Panic Attacks & Dieting [Archive] - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

MyGirl

04-06-2001, 12:45 AM

Thanks Daytona1 and all,

I think that keeping busy has to be the key. I find that I love to read and garden & no matter how bad I feel I always make sure I get out of the house at least once a day so I extend myself beyond my fears & limitations.

I have tried to cut down on the sugar and I know that when I have had a good night's rest I feel I can cope even better. But stress management is the big one for me. I don't seem to cope all that well with it.

Currently I am off work due to my panic attacks and generally high stress levels so I can focus 100% on me!

I must admit the 1st week was wasted on trying to sleep in and coping with what had happened.

Now I'm getting in to a daily routine of activities and walking gee I hope this will also help me lose the weight!

Take care all and thanks so much
Keep the suggestions coming,

MyGirl :)

daytona1

04-08-2001, 12:36 PM

Hi everyone,

How is everyone doing? I am finally feeling a little more like myself. I started taking BuSpar Friday and it must of helped a lot. I don't have panic attacks but just real intense anxiety. Do you ever try and figure out why we are plagued with this disorder? I sometimes just sit and try to figure it out but with no luck. It must be like any other problem, if you are prone to it you get it. My mother had it as well as my grandmother.

Well the weather is beautiful here, 70 and sun!! I am going to try and get out for a walk today.

Have a good day and keep in touch.

Daytona

MyGirl

04-08-2001, 10:55 PM

Hi daytona,
glad to hear you are doing well on Buspar and you are not having panic attacks.

The real high anxiety is my #1 problem too. I just can't seem to settle myself , have tried yoga which has helped so I need to keep that up and am walking daily on my treadmill.

I am off work right now due to a bad panic attack last couple of weeks and am feeling a bit calmer b/c I can focus on me 100% now.

I have made a daily routine for myself which includes a schedule for the week and each day this also includes "me" time and relaxation. That way I feel in control without overplanning.

MyGirl :)

daytona1

04-09-2001, 04:32 PM

Hi everyone,

Mygirl, sounds like you have a good plan in place. I find if I have something to look forward to each day it helps. If I am busy it is not so bad. I try to walk everyday and I do weights for my arms 3x's a week. I can't imagine working with this problem. What type of work do you do? I don't work outside the home at this time, I used to be a dental assistant.

Have a good day.

Daytona

MyGirl

04-09-2001, 08:32 PM

hi daytona,
way to go on the walking and weights too that's encouraging for me to read.

I work as a teacher and most of panic attacks have happened at school uggghhh not pleasant at all especially when I have had to ask a student to help me go outside and sit down, they think "miss are you ok? are you going to faint?"

I can't tell you how bad it feels to go from a position of being in control and the centre of attention to one that is totally out of it.

My job is high stress and very demanding so I have to be feeling 100% ALL the time and of course there are days when I just don't feel that way at all.

MyGirl :)

NevadaChick

04-12-2001, 06:34 PM

Wow - am I glad to find you guys.

I have suffered from anxiety/panic disorders for the last two years and was actually medicated for over a year. I was up to 100mg of Zoloft and had gained about 30 pounds while on the drug - at that dose I felt so numb and so out of control weight-wise that I slowly got myself off the drug this winter. Now, I have a lot of attacks again, but try to use homeopathic remedies to help and since I know what the symptoms are, I no longer think I am dying every time I have one. Please look out for side-effects with the Zoloft - I experienced such a huge weight gain and even had a period of alcohol dependency (which I later found out is common, just not advertised). The drug helped me control my attacks a lot, but inevitably ended up not being worth the risks to other aspects of my health. My doctor and I are in talks right now about what to try next, as Zoloft just wasn't the right drug for me. As she says, there are tons out there so why settle for anything that isn't 100% compatible with you.

Just my two cents... hope to keep chatting with ya'll!

NevadaChick

MyGirl

04-12-2001, 10:44 PM

Hi Nevadachick,

good to have you on board! Sorry to hear about your bad experiences with the prescribed drugs. Hang in there. :)

Knowledge is half the battle won (well almost) at least as you said you know you are not going to die and that has to be a comforting thought in itself!

I find it hard sometimes to focus on my weightloss because of the anxiety and threat of panic but I am slowly trying to manage it.

I didn't know about the alcohol side effect with Zoloft that sounds very concerning.

There are so many methods we can try - so let's keep searching until we get rid of this and some weight for good!

Keep the suggestions coming - together we can achieve great things!

MyGirl :)

jennifa

04-15-2001, 03:51 PM

wow, it looks like a lot of people get anxiety problems!

My coping strategy is mainly ignoring it. I have been keeping myself so busy that I am hoping it will go
away. Unfortunately in the last couple of weeks (hey - I've kept it up for 2 years) it has been resurfacing
so I know I am going to have to start addressing my stress.

Yoga is probably the best thing I have found so far. It is so amazing to start to bridge that mind-body gap.
My new year's resolution was to do it once per week but of course that is not always possible. I do try
to do some at home, though, so I think it's not such a huge lapse. Now that the weather is getting nicer
I can go jogging more often. That really takes the pounds off fast.

My biggest fear with this is that I will lose all the weight and the problems will be there without any fat
or bad habits to cushion the stress they bring with them. Just being able to admit it shows how silly it
is to pig out to protect myself. I'll have to print this post and put it on my refrigerator!

Thanks all for letting me vent. I've been off the boards for a long time. Good luck to you all,

(deep, cleansing breath - you can do this)

Jennifa
209/205/175

MyGirl

04-17-2001, 09:16 AM

Dear Jennifa,

thanks for your suggestions, wow its great that you have been able to ignore your anxiety I wish I could do that too.

Hopefully with time I will get better, in the meantime,
I am meant to be doing relaxation exercises every day and deep breathing at least 4 times a day - easier said than done!

I read in a book that anxiety is the most common and yet also most treatable disorder in the US !!!

It also made suggestions about dietary guidelines eg:
* avoid caffeine
* eat plenty of fruit and vegies
* eat wholegrains
* drink 8 glasses of water a day
* go easy on the salt
* cut right down on sugar
* eat more food from the bean family
* eat 4-5 mini meals a day rather than 3 big ones

I thought to myself, hey this is just like eating a sensible diet this would definitely guarantee some weight loss...so looking after our mental health has its obvious physical benefits too.

I hope and pray that everyone gets on the road to recovery real soon. :)

MyGirl

jennifa

04-17-2001, 10:34 PM

My Girl,

What a nice reply. Thank you for noticing me. The physical aspects of "ignoring it" do pop up more and
more frequently. I think it's great you posted some dietary guidelines to help with this. We need all
the help we can get! I am sending some relaxing waves your way ~~~~~~~~~ did you get them?

I for one am celebrating two successive days OP!!! something I haven't had the patience for in a long time.

Maybe we should all pretend we are on vacation at the beach for a couple of hours a day?

Best wishes to you all,

Jennifa

daytona1

04-17-2001, 11:41 PM

Hi everyone,

Welcome Jennifa and NevadaChick, glad to have your input. Anxiety is such a strange disorder. Good for you being able to ignore the physical symptoms. I am not that lucky, sometimes I just feel like I am going insane. Some say I already am LOL. Do you girls find the symptoms worse around that TOM? Mine seem to be worse then. Those diet guidelines were helpful. I am really addicted to sugar, it seems to help calm me down when I am in the mist of a high stress day. I am going to try and lay off it. I was doing good but seems since Easter I been really slacking so its back op for me.
My doctor put me on Zoloft, but I only took it for 4 days and told him I was concerned with wt gain so he switched me to BuSpar and so far so good. I have been feeling like myself again. This is the first time I have tried meds, although I have suffered with anxiety on and off for 25 years! Hope you all have a relaxing evening.

Daytona

MyGirl

04-18-2001, 02:03 AM

Hi girls,

Jennifa, no problem at all about the reply, it's my pleasure to be able to help out. I do find it strange though that here I am needing help myself, and often I end up giving it instead...lol but, I must say it strengthens me.

daytona1 yes when it is that time of the month my beahvior is way out of control I find that due to the anxiety things are exacerbated...(my poor hubby) :(

I have found a fabulous site that deals with anxiety has forums etc and even a free advice line and lately a Chatroom! I'm not sure if I am allowed to post urls so apologies to 3fcs if I am breaching any rules.

www.anxietybusters.com

Check it out and let me know what you think. :)
I personally have found this a life saver the lady who runs the site is an absolute angel she suffered from panic and anxiety herself.

All my best everyone!
MyGirl :)

SoapBubbles

04-18-2001, 09:16 AM

I too have tried BusPar, unfortunately I couldn't keep with it. I had INTENSE headaches that literally felt like my head was in a vice. I also had the mild nausea that was described. I could deal w/ the nausea, heck I didn't want to eat while nausious, but the headaches were unbearable. They are a listed side effect. Bummer for me, my aunt takes it and loves it! Her whole family loves her on it! LOL

MyGirl

05-03-2001, 03:12 AM

Hi everyone,

just thought I'd check in to see how y'all doing! My time off off of work is going great! ...no added stress to worry about - I live life at my own pace and I LOVE it!

In the mornings there is no rush to go anywhere I choose to get up early, take a nap in the afternoon if I have to and generally feel like the enormous stress and pressure I had before has gone! I can now focus on ME!

How are you all feeling?

MyGirl :)

daytona1

05-03-2001, 10:04 AM

Hi everyone,

Glad to see this board still active. I have been doing so much better these last couple weeks. I am still taking the Buspar, in fact I have a Dr. appt this morning to see how things are going. How are all of you doing? The weather around here has finally gotten nicer so I am sure that helps with my mental health!! I have work issues I need to address. I have only worked off and on for some of the time while rasing my kids. They are now young adults and I need to find something constructive to do with all my free time. I need to get some job skills, but it is sooooooo overwhelming to figure out what I want to do let alone learn how to do it!! I really feel this is my main reason for the anxiety. Change is always so hard for me, I know some people thrive on it but I HIDE from it. If you guys have any suggestions please let me know.
Hope everyone is doing good, I will check in later.

MyGirl, sounds like you are enjoying your time off, good for you.

Daytona

MyGirl

05-10-2001, 11:30 AM

Hi everyone,

I have so busy having a fabulous time that I haven't even logged on to check posts for a while!
Don't get me wrong, not everyday is a walk in the park, I still have my off days but I still persist.

Tambourine, I hope the Buspar helps you sounds like you are doing ok!

Jennifa, keep up that heavy breathing..lol I have started Yoga classes again and feel all the better for it.

daytona1, you are very employable...I can already tell you have great people skills!

ok here are some more tips I read about.

some anti-stress tips :spin:

1.don't waste time trying to change someone (It doesn't work)

2.do one thing at a time

3.maintain a variety of interests

4.share your problem...."a problem shared is a problem half-solved"

5.do things one step at a time

6.do something creative something that will occupy your mind to the fullest...eg; gardening, craftwork, painting, sculpture....the possibilities are endless!

7.let go of being perfect...(I have trouble with this one)

that's all for now gals

have a great few days,
see you soon

MyGirl :wave:

daytona1

05-10-2001, 01:27 PM

Hi everyone,

Well my doctor visit last week went great, I told him I was feeling like my old self again. He said to keep taking the Buspar for a minimum of 3 months then I could try and go off it. Unfortunatly yesterday I was back to my old anxiety ridden self. It blindsided me as I was feeling so normal. Now I am wondering what to do? Call the Dr and see what he says, I wonder if the medication could just stop working like that? I am so bummed, here I thought I found the answer. Well back to my other ways of copeing. Hope all of you are doing better. Mygirl sounds like you are well on the road to recovery!! Keep up the good work.

Daytona

1moretime

05-10-2001, 03:12 PM

Even though you are still on the Buspar you may have back sets from time to time. I've been on Buspar for about one year and I still have anxiety attacks sometimes. They are not nearly as bad though and don't last as long. Just don't get discouraged. Remember the saying "This too shall pass." No matter how bad the anxiety is it will go away.

MyGirl

05-10-2001, 08:40 PM

dear daytona,

so sorry to hear about your temporary set-back
please don't let it affect you , just put it right
behind you and keep moving forward...we all
have bad experiences periodically...rest assured
that this won't cause you any harm and the
attacks are usually only last momentarily
eventhough they seem to last forever.

a big >>>>>>> hugggg <<<<<< to you too

have you had a chance to look at the anxiety site
I mentioned? www.anxietybusters.com
they have an excellent and very supportive forum
...I swear by it.

hang in there,

MyGirl :wave:

daytona1

05-11-2001, 10:31 AM

Good morning MyGirl, 1Moretime and everyone,

Thank you two so much for responding to my post. It was such a comfort to hear that I can still have set backs while taking the Buspar. I just got to feeling normal and sort of forgot about the fact there are no magic bullets in weight loss or any other health issue. Wouldn't it be great it there was??? We can always hope!! For me I always worry that the anxiety state will last FOREVER and I will never feel like my old self again. Do your attacks just come out of the blue? Mine seem to and I usually feel especially worse when I first wake up in the morning. I am addicted to diet coke and I know that is probably not helping as it has caffeine in it. Being a glass 1/2 empty type probably doesn't help either. I am going to try counseling but of course I can't get in to see anyone till the first week in June. Must be a lot of mental health issues out there!!

Well girls I am going up north for the weekend and try and relax. Hope the weekend is good for all of you. Happy Mothers Day to all the moms. Thanks again for your comforting words of encouragement and MyGirl I am going to the anxiety site you told me about now.

I will check back on Monday, I am without internet up north so I hope for the best.

Daytona

Barbee

05-13-2001, 02:47 AM

I have never been on this board before and decided to check it out. My daughter just started with panic attacks about 7 months ago. She is a registered nurse and was clinical supervisor of an Emergency room. She is on medical leave and will not return. Our son has had panic attacks for years and finally went on Paxil. She is also on paxil.
Daytona1 - didn't you use to post on Sugar Busters? I remember asking you if you were from Florida because I live 8 miles from Daytona Beach.
Well any way I was reading everyone's posts and someone had mentioned about the website anxiety busters. The only thing I could find was ordering of that program. Has anyone ordered it and if so is it worth the money. Is there somewhere else I need to go on that site that I am not seeing?
My daughter is really putting on the weight. She just got married April 7 and is very tall - almost 6 ft. 1 and her husband - on a good day - is maybe 5 ft. 10. I am really concerned about her and this with her weight being that I have been heavy all my life. I did Sugar Busters but then started to go to Weight Watchers and that is where I am really losing weight. I started dieting last September and have lost 45 pounds so far.
Sorry for rambling on and on. Would like any input from you ladies. It is very hard as a mother to talk to one of your children about weight - you know? I just do not want her to go through her life like I did and being so extremely heavy. At my highest I weighed 320 pounds and am now down to 185. That was 5 years ago and lost the majority of my weight on the T-factor diet. I can remember my petite mother yelling at me about my weight - locking food up - going through my purses looking for candy. I realize I am in a different position than my mom was. I was heavy - still am but not like before - whew - so I can relate to everything that is going on with her.
Well any help - any thing -- would be greatly appreciated. Those of us that are mothers -- Have A Happy Mother's Day.
Take Care.
Barbara
Port Orange, Florida

MyGirl

05-13-2001, 10:49 AM

dear barbee,

welcome, glad to have you here!

Re: Anxiety Support Site
After entering the anxietybusters site go to the FORUM
I have bought the tapes and think they are well worth the money, the lady who runs the site also offers free phone support - 7 days a week. (check it out)

Since you know what it was like to grow up overweight and having thin people like your mom hide food from you
etc, you have an added advantage because you can get inside the thinking of an overweight person's mind.

My advice is to offer your daughter unconditional love and support no matter what...also try to find out what the reason is behind her putting the weight on...there is ALWAYS an explanation.

Do fun activities with her, get her out and about for eg; if you want to talk why not go for a walk together.

My mom is a real gem she is skinny now but she is a pillar of strength for me...she never ever makes me feel bad about myself or my weight...eventhough I know how much she hurts seeing me at my worst. We have started taking walks together and this is our special time for mother-daughter talks.

Whatever you do don't tell her she has to lose the weight...she knows what she has to do more than anyone else.

MyGirl :wave:

Barbee

05-13-2001, 01:47 PM

My Girl -- thank you for answering me. Yes we know the reason behind her putting on weight -- it is her medication. And also stress. She was clincial supervisor of an ER -- these attacks started and she had to go on medical leave. They they told her that if she did not come back full time she would lose her benefits - etc. Thank god she got married and is on her husband's insurance. This is a young woman - 31 - control of everything in her life and she started with panic attacks. She goes to a therapist once a week -- who is excellent - and then her doctor every 3 weeks. They are right on top of everything and has talked to her doctor about her increase in weight and he told her stress medication, etc. We are very very close and can talk to one another about everything. BUT I know how she feels because I have been there. I have been watching her intake of food - anything fattening ior sweet and she will look at me and say - I know. I have not gone down the path yet of please do not let it get control of you. I am off this summer from school and I have decided I am going to drive over to ther house - every other day or every day and get her out walking - bring her over here to do the treadmill - have bought her some tapes that we can do together. I will do anything in my power to help her. We just really have just skimmed the surface so far -- in depth will come when I am out of school.
WHEW!!!! I am sure I have talked everyone's ear off -- sorry.
Thank you for answering me -- I really appreciate it.
Happy Mothers Day to EVeryone -- Keep the good thoughts.
Barbara

daytona1

05-14-2001, 10:15 AM

Good Monday morning to everyone,

Hi Barbee, yes I did post on Sugarbusters board but I didn't do to well without sugar so I went back to weight watchers where I have been extremely successful, I have lost 85pds and kept it off for 7 years now. I tried to switch to SB as I was getting terrible headaches eating so much sugar. Oh well, I am to addicted to sugar to be on that program LOL. Sounds like you have lost a lot of weight also. Congrats!! I am so sorry to hear about your daughter and her panic/anxiety. It is so hard to see a child suffer, at least you are doing everything possibe to help her.

My weekend away was good. I still felt anxious but I have come to terms with the fact it is just going to take time to settle down know matter how bad I want to feel better. Well the weather here is beautiful in MI and I am going to take a walk. How is everyone doing with their weight loss plans? Sometimes we focus so much on the health issues I forget we are all here because of the problems our health issues are causing with out weight.

Have a great day everyone.

Daytona

Barbee

05-14-2001, 07:54 PM

Daytona1 -- thank you for answering me. I knew that was you. Isn't it funny we are now talking to one another.
I still check on the SB board. I do not know if you have lurked over there or not but some of these women are writing chapters! Alot of them have dropped off and new ones have taken their place and then they drop off. Debelli is about 2 pounds from goal.
I had tried combining SB and WW but the sugar thing with me also. I still watch my intake of that and do do the whole grain etc. thing but WW was what really got me going, I mean - please - you can basically have anyting you want -- just do not go over the points.
Lori was over here yesterday for Mother's day and she was in a talking mood. Her husband - policeman - has been in Washington D.C. for 5 days and comes back tonight. I did not know if she felt up to driving over here or not but she did and by herself too. Which was great! Her dad and I talked to her for a long time. She is just really stressing because she does not have a job and she has also paid her own bills ever since she graduated from college. So you can see how that affects her panic attacks. Her husband is totally supportive of her -- he is a great guy!
Thanks for your input and good luck on your weight and your health.
Take care
Barb

MyGirl

05-15-2001, 05:55 AM

hi everyone,
my week has been ok no major progress but I am feeling a bit down cause my weight has not budged at all ! oh well I put it down to fluid retention.

Here's a joke I heard

A son came home all excited and says mom I want to share some great news with you, I'm engaged!

Mom:wonderful who is the girl?

Son: I want you to guess.

So in came 3 girls and the mom looks at them and picks the one in the middle.

Son:wow how did you know?

Mom:cause she's the one I don't like!

MyGirl :wave:

daytona1

05-16-2001, 11:55 AM

Hi everyone,

My weight is doing ok, I am up a couple pounds over goal but I have been eating more also. I am with you Barbee, I count calories along with weight watchers. The tips I get from the meetings are very helpful in keeping me on track. Do you go to meetings? It is so easy to just not keep track of everything when you lack motivation. The SB board was just to over whelming for me, too many posts to keep track of, it would be wishful thinking on my part to ever hope to give up sugar. LOL Your daughter is lucky to have you for support and I know she will be ok.

MyGirl, you will lose the weight, it just takes time. It is so hard when you have health issues involved. Personally I am a emotional eater so that makes it even more difficult when I get anxious or depressed. That joke you posted was so cute. When do you go back to work? Maybe it will work out for you to just go back in the fall?

Well have a good day everyone,

Daytona

MyGirl

05-22-2001, 12:06 AM

hi everyone,

daytona
glad to hear your doing better and the weight is coming off.

I've had a busy past few days.
my weight is coming down slowly but surely and I am getting out of the house more and more!
Apart form using the treadmill I am getting out & about and enjoying the sun, walking...oh and the yoga is really helping too, it helps stretch my muscles and strengthen my sense of balance (which I have had a problem with)

I've also been reading "The Panic Attack Recovery Book" by S Swede & S Shepherd Jaffe I find it easy to read and there are some excellent tips on diet aswell as managing the panic, basically they have a drug-free approach and focus on natural methods to overcome the panic.

I was pleased to read that diet & exercise help enormously with alleviating the anxiety eg; eating more fruit & veg, eating wholegrains as opposed to simple processed food and avoiding caffeine, avoid drinking too many juices - opting for the whole fruit instead as the sugar found in the juice is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream...okay still got more to read and learn.

that's all for now gals,
take care & let's keep at it

MyGirl :wave:

jennifa

05-24-2001, 11:48 PM

Hi all,

Sounds like you are doing ok. Those of you who are being quiet, I hope you are being peaceful and losing weight!

I've been dealing with a great deal of stress which isn't good but I'm letting myself be neurotic for a while until it gets better.

I just had to recommend a book. You may have to order it but it is really great. It's called The Fear Book and
it's by Cheri Huber. It looks goofy but it actually is quite wise and very simple. I've found it to be a gem.

I'm going to order another copy for a family member I know is struggling right now.

Best of the best relaxing thoughts to you all,

Jennifa

daytona1

05-29-2001, 10:20 AM

Hi everyone,

Did everyone have a good Memorial day weekend? I did, just hung out and had my kids for a cookout. It rained most the weekend, but that is what it always does in MI. I still need to get to the library or bookstore to check out those books. I love to read those type of books, it gives you hope that things will get better no matter how bad you feel. I guess it is just nice knowing you are not alone. Of course this forum helps so much too. I started counseling last week, she seems nice and is going to help me learn breathing and relaxing techniques for when the panic and anxiety set in. Please forgive any spelling errors, everytime I try to run the spell check I get an error message and it doesn't work!!! Well have a great day everybody.

Daytona

Barbee

05-29-2001, 11:52 AM

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend. Did not do much around here. Just finishing up loose ends with our teaching positions. My hubby will not be back at the high school he was teaching at - had been there 2 years -- it was the most horrific group of students I had ever seen. After George had been teaching 30 years in Illinois and Iowa this was like -- unreal. No responsibility ftrom student or parent - parents lying for their kids - he was a band director -- it was terrible. So he is looking -- may even get out of teaching.
Daytona - what you had to say about the SB board is so very very true. What gets me is at the very beginning (have been on board since a year ago this past May) we all put down starting weight - how much we weigh now and what our goal is. Well that has basically gone by the wayside. It is always fun to see how everyone else is doing. People drop off like flies. And the posts - oh please right now -- they are chapters long!
Have not posted there in quite a while. I am not doing SB except for the whole wheat etc. which WW has anyway.
About 5 years ago I weighed 320 pounds - went on the Tfactor diet - had to have my teeth pulled -- that was a big help. Got down to 230 - started on SB -- could not hang with the program -- some of those ladies just go WAY overboard. I now weight 183-186 - have been sitting there fior about 3 months. That is o.k. -- I have to take a lot of medications and that basically slows everything down. I now weigh less than my husband - son and older daughter. That is a first.
Lori is doing pretty good. Remember she is a RN and can not go back to the ER in which she was in charge of. She is taking a medical transcription course and is half way through it. She goes out shopping - to our house and her in laws house. So she is doing better.
Well who am I to talk bout writing a chapter.
Take care. You all have no idea how much the information you put out about books - yoga, etc. is very helpful and will be ordering those 2 books for my daughter.
Thanks for listening.
Barbara

MyGirl

06-02-2001, 11:02 AM

Hi everyone,
been doing ok these past few days/week. I went away to my sister's for a few days and that was very tranquil to say the least, I could be myself and really relax.

Glad to hear everyone is doing much better !

daytona - counselling sounds promising. keep at it - once you have the relaxation and breathing under control it maked all the difference.

barbara - I was so glad to hear that your daughter is doing much better and you are too it always encourages me reading about your successes

hey jennifa - ~~~~~ we need more of those relaxation vibes sent our way~~~~~~here are some for you in the meantime ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh yeah one of the other reasons I checked in was to ask if anyone had heard of a weightloss med called zenekel (sp) ? if you know anything about it, side effects etc please let me know...a dear friend is starting on this soon.

Take care all,
MyGirl :wave:

Gobbie

06-04-2001, 03:55 PM

Hello, all;
I'm new here. I have to lose weight and do it immediately. I broke my ankle last summer and my weight and neuropathy made it so much worse they had to do reconstructive surgery. About 4 months before that I was in a rough period and went to a counselor and was given an antidepressant that didn't agree, but then I was put on Paxil and have had great success with that.
I started having feelings of anxiety, shaking hands, urge to eat everything in sight. I asked my dr. about it and he said they were anxiety attacks and would probably go away. Since I can't wait for "probably" I made an appt. with a new counselor (mine was no longer available) and he said that before we label these attacks, let's look at the many meds I take. Sure enough, I cut my neurontin and elavil meds in half (they are prescribed for foot neuropathy pain) and I haven't had any anxiety attacks in about a month.
I'm continuing to see the counselor and am now taking my weight loss (thru WW) a little more seriously. I'm 100+ pounds overweight and I have had mobility problems for a long time. I'm 56 years old and if I don't lose weight soon my hip replacements will fail and my broken ankle will probably rebreak. So, I desperately need to get some help that is available more than a once-a-week weigh in.
Thanks for hearing me out. I've been wandering around diet lists for a couple of weeks and this looks like the most compatible for me.

Gobbie in Baltimore
:(

daytona1

06-05-2001, 10:42 AM

Hi Gobbie and welcome to our group,

Sounds like you have a lot going on in your life. I have personally lost 85 pounds and kept it off for 7 years. These past few months have been a struggle for me, just a few pounds up but none the less I have to get rid of them!! I am doing ok now, I started having anxiety attacks and boy they sure are up setting. I have been taking Buspar for a few months and that helps with the anxiety and also this board is so much help, our group of ladies always have an encourageing word or idea for us when in need. I also go to counseling and I am learning deep breathing and relaxation. That's my history, but I just wanted to let you know I was so addicted to junk food and eating in general, it took me 5 years to finally really make the commitiment to lose the weight and then I regained it twice before I finally kept it off. I would be happy to offer you support anyway possible. My email is Shihtzus7@cs.com if you want to write. You will do it and then you will feel so much better!!

How's everyone else doing? It is still raining here, I don't know what happened to "gobal warming" ???? It is a whole 50 degrees and it is supposed to be 75. Guess I don't need to open my pool anytime soon LOL. MyGirl, sounds like the time at your sisters was good for you, and Barbee, I just don't know how we have any teachers left, kids are so awful, back when I was in school it was getting bad but nothing like it is now. I say thanks to all you teachers, I didn't forget you are a teacher to Mygirl. Have a great day everyone.

Daytona

Ghis

06-06-2001, 06:35 AM

Hi,

I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and panic attacks 8 weeks ago. I have been refered to a specialist for cognative therapy. I also have beta blockers to help during panic attacks.

After reading books and gathering info, I found out that hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) contributes to the anxiety symptoms, therefore a hypoglycaemic control diet can help. These are the things I learnt:

Avoid stimulants: caffeine, nicotine, salt, preservative, hormones (present in industrial meat) and processed food.

In order to follow a hypoglycaemic diet: Avoid simple sugar (white or brown sugar, honey, fructose and food high in sugar). Avoid fruit juices or dilute them in water. Reduce or eliminate simple starches such as pasta, refined cereals, potatoes or white bread. Subistitute with complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads and cereals, vegetables and brown rice or other whole grains. Have a complex carbohydrate or protein snack (nuts, whole grain toast etc) half way between meals. You can have four or five small meals no more than 2 to 3 hours apart. Moderate you alcohol consumption since your body converts alcohol into sugar.

To do:
Drink plenty of water: 8 glasses a day, Take time while eating, chew, eat small quantities, spread during the day, do not drink while eating. Increase your intake of dietary fiber by eating foods such as whole grains, brans and raw vegetables. (Note too that too much fiber can cause gas and bloating and interfere with the body’s ability to absorb protein.) Also try to avoid saturated and polyunsaturated fat. Monounsaturated oils such as unrefined olive oil are preferable.

Supplements that can help:
Vitamin B-complex: 50-100mg of all 11 B vitamins once per day with meal.
Vitamin C: 1,000mg once or twice per day with meals
Chromium: 200mcg per day
Glycogenic amino acids: (L-glycine, L-glutamic acid, L-tyrosine, L-leucine, L-alanine, L-methionine, l-lysine)

Meat, poultry, dairy and cheese products, as well as eggs are acid-forming products, thus moving your diet towards vegetarianism good be a good option. To help maintain a proper acid-alkaline balance in the body, it helps to decrease consumption of acid-forming foods and increase the amount of alkaline-forming foods, like vegetables, most fruits, except plums and prunes; whole grains such as brown rice, millet, and buckwheat; and bean sprouts. Ideally 50 to 60 percent of the calories you consume should come from these foods.

I gathered these information from the anxiety self help website and also from a brilliant book The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook (3rd ed) by Edmund J. Bourne. I really advise you to have a look at both for info about anxiety and panic attacks.

I have also been diagnosed not long ago with lactose intolerance so I cannot eat anything with milk proteine (lactose). But that's another story!! (that means no cheese, no butter, no milk etc...)

I have lost almost 60lbs since last year (june 2000). These health problems have been really tough to overcome. When you realise that you diet and a change in lifestyle can be one of the major factors towards recovery you realise that you can have control over your life again.

I have created on the computer my own food journal where I enter everthing, the stimulants I have had during the day (well almost always 0 as I cut right down all of them), then the number of glasses of water, the different groups of food, the supplements to take ( the vitamins, chromium etc). I also point my food since I am on Weight Watchers.

Learn as much as you can on anxiety and panic attacks. Knowledge is power! Also there are a lot of possible alternative therapies.

I am not a nutritionist, nor a doctor, the advice I give above is just from my own research and experience but learn about yourself and what works for you. As a cheese lover and a meat lover, being diagnosed with anxiety and lactose intolerance means that I have to rethink the way I eat completely. Having been with Weight Watchers for 1 year now and being almost at goal (6lbs to go!!!!) I know that changing habits in order to be healthier is possible!!

And I was going to forgot!! Exercise! It is good for anxiety too!!!

Good Luck!!!!

Ghislaine

MyGirl

06-07-2001, 06:14 AM

Hi everyone,

i've been having a bit of a slow week...feeling a bit down and lethargic to be honest but I treated myself to a one hour massage can't begin to tell you how good that felt! :yawn:

Welcome Gobbie - hang in there & thanks for sharing your experience with us...together we can all do great things!

Welcome Ghislaine - wow what an informative post! I got so much out of it I decided to print it - thanks for sharing and I definitely agree with you - knowledge really is power.

Daytona - thanks for your kind words, you're a real sweetie :D
how's the deep breathing and relaxation coming along?

Take care,

MyGirl :wave:

Gobbie

06-07-2001, 11:07 AM

Thanks so much for the kind and encouraging words. I am going to my WW meeting tonight and reweigh in. I don't know how many weeks (2-3) I missed due to bronchitis, but I'm going to start myself again. Boy, all the information this group has on anxiety attacks is great. I think depression may bring on some of it as well. The panic/anxiety attacks, no matter what form, breaks the continual plunge into depression because you have something else to focus on. Now, let's see if my theory works because I haven't had any attacks in a month or so and that coincides with my cutting down on two of my meds, seeing a counselor, and deciding to take charge of my overweight. With all the positive moves, depression isn't as acute. :s:

The only thing I don't understand is why I have to have a "starting point" like WW tonight or I will just eat anything in sight until I have that starting point.

Gobbie in Baltimore :?:

Ghis

06-07-2001, 12:24 PM

I am glad my research about anxiety attacks and a good diet to help fight them was of some help. Just remember eveyone, you are not alone in this quest both towards health and fitness and towards mental balance! We can do it.

I have been pigging a bit today but it is ok. I am usually really tough with myself and I have realised that I need the occasional 'off' day to relax. I am almost at goal and a week difference does not matter. What matter is that I finally manage to relax and obatain this mind balance I long for. ( the thin hips to go with it would be nice too :)!!! But I am only 6lbs from goal now. I will get there!!!!)

People:

- Learn to relax, breath and make time for yourselves
- repeat to yourself: " Yes I can do this! (relax) na d be thin too!"

Good luck everyone!!!

Ghislaine.

daytona1

06-11-2001, 10:44 AM

Hi girls,

How's everyone doing? I am getting the breathing down better now, at first it felt to funny to breath like that. It does seem to help. I am going to a bookstore sometime this week and check out all the books mentioned here. I love to read info on self help, you can always learn something. I did a 5k walk Sat, it only took me 40 minutes so not to bad. I think walking everyday helps to. Ghis, do you think your eating better has really made a difference on how you feel? I am still not off the caffeine, I seem to have an addiction to the stuff and I know it isn't helping my anxiety at all. I also eat way to much sugar. I had been diagnoised with hypo (low blood sugar) back in 1986 and learned to eat better. However I now have slipped all the way back into my bad eating habits, after you have that so long you learn to cheat, but of course you are only cheating yourself!! Just wondered if you noticed a huge difference on how you felt after giving up the bad foods.

Well hope all of you have a good day.
Daytona

Gobbie

06-11-2001, 12:36 PM

I've posted a couple of times and you all have really been super with the support. The past couple of weeks have been like a soap opera and I'm letting it get in the way of everything I should be thinking of if I'm going to lose the weight. I came to work this a.m. and immediately had coffee and a breakfast sandwich. A little later I had more coffee and a breakfast muffin. It's not lunch yet, but I have leftover noodles and veggies as well as yogurt. (I have to have the yogurt to try and control an infection.)

So, nothing in my life will change until Wednesday and I really do need to quit eating what I want and start eating what I should. I planned to go back to WW on FRiday, but became ill at work and ended up at home in bed instead.

I know that each of you people have some experience with what I'm going through. I'm losing hope and I find myself saying more and more, "what's the use?" Then later I say I'll give it one more try. Only this time it is harder than usual.

Gobbie :(

bliss

06-11-2001, 02:22 PM

Hi Everyone,

Can I join this thread? I too, have panic attacks and need to lose weight.
I've found your postings very helpful, particularly the ones that discuss medication and diets.
I just turned 44 and have had panic attacks for as long as I can remember. As a child I became terrified to leave the house (my first experience at being housebound). About 12 years ago, with help from a therapist, I found out the reason. It didn't stop the attacks but it did solve the mystery as to why I have them.
I'm 5ft. and weigh 125 lbs. I seem to be putting on pounds and not losing it every Dec since 1989. I'd like to stop it now before I gain anymore. It's so easy to ingore the weight gain when you are concetrating on dealing with life and panic attacks.

Thanks for this thread,
Bliss

daytona1

06-11-2001, 06:43 PM

Hi all,

Gobbie, don't be discouraged!!! You will get on track and lose the weight, sometimes it is just the last thing you think about when more pressing matters are at hand. Maybe you can start by making a few better choices? I read an article in Good Housekeeping saying if you just cut 75 cal a day you can lose 15pds in a year. Just try to make small changes and don't think all or nothing. That was a trap I fell into when I first started dieting, if I wasn't perfect on the food plan I would say what the heck, and really blow it. I am here to tell you I gained my last 20 pounds saying tomorrow I will diet. You can do it, we will encourage you when you need it, you are not alone!!

Welcome Bliss, when you found out what caused your panic attacks did they stop or didn't it make a big difference? I am taking Buspar for the past 2 months but I still have some days that are not so good. It helps a lot with the anxiety and I have not had it effect my weight loss one way or the other. It is hard to worry about your weight when you are feeling anxious, for me food is like a tranqulizer I am the queen of emotional eating. At least if you diet and lose weight it gives us something positive to think about LOL.

Daytona

daytona1

06-13-2001, 10:16 AM

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let all of you know I am going on vacation tonight and will be back next Wed the 20th. We are going up to our cabin so it should be a relaxing time. Have a good week everybody.

Daytona

MyGirl

06-13-2001, 12:39 PM

hi all,
I've been lying low these past few days...not very active, my weight has been stable...no loss or gain...have hit a wall, need to get a bit of a jump start...my anxiety has been ok some days and moments have been better than others...I just need to re-focus and follow my tried and true walking and eating the right food. I have not really been feeling all that motivated to be honest, I don't know what it is but I hope I get out if this rut soon! sometimes though I think that I need to experience the lows it makes the highs all the more exciting! :dizzy:

daytona,
have a fabulous break you lucky girl you! Come back relaxed and re-energized!

bliss,
welcome.....and a big >>>HUG<<< sounds like you have at least identified the cause of your anxiety, which is more than I can say...I am still looking for it...post as often as you like and we all look forward to hearing updates on your progress or even if you just feel like dropping in to say hello, that's fine too.

jennifa, barbee, ghislaine gobbie & 1moretime and anyone else I forgot to mention - how are things going your way? relaxing thoughts and vibes to you all. :love:

p.s - anyone got any good jokes?

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

Gobbie

06-15-2001, 11:15 AM

I look forward to your posts MyGirl and Daytona1; I hope all is well with you. I did go to WW and weighed in on Wed. Highest I've ever been and I know it isn't all from being on crutches so long. I strongly suspect some of the meds I'm on; I'm trying to cut back on those now, but I expect I'll have some side effects from that. Things are at a new all time low in my life right now, but finding 3FC and this forum helps loads. As soon as my personal crises pass, I'll be more active here (and hopefully less sedentary at home). My corgi, Gobbie, says that if she can keep her figure down to a svelte 23#, I should be able to get down to my healthy figure. :rolleyes:

RaffaellaBella

06-15-2001, 04:22 PM

Hi All!:D

I suffer from anxiety also. It started when I was ten years old and has progressively gotten worse. I am in a generally "anxious" state all day long, which is why I overeat. A doctor once told me that I grind my teeth and eating alleviates the sensation (didn't make any sense to me at the time, but think about it - what is eating? grinding food and swallowing). The doctor said it is not that I am so hungry but that my nervousness causes the "teeth-grinding" and overeating. (Don't get me wrong. I'm not blaming it all on the anxiety. I love the taste of food.)

I have learned to function with my anxiety and am trying try to "lower my stress threshold" as my doctor says.

What I've noticed is if I have "too much on my plate", run myself ragged, and don't get enough sleep, I will get anxiety attacks.

It's all one day at a time. With patience and perserverance we will all achieve our mental and physical health goals.

Stay well!
Raff0519

P.S. I have the flu today and have only little eaten a little lunch. Maybe I'll lose a couple of pounds! (heh, heh):lol:

bliss

06-17-2001, 02:25 PM

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for letting me join in!

Can anyone recommend web sites on phobias and panic? For the past few years we've been on the net I've looked at a few, but haven't found one with a message board I wanted to join.

To Daytona, You asked if my panic attacks stopped after finding out what caused them. Not completely, but I do feel I have better control over them. I'm no longer housebound. I can travel all around the county I live in and if I'm feeling really good, I can get to Pittsburgh (I live in a county north of it). I believe I've had panic attacks since I was 3 at least. Now it feels almost like a habit I can't give up. Having this problem is a part of who I am and I think I'm afraid to get well, of making such a big change in my life. A while back I saw an Oprah show where Dr. Phil was discussing addictions and habits. So much of what he said hit home. It's so easy to use "the panic attack" excuse when you don't want to do something. Like doing it out of habit instead of really thinking about whether you can or just don't want to go out. I'll talk later about how I found out what caused my attacks.

To Ghislaine, I'm lactose intollerant, too. When I first had this problem, I would get so sick it would bring on panic attacks but now that I have it under control, by avoiding lactoce or by using a product called Lactaid, I don't get sick so I don't have panic attacks. Your letter on the hypoglycemic diet was great. My doctor told me ages ago I should stay on that kind of diet but it's very hard to give up certain foods. BTW are you an Easties fan?

Thanks for the hug MyGirl! Hugs back to you and everyone! Bliss

MyGirl

06-19-2001, 10:37 AM

Hi everyone,

Welcome RAFF0519...glad you have found us

I'm still in my state of limbo, can't say I have made any progress yet on the weightloss front...I just need to get myself organized!

I still haven't figured out what the underlying cause for my anxiety is...when I find it I will feel a bit relieved!

S-L-O-W-L-Y does it this week.

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

RaffaellaBella

06-19-2001, 02:21 PM

Hi all! Hope you all are doing well.

I'm at work and am stressed as ever. I'm juggling work and college classes, and am having a hard time handling it all.
IT JUST MAKES ME WANT TO EAT MORE!:lol:

Otherwise, I am fine thanks to this webpage and all of you - it's nice to know there are others that feel the same way.

Stay well and keep strong.
Peace and love.
Raff0519

1moretime

06-19-2001, 11:01 PM

Bliss,
Check out www.healingwell.com and go to their panic message boards. They are very helpful there and sometimes it's nice to know others feel the same way.

daytona1

06-23-2001, 10:01 AM

Hi everyone,

The vacation was great, just hung out and relaxed!! I managed to stay the same with my weight so I was so glad. Now that I am back I have been eating a little more so I need to stop that. I felt less anxiety while I was away, I think it was because I was busy doing enjoyable things, walking in the woods, going to the mall, eating out etc.. Too bad everyday life can't be like our vacations!!
Have a great clam day and welcome to all the new posters!!

Daytona

MyGirl

06-28-2001, 08:26 PM

Hi everyone,
how are you all doing? I have finally snapped out of my rut...thank God for that...I often feel like I have to experience the lows to make the highs all the more better!

I've been out walking and watching my total daily fat count seems to be helping and of course avoiding coffee and most caffeine products. I think having some more protein rather than filling up on carbohydrates has helped me enormously...I read that it helps control the anxiety and is also good for my weight loss...a double whammy!!

1moretime...I checked out that website it had some real good stuff on it, thanks for letting us know about it.

daytona,
sounds like you had a great time, I am so happy for you. Having time out is so re-energizing, it helps us regain focus in our lives and gives us that boost we all need form time to time.

Have also been doing some spring cleaning (ok I know I'm a bit late for that)and it feels so good throwing out so much junk that has been lying around the house collecting dust...it's quite liberating!

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

Gobbie

06-29-2001, 10:26 AM

I am finally coming out of my blue funk and nonstop eating. However, last week I did lose mightily (8.6 lbs), so haven't been very strict (while the mouse is away the cat will play???). Did a lot of emotional eating, too. I weigh in again tomorrow, so we'll see what happens. Either way, at least I have a better attitude.

Do I need to stop replying to this thread since I found out that my "anxiety" attacks were brought on by a medicine I take for neuropathy? I'm not having those attacks anymore, but I can sure empathize with those who are!

Have a great day, folks.

Gobbie
:wave:

janney

06-30-2001, 08:17 PM

:wave: My name is Jan. I think I posted wrong the last time. I created a page and didn't mean to. What it was about was thanking you for all the wonderful information. I also wanted to know if I could join your group please?

I was diagnosed with panic disorder, depression and ocd about 2 months ago. We tried handling it with just cognative behavior but that didn't seem to be enough. I am now taking a drug called Celexa. I was on 20 mg but was still averaging 4 to 5 panic attacks per day. Last week we upped the dosage to 40 mg. I haven't noticed a big change yet but the doctor send it would take a couple weeks. In the meantime I meet with a therapist weekly.

I also have had quite a few medical problems that began about 6 to 7 months ago. I've been off work since the middle of January. Am hoping to be able to go back soon. I started taking insulin for my diabetes about 4 months ago. Am still getting used to that.

Most my days are spent in a grey funk. After reading your board, I found that there is hope. There was a lot of good information. I want to thank all of you for that. It's just so discouraging to feel this way most the time. I just want to get back to the light again. A lot of days are spent crying. Things I used to enjoy doing, I no longer do. Even reading, I get about 3 pages and the concentration just isn't there. Then the crying begins all over again.

I'm hoping if I am able to join this group, you'll be able to help me. In turn, I promise to be supportive to you as well.

I look forward to hearing from someone.

:wave:

1moretime

06-30-2001, 11:21 PM

Hey Janney!

You are more than welcome here. I suffer from anxiety and have had a few panic attacks. I generally just have different symptoms with my anxiety attacks and sometimes I just feel yuck!:( I also see a therapist and I didn't want to take medicine but I decided that if I had any other illness I wouldn't hesitate to take medicine. I've been on BuSpar for about a year and it does seem to help but I still have flair ups.

My son, who is 12, also suffers from anxiety and his manifests itself with a cough-bark. When he has a flair up he does it every few seconds except when he's asleep. Needless to say this is hard on everyone.

Focus on one day at a time and practice relaxation techniques. Good Luck! ;)

daytona1

07-01-2001, 10:18 AM

Hi everyone and welcome Jan.

You are more than welcome to join our thread. It sounds like you have a lot going on. I have been suffering anxiety/depression etc for the past few months. My Dr. put me on Buspar and it helped a lot. It did take sometime to work, but when you feel so lousy 1 hour can seem like a week!! I too have been seeing a therapist to learn how to relax etc. I agree the support on these boards is very helpful and so much good info. For me it really helps to know we are NOT alone in our struggle. I had been taking my med's for a couple weeks and felt fine, then all of a sudden all the symptoms were back, it sure caught me off guard. Lucky 1Moretime told me it was still normal to have bad days. Here I thought take this med and everything would be better LOL . So things will get better for you to, please post here often and we will give you support.

Daytona

MyGirl

07-02-2001, 02:26 AM

Hi Jan,
good to have you on board (get it...on board our boards....lol) ok ok I am just feeling a bit quirky today.

Post as often as you like...we all take comfort in both giving and receiving support...even just a shared experience often lets us know that we are not alone or going insane...the symptoms of anxiety, ocd and panic attacks don't seem to discriminate...we are all treated equally as bad...it's how we choose to handle these situations that makes all the difference...oh boy, that sound like good advice, maybe I should take some of my own advice.

I was reminded of something I had seen on Oprah...(gee I love that show) it almost seems like the programs are aimed right at me.

Cheryl Richardson author of "Life Make-Overs" mentioned that we should use tragedies or illness in our case panic attacks as a "defining moment" where we decide to use it to move forward in our lives. I'm buying the book after I post this...amazon.com here I come.

Hope everyone is doing fine - I know I am back on the road to feeling better again and life feels so exciting again!

Take care,

MyGirl :wave:

janney

07-03-2001, 04:18 AM

Hello. Thanks for the welcomes and letting me join your board. I'm looking forward to it.

I have therapy in the morning and don't want to go. I know that the only way for me to get better is to go but that doesn't seem to matter to me right now. It's after 3:00 am and my appointment is at 8:00 am today. I'll go because I feel I have to.

Found out from my employee that they are going to fill my position. That hasn't helped with the aniexty and depression. I guess the policy is that after you're off for 90 days, they can fill your position. Then when you're ready to come back, they want 2 weeks notice to find you something else. If nothing is available, they lay you off for up to 6 months. If nothing is open at that time, they terminate you. It's a bummer because I've worked for this company for 23 years and have never been off this long or on any sort of disability in all that time.

I'm finding it hard to cope with everything that's going on as well as dealing with the work aspect. I'm asking my therapist to talk to the doctor (whom I see on the 18th) to see about getting me back to work asap. I've been off for medical reasons as well and see my regular doctor on the 10th. He's been working with the other doctor on the panic, depression and ocd.

I've noticed some difference with the increased Celexa but am still experiencing alot of panic. The depression seems to be a little better, although I still spend alot of time crying and don't seem to focus very well. The panic attacks strike at all times. Seems alot while I'm driving. Any of you have that happen? Any special tips on how to handle it, besides pulling over to the shoulder of the road?

Again, thanks for listening and letting me join. Any tips would be helpful. Thanks for the support. It's truly needed.

:wave:

daytona1

07-03-2001, 10:13 AM

Good Morning all,

Wow, MyGirl, it seems like you are feeling a lot better!! That is so encouraging. Can you place your finger on anything that seemed to snap you out of it, or do you think it was a combo and time? I feel very lucky to feel as good as I do. When you go through mental health issues then feel better it seems you appreciate it much more when you just feel "normal". What is "normal" ? LOL!!

Janney, you will feel better, I remember feeling like every hour was at least a week. It is so hard when you can't sleep. Are you taking anything for that? At least when you sleep you get a break from all the stress. Check out some of the books recommended on this site, they have info on how to deal with panic attacks while driving etc. I use a lot of self talk, deep breathing and reminding myself it is "just my nerves" and I can handle this. I think the type of med you are taking takes 2-4 weeks to really make a difference, so hang in there. Hope you therapy session goes well. You will get through this.

Have a great day!!

Daytona

janney

07-03-2001, 11:37 PM

Wow Mygirl. Just reading your post is so encouraging. It's nice to know that there is light at the end of this tunnel!!! Thanks.

Thanks Daytona for the support. I did make it to therapy today. I was given an assignment to read a chapter from Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. The chapter is on"Distorted Thinking". I'll let you know. I also have a friend who has panic disorder. We go to church together. I've been having trouble with my faith will all this darkness surrounding me. She sent me a book that helped her through the worst times. It's called: Little Pieces of Light....Darkness & Personal Growth by Joyce Rupp OSM. I"ve only read a few pages and it seems like it may help. I'm having trouble reading alot as I don't seem to be able to concentrate very long.

The therapist did say she thought she noticed improvement. I told her about this chat board and she was thrilled. It's nice to have the support and hopefully be able to support others!!!!

:) Hope you all have a wonderful holiday.

Stay well......;)

Jan

daytona1

07-04-2001, 04:50 PM

Happy fourth of July!!

What's everyone doing today? I am having a cookout with the kids over and using the pool. Having people over is fun sometimes, it gives you a change of pace. I am going to try and stay on my w/w diet program so I don't gain this week.

Janney,
Good for you making it to your appointment. Your work situation will be ok to. Just take things one day at a time and try not to get caught up in the "what if" thinking. So many times we make ourselves sick over things that never acutally happen. I am very guilty of that. My husband always is telling me why do you worry about everything so much? I tell him cause you don't LOL. But I wish I could be more like him. Maybe it's a guy thing?

Well have a good day and post soon.

Daytona

Gobbie

07-05-2001, 07:16 PM

I've nearly completed this message 3 times now. If I have to leave the screen for a length of time before I've finished (I'm at work), something goes haywire and the message disappears. All that work and nothing to show for it! Maybe the software is trying to tell me something. :devil:

I'm on Paxil, but my therapist said that since it seems to be diminishing in effectiveness, to ask my doctor to change to one of the other meds in the same category (he mentioned BuSpar) because often times that will restart the antidepression effect. He said that all of the meds in that category are notorious for trickling off in their effectiveness after a year or two.

Janney, don't worry about your loss of concentration...the book your therapist has you reading is not the most interesting book in the world unless you can concentrate. I was also told to read it a couple of years ago and I just couldn't do it. My therapist at the time didn't give me a chapter to read, but rather said--read the book and then we can talk about it. HA!

Being off work and homebound for 6 months between last summer and this spring (I'm still on crutches) made me shut down, too. I no longer had the motivation to do anything but watch reruns of old reruns. I remember waking up in the morning and counting how long it would be before I could go back to sleep. It's part of the depression and it will pass. I was lucky to have the same boss for 19 years and so he had no inclination to replace me while I was out. He just hired temps when he needed them. Even with this, having my dog get up on the hospital bed with me or watching her sleep in the chair next to the bed was probably the most helpful thing to my depression.

After I was able to get out, I changed my hair, bought some new clothes, rejoined WW; I've since put together a booklet of motivational pages from Dottie's Diet homepage and I try to make myself read one before diving into the refrig. when it isn't meal time. It doesn't always help, but it doesn't hurt either.

I've had a lot of health problems in the past, almost, two years on top of a lot of personal stress. Sometimes it's just too much effort to even get out of bed. Having someone on this list to talk to really does help and you might have days right now that are very "gray," but remember the days that aren't and work toward that.

I was surfing the net today and I found a neat anxiety page with lots of helpful ideas:
http://www.algy.com/anxiety/relax.html#top

Give the page a looksee and see if anything there appeals to you. I'd love to have your help and anyone else that needs to lose weight. I have about 120 lbs to lose. I've lost 10 so far since I went back two weeks ago to WW, but I'm having a very hard time holding onto motivation. I know I'm letting my personal problems get in the way and producing the "I don't care" loop. Any suggestions anyone? (Now I can't wait to check this board tomorrow and see if my message disappeared again.

Gobbie;)

janney

07-05-2001, 07:20 PM

Hi everyone. Hope you all had a very nice 4th.

I went to my aunt and uncle's house and spent the day. I thought it was going to be very rough. Got myself all worked up about going. Even called and tried to back out of it but my Aunt would not hear of it. Ended up having a very nice day. Best I've had in a long time
:)

What did the rest of you do?

:D Thanks Daytona for the kind and encouraging words. Hope you enjoyed the time with your family. Were you able to stick to your w/w? I was able to stick to my ada plan. It was kind of hard but at least I did. The only bad thing was I didn't get any exercise in. Oh well.....haven't done any today yet either. Maybe later.

Talk to all of you soon.:wave:

Jan

MyGirl

07-06-2001, 03:05 AM

hi everyone,
glad to see most are doing well...remember, one step at a time.

daytona...cookouts...mmmm mmm sounds fabulous

gobbie...hang in there! don't pc's just drive you nuts sometimes?

janney...it's always a pleasure to offer some assistance

I finally got my hands on that book I'd mentioned in an earlier post and I started reading it.

One of the first things that the author recommends is to keep a Journal...she says it's a great way to have a dialogue with yourself...I am planning to do this...as it will be a way for me to put my real and inner-most thoughts on paper...I guessin a way it frees up my mind of all the clutter and all the racing thoughts.

I must admit though I do consider posting here as a kind of journal, where I check in regularly with teh added benefit of being an interactive journal...I get to compare notes with great people! like you guys! :)

Here is some wisdom from the book.

1. Write down your 5 most important accomplishments.

2. Write down your dreams/goals or aspirations - no matter how unattainable they may seem...I like this one because dreams have no boundaries.

3.Do you set boundaries? ie; do I say yes to everything?

This is one I have to work on - I often aim to please others and forget about myself. :?:

That's all for now,
Take care,

MyGirl :wave:

daytona1

07-10-2001, 10:41 AM

Good morning everyone,

How's it going? I been feeling pretty good most of the time. I think I am having hormone problems on top of my anxiety problems, I guess it comes with the age LOL. I have been keeping a journal (very loosley) but I have noticed a pattern to the days I am depressed. I will have to work on that. It doesn't seem fair to have to deal with depression, anxiety, hormones etc. It makes you wonder if you will ever just feel normal again???

Mygirl, you are doing great, are you planning on going back to teaching this fall? We need caring teachers like you so I hope you are able to. I went to the library and requested some of the books listed here so now I am waiting for them to come in. I hate to buy them all as I just don't seem to read them more than once. I will have to resort to buying them if I don't get them soon though. I really like reading inspriational stuff, it lifts my mood and gives me encouragement.

How are you doing Janney? I been thinking about you. Are you feeling even a little better?

Well, I am off to my morning walk and breakfast. I have picked up the pound I lost so I have to stop slacking so much. It is hard with summer and ice cream and cookouts!!

Daytona

Ghis

07-10-2001, 11:47 AM

Hey everyone!

Looks like I can post again! I wonder what this bug was but I could only post topics and not reply! So many times I wanted to contribute to this thread and I could not :(.

The panic attacks are still under control. Since I started the visualisation and the positive thinking, they have been so much better!! I do not take the beta blockers any more as so far I did not find them useful enought.

I wish you all the best and I will try to see if the replies work.

{{Hugs}}

Ghislaine

MyGirl

07-10-2001, 10:52 PM

Hi everyone,
just a short visit today to check in on how you're all doing.

thanks for the encouragement Daytona...i've been feeling a bit better than usual that's for sure! the exercise really does help!
I am heading back to work in the Fall and can't wait to get back into it!

glad you can now reply again Ghis ! we've missed your input.

have to run....errr make that walk...lol
take care,
MyGirl :wave:

daytona1

07-11-2001, 10:02 AM

Hi all,

Just wanted to ask if any of you watched Oprah on Mon.? I didn't see it but my daughter told me it was about anxiety and panic attacks. I went to Oprahs web site and found a lot of info, seems like the show featured a couple authors one was a Phd. Jerilyn Ross her book about anxiety & panic attacks and 8 steps you need to know. There was another book also. Check out Oprahs site!

Looks like another nice day here so I am going to enjoy it by spending a lot of time outside.

Have a calm and relaxing day.

Daytona

MyGirl

07-11-2001, 07:58 PM

Hi Daytona,

yes I did see the show. It featured a couple of people who suffer from panic attacks and how one lady in particular who followed the author's 8 step program was able to overcome her fears - eg; getting into elevators and going out into public places...this is known as graded exposure...ie; going back to the very places that freaked you out, places where you had the panic attack...the idea is to expose yourself to these places a little at a time and then be able to stay there successfully for the whole time.

People talked about their feelings and experiences of having panic attacks.

What I didn't like was the way they put one guest, a guy from a boys singing group on the spot, he was clearly having a bad day and even experiencing panic while there in the studio with Oprah...he was clearly VERY uncomfortable....that made me feel bad just watching him....I thought that part could have been handled a bit better...but maybe that's what they wanted to do to get across the message as to how bad things can get ...I don't know....it's just that it seemed to be at his expense...we all know how BAD we feel during an attack it's very confronting having to watch someone else go through it.

Apart from that, the show was informative. I don't remember the title of the book. I will probably check it out at my local library.

I'll also check out Oprah's site and get back with the details of the book if anyone is interested.

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

MyGirl

07-11-2001, 08:10 PM

Here are the details of the 2 books featured

1. Triumph Over Fear by Jerilyn Ros
she also has a website www.rosscenter.com

2. I'd Rather Laugh by Linda Richman

Cheers,
MyGirl ;)

jennifa

07-12-2001, 07:10 PM

Hey all, hang in there!

I know it has been forever since I checked in but one of my strategies for coping with anxiety is to just be too busy to let it begin.

I noticed that people are recommending books and I have one that is FANTASTIC -
The Fear Book by Cheri Huber.

You'll probably have to order it - just tell the bookstore you are doing some research! :lol:

I hope this helps some of you. Off to more stress,

Jennifa

Gobbie

07-12-2001, 07:25 PM

I know it is probably because I am switching from Paxil to Butrol (sp?), but I start something and I can't finish it before switching to something else. As a result, I've accomplished very little. at work today. I'm also latching onto every possible thing that might go wrong and magnifying it all out of proportion. I have a 10 year old corgi that I love very much, but all of a sudden I am worried about losing her to the tune that I even called my vet and asked what they do if a dog has to be euthanized. (Her mother died of cancer and two dogs I know have died of cancer recently.) My vet said they don't go to the house, but they will give me valium to give her if she has to go in under those conditions so that she won't be stressed. Lord, why would I even think of something like that when she is in perfect health?

And, with all the real problems we've had the past 6 weeks, I keep finding myself saying, "go ahead and eat whatever you want--you deserve it."

Please tell me that things will go back to normal next week when I start the new medication.

Gobbie :(

daytona1

07-12-2001, 11:55 PM

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the book titles MyGirl, I agree that I wouldn't want to be on tv and have an attack. Probably wanted us to see how bad it can get??

Keeping busy is very helpful, sometimes I think I try to hard to stay busy. I just wish I could relax more often. Jennifa, I have heard of that book before but I have still to order it. I went to the library today and 6 of 7 books I requested were in. You all know what I will be doing! LOL

Gobbie, just think of your obession with your dogs death as another symptom of your anxiety. It is so hard to believe how anxiety comes out of us. I am sure once you get on your new meds and it has a chance to work things will improve for you. Remember this is just temporary.

Well have a good night.

Daytona

janney

07-13-2001, 10:13 PM

Hi everyone. Been keeping up on the post but having trouble responding. :( Sorry.

Gobbie, the fear of losing your dog is not uncommon. My cat has a kidney disease and it has given me something to freak out over. That is part of the obsessive compulsive disorder I suffer from. I was told my the doctor and therapist that o.c.d. can go hand in hand with panic/aniexty. I get this overwhelming fear that he is going to die. Even that something will happen in our home while I'm away. It can take me up to 1 or 2 hours, just to leave the house because I fixate on making sure nothing is wrong in the house. I check the stove hundreds of times to make sure all the burners are off and that the oven is off as well. I also check light sockets to make sure nothing is touching them. I check the alarm clocks to make sure they are off. When I'm in the shower, I get out tons of times because I think something terrible has happened to him (my cat). These fears are not logical. Then again, neither is the stuff we think about that causes this panic. The medication I'm on has really helped. I still go through some of it but not near as bad. I'm actually able to leave the house within 30 to 60 minutes now and it's still getting better.

Daytona, thanks for asking about me. I appreciate your support and the support of all the ladies.

I'm still having some problems with the panic and the depression but it is getting better. I noticed a big difference when the doctor increased the celexa from 20 mg to 40 mg a day. We may still have to introduce another but we'll see.

Also, I'm still having trouble with concentrating. I was told that this is normal and part of the depression. It should clear up also;)

I talked to my medical doctor also and he and the pyschiatrist (?) have agreed that I may return to work next month. I asked him because I've been off since the middle of January for medical problems when the depression, panic and o.c.d. came to a head. I heard from an old boss of mine that she has a position in an office that I would be good at. She wanted to know if I'd be interested. I said yes. She would need me to be back to work by the first of August. When I saw my doctor I told him about this. He was thinking a little later than this but I convinced him that I was ready. It has really given me something to work towards.

I even went and had my hair done:) That is something I haven't done since December. Let me tell you....my family was having a fit over all the grey hair:lol: Truthfully looking decent has been the last thing from my mind.

:o Sorry this is soooo long. I just wanted to let you all know that there is definate hope out there. The darkness does fade and light will come in:)

I can't thank you enough for all the encouragement and support. God blessed me big time when I found this group. You are great!!!

:wave:

Jan

daytona1

07-14-2001, 10:32 AM

Hi all,

Wow Janney, things must be looking better for you. When we start to think about our appearence even a little with this type of problems it is a good sign. Are you taking additional meds for your ocd? I saw a show on tv about ocd and it sure is an awful thing to have to deal with. What makes it so hard is you know you are being unrealistic but you still have the thoughts. I think it must be the anxiety that keeps it going? Anyway hope you are able to get back to work and think about other things, maybe that will help even more.

I am going to try and use the smiles next post, they are so cute, I just havn't taken the time to learn how to use them. Have a good weekend everyone.

Daytona

MyGirl

07-14-2001, 08:24 PM

hey everyone,

I was reminded of that lovely song, "it's gonna a bright, sun shiney day..." forget who sings it...sometimes I just love to listen to my favorite songs they help to cheer me up and get me in the right mood for moving forward...maybe I should come up with a list of inspirational songs!

I've been trying to watch my diet and ensure I include more fruit and vegies...my walking has been more frequent these days I haven't lost more than 4 pounds in total but at least I haven't put on any...but it's so easy to fall in to the trap of comfort eating.

I now need to move into the next gear....and really accelerate my weightloss...it's so easy to get caught up in symptoms of anxiety and panic and worry so much about when and if the next attack will happen that I forget about my diet!

So this coming week it is vigorous walking for me every day! :dizzy:

jennifa
it's good to have you back, wow you have been busy! and that has to be a good thing.

gobbie,
give yourself some time to adjust to your new meds...be patient and you will see good results...take it one step at a time.

janney,
glad to hear you are heading back to work soon, that will really help with your self esteem, also when we are busy and concentrating on other things we can change the focus from our anxiety (if only for a little while) and that's a bonus.

daytona,
you are our real pillar of strength...I'm always happy to read your posts...hey, maybe you can do some reviews for the books you're reading.

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

jennifa

07-15-2001, 03:57 PM

Dear all -

You really are a great group.

I am really glad that Oprah and others are enlightening the world about these disorders. There are a lot of
children out there who will benefit. I just hope that we can improve the treatments at the same time. I have
read about exposure response therapy and I think that is driving a lot of people away from getting treatment. I
saw these children with OCD on 60 minutes and what they did to "cure" them made me cry. It was awful.
It reminds me of the "cure a kid smoking by making them smoke an entire carton of cigarettes" logic. No wonder
self help books are so popular. Right now I'm on Deepak Chopra's Perfect Weight book. There is a certain
part that is very interesting - it's how the universe is running not on our own egos but on a kind of dance that
takes place between all the people and things in it. It is humbling but it is also very effective at fighting
that pesky unaware eating that can add so many pounds.

Janney, congratulations on your new job! You can do it. I highly recommend the Fear book. It might help
you find some peace. It isn't "what's wrong with you" based, it's more "here you are in the world, and here's
how you can choose to respond to it". The book is Buddhist-based but not preachy at all. I'm not Buddhist
but it helped me a lot.

MyGirl, thanks for the welcome! Hope you are doing ok.

Daytona, thanks also for your support. It is nice to know you are there. Happy reading! Let us know if you find
anything good.

Hope everybody has a good week!

Gobbie

07-16-2001, 12:10 PM

Good morning everyone,
I'm having so many ups and downs going off of Paxil that I'm beginning to feel like a yo-yo; but right now I'm up! The BuSpar was started this a.m., but they tell me I'll probably feel some effect within 7-10 days and feel much better in 3-4 weeks. I think just the realization that I'm doing something positive gives me the "up" feeling.
I am finally on track with WW. I've rejoined so many times that even WW doesn't know how far back I go. However, each time I've rejoined over the past year, I've let my depression and anxieties take over and just gave up saying, "It's too hard now, I'll do it later." Right! Anyway, I've been going four weeks and skipped one of those. Had a big gain when I checked in Saturday, but I went home and started doing some positive things--cleaning up areas that were adding to my depression; closet, front garden, drawers. Then on Sunday I received a major disappointment and instead of eating my way out, I went back to bed and slept. I had 1/2 a WW breakfast bar and took my meds, then went back to sleep. I started getting hungry and ate a big PREMEASURED lunch, then I read until dinner time. I made a big batch of stirfry and had the one point hot dog and one point hot dog bun for the first time and they were good (shock, shock). Then I still had enough points left over to have several snacks during the evening and yogurt bars. I know my regimen wasn't exactly kosher, but I desperately needed one day that was absolutely faithful to the WW diet. I did it. Now I'm on day 2 and still doing well at journaling--that helps a lot.
Maybe if I can keep this up one day at a time, I'll be able to work my way out of this depression. I'm still counting on the meds to help with the feelings of anxiety that came on when I gave up the Paxil.
This forum has also helped with the "atta girl"'s and all the positive information you give here. Thank you sooooooo much.

How do I get information on how to get a small .jpg icon to use on the left side of these messages? I must have missed that part of the intro. I'm afraid that if I put the file on under "Attach file" I'll have it in the middle of the message or something.
:rolleyes:

daytona1

07-16-2001, 04:59 PM

Hi everyone,

Good job gobbie on staying on w/w for an entire day!! Sometimes you just have to prove to yourself you CAN do it. I am taking Buspar for anxiety and it seems to help me. I noticed the difference in about 4 days, the best thing about it was no major side effects. I heard some people get terrible headaches, I just get a little dizzy about 1/2 hour after I take it. No big deal. Hope you have the same positive results. One day at a time is all any of us can do, it is especially hard for us anxiety ridden types, we want to know everything now, I have very little patience LOL.

Jennifa, I agree we need to put more research into mental health issues, sometimes the cure sounds worse than the illness!! It is great so many big stars like Oprah, Patty Duke, Mrs Gore etc tell us about their problems, it helps to know we are not alone. I am so thankful for these boards as well. I am going to order the Fear Book when I am done here, I have heard so many good things about it.

MyGirl, how is the walking coming? You are right, diet sometimes seems to be the last thing on our minds when we are up set. However, being over weight does nothing toward making me a happier person so I try to remind myself of that when temptation strikes!! I am not always successful with that one.

Janney, I have a Shihtzu (dog) that has kidney disease also, I have to give him IV fluids two times a week, they found out he had this when he was only 1 year old. Good news he is now 3 1/2 years old, so don't let your ocd symptoms cause you undo worry. There is so much vets can do for animals now days, I know your excessive worry is probably part of your ocd but try to remind yourself where the thoughts come from. Is the Celex helping the ocd at all? Maybe you could take something else for that?? I hope you are feeling a bit better. Please post as often as you want, we all need encouragement from each other.

Well, I am off to walk in the 90 degree heat. I will be complaing when it is 0 degrees in a few months.

Daytona

Gobbie

07-20-2001, 07:23 PM

Well, this is try number 3 to post this reply, so I'm going to be short and sweet! I've managed to stay faithful to journaling and within my points diet (WW) for 5-1/2 days. On the 1/2 day I didn't, I was starving and decided to just go ahead and eat what I wanted (it was Swiss cheese which counts 3 points for a 1" cube), toast, and graham crackers. The next day it was back on track. I'm holding my breath, but I hope this is the beginning of something new.

I started my BuSpar on Monday, one day after starting to be good on my diet. I'm waiting for my "chair dancing" video for exercise, but it is so nice to feel good about myself. My son is getting married in November and my svelte 80-year old mother-in-law will be staying with us for at least a week. Between now and November are not enough weeks to lose 200 lbs, but at least I can make a dent in it.

Gobbie

07-23-2001, 04:17 PM

Well, things were so good when I weighed in on Saturday morning with a 4.5 lb. loss and 6-1/2 perfect journaling days that I sort of sluffed off on Saturday night. However, I did go to breakfast with my out-of-state son and his wife at the Cracker Barrel and instead of ordering the usual casserole, I had eggs in a basket and made them bring me Promise instead of the real butter. I didn't remember to bring my own lite creamer for coffee, but I had a skim milk with it and used that for creamer. I was okay until about 5:00 and then the gremlins started. I was eating everything except the dog food, BUT I JOURNALED IT!

So, now it is Monday and another day. Our Baltimore train has finally come out of the tunnel and the fire is out. Next they have to fix the watermain break right in the middle of the city so, traffic is a nightmare. Fortunately, I can come into my work from another direction and avoid the big mess. Breakfast and lunch have been good, but I'm still feeling hungry, so I had some saltines (10=2 points) and coffee. I made some of the WW "0 point soup" and intend to have that with my 2 pt. yogurt bars tonight so that I can bank some points for a planned feast on Wed. I don't know what I'm going to have, but something yummy.

Keep up the walking and all the other positive things everyone is doing. By the way, thanks to the 3FC admin team for giving me the corgi "bunny butt" as my logo. Pembroke Welsh Corgi's don't have tails and since they sort of hop when they run and they wiggle their whole bodies to say "hello" they do resemble red and white bunnies.

Yep, if you haven't figured it out, just talking about my Gobbie makes me feel good.

:angel:

janney

07-24-2001, 01:30 AM

:wave: Hi everyone.

Gobbie, good for you with the journaling and weight loss! That is just great :) Keep up the good work. Sounds like you're getting things into control. That is wonderful!!!!

Daytona, the celexa the doctor has me on is working on the ocd. It is getting somewhat better. He just increased it last week another 20 mg. Now I'm taking 20 mg in the morning and 40 mg at night. It really seems to be helping with everything.

I have only had 2 panic attacks in the last week. That is marvelous for me. The depression is in check as well. I can't believe what a difference in the matter of a couple weeks!!!

I'm looking foward to returning to work on Monday. That is, if I have a job. Seems like the department replaced me. Now I have to wait and see if anything is open. If not, they advised that they would lay me off for up to 6 months and then terminate me. Nice for a 23 year employee that has never been off on disability before. Oh well, I'm just letting what happens happen. Worrying won't help.

I'd like to that you all for your support. You really helped me make it through this. I know I still have a way to go but I can't believe how much better things are.

How are all of you doing?

Have a calm and peaceful day.:cool:

MyGirl

07-24-2001, 02:47 AM

hi,
good to hear that most of you are doing much better...seems that this week is a good one!

I have kept up the walking everyday! I have figured that I tend to walk more when things are going ok emotionally, that's when I feel motivated.

I have now made a commitment to walk everyday no matter what, rain, hail or shine! I have made it part of my routine just like housework and brushing my teeth...it's on my to do list.

I try not to think about it but just do it...walking with music makes it all the more easier!

Today I am not feeling so great I am feeling a bit low but hopefully my walk will help alter my mood a little.

MyGirl :dizzy:

jennifa

07-24-2001, 05:57 PM

MyGirl, good job on the walking! I have been wanting to ride my bike but I'm in training all the time so I don't get home until about 11 pm. Being busy all the time really helps me minimize the anxiety, hope it never catches up with me.

Gobbie, how are you? hope your doggie is ok. He sounds really cute. I have a cat that looks like a pug dog and is an absolute clown. Makes me laugh every day. She thinks she's so tough but really she's a big fat goofball.

Janney, I am so glad things are getting better for you. Hope the job goes ok.

Me, I am terrified of my own thesis topic. Sigh. I should just bang it out. I will take some time off and at least get a good start!

Best to all,

and hey. HOW ABOUT A NEW THREAD??????? this 4 page stuff is not very relaxing!

daytona1

07-25-2001, 11:33 AM

Hi everyone,

Seems like forever since I been on this board. I been on vacation again, and boy it really helps to get a different slant on things. It was hotter than blazes and we hung out at the beach a lot. I did read some of the books suggested here and got a lot of good tips. My weight didn't suffer to much for being gone either. All in all things are good with me.

Janney, I am so glad to hear the meds are working, sometimes it seems like you will never feel like yourself again. Jobs are bad in the fact they want you available when they need you, but if you have a problem it is just too bad and they don't seem to be able to do much to help you out, even if you have worked for them for 20 years or more. Hope everything works out ok for you. Do you have any side effects on celexa (sp) ? Even if you have a few minor ones it sure beats the alternative LOL.

Gobbie, I love the Welsh Corgi, it is adorable. I also have my name after my dog, she is a Shihtzu.

Hi to the rest of our group, post and let us know how you are all doing.

Have a calm day.

Daytona

Gobbie

07-27-2001, 06:44 PM

Daytona--welcome back (and to your two-legged mom, too). Gobbie couldn't help me this week. Our funding officers were coming here today and the entire week has been spent on the phone with caterers, on the computer with lists, talking to other staff for up-to-date info for presentations and, last night, I even stayed late in order to wrap gifts that go with my boss's presentation. I was so tired last night that I didn't even want to talk to my husband. Now that all is done, I am more tired than ever. Diet suffered pitifully, but I hope I'm back on track tomorrow.

Question to those who have taken BuSpar. I've been on it two weeks now--first week was one pill morning and one pill night; 2nd week is one pill a.m. and two pills p.m. I didn't see any positive differences, but maybe it's too soon and I'm too depressed about other things. Here's the problem that I think BuSpar may be contributing to, though: Every night I am waking up within 3 hours of going to sleep and I cannot go right back to sleep. I'm up for an hour or two before I am tired enough again to go to sleep. I read, usually. Last night, as tired as I was, I decided to take a sleeping pill and a pain pill (for neuropathy) at 10:00. Well, I fell asleep about midnight and was wide awake at 4:30 a.m. I'm at work now, but I sure could use a nap. Does BuSpar have the sleep problem in the beginning? My pattern before was falling asleep about 10:30-11:00 and, if I did get up at night to go to the bathroom or something, going right back to sleep until my alarm went off at 6:00. On my days off I would get up at 9ish, eat breakfast, play with Gobbie, then back to bed for a nap. However, I was still tired enough at night to sleep through the night.

I hope this is just a beginning side-effect because if it isn't I'm going to become an addicted TV watcher and novel reader.

Anyway, best of luck to all of you on this weekend and I hope you all have great weather for the exercising programs. Baltimore is in the 70s and 80s for the next 5 days. It's like we've been transplanted to another plane--this is the least humid, least hot, least dry summer I've seen in the 20+ years I've been here. I could learn to love this!!!!

Merridy (Gobbie)
:cool:

daytona1

07-27-2001, 06:57 PM

Hi Gobbie,

When I started Buspar I took 1/2 pill in the am and 1/2 pill at night the first week and the second a whole pill am and pm. I am on 15 milligrams per pill. I had the opposite effect, I could not sleep at all before I started on it, I was to anxiety ridden, it must of helped me sleep better because I started sleeping better after a couple days, maybe it was because I was more relaxed in general. Maybe you could check with your Dr and see if it is a side effect? The only real side effect I noticed was about 1/2 hour after I take it in the morning I get a little dizzy. I know they say wait a couple weeks to see if side effects disapear but when you arn't getting sleep a couple weeks seems like a LONG time. I to took Tylenol pm at night when I couldn't sleep so I know that is ok to do. Hope this helps, by the way, I thought Buspar was an anti anxiety drug, not for depression? Who knows what we are taking LOL.

Daytona

Gobbie

07-27-2001, 07:10 PM

Thanks for the quick response, Daytona. I took Paxil for depression for about 18 months and then it didn't seem to work very well. I started having these "stress" attacks (according to my regular doctor) where I would feel skittish, hungry, etc. I figured I couldn't go through the rest of my life like that, so I saw a therapist. He didn't believe it was stress, but rather a combination of drugs I take for neuropathy. He was apparently right. Then after figuring that out, he said that Paxil and other meds in that class are notorious for not working after a year or two, but if you switch to another med in approximately the same category it will many times jump start the effect and you are back on track (with the new drug) again. He said the good thing about BuSpar is that it many times will inhibit bad behaviors (drinking, overeating) and is used to treat alcoholics successfully. He is hoping it will help me with my dieting problem as well as the depression. I guess we'll just have to see. I go back to see him this coming Wednesday, so we can talk then (after I sleep in all morning) about whether it is the med or just me.

Thanks again...time to go home.

Merridy (Gobbie)