Question:

http://www.wfubmc.edu/surg-sci/ns/tremor.html Another site, Elaine, for you to check out… GPs, even those who are familiar with Dystonia, are not qualified to treat the syndrome.  They could "harm you".   The disease should be treated only by an "experienced" neurologist.

Response:

Elaine, If your head turns to the right involuntarily, you probably have a form of dystonia called torticollis. If you touch your face lightly rather than forcing the head to turn, does your head face forward? That’s what mine did when I was diagnosed with torticollis. (The neurologist took one look at me and said he knew what was wrong with me and that I was a "classic case." Although the preferred treatment for torticollis seems to be injections of Botox into the neck muscles (not as excruciatingly painfful as it sounds but no fun, either), there are other treatments, including a medication called Artane, which I take. In any case, I suggest that you go to the Dystonia Foundation website at http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/ for information. You can also e-mail them at Maybe if you take the information they provide you to your GP, he’ll change his mind and refer you a neurologist. I went through what you’re going through. Besides being uncomfortable, it’s embarrassing–not to mention that it’s hard to drive or even unlock a door if you can’t look forward without touching your face. Anyway, a neurological disorder is nothing to fool around with. Arm yourself with information and find a doctor who will help you. Best wishes, Carol

Response:

HI;  I have to agree that you must see a Movement Disorder Specialist (Neurologist). The other point is try a new GP. Remember he works for you not you for him. I changed as soon as I found a new GP(AND IT WAS FOR THE BETTER). I believe that any GP would be better than one that thinks I work for him.                 gary; Elaine- There is no definative test. It is a matter of observation.. Go to a Movement Disorder Specialist (Neurologist). Your GP is probably unfamiliar and unqualified to make a proper diagnosis. Good Luck, Joan

     Thanks for your advice, I’ve decided that I will try one more GP at my practice see if I have any more success, I think more has been recognised about dystonia since 1995, maybe they will be more helpful this time, I will let you know. As a matter of interest is there any other people in this group from Scotland? Elaine

Response:

HI;  I have to agree that you must see a Movement Disorder Specialist (Neurologist). The other point is try a new GP. Remember he works for you not you for him. I changed as soon as I found a new GP(AND IT WAS FOR THE BETTER). I believe that any GP would be better than one that thinks I work for him.                 gary; – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Elaine- There is no definative test. It is a matter of observation.. Go to a Movement Disorder Specialist (Neurologist). Your GP is probably unfamiliar and unqualified to make a proper diagnosis. Good Luck, Joan

Response:

Elaine- There is no definative test. It is a matter of observation.. Go to a Movement Disorder Specialist (Neurologist). Your GP is probably unfamiliar and unqualified to make a proper diagnosis. Good Luck, Joan

Response:

Hi, everyone I have suffered from neck jerks for 12 years, worse when holding head still or looking straight ahead. As a lot of you will know it is very uncomfortable and distressing. I am now aware that my head it always slightly tilted to the right, this may be habit I’m not sure, as I know I tense up to try and stop the jerks. The only way I get relief is lying down or pressing on the back of my neck, I always need to have my head rested on something, usually leaning on arm of chair with my chin in hand (you know the fed up look!) It’s not really noticeable to others as I tense up so much that I get a headache. It is also a lot worse after caffiene and alcohol, which I cut down on considerably. However I have visited 4 different GP’s several times over the years only to be told the same thing it’s just tension and anxiety and refused to refer me to a neurologist. I heard about ST 6 years ago, mentioned it to the GP’s but still they have said no it’s not that. I have no pain with the jerks. Does anyone have any opinions and is there a blood test to determine ST? Thank you all for taking the time to read this. Elaine P.S My mother suffered from what they thought was benign essential tremor, but no jerks.

Response:

~~~~snipping very interesting stuff to save bandwidth~~~~     In the late seventies and up to the late eighties my situation was  acute and life was just plainly miserable.  These past few years the situation has improved, I am able to go for long walks and this helps.   I do avoid fatigue and stressful situation  because the result is that  I feel the muscles cramp up, my head trembles,  and my speech is affected,  and pain accompanies all of this.  I have avoided medication (was taking baclofin, eldopa, and Valium, not all at the same time, but had good results with baclofin) for a few years.  I expect to start again on some type of medication.  

Just a suggestion Eugene, this is definitely a case "what works for me may not work for you", I found Xanax to be very helpful with both the tremor and ST.  I take one .5 mg daily and it usually helps most of the day – sometimes I need another one if I really have the shakes and the nid-nods in the evening.    I have seen a neurologist in Moncton, N. B. recently, he suggested  injections, but I wrote back cancelling this procedure in favour of medication.  These  injections are very expensive and only last three months!  I think that if the situation  ever takes a turn for the worse, the Insurance Company won’t kick as  much when  they receive these exorbitant  bills for botulinum toxin injections.  I would not take a chance with them at this time,  especially  when they are searching for excuses to cut  expenses.

I know Provincial medical coverage varies a lot.  But I’ve been getting the Botox injections (which have helped *immensely*) for two years now and Pharmacare (BC’s coverage for prescriptions) has covered 80% of the cost with no questions asked, even though it is listed as a "research" drug.  The specialist’s bill is covered 100%.  Perhaps going to a Movement Disorder Centre at a University Research Unit helps clinch any arguments they might raise about the Botox, I don’t know…..but gov. bureaucrats seem easily awed by a doc with lots of credentials combined with the University address!  :) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    Having talked about this  situation, I’d like to ask for your advice.  I know I cannot work, I have tried in the past and I found that is was impossible.   My wife is profoundly deaf and suffers from chronic asthma and  is on a pension.  The government made many financial cutbacks with the disabled  and disadvantaged.  She can  no longer claims a tax exemption for me  for income tax purposes,  because the form  one has to complete  is worded in such a way that if a person can walk, see,  and do basic functions, then he or she does  not qualify for an exemption.  I  suspect  that they may carry this further,  and use the same approach to disqualify those with distonia  if our family doctors are  not informed on the seriousness of dystonia…    Do you have any advice on how to approach my family  doctor on this subject?   Some do not know very much about this condition, although others are informed,  it’s   obvious that they don’t realize that  work causes pressure and fatigue which in turns accentuates dystonia. My experience at work has been that the pain I felt;  the discomfort of dystonia, trembling, muscle cramps, ect., it all contributed  to fatigue and the  result was  that I could not  concentrate on my work. The final  result of this was that I got very depressed,  and my self-esteem deteriorated to an all time low because I felt like a total failure,  despite being very qualified and experienced in my field.     I am positive that if I tied to work again my condition  would regress  to the  way it was before.

I applied to the Canada Pension Plan over two years ago, when I first got the Dystonia diagnosis, but made the apparent mistake of getting my family doctor to fill in the form…anyway, they turned me down. I reapplied this winter, but this time got the specialist *and* my family doctor to both send forms.  My family doctor listed my Panic Disorder & accompanying depression and the specialist at UBC did a very thorough job of explaining dystonia, ST and accompanying tremor and emphatically stated that employment was out of the question, this would be a long term disability with no cure available at present. The result was that Canada Pension accepted my application this time, reimbursed me for the past two years and I now receive a small (based on the number of years I worked of course) pension check each month. So, based on my experience, I think if you can either get your neurologist to refer you to a Movement Disorder Treatment facility (your medical insurance should cover any travelling expenses – but they need nudging <g) and have them complete the Canada Pension forms for you; or have your neurologist do a very thorough job of explaining dystonia, long-term disabling impact on future employment possibilities and that there is, at present, no cure – you have a good shot at getting the pension. Hope this helps. Mally  :)

Response:

TO:  Jennifer Molski,      I received your package with addresses and brochures on the subject of dystonia, thank you very much.   Even though I have lived in Toronto and Montreal and did not care for it,  I do have to admit that there are great advantages living in large cities.  The problem with living in a small town is that there is no support system for dystonia patients.      You probably know, from previous correspondence, that I  have dystonia and had it for over twenty five years ( I am fifty five and a grand father of two  children).      Brenda (Boucher) Arseneau, her brother Nicky Boucher, (my mother is a Boucher and genealogically connected to Brenda and Nicky) Raymond Morrison, Frank  Jamieson, and myself, are a few in this town that have dystonia. There may be more people in  this circumstance.      In the late seventies and up to the late eighties my situation was  acute and life was just plainly miserable.  These past few years the situation has improved, I am able to go for long walks and this helps.   I do avoid fatigue and stressful situation  because the result is that  I feel the muscles cramp up, my head trembles,  and my speech is affected,  and  pain accompanies all of this.  I have avoided medication (was taking baclofin, eldopa, and Valium, not all at the same time, but had good results with baclofin) for a few years.  I expect to start again on some type of medication.           I have seen a neurologist in Moncton, N. B. recently, he suggested  injections, but I wrote back cancelling this procedure in favour of medication.  These  injections are very expensive and only last three months!  I think that if the situation  ever takes a turn for the worse, the Insurance Company won’t kick as  much when  they receive these exorbitant  bills for botulinum toxin injections.  I would not take a chance with them at this time,  especially  when they are searching for excuses to cut  expenses.         Having talked about this  situation, I’d like to ask for your advice.  I know I cannot work, I have tried in the past and I found that is was impossible.   My wife is profoundly deaf and suffers from chronic asthma and  is on a pension.  The government made many financial cutbacks with the disabled  and disadvantaged.  She can  no longer claims a tax exemption for me  for income tax purposes,  because the form  one has to complete  is worded in such a way that if a person can walk, see,  and do basic functions, then he or she does  not qualify for an exemption.  I  suspect  that they may carry this further,  and use the same approach to disqualify those with distonia  if our  family doctors are  not informed on the seriousness of dystonia…         Do you have any advice on how to approach my family  doctor on this subject?   Some do not know very much about this condition, although others are informed,  it’s   obvious that they don’t realize that  work causes pressure and fatigue which in turns accentuates dystonia. My experience at work has been that the pain I felt;  the discomfort of dystonia, trembling, muscle cramps, ect., it all contributed  to fatigue and the  result was  that I could not  concentrate on my work. The final  result of this was that I got very depressed,  and my self-esteem deteriorated to an all time low because I felt like a total failure,  despite being very qualified and experienced in my field.      I am positive that if I tied to work again my condition  would regress  to the  way  it was before.  I now  receive an extremely small pension, but should I get  back on the  work  market (and there are very little working opportunities ), I’d lose this small  pension and  would never be able  to get it again, with government cutting in all areas  to the bone. This reminds me of a book I read on cutting cost (I am an accountant).  The  government sent a message to a province suggesting that they   tighten-up  their belts more.  And the reply they  got was, "please sent belt". <g      I do realize that you are very busy in Chicago, but I’d really appreciate your   advice.                                                 Regards,                                                 Eugene Bathurst, N. B., Canada

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Question:

My symptoms are headache, dizziness, muscle cramps and fatigue, brain fog, fast heart rate to name most of them.  I am not sure, but thought that was from Serevent, but I still have some of them on Singulair, and I read those can be side effects of that also.  And on top of that my asthma isn’t responding to the Singulair anyway. What a battle.  Lissa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just begun taking singulair two days ago. I was on Serevent, but felt some very strange symptoms I was having may have been due to Serevent. What I want to know is what are some side effects anyone has experienced with Singulair, has it helped your asthma, and did any of the side effects become bad enough you quite using it?    Unfortunatly Yes!   It helped me breathe eaiser, but about the second week, there developed bruses on my legs, that just kept getting bigger, untill at about 4 weeks, there was one large solid bruse from knee to ankle on BOTH leggs. At this point I decided to stop the Singulair to see if the problem would get better or worse. It took about 4 days untill the brusing began to fade, then about a week and a half to disappear completly.  I seem to be having trouble finding medication that controls my asthma without many side effects.  Or perhaps I am just sensitive to medications, I don’t know.    I can emphathize with you, as I can NOT take most meds because of sensativities, and hyper-sensativity to *everything* !!  (Serevent makes me itch like i’ve fallen into an ant bed!!) So far my symptoms haven’t left,    What sort of problems are you having? but I do know medications can take a while to leave the body also.    Lott-sa Luck ! Later…             Ray

Response:

My symptoms are headache, dizziness, muscle cramps and fatigue, brain fog, fast heart rate to name most of them.  I am not sure, but thought that was from Serevent, but I still have some of them on Singulair, and I read those can be side effects of that also.  And on top of that my asthma isn’t responding to the Singulair anyway. What a battle.  Lissa

When my asthma gets bad, Serevent and Albuterol have little or no affect on me. Usually a dose or two of Prednisone brings me back to a normal flow. I also have sinusitis, so I take Singulair and Lodrane LD (for nasal allergies) before bed, and they just knock me out. But I would also encourage you to check with your doctor or pharmacist. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just begun taking singulair two days ago. I was on Serevent, but felt some very strange symptoms I was having may have been due to Serevent. What I want to know is what are some side effects anyone has experienced with Singulair, has it helped your asthma, and did any of the side effects become bad enough you quite using it?    Unfortunatly Yes!   It helped me breathe eaiser, but about the second week, there developed bruses on my legs, that just kept getting bigger, untill at about 4 weeks, there was one large solid bruse from knee to ankle on BOTH leggs. At this point I decided to stop the Singulair to see if the problem would get better or worse. It took about 4 days untill the brusing began to fade, then about a week and a half to disappear completly.  I seem to be having trouble finding medication that controls my asthma without many side effects.  Or perhaps I am just sensitive to medications, I don’t know.    I can emphathize with you, as I can NOT take most meds because of sensativities, and hyper-sensativity to *everything* !!  (Serevent makes me itch like i’ve fallen into an ant bed!!) So far my symptoms haven’t left,    What sort of problems are you having? but I do know medications can take a while to leave the body also.    Lott-sa Luck ! Later…             Ray

Response:

Lissa, I experienced the same side effects you described, and they were from the Serevent.  However, after several weeks, they seemed to have lessened considerably.  I quit taking Singulair because I just felt simply awful, I called it my "out of body experience" feeling.  My doctor switched me to Accolate, and so far so good (just some mild fatigue)! I have tons of allergies and back reactions to meds, too, so I can understand what your going through! Hang in there, the side effects should decrease with time.  If the Singulair still bothers you, ask your Dr.. about Accolate. Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My symptoms are headache, dizziness, muscle spasms and weakness. My pulmonologist thought these could be due to Serevent.  But after taking one dose of Singulair, I am feeling the same way, but also very tired.  And my asthma has gotten worse since starting Singulair.  Having a really bad day today. It just feels like the more medicine the prescibe for me, the worse my asthma gets.  Also I believe the Singulair is causing stomach pains. So today I have started a new medication, and my symptoms are still here, plus my asthma is worse. It doesn’t make much sense to me that being on an inhaled steriod, plus a long acting med like Singulair, PLUS my albuteral ( i am taking it every four hours today plus the other drugs. I wonder if I should call the doctor back, or wait another day or so to see if the Singulair starts working, and put up with the awful side effects.  I seem to be very sensitve to medications, and am at a loss as to what road to take next. That is where I am at. Lissa

Response:

I have just begun taking singulair two days ago. I was on Serevent, but felt some very strange symptoms I was having may have been due to Serevent. What I want to know is what are some side effects anyone has experienced with Singulair, has it helped your asthma, and did any of the side effects become bad enough you quite using it?

   Unfortunatly Yes!   It helped me breathe eaiser, but about the second week, there developed bruses on my legs, that just kept getting bigger, untill at about 4 weeks, there was one large solid bruse from knee to ankle on BOTH leggs. At this point I decided to stop the Singulair to see if the problem would get better or worse. It took about 4 days untill the brusing began to fade, then about a week and a half to disappear completly.  I seem to be having trouble finding medication that controls my asthma without many side effects.  Or perhaps I am just sensitive to medications, I don’t know.

   I can emphathize with you, as I can NOT take most meds because of sensativities, and hyper-sensativity to *everything* !!  (Serevent makes me itch like i’ve fallen into an ant bed!!) So far my symptoms haven’t left,

   What sort of problems are you having? but I do know medications can take a while to leave the body also.

   Lott-sa Luck ! Later…             Ray

Response:

I have just begun taking singulair two days ago. I was on Serevent, but felt some very strange symptoms I was having may have been due to Serevent.  What I want to know is what are some side effects anyone has experienced with Singulair, has it helped your asthma, and did any of the side effects become bad enough you quite using it?  I seem to be having trouble finding medication that controls my asthma without many side effects.  Or perhaps I am just sensitive to medications, I don’t know. So far my symptoms haven’t left, but I do know medications can take a while to leave the body also. Lissa

Response:

My daughter started taking Singulair about 2 months ago. It seemed that she was a little emotional in the beginning but we’re not sure if it was the Singulair or the lack of daily Albuterol (The Singulair let us cease the daily Albuterol treatments) that she was adjusting to. Now she is right as rain, I’d say you should stick with it for a while and see.

Response:

Lissa, what are your symptoms?  Do you start taking the Singulair because your symptoms worsten and could this be the cause, not the meds?  I had symptoms but discovered it was the predisone I was put on at the same time. Niasha

Response:

My symptoms are headache, dizziness, muscle spasms and weakness. My pulmonologist thought these could be due to Serevent.  But after taking one dose of Singulair, I am feeling the same way, but also very tired.  And my asthma has gotten worse since starting Singulair.  Having a really bad day today. It just feels like the more medicine the prescibe for me, the worse my asthma gets.  Also I believe the Singulair is causing stomach pains. So today I have started a new medication, and my symptoms are still here, plus my asthma is worse. It doesn’t make much sense to me that being on an inhaled steriod, plus a long acting med like Singulair, PLUS my albuteral ( i am taking it every four hours today plus the other drugs.  I wonder if I should call the doctor back, or wait another day or so to see if the Singulair starts working, and put up with the awful side effects.  I seem to be very sensitve to medications, and am at a loss as to what road to take next. That is where I am at. Lissa

Response:

I think it should take just a few days to have an effect, so it sounds as though Singulair won’t be something that works well for you (it doesn’t work for everyone – only about 1/3 of us, I think).  I might be wrong about that, though – anyone else know for certain how long it should take? I had weird symptoms with Serevent — I get a constant case of "the shakes." Can’t even hold a pen at times.  Also, Serevent makes my asthma worse instead of better. Call your doctor and describe your symptoms — he/she may have some insight for you. Take care, Catherine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My symptoms are headache, dizziness, muscle spasms and weakness. My pulmonologist thought these could be due to Serevent.  But after taking one dose of Singulair, I am feeling the same way, but also very tired.  And my asthma has gotten worse since starting Singulair.  Having a really bad day today. It just feels like the more medicine the prescibe for me, the worse my asthma gets.  Also I believe the Singulair is causing stomach pains. So today I have started a new medication, and my symptoms are still here, plus my asthma is worse. It doesn’t make much sense to me that being on an inhaled steriod, plus a long acting med like Singulair, PLUS my albuteral ( i am taking it every four hours today plus the other drugs. I wonder if I should call the doctor back, or wait another day or so to see if the Singulair starts working, and put up with the awful side effects.  I seem to be very sensitve to medications, and am at a loss as to what road to take next. That is where I am at. Lissa

Response:

We have not seen disorders of smell in persons using Singular and Flonase is often given for anosmia. Perhaps you have enlarged nasal polyps? This will affect sense of smell. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com

Response:

Hi Gloria, I’ve been taking Singulair since it was first made available in Australia last year and it’s the best thing that’s happened to me and my asthma. I haven’t suffered any side effects and my specialist didn’t say losing ones sense of smell was one of the side effects that was caused by it. Keep trying it – don’t give up maybe your body will get used to the tablet and if it’s that causing the side effect, you might find it dissapears. Good luck Mhairi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is my first time asking questions about asthma to anyone outside of my doctor or pharmacist – please bear with me!  They say no side effects like this have been reported.  I have lost my sense of smell and therefore my sense of taste within the last three weeks.  There was a specific time that I do remember being able to smell something (roses) and then two days later was put on flovent (been on it before) and singulair (never been on it).  Two days later was put on prednisone and tussionex (both drugs I’ve had), so I am assuming it is the singulair. My doctor put me on antibiotics two days ago in case it is an infection (there are come symptoms) but as yet cannot smell anything.  Actually I get a whiff every once in a while but then it is gone.  I am still on Singulair. I’m not looking for a diagnosis – just if someone else has had similar difficulties. Thanks for the help. Gloria

Before you buy.

Response:

This is my first time asking questions about asthma to anyone outside of my doctor or pharmacist – please bear with me!  They say no side effects like this have been reported.  I have lost my sense of smell and therefore my sense of taste within the last three weeks.  There was a specific time that I do remember being able to smell something (roses) and then two days later was put on flovent (been on it before) and singulair (never been on it).  Two days later was put on prednisone and tussionex (both drugs I’ve had), so I am assuming it is the singulair. My doctor put me on antibiotics two days ago in case it is an infection (there are come symptoms) but as yet cannot smell anything.  Actually I get a whiff every once in a while but then it is gone.  I am still on Singulair. I’m not looking for a diagnosis – just if someone else has had similar difficulties. Thanks for the help. Gloria

Response:

Gloria; Sorry to say, loosing one’s sense of smell and taste comes with the territory. Your system is in a real war right now. Your immune system is working overtime. Your doctor should be kept apprised of any changes. Once he/she gets your symptoms back under control, your sense of smell and taste will most likely return. I’ve had my sense of smell and taste disappear for months at a time. One of the things I hate about it all is that the loss and return are often accompanied by common things going through a period where they really smell atrocious! I’m quite prone to migraine attacks as well. Many migraine sufferrers will also tell you that smell can be a component of migraine attack. Hope you feel better real soon. It’s no fun at all!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is my first time asking questions about asthma to anyone outside of my doctor or pharmacist – please bear with me!  They say no side effects like this have been reported.  I have lost my sense of smell and therefore my sense of taste within the last three weeks.  There was a specific time that I do remember being able to smell something (roses) and then two days later was put on flovent (been on it before) and singulair (never been on it).  Two days later was put on prednisone and tussionex (both drugs I’ve had), so I am assuming it is the singulair. My doctor put me on antibiotics two days ago in case it is an infection (there are come symptoms) but as yet cannot smell anything.  Actually I get a whiff every once in a while but then it is gone.  I am still on Singulair. I’m not looking for a diagnosis – just if someone else has had similar difficulties. Thanks for the help. Gloria

Response:

tussionex (both drugs I’ve had), so I am assuming it is the singulair. My doctor put me on antibiotics two days ago in case it is an infection

Only side-effect I have encountered have been vivid dreams, and some fatique (which could be other stuff, though). I have recently switched over to the children’s portion (to see if a lower dose will give me the same effect), and am taking it in the a.m. (to avoid the wacky dreams). I have adult onset, mild (but chronic) asthma.  Mine is mostly exercised induced, but also triggered by some allergies as well. All in all, I have to say Singulair has been great.  Have only touched the emergeny med (Albuterol)  maybe 3 or 4 times in six months. But have never lost my sense of smell, or taste.   Hope that helps. P.S. Interesting that the children’s dose is half the adult dose, but cost $20 more (per 30 day supply). While I’m at it, my pharmacy charges (cash price) about $60 for a 30 day supply of Singulair.  I pay $25 (per 30 day perscription) insurance co-pay. Is there anywhere to buy Sinulair cheaper than that ($25)?  Doubt, but can’t hurt to ask….. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Sal Sessa / Events Photography Dallas, TX USA http://www.salsessa.com

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Question:

Hi Amanda, I’m not seeing all the post on this server (So I got to Piggy back..thanks Jackie:-) Have you seen  your doctor about your menstrual changes? A book that is real good to have around for woman is" Understanding Your Body,every woman’s guide to a lifetime of health".Maybe you can find some references or Q&A on the net..to find some answers for the changes. So far the best discipline tool I have found is one warning, then loss of a privilege like Jackie mentioned,..and it must be carried out..then followed up by a cuddle and a heart to heart talk about the behavior.It doesn’t stop him testing his boundaries..but he sure knows the warning means something. It is so hard to say what will work for you and your boyfriend and I think couples therapy is a good suggestion. Sometimes just being able to vent your frustrations like in this forum can help you let go of them and allow some of the not so immediate stuff to take care of itself. Hoping things turn around for you soon. Hugs Charla

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all at ASAP!! I hope everyone has been doing good. I haven’t been here for a couple weeks. I have been on the web to check my E-mail, check into some fish and houseplant sites and that’s about it. I am trying to establish my aquarium and having trouble with the last few bettas I have gotten. I am also trying to identify a houseplant I have, I think it is a succulent, but I’m not succeeding in finding a site that will show me a variety of pictures w/ names. Two weeks ago had my first psychiatry appointment with a Dr.Wilson. He resembled Dudley Moore, short and all, sat Indian style in his chair and looked as if he had been into some wacky weed or something!!!  He upped my Zanax and said he wants me off the Prozac. Take no AD for two weeks, I start Paxil tomorrow. I have been feeling rather well in the mental department, not much anxiety or panic. somewhat stressed and depressed, I think! I almost feel as if I am nonsensitive to anything right now, so I don’t know if I am depressed or not, can’t tell, hopefully I won’t have a belate response to what’s going on in my life right now! For the women of the group- My period has been messed up for months, I am having ovarian and back cramping about 2 weeks out of every month, I am having the worst menstrual cramps that I ever remember having in my life right now, my irrirtable bowel syndrome is acting up terribly, I have been figting a serious ear, sinus and throat infection for a month and a half, I feel as if I am going through some kind of hormonal change at the age of 26, hot and cold flashes, etc. My boyfriend and I are not getting along right now, financial problems, stressed with the kids, etc. He works long and hard and brings in most of the money. He feels most of the financial burden is on him. It definitely isn’t. I get much child support and I am bringing in some $ doing child care. I am paying alot of the bills and buying food, medical charges, etc. He is very upset that I am not working, it’s not that I can’t or don’t want to, it’s my fear of failure, anticipatory defect and wanting to be with my kids that prevents me from working. The stress with the children is a whole nother matter. He loves my children, they are not biologically his, and their father is in their life. My son, I sadly, shamefully, guiltily realize is the major stress factor in my life. With his chronic asthma and allergies, other medical problems, slight learning disablity and ADHD to top it off, I worry and stress so much with and over him and sometimes wonder if for te best for him and me I should send him to live with his dad. But he is my baby, I love him so, and I want him with me. My boyfriend thinks my children do not listen to him or respect him, he thinks we need to spank them. But it is against the law nowadays, I love my children too much to lose them because I decided to go from time-out (which does not work IMO) to spanking (even though I believe in spanking, I think that’s one of the main reasons a lot of children are out of control nowadays, because the right to discipline our children in the same way that taught most of us we had done wrong ( spank, belt or switch to the butt) has been taken away, even though I know this law is to prevent children from being abused and has probably saved many children.) Anyways, the main thing my boyfriend liked about me to begin with is how much I loved and sacrificed for my children, what a good mother I was/am. Now he is not liking me for those very same things. I feel offended, almost as if he would get pleasure out of me allowing him to spank my children. Although I do understand his frustration over the chidrennot listening to him and disrespecting him after he has been in their life for 3 yrs. now, which they do get punished for, and I back him up when he tells them yes or no, or decides on their discipline. Anyways, I don’t really know how I am feeling about him moving out. He doesn’t want to go, I don’t think I want him to go, we still love and are in love with each other. But we are considering him moving out, he thought we could still see each other, but, no, I think not, cut the tie there! But I feel he is being conditional and if we can’t communicate and stick together through times like this, then we would never make it anyway, so why not end it now. Anyways, I have to go  get my daughter and some groceries. I’ll have to catch up on the posts soon. Take care all, Amanda Dear Amanda, You sound like you have a full plate right now. I am sorry that you are going through so much. It sounds to me that there is still alot of good in the relationship you have with your boyfriend, you sound like you both still love each other alot. Have you considered counseling together to try and save this relationship? It is common to have differing views on how to raise children, the key is to find some kind of compromise. I find time out to be a joke most of the time. I don`t believe in physical discipline, but I do believe in taking things away that mean alot to my children, such as TV, nintendo or a favorite toy. You are not feeling well either and that can add alot of stress to an already stressful situation. I hope you feel better soon. Take care!!! {{{{{Amanda}}}}} Jackie

Response:

Hey Amanda,     Took a little break fromASAP, huh? I took a two month break! I wonder if your doc is helping himself to some xanies!:)  I hope your physical ailments improve, though I must admit, I’m a little inexperienced on menstraul cramps, but well familiar with the dreaded I.B.S. I wish the best for your relationsip with your boyfriend, as I know how PD  can frustrate a partner.                                               C-ya around,                                                          Tim

Response:

I believe in spanking, I think that’s one of the main reasons a lot of children are out of control nowadays, because the right to discipline our children in the same way that taught most of us we had done wrong ( spank, belt or switch to the butt) has been taken away, even though I know this law is to prevent children from being abused and has probably saved many children.) Hi Amanda, I am unaware of any law that forbids parents from spanking their children. But that is beside the point I want to make. When I was about 8 years old my father took a belt and beat my butt and legs with the buckle end. I had done somehing he had told me not to do. I  forget what I did, but I didn’t forget what he did *to me*. The experience was humiliating, and to this day I still resent his doing it, and think he did it out of frustration from not knowing how to *properly* discipline me. I never once spanked or whipped either of my two children when they were kids. Now I’m sure my son could beat the shit out of me if he wanted! Anyway, I think my kids were always well behaved because they knew I and their mother (even though we were divorced) expected it, and disobediance would *not be tolerated*. It was out of the question and not an option for them to even consider. Plus, I don’t believe they ever wanted to misbehave. Personally, I think there are better ways to discipline children, and some of them have already been posted to this thread. I see physical discipline as a *failure* to control children’s behavior using other means. Sometimes it’s an outlet for frustration and anger of the parents. And I agree that today’s youth is "out of control". But I don’t think corporal punishment such as spanking is the answer. Not by a long shot. Those kids need attention and direction from their parents. They are begging for limit setting so they know how to act. They may put up a front of resenting limits, but way down deep they want and need them very much. And in the long run will thank their parents. Amanda, I know you are a very good mommy and love your kids very much. I just want to give you some of my thoughts on this matter, and hope they will be of some use or help to you. Chip

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Question:

I have a sensitivity  to albuterol. Shortly after I use my inhaler I go into mild spasms, but it isnt as bad with the nebulizor. The doctor told me that some people have very sensative lungs and they react this way. I’m wondering if he has been given a predisone inhaler or for the nebulizor, although they try to avoid giving a child predisone in an oral dose.  Anyway, I had the same problem for a long time and once I went on mega predisone for awhile it stopped. Now by watching my peak flow meter and the feel of my lungs I know when its time to increase the predisone and to call the doctor. .

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a 16 month old boy who has been diagnosed with chronic asthma after going into respiratory distress 2X.  He is on an albuterol nebulizer system 2-3X per day.  Lately, it does not seem to be doing much.  Anyone else have their child or other family member ‘get used to’ albuterol? He could be experiencing "paradoxical reaction" to the albuterol. Symptoms for me were that several hours after inhaling I got severe chest tightness — more severe than the condition that was supposedly being treated.  Of course, another shot of albuterol would alleviate the symptoms — until several hours later.

Response:

I have a 16 month old boy who has been diagnosed with chronic asthma after going into respiratory distress 2X.  He is on an albuterol nebulizer system 2-3X per day.  Lately, it does not seem to be doing much.  Anyone else have their child or other family member ‘get used to’ albuterol?

Response:

I have a 16 month old boy who has been diagnosed with chronic asthma after going into respiratory distress 2X.  He is on an albuterol nebulizer system 2-3X per day.  Lately, it does not seem to be doing much.  Anyone else have their child or other family member ‘get used to’ albuterol?

He may need more agressive treatment since he needs albuterol more than twice per week. The preventor drug cromolyn [Intal] can be administered by nebulizer. In some cases inhaled steroids may be needed [via AeroChamber with Mask], or oral steroids. You may need to get a referral to a pediatric allergist. See: http://www.ama-assn.org/aps/asthma/infant.htm What If Your Infant Has Asthma? JAMA http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/guide/guidelin/comp3/… "Treatment Figure 3-6 illustrates the Expert Panel’s recommendations for a  stepwise approach to managing acute and chronic asthma symptoms,  regardless of the prognosis for the wheezing infant or young child. It is the opinion of the Expert Panel that, in general, infants  and young children consistently requiring symptomatic treatment  more than two times per week should be given daily  anti-inflammatory medication." Ellis

Response:

I have a 16 month old boy who has been diagnosed with chronic asthma after going into respiratory distress 2X.  He is on an albuterol nebulizer system 2-3X per day.  Lately, it does not seem to be doing much.  Anyone else have their child or other family member ‘get used to’ albuterol?

He could be experiencing "paradoxical reaction" to the albuterol. Symptoms for me were that several hours after inhaling I got severe chest tightness — more severe than the condition that was supposedly being treated.  Of course, another shot of albuterol would alleviate the symptoms — until several hours later.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a 16 month old boy who has been diagnosed with chronic asthma after going into respiratory distress 2X.  He is on an albuterol nebulizer system 2-3X per day.  Lately, it does not seem to be doing much.  Anyone else have their child or other family member ‘get used to’ albuterol? He could be experiencing "paradoxical reaction" to the albuterol. Symptoms for me were that several hours after inhaling I got severe chest tightness — more severe than the condition that was supposedly being treated.  Of course, another shot of albuterol would alleviate the symptoms — until several hours later.

Response:

Question:

My cousin and her 3 kids have asthma.  They used to live in California, but moved to Las Vegas.  According to her, they all feel a little better.

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Hi Jeff This link is not specifically for allergy sufferers, but it does have some useful information on air quality. http://www.pathfinder.com/money/depts/real_estate/bestplaces/ I’ve moved from New York to Miami, to Orlando and Puerto Rico.  Years ago my Asthma went into remission in these places, but not anymore.  All it did for me was make me sick.  Personally, if I could get even 1 year of relief I would gladly move, when I got sick I’d move again, but that’s just me.  A friend of mine with chronic Asthma moved to Hawaii and her Asthma went away for the entire five years she was there.  Then she moved to Miami and she got sick again.  My girlfriend’s sister suffered from Asthma in the Philippines, she moved to San Francisco seven years ago and her Asthma has not returned since.  Winter is the worst time of year for me, I  need my rescue inhaler twice a day  during these months and I always feel like sh*t. So why is it that I feel great this winter and haven’t used my inhaler in two weeks??  I have no clue, but I hope it lasts.   So I guess no one knows everything about Asthma, and what doesn’t work for some will  work miracles for others. So, on this particular topic I recommend you do your own research- go ahead and relocate, who knows it just might work out.  I apologize for the rambling, it’s just that it feels so good to not be sick that I can’t help it, even if it’s only been two weeks.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m sure this is a common question, but where can I find information on the best cities/places to live if you’ve got children with asthma and allergies? Thanks to all for responding. JEFF SCHECHTER — —

Response:

I’m sure this is a common question, but where can I find information on the best cities/places to live if you’ve got children with asthma and allergies? Thanks to all for responding. JEFF SCHECHTER — —

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I’m sure this is a common question, but where can I find information on the best cities/places to live if you’ve got children with asthma and allergies? Thanks to all for responding.

A "best place to live" doesn’t exist, really. Asthma and allergies differ from person to person and everyone can "grow" into and out of allergies. So, you may move away from the current allergies, but new ones might devolp wherever you go. The thing to do is move where the best doctor is

Response:

try this: [US] http://www.epa.gov/ttn/uatw/tolive.html Choosing Where You Live http://www.epa.gov/oar/partners.html Office of Air & Radiation (links to air quality agencies web sites) Rich

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m sure this is a common question, but where can I find information on the best cities/places to live if you’ve got children with asthma and allergies? Thanks to all for responding. JEFF SCHECHTER — —

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Question:

Actually, the cancer-society speaker could have restored some of his credibility by discussing the addiction factor.  Part of the reason my brothers and I don’t smoke (I think!?) is that we just had too much fun telling Mom and Dad that they were all wrong because they smoked.  (I don’t remember our exact wording.)  You can’t really play moral superiority if you start smoking too. Later, Mom and Dad had to quit smoking because Dad had a heart attack.  At that point, giving them a bad time about smoking was just wrong; because they were having a terrible time with it.  (Mom went to a hypnotist.)  I was living in a college dormitory at the time; this was just as well, as it meant I couldn’t say anything stupid which would be taken badly by stressed-out parents. Around here, the anti-tobacco forces (cancer society, maybe) run a commercial where an elderly(?) lady is talking about the lies the tobacco sellers told her(?).  The commercial ends with the lady taking a puff from her cigarette through her tracheostomy.  This visual effect is much more compelling than the words. Amy. : Gene, thanks for posting your wife’s letter. When I was teaching junior : high school science in the late 60’s, I was teaching a unit on health : about smoking. I brought in a speaker from the Cancer Society and he : showed some slides and talked about the "evils" of smoking and the : damage it could do to your body. One of the slides showed a person with : a tracheotomy who was smoking through the tube in his neck!!!!  But, : here’s the clincher. One of my students asked the speaker from the : Cancer Society if he smoked and he said, "YES".  Can you believe it? He : lost credibility with quite a few students that day.  I never realized : that second hand smoke could have the effect on some people as Gaby : describes her situation. I hope they soon make those laws where you : live.  Many of the restaurants in the US have cut out smoking, although : some delegate it to another part of the restaurant, which probably : wouldn’t help people like Gaby.  Jeannie : :

Response:

Gene, thanks for posting your wife’s letter. When I was teaching junior high school science in the late 60’s, I was teaching a unit on health about smoking. I brought in a speaker from the Cancer Society and he showed some slides and talked about the "evils" of smoking and the damage it could do to your body. One of the slides showed a person with a tracheotomy who was smoking through the tube in his neck!!!!  But, here’s the clincher. One of my students asked the speaker from the Cancer Society if he smoked and he said, "YES".  Can you believe it? He lost credibility with quite a few students that day.  I never realized that second hand smoke could have the effect on some people as Gaby describes her situation. I hope they soon make those laws where you live.  Many of the restaurants in the US have cut out smoking, although some delegate it to another part of the restaurant, which probably wouldn’t help people like Gaby.  Jeannie

Response:

here’s the clincher. One of my students asked the speaker from the Cancer Society if he smoked and he said, "YES".  Can you believe it? He lost credibility with quite a few students that day.

One of her doctors who treated her for allergies and asthma smoked himself…   Once,  she went to Moncton (150 miles from here) to see a specialist, who smoked in his office.  Gaby reacted to the strong odor.  He  had the oddity to write an insulting letter about her reactions to our family doctor who read it for her…   One day, our  Lung Association held a meeting in town and the very same specialist gave a speech to them about the hazards of smoking. After his speech, she met him privately and told him that she felt he was nothing but a hypocrite. He seemed shocked at first but when she reproached him about the nasty letter, he apologized to her saying that he was not the same person who wrote that letter a few years back, he had changed.    I do hope he was sincere, for his sake and his patients.   People who are not asthmatic have no concept of what is like for those who suffer from this syndrome. It’s  very serious.  My father died at the age of 52.  One day , he fell  on the floor at home, his lungs could not take it any more.  When I looked at him lying on the floor, I knew by the look in  his eyes that dad was dead.  He was asthmatic. I never realized that second hand smoke could have the effect on some people as Gaby describes her situation. I hope they soon make those laws where you live.  Many of the restaurants in the US have cut out smoking, although some delegate it to another part of the restaurant, which probably wouldn’t help people like Gaby.  Jeannie

Where Gaby refers to having had to check out five restaurants before she found one that was smoke free, it  was in Montreal.  Laws  varies from province to province and so does the will to enforce it. Regards, Gene

Response:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILORS           The Northern Light Ltd., December 8, 1999 Please, Give us the gift of breath for the year 2000! Wanting to breathe anywhere, is it a right or a privilege?  A right for a few or everybody? Our quality of life is being threatened each time we go out in public places due to smoking odors. About 45,000 Canadians die each year from tobacco-related diseases because cigarettes are still tolerated in public places.  It’s difficult to fathom why this offensive habit is still permitted.  Smoking  makes life miserable for so many and it is also a danger to everyone’s health! Please note that I absolutely do not wish to belittle or insult smokers.  I have been in contact with some who are so polite and courteous that it is heartwarming!  Just about a week ago, I was really touched by the consideration of a lady, in a down town restaurant, who waited until I left before she lit her cigarette. Unfortunately, it is not always the case.  As it is with everything else, there are polite smokers as well as those who are very offensive and ill-mannered. Smokers,  are victims of a debauch tobacco industry who add addictive chemicals in tobacco, in order to addict and enslave people into a lifetime of dependency.  Banning smoking, would help people curtail nicotine intake and dependency.  It would help them overcome this habit and liberate them  from a life of slavery, resulting in a healthier society. We would probably pay less taxes since our hospitals are full of patients who are there as a result of tobacco related diseases and syndromes. To breathe or not, is not a choice.  We must breathe to live.  On the other hand, smoking is not a necessity of life.  And those who smoke are putting the rest of us in peril.  They may  go wherever they wish, but asthma sufferers do not have that luxury.  I cannot go to restaurants,  grocery stores or even to public washrooms without exposing myself to the danger of having an asthma attack,  because people smoke everywhere.  As a result, I have become a slave to others’ bad habits.  Consequently, I must avoid many activities. As a smoker, I ruined my health.  When I finally quit many years ago, it was because I had to.  Gasping for air gave me no choice.  Now, just the smell of cigarette smoke or odor on a person’s clothing will initiate an asthma attack.  This is not merely an inconvenience for one with chronic asthma.  It is a matter of life and death. Many have no idea of the climate they create for a person who suffers from chronic asthma.  Some of us are more easily triggered by offensive odors and are therefore more vulnerable than others. I, for one, lose my voice instantly.  My head feels as if it were in a vice and that someone were hitting it, creating drum-like sounds that resonate.  I am profoundly deaf, and while two hearing aids usually give me some sense of hearing, I cannot hear at all when I have been exposed to secondhand smoke. I appear healthy and feel well. . . until I am exposed to secondhand smoke. . .  Then my world is turned up-side-down as I begin to wheeze. Labored breathing then results in making me confused, disoriented, and often triggers prolonged headaches.  I have to use my pumps (I have five different kinds) to help me breathe.  In doing so, I risk my health …. using pumps too often is hard on one’s heart, and I consequently  have a serious problem with high blood pressure, palpitations and irregular heartbeats, along with other complications related to smoking. New legislation should forbid smoking in all public places. The smell of cigarette is bad enough and it remains after smokers have left the premises.  But the offensive aroma of cigars and cigarillos is even worse, leaving behind a smell that is nauseating and breath seizing! Being so apprehensive of the bad habit of some smokers who insist on exhaling in other people’s face,  traveling was not on my agenda. However, I tried it lately, and the odor of cigarette ruined my trip. At one noon hour, I had to go to FIVE restaurants before I could finally find one where I could eat without choking because of smoke. Cigarette smoke makes my life so exacting that I find it troubling to be limited by a practice that could be so easily avoided if laws were enforced.  I am sure that I am not the only one whose days are curtailed and ruined by secondhand smoke. It broke my heart when I was told about a little kindergarten girl and her cute little four-year-old brother who were crying because they could not go see Santa Clause in a shopping center.  It was with great excitement that all their friends were going to see Jolly old saint Nick, but they were deprived of such an innocent, fun outing, with no fault of their own.  All their little friends were talking about having their pictures taken with the big man dressed in red.  They looked forward to this with so much anticipation…  Their mother’s heart was torn, as she wanted to give them this traditional holiday pleasure.  However, she knew if she dared expose her asthmatic children to smoke, their resistance would be lowered and they would be up all night with difficulty breathing.  It’s obvious that smoking is still more important than the simple normal desires of a blameless sweet little child. People who smoke in public create a situation that undermines everybody’s health at enormous cost, pain and suffering.  Tobacco kills, and it is costing Canadian tax payers, hundreds of millions in medical expenses each year. Smokers are also setting a bad example for youngsters.  The image of smoking is still alluring enough to have an impact on younger generations.  As long as there are models to imitate, the message is there. It’s not what you tell them that counts it is the impact of what they see that makes the most lasting impression.  Do not forget: "A picture is worth a thousand words." You can spend millions trying to educate our youngsters, it will not impress them as much as good example, in person and in commercials. If cigarettes had been interdicted years ago, I would not have all the health problems I have today. If you do not prohibit it now, more people repeatedly will get addicted, will get asthma, cancer, will suffer and die. I implore you, please act now!  Give us the gift of breath for the year 2000!  Protect our health, our lives, our youth, and our children before it is too late! It is with great appreciation that I express my gratitude to those who are working to make our quality of life more pleasant for everyone! Thank you from the bottom of my lungs, Gaby Burke-Vienneau,  B.E.Ed., B.Ed., M.Ed.

Response:

HI;  I understand where you are coming from .The thing is that they are all muscle, and controlled by the brain. I have read where people have been able to slow the heart pace. Now this could come with the point of relaxing ,as stress affects both, and here may be the connection. There is a common ground in stress and anxiety and we must look at all connections to draw a proper conclusion. As stress and anxiety being connected (and medically shown)to affect both sets of muscle type, I would have to conclude that dystonia conditions could prevail in both types of muscles.   best to you gary: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I thought that when the medical profession uses the term dystonia they are only referring to skeletal muscle or voluntary muscle as it is sometimes called.This is under the control of the somatic nervous system, e.g. we are able to conscously contract our bicep and raise up our forearm. The Autonomic nervous system controls smooth and cardiac muscle which is involuntary ie we cannot control it.Smooth muscle is found in the digestive tract and blood vessel walls. I think they probably have different terminology for abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system. Incidentally I suffer from dystonia and blood pressure problems and take a beta blocker , so maybe things are not as clear cut as I —– Original Message —– Newsgroups: alt.support.dystonia Sent: Sunday, December 26, 1999 7:46 AM HI;  It is to my understanding that dystonia holds to no one spot or muscle group. It can affect us all differently. Remember stress and anxiety make it worse, so to get a handle on these will be of great benefit in any case .Learn to relax your muscles one at a time, it helps.      gary: I am an atrial fibrillation patient; My heart goes into this arrythmia which occurs when the left and right atriums of the heart beat before the ventricles do; Recently, Bill Bradley, the Democratic candidate for US. President was mentioned as suffering from this malady as well.   I also suffer from apparent Dystonia, although I have yet to get an official diagnosis; My whole body suffers from muscle twitches/spasms; I have had several episodes of Torticollis as well.  I notice that there is with me at least, a relationship between my heart fibrillating, and my other muscles twitching; IS THERE SUCH A THING AS CARDIAC DYSTONIA? Maybe I am the first person to coin that phrase but I DO notice a definite relationship between spasms of muscle tissue elsewhere in my body and the occurrence of episodes of atrial fibrillation or premature atrial contractions.   The heart is a unique muscle, but a muscle nonetheless.    I am on LOPRESSOR, which is a beta blocker. It helps to reduce the severity of the premature atrial contractions, but if there is an underlying neurological cause like Dynstonia for my arrythmias, then I have to treat that underlying pathology as well. Sincerely Brian R Morgan

Response:

Well Mindy I think that answer should fill a book. ; 0    gary: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Aidan, What scare factor did they use with you and sex? Sorry to go off on Dopamine again , but I remember sometime ago reading an article about smoking and brain chemistry. It said that nicotine causes a massive release of dopamine as does cocaine and sex.(not that I would know much about the latter). The scare factor does not work with cocaine so I doubt it will work with

Response:

Aidan, What scare factor did they use with you and sex? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Sorry to go off on Dopamine again , but I remember sometime ago reading an article about smoking and brain chemistry. It said that nicotine causes a massive release of dopamine as does cocaine and sex.(not that I would know much about the latter). The scare factor does not work with cocaine so I doubt it will work with

Response:

Sorry to go off on Dopamine again , but I remember sometime ago reading an article about smoking and brain chemistry. It said that nicotine causes a massive release of dopamine as does cocaine and sex.(not that I would know much about the latter). The scare factor does not work with cocaine so I doubt it will work with

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Amy, the speaker did stress that the addiction was strong and that is why it was hard for him to quit. Years ago, it was not known that tobacco companies were adding nicotine to keep people hooked.  I really don’t think the scare factor works with many people. I read an article one time about how little the scare tactic works with teens to discourage them from doing reckless things when driving.  Some teens(reckless already) were shown some videos of terrible wrecks and then were asked how it affected them. Most of them said that the wrecks were terrible, but it wouldn’t change them, because of the thrill they get when taking chances.  Jeannie

Response:

Amy, the speaker did stress that the addiction was strong and that is why it was hard for him to quit. Years ago, it was not known that tobacco companies were adding nicotine to keep people hooked.  I really don’t think the scare factor works with many people. I read an article one time about how little the scare tactic works with teens to discourage them from doing reckless things when driving.  Some teens(reckless already) were shown some videos of terrible wrecks and then were asked how it affected them. Most of them said that the wrecks were terrible, but it wouldn’t change them, because of the thrill they get when taking chances.  Jeannie

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Question:

Hi , I am new to this group, but not new to chronic pain. I have suffered with back pain at all levels for six years.It started as lumbar pain and I gradually added thoracic and cervical.I have been to Drs. who have told me it’s all in my head and it’s repressed anger,poor posture etc. A Neurologist confirmed neurological findings finally. After a two year battle I was awarded SSI due to my severe back problems, but yet no Dr has come up with an answer.I am going to a Neuro surgeon this week with a complete set of new MRI films and see what he has to say. I am so grateful to have come across this group.I have found that if people can’t "see" it, they don’t beleive being here….Cathy

Response:

Hi Cathy."boy" Have I been there !! I have had severe pain for 41 years,and it took the first 31 to find a diagnoses. I have "Arachnoiditis"and the problem is, it is contained entirely inside the spine,where the fluid and spinal care is located.Mine was caused by the dye used in a myleogram in 1961,and the only way to diagnose it is with another myleogram or a MRI.There are no blood test of any kind that will show it. Also the tech must know how to set the MRI machine,or it wont show then.     Another thing is it can affect your entire body,so your pain can move around over the whole body,sometimes depending on what kind of activity you engage in.    Another thing is lately they believe the Epidurals done during childbirth are causing arachnoiditis to show up years later.That may be something for you to check out.The internet is full of information on "A" just do a search. I hope this helps Good Luck Lem – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi , I am new to this group, but not new to chronic pain. I have suffered with back pain at all levels for six years.It started as lumbar pain and I gradually added thoracic and cervical.I have been to Drs. who have told me it’s all in my head and it’s repressed anger,poor posture etc. A Neurologist confirmed neurological findings finally. After a two year battle I was awarded SSI due to my severe back problems, but yet no Dr has come up with an answer.I am going to a Neuro surgeon this week with a complete set of new MRI films and see what he has to say. I am so grateful to have come across this group.I have found that if people can’t "see" it, they don’t beleive being here….Cathy

Response:

Hi , I am new to this group, but not new to chronic pain. I have suffered with back pain at all levels for six years.It started as lumbar pain and I gradually added thoracic and cervical.I have been to Drs. who have told me it’s all in my head and it’s repressed anger,poor posture etc. A Neurologist confirmed neurological findings finally. After a two year battle I was awarded SSI due to my severe back problems, but yet no Dr has come up with an answer.I am going to a Neuro surgeon this week with a complete set of new MRI films and see what he has to say. I am so grateful to have come across this group.I have found that if people can’t "see" it, they don’t beleive being here….Cathy

Hi Cathy. Glad you are here but sorry you have to be, if you know what I mean. Hang in there! -SandyG

Response:

hi  everybody, I  subscribed  for  the  first  time  yesterday  and  noticed  that  someone had  written  Durogesic  does  kill.  unfortunately this  had  been  deleted and  I wonder  if  anyone  has  information  on  this  as  I have  been  on the  patches  for  several  weeks  now  and  would  be  interested  to  know more.  I  have  a  fantastic  pain  consultant  here  in  Pontefract, England. Hope  to  tell  more  if  anyone  is  interested. kind  regards john

Response:

John, if you put heat to the patch it will release all the medicine at one time.like a heating pad,so be careful. Lem

Response:

john– There are a lot of things that can kill if used improperly or without the Supervison of a Doctor, inclusing Aspirin and Tylenol. I have heard that Duragesic pathces have been very successful for certain types of pain but that they don’t work for everyone and can be hard to get to stck for the full three days. If you are receiving adequate pain relief and are under the care of a Docotr and not experiencing and bad side effects, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Good luck Where in England do you live?–I went to college there for a semester and lived in the South Kensington area of London–just South of Hyde Park. England in a lovely Country and London is a fantastic city–I can’t wait to return. Jefe

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi  everybody, I  subscribed  for  the  first  time  yesterday  and  noticed  that someone had  written  Durogesic  does  kill.  unfortunately this  had  been deleted and  I wonder  if  anyone  has  information  on  this  as  I have  been on the  patches  for  several  weeks  now  and  would  be  interested  to know more.  I  have  a  fantastic  pain  consultant  here  in  Pontefract, England. Hope  to  tell  more  if  anyone  is  interested. kind  regards john

Response:

Hi John, Afraid I can’t help with this problem, just wanted to say welcome to the group.  I also live in England – on the south coast in Dorset. Take care and let us know more about yourself. Em – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi  everybody, I  subscribed  for  the  first  time  yesterday  and  noticed  that  someone had  written  Durogesic  does  kill.  unfortunately this  had  been  deleted and  I wonder  if  anyone  has  information  on  this  as  I have  been  on the  patches  for  several  weeks  now  and  would  be  interested  to  know more.  I  have  a  fantastic  pain  consultant  here  in  Pontefract, England. Hope  to  tell  more  if  anyone  is  interested. kind  regards john

Response:

Hi John, I think I know the message you mean, it was sent by a woman whose son had been given Duragesic patches for post-op pain contrary to the manufacturer’s directions.  The young man came home and went to sleep on his heated waterbed, causing the patch to release the med much more rapidly and he died. Also, she mentioned a death from someone tearing open the patch and ingesting the fentanyl gel inside–also deadly. Evidently the woman thought that people on this ng were illegally using prescription meds, confusing we chronic pain-ers with drug abusers who would do anything for a high. So, don’t eat your patch or sleep in a hot tub or waterbed with the patch between you and the heated mattress and you should be fine.  In other words, read the directions. Summer (have used Duragesic for 3 1/2 years w/o incident) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi  everybody, I  subscribed  for  the  first  time  yesterday  and  noticed  that  someone had  written  Durogesic  does  kill.  unfortunately this  had  been  deleted and  I wonder  if  anyone  has  information  on  this  as  I have  been  on the  patches  for  several  weeks  now  and  would  be  interested  to  know more.  I  have  a  fantastic  pain  consultant  here  in  Pontefract, England. Hope  to  tell  more  if  anyone  is  interested. kind  regards john

Response:

Excellent advice Summer. One more caution. With the temps rising during the summer, be careful about spending long periods  in the heat. Your pores open more and blood flow to the skin and subcutaneous tissues is dramatically increased as a cooling method for your body. This will also increase the rate of absorption of the fentanyl. — Jack Stem Midwest Anesthesia Consultants Conscious Sedation, Pain Management, PICC Lines, Chart Review http://www.bergsmyriad.com/macindex.htm "One person CAN make a difference. Be that person"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi John, I think I know the message you mean, it was sent by a woman whose son had been given Duragesic patches for post-op pain contrary to the manufacturer’s directions.  The young man came home and went to sleep on his heated waterbed, causing the patch to release the med much more rapidly and he died. Also, she mentioned a death from someone tearing open the patch and ingesting the fentanyl gel inside–also deadly. Evidently the woman thought that people on this ng were illegally using prescription meds, confusing we chronic pain-ers with drug abusers who would do anything for a high. So, don’t eat your patch or sleep in a hot tub or waterbed with the patch between you and the heated mattress and you should be fine.  In other words, read the directions. Summer (have used Duragesic for 3 1/2 years w/o incident) hi  everybody, I  subscribed  for  the  first  time  yesterday  and  noticed  that someone had  written  Durogesic  does  kill.  unfortunately this  had  been deleted and  I wonder  if  anyone  has  information  on  this  as  I have  been on the  patches  for  several  weeks  now  and  would  be  interested  to know more.  I  have  a  fantastic  pain  consultant  here  in  Pontefract, England. Hope  to  tell  more  if  anyone  is  interested. kind  regards john

Response:

You’re right with this warning, Jack.  I personally haven’t noticed an increased absorption at all, though.  When I first started using the patches I was careful about the temp and watched for temp-related changes.  But I seem to get a steady dose in winter and summer, while soaking in a hot bathtub or even a hot tub. I wanted to mention how Fentanyl can pose a real danger, but also show that these are easy to avoid. Summer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Excellent advice Summer. One more caution. With the temps rising during the summer, be careful about spending long periods  in the heat. Your pores open more and blood flow to the skin and subcutaneous tissues is dramatically increased as a cooling method for your body. This will also increase the rate of absorption of the fentanyl. — Jack Stem Hi John, I think I know the message you mean, it was sent by a woman whose son had been given Duragesic patches for post-op pain contrary to the manufacturer’s directions.  The young man came home and went to sleep on his heated waterbed, causing the patch to release the med much more rapidly and he died. Also, she mentioned a death from someone tearing open the patch and ingesting the fentanyl gel inside–also deadly. Evidently the woman thought that people on this ng were illegally using prescription meds, confusing we chronic pain-ers with drug abusers who would do anything for a high. So, don’t eat your patch or sleep in a hot tub or waterbed with the patch between you and the heated mattress and you should be fine.  In other words, read the directions. Summer (have used Duragesic for 3 1/2 years w/o incident)

Response:

Summer and/or Jack, Don’t you spend time wondering whether or not the medicine is being absorbed, or are you losing it through sweat or that it’s not being applied properly? I went on it once , but spent so much time worrying , I’m positive I took any benefit away that  I could have had . You two are much more in control than I was, that’s for sure. Love, Jackie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’re right with this warning, Jack.  I personally haven’t noticed an increased absorption at all, though.  When I first started using the patches I was careful about the temp and watched for temp-related changes.  But I seem to get a steady dose in winter and summer, while soaking in a hot bathtub or even a hot tub. I wanted to mention how Fentanyl can pose a real danger, but also show that these are easy to avoid. Summer Excellent advice Summer. One more caution. With the temps rising during the summer, be careful about spending long periods  in the heat. Your pores open more and blood flow to the skin and subcutaneous tissues is dramatically increased as a cooling method for your body. This will also increase the rate of absorption of the fentanyl. — Jack Stem Hi John, I think I know the message you mean, it was sent by a woman whose son had been given Duragesic patches for post-op pain contrary to the manufacturer’s directions.  The young man came home and went to sleep on his heated waterbed, causing the patch to release the med much more rapidly and he died. Also, she mentioned a death from someone tearing open the patch and ingesting the fentanyl gel inside–also deadly. Evidently the woman thought that people on this ng were illegally using prescription meds, confusing we chronic pain-ers with drug abusers who would do anything for a high. So, don’t eat your patch or sleep in a hot tub or waterbed with the patch between you and the heated mattress and you should be fine.  In other words, read the directions. Summer (have used Duragesic for 3 1/2 years w/o incident)

Response:

Jackie, You ask some excellent questions, and I have to say upfront I’m not wild about patches for the delivery of medications simply because there are variables which definitely affect the uptake and distribution of the medication. If I have someone who is fairly active and spends a great deal of time outdoors, I recommend oral medications (or parenteral routes). But I have seen many folks who have had excellent success with the fentanyl patches and wouldn’t want anything else. As with any medication and any route of administration, the patient and the health care providers have to work as a team and keep track of the ups and downs during the trial of any medication. I strongly recommend the use of a daily "pain diary" for at tleast the first 2 weeks to one month on any new treatment regimen. This will show trends as to what causes the pain to get worse, the times of the day when pain is worst, how the medication helps, side effects experienced, etc. Anyone interested in a sample page for a daily pain diary feel free to contact me and I’ll send one along. — Jack Stem Midwest Anesthesia Consultants Conscious Sedation, Pain Management, PICC Lines, Chart Review http://www.bergsmyriad.com/macindex.htm "One person CAN make a difference. Be that person" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Summer and/or Jack, Don’t you spend time wondering whether or not the medicine is being absorbed, or are you losing it through sweat or that it’s not being applied properly? I went on it once , but spent so much time worrying , I’m positive I took any benefit away that  I could have had . You two are much more in control than I was, that’s for sure. Love, Jackie You’re right with this warning, Jack.  I personally haven’t noticed an increased absorption at all, though.  When I first started using the patches I was careful about the temp and watched for temp-related changes.  But I seem to get a steady dose in winter and summer, while soaking in a hot bathtub or even a hot tub. I wanted to mention how Fentanyl can pose a real danger, but also show that these are easy to avoid. Summer Excellent advice Summer. One more caution. With the temps rising during the summer, be careful about spending long periods  in the heat. Your pores open more and blood flow to the skin and subcutaneous tissues is dramatically increased as a cooling method for your body. This will also increase the rate of absorption of the fentanyl. — Jack Stem Hi John, I think I know the message you mean, it was sent by a woman whose son had been given Duragesic patches for post-op pain contrary to the manufacturer’s directions.  The young man came home and went to sleep on his heated waterbed, causing the patch to release the med much more rapidly and he died. Also, she mentioned a death from someone tearing open the patch and ingesting the fentanyl gel inside–also deadly. Evidently the woman thought that people on this ng were illegally using prescription meds, confusing we chronic pain-ers with drug abusers who would do anything for a high. So, don’t eat your patch or sleep in a hot tub or waterbed with the patch between you and the heated mattress and you should be fine. In other words, read the directions. Summer (have used Duragesic for 3 1/2 years w/o incident)

Response:

. Hi to all; Just found this group tonight and I can’t stop reading the messages posted here.  I think its hard for anyone to understand what chronic pain is like unless you have it – and I do! I have Post-Polio Syndrome which causes a whole host of problems including muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, twitching, and a tremendous amount of pain. My condition has gradually progressed to the point where I can longer work. I am only 49 but I feel like 80+. PPS is progressive. To make matters even worse (as if that were possible), this summer I began a bout with Guillian-Barre Syndrome. This syndrome also causes a great deal of pain. Some pains are new, and some overlap the PPS. Most times GBS goes away in about one year. However, no one has been able to find another patient who has had PPS and GBS simultaneously. So I really do not know what to expect. I don’t like to whine but I feel like if I can do so anywhere its probably in this NG. So here goes – The only place that doesn’t hurt is the top of my head. Everything that I do hurts, everything! I take Tyl #4 and a bunch of other meds but they don’t seem to help much. Sometimes I find meditation alleviates some of my pain, but mostly I suffer constantly. My muscles and joints hurt terribly. And the neuropathy in my feet and hands is driving me crazy. Its hard to sleep and when I do I wake up in pain. I live with it all the time. I have actually gotten to the point of thinking what would happen if I took all my medications at once, at least I wouldn’t hurt. So now I’m on anti-depressants, and even so, I still have these thoughts (but less frequently and less compelling). Fortunately, I have a wife and two wonderful teenagers (is that oxymoronic?), which keeps me going. But no matter how hard I try to explain what I am going through, they can’t really understand. Sometimes they are sympathetic and at others it seems as if I am just a burden. It’s hard to live in chronic pain, especially when the prospects are rather bleak. Not being able to work makes me feel useless. It seems like almost every activity I enjoyed I can no longer do. I’m having a very hard time learning how to deal with family and friends. I imagine that they all think that things are not so bad. My wife tells me to ignore the pain and to work through it, but how can I ignore it? And even if the pain did not prevent me from working, the PPS muscle and nerve loss would anyway. It is late and I seem to be rambling on. It feels good to be able to vent but then I feel bad that it is even necessary to do so. Howard

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – . Hi to all; Just found this group tonight and I can’t stop reading the messages posted here.  I think its hard for anyone to understand what chronic pain is like unless you have it – and I do! I have Post-Polio Syndrome which causes a whole host of problems including muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, twitching, and a tremendous amount of pain. My condition has gradually progressed to the point where I can longer work. I am only 49 but I feel like 80+. PPS is progressive. To make matters even worse (as if that were possible), this summer I began a bout with Guillian-Barre Syndrome. This syndrome also causes a great deal of pain. Some pains are new, and some overlap the PPS. Most times GBS goes away in about one year. However, no one has been able to find another patient who has had PPS and GBS simultaneously. So I really do not know what to expect. I don’t like to whine but I feel like if I can do so anywhere its probably in this NG. So here goes – The only place that doesn’t hurt is the top of my head. Everything that I do hurts, everything! I take Tyl #4 and a bunch of other meds but they don’t seem to help much. Sometimes I find meditation alleviates some of my pain, but mostly I suffer constantly. My muscles and joints hurt terribly. And the neuropathy in my feet and hands is driving me crazy. Its hard to sleep and when I do I wake up in pain. I live with it all the time. I have actually gotten to the point of thinking what would happen if I took all my medications at once, at least I wouldn’t hurt. So now I’m on anti-depressants, and even so, I still have these thoughts (but less frequently and less compelling). Fortunately, I have a wife and two wonderful teenagers (is that oxymoronic?), which keeps me going. But no matter how hard I try to explain what I am going through, they can’t really understand. Sometimes they are sympathetic and at others it seems as if I am just a burden. It’s hard to live in chronic pain, especially when the prospects are rather bleak. Not being able to work makes me feel useless. It seems like almost every activity I enjoyed I can no longer do. I’m having a very hard time learning how to deal with family and friends. I imagine that they all think that things are not so bad. My wife tells me to ignore the pain and to work through it, but how can I ignore it? And even if the pain did not prevent me from working, the PPS muscle and nerve loss would anyway. It is late and I seem to be rambling on. It feels good to be able to vent but then I feel bad that it is even necessary to do so. Howard Howard, I feel so bad for you and can really relate. Though my

conditions are different, I know what you mean about the constant pain, feelings of uselessness from not being able to work, and at times feeling like a burden.  I owned my own small business and had to close it last March which broke my heart. Now instead of bringing money home to contribute, all I do is spend money at the endless round of doctor appointments. my husband tries to understand but I don’t think anyone who does not live with constant intense pain can ever understand. I know I didn’t until it happened to me. Hell, I don’t think the doctors even understand, atleast mine don’t. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but I don’t. I just try to get thru each day and find something I can do to bring meaning to my life. Somedays it is calling a friend who is having a rough time and focusing on them. Just hang in there and take it a day at time. Emma Before you buy.

Response:

Howard, One thing that WILL help is to vent here, where others understand just where you are, and try to avoid venting at home- Too often even the most supportive family members simply don’t want to hear it-because they cannot do anything about it, and if they are mostly pain free, do not understand. Valuable lesson I have learned from this group. I am fortunate, and currently enjoy reasonable health. From my practice as a pharmacist, I see families torn apart from excessive venting. People in this group do understand, can give you advice you won’t find anywhere else, and can help you when you most need it. I have only been here two weeks, but the support I’ve seen given here is astounding. Welcome to this group, for you have found a new family. I am the sure others will agree. Dave/

Response:

Howard&Emma,      I have spent the last 18 months learning to adjust to what the world considers a former giver and taxpayer. The Lie that we must be aware of is that we can no longer contribute to God , family, and community as we once did. The truth is , that if we so choose, we can give in a way that has previously been unnattainable to us. Many of us have the one commodity in common that the rest of the country does not. We have more time on our hands, that we know what to do with. Whichever area we decide to focus in on, in spite of our pain, should stand out as any project would if the participants only had more time to give. We do have to adjust to the fact that we are probably going to be poorer than we would care to be. We are also going to be wracked with pain. But before we go crazy, maybe we should decide where and how we are going to spend our unending free time . There has got to be a way to put what still works well in us to good use. I am still in the thinking phase of this, but I know there is something I can do, that will bring a feeling of accomplishment. Peace, Richard

Response:

Hi Howard, ‘Don’t know if you mentioned it but it sounds like you could use some help with depression, too.  Chronic pain and depression go together quite commonly, and it might take only a simple script for prozac or paxil, etc., to help you a bit.   As if you need another pill, right? It seems that no matter what the affliction, those who don’t have it "don’t get it" much at all.  For so long, my wife and son (17) were at a loss on what to do with my chronic pain and clinical depression. I just kept saying, "Just love me no matter what, try to be empathetic, and mostly, just be here."  A few times my wife sat in a session with my psychiatrist and therapists, and that made a big difference for her understanding of depression. My son is a very good jock (athelete) and there have been times when he got an injury or simply pain from overdoing it.  And he has on his own discovered that his pains can relate to mine. But most important, we try to talk about it.  And I make an effort to talk about it and not whine about it if i possibly can.  Again, talking about it can make a big difference. Also, in my situation, I had to spend six months here at home, giving myself IV therapy for a hospital staph infection, with one relapse. And they visited me when I was in a psych hospital and in an alcohol rehab too.  They saw what former drunks and crack addicts really were like. So like most anything, the more they can know about something the more they can understand. oran – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – . Hi to all; Just found this group tonight and I can’t stop reading the messages posted here.  I think its hard for anyone to understand what chronic pain is like unless you have it – and I do! I have Post-Polio Syndrome which causes a whole host of problems including muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, twitching, and a tremendous amount of pain. My condition has gradually progressed to the point where I can longer work. I am only 49 but I feel like 80+. PPS is progressive. To make matters even worse (as if that were possible), this summer I began a bout with Guillian-Barre Syndrome. This syndrome also causes a great deal of pain. Some pains are new, and some overlap the PPS. Most times GBS goes away in about one year. However, no one has been able to find another patient who has had PPS and GBS simultaneously. So I really do not know what to expect. I don’t like to whine but I feel like if I can do so anywhere its probably in this NG. So here goes – The only place that doesn’t hurt is the top of my head. Everything that I do hurts, everything! I take Tyl #4 and a bunch of other meds but they don’t seem to help much. Sometimes I find meditation alleviates some of my pain, but mostly I suffer constantly. My muscles and joints hurt terribly. And the neuropathy in my feet and hands is driving me crazy. Its hard to sleep and when I do I wake up in pain. I live with it all the time. I have actually gotten to the point of thinking what would happen if I took all my medications at once, at least I wouldn’t hurt. So now I’m on anti-depressants, and even so, I still have these thoughts (but less frequently and less compelling). Fortunately, I have a wife and two wonderful teenagers (is that oxymoronic?), which keeps me going. But no matter how hard I try to explain what I am going through, they can’t really understand. Sometimes they are sympathetic and at others it seems as if I am just a burden. It’s hard to live in chronic pain, especially when the prospects are rather bleak. Not being able to work makes me feel useless. It seems like almost every activity I enjoyed I can no longer do. I’m having a very hard time learning how to deal with family and friends. I imagine that they all think that things are not so bad. My wife tells me to ignore the pain and to work through it, but how can I ignore it? And even if the pain did not prevent me from working, the PPS muscle and nerve loss would anyway. It is late and I seem to be rambling on. It feels good to be able to vent but then I feel bad that it is even necessary to do so. Howard

   http://www.newsfeeds.com       The Largest Usenet Servers in the World!

Response:

welcomeHoward,My pain started almost 40 years ago,and most days ,I have had to decide ,if it was worth living ?The answer is always yes,because of my family !If I had been alone with no one to care,I proberly would have ended it a long time ago.All I have to do is think of my children (3) and what it would do to them.Then,Thank the Lord,grandchildren (6) I could never hurt them.Sure,I would be pain free,but all those who love me would forever wonder, what they could have done different,to have saved me from myself.That would be a lifetime of guilt for them all.No matter how bad it gets,I could never hurt them.    You have teenagers,and maybe not to far down the road,maybe grandchildren,you haven’t met yet !!!!     If you haven’t tried it yet,give time release morphine a try.M.S. Contin or Oramorph sr  are 2 names ,they don’t get rid of the pain completely,but they can cut off the sharp edge,so you cn tolarate it.   Hug your family often,and be thankful you have them,They are your life line.If you can’t get your drs. to treat your pain aggressively,come bock on here and tell us what area you live in,maybe one of us can tell you of a better Dr..    Sometimes you have to wade through the B.S. around here,but when you need help,we all come together and try our best to help. Good Luck Lem

Response:

Welcome Emma  Happy to meet you although this is one group I wish I didn’t qualify for membership.  The people here are kind hearted for the most part. John K

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – . Hi to all; Just found this group tonight and I can’t stop reading the messages posted here.  I think its hard for anyone to understand what chronic pain is like unless you have it – and I do! I have Post-Polio Syndrome which causes a whole host of problems including muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, twitching, and a tremendous amount of pain. My condition has gradually progressed to the point where I can longer work. I am only 49 but I feel like 80+. PPS is progressive. To make matters even worse (as if that were possible), this summer I began a bout with Guillian-Barre Syndrome. This syndrome also causes a great deal of pain. Some pains are new, and some overlap the PPS. Most times GBS goes away in about one year. However, no one has been able to find another patient who has had PPS and GBS simultaneously. So I really do not know what to expect. I don’t like to whine but I feel like if I can do so anywhere its probably in this NG. So here goes – The only place that doesn’t hurt is the top of my head. Everything that I do hurts, everything! I take Tyl #4 and a bunch of other meds but they don’t seem to help much. Sometimes I find meditation alleviates some of my pain, but mostly I suffer constantly. My muscles and joints hurt terribly. And the neuropathy in my feet and hands is driving me crazy. Its hard to sleep and when I do I wake up in pain. I live with it all the time. I have actually gotten to the point of thinking what would happen if I took all my medications at once, at least I wouldn’t hurt. So now I’m on anti-depressants, and even so, I still have these thoughts (but less frequently and less compelling). Fortunately, I have a wife and two wonderful teenagers (is that oxymoronic?), which keeps me going. But no matter how hard I try to explain what I am going through, they can’t really understand. Sometimes they are sympathetic and at others it seems as if I am just a burden. It’s hard to live in chronic pain, especially when the prospects are rather bleak. Not being able to work makes me feel useless. It seems like almost every activity I enjoyed I can no longer do. I’m having a very hard time learning how to deal with family and friends. I imagine that they all think that things are not so bad. My wife tells me to ignore the pain and to work through it, but how can I ignore it? And even if the pain did not prevent me from working, the PPS muscle and nerve loss would anyway. It is late and I seem to be rambling on. It feels good to be able to vent but then I feel bad that it is even necessary to do so. Howard

Response:

Hi Howard:  WELCOME  we all started out as a newbie.  Glad you found our group, it is the greatest.  Feel free to vent, ask for advice or help someone who may need your knowledge.  Good to have you aboard.   Pain free folks find it so hard to understand, try as they might.  Give them some time.  Just bite the bullet for awhile.  Vent here all you want and give them some time.  I’ve found that too much apologizing puts the non-pain family members off.  So I just live my life as best as I can and this seems to finally get through to them that I am doing all that I can do. Watch out for the kids though, they are really tough.  If you do someting with or for one, the other expects equal treatment.  Really a pain trying to keep score.  No more of that nonsense for me.  They take it or leave it.  On a good day I do what I want with who I want.  They just have to deal with it.  That is their problem.  We may be disabled – we’re not stupid.  Some folks seem to think the two go hand in hand. NOT!   Welcome aboard.           Bonnie

Response:

Richard,, i have decided to start hopekeepers in my church,,its a support group that is religious based. You can check it out at www.restmin.com  it seems like i could do this , since i’ve been there done that..Also welcome Howard, i pray things will get better for you, .. Bless  you and the group…SHiney

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Howard&Emma,     I have spent the last 18 months learning to adjust to what the world considers a former giver and taxpayer. The Lie that we must be aware of is that we can no longer contribute to God , family, and community as we once did. The truth is , that if we so choose, we can give in a way that has previously been unnattainable to us. Many of us have the one commodity in common that the rest of the country does not. We have more time on our hands, that we know what to do with. Whichever area we decide to focus in on, in spite of our pain, should stand out as any project would if the participants only had more time to give. We do have to adjust to the fact that we are probably going to be poorer than we would care to be. We are also going to be wracked with pain. But before we go crazy, maybe we should decide where and how we are going to spend our unending free time . There has got to be a way to put what still works well in us to good use. I am still in the thinking phase of this, but I know there is something I can do, that will bring a feeling of accomplishment. Peace, Richard

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Welcome to this place. We can see that you’re intelligent and thoughtful. I’m almost an intruder here….I have sevre back pain, and am on hydocodone and Medrol…I need to learn more about the Medrol.. Anyhow, though my problems are slight compared to most here, I enjoy learning from them and am always deeply touched….. I would never do anything drastic…..if I was alone in life….maybe…but when we have even one person…especially children… I have a four year old daughter……she is the light of my life, and I would never hurt her… Dave is right…come here and talk to us…these are the best people!! Sorry for being flaky here…..:)    jp

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Just want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and advice, I appreciate finding folks who can be understanding. A few of the things that you said really hit home; It is true, we do have more time on our hands. This could be considered a good opportunity to take advantage of by doing some of the things I’ve always wanted to. I have started to do this by advocating (?) for several human rights and environmental orgs. Also I plan to get back into art. I used to draw but I stopped due to lack of time. Just resupplied myself with sketch books and pastels. I learned from your responses that it is NOT a good idea to apologize for our actions, or lack thereof. I know that I should do what I can when I can, and not feel I need to justify to others when I can’t. I will try. Thanks…Howard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Hi, everyone … A quick few lines to introduce myself.  Female, forty, disability retired from the Army in 1984 with cadaver bone implant in a foot (osteosarcoma, three surgeries).  Various arthritis problems over the years … osteoarthritis and myelitis in my bad foot, bursitis in both knees, and degenerative disk disease lumbar and thoracic spine.  Disability upgrade after a 1997 workers comp case to cover both knees and back.  Dx’d early this year with stage two RSD and am trapped within the VA medical system.  <lol  Currently looking into diet ("Foods That Fight Pain" by Neal Barnard) for pain relief since VA doctors don’t seem to be of any help.  Greetings to all! Lynne "What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it’s all about?"

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Welcome Lynne, Here are your Oreos *O*O*O* and a great big "OUCH" to make your arrival official. We are sorry you had to be here but glad you found us. Jim Mas rapido! http://members.aol.com/Motomij/yourhere.html

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Welcome to ASCP! I hope that you find a good pain management clinic, perhaps, even if it means going out of your VA systems.  There are some doctors that have reasonable fees for the first visit.  Like yourself, I also hurt bad from degenerative disk disease.  It is no fun! Mary

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Thanks Mary!  Wish I *could* go outside the VA system but can’t.  Rated presently at 50% and barely able to make it right now.  Thank goodness for the support of my family — they’ve been helping with food and have been doing all the driving to my scheduled appointments since I haven’t been able to drive since early April (My RSD is in both feet, ankles, and halfway up both lower legs).  The VA system is very slow ….. I’m getting pretty good at waiting!   Lynne Welcome to ASCP! I hope that you find a good pain management clinic, perhaps, even if it means going out of your VA systems.  There are some doctors that have reasonable fees for the first visit.  Like yourself, I also hurt bad from degenerative disk disease.  It is no fun! Mary

"What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it’s all about?"

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Lynne, I wrote the book. There is a new diet for the problems you mentioned. . It involves sugar, chocolate, and any kind of fresh breaks, cakes and cookies. For more detail, feel free to write. I

Question:

Hello everyone again, Did not see this thread of late, so help me out here.  I have moderate asthma, and I take beclovent 2X daily, at 4 doses a time.  (and proventil when needed). Well, today our toddler (2 years, 1 month old) was diagnosed with asthma by our doctor.  We were given beclovent for her (the adult size dosage was the vial we were given…the regular vial).  To take it, she was given an aerochamber.  We are supposed to give it to her 2X/daily, for 4 inhalations per times, until she inhales 6 times per beclovent inhalation. Now this child only has attacks every few months, when her allergies act up, or similar reasons.  Otherwise, she is usually fine. Obviously giving her this medication via aerochamber is hard (VERY) for a toddler (fighting us all the way).  (But for the record, we also give her at-home nebulizer treatments when needed, and she has become accustomed to that, and accepts it now…finally).  So here are my questions: Does she need an adult dose (really)? Would 1 time per day (4-6 inhalations) be okay? Are there any techniques from parents out there for getting her to look forward to taking this medication? How many parents out there give a corticosteroid to a child this young? How is the best way to rinse out her throat afterwards, to prevent fungal infections of the throat area? Any and all comments are welcome. Thanks a lot. Joseph L. Connolly Denver, CO Well,

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Did not see this thread of late, so help me out here.  I have moderate asthma, and I take beclovent 2X daily, at 4 doses a time.  (and proventil when needed). Well, today our toddler (2 years, 1 month old) was diagnosed with asthma by our doctor.  We were given beclovent for her (the adult size dosage was the vial we were given…the regular vial).  To take it, she was given an aerochamber.  We are supposed to give it to her 2X/daily, for 4 inhalations per times, until she inhales 6 times per beclovent inhalation. Now this child only has attacks every few months, when her allergies act up, or similar reasons.  Otherwise, she is usually fine. Obviously giving her this medication via aerochamber is hard (VERY) for a toddler (fighting us all the way).  (But for the record, we also give her at-home nebulizer treatments when needed, and she has become accustomed to that, and accepts it now…finally).  So here are my questions: Does she need an adult dose (really)? Would 1 time per day (4-6 inhalations) be okay? Are there any techniques from parents out there for getting her to look forward to taking this medication? How many parents out there give a corticosteroid to a child this young? How is the best way to rinse out her throat afterwards, to prevent fungal infections of the throat area? Joseph L. Connolly Denver, CO

See this link with Fig 3-6 from Expert Panel Report 2: http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/comp3/3-6.html Asthma Education: Interactive Guidelines: Component 3:  Pharmacologic Therapy Figure 3-6: Stepwise Approach for Managing Infants and Young Children (5 Years of Age and Younger) with Acute or Chronic  Asthma Symptoms Excerpt (staircase table): "Asthma Education: Interactive Guidelines: Component 3:  Pharmacologic Therapy Figure 3-6: Stepwise Approach for Managing Infants and Young Children (5 Years of Age and Younger) with Acute or Chronic Asthma Symptoms Michael W. Peterson, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine The University of Iowa College of Medicine Peer Review Status: Pending     Long-Term Control                                        Quick Relief  STEP 2   Mild Persistent      Daily anti-inflammatory medication. Either:       Cromolyn (nebulizer is preferred; or MDI) or nedocromil      (MDI only) tid-qid        Infants and young children usually begin with a        trial of cromolyn or nedocromil                          OR        Low-dose inhaled corticosteroid with        spacer/holding chamber and face mask                       Bronchodilator as needed for symptoms                       (see step 1) up to 3 times a day There are 4 levels of asthma; assuming she has step 2, Mild Persistent asthma, the treatment guidelines are shown above. A Low Dose of Beclovent for a child is 2-8 pf/day; so she is within the guidelines, tho perhaps a lower dose might work. Also commonly cromolyn (Intal) by nebulizer 4x/day could be tried before going on steroids; but it’s not as convenient. Beclovent needs to be given twice a day in most cases, as it doesn’t last for 24 hours. Perhaps the dose could be halved to 2 pf twice a day; ask your doctor. You are fortunate to be in Denver, home of the top asthma clinic in the US, National Jewish. They have advice nurses to answer questions from the public for free. www.njc.org There are masks for the AeroChamber (3 sizes). Ellis

Response:

How is the best way to rinse out her throat afterwards, to prevent fungal infections of the throat area?

I get my son to brush his teeth and his tongue after his inhaler.  Just make sure they spit it all out and then rinse. nicamrem Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Try letting the child play with the YELLOW Aerochamber and come accustomed to it.  Stickers help, asking him/her to "smell the roses" etc.  Be creative.  If you are worried about the dosages, I would be extra careful about the amount of drug spewed out by the neb and its systemic and visual effects on the child. Hopefully you have the aerochamber with the really soft mask and exhalation valve, it is my daughters favorite play toy..

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I would explain what is going on with her to your doc. There are alot of different meds out there for kids. There are preventive meds you can do in the neb that can help. I do think it is too much to ask a 2yr old to do the aerochamber. My son is 6 and we have troubles with it. It also seems like alot of meds for a child that only has an attack every few months. I would question that too. My son is only on preventives in the spring and we use the neb whenever he has a flair up. He just started doing flonase because the pollen has been awful this spring where we live. Hope this helps barb

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I would explain what is going on with her to your doc. There are alot of different meds out there for kids. There are preventive meds you can do in the neb that can help. I do think it is too much to ask a 2yr old to do the aerochamber. My son is 6 and we have troubles with it. It also seems like alot of meds for a child that only has an attack every few months. I would question that too. My son is only on preventives in the spring and we use the neb whenever he has a flair up. He just started doing flonase because the pollen has been awful this spring where we live. Hope this helps barb

 My doctor suggested avoiding all sorts of plastic food and drink containers. Don’t know if this will help but it certainly won’t hurt.  No one has managed to figure out why such a dramatic increase in asthma during the last couple of decades but there is at least one researcher looking into the increase in plastic food wrapping and food containers. Sue Eggs should not dance with rocks….                  Charlie Chan

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone again, Did not see this thread of late, so help me out here.  I have moderate asthma, and I take beclovent 2X daily, at 4 doses a time.  (and proventil when needed). Well, today our toddler (2 years, 1 month old) was diagnosed with asthma by our doctor.  We were given beclovent for her (the adult size dosage was the vial we were given…the regular vial).  To take it, she was given an aerochamber.  We are supposed to give it to her 2X/daily, for 4 inhalations per times, until she inhales 6 times per beclovent inhalation. Now this child only has attacks every few months, when her allergies act up, or similar reasons.  Otherwise, she is usually fine. I have a 2&1/2yr old with asthma and allergies,so I know, it’s tough! Obviously giving her this medication via aerochamber is hard (VERY) for a toddler (fighting us all the way).  (But for the record, we also give her at-home nebulizer treatments when needed, and she has become accustomed to that, and accepts it now…finally).  So here are my questions: Does she need an adult dose (really)? Would 1 time per day (4-6 inhalations) be okay? Are there any techniques from parents out there for getting her to look forward to taking this medication?   We count with our 2 year old and she enjoys that, and helped her laern to count too! Depending on your child’s range of numbers, you just have to count slower or faster, until you get all the breaths you are aiming for.  How many parents out there give a corticosteroid to a child this young?  We give pulmicort aerosols now, but were on beclovent puffer at 2 yrs, and it was suggested for my second child at age 4mos.! How is the best way to rinse out her throat afterwards, to prevent fungal infections of the throat area?  Usually now, we just give her a good drink, but used to use a syringe, and squirt in her mouth with it, which she got a kick out of, and still does. Any and all comments are welcome. Hope some of this helps. Thanks a lot. Joseph L. Connolly Denver, CO Well,

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Question:

I am looking for any research that has been done on the effects of mould on asthmatic children. My son has chronic asthma and will probably be placed in a portable classroom in September. I have serious concerns and plan to seek legal advice to prevent what I consider a serious attack on his health. Can anyone make any recommendations – ie : research, other legal cases, etc that might be useful. D. Harmer Canada

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I don’t this this is the type of answer you are looking for, but in some cases the portable may be better.   We have two new portables out side this year. The school itself is very old.1907. Dust, and mold are every where.  The school uses chalk boards, the trailers have white boards, (no dust)  The trailers have AC and a better heating system.  The school has no AC.  Of couse in your case, the school may be in better shape, but here the portables win as the better health choice.

Response:

I am looking for any research that has been done on the effects of mould on asthmatic children.

If mold is one of their triggers, it can be a problem.  If not, then not. My son has chronic asthma and will probably be placed in a portable classroom in September. I have serious concerns and plan to seek legal advice to prevent what I consider a serious attack on his health.

Why don’t you back up a tad and check a couple of things out first: 1.  Is the portable classroom environment more likely to cause him to have asthma problems?  If not, then you really don’t have a concern. 2.  If the portable classroom environment IS more likely to cause him to have asthma problems, have you raised this concern with school authorities, including the school board?  If not, then you are going off the deep end. If you have done both of the above, AND it is a problem, AND the school and district administration have been unresponsive, THEN you need legal assistance.  Whilst, IME, school administrations are often both idiots and obstructive, this isn’t always the case. Chris Owens

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Does your child see a pulmonologist or immunologist regularly? if so then they would be the best source of information for your child. The doctors have many options for medically addressing averse environments that can not be avoided. When it comes to school environments our daughter has always done well with proper medicine -(we just can’t get school to support & encourage sticking to the medical care plan) anyway I would suggest planning ahead by remaining openminded. as one who is in the middle of litigating with a school district – I DON’T RECOMMEND GOING OFF ON FEAR OR EMOTION.     Litigation is expensive     Litigation is time consuming in ways you never dreamed of (I’d take managing & adminstering 28 daily doses of meds again over this any day)     Litigation comes with many strings – one we never imagined was that this year it made our goal of balancing our daughters medical & socialization needs w/i an academic enviornment impossible. with all this in mind I would suggest a simple note to current teacher & school administrator, asking for a conference to address your childs coming school year. keep questions simple and openended ie: we’d like to assess johnny’s progress at school……then let them tell you what they see     will you explain what a typical school day for johnny might be next year? jot down changes for regular doc visit.     We aren’t familiar with portable classroom environments, will you allow me to visit so that we have the information we need for johnny’s doctor this summer?      take notes about the environment, and relvant factors for doc We live in Florida, mold city for sure; we’ve had problems with hotel rooms, but school has been fine. Good luck to you!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am looking for any research that has been done on the effects of mould on asthmatic children. My son has chronic asthma and will probably be placed in a portable classroom in September. I have serious concerns and plan to seek legal advice to prevent what I consider a serious attack on his health. Can anyone make any recommendations – ie : research, other legal cases, etc that might be useful. D. Harmer Canada

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Before doing anything drastic you need to consult the childs pulminary specialist.  Assumptions are like rumors, everybody makes em but nobody admits em

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for any research that has been done on the effects of mould on asthmatic children. My son has chronic asthma and will probably be placed in a portable classroom in September. I have serious concerns and plan to seek legal advice to prevent what I consider a serious attack on his health. Can anyone make any recommendations – ie : research, other legal cases, etc that might be useful. D. Harmer Canada

Hello. My son had one class in a portable last year and it did aggravate his asthma. I’m fairly sure it was the mold. This year he has all his classes in the buildings. One of the buildings is airy and drafty and he does fine there, but one class is in a building with no opening windows and the doors open into an interior hallway. This class makes him sick as well since the mold, dust mites (from carpet) and chalk dust, etc. have nowhere to go except to be recirculated. Next year he will go to high school and I pray the conditions in those classrooms won’t hurt him. When we go to a mall, there are always stores he just can’t go into though he has no trouble with most stores. Taking on the schools legally would be a nightmare. I wish I knew the answer. Cathy

Response:

Does your child see a pulmonologist or immunologist regularly? if so then they would be the best source of information for your child. The doctors have many options for medically addressing averse environments that can not be avoided. When it comes to school environments our daughter has always done well with proper medicine -(we just can’t get school to support & encourage sticking to the medical care plan) anyway I would suggest planning ahead by remaining openminded. as one who is in the middle of litigating with a school district – I DON’T RECOMMEND GOING OFF ON FEAR OR EMOTION.     Litigation is expensive     Litigation is time consuming in ways you never dreamed of (I’d take managing & administering 28 daily doses of meds again over this any day)     Litigation comes with many strings – one we never imagined was that this year it made our goal of balancing our daughters medical & socialization needs w/i an academic enviornment impossible. with all this in mind I would suggest a simple note to current teacher & school administrator, asking for a conference to address your childs coming school year. keep questions simple and openended ie: we’d like to assess johnny’s progress at school……then let them tell you what they see     will you explain what a typical school day for johnny might be next year? jot down changes for regular doc visit.     We aren’t familiar with portable classroom environments, will you allow me to visit so that we have the information we need for johnny’s doctor this summer?      take notes about the environment, and relvant factors for doc We live in Florida, mold city for sure; we’ve had problems with hotel rooms, but school has been fine. Good luck to you!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am looking for any research that has been done on the effects of mould on asthmatic children. My son has chronic asthma and will probably be placed in a portable classroom in September. I have serious concerns and plan to seek legal advice to prevent what I consider a serious attack on his health. Can anyone make any recommendations – ie : research, other legal cases, etc that might be useful. D. Harmer Canada

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, I was wondering if anyone could give me web address for sites that list the symptoms of asthma, in other words, why a parent might suspect its more than a cough.  I looked for about an hour last night and found some good sites for people already diagnosed, but not exactly what I’m looking for.  My 10 year old son has had a cough for about a month now that I don’t remember starting with a cold.  It gets worse when he exerts himself, which I think would be normal if you had a cold with a cough.  The cough never produces any mucous.  Also, my six year old daughter has had a cold, ear infections, and bronchitis spread out over the last two months.  For the bronchitis, she took an antibiotic and ventolin, but the cough never really went away.  She goes for a recheck tomorrow.  Also, I am wondering if my children are allergic to our dog. Could my son’s cough be the only symptom of an allergy? Any information would be most appreciated.

You just gave a really good description of cough-variant asthma:  A persistent, non-productive cough not associated with an infection. Chris Owens

Response:

Hi there, I was wondering if anyone could give me web address for sites that list the symptoms of asthma, in other words, why a parent might suspect its more than a cough.  I looked for about an hour last night and found some good sites for people already diagnosed, but not exactly what I’m looking for.  My 10 year old son has had a cough for about a month now that I don’t remember starting with a cold.  It gets worse when he exerts himself, which I think would be normal if you had a cold with a cough.  The cough never produces any mucous.  Also, my six year old daughter has had a cold, ear infections, and bronchitis spread out over the last two months.  For the bronchitis, she took an antibiotic and ventolin, but the cough never really went away.  She goes for a recheck tomorrow.  Also, I am wondering if my children are allergic to our dog. Could my son’s cough be the only symptom of an allergy? Any information would be most appreciated. Missy reply "lou" to reply by e-mail

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anyone could give me web address for sites that list the symptoms of asthma, in other words, why a parent might suspect its more than a cough.  I looked for about an hour last night and found some good sites for people already diagnosed, but not exactly what I’m looking for.  My 10 year old son has had a cough for about a month now that I don’t remember starting with a cold.  It gets worse when he exerts himself, which I think would be normal if you had a cold with a cough.  The cough never produces any mucous.  Also, my six year old daughter has had a cold, ear infections, and bronchitis spread out over the last two months.  For the bronchitis, she took an antibiotic and ventolin, but the cough never really went away.  She goes for a recheck tomorrow.  Also, I am wondering if my children are allergic to our dog. Could my son’s cough be the only symptom of an allergy? Any information would be most appreciated. Missy reply "lou" to reply by e-mail

You mean remove??? Asthma is diagnosed using history and lung function tests. Age 10 and male is a vulnerable time to develop asthma. Shortness of breath during exercise suggests exercise-induced asthma, which most asthmatics have. If there are any allergies in history or other family members, now would be a good time to seek a referral to a pediatric allergist. He could have cough variant asthma (coughing instead of wheezing). It would be good to find out his allergies with skin testing; maybe the dog is making it worse. Your daughter could also be allergic, especially if other family members are; since there is a strong hereditery factor. Here’s a link from the Virtual Hospital (UIowa): http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/QuickRef.html Excerpt: "Initial Evaluation Suggested Items for Medical History Sample Questions for the Diagnosis and Initial Assessment of Asthma Differential Diagnostic Possibilities for Asthma Table of Chronic Asthma Severity Classification Computer-assisted Chronic Asthma Severity Determination Table of Acute Asthma Severity Classification Computer-assisted Acute Asthma Severity Classification Table for Managing Chronic Asthma in Infants and Young Children (< age 5 years)" http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/comp1/1-2.html "Figure 1-2: Sample Questions* for the Diagnosis and  Initial Assessment of Asthma Michael W. Peterson, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine The University of Iowa College of Medicine Peer Review Status: Pending A "yes" answer to any question suggests that an asthma  diagnosis is likely. In the past 12 months, . . .       Have you had a sudden severe episode or recurrent episodes  of coughing, wheezing (high-pitched whistling sounds when  breathing out), or shortness of breath?       Have you had colds that "go to the chest" or take more than  10 days to get over?       Have you had coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath  during a particular season or time of the year?       Have you had coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath  in certain places or when exposed to certain things (e.g.,  animals, tobacco smoke, perfumes)?       Have you used any medications that help you breathe better?  How often?       Are your symptoms relieved when the medications are used? In the past 4 weeks, have you had coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath:       At night that has awakened you?       In the early morning?       After running, moderate exercise, or other physical activity? *These questions are examples and do not represent a standardized assessment or diagnostic instrument. The validity and reliability of these questions have not been assessed. " All contents copyright