Twisted Fate

Here is a new problem with a twist. I have suffered all of my life, trying to get over a fear of being in the company of other people. I was doing very well, and had the problem under control, when I got into a car accident which left be a virtual shut-in. Now, my problem is just the opposite...how to get involved with other people while being home in my hospital bed. This site has answered many a prayer for me. It is somewhere I can go to be involved., but it still doesn't quite help the urge to be physically out with others. Once in a while, someone will come by and take me out, or just visit, but really I never got to meet anybody here. I moved here for medical reasons..and got what I came for. It just seems ironic, that the first half of my life I spent trying to fight the problems, finally got to where I was comfortable with people, and them fate struck. Now I am back where I started..only I don't like it..I'm not comfortable with it..and strive to accept..but I miss the involvement..on a physical level. I guess I went full circle in my life. Red

Meds and Side effects

Hi, Maria, I am currently taking Klonopin for muscle spasms, and my friend, Kathy, is taking same for panic disorder. This is a benzo, that is prescribed for many different conditions. Basically it is a tranquilizer, that has different side effects than other drugs in its class. I am also on Xanax, for panic disorder. This is a short acting drug of the same catagory as Klonopin, but works differently. I also have Vanium, for that rare occasion that I woould have a bad attack. It has a better "initial sting" and gets things back in order faster that the Xanax. I also take 50 to 150mg of the anti-depressant,(SSRI I think,) Trazadone at night for sleep. This is a very popular dual purpose drug. Have you ever tried this one? It is great for sleep. I also take 2700mg of Neurontin a day, for nerve pain. They found this side effect of the anti-convulsive drug after much research material was colleccted. It does dull the sharp parts of nerve pain, but does not take it away completely. All of this and I take Prozac as well, for depression. Chronic pain people have bad problems with depression, and can begin a downward spiral if not watched constantly and medicated properly. In addition to these, I take 3 or 4 different pain-killers, that I would rather not mention online. Pain meds are very depressing drugs. I imagine the need for some of the antidepressants stems from the use of these meds. The worst part of this, is that the only drug I took before the accident was Premarin, and Xanax,PRN. That in itself is very depressing. Red

Thought

Maria, You have a great idea. you can do the majority of the writing, but I have a few choice things I would like to say. I am an artist and will illustrate the books/books/volumes. ! "If I could write like I could paint, Isn't wouldn't be what aint !" This has been my signature since 1960. Red

Twisted Fate

Maria, let's start with where I live..Charleston, SC., and used to live in Cocoa Beach, FL. Had a wreck and moved here for the medicals. Now, I am a Virgo-Libra cusp. I am an artist and see beauty everywhere...even here. There is a lot of history in this city and in a way, reminds me of where I was born and raised and lived half of my life..Philadelphia, PA. So living here is a cross between FL and Phila. We are surrounded by water here. The Atlantic Ocean and the waterway, rivers, the bay, ETC. Lots of water. I miss Fl and would like to move back, but I don't know how , when my doctors are here. I am being very well cared for by that team. It takes about 6 or 7 hours to Cape Canaveral..not too far..and about $150.00 RT from Myrtle Bch to Orlando. My friend Frances flies up to spend time when she can. Let's talk about my physical state after I tell you that my spirit is alive and well, inside this decrepid body. The body is a vehicle for the soul, or spirit as you say. The body can walk and does well for a little while. I use a cane, and if I have to, I can use one of those electric carts in some stores. I usually do OK if I use a regular cart..I use it for support. When I go out with friends, I have to rest up for a day or so, and then I will have sufficient energy to fight the pain. Pain tires you out..the kind of pain I fight is miserable. I have a neuropathy..or nerve pain, similar to what the diabetics get. It is very painful, plus the chronic pain, and now with all of that, I have a recent injury, for which I se my surgeon on Valentine's day. Some gift..I can't wait..he is so super. Forget the sympathy..I require none. I wish to be treated as a normal person, and accepted as such.Even with my panic disorder. Pain does not make me a leper. I look completely normal and walk with a slight limp. I use the cane as a reminder to keep my attention on walking, so as not to fall. I also have a walker, which I use after having a nerve block, for support. I also used it after surgery in my quest to learn to walk again. Rehab is hard and it tired me out so much. Every miserable second was worth it..i can walk again. I sleep in a hospital bed, mostly for comfort and for support. It is great. I have it well- disguised with fancy comforter and luxurio

Does Our Society Promote Panic?

Yes, it most certainly was..I guess I had better reread all my posts.. Sorry Anne-marie..I must have had you on my mind. red

Does Our Society Promote Panic?

Yes, it most certainly was..I guess I had better reread all my posts.. Sorry Anne-marie..I must have had you on my mind. red

hi

I have a question.charlie_uk...I do not understand why you drink if it makes you feel "terrible" by your own admission. My friends in the UK, tell me it is socially unacceptable to get "drunk" and especially to drive in this state of ill behavior. Why do [b]YOU[/b]do this and what does it do for [b]YOU?[/b] How long does it take you to feel better? :quest:

hi

MrB: So you feel that panic disorder people have an imbalance..right? I do remember this discussion in the recent past..right here actually. If this is the case, then how do doctors get us back on the "right" track to normalcy? By medications? obviously, then? Please explain your theory in total..I am going to run it around my shrink..on Thursday..at 10am. We, neither of us are awake then..so the answers will call for lots of black coffee..I'd batter take a thermos with me Huh? Please tell me.. MR

hi

MrB: Do you like Mickey Rourke?

anxiety attacks despite being on paxil

Hello. I am still an awe of the fact that little has changed in the last 60 years...It was the same for me when I was an infant and then a child...one with Panic Disorder. I was adopted..that is the excuse I allow for my parents not helping me. Little was known back then, and we have different gene pool. There are still a lot of people who do not understand. Today there is no excuse for people not to take control, as doctors are finding out more all the time about this disease, and how to treat it, Your parents are in denial..like mine were. You have gotten some real good advice..the best of which is to take charge of your medical condition yourself. That will assure that you are getting the very best for you. Mr, B showed you a way to look up drugs yourself, and Maria gave you a "mantra" and a credo to live by. Anne-Marie made you feel at home here and offered the site for your use. We are all here with you..we all have "panic" problems and it will help right away to know that you are not alone. We are here.but this does not take the place of good medical attention. Do you see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist? Or does the general practicioner take care of you still? I do not mean to be "nosey", it's just we have all discussed this and it is good to know how others are being treated and the opinions of the differing You could take some time, during your leave of absence to see what we all are doing for ourselves. It is all posted here. Also, another question: why do so many peole have a say in your employment. I always thought that it was YOU who made that decision. maybe there are too many peoples' opinionss in your way. You cannot make your own decisins? You may have to do what I did..get a grip and tell them this is YOUR decision. What does your dr say? Think about what is best for you.. I love the comparison to the cat..I have felt that way many a time..but not so much anymore. I have worked at desensitizing myself to the driving phobia. Red