaw and my face. I would take slow deep breaths and focused on relaxing each part of my body from my head to my toes (very slowly, as I said the words to my self, relax your head, etc.) and don’t move on until each part is relaxed.

I will try this as well. It would be nice to get some relief. Dr.Jankovic is well known. I don’t know anything about him personally. I go to Dr. Bressman in Manhattan, she is an excellent doctor. She has tried me on many meds that didn’t agree with me at all. These types of disorders require lot’s of patience from the doctor as well as the patient to see which meds. or combination of meds. that will help. Life would be much easier if we all responded the same way to these meds. but, we don’t, unfortunately.

This is true for TS as well…except there really are no meds that really work with TS. Some will reduce tics, but none will make them go away. Unless for example, you take a neuroleptic in a high dose. In that case your tics would probably subside, but you wouldn’t be able to think! I’m pretty sure Dr.J. is one of the very dedicated doctors of this field. It’s important you have confidence in your doctor. Does he listen carefully and take his time with you? These things are also important.

I have only seen him once, last December. And he seemed pretty good. I e-mailed him about my frustrations of calling his office and not being able to get an appointment till December, and he wrote and said he would have his secretary arrange to overbook me on a day soon. So I was pleased to hear this. For a long time Dr.Bressman had me as "Meige vs. tics"  She said it is so similar.

I can see that! I think that has been a big part of my confusion. They are so similar it is hard to tell them apart. She would ask if I felt the need to blink, before I blinked. It was hard for me to answer because it was always changing.

It is common with TS to have "premonitory" feelings before a tic. That is probably why she was asking you this. For example, I have a tic that is in my torso. Inevitably, when I get in the car to go somewhere, I "have to" tic. I twist my upper torso from left to right repeatedly, until it "feels right". And I can always tell before I tic that it is going to happen. If anything, the tic or problem with my face now feels more like "a habit". That somehow it has become a habit for my jaw and mouth to contort about every 30 seconds or so. When I sleep, I don’t have it. I wake up in the morning and think, if I try really hard today, maybe it won’t come back. And it always does. Seems to get worse as the day progresses as well. I am hoping it is not damaging my jaw. It feels like it could be. It hurts into the jaw bone. I will be seeing my dentist next week, so I will ask if any damage has occurred. She said the treatment is the same. I was getting botox around my eyes and in my jaw.  It did help me.. How long it helps varies with each person. About 2 yrs ago it stopped helping. Which worked out fine, cause presently I am on medication that is helping.

What medication is that? Are you experiencing any side-effects from it? When you do something creative that you are totally engrossed in, you get a reprieve from your tics. Stress makes them worse. During sleep, they are usually much better Is this true with dystonia as well? Another BINGO Many with dystonia we found from our discussions hum or sing or make some type of sound.

I haven’t found that doing something creative helps alleviate the facial movements at all. Actually, that was probably my first clue that it might not be a "normal tic" that I experience with TS. I haven’t tried humming or singing though…definitely worth a try! Also, many have problems breathing they tend to subside when the spasms are helped with medicine. Does this happen with TS?

No, breathing problems are not common with TS. I can see where I tend to breathe more shallow now because of this facial tic. It’s kind of like your whole body is taking a toll because of the tic. Kind of like your whole body tenses up, which then makes your breathing worse. But on a more physical level, like the feeling of asthma, I have not experienced that. Thanks for all the help! I really appreciate it. I am trying to learn as much as I can about this before I see Dr. Jankovic in the next couple of weeks. Have you had Meige all of your life of is it fairly recent? Do you know what caused it? thanks again, elaine

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It has been very helpful! I am grateful for the information.

Me too )) It also feels like it is getting worse. I don’t know if that is from stress or maybe from being off the offending medication for a longer period of time. Its very confusing! And painful…

It might be a good idea if you write down all these feelings and symptoms because they are easy to forget. Take them with you when you go to the doctor. Leave a space between your questions, fill in with his replies. My sypmtoms started 8yrs. ago, it was my 40th birthday present (Ha Ha) (( I don’t know what caused it. My first few visits I took a small tape recorder with me, along with my husband and sister-in-law. None of us could have remembered everything, and we all walk out hearing something a little different – LOL For the pain, you can try moist warm heat or ice, you will get to know which makes you feel better. Don’t chew gum, that will give your jaw more of a work-out. You can suck on hard candy. That sucking action works the reverse of chewing. The dentist made me a mouth piece, nothing fancy, inexpensive. It’s clear rubber, molded from my teeth. I asked him to make the back a little thicker.  I wore it mostly during the night. There were times when I needed it for driving (sounds strange) It really is very painful, and no one can understand how exhausting it can be, unless you’ve experienced it. Really all the dystonia movements are painful and exhausting. TS tics are not painful or exhausting? This is true for TS as well…except there really are no meds that really work with TS. Some will reduce tics, but none will make them go away.

BINGO – they don’t know the cause, and they don’t have a cure.  Unless for example, you take a neuroleptic in a high dose.

My doctor told me Never Ever take any neuroleptics or dopamine blockers. There are lists of meds. that can cause dystonia. But strangely enough many on that list are prescribed to help dystonia. Let’s hope and pray if yours came from that med. it will subside and go away. I was given meds that gave me crazy side effects like making my arms fling about, and my head shake, etc. They did go away when the med. was out of my system. I e-mailed him about my frustrations of calling his office and not being able to get an appointment till

It does get frustrating, between the doses, and symptoms, there was always questions. I ended up goint to a psychiatrist in my neighborhood who is board certified in psychiatry and neurology to monitor my meds. He was in contact with my Movement Specialist, and I don’t take anything unless she ok’s it. When I sleep, I don’t have it. I wake up in the morning and think, if I try really hard today, maybe it won’t come back. And it always does. Seems to get worse as the day progresses as well.

Dystonia spasms go away while sleeping. It helps to get a good nights sleep, and a nap in the afternoon. I remember waking up with those exact feelings. What medication is that? Are you experiencing any side-effects from it?

I’m taking Parsitan, (My psych.does not monitor this med) It’s not sold in the States. I get it from Canada. I notice some short term memory loss. I haven’t found that doing something creative helps alleviate the facial movements at all.

I was able to crotchet, gardening, be on the computer, these would alleviate the movements, most of the time. I actually thought I could re-train my brain by doing something that kept my eyes open, I would stay at it for hours, days, months -LOL I still keep my hopes up that my brain will work around the mis-fired neurotransmitters.  Positive thinking LOL I can see where I tend to breathe more shallow now because of this facial tic. It’s kind of like your whole body is taking a toll because of the tic. Kind of like your whole body tenses up, which then makes your breathing worse.

I think you hit the nail on the head. If you pracitce deep breathing excersises everyday, it will automatically kick in when you need it. It takes a long time, but the everyday benefits are definately worth it. Not only for us, for everyone. It’s great for mind and body. Thanks for all the help! I really appreciate it. I am trying to learn as much as I can about this before I see Dr. Jankovic in the next couple of weeks.

I’m really enjoying our chit-chat Marie and Shirley have the same type of dystonia as I do. Hey Marie & Shirley, we could use your 2 cents thanks again, elaine

thank you, Elaine, Mindy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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What a great group! Thanks for the quick response and the links you have all recommended. I had a no no tic for a few years and can really sympathize with you.  Tics are so exhausting and embarrassing.

yes. they sure can be! it is a bizarre disorder… I was never treated for the tic.  It went away on its own. I do have essential tremor and Dystonia.

I am hoping that I caught this soon enough and it will go away…positive thinking! It is interesting that you have essential tremor. When I went to see a new specialist last December regarding my Tourettes, he did a standard neurological evaluation and also told me I had essential tremor. I had known for years that my hands would shake for no apparent reason. Primarily when I tried to do fine detail work. Interestingly enough, I am a graphic designer. Most of my work now is done on computer. But in the past, and still when I paint or illustrate, if I am really focused, my hands don’t seem to shake. Yet, if I am doing something "non-creative" like trying to screw in a screw or solder something, they shake so much it is hard to be effective. My hands have been this way so long that I just thought it was me…so I was surprised when my doc had a term to describe it. You can check your symptoms with Ormandibular or Meige…

<snip thanks for the links… one of my questions is that in the description of these disorders, it describes it many times as being a "spasm" What is happening with me, doesn’t feel like a spasm. We sometimes have discussions like this on Tourettes lists that I am on, so I am sure you have discussed how these movements "feel"… To me a spasm feels more involuntary. For example, an eye twitch. This is a common experience that most people experience at different times in their life. The muscle twitches, fairly rapidly and the person has absolutely no control over it. Is that what dystonia is like? That is not what is happening for me. This movement is actually very similar to the tics I experience with Tourettes — if I really try, I can somewhat suppress this movement. The thing that feels different with the facial movements I am describing to you compared to the tics I normally feel with TS is that it is more difficult to suppress the movement. Just like TS, when I do try to suppress it, it is only short lived. It seems to be more prevalent in frequency as well compared to the tics I have with TS. The best type of doctor for diagnosing would be a Movement Disorder Specialist.

This is the kind of doc I went to for my Tourettes. It is Dr. Jankovic at Baylor in Houston. It is a Movement Disorders clinic. Unfortunately, he is also the one who prescribed the Prolixin. I am currently trying to get an appointment with him again to try to figure out what is going on. He also mentioned botox treatment. Has this been successful for any of you? I was watching Oprah the other day, it was about Tourettes. It was an excellent show.

Yes, it was very well done! There were a lot of shows in the past that only showed the sensationalized aspects of Tourettes, so it was nice to see one that was accurate for a change! I was very interested in the similaraties of finding things that we can do to get a rest from the movements (tics) they showed a girl who can act and sing on stage tic free.

this seems to be fairly common with TS. When you do something creative that you are totally engrossed in, you get a reprieve from your tics. Stress makes them worse. During sleep, they are usually much better. Is this true with dystonia as well? Thanks again Gene and Mindy for your help! sincerely, elaine

Response:

I am French, though I don’t understand all the details of your conversation, I am very interested in reading your messages. I’ve been suffering from what is called "hemispasme" in French for about 8 years. Obviously it is not genetic but the symptoms are very similar to what I can read in some of your messages. It started slighly with my right eye as I was expecting my fourth child. No doctors could really help me, giving me neuroleptic which had all the possible effects on my body except on my eye. 2 years ago, I was about leaving my job I love so much, I couldn’t bear the spasms which occured every 30 seconds all day long. Though my life was harmonious, however I felt exhausted. My doctor sent me to a French specialist who started Botox. I have injections every three months, the medicine comes from the US and is not entirely recognized in France as it is considered as a "treatment for comfort !!". Besides, it is very expensive. I’ve had a new life since that time, though the right side of my face has changed a bit -people often ask me why I am so tired !. I perhaps look tired, but I feel very enthusiastic inside. I am 40 now and I wonder how long Botox will continue to help me. Have a nice day; Jo

Question:

The interesting thing with St. John’s Wort, is that it alters the ‘mood/mind’ enough to allow an objective and clear perspective of the Self. And therefore a clear insight into those parts of the Self that causes the depression. Is your intent to clear yourself of the depression?… or clear yourself of the sources of that depression?

Translation: SJW is not strong enough to cure many cases of depression by itself, and works best with psychotherapy combination. By extension, an SSRI plus that kind of psychotherapy ought to be better yet? —

Response:

commonly used slow serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

ROTFL!  What a load of BS … —   -john

Response:

Recent studies have shown SJW to be equally as effective as Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine) in mild to moderate depression. It also seems to have a better side-effect profile. See the references below: – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – Equivalence of St John’s wort extract (Ze 117) and fluoxetine: a randomized, controlled study in mild-moderate depression. Schrader E Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2000 Mar;15(2):61-8 Treatment with St John’s wort extract tablets (hypericum Ze 117) and the commonly used slow serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine was compared in patients with mild-moderate depression with entry Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) (21-item) in the range 16-24, in a randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison in 240 subjects; fluoxetine: 114 (48%), hypericum: 126 (52%). After 6 weeks’ treatment, mean HAM-D at endpoint decreased to 11.54 on hypericum and to 12.20 on fluoxetine (P < 0.09), while mean Clinical Global Impression (CGI) item I (severity) was significantly (P < 0.03) superior on hypericum, as was the responder rate (P = 0.005). Hypericum safety was substantially superior to fluoxetine, with the incidence of adverse events being 23% on fluoxetine and 8% on hypericum. The commonest events on fluoxetine were agitation (8%), GI disturbances (6%), retching (4%), dizziness (4%), tiredness, anxiety/nervousness and erectile dysfunction (3% each), while on hypericum only GI disturbances (5%) had an incidence greater than 2%. We concluded that hypericum and fluoxetine are equipotent with respect to all main parameters used to investigate antidepressants in this population. Although hypericum may be superior in improving the responder rate, the main difference between the two treatments is safety. Hypericum was superior to fluoxetine in overall incidence of side-effects, number of patients with side-effects and the type of side-effect reported. – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – "Comparison of an extract of hypericum (LI 160) and sertraline in the treatment of depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot study." Brenner R, Azbel V, Madhusoodanan S, Pawlowska M Clin Ther 2000 Apr;22(4):411-9 BACKGROUND: Hypericum (St. John’s wort) has been shown to be as efficacious and well tolerated as standard antidepressants in the treatment of depression but has not been compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). OBJECTIVE: This study compared hypericum and the SSRI sertraline in the treatment of depression. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized study conducted in a community hospital, 30 male and female outpatients (19 women, 11 men; mean age, 45.5 years) with mild to moderate depression received 600 mg/d of a standardized extract of hypericum (LI 160) or 50 mg/d sertraline for I week, followed by hypericum 900 mg/d or sertraline 75 mg/d for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The severity of symptoms, as assessed by scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Clinical Global Impression scale, was significantly reduced in both treatment groups (P < 0.01). Clinical response (defined as a or =50% reduction in HAM-D scores) was noted in 47% of patients receiving hypericum and 40% of those receiving sertraline. The difference was not statistically significant. Both agents were well tolerated. A post hoc power analysis indicated that failure to reach statistical significance between treatments resulted primarily from an absence of clinical differences rather than the small sample size. CONCLUSION: The hypericum extract was at least as effective as sertraline in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in a small group of outpatients.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The interesting thing with St. John’s Wort, is that it alters the ‘mood/mind’ enough to allow an objective and clear perspective of the Self. And therefore a clear insight into those parts of the Self that causes the depression. Is your intent to clear yourself of the depression?… or clear yourself of the sources of that depression? Translation: SJW is not strong enough to cure many cases of depression by itself, and works best with psychotherapy combination. By extension, an SSRI plus that kind of psychotherapy ought to be better yet? —

com for the reply address.

Response:

I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety.

Here is some info. I found on St. John’s Wort and OCD: "Gridrunner: Have you heard of some success using St. John’s Wort or 5-htp to lessen OCD? Dr. Jenike: Yes, there are a few cases where St. John’s Wort has helped OCD. In Germany, there are dozens of studies using SJW for mild to moderate depression, but its use for treating OCD is relatively new. I have tried it in quite a few patients, with not much success. But then again, most of the patients I see now, are on the more severe end of the spectrum." – http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/OCD/site/transcripts/obsession s_ocd.htm See also: http://www.biopsychiatry.com/stjohnocd.htm

Response:

Dear R.P.,      I have used Kava for anxiety and it does help though if your anxiety is high it may take a few days for it to really catch up with you.  To be on it is to be mellow but alert at the same time so I think it would help with OCD.                    Rusty

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.

Response:

In article <   "Bill & Ida Kern" < My psychiatrist said it was useless for OCD. Only good for *mild* depression. Ida

The interesting thing with St. John’s Wort, is that it alters the ‘mood/mind’ enough to allow an objective and clear perspective of the Self. And therefore a clear insight into those parts of the Self that causes the depression. Is your intent to clear yourself of the depression?… or clear yourself of the sources of that depression? The Wort (like LSD; magic mushrooms; kava-kava) open-up the psyche for deeper investigation… rather than offer a cure-all. Later Gerrit

Response:

My psychiatrist said it was useless for OCD. Only good for *mild* depression. Ida

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.

Response:

I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.

Response:

I am interested in info. on St. John’s Wort and Kava for OCD and anxiety. Thank you.

I had a lot of luck with Kava Kava for anxiety, but it brought back eczema that had lain dormant for over 6 years (and which I have yet to get rid of). Take care if you have any dermatological problems.

Response:

Question:

Hi everyone. 4 weeks off Zoloft(for Anxiety)- coping fairly well, some days really suck and others are fine. Apparently I do my current job to well or the company is desperate for help.  I dunno, but I am flattered that I am being asked.  My situation is this. I do not need the money ( I guess I could probably make $2. more per hour ) but Christmas is coming – It would help out (If I can stand to shop long enough –  I hate the hustle and bustle) I consider myself fairly intellegent and enjoy doing my job well and having people notice. I do want to be challenged mentally as well as with the anxiety. I do want to "HELP" my struggling boss trying to do 2 + jobs. But: I do not want to supervise a bunch of whining brats. I do not to run around the office like my hair is on fire. I do want to sleep at nite. I tend to (Process) things in my head over and over. I have a week to decide. My main concern is my mental health – I don’t want to stir up anything- but yet I don’t know if just taking the EASIER way – Is the best way to go through the rest of my life. (I’m 31) I guess I feel somewhat obligated to try this out (after all "they think pretty highly of me")- the Supervisor said I could return to my current position if I want to -but could I look him in the eye and ask to be demoted? He probably would talk me out of it just as he is trying to talk me into it. I know that none of you know me or the company I work for- but what do you think? Bonnie Before you buy.

Response:

Glad to hear you’re doing  well off med,and at your job,  BUT  give it a lot of thought before you take the promotion.  I got the shaft recently with a co. who loved me, bragged about me, put me in charge of buying as well as asst. mngr, but, then when I got ill they didn’t want me, harrassed me, lied about me, etc.  It’s much better to be loved where you are than to be treated so poorly.   My last job before this one,  demoted me   for getting ill and missing to much hard long hours, and the only satisfaction is knowing you did your best, and whatever makes us ill, we don;t ask for.  Mine was asthma, no mental problem at that time.    Anyway -Good Luck in your future, and with love and concern I will pray whatever decesion you make that God helps you to make the right one.  We are each diff. LOL Charisma  

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. 4 weeks off Zoloft(for Anxiety)- coping fairly well, some days really suck and others are fine. Apparently I do my current job to well or the company is desperate for help.  I dunno, but I am flattered that I am being asked.  My situation is this. I do not need the money ( I guess I could probably make $2. more per hour ) but Christmas is coming – It would help out (If I can stand to shop long enough –  I hate the hustle and bustle) I consider myself fairly intellegent and enjoy doing my job well and having people notice. I do want to be challenged mentally as well as with the anxiety. I do want to "HELP" my struggling boss trying to do 2 + jobs. But: I do not want to supervise a bunch of whining brats. I do not to run around the office like my hair is on fire. I do want to sleep at nite. I tend to (Process) things in my head over and over. I have a week to decide. My main concern is my mental health – I don’t want to stir up anything- but yet I don’t know if just taking the EASIER way – Is the best way to go through the rest of my life. (I’m 31) I guess I feel somewhat obligated to try this out (after all "they think pretty highly of me")- the Supervisor said I could return to my current position if I want to -but could I look him in the eye and ask to be demoted? He probably would talk me out of it just as he is trying to talk me into it. I know that none of you know me or the company I work for- but what do you think? Bonnie

Dear Bonnie, Congratulations on being offered a promotion, I am sure that had to make you feel good Only you can decide whether or not you should go for it. I think it is great that your boss would allow you to go back to your old position if need be. I wish you much luck in whatever you decide!! Take care. Jackie ~*~You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if

Response:

Hi, bonnie, Pat yourself on the back for me – it is a tremendous feeling to be noticed and given the chance for a promotion.  About ten years ago I was in the same situation and it made me feel wonderful.  but for many reasons, one being anxiety, I didn’t accept and to this day I know I made the right decision. Absolutely love my job and wouldn’t give it up unless I had to.  Not many people are this fortunate to love their jobs but when you have one you do enjoy it makes going to work much easier.  good luck on your decision making and please let us know wht you decide. smiles, elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. 4 weeks off Zoloft(for Anxiety)- coping fairly well, some days really suck and others are fine. Apparently I do my current job to well or the company is desperate for help.  I dunno, but I am flattered that I am being asked.  My situation is this. I do not need the money ( I guess I could probably make $2. more per hour ) but Christmas is coming – It would help out (If I can stand to shop long enough –  I hate the hustle and bustle) I consider myself fairly intellegent and enjoy doing my job well and having people notice. I do want to be challenged mentally as well as with the anxiety. I do want to "HELP" my struggling boss trying to do 2 + jobs. But: I do not want to supervise a bunch of whining brats. I do not to run around the office like my hair is on fire. I do want to sleep at nite. I tend to (Process) things in my head over and over. I have a week to decide. My main concern is my mental health – I don’t want to stir up anything- but yet I don’t know if just taking the EASIER way – Is the best way to go through the rest of my life. (I’m 31) I guess I feel somewhat obligated to try this out (after all "they think pretty highly of me")- the Supervisor said I could return to my current position if I want to -but could I look him in the eye and ask to be demoted? He probably would talk me out of it just as he is trying to talk me into it. I know that none of you know me or the company I work for- but what do you think? Bonnie Dear Bonnie, Congratulations on being offered a promotion, I am sure that had to make you feel good Only you can decide whether or not you should go for it. I think it is great that your boss would allow you to go back to your old position if need be. I wish you much luck in whatever you decide!! Take care. Jackie ~*~You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. 4 weeks off Zoloft(for Anxiety)- coping fairly well, some days really suck and others are fine. Apparently I do my current job to well or the company is desperate for help.  I dunno, but I am flattered that I am being asked.  My situation is this. I do not need the money ( I guess I could probably make $2. more per hour ) but Christmas is coming – It would help out (If I can stand to shop long enough –  I hate the hustle and bustle) I consider myself fairly intellegent and enjoy doing my job well and having people notice. I do want to be challenged mentally as well as with the anxiety. I do want to "HELP" my struggling boss trying to do 2 + jobs. But: I do not want to supervise a bunch of whining brats. I do not to run around the office like my hair is on fire. I do want to sleep at nite. I tend to (Process) things in my head over and over. I have a week to decide. My main concern is my mental health – I don’t want to stir up anything- but yet I don’t know if just taking the EASIER way – Is the best way to go through the rest of my life. (I’m 31) I guess I feel somewhat obligated to try this out (after all "they think pretty highly of me")- the Supervisor said I could return to my current position if I want to – but could I look him in the eye and ask to be demoted? He probably would talk me out of it just as he is trying to talk me into it. I know that none of you know me or the company I work for- but what do you think? Bonnie Before you buy. I haven’t decided for sure yet.  But I think I’m going to take a

chance and do the thing I fear most.  I appreciate all of your advice- I’m going into this with my eyes wide open- and if it doesn’t work out and they don’t let me do my old job- well then maybe it’s time to move on. (I fear that too) I will keep you posted. Best of Health to you all, Bonnie Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Hello All, I’ve been bipolar for years and have anxiety that truly gets in the way. Well last Wed. I saw a therapist for the first time in many years and told her how I felt. Friday I get a call from her saying that my pdoc wants me to go on Celexa asap. I’m a little reluctant as I just got off Serzone a month or so ago. (I never thought I had any luck with A/D’s at all). Does anone take Celexa here? I found out its only been out since July/98. If so e-mail me your results, I would appreciate it. Ihave the bottle sitting here but not sure if I’m going to use it. Please Help!!! Thanks…Mike

Response:

Mike ,     On thursday when I see my Psychiatrist I am going to ask to try Celexa. I have worn out Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Lithium ( not for me at all, made me a zombie) and Luvox. Would love to hear from anyone also , why they took it, how they felt. pcangel

Response:

This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

From ~ dawn ~: I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

I think it’s a great antidepressant, and I’ve taken a lot of them. Doesn’t make me drowsy, but doesn’t make me speedy either. I take 30 mg, too. It’s kind of like a second generation Prozac, with the "kinks" worked out. At least that’s what my therapist says… -kk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

  <<<<http://members.home.net/karensears<<<< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

Response:

From ~ dawn ~: I have been on for about a year and it has helped me greatly !!! Little noticable side effects. It takes about a month or so to get the full benefit- so dont give up too soon. I started out taking 1 pink tablet = 20 mg. But now I take 1 and 1/2  = 30 mg daily. good luck

I think it’s a great antidepressant, and I’ve taken a lot of them. Doesn’t make me drowsy, but doesn’t make me speedy either. I take 30 mg, too. It’s kind of like a second generation Prozac, with the "kinks" worked out. At least that’s what my therapist says… -kk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a question for those who have tried celexa.  Could you tell me the following? 1.  did it help you 2.  dosage 3.  side effects I am going to try celexa and wanted to know a little bit what to expect. Thank you for your input. debbie m.

  <<<<http://members.home.net/karensears<<<< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

hello all….I have receantly been diagnosed with PD… this is a scary thing!!!!!!!     I have been reading this NG for a week or so and seem to relate to many of you. I am studing up on this PD thing and "trying to stay vertical" I am on Zoloft and Xanax as needed. Just saying "Hello I have a problem" is enough to flip me out! Be gentle with me K? J

No problem J. Welcome to ASAP. Most of us are here because we have the same problem you do. It’s really difficult inthe beginning,but it does get better. Curious, do you have depression to? If not, why the Zoloft? Xanax works great for panic without any additional meds. And, with lots less )or no) side effects. Just something you might want to talk to your doc about. Your best bet is to talk topeople who are positive and supportive here. Ignore the flames and trolls. They come and go. Don’t let them get to you. Get the weekly FAQ and also visit lots of the great web sites that are out there. Like Arthur Anderon’s website! It’s one of the best. Educating yourself about this disorder is one of the best things you can do! Feel free to e-mail me if you’d like. Regards, Jen

Response:

hello all….I have receantly been diagnosed with PD… this is a scary thing!!!!!!!     I have been reading this NG for a week or so and seem to relate to many of you. I am studing up on this PD thing and "trying to stay vertical" I am on Zoloft and Xanax as needed. Just saying "Hello I have a problem" is enough to flip me out! Be gentle with me K? J

Response:

HI J!!! Sorry to hear you have become "One of us", but glad you found this NG all the same! Jen really said it best as far as educating yourself about panic/anxiety… The best thing you could do, at least for me anyway, is to read as much as you can. I found what was the scariest of all was the not knowing, the lack of understanding as to what was exactly a panic attack meant, what the terms were, etc. Once I understood what was taking place during an attack, I was able to then try and find ways to cope with them. Of course, I am still searching for ways, but…. I am on the Zoloft also… How are you doing with that? I bet at times you may feel a little lost…Dont get down! You will survive! Oh, and for what its worth.. Know the best thing about panic sufferers? They are probably the most understanding, caring, compassionate folk you will ever come across… What you were seeing, like Jen said, is the trouble makers…. Wishing you the best!! — Miriam     (These opinions are mine and mine alone… YMMV) Energizer bunny arrested, charged with battery. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hello all….I have receantly been diagnosed with PD… this is a scary thing!!!!!!!     I have been reading this NG for a week or so and seem to relate to many of you. I am studing up on this PD thing and "trying to stay vertical" I am on Zoloft and Xanax as needed. Just saying "Hello I have a problem" is enough to flip me out! Be gentle with me K? J

Response:

hello all….I have receantly been diagnosed with PD… this is a scary thing!!!!!!!     I have been reading this NG for a week or so and seem to relate to many of you. I am studing up on this PD thing and "trying to stay vertical" I am on Zoloft and Xanax as needed. Just saying "Hello I have a problem" is enough to flip me out! Be gentle with me K?

Hi, J – welcome to ASAP Glad to hear that you’re getting proper treatment and I hope you find this NG the valuable resource that so many of us have. — Gary Cooper

Response:

JSmittie schreef: hello all….I have receantly been diagnosed with PD… this is a scary thing!!!!!!!     I have been reading this NG for a week or so and seem to relate to many of you. I am studing up on this PD thing and "trying to stay vertical" I am on Zoloft and Xanax as needed. Just saying "Hello I have a problem" is enough to flip me out! Be gentle with me K? J

Hi J! Don’t worry. You’ll find much knowledge and support here. It’s a shame that new people should have to worry about posting here these days. The only reason why anybody will not be gentle with someone else here is when this someone else is consciously posting desinformation or writing insulting posts just to disrupt the newsgroup. These people are called *trolls* in Internet lingo and they’re to be found in every newsgroup on Usenet. Don’t worry about them. How long have you been on Zoloft? Does it work for you? It’s often a good idea to take a benzo like Xanax in at least the initial stages of a AD like Zoloft, to let your body adjust itself to it. Hope that you will post more often! Philip

Response:

Hi there!  I’ve only been here a little over 2 months, but some of the folks have been here literally for years.  So, there’s quite a lot of accumulated wisdom that has been of great help to me. I’m glad to have you here, "fellow newbie".  Just ignore the flame threads, delete the whole thread if it bothers you.  You’ll do fine. E. Brent Price

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -hello all….I have receantly been diagnosed with PD… this is a scary thing!!!!!!!     I have been reading this NG for a week or so and seem to relate to many of you. I am studing up on this PD thing and "trying to stay vertical" I am on Zoloft and Xanax as needed. Just saying "Hello I have a problem" is enough to flip me out! Be gentle with me K? J

Response:

Hi J, I think the more you find out about PD the less you will be afraid…now you have a name for what you have been feeling, when I was diagnosed this summer and had the "names" spelled out for me, I felt a little "nuts", but now I DON’T feel that way. This isn’t some "head thing". For me trying to cope with it on my own was barely tolerable and now I am on the way to developing more appropriate methods of dealing with it. Keep reading and coming to this ng, there’s a lot of good info and support to be found here. Michelle says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -hello all….I have receantly been diagnosed with PD… this is a scary thing!!!!!!!     I have been reading this NG for a week or so and seem to relate to many of you. I am studing up on this PD thing and "trying to stay vertical" I am on Zoloft and Xanax as needed. Just saying "Hello I have a problem" is enough to flip me out! Be gentle with me K? J

Response: