Question:

Hi all, I’m having a rough time at the moment.   My diabetes has spiralled out of control again because I’ve been really sick these past few weeks – diahorrea and sickness every single day for weeks (I caught it off my in laws) and my bg’s have helped me at all. I had a packet of crisps the other day and the salt and vinegar was so strong that it burnt my tongue (or that’s what it feels like anyway – now for some reason it looks like my tongue is cracking up.  Similar to a tongue fissure (if you check out pics on google) but definitely not half as bad. I get candida quite a bit due to my asthma pump – and I believe that it can be caused through that – I’ve been taking it quite a bit more due to my mum who has started smoking around me again. Now the tongue is getting me down, my tummy bug is getting me down – and I still can’t take the 3 Metformin that I’m supposed to because it makes me violently ill, so i’m still stuck with the 2.  The specialist has told me that he won’t give me anything else because "I’m not trying hard enough with doc said that I need to take it slowly because taking them straight away (upping the dose too quickly) will trigger off the bad depression again. I feel like I’m falling apart.  I’m ashamed to open my mouth to talk because I don’t want people seeing my tongue (although according to Andy & Mum it’s not half as bad as I think it is).  And I’m scared to eat or drink properly because I don’t want my bg’s going up anymore. I’ve stuck to a good plan today – 1 cup of green tea, 3 small chicken wings (for breakfast), 2 oz of bulgar wheat, topped with low fat mince with herbs etc, and for tea I’m having smoked salmon and salad.  I’m hoping it will help to get the bg’s down as I can’t cope with them being all over the place. I haven’t had time to relax either – my hubby lost his job (made redundant) a month ago and he’s been going to agencies etc, getting interviews and I’ve been trying to bring money in to pay bills, it’s a hard struggle on your own!  He’s done the odd week on agency but the whole situation has got me down.  I’m also organising a 25th wedding anniversary party for his parents and I’ve had no help.  I’m run off my feet.  My back is so bad now that I can’t walk about much – and I asked mum to get the crutches out the loft for me to use but even that seems too much trouble.  I’m down and although I’m Can anyone suggest a decent health tonic to boost me up a bit.  I tried Effico but it’s too sweet so that defeats the object! TIA Jackie T

Response:

I get candida quite a bit due to my asthma pump – and I believe that it can be caused through that – I’ve been taking it quite a bit more due to my mum who has started smoking around me again.

Meant to say that it’s not bad candida – it’s only due to long term use of corticosteroids (in my asthma pump)

Response:

Hi all, I’m having a rough time at the moment.   My diabetes has spiralled out of control again because I’ve been really sick these past few weeks – diahorrea and sickness every single day for weeks (I caught it off my in laws) and my bg’s have helped me at all.

Hi Jackie, have you been breaking mirrors?  :-) Can’t help with much, but I did see something on TV which had a tongue that was ‘cracking up’ in the centre. I think it was on ‘You Are What You Eat’ last week, and the expert said that a cracking up tongue could be due to a lack of a certain vitamin. I think she said it was a lack of Vitamin B. I don’t know off-hand where to confirm which vitamin, I tried the Channel 4 website, but all I got was a chance to buy the book. So, not exactly a totally helpful answer, but perhaps a useful pointer. Good luck. Nigel T2 D&E

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I’m having a rough time at the moment.   My diabetes has spiralled out of control again because I’ve been really sick these past few weeks – diahorrea and sickness every single day for weeks (I caught it off my in laws) and my bg’s have helped me at all. Hi Jackie, have you been breaking mirrors?  :-) Can’t help with much, but I did see something on TV which had a tongue that was ‘cracking up’ in the centre. I think it was on ‘You Are What You Eat’ last week, and the expert said that a cracking up tongue could be due to a lack of a certain vitamin. I think she said it was a lack of Vitamin B. I don’t know off-hand where to confirm which vitamin, I tried the Channel 4 website, but all I got was a chance to buy the book. So, not exactly a totally helpful answer, but perhaps a useful pointer. Good luck.

Cheers Nigel, I’ve got that book on it’s way tbh – so I hope that there’s something about it in that! I already take a B6 tablet in the morning – I’m doing a search on what actual B vitamin it is on google too. My mum said it could be due to the crisps burning my mouth (like trauma to the mouth) or indeed vitamin deficiency. I’m going to try some Vitamin B (I know I’ve got a bottle somewhere!!!!!) Fingers crossed! Jackie T

Response:

I always find the best way for me to pick myself up is to try and find some time for just me, half an hour here .. an hour there …. works wonders. If i feel crap, then i usually am crap if that makes any sense. You’re probably not gonna want to hear this as it comes from someone who has a history of being an unsociable self centred git but here goes; If you want to sort out your problems you need to get to a point in time where you can deal with only your problems. If that means that you have to cancel a few things to do this then that’s what you’re going to have to do. I know you have special things to organise and life just ain’t no fun but neither will yours be if you don’t manage to get yourself sorted in yourself. Explain clearly to those who you might affect by cutting back on a few things that due in no small part to your current health problems, you need to give yourself some time to get better, the ones you love will think no worse of you when you explain that if they want to see you around to organise some more events in a few years time they really need to give you this time NOW. I understand your dillemma with the job, but the 25th for rme would just have to bite the bullet. That should allow you to concentrate on working to keep the house and family going. If your husband has free time and is not busy with interviews, draw up a list of things that he can do to help you out so that you have more time to relax or wind  down, if that doesn’t go down well … try and involve him in your day to day routine and also in your care if you can so that he understands and shares what you’re going through. Sometimes it helps just to have someone around who understands. It will take his mind off his own problems and make you feel better because you have someone to share yours with. Of course, none of this may work … but you did ask for suggestions and those would be mine. Chin up chuck …. the best thing about rock bottom is that it can’t get any worse. Any small improvement no matter how minor will feel like a major milestone has been achieved. — Patrick / Fester Type 1 Diabetic. Dx’d 1993. On 26u Lantus and whatever Novorapid my meter says i need. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I’m having a rough time at the moment.   My diabetes has spiralled out of control again because I’ve been really sick these past few weeks – diahorrea and sickness every single day for weeks (I caught it off my in laws) and my bg’s have helped me at all. Hi Jackie, have you been breaking mirrors?  :-) Can’t help with much, but I did see something on TV which had a tongue that was ‘cracking up’ in the centre. I think it was on ‘You Are What You Eat’ last week, and the expert said that a cracking up tongue could be due to a lack of a certain vitamin. I think she said it was a lack of Vitamin B. I don’t know off-hand where to confirm which vitamin, I tried the Channel 4 website, but all I got was a chance to buy the book. So, not exactly a totally helpful answer, but perhaps a useful pointer. Good luck. Cheers Nigel, I’ve got that book on it’s way tbh – so I hope that there’s something about it in that! I already take a B6 tablet in the morning – I’m doing a search on what actual B vitamin it is on google too. My mum said it could be due to the crisps burning my mouth (like trauma to the mouth) or indeed vitamin deficiency. I’m going to try some Vitamin B (I know I’ve got a bottle somewhere!!!!!) Fingers crossed! Jackie T

Response:

Cheers Everyone, I love herbal tea – so Geraldine – I’m definitely going to try the Blackberry & Nettle! Patrick – You’ve given me some great ideas there! I’m sure everything will be okay.  I just wish the ol’ tongue would be back to normal!  (No more S&V crisps for me!!) Jackie T

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I’m having a rough time at the moment.   My diabetes has spiralled out of control again because I’ve been really sick these past few weeks – diahorrea and sickness every single day for weeks (I caught it off my in laws) and my bg’s have helped me at all. Hi Jackie, have you been breaking mirrors?  :-) Can’t help with much, but I did see something on TV which had a tongue that was ‘cracking up’ in the centre. I think it was on ‘You Are What You Eat’ last week, and the expert said that a cracking up tongue could be due to a lack of a certain vitamin. I think she said it was a lack of Vitamin B. I don’t know off-hand where to confirm which vitamin, I tried the Channel 4 website, but all I got was a chance to buy the book. So, not exactly a totally helpful answer, but perhaps a useful pointer. Good luck. Nigel T2 D&E

You beat me to it.  That was my immediate thought about the cracked tongue. Sorry – can’t remember which B it was either. However – does Metfartin not have a reputation for doing something to reduce the amount of one of the B vits in the body?  TB – your post kinda hinted at recently starting or upping dose of Met.  Could be a bit of a long shot but could that have anything to do with it? As for the met’s reaction, you could always try going very fibre-heavy for a few days and splitting the Met tabs in half and spreading them throughout the day a bit more VBH T2/UK/A1c 5.8/ 1000Met/Dx Oct-03

Response:

Cheers Everyone, I love herbal tea – so Geraldine – I’m definitely going to try the Blackberry & Nettle! Patrick – You’ve given me some great ideas there! I’m sure everything will be okay.  I just wish the ol’ tongue would be back to normal!  (No more S&V crisps for me!!) Jackie T

If i can do one thing for anyone who has done so much for me, i’ll be happy …. you’ll be ok and as Al / Milo says .. remember we’re all here for you, even if you just want to come and blow off steam at us. I know how hard it can be sometimes, that’s part of the reason why i’ve stayed on my own this last year, until i got my diabetes sorted out i knew i wasn’t "fit for human consumption" Patrick

Response:

However – does Metfartin not have a reputation for doing something to reduce the amount of one of the B vits in the body?  TB – your post kinda hinted at recently starting or upping dose of Met.  Could be a bit of a long shot but could that have anything to do with it?

I never knew that it could do that!  Thanks for that information. I’ve done a google search and found it can cause a deficiency in B12.  But if you increase your calcium intake it helps apparently.  So I’ve doubled the calcium tablet that I am now taking – I was taking 500mg but now 1000 mg (it says I can do it on the bottle, so it should be okay). I’ve recently stopped drinking milk, and I’ve limited my eggs and dairy – so that could be a factor too – as they have B12 in them. I’ll start with a small glass of milk tonight, with a boiled egg – that should help! Cheers m8s – you can always be relied on for great info! Jackie T

Response:

Hi, Jackie, It sounds like you’ve been having a completely rotten time, and you have my sympathies. I’ve interspersed suggestions below. They’re basically what I would do in your position. Hi all, I’m having a rough time at the moment.   My diabetes has spiralled out of control again because I’ve been really sick these past few weeks – diahorrea and sickness every single day for weeks (I caught it off my in laws) and my bg’s have helped me at all.

Go to GP and get this sorted out if at all possible. If it’s a tummy bug, it might be important to identify exactly what bug it is, so tests might be in order. Nobody should have diarrhea for weeks, and as long as this continues, you will be dehydrated and depleted and generally physically depressed. I had a packet of crisps the other day and the salt and vinegar was so strong that it burnt my tongue (or that’s what it feels like anyway – now for some reason it looks like my tongue is cracking up.  Similar to a tongue fissure (if you check out pics on google) but definitely not half as bad.

Don’t know enough about this to make any suggestions. I get candida quite a bit due to my asthma pump – and I believe that it can be caused through that – I’ve been taking it quite a bit more due to my mum who has started smoking around me again.

Could you get away with forbidding your mother to smoke around you? If that wouldn’t wash, try, "I’m already sick and you’re making me sicker. Please don’t do that anymore." Seems reasonable to me to object to someone else’s behaviour when it’s hurting you. Now the tongue is getting me down, my tummy bug is getting me down – and I still can’t take the 3 Metformin that I’m supposed to because it makes me violently ill, so i’m still stuck with the 2.  The specialist has told me that he won’t give me anything else because "I’m not trying hard enough with doc said that I need to take it slowly because taking them straight away (upping the dose too quickly) will trigger off the bad depression again.

I think I’d look for a second opinion. I’ve had some pretty scary reactions to several drugs [two prescribed, one recreational], and I’d get pretty shirty with someone who told me I "wasn’t trying hard enough". I feel like I’m falling apart.  I’m ashamed to open my mouth to talk because I don’t want people seeing my tongue (although according to Andy & Mum it’s not half as bad as I think it is).  And I’m scared to eat or drink properly because I don’t want my bg’s going up anymore.

What’s to be ashamed of? You haven’t done anything, things are happening to you. I’ve stuck to a good plan today – 1 cup of green tea, 3 small chicken wings (for breakfast), 2 oz of bulgar wheat, topped with low fat mince with herbs etc, and for tea I’m having smoked salmon and salad.  I’m hoping it will help to get the bg’s down as I can’t cope with them being all over the place. I haven’t had time to relax either

One of my favourite ways to relax: Fill bath with smelly bubbly stuff; open bottle of wine; get in bath with trashy paperback; stay there until wrinkly [usually about the end of the wine]. Might also help ease your back, depending on the problem. – my hubby lost his job (made redundant) a month ago and he’s been going to agencies etc, getting interviews and I’ve been trying to bring money in to pay bills, it’s a hard struggle on your own!  He’s done the odd week on agency but the whole situation has got me down.  I’m also organising a 25th wedding anniversary party for his parents and I’ve had no help.  

Either get someone else to do it or cancel it. You’re not well enough to do this sort of thing, and it’s not worth ending up in hospital for. I’m run off my feet.  My back is so bad now that I can’t walk about much – and I asked mum to get the crutches out the loft for me to use but even that seems too much trouble.  I’m down and although I’m

I would second and third other folks’ suggestions about a good multivitamin-mineral supplement. Diarrhea tends to deplete the body quite a lot of vitamins, especially water-soluble ones, so you’re probably deficient in a bunch of them by now. And some live natural yogurt, if you can stomach the stuff, would help re-establish the "good" gut flora and fauna. Can anyone suggest a decent health tonic to boost me up a bit.  I tried Effico but it’s too sweet so that defeats the object!

Sorry, I don’t know any health tonics, but finding a way to pamper yourself a bit should brighten up your outlook. A lot of what I’ve written sounds prescriptive, but as I said at the start, these are the sorts of things I would do, they are but suggestions, and may or may not be appropriate for you. At least, there are a few more ideas to throw in the pot. Hang in there, things are bound to improve. Take care of yourself. Maggie — — There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. — Albert Schweitzer

Response:

Cheers Everyone, I love herbal tea – so Geraldine – I’m definitely going to try the Blackberry & Nettle! Patrick – You’ve given me some great ideas there! I’m sure everything will be okay.  I just wish the ol’ tongue would be back to normal!  (No more S&V crisps for me!!) Jackie T

Hi Jackie You’ve had a lot of good advice there, especially the original comments from Patrick on making some time for yourself. I’d just add one little extra comment. I’ve got grave doubts about any specialist who implies that you are non-compliant in your situation. Have you made the specialist aware of your full symptoms and associated maladies? If so, I urge you to get a qualified second opinion if you possibly can. Try to find someone who at least looks at your total situation. If not, see them again and give the full story. I would not continue with any specialist urging increased dosage of something causing severe side effects without a second opinion. And go back to basics with "test,test,test". Good luck, Cheers, Alan, T2 d&e, Australia. Remove weight and carbs to email. — Everything in Moderation – Except Laughter.

Response:

Jackie, you ARE falling apart. You have lost a lot of nutrients from all the vomiting diarrhoea.  Remember in the old days when people weren’t eating right and succumbed to all the vitamin/mineral deficiency disorders? You need to get your basic health back on track.  But first, your doc should do a stool test.  No tummy bug lasts that long. Any prolonged diarrhoea etc usually points to something else like parasites or bacterial infection (i.e. a food poisoning episode) and needs antibiotic treatment.  Meanwhile can you try acidophilus? Not spelled right I am sure lol.  After you fix whatever is ailing you then you can concentrate on fighting the doc for some answers to bg problems. Is there any way you can get a new doc?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jackie, you ARE falling apart. You have lost a lot of nutrients from all the vomiting diarrhoea.  Remember in the old days when people weren’t eating right and succumbed to all the vitamin/mineral deficiency disorders? You need to get your basic health back on track.  But first, your doc should do a stool test.  No tummy bug lasts that long. Any prolonged diarrhoea etc usually points to something else like parasites or bacterial infection (i.e. a food poisoning episode) and needs antibiotic treatment.  Meanwhile can you try acidophilus? Not spelled right I am sure lol.  After you fix whatever is ailing you then you can concentrate on fighting the doc for some answers to bg problems. Is there any way you can get a new doc?

I’m actually in the process of finding a new specialist.  I actually feel a bit better today – I drank a pint of milk last night and ate a massive chunk of cheese – and lo and behold this morning my tongue has started to recover! I couldn’t believe it! The tummy seems to have settled down too – and the diahorrea has kind of disappeared too – all overnight.  I wonder if it was all to do with having B12 depleted?  Sounds weird – but I bulked up on Calcium and Dairy yesterday and it’s made me feel a whole lot better. My mum has also agreed to stop smoking around me and has put herself on that chewing gum stuff – so that’s cool! Andy’s also offered to take a lot of the party stuff off me – so I can relax. You guys and gals are great!  I got the confidence yesterday to tell everyone how I was feeling and it worked cos today I feel good.  Only thing is today – I’ve got a cold (  But that might have added to everything while it was coming out. I’m just really pleased that my tongue is feeling better ) Jackie T x

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jackie, you ARE falling apart. You have lost a lot of nutrients from all the vomiting diarrhoea.  Remember in the old days when people weren’t eating right and succumbed to all the vitamin/mineral deficiency disorders? You need to get your basic health back on track.  But first, your doc should do a stool test.  No tummy bug lasts that long. Any prolonged diarrhoea etc usually points to something else like parasites or bacterial infection (i.e. a food poisoning episode) and needs antibiotic treatment.  Meanwhile can you try acidophilus? Not spelled right I am sure lol.  After you fix whatever is ailing you then you can concentrate on fighting the doc for some answers to bg problems. Is there any way you can get a new doc? I’m actually in the process of finding a new specialist.

Not before time, I think. I actually feel a bit better today – I drank a pint of milk last night and ate a massive chunk of cheese – and lo and behold this morning my tongue has started to recover! I couldn’t believe it!

Well, there you go, all that calcium! The tummy seems to have settled down too – and the diahorrea has kind of disappeared too – all overnight.  I wonder if it was all to do with having B12 depleted?  Sounds weird – but I bulked up on Calcium and Dairy yesterday and it’s made me feel a whole lot better.

Some of it the whole B-vit complex, some of it the calcium. To make absolutely sure, that multivit supplement (and mineral supplement) and cod liver oil (to balance omega oils) still sounds good to me. My mum has also agreed to stop smoking around me and has put herself on that chewing gum stuff – so that’s cool!

Just as well she agreed, or more extreme measures might have been necessary. A lo-oong time ago, I found it necessary to ban my mother from my house for 6 months, and it isn’t a pleasant thing to do. That was NOT for smoking, but bullying my missus while I was at work. Andy’s also offered to take a lot of the party stuff off me – so I can relax.

So that is good indeed. He’s a brick, isn’t he? You guys and gals are great!

We are the best thing since sliced bread lol I got the confidence yesterday to tell everyone how I was feeling and it worked cos today I feel good.  Only thing is today – I’ve got a cold (  But that might have added to everything while it was coming out. I’m just really pleased that my tongue is feeling better ) Jackie T x

Love and kisses and hugs as well Milo

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jackie, you ARE falling apart. You have lost a lot of nutrients from all the vomiting diarrhoea.  Remember in the old days when people weren’t eating right and succumbed to all the vitamin/mineral deficiency disorders? You need to get your basic health back on track.  But first, your doc should do a stool test.  No tummy bug lasts that long. Any prolonged diarrhoea etc usually points to something else like parasites or bacterial infection (i.e. a food poisoning episode) and needs antibiotic treatment.  Meanwhile can you try acidophilus? Not spelled right I am sure lol.  After you fix whatever is ailing you then you can concentrate on fighting the doc for some answers to bg problems. Is there any way you can get a new doc? I’m actually in the process of finding a new specialist. Not before time, I think.

Anyone who wants you to increase your dose of something known to irritate your digestive system while you are getting over diarr….era…diahorr…err…problems wants replacing.  (Must buy a dictionary). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I actually feel a bit better today – I drank a pint of milk last night and ate a massive chunk of cheese – and lo and behold this morning my tongue has started to recover! I couldn’t believe it! Well, there you go, all that calcium! The tummy seems to have settled down too – and the diahorrea has kind of disappeared too – all overnight.  I wonder if it was all to do with having B12 depleted?  Sounds weird – but I bulked up on Calcium and Dairy yesterday and it’s made me feel a whole lot better. Some of it the whole B-vit complex, some of it the calcium. To make absolutely sure, that multivit supplement (and mineral supplement) and cod liver oil (to balance omega oils) still sounds good to me.

I’m just about to start on some that I got cheap in bulk from costco – its a seven seas one – a cod liver oil capsule with multivits and minerals.  Just about everything in one.  I ‘m sick of taking two every morning in addition to a met and aspirin.  Not sure if it has the full B complex, but most of the important ones.  A tad expensive at normal prices though. My mum has also agreed to stop smoking around me and has put herself on that chewing gum stuff – so that’s cool! Just as well she agreed, or more extreme measures might have been necessary. A lo-oong time ago, I found it necessary to ban my mother from my house for 6 months, and it isn’t a pleasant thing to do. That was NOT for smoking, but bullying my missus while I was at work.

Give her an ashtray and an umbrella if the gum doesn’t work.  As an aside, I found that the stronger gum worked better for me for the simple reason that it was so repellent and made my mouth tingle so much that I didn’t want a cig.  Might be worth suggesting.  I lasted one day on the gum before I gave that up too.  20 to 0 in 36 hours. Andy’s also offered to take a lot of the party stuff off me – so I can relax. So that is good indeed. He’s a brick, isn’t he?

Goody, get loafing and recover.  Hows about laughing at trisha’s guests and being thankful for your sanity?  Always cheers me up… You guys and gals are great! We are the best thing since sliced bread lol

What was the best thing before sliced bread?  Sorry, that’s a bit philosophical. I got the confidence yesterday to tell everyone how I was feeling and it worked cos today I feel good.  Only thing is today – I’ve got a cold (  But that might have added to everything while it was coming out.

Just keep an eye out for dehydration then I’m just really pleased that my tongue is feeling better ) Jackie T x Love and kisses and hugs as well Milo

Glad you’re on the way back up VBH T2/UK/A1c 5.8/ 1000Met/Dx Oct-03

Response:

I’m just really pleased that my tongue is feeling better

Now that your tongue is better, next time you see that specialist, remember Sybil. IIRC, when Basil was describing Sybil to O’Reilly the shonky builder, he said "She could kill a man at ten paces with one lash of her tongue". Have fun, Cheers, Alan, T2 d&e, Australia. Remove weight and carbs to email. — Everything in Moderation – Except Laughter.

Response:

Way to go Jackie!! It’s all looking up then, thank goodness. Glad that you had the courage to speak, sounds like you had a heap of stuff depressing you.  Take care. When you feel more like yourself you can tackle the bg’s in a better frame of mind.

Response:

Hi Jackie Sorry to hear you’ve been really down, came into the thread late as I haven’t had time to visit the forum for more than a few mins since I returned from holiday, but I gather things are looking up a bit.  I do hope so. (and really pleased you stuck up for yourself!) Was in your position of being the sole bread-winner a couple of years ago and it isn’t easy.  But… someone actually knocked on the door and offered hubby a job, since then he’s been promoted twice.  So keep your chin up, you just never know what’s around the corner. Patti – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I’m having a rough time at the moment.   My diabetes has spiralled out of control again because I’ve been really sick these past few weeks – diahorrea and sickness every single day for weeks (I caught it off my in laws) and my bg’s have helped me at all. I had a packet of crisps the other day and the salt and vinegar was so strong that it burnt my tongue (or that’s what it feels like anyway – now for some reason it looks like my tongue is cracking up.  Similar to a tongue fissure (if you check out pics on google) but definitely not half as bad. I get candida quite a bit due to my asthma pump – and I believe that it can be caused through that – I’ve been taking it quite a bit more due to my mum who has started smoking around me again. Now the tongue is getting me down, my tummy bug is getting me down – and I still can’t take the 3 Metformin that I’m supposed to because it makes me violently ill, so i’m still stuck with the 2.  The specialist has told me that he won’t give me anything else because "I’m not trying hard enough with my doc said that I need to take it slowly because taking them straight away (upping the dose too quickly) will trigger off the bad depression again. I feel like I’m falling apart.  I’m ashamed to open my mouth to talk because I don’t want people seeing my tongue (although according to Andy & Mum it’s not half as bad as I think it is).  And I’m scared to eat or drink properly because I don’t want my bg’s going up anymore. I’ve stuck to a good plan today – 1 cup of green tea, 3 small chicken wings (for breakfast), 2 oz of bulgar wheat, topped with low fat mince with herbs etc, and for tea I’m having smoked salmon and salad.  I’m hoping it will help to get the bg’s down as I can’t cope with them being all over the place. I haven’t had time to relax either – my hubby lost his job (made redundant) a month ago and he’s been going to agencies etc, getting interviews and I’ve been trying to bring money in to pay bills, it’s a hard struggle on your own!  He’s done the odd week on agency but the whole situation has got me down.  I’m also organising a 25th wedding anniversary party for his parents and I’ve had no help.  I’m run off my feet.  My back is so bad now that I can’t walk about much – and I asked mum to get the crutches out the loft for me to use but even that seems too much trouble.  I’m down and although I’m Can anyone suggest a decent health tonic to boost me up a bit.  I tried Effico but it’s too sweet so that defeats the object! TIA Jackie T

Response:

Flying Rat said this… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Turner’s Babe said this… I’m actually in the process of finding a new specialist.  I actually feel a bit better today – I drank a pint of milk last night and ate a massive chunk of cheese – and lo and behold this morning my tongue has started to recover! I couldn’t believe it! I’m glad you are feeling a bit better anyway. Like you I don’t tolerate Metformin well, only I tend to get godawful stomach pains and acidity if I don’t take it before food. Regards consultant shopping, this site is worth a look http://www.drfoster.com/ It’s a database of who, what and where. My consultant isn’t listed. I did find him on an old Sainsburys website listed as working in the offal department of their meat packing warehouse for some reason… Ratty

quicker link… http://www.drfoster.com/home/quickstart.asp Ratty — www.flyingrat.net

Response:

Turner’s Babe said this… I’m actually in the process of finding a new specialist.  I actually feel a bit better today – I drank a pint of milk last night and ate a massive chunk of cheese – and lo and behold this morning my tongue has started to recover! I couldn’t believe it!

I’m glad you are feeling a bit better anyway. Like you I don’t tolerate Metformin well, only I tend to get godawful stomach pains and acidity if I don’t take it before food. Regards consultant shopping, this site is worth a look http://www.drfoster.com/ It’s a database of who, what and where. My consultant isn’t listed. I did find him on an old Sainsburys website listed as working in the offal department of their meat packing warehouse for some reason… Ratty — www.flyingrat.net

Response:

Question:

Just write your yahoo chat id here and I will page you directly at 9:30. How;s that? I never joined groups, just chatted one on one from the ""friend list"" command.  If you prefer to not write your yahoo id here: in yahoo chat: Tools. Manage friends’ list Add friend. By yahoo id. wippee08 That will send me a message asking me if I accept your dding me to your friends list. I will confirm. As soon as done I can page you, or you can page me by clicking my id in your yahoo messnreger friend’s list window. It will open a chat window and if I am online, it will reach me. Note that I oftne show not online when I am;-). Best is to just send and see. If too complicated, just post your yahoo id here and I will manage from there. Chloe —

Response:

I just checked this.  It is now 9:53 (your time). I just sent an IM. For some reason it insists that I "Select or enter group" to add you as a friend. "Eleonore Beaudoin" <bc…@FreeNet.Carleton.CA

wrote in message

news:bmvavs$lgj$1@freenet9.carleton.ca… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Just write your yahoo chat id here and I will page you directly at 9:30. How;s that? I never joined groups, just chatted one on one from the ""friend list"" command.  If you prefer to not write your yahoo id here: in yahoo chat: Tools. Manage friends’ list Add friend. By yahoo id. wippee08 That will send me a message asking me if I accept your dding me to your friends list. I will confirm. As soon as done I can page you, or you can page me by clicking my id in your yahoo messnreger friend’s list window. It will open a chat window and if I am online, it will reach me. Note that I oftne show not online when I am;-). Best is to just send and see. If too complicated, just post your yahoo id here and I will manage from

there.

Chloe —

Response:

"Eleonore Beaudoin" <bc…@FreeNet.Carleton.CA

wrote in message

news:bmd1dv$rqh$1@freenet9.carleton.ca… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi again, I dunno when you will happen to read here…. Just was writing you a snail mail again when again someone arrived and interrupted. Argh. I wanted to thank you for the bday present:). I have not had a chance to try it yet:), with the puter being so instable lately…I am like a child fearing that the next card on her card castle will be the one bringign it all to crash:) I did happen to fall on something these last days that

showed

incompatibility or rather "interference" with the previous program you had installed..(a-v)…Another program I just ahd not used since, where when I clicked on it, a message apeared saying that it exactly created a problem with the a-v due to some paint program, where I just ahd to do oe click to solve it. Now there is not a-v interference, but the program itself will not work. I uess that to microsoft, that would mean "problem solved"L:). But no big deal really, as it was a simple download I can get again woudl

I

need it. I intended to snail mail you with the nice gel pens you mentioned, but they have not made it yet:(. It is possible that our post office messed up, as I had one card to pick soemthign at the post office, which I did. Puter thingie. Then I had another card sayign this was a last warnign and they woudl keep the parcel in question only until… "yesterday"! I called them and they said that the parcel in question I had picked up on the tenth, where then I figured they just ahd had a mix up twith the cards, but where I now wodner if they did not mess up when Ic alled, and it woudl ahve been a second parcel….If ever one woudl have been returned, you;d now know why….:( if so, all my ‘pologies:(:(. Otherwise, nothign much happenign at the ranch:).My dryer now joined my washer in Appliance Heaven, where they probably finally live the life cycle they always dreamt of living: gentle and permanent press only:), and where the dryer never has its filter filled with fluffs anymore;-). You’ll be happy to know our tv is still doing fine:) On the job side, my post was reclassified and is now declared one category higher. Makes sense, but they still have it in the wrong category, as this goes to the public, and should then fall in a category corresponding to such things which means another raise of ten thousand or so, eh. My colleague and I were called to the boss office to be told of the change in classification for a higher one, which measn that it is then treated as a promotion, where they then ahve to put you in the closetst level within that category that offers you at elast a raise of 500. I have not looked yet at the different levels to see where that woudl put me, but anyway. It could happen to be a few thousands or juuust the 500, depending. Say the next level only offers 490 dollars more, they then have to go to the next oen after that to make it at least 500 more, where those soemtimes jump from a few thousands per level. Happened once in my life that for that 500 minimum, I landed a raise of 6,000, eh:). Just a rare fluke that was. Very strange to be told one’s job has been given a raise, by the deprtment itself, when one does not yet know if they even will be renewed in two weeks:). Only civil servants can find themself in such a situation, eh. The bad cough is not completely gone, but the choking due to allergies at least is less, sicne I no longer travel by bus. Had no cohoice, I kept choking 2 times each morning, and two times, soemtimes three, evenings, commuting, and was draiend of energy completely. I then woudl just cough more at work, where I simply am fighting the same big as everyoen else. That is, they did not have it before, and were quite annoyed with my cough, until the lil Jesus He puniched them and gave them the virus so they too woudl cough and feel bad about sending me in the corner for coughing just like them, eh. Almost done with the huge dr race I had these last months, where I still ahve the environmentalist to meet, and the endocrinologist for Graves which is peaking again. I however think it due to stress and fatigue due to the choking and the cough, eh. Hard to sleep at night wiht that thing. E. is doing fine and started his last year at the school of drama. I will be seing him in his forst show sicne ages in a professional theater this Novemenber (he played professionally before the school, but while at the school, they are not allowed to play anywhere else than for the school). He certainly gained quite a voice in those classes, just an amazingly warm and textured voice. Someone stole his bike two weeks ago where he now needs to commute by foot….Tough loss for a student, that. I was so lucky that we went to see him last summer and had a chance at seign Fleabag a last time….:)….I have not been to his place since the cat died, -save to help him burry it-, and will I am sure be humpfed to expect to see him here and there when I next visit E. Lad is having a hard time lately. I got home last thursday to find him in a bad state. It looked like he had "dislocated" his neck again, but this time, with me goen to work, he tried all day to get up, if I trust the trail of objects that were knocked on the floor and then dragged on his path, poor thing. I could get him to walk again, but he has a hard time, not controllign the legs much on the left side, both front and back, and not able (yet??) to put his weight fully on them, such as he woudl need to say to get up or down the stairs, jump on my lap or on the couch, etc… He alsi has a very very hard time with the hardwood floors beign so slippery for him, and the kitchen too…If I coudl I woudl ahve the forst floor carpeted, wall to wall, as he and Eat Eat are old and havign a real hard time to get up without slipping, or even walk and turn without doing the complete split:(. Eat-Eat has hips arthritis, so…. Anyway. Lad acts like a real determined puppy, being a really good dog, and tries his best to walk normally again, if he can not make it at this time still.  He yet can go oin the yard on his own, if he requir4es help at times to jump the step down the patio door, and back in, and if he at times falls tryign to just jump over the beam that seperates the two sides of the yard by the patio path… Titan is doing fine, if she feels lost and lonely while I give Lad so much attention….She is nesting again:)…As fall arrives, she is turning to black or darker, her light grey turnign into charcoal and the charcola turnign into solid black… I just gave her a break, i.e. showed her I was puttign my hand a moment over her eggs, which emans to her she can have a break and go stretch her wings:). But I hope I can give her and the other pets some attetnion soon, as they all look like poor lost wild animals. Eat-Eta’s coat is full of knots, even if I did brush him all he coudl endure yesterday, after lettign him be so wildly combed for a week. Tu’tle seesm too quiet, as she too enters winter mode….Tweedleedee and Ermie also are too silent, for my not havign looked at them, stanbding by the cage, and chit chattignt hem as usual… Kekette is doign fien:). Still her earache, but other than that still spittign fore for a cat of 23:). Old car does all it can to get me to work. I am crossing my fingers, really….It coudl die on me any minute, being 16 now…Who knows, maybe it competes with Kekette and will take me to its half century?:) Healthwidse,I am doign all I can. I cut cafeine down by over 75%. Meat

too.

I take some medication for a month supposed to make my digestion go faster, as they worry trthat I can survive well ona  meal per three days:):). Never made me suffer, btu they just find it spooky L:). Apparently their miracle panacea shoudl make me want to eat three tiems a day. Whatever for? I remember as a kid thinkign that people ate too much, and that if they only ate what they needed, more food wouold be left for those who have too little:). As well, I am given corticosteroid again, this time in a pump like an asthma pump, to try and help with the chest cough and irritation of the throat that does nto stop since my last job (asbestos exposure? ) . I take natural supplements, too, three differtent kind,s where oen helps with energy a lot. And I am trying to stop smoking, between Lad being paralysed and evertythign else that life tries to throw my way, eh. Not doing bad! Like for the rest, cut down at forst, since I do all on a same front, and manageds to already get it down to about

35-40%.

And check it out, as I slow down smoking, te fact I also cut sugar down by about 60% made it so that insetad of gaining weight, I lost seven pounds! Who’;d a thunk I had seven to spare L:). But there you go. Fine by me.I am contemplatign joining a gym, but for now, money does not allow yet: I need to know if I will be renewed first. My last pay check was higher by 300 or so. Dunno if the new classification level then was already on it, but that woudl be a wowie one, as it woudl mean 600 more *clear* per month. Wowie, that’d be more like it:) Would be too ironic if I was not renewed to see it just once on one pay check, eh:). Pffft:). Not much progress was done in the house since you last visited. Life has been a hectic mess these last weeks with an avergae of 5 medical appointments a week, not counting the gp’s that woudl stcuk me in between appointments to hand me a new prescription, give me a new sample to try, hand me a request for one more test, havign mercy on me doing line-ups in waiting rooms 5-6 times a week. And that about covers the poor boring

… read more »

Response:

Hi Chlo

Question:

Two other possibilities are: 1) that you have exercise-induced asthma. This is brought on and is aggravated by exercise, especially in cold weather or water. I have EIA and am perfectly fine when walking around but if I exercise, especially where it’s cold or during winter I start wheezing like a regular asthmatic. 2) You could have a chlorine allergy if your symptoms happen only in the pool. I haven’t experienced this but I have heard of it. In any event, the proper answer is (as suggested below) to get it checked out by a doctor. –Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d say be a little careful about diagnosing oneself with asthma and then using an asthma pump. I was having problems with my chest and felt like I was having trouble breathing, the doctor diagnosed asthma and gave me a pump. When I started using it I developed the most fearsome side effects (feet and hands went numb, palipitations etc), the reason being that I didn’t have asthma and didn’t need a pump. The symptoms of asthma (tight chest, hard to breath etc) were as a result of stress at work and went away soon enough once the cause was identified. So just be careful with the diagnoses. Shawn I have been hearing a lot about triathletes developeing asthma symtoms. I myself although not diagnosed, have asthmatic sysmtoms, especialy in the water. Is there some condition in the in this sport which causes this? Could it be hypertension or are we just so tight that our chest and diaphram will not expand to take in the air?. Any comment from the Physicians out there? Just came in from a swim and I had serious difficulty taking in air.  My lungs felt half the size and I was wheezing.  It’s the first time this has happened so it kind of weirded me out.  Is this the onset of asthma? Will it get worse?  I have a race this weekend so I’m probably overreacting, but has anyone else figured out how to get over this? By the way, I finished the swim. Mark.

Response:

Two other possibilities are: 1) that you have exercise-induced asthma. This is brought on and is aggravated by exercise, especially in cold weather or water. I have EIA and am perfectly fine when walking around but if I exercise, especially where it’s cold or during winter I start wheezing like a regular asthmatic. 2) You could have a chlorine allergy if your symptoms happen only in the pool. I haven’t experienced this but I have heard of it.

Well ..I have experienced both experiences …. I have had 2 asthma attacks in my lifetime.  Both were after swimming in a chlorinated pool and involved temperature changes.  Both involved going from the pool to the hot tub after a workout. I have always suspected some sort of allergy to chlorine since my eyes puff up quite bad if I don’t have goggles on.  But now I won’t go to the pool without doing a precautionary hit of Albuterol before my workout.  Just not worth the chance of an attack.  Matt

Response:

Two other possibilities are: 1) that you have exercise-induced asthma. This is brought on and is aggravated by exercise, especially in cold weather or water. I have EIA and am perfectly fine when walking around but if I exercise, especially where it’s cold or during winter I start wheezing like a regular asthmatic.

        If you are swimming in an indoor pool, the water is a benefit since the air at water level is nearly 100% humidity.  However, diving into a cold lake can cause bronchoconstriction (along with other effects such as shrinkage) even in those without EIA.         I would suggest an exercise challenge under the supervision of a physician who knows what an exercise challenge is and works with asthmatic athletes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -2) You could have a chlorine allergy if your symptoms happen only in the pool. I haven’t experienced this but I have heard of it. In any event, the proper answer is (as suggested below) to get it checked out by a doctor. –Mike I’d say be a little careful about diagnosing oneself with asthma and then using an asthma pump. I was having problems with my chest and felt like I was having trouble breathing, the doctor diagnosed asthma and gave me a pump. When I started using it I developed the most fearsome side effects (feet and hands went numb, palipitations etc), the reason being that I didn’t have asthma and didn’t need a pump. The symptoms of asthma (tight chest, hard to breath etc) were as a result of stress at work and went away soon enough once the cause was identified. So just be careful with the diagnoses. Shawn I have been hearing a lot about triathletes developeing asthma symtoms. I myself although not diagnosed, have asthmatic sysmtoms, especialy in the water. Is there some condition in the in this sport which causes this? Could it be hypertension or are we just so tight that our chest and diaphram will not expand to take in the air?. Any comment from the Physicians out there? Just came in from a swim and I had serious difficulty taking in air.  My lungs felt half the size and I was wheezing.  It’s the first time this has happened so it kind of weirded me out.  Is this the onset of asthma? Will it get worse?  I have a race this weekend so I’m probably overreacting, but has anyone else figured out how to get over this? By the way, I finished the swim. Mark.

Response:

I developed this problem a few years ago during competetive swim season.  I found it mainly just to be too much tension in the chest.  I just worked on relaxing in the water and emphazed exhaling from the stomach.  Water is much denser than air, and you have to exhale more forcefully into the water or the air stays in the chest and can cause the problem mentioned below.  Maybe have someone check you out underwater to make sure you’ve got a nice big stream of bubbles coming out of your mouth when you swim.  Even if you don’t think this is a problem, check it out anyways.  The most waste of energy in swimming comes from improper breathing.  If all else fails check with your doctor.  If you don’t have asthma then it’s back to the pool to work on breathing technique. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been hearing a lot about triathletes developeing asthma symtoms. I myself although not diagnosed, have asthmatic sysmtoms, especialy in the water. Is there some condition in the in this sport which causes this? Could it be hypertension or are we just so tight that our chest and diaphram will not expand to take in the air?. Any comment from the Physicians out there? Just came in from a swim and I had serious difficulty taking in air.  My lungs felt half the size and I was wheezing.  It’s the first time this has happened so it kind of weirded me out.  Is this the onset of asthma?  Will it get worse?  I have a race this weekend so I’m probably overreacting, but has anyone else figured out how to get over this? By the way, I finished the swim. Mark.

Response:

Mark, I have mild asthma but get exercise induced asthma when it’s hot and dry out. I have an exhaler from my doctor I use before the race. But an over the shelf one works ok too, they are like cheap wine, they go down a little harder, not smooth like vintage wine. One thing to note, there are many Olympic athletes with asthma, however, my cousin died of asthma, so see a doctor please. Chris http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just came in from a swim and I had serious difficulty taking in air.  My lungs felt half the size and I was wheezing.  It’s the first time this has happened so it kind of weirded me out.  Is this the onset of asthma?  Will it get worse?  I have a race this weekend so I’m probably overreacting, but has anyone else figured out how to get over this? By the way, I finished the swim. Mark.

Response:

I’d say be a little careful about diagnosing oneself with asthma and then using an asthma pump. I was having problems with my chest and felt like I was having trouble breathing, the doctor diagnosed asthma and gave me a pump. When I started using it I developed the most fearsome side effects (feet and hands went numb, palipitations etc), the reason being that I didn’t have asthma and didn’t need a pump. The symptoms of asthma (tight chest, hard to breath etc) were as a result of stress at work and went away soon enough once the cause was identified. So just be careful with the diagnoses. Shawn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been hearing a lot about triathletes developeing asthma symtoms. I myself although not diagnosed, have asthmatic sysmtoms, especialy in the water. Is there some condition in the in this sport which causes this? Could it be hypertension or are we just so tight that our chest and diaphram will not expand to take in the air?. Any comment from the Physicians out there? Just came in from a swim and I had serious difficulty taking in air.  My lungs felt half the size and I was wheezing.  It’s the first time this has happened so it kind of weirded me out.  Is this the onset of asthma? Will it get worse?  I have a race this weekend so I’m probably overreacting, but has anyone else figured out how to get over this? By the way, I finished the swim. Mark.

Response:

Just came in from a swim and I had serious difficulty taking in air.  My lungs felt half the size and I was wheezing.  It’s the first time this has happened so it kind of weirded me out.  Is this the onset of asthma?  Will it get worse?  I have a race this weekend so I’m probably overreacting, but has anyone else figured out how to get over this? By the way, I finished the swim. Mark.

Response:

I have been hearing a lot about triathletes developeing asthma symtoms. I myself although not diagnosed, have asthmatic sysmtoms, especialy in the water. Is there some condition in the in this sport which causes this? Could it be hypertension or are we just so tight that our chest and diaphram will not expand to take in the air?. Any comment from the Physicians out there?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just came in from a swim and I had serious difficulty taking in air.  My lungs felt half the size and I was wheezing.  It’s the first time this has happened so it kind of weirded me out.  Is this the onset of asthma?  Will it get worse?  I have a race this weekend so I’m probably overreacting, but has anyone else figured out how to get over this? By the way, I finished the swim. Mark.

Response:

Question:

Aw man, I am having an episode at the moment and it is pissing me off. I will start taking anafranil after my exams end on Wednesday.  I am sure it will work, but I just don’t want to hyperventilate or stop breathing…hey, can someone reassure me a bit? What are the chances of me passing out or of stopping breathing/choking?  Probably not much, but I want to know from someone who has the same symptoms as me. I am a very positive person, and know how to turn a negative adrenalin rush of anxiety into a positive one…I am now back at school in Computer Programming and like it a lot, and i am getting better at taking the bus and the metro.  I go to the gym a lot now, which helps a fair bit.  I am taking Xanax three times a day, but had at one point gotten it down to one a day, but did not realize that at the same time I thought I was accomplishing something, I was increasing my intake of alcohol…nothing strong, just beer.  But, I used to be able to drink a few pints like nothing…and I find it very good as a relaxant. But, I have decided for the betterment of my health to get off alcohol, at least until this problem, which I can defeat, goes away. It just pisses me off that I am back to three a day.  See, my life has not been tulmultuous until I went on a working holiday to Australia. I went to a doctor there the third day after arrival complaining of problems breathing…they gave me an asthma pump, saying i could have picked up something in Thailand, which was highly unlikely.  while in Australia, I had problems with my relatives…I wanted to go to Aus. so bad thast I ended up going with 400 bucks in my pocket, and mooched the rest off others, which was not a swift move.   I went to lots of doctors, who told me i had pleurisy, pneumonia, asthma…you name it, i had it, according to the land of no worries….well, I did have worries, and eventually moved into a hostel above a pub.  Need I say more on that score? Then, I lost my girlfriend back home here in montreal, and lost another in australia…two in three months…funny stuff..not.  Well, I collapsed in a taxi when my girlfriend told me it was over, and ended up in hospital, numb all over.  Crazy???!!  I came home soon after, and had them again, only now on a constant basis.  I actually have read a lot about panic and have started to improve a lot…I am only 24 and I was told today that this is the normal age to get something like this…I just hope anafranil and xanax work…I wrote up a document on my ways to cope with anxiety if anyone cares to read it…I know it has been helpful, and I have done some well documented research on it…but I need help too, and am feeling much better after writing this.  I am so happy not to be alone now, and I appreciate so much all your responses to my last posting…cheers! Thus, you all know my situation: agoraphobia.  I broke up with two girls, got symptoms, the symptoms occurred in various places, and I avoided those places for awhile…you know the routine.  It was suggested to me today that stress and anxiety are becoming more prominent factors as we reach 2000 among every sort of person.  That is one of the reasons why a lot of people are now turning to Buddhism…I am an atheist, but i may take this guy’s advice (he is a psychologist/doctor…sister’s bf) as it sounds interesting…he said a lot of it has to do with your inner spirit and your wilingness to learn from past errors…and to live in the present.  Ok, enuff said…I can type for days…sorry people…anyways, just wanted you all to know I can and will defeat panic disorder, and I think that is the attitude we should all take…and also, to gradually ween ourselves off medication if possible.  Ok: responses pleez! : )

Response:

david sheen schreef: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Aw man, I am having an episode at the moment and it is pissing me off. I will start taking anafranil after my exams end on Wednesday.  I am sure it will work, but I just don’t want to hyperventilate or stop breathing…hey, can someone reassure me a bit? What are the chances of me passing out or of stopping breathing/choking?  Probably not much, but I want to know from someone who has the same symptoms as me. I am a very positive person, and know how to turn a negative adrenalin rush of anxiety into a positive one…I am now back at school in Computer Programming and like it a lot, and i am getting better at taking the bus and the metro.  I go to the gym a lot now, which helps a fair bit.  I am taking Xanax three times a day, but had at one point gotten it down to one a day, but did not realize that at the same time I thought I was accomplishing something, I was increasing my intake of alcohol…nothing strong, just beer.  But, I used to be able to drink a few pints like nothing…and I find it very good as a relaxant. But, I have decided for the betterment of my health to get off alcohol, at least until this problem, which I can defeat, goes away. It just pisses me off that I am back to three a day.  See, my life has not been tulmultuous until I went on a working holiday to Australia. I went to a doctor there the third day after arrival complaining of problems breathing…they gave me an asthma pump, saying i could have picked up something in Thailand, which was highly unlikely.  while in Australia, I had problems with my relatives…I wanted to go to Aus. so bad thast I ended up going with 400 bucks in my pocket, and mooched the rest off others, which was not a swift move.   I went to lots of doctors, who told me i had pleurisy, pneumonia, asthma…you name it, i had it, according to the land of no worries….well, I did have worries, and eventually moved into a hostel above a pub.  Need I say more on that score? Then, I lost my girlfriend back home here in montreal, and lost another in australia…two in three months…funny stuff..not.  Well, I collapsed in a taxi when my girlfriend told me it was over, and ended up in hospital, numb all over.  Crazy???!!  I came home soon after, and had them again, only now on a constant basis.  I actually have read a lot about panic and have started to improve a lot…I am only 24 and I was told today that this is the normal age to get something like this…I just hope anafranil and xanax work…I wrote up a document on my ways to cope with anxiety if anyone cares to read it…I know it has been helpful, and I have done some well documented research on it…but I need help too, and am feeling much better after writing this.  I am so happy not to be alone now, and I appreciate so much all your responses to my last posting…cheers! Thus, you all know my situation: agoraphobia.  I broke up with two girls, got symptoms, the symptoms occurred in various places, and I avoided those places for awhile…you know the routine.  It was suggested to me today that stress and anxiety are becoming more prominent factors as we reach 2000 among every sort of person.  That is one of the reasons why a lot of people are now turning to Buddhism…I am an atheist, but i may take this guy’s advice (he is a psychologist/doctor…sister’s bf) as it sounds interesting…he said a lot of it has to do with your inner spirit and your wilingness to learn from past errors…and to live in the present.  Ok, enuff said…I can type for days…sorry people…anyways, just wanted you all to know I can and will defeat panic disorder, and I think that is the attitude we should all take…and also, to gradually ween ourselves off medication if possible.  Ok: responses pleez! : )

  To be short: Anafranil and Xanax make a very good combo. Still, it will take some time before Anafranil kicks in. At first it may worsen your symptoms (but then there’s Xanax that will take care of a great deal of those probs). Give it up to 8 weeks to evaluate it’s effect. I’ve always done pretty well on a TCA and a  benzo and I hope you will too. Philip Peters

Response:

Aw man, I am having an episode at the moment and it is pissing me off. I will start taking anafranil after my exams end on Wednesday.  I am sure it will work, but I just don’t want to hyperventilate or stop breathing…hey, can someone reassure me a bit? What are the chances of me passing out or of stopping breathing/choking?

I’ve had this Panic Attack stuff for 25 years, I have NEVER passed out. I have NEVER stopped breathing.  IMO your chances of pasiing out are extremely small.  Chances of stopping breathing, zero.   Probably not much, but I want to know from someone who has the same symptoms as me. I am a very positive person, and know how to turn a negative adrenalin rush of anxiety into a positive one…

This is great,  Thank you for reminding me.  This helps me, but sometimes I forget.  I am so happy not to be alone now, and I appreciate so much all your responses to my last posting…cheers!

<some snipped It’s good to know you’re not alone.  Best thing I’ve gotten from this group, and there’s been a lot of good stuff. just wanted you all to know I can and will defeat panic disorder, and I think that is the attitude we should all take…and also, to gradually ween ourselves off medication if possible.  Ok: responses pleez! : )

My attitude is different on this.  I plan to treat and peacefully co-exist with my Panic Disorder.  I also plan on taking enough medication to be able to live a normal life.  YMMV — Kiesha Van Dyke To e-mail, remove ** from address.

Response: