Panic Attacks & Dieting #2

[MyGirl]

Hi everyone,
here we are on a NEW THREAD aleady !!!
After 4 pages and 91 posts and not to mention the 900 plus views it was time for a new post...thanks JEnnifa for the prompt.

Well we have come a long way since my first humble post - little did I know it would turn into such a great support group.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support and encouragement - we're a FABULOUS group!!! ;)


MyGirl :wave:

[jennifa]

Thanks, MyGirl!

Hope you are all having soothing days.

must dash,

Jennifa

[janney]

Hi to everyone.

Daytona: Glad to hear you had a nice vacation. It's always nice to hang at the beach. I find the water very soothing. As for the Celexa, I have had no side effects other than I do get a little tired. That is why in the morning I'm taking 20 mg and at night I'm taking 40 mg. I'll know more once I'm back at work next week:D

My Girl: Thanks for starting this group. You're right...It's an awesome group:cool: Everyone is so supportive and helpful. I truly don't believe I could have gotten through some of this without the group...

Jennifa: Best of luck on the thesis paper. Talk about alot of work. Try to remain calm.

Gobbie: How are you doing?

All else: Have a peace filled day.

You are all :angel:

[daytona1]

Hi everyone,

Wow, a new thread, I guess we needed one. I liked the red smiley face on the first thread, it made us real easy to spot LOL. Can all of you believe it is almost Aug? We need to enjoy these last few weeks of summer as much as possible. I have been walking everyday, but I think I will join a gym in the fall to add more exercise, then maybe I can eat more without gaining wt.

Hey janney, I just noticed you live in MI, so do I, where are you at? I am in a suburb east of Grand Rapids. Good luck on the back to work Monday, I hope all goes well.

Well, I am off to weight watchers to see how much damage the week's vacation had on me.

Daytona

[MyGirl]

hi all,
good to see most of us are on track!

I've been a bit slack with the walking these last couple of days I have to get right back on track on Monday...no excuses I just have to put my over-eating behind me (went out for dinner and forgot about keeping the fat count down :dizzy:

Happy thoughts to all ;)

MyGirl

[jennifa]

Hi all,

MyGirl, I too have been the queen of slack for the last week - not entirely my fault, working a 65 hour week and getting home too late to exercise! But today I got my butt to yoga, then did yard work, THEN rode my bike for 50 minutes. So I figure that yes, I can have those cookies I ate today, but I won't pig out on them and I won't feel guilty about them, either. I really love the bike riding. It is so great to get the huge sky over your head for a while every day. I find that I'm going farther and farther each time I go, so maybe I'll end up doing a big race on my heavy beach cruiser!!!

Janney, I'm really glad your meds seem to be working for you. You were really a mess when you first came to us! Now you are sounding better with every post. Let that seep into your life and bring you some happiness in the steps you've achieved so far. (geez, I sound like my yoga instructor! :lol:)

Daytona, how was the vacation? Don't fret too much if you gained - hopefully you relaxed.

I have to tell you all how much fun you can have at the store. Go to a place where they sell bathroom scales. Then start weighing yourself. I did this last week and got a 30 pound range. I never thought I could be so fickle with my weight! I did find a scale I thought was very cool looking - it's chrome with footprints on it! And I have big feet so it's hard for me to find a scale where my feet aren't hanging off the side, which often changes the weight displayed. Well, who cares. I am eating healthy and my clothes are getting smaller! :dizzy:

[daytona1]

Good Monday morning all,

You sure exercised a lot Jenniffa, a few cookies shouldn't do any damage. Your work week sounds terrible, it's summer time to take it slower! LOL My vacation left me with a 2pd gain, I get so tired of watching what I eat all the time, but the alternative is much worse so here starts another week of eating better and exercising more.

MyGirl, you are not alone with the slacking!! We can all get back on track now right?

Janney, how did the first day back at the job go?

gobbie, are you sleeping any better?

Well have a great day!

Daytona

[Gobbie]

Hi, y'all...
Nope, not sleeping any better, but my doctor just gave me a new sleeping pill to try. We'll see. Someone said they were on Celexa. That was my first medication and I developed diarrhea to the point that I was taking 5-6 lomotil's a day just to be able to go to work. I'm the one that figured out what was going on and insisted on something else. I'd rather be depressed, anxiety ridden, and overeating all at once that go through that again! Anyway, he changed it to Paxil and now that Paxil seems to have lost its effect, we are trying BuSpar. I don't feel any real improvement yet, but I hope I do soon. Well, that's not really true; when I went off the Paxil I began to obsess about my dog's health and she's just as healthy as a young pup. At least I've quit doing that.
I went to see a very funny movie Saturday, "Legally Blond," and afterwards went grocery shopping. Not only did I buy all the right things, I even bought the ingredients to make (cook, believe it or not) several homemade meals and bread. After another night of anxious sleep, I started off the day right, just cooking up a storm. Then I had my first serious argument with my husband (he was "downsized" in May) and after that everything was downhill. I guess I've been walking on eggshells so as not to say something that would hurt his feelings or his ego and when he made a smart remark I just lost it. He tried to make it up later by bribing me with an outing with the dog (twice), but I am still so angry that I just want to interact with him the least amount possible--at least for now. I know this will pass (we've been happily married for 36 years), but not today.

In the meantime, I'm eating cookies, capuchino, and even double portions of the WW potato salad I made. It's a good thing I'm at work or I'd probably just sit in front of the refrig and eat the rest of it.:devil:

Let's hope my scheduled visit to the therapist will help more than my "happy pills" as my husband calls anything in the category of Paxil or BuSpar.

Please, please, please keep up the wonderful success stories--even if the success is only an hour or an event at a time. I come away from reading these posts with so much happiness and so much encouragement.

:spin:

[MyGirl]

HI everyone,
so far so good, I have been back on the treadmill and have worked up my time to a grand total of 40 minutes!!!
Now let me tell you ladies that this has been my biggest achievement to date!! :D

About 3 months ago I could barley do 20 minutes without feeling like I was going to pass out, now I can't believe the change in my stamina I can actually sustain a fast pace for a decent amount of time!

My philosophy has to be that even if I occasionally fall off the horse I just have to get right back on and keep going. It's the same with my anxiety some days will be better than others.

Take care
MyGirl :wave:

[daytona1]

Hi all,

Gobbie, don't let your hubbys mood cause you to eat, I know it is easier said than done, but you are the one who will have to diet even longer to get that weight off!! I to am an emotional eater, so I know how hard it is to stay in control when life gets us up set. You can do it girl, just take it one day at a time and get back on the wagon asap! The movie is one I want to see also. I did see Americas Sweethearts, I liked it, but wasn't overly impressed by it. Maybe it was the mood I was in, I just paid $2.65 for a small diet Pepsi !!!! From now on I bring my own can of pop. I refer to my BuSpar as my happy pills also, but if it works what the hey? I am actually going off the meds, the Dr said I could after 3-6 months if I wanted to so here it is 4 months later and I been feeling pretty good so I am going to try it. I can always re start if I need to. I sure won't hesitate to go back on if I start feeling lousy again.

MyGirl, way to go with the treadmill!!! That is real inspriation. Don't you just feel great? I had the same feeling when I started lifting wts for my arms, I had to start with 1 pound wts and after 6 months I was using 8pds!! Makes you feel so proud of yourself doesn't it?

Janney how is the back to work going for you?

Jennifa, the scale story is a hoot! Only a fellow weight watcher can relate, I did the same thing about 9 years ago. I still can't believe how different each sacle weighs you, I for one go with the lowest weight as being most reliable! LOL Don't be to hard on yourself, if you are working 65 hours in a week when do you think you have time to exercise? Maybe things will slow down a bit soon.

Well, I have now written a novel so have a calm and relaxing day everyone.

Daytona

[aphil]

Hi ladies,
I have a lot of threads on this forum, and have been fighting the battle of the bulge all my life. I am currently trying to lose the weight from my 3 month old son.
The title of this thread really got to me, and I thought maybe you could help me. I have been doing a lot of research on the web, and beleive I may have OCD-obsessive compulsive disorder. When people think of this, they think of people who wash their hands 15 times, or like Jack Nicholson in "As Good As It Gets" where he wouldn't step on cracks or let people touch him. In most cases, it is not that easily recognizable. I realize now I had symptoms that I have had since I was a child-but it has seemed to escalate since I became pregnant with my first child-which I know now is not uncommon? If you use your search engineyou can find a lot of links that will help you learn more about it.
My obsessions seem to center around placement and symmetry of items, especially knick-knacks in the home, and counting and checking things. I have only recently realized I had a problem, and am getting ready to start therapy. It is also common for people with OCD to suffer panic attacks and depression, because the same metabolic things in the brain cause these things.
If you don't understand-for instance-I have an obsession with symmetry and placement of articles-so when I see things out of order or crooked I get anxious, and have to fix it. My husband can come home from the store and put groceries away, and I will go behind him and rearrange everything. I can't stand pictures to be crooked, and have actually straightened them in other people's homes when noone is looking. I also obsess with forgetting something, so when I get ready to go to the store, I check the money in my purse anywhere from 2-6 times before I get there, even though noone has been in my purse. I packed and unpacked my hospital bag for my son's birth 2 or 3 times a week, rearranging and making sure I didn't forget something-even thoughwe live a block from the hospital.
I encourage you all to learn about this from the web, and I will study about what you all are going through, and maybe we can all help each other-with our weight and our anxiety disorders.
Lots of Love,
Aphil

[daytona1]

Hi everyone,

I miss hearing from all of you. We have to be more active on our board so we don't lose touch.LOL Welcome aphil, you will find us a supportive bunch. Isn't it nice to have the net to find info on and then we also have found each other. For me it helps knowing I am not alone in my struggles.
Are you getting ready to go back to school Mygirl? Janney, we havn't heard from you since you went back to work, let us know how you are doing.
This week I am going to try and stop overeating, it is getting to be a habit and I better stop or I will be paying to go to w/w. My exercise is pretty constant mostly just walking but in this 90 degree heat that is all I can stand to do.

Hope things are going well for all of you.


Daytona

[cricket]

Hi everyone! My name is Trinity. I don't know if I suffer from panic attacks. It was never said that is what they were. I have been suffering a lot of stress at work lately for the past couple of months and (without medicine) suffered some "breakdowns" where I would just bust out crying because things got too overwelming. Not good. So, I went to the doctor and he put me on Effexorr. After being on that for about 4 weeks, I called the doctor again because it just made it worse. Now I have crying outbursts about 2 - 3 times a day and I feel like I cannnot quit or control my emotions. I don't like the way that feels. So, the doctor told me that I couldn't quit taking the Effexorr cold turkey and gave me a sample pack to take to wheen myself off of it and then he gave me that Cellian (spelling??). We shall see how that works. It looks like there are a great group of people here. I look forward to hearing from you and any input. This is the first time in my life where I have had anything like this happen to me.

[MyGirl]

hi everyone,

welcome trinity and aphil , nice to have you here! :)

trinity,
my advice to you is to get a proper diagnosis - this is crucial and then you can move forward from there, even get a 2nd opinion if it makes you feel more comfortable. Stress management would be a good way to go, I'm thinking longterm here. Is there someone at work you can talk to about the way you feel? That would help a lot.

aphil,
my advice to you is to also get a proper diagnosis - many symptoms mimic others. If it is OCD then from my reading and experience with anxiety. I also have this habit of straightening things out pictures included, counting and also if tidying things up...but it doesn't bother me too much. I know that this can manifest itself in ppl like us and yes we ARE special :cool:
Look on the bright side OCD has to have the best side effects, everything is always in its place and neat! lol :^:

daytona,
good to hear you're on track, you always offer us refreshing encouragement..thanks, yes I'm getting myself ready for work...mentally and physically (I hope).

gobbie,
I can certainly relate to your story about husbands...don't we just love them, gosh there are times when my patience is really tested with him and then there are other times when I am content just to be with him and I thank God for these precious moments! :love:
Oh boy I'm getting all schmaltzy I'll fog up my screen...lol

jennifa,
glad to hear your clothes are getting smaller that must make you feel so great! congratulations!

Have a great week
Take care and lots of lurrrve lurrrve lurrrve to you all.

MyGirl

[jennifa]

Hello all, and welcome Aphil and Trinity.

I think the most comforting thought is that there is no such thing as normal! You can prove it if you really try.

Had a bad week but I'm trying to salvage at least some decent attitude for next week. Hope you all are feeling well.

Jennifa

[MyGirl]

Hi everyone,
happy thoughts and vibes to you all. I just got a moment to myself and have sat down with a nice cup of cammomile tea with some honey (mmm it tastes so good ) so hopefully I can relax a little while I sit here writing to you guys.

These past few days I haven't walked a lot but I have watched my fat intake as best as I can and have dine heaps of housework. I haven't gained any weight either which is great.

My anxiety is getting me down a little though - I have been feeling a bit more jittery than usual but have perservered with my daily duties, I'm still driving (thank goodness for that) and getting out and about but with a definite feeling of unreality and real tiredness.

I read somewhere about the importance of good nutrition when coping with anxiety and it's so true, what I eat affects my mood.
Next week I am booking myself in for a massage - I need one badly! Hopefully I can make it a regular habit and not get to the point where I am desperate and all hyped up before I need one again.

Jennifa,
I have to agree with you - about no such thing as normal and there is certainly no such thing as perfect I have found out too.

Take care everyone - enjoy your weekend!

MyGirl :wave:

[MyGirl]

I was going thru some old magazines and found this great article on food that helps to beat stress, thought I'd share them with you all.

bananas
extraordinarily good food to keep on hand. Stress hormones tend to strip the body of magnesium, leaving tired and weak. Bananas are rich in magnesium, they also contain potassium and tryptophan, essential amino acids that produce serotonin (the brain's feel good chemical).

cammomile
good remedy for insomnia and nightmares. It is so gent;e that, in diluted form it can even be given to babies. It is also a tonic that supports the adrenal and other endocrine glands. As an essential oil cammomile can be sprinkled onto a handkerchief for a calming fix.

milk
contains amino-acid tryptohans, necessary for formation of serotonin.

lavender
excellent for easing tension headaches and as a strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A drop of lavender essential oil on your pillow can gently send you into a natural sleep. Dried lavender leaves can be made into a tea and sipped thru the day.

Of course there are many more but these were the ones I liked most (and had teh timeto type out)
hope this is helpful

MyGirl

[jennifa]

Hi MyGirl, glad you are back! Thank you for the wonderful post with the helpful foods and herbs. May I add that there are herbal eye pillows you can get with chamomile and lavender oils in them. I really like them.

It's good to get out and see people and how NOT normal they are! I have to take issue, though, with your comment about perfect - I think the folks on this thread are as close as you can get! :lol:

Feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, but the good news is I'm actually and FINALLY losing weight. The measuring tape confirms it; lost 3 inches off the waist and 2 off the hips. Woo hoo! I'm on the Perfect Weight (Chopra) thread if anybody wants to check it out. I also stick a bit with the WW program, but it's more of whatever I want, which is nice!

Chamomile tea sounds great! Never heard of lavender tea, but will look for it next time I shop.

Jennifa
216/197/170

[daytona1]

Happy Monday everyone,

Well, I been off the Buspar for a week now and so far so good. My counslor thinks it is ok I went off it as I can always go back on. Hopefully I won't have to. I am trying more natural things like the stuff MyGirl mentioned and of course positive thinking. My weight continues to be an issue, I find myself falling into comfort eating every once in a while so that has to stop. This week I am trying to exercise more and make better food choices.
Way to go Jennifa on losing weight, sometimes it seems like it will never happen!! MyGirl thanks for the info,we need all the help we can get.
Hi to everybody else who we havn't heard from in a while. Have a relaxing and peaceful day.

Daytona

[MyGirl]

hi all just dropping in quickly!

daytona,
good to hear you're off the buspar! hang in there you can get past this without the meds...good idea to try going off them.

don't worry too much about your weight loss effort waning this feeling will pass, trust me and you will approach it with renewed enthusiasm, sometimes we need the lows to make the highs even better!

I found this site recommended on another thread, it's vegetarian and some vegan recipes but all are low fat! there are so many recipes and categories to choose from, everything from soups, salads to desserts! check it out www.fatfree.com

I haven't made anything from it yet, I am still searching thru all the great recipes.

have fun & stay happy! :lol:

MyGirl

[Gobbie]

I haven't been on for about 10 days, but thought I'd try to catch up while my boss is away. The thread would only let me see through 7/25 (yes, I'm on the 2nd thread) and if I tried to go forward it would tell me there are no further entries. It also wouldn't let me see the options that are usually printed at the bottom of the page. Maybe it's just me!

I just wanted to check in, though, and get my group motivation going. I've been on BuSpar for a few weeks now, but I really don't know that it is helping a whole lot--at least not any more than Paxil was when my anxieties and depression began to be more than it was. I think it is because of all the diet and non-diet stresses, though. I can't expect miracles because most of the stresses have to be dealt with one-by-one. I'm trying, but the most important stress, my weight, seems to be the most difficult one to get under control.

I just received my "Chair Dancing" tapes and they look very interesting and certainly "doable."

Well, it's time for my lunch and I'm starved. I actually have a good, healthy WW lunch today--including the WW zero-point soup.

Take care everyone,

Merridy in Baltimore
:smug:

[janney]

:wave: Hi Everyone. How are all of you doing?

Welcome to the newest members, Aphil and Trinity. Good to have you on board with us. Aphil, don't hesitate in seeing a doctor regarding the OCD. There are varying forms of it. I suffered from it for a very long time. I was embarrassed by it and didn't say anything. Then I had some family members come stay with me for awhile and they noticed some of the unusual behavior. It wasn't until some health problems crept up and I started having panic attacks and severe depression that I told my doctor about the OCD. He told me had I of come forward along time ago with this information, we may have been able to ward off some of the panic or at least the severity of it.

Trinity, you too need to see a doctor. Panic is nothing to mess with. It can turn your whole life upside down if you don't get treatment and counseling for it. I can't tell you how much better I am today because of the treatment and counseling. I didn't ever think I'd feel this way again.

Hi all. sorry I haven't been posting. Actually, this is the first time I've even read since I went back to work. I start back with the same company but in a new position and at a new office. It's about 40 miles away. I've been working about 12 to 16 hours a day. My therapist probably won't be too happy with me when she finds out. She warned me about going in too fast. I really don't have much of a choice at the moment. This is what the company needs.

I've been feeling well other than extremely tired. I see my doctor tomorrow and then the Phyciatrist (?) Weds morning before work to go over the Celexa. It really is helping me alot. The last time I saw him he increased it to 20 mg in the am and 40 mg in the pm. It's been a miracle for me. Like night and day. I can't believe I'm the same person. I've only had 1 attack in over 3 weeks. Praise GOD!!!! No more crying either.

I noticed a few were struggling. I keep you in my prayers. Just remember there is light at the end of these awful tunnels:)

Best get going for now. It's after 1:00 am and I have to be up at 5:00 am for work.

Daytona, I live outside of Richmond on the east side. Hope all is well with you. Great news about being off the Buspar. You go girl!!!!

Mygirl, Thanks so much for the food info. It was very informative. How's it going with you? Sorry to hear you have been jittery lately. Will keep you in my prayers.

Jennifa, Wonderful news on the weight loss. That is fantastic.

Gobbie, Hang in there. You will see better days ahead.

I just want to thank all of you. I can't believe I'm the same person who wrote the first message I wrote. With your help and companionship, I've made it through. I'm just happy to be able to really smile again and actually feel it. The weight loss is also starting to happen. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a great group of people:cool:

Jan

[Gobbie]

I'm working at home today and that always puts me in such a good mood. I can see the sunshine and leaves blowing in the breeze through the tree outside my computer room window. My dog, Gobbie, is sound asleep at my feet.

It is nearly lunch time and yesterday I bought some great things to help me stay legal. I have shrimp, Roman Meal Sun Grain bread (1 pt. per slice), and some 2-pt. yogurt bars. Tonight we are going over to my son and his fiance's house for a Chinese dinner. I've already figured out the points for several different choices.

As soon as I finish this note (while I'm watching Magnum PI on TV) I'm going into the other room and do the "Chair Dancing" tape. I wanted to do that before lunch. This will be my first (absolutely FIRST) real attempt to begin an exercise program and keep it up. As always my goal is to be able to walk Gobbie outside and go back to obedience training with her. I figure if I start losing the weight, that goal will surely come faster--broken ankle, replaced hips, arthritis, etc.--regardless of what I have to deal with on the way to the goal.

Daytona: Congratulations on going off the BuSpar. I just went on it, so I am looking forward to having the success you had.

Oh, yes, before I forget. I wrote last week when I was really depressed about having an unusual argument with my husband. However, all is well now and we are back to understanding each other.

Trinity: Sure sounds like you have anxiety attacks and just plain stress attacks. Please keep working with your doctor; eventually you will find the right combination. In the meantime, this group is really great. I remember years ago, before I began to understand what stress was, I actually cried watching "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" when he was being threatened by the evil ogre. I had my 6 & 9 year old sons watching it with me. I think that was when I first began to realize how bad things were in my head. My kids are now 30 and 35 and I've learned a lot since then, but that doesn't always mean that I've kept my sanity. At times it is overwhelming, but when I feel that way, I know I need a time out and either see the doctor, my minister, or both and talk it out. The meds help me through bad periods, like I am having now, and I believe in having all the help I can get when I really need it.

Aphil, I know about your disorder and feel very sorry for your constant distress. I also know that this is not something you can battle by yourself. It must be very difficult on your entire family watching you fight this problem (or giving in to it). Congratulations for taking the bull by the horn, doing the research, and seeking therapy. I hope you stay with this group while you try to overcome this problem (and begin losing the baby weight).

MyGirl, with your success on the treadmill, I will be using you as my hero while I start my own exercise program. Thanks!

Well, now that I've probably used up all the word length allowed this entire group, I'm headed into the other room. Wish me luck on keeping my head and goals in sight.

Hugs to all of you,

Merridy in Baltimore
& Gobbie ("I'm on a diet now, too, so I'll help you out mom. Lots of pumpkin and carrots. Yum!)


:s: :p

[jennifa]

Gobbie:

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Janney, thank you for the words of wisdom (WOW)! Sometimes I think the things we write on here are more helpful than we can imagine.

MyGirl, how are you doing? I hope everything is going well with you.

Aphil, have you decided to see someone yet? It is a tough decision.

Daytona, hope your weigh-in went well.

Trinity, how are you doing? Please check in.

As for me, I'm amazed at how much of a factor stress is in the day to day mood indicators. I am proud of myself for sticking to my plan; I did have a setback last night, but it wasn't anywhere even close to the volume of food that I used to have. I bought some of those little Pyrex bowls that all the cooks use for ingredients on TV. Turns out they are sometimes too big for all the snacking you really wanted. Back OP today, and enjoying it, and wishing you all the same.

Jennifa

[MyGirl]

hi all,

just a quick note

thanks for the words of encouragement jennifa and gobbie.

I'm going to be away from my computer for the next few days, feels weird I know so thought I'd let you know that I am doing ok life is much better now-a-days!

I have to keep up my walking routine.

See you soon

MyGirl :wave:

[daytona1]

Hi everyone,

MyGirl, you are right about wt loss, sometimes the effort doe's wane but I usually do get back my enthusiasm!! Thanks for the vegetarian site. Glad you are keeping up the walking - all exercise helps. Post when you get back, are you taking a little break before school starts?

Gobbie, Dealing with stress has to be done one thing at a time or it will over whelm you into doing nothing. Just remember every little success- a food not eaten, a few extra steps, better choices on a menu brings you cl9oser to your wt loss goal. Be kind to yourself. I like the ww zero pt soup, do you? How is the chair dance tapes going? Don't you just love your dog? I would be lost without mine, they are so much company.

Janney, I was glad to see you back and in real good shape as well, congrats, you have come so far. I can't believe 12-16 hour days??? Just be careful you don't stress yourself out to much!

Jennifa, I agree, stress has a major effect on my daily moods. Good for you sticking to your plan. Even when you blow it now it doesn't seem to be as bad as before- at least it is like that for me since I been dieting. Good job.

I am still off the Buspar and things seem to be good. I really think this board has a lot of healing factors. It is wonderful to hear from all of you and share our successes and concerns.

Have a relaxing and fun day.

Daytona

[MyGirl]

HI everyone,
how are we all doing? I am happy to say that these days I have been moving past my anxiety with amazing ease, I am not on any medication and the changes in me have been encouraging!

I really believe that having the anxiety had helped me to refocus and to really appreciate the small (and big) things in life. I no longer take things for granted and have learned to take time for myself! Now that didn't come easily especially from someone who was so used to putting herself last!

It has been a re-awakening if you like, almost a reminder from God for me to stop the craziness I was in of overworking (12 - 14 hours a day) and hiding from reality...I guess this was my way of coping and trying to deal with the anxiety, but in the meantime I also began to put on weight, things snowballed and now here I am !

I have come full circle and life has a way of doing that. I am not cured yet but I have made so much progress, have gained a huge understanding of what it means to be really anxious and what it means to be in the throws of a panic attack...and only people who have had panic attacks know what that feels like.

I owe a lot of my progress to YOU all. They say a problem shared is a problem halved right? well judging by this thread the problem has been didvided by at least 8-10? lost track of how many of us there are here. (hmmm...I'll have to check that out later).

I really do appreciate you all...this is my special "me" time to relax and pour out my soul and occasionally offer some advice.

This week I plan to do a few things for myself eg; get my hair done, walk, get pampered at a day spa and just curl up reading my favorite romance novel.

Here's to a wonderful week everyone!
Take care,
MyGirl ;)

[daytona1]

Hi everyone,

Wow you are well on the road to recovery MyGirl, congrats, isn't it nice when the anxiety becomes more in the back of your mind and not always controling your every thought?? I too am happy to say things are good. We went away for the labor day weekend, we had intentions of walking the Mackinaw bridge but the weather didn't make it possible!! I am afraid of heights anyway so just as well. Are you back teaching? My weight isn't too bad, just up a couple pounds so I am trying to get back in control before the holidays are here. Fall is my favorite time of year so I will be out enjoying the weather.
Where are all the rest of our group? Hope everyone is doing great, must be we are all doing a lot better, we arn't posting near as much. I will take that as a good sign.

Have a great weekend and post soon.

Daytona

[MyGirl]

Hi everyone!

Guess you all must be doing great that explains the fewer posts.

Hi Daytona,
nice to hear from you - yes I am doing a bit better, thank God, but my weight still needs some attention...my walking has been good but my healthy eating not so great, I can't stick to a low fat eating plan for too long...:mad: I am much too tempted by all the goodies surrounding me...and I lose control or just conveniently forget my goal. I tend to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of the bigger picture....yikes I feel so weak sometimes!

I'm back at school...I missed it more than what I thought!

I was thinking of joining WW (again) but my real problem is being committed 100% I usually start off fine and then drop off after
2-3 weeks - I start to deviate from my plan!

Anyway one thing is for certain, I won't ever give up trying.

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

[MyGirl]

Just pulling up our thread! How are you all?

I'd love to hear from you.

MyGirl :wave:

[jennifa]

Hi MyGirl,

Have a limited time connection so must make this fast. I hope you and everyone else on this thread are doing ok
in light of what happened last week. I am not doing so well and have to do everything several times over again
just to get anything done. I don't understand what would cause such hatred against another human being. I don't
think I want to understand. It is unfortunate that our help resources are all so overwhelmed. Hope you all can
take a little at a time and trust that there is good and love in the world, we just have to realize it and spread it
around as much as we can.

Jennifa

216/losing steadily/170

[daytona1]

Hi everyone,

Wow we are not posting much lately. Thanks MyGirl for bringing our thread up to the top. We could get lost LOL. I been doing pretty good, some tense moments now and again, my 17 year old daughter is giving me problems. She just doesn't understand why I would rather not have her attend a rock concert in Chicago on Fri. The fact that she is only 17 and they would have to stay over night and the two guys she is going with and the other girl love to drink and of course are legal age to do so. KIDS!!!! Anyway, after being through what I have been I try real hard to not let anything get me back to that point. Sometimes it is easier said than done. On a brighter note I have a litter or Shihtzu puppies and they are a lot of fun and so cute!! Hope everyone is doing well and hope you are able to post more often.

Daytona

[Gobbie]

Hi, everyone~
It sounds like everyone is trying to get back to normal. I live in Baltimore, so the only thing we are trying to get used to is the building of baracades around the police department and at times there were policemen standing on street corners with submachine guns. It's calming down now.
I went to church to have my picture taken for the next directory and it was a real shock to see myself as I really am. I look in the mirror and only see parts of me--the parts I want to see--and the rest becomes invisible. Now I see what others see and suddenly I realize that in 8 weeks my son is getting married and there will be lots of pictures. So, I have a lot of work to do.
I'm nearly convinced that BuSpar is contributing to my weight gain (just what I need), so I'm putting it to the test this week by being 100% faithful to WW and to journaling. If I have a gain or I stay the same, then I know the meds are working against me and I'll have to figure something else out for the anxiety attacks when I am not on an antidepressant. It has helped me through this past week a lot. I found out that my youngest son will be going to Beirut, Lebanon in two weeks for his new job. He'll be writing a proposal, not doing any kind of government or military work, but I'm still very worried. Especially since the terrorists must be feeling invincible after the disasters they created last week. In fact, he was turned down for kidnapping insurance yesterday. Just what a mother wants to hear!
However, there is some good news. My doctor approved my getting rid of the crutches as I feel ready. After a year on them, though, I still need them for distances of more than a block or so. I can now walk around the office or home without the crutches, so that will be positive exercise. Now I have to figure out a way to be more committed to my "Chair Dancing" video. It is a good way to exercise, but it is still exercise and my mindset
is definitely not in favor of it. I will make myself do it, though, if I can just show some weight loss this Saturday.
Talk to you all later,

:) :^:

[jennifa]

Hi all, how are you doing?

Gobbie, what does PWC stand for?

Daytona, you are so lucky to be surrounded by puppies!!! Especially such cute ones. I am reminded of the movie "Best In Show" - quite a laugh... Fred Willard was great in that.

I'm starting to feel a bit better but am still enraged. :mad: Trying not to eat my way through.

Jennifa

[daytona1]

Hi everyone,

Glad to see more posts. I am still not sure I believe what happened on the 11th, it sure sounds like it will not be resolved in a timely mannor. You do have to wonder what makes people tick???

Jennifa, try not to let it cause you to over eat, I know it is hard when you are an emotional eater. I can totally relate. I just try to ask myself how will this help me feel better then think of something else I enjoy as much as eating. I havn't found anything yet LOL but I am trying.

Gobbie, I had hoped the Buspar would help you as much as it has me. But don't give up, there are lots of other anti depressant meds out there. You shouldn't have to put up with one that has wt gain as a side effect. Have you tried Celexa? I have a friend on that and she has had no problem with wt gain. She is also a fellow dieter. I may not have the spelling right on that drug.


Have a good day.

Daytona

[MyGirl]

HI everyone,
I had some trouble logging these past couple of weeks but here I am !

ok have done some soul searching during this time and mustered up the courage to join WW (again) after a long break of a few years. It is a testimony to the fact that I have been feeling a lot better and coping with my anxiety - it's not gone yet but I am working on it.

I am in my 1st week of WW and so far not too bad, weigh in is at the end of the week and that will be my moment of truth!

I am not obsessing about following teh plan 100% I can't so I allow myself to divert occasionally that's just me.

I'll check in again soon.

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

[daytona1]

Hi all,

How's everyone doing? Good idea joining weight watchers now MyGirl, it will help you get through the holiday season thats fast aproaching! I try to ignore it but all the stores insist on promoting stuff so far in advance. I still been struggleing with those last 2-3 pounds but I am working at them. Seems like I lose a half gain 3/4's etc but at least I am not gaining all the time. My anxiety is under control at the moment, if anything this has taught me it is to really appreciate feeling "normal" LOL.

Where are all our other posters? Maybe they don't know the board is back up and running?

Well have a great day and enjoy the fall weather. I am getting out and walking now that the rain has stopped.


Daytona

[MyGirl]

Hi everyone,
had my first weigh in at WW today and I actually lost weight! Yipeee!!!! only 2.2 pounds but hey that's a start in the right direction - I couldn't believe that I had lost any weight especially since I had to go out during the week and did deviate from the program.

I was so pleased with my weightloss that I promised myself that I would get a haircut (new style) to celebrate and I did. My confidence booster was a double whammy today...oh btwI had some time just before my haircut so I walked the entire length of the mall!!!! I was a bit apprehensive but I managed it and was so proud of myself.

Now all I have to do is keep up the momentum for next week!

Take care,
MyGirl :wave:

[daytona1]

Hi MyGirl,

Wow! now that is the kind of success I love to hear about. Two plus pounds is wonderful, just remember it doesn't come on 2 to three pounds at a time so that is fantastic!! I think my biggest problem with losing wt was having to realize just a 1/4 here and 1/2 there got me to where I didn't want to be! Walking the length of any mall is a big undertaking when you are prone to anxiety. That was a great idea getting a new hair cut, sometimes we need to reward ourselves. Do you wear your hair long or short? Mine is about shoulder length and straight. I do get it colored every 6 wks, have to keep the grey away LOL.

The weather has turned to fall here, cold and rainey, but I still try to walk each day for my exercise. How are you doing on yours? Well I am off to my ww meeting so have a good weekend.

Daytona

[MyGirl]

hey daytona,
good to hear from you again!

Thanks for the encouragement you always have the nicest and most positive things to say - I really appreciate that.

My walking is not as frequent as it was a couple of weeks ago so I have to get that going - pronto!

I wear my hair shoulder length and yes I have to get it colored often too - darn grey hairs!

I went a bit overboard with the rewards though - I even bought myself a couple of pairs of shoes and a nice new novel to read "Open House: by Elizabeth Berg - it was one recommended by Oprah's Book Club - and I am one of Oprah's biggest fans so I couldn't resist! Just being able to go out and shop is a real treat for me especially when I think back to how bad I was earlier this year - I still feel apprehensive at times but I make myself move forward it is the only thing that keeps me going. :^:

Oh btw, I think I might have to start a new thread soon this one is also getting long...lol, what a good problem to have.

Take care,
MyGirl :wave: