anxiety

[NightlyNinja2006]

I am suffering from anxiety and some depression. Does anyone know of a natural alternative to treat these problems. Don't wanna take drugs for long term use. Afraid of bad effect on body and addiction. Any suggestions?
if anyone can send me info at NightlyNinja2006@wikichat.com I'd really appreciate.

[joy]

Hi there. Sorry I resort to medicine occasionally myself. I'd be interested in any replies myself so I'll keep tabs on this thread. I'd appreciate it if they would reply here also.

[Cry Tears]

Benedryl for calming or sleep purposes...it works very well.
I use it every nite for sleep and I've found it much better than perscript sleep meds.
I've been using it for nearly a year now and its made me have a better sleep pattern to where I'm taking less and less of the Benedryl and often sleep all night very soundly without it.
Otherwise...when I'm having severe anxiety...I find Xanex works very well.
Make sure you stay away from coffee, tea and other stimulating beverages that can cause anxiety.
When I drink more than 1 c of java a day....It causes me to be very anxious and actually set off panic like feelings.
I'd consult someone at one of those fancy health food stores that sells vitamins, herbs and supps to see what they recommend.
If man can make things like Xanex...I'm sure God has an alternative for it!
Blessings, cheryl
PS...when I'm really feeling anxious....move outa my way and pass me the script!

[joy]

That's a good way I agree, reading the Bible and praying. Just sometimes, not often considering al that goes wrong with hubby and daughter plus my own health, I need a little something for the what if's, what if the heart doesn't kick backin regularly,... you know and I'm so happy your husband has found dieting helps. But it's not something that helps mine so I get a bit anxious as it is happening far to often. But I agree, I'd hate to know I couldn't read my Bible or pray. We're fortunate there for sure. Don't have to worry about someone looking over our shoulder.

[amputee1995]

I have been in an auto accident with a young man whom had just returned from vietnam years ago. He was a little older thatn I, but he was my best buddie so to speak so when he came home from that war torn place, he asked me to go partying with him when he got home.

I was honored because he called because I had not seen my friend in a very long time Anyhow the night or 2 after he got back stateside, and he was in some of the heaviest fighting over there, he wanted his ole buddie, of course me to go to a big town Charlotte to drink the night away.

We got back to his home about 11:00 that night and he still wanted to go get more booze. It was against my better judgement, but I agreed to go. We had to go to the next county, because at That time Kings Mountain, the little town Rick lived in was still not wet and we had to go to the neighboring county to buy to stuff.

We had to travel about 10 miles or so I guess. Anyhow we made it by their 12:00 closing time and bought two more cases of beer.On the way back down the 10 miles to get back to my buddies house where we were going to play cards the rest of the night and dring the booze, right oin the last little road that goes down a hill towd ricks house, something came over my friend Rick, amnd all of a sudden he was stareing straight out the windshield. Not a word did he speak but he steped on the accellorator of the car and off we went like an indy 500 car.

In a manner of seconds we were flying down thr road lickity split with no way I knew to stop. If I had just grabbed the car key out of the ignition but I didn't think to do that. I hollored at the loudest voice I could muster. No help. Rick was in another world. I started to get ready for the impact I knew was comeing back to me. So the last seconds of what happened seemed to take an eternity to pass by. Rick had pused the accelorator to the floor and wouldn't let off, We were going down the road at speeds just nearly up against 90 mph.

Then as I hollored with the top of my voice for the last time, I knew it had to be all over with. As we left the road I couild see everything stop and we were now in slow motion in my mind. The car seemed to float through the air as we went up the bank toward the house right square in front of our path. We were headed straight forward. I could now see weeds slowly whipping across the windshield of the car as we drove byWhat must have taken seconds seem to take minutes as we headed into the house. And then all of a sudden the loudest crashing sound I have ever heard in my life.

We had just catapaulted into a house at a speed just under 90 mile per hour. Rick, whom was driving hit the steering wheel with his jaw and broke his jawbone and fractured his left foot. It took almost an hour for the rescue personal to get to us. Rick hit the steering wheel and then fell over into my lap. He would try to raise up a bit and then he would fall back down again. There was blood everywhere. all over my clothes and all over the seat, and it was running from my mouth as well. My face had hit the windshield in some fashion and I was bleeding from haveing all my teeth knocked out.Evrytime Rick would rise up a little and then fall back down on my thigh, he was causeing me excruciationg pain. Finally I layed my hand on his head and told him in a kind voice that they were on the way to come get us. They had to use the jaws of life to extricate us from the car.

About that same time there had about 150 folks who had gathered up on the bank to see what all the excitement was about. I saw strange eyes leering in at us, and some were going oooh, awwww. Didn't make me feel good at all I will tell you. When they finally got us both out of the car and placed in seperate ambulances we were seperated. It would be over 170 days before I saw my friend again. They took him to columbia veterans hospital in South Carolina, and they took me to Kings Mountain Hospital .

I finnaly would up in Gastonia hospital in traction. And thats where I stayed for the next 170 days. It was so long I thought I would die . When I finnally was able to come out of the traction, and then put into a cast, they plAced me into a body cast from armpits to toes on both sides. And home we went I stayed that was for almost a year as well.

From the time of the accident when I was about 21 until then 23, and from that point on I guess I had as many as 36 surgeries both before as well as after an amputation. They tried screws, splints, plates, you name it they tried it to fix me back up if they could. It was just no use. They grafted bone from each of my hips to be fused into my ankle and Iam talkimng from boit sides. I had to learn how to walk all over again just like a baby. And all the surgeries and recoveries. In 1995 they decided enough was enough, amd they amputated my left leg just below the knee. I thought it would take forever for me to be able to walk at all again.Since the amputatipn, I have had 6 different legs trying to get a good fit.

Finally the sent me to a Pain Management Clinic and got me to takeing methadone. Iam now takeing 20 mg every 8 hours. Along with that they have me on other medications for other things as well. Iam on Advare for COPD. iAM ON OXYGEN THERAPY 24/7 FOR THE COPD. I am on zocor for high colesterol. 80mg. I take ambien 10 mg each night for sleep. They have me on prednisone, they have me on xanax. they have me on several other medications and another one is Hydroxzine. The xanax was suposed to be for anxiety.

The week before christmas, I was so upset over some issues between my wife and I, that I became so anxious that the xanax just didn't work. My wife and I were haveing big problems and I was so afraid we might break up I just could not handle things and I took 3 xanax in a day instaed of the two. I did this for a bout a week or a little better and at the end of the week I started to get into a bad shape. I started going on withdrawal off of something. I tried to eat and I could not. I tried to sleep and I could not. I got diahreea. I got a runny nose. I could not stop for the life of me how much I loved my wife and I did not know what was going on. It happened in the middle of the night. I got so bad I started to scream for my wife to take me to the ER.

sHE FINALLY DID. tHE HAD TO GET ME CALMED BACK DOWN AS i WAS ABOUT TO GO INTO A SEIZURE ANYTIME. tHEY GAVE ME SOME MEDICINES AND i GOT BACK TO NORMAL FAIRLY SOON. i DO NOT ever want to go through that again. Iam not a drug addict, I just had so many iorns in the fire so to speak that I could not deal with all of it. I though the medicine would help but they made me so much worse. By me takeing the methadone, I thought I would be alright. So my emotional state is not very good at this point. I need some folks to talk with me if they will. I live alone now with my little Shi Tzu "Miss Angel" without her I would be a basket case.

I hate wearing the oxygen but I do not have a choice. Well let me stop here. I have darn near written an essay or a book. And this is just one episode of my life. Iam 57 now and what could top that I do not know. Good to meet you all and hope I get to know you all better,

Don

[JAVISI]

Don,
Wow, you are lucky to be alive. What a scary thing you had to go through. Have you ever been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome?

I take over 15 different medications. I was on methadone for awhile but it didn't seem to take away the pain. So I am now on a duragesic patch and take hydrocodone for break through pain. none of it seems to take my pain away completely.

I almost doed during the Thanksgiving holiday. I was in so much pain, the patch and the oxycodone were not helping so I decided to take methadone on top of my other pain meds. I ended up taking to many my BF found me unresponsive, I was taken to the hospital by ambulance, I spent a week in the hospital. I remember nothing about my hospital stay. It really opened my eyed that I could have died. I now take my prescriptions only as they are prescribed!

NightlyNinja,
I don't know of ant herbal remedies that will help withanxiety or pain. If you find something make sure that your Dr knows about what you are taking. So many of the herbal remidies come with side effects of their own. I do know of a book that is similar drug book that has all the information about herbal medixations. I am sure you could find it at barnes and nobel.

I wish you the best of luck on your endevour, unfortunatly I am stuck on the [ain meds. I take nothing for anxiety but I am on 3 different meds for depression. I take amytriptyline for sleep, it is a low dose.

I do not fee; that I am addicted to my meds but I do need them for pain control. I have tried to go without but was unable to walk due to the pain. Maybe you can find a happy medium in your endevour. Talk t your Dr about wanting to use herbal meds, See what he has to say! I wish you the best of luck!

Dreming Big and Reaching for the Stars, Javi

[houghchrst]

Nightly Ninja, St. John's Wort and Valerian can be used to relieve stress. I have also used Valerian tea for sleep. They both can also be used to treat depression and Ginseng has been used too. These are not things that you would want to just buy off the shelf and start taking. You really would want to be monitored while taking these just like they are medications. I don't know what kind of medical profession would be best at that but my psychiatrist knew about the Valerian and was all for my using it.

[houghchrst]

Don what a sad thing to hear. A testament to the terrible things that war not only does to those that are in the thick of it but how if can affect those who are close to the ones who are damaged in the fighting. You never say what happened to your friend.

I can't imagine anyone who has gone through what you have to be in wonderful shape mentally. Like Laurie says maybe Post Traumatic Stress is something you may want to see a therapist about. Sounds like you have a lot to get off of your chest.

I am glad you decided to join us, there are many spots where you could fit in, where ever you feel comfortable.

((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))

[Buttons2]

The first part of this thread is old,but I'll pitch in here anyways with an herbal for anxiety,it's called "Rescue Remedy" and made by Bach. This is a tincture & can be purchased at Fred Meyer's or any good health food store.

Don, wow your story is like a nightmare! I'm glad you have your little doggie for company. And I hope you'll join in on the Emotional Support forum. (sorry if you already post there,we have gotten many new people now & I can't keep up with all of them!)

I see that you have connected with Pamster,she's the one that I was referring to about the "mirror therapy".

Hope better days are ahead for you. There's a reason you survived that crash.

((((gentle hug from one dog lover to another)))) And don't forget we have a pet forum here on BT & would love to hear more about your sweet doggie.

[Buttons2]

Well geez.....now I see we are on emotional support threads!! Not to fret,my brain just needs to wake up I guess!

[amputee1995]

I appreciate all of the kind and careing thoughts. I have had a few other folks tell me that I could be sufferring from Post Tramatic Stress as well. I really don't know what that is.

I hate to jump in and tell you all the "whole" story because I would never want anyone to think Iam trying to seek sympathy from others. But truthfully without going into it much more than I have, I have just barely scrathced the surface of my life from about 20 up to now.

Surgery after surgery and recovery after recovery. Not only the surgeries from the accident itself, but so many other surgeries as well. I had to have a coxxyegtomy a couple of years back and wound up getting a Staph infection at the hospital before I came out. I had to wear one of those wound vac machines for awhile and the antibiotic it took to cure it cost $3,500.00 just for a 30 day supply.

I about fell out of my chair. I now have not only trouble walking but sitting as well. Iam trying to learn how to hover. Ha Ha. I also had to have surgeries for the repair of both right and left rotator cuffs, I had my Gall balled removed, I had to have 3 hernia repairs, I have 3 titanium plates in my neck where they had to remove some bad cervical discs and put the plate in.

It just went on and on. The last surgery I had to have was this past Nov. I had to have a vien removed from my risidual limb because it was bulging out so bad it was hendering my wearing of my prosthesis. Iam trying to recover from that now. It has just been one thing right after the other. I try to take it all in stride though. Even after all I have had to have done I know I only have to look around the corner and see someone far worse off than myself.

SO I just keep hugging mny little Dog "Miss Angel" and keep on a going. The COPD is what I don't like to well though. Haveing to be on Oxygen therapy 24/7 gets me down at times. I have a concentrator for the apartment and when I go out I have a little portable unit. I quit smoking way back in 1986 and I still wind up on oxygen 24 hours a day?

I had always been told that when you had stopped smoking for 10 years it was like you never smoked. Not True. The Dr told me once the damage has been done it has been done. So even though I quit over 20 years ago, I still wound up with COPD.

The buddy of mine who was driving the car that night when he ran us into the man's house, I seldom see anymore. He only broke his jawbone and he was good to go after a short period of time. I think they had to wire his jaw shut for a few weeks and it made it uncomfortable for him to eat, but after about 6 weeks he was alright from that point on. He came to see me in the hospital I think one time right after the accident and I haven't seen him since. The first time I went to the hospital after the accident, I had to stay 170 days just that one time.

"Miss Angel" my little dog is a full blooded Shi-Tzu. She is my very best friend in the whole world. I would have never made it these last 4 years or so if it had not been for her. She gives me unconditional love. I look back at what I have been through ever once in awhile when I get to thinking about it and I am amazed at all I went through and Iam still here going. I have to be here for some reason.

I decided to go back to school while I was going through my amputation and 14 of us started and I was one of two who finished with the degree. I got a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I was in my 40's and it was very hard with all the math. But I did it. 3.54 GPA NOT BAD I THOUGHT FOR AN OLE GEEZER IN HIS 40'S

While I was there, they had an Essay Contest, and out of 250 entries, somehow mine won first place honors. It was even published in a book and is a part of the library there. It has to do with Peer Pressure and I mainly wrote it for teenagers who may like myself tend to somehow get mixed in with the wrong crowd.

You see that night of the accident, my dear Father somehow knew something bad was going to happen that night and begged me not to go. Being young like I was I didn't believe him and went on anyway. That was the very night I almost was killed in that accident. I called the Essay "The Unheeded Warning" I still have the book it was published in, and it tells the story of the accident and all that happened that night. If anyone would like to read it I can email you a copy.

I will have to type it on the computer so I can send it but I don't mind doing that if someone has teenagers or young folks who may benifit from reading the story. It was my hope that some young person who reads it, may remember the story in the event someone else tries to get them to become involved with things they shouldn't. If I could be responsible for saveing just one young person from living a life like I have lived, all my efforts will be worth it all.

Well Thanks again for the kind words of support and if I can help anyone any kind of way just let me know.

Don & "Miss Angel"

[Buttons2]

Don,there are some parent's of teenagers active on this forum......I'll let them ask for the book. That's a nice gesture to make. Whatever it takes right? We all tend to be fools from time to time so I hope you haven't wasted alot of time asking yourself "what if". Kudos to you for going to school & getting your degree! You never gave up,so in my book you are a true survivor.

[amputee1995]

I would absolutely be thrilled to email my essay to someone whom has teenagers or yong folks that are drifting off where they may not want to be just to be a part of the so called crowd. Thats what I did. They had me convinced they were what I neeeded. What a sap I was. I couldn't see it then but I do now. It is so easy when you find yourself with a group of people whom try to get you to do thing you would otherwise never do. So come on Mom's, ask me for a copy of the essay and I will email it to you. It won first place over 250 essays and I also got a plaque and $100.00 for it too.

It is also published in a book. It does pack a strong point about Peer Pressure, and how to stay away from it. Thise guys I was buddied up with, most of them never had a job, and I ws the only one wroking. Of course you know who wound up buying the booze and paying the ways into clubs and things. Yes me. Then Monday morning I would be totaly broke. Iam so glad I got away from that crowd of no counts, and started to do things my way. I did accomplish some good things after I went back and got my degree in Mechanical Engineering. I was good at it to.

It may just be a 2 year degree. but at 43. this ole boy was rather proud of it. Now if some of you have teemagers. They would really benifit from reading this essay about Peer Pressure. If it is possible, I would even type the darn thing right here if the moderators said it was okay and you all could read it.

Its not but about 3 pages long, but it tells the story about my accident, and puts forth a lesson to a young person they so despearately need to her. I like you guys. I hope we can be friends and share some things together. I always wanted a friend to chat with. Thanks for being my friend, and for being "Miss Angel"s friend as well.

She means the world to me. I have to take her on Monday to have her annual physical. She just hates that. bUT i DON'T TAKE CHANCES WITH MY LITTLE GIRL. sHE IS ALL i HAVE IN THIS ENTIRE WORLD.

And what would I ever do if somethimng were to ever happen to her. My life would end right there. Well Iam going to hunt the little darling up, and her and POP are going to bed. Iam very tierd. Talk to you all real soon. You all are a great bunch of folks I can already tell.

Don & "Miss Angel"

[dawnmn]

Don, you should be proud that you went back to school. That is an great accomplishment. I'm also happy that you love your dog. Pets help us when times are tough. Their also there when the going is good.

Welcome, an I hope you stay. Your story is amazing. It's good that you have wrote about your accident to share with teenagers.

[Buttons2]

Don, almost 3 years ago I adopted a big mutt. Last kind of dog in the world anyone would have invisioned for me to get! He weighs 110# & the vet can't even tell what age he is,but did say he's still a puppy although he's full grown. I got him to rescue him from the shelter where he was attacked in the kennel & nearly died. He rescued me right back since I was suicidal at the time.

Having a dog forces me to get out & walk!

Also, I want to add that even grown up's are influenced by "peer pressure". Just think how many fools bought houses they couldn't afford simply to keep up with other fools.

[Nana4&cntn]

Don, I read your story and had goose bumps, no wonder you have anxiety! I am happy you have Miss Angel!

I joined the AF at the very end of the VN war, not conflict! geez. I found it crazy what people went thru over there, just to come home and think they were invincible!

I am so sorry for all you have gone thru, and now to lose your marriage. How very sad!

I am impressed you went back to school! Something I have always wanted to and have never done. You should be very proud of yourself! An Electrical Engineering degree is tough, my youngest son is one also. It took him 5 years and a lot of money, but he is young.

I am very impressed!

It is too bad you couldn't post your essay on the 'Teens helping Teens' forum! That would be perfect as I know kids come looking for others to talk to, and may run into it. I am sure it would save lives.

Can you tell us the name of the book it is in? I would be interested in reading it.

[amputee1995]

Dear Nanna4&cntn: The essay was actually published in two books. One was a literary book that the college puts out and it would be in that library. Now the Hardback book the story was printed in was published in a book written about our county, and some of the citizens in it. The book was called "Cleveland County Tales" My story is the last story in the book. The book contains stories of Cleveland County Residents for which I have been since birth. I am not sure if this book would be in all libraires or just the one in this county. You can see if it is. I would be very happy though to get you a copy to you. The more teemage eyes it can go before the better chance it may have to change someone elses life before its too late like in my case. Do you think it would be appropriet to post the essay here. And if so where would I post it at? If you let me know the best was to go about it, I can either post it here, email it, or whatever you think would be the best. It is about 3 pages long. If a teensger reads it I can assure you it will have an inpact and they won't forget it. Thats what I count on that when someone confronts them to do something they may not otherwise become involved with, my story may come back to theor mind, and they will say NO THANKS.
I am happy to share if you let me know the best way to do so.

Don & "Miss Angel" :)

[Buttons2]

Don, how about asking the moderator's? I see no reason it couldn't be written here on BT but they might have the best suggestion as to which forum.

[Bahamaroot]

Don, how about asking the moderator's? I see no reason it couldn't be written here on BT but they might have the best suggestion as to which forum.I agree with Buttons. E-mail or PM any moderator and they can best answer your question.

Do you think it would be appropriet to post the essay here. And if so where would I post it at? If you let me know the best was to go about it, I can either post it here, email it, or whatever you think would be the best. It is about 3 pages long.

[houghchrst]

Don I have a 16 year old son that I would like to read it. I will PM you my email address if you don't mind. Maybe, if you don't mind I can get him to put it on his MySpace and being a recovering addict I could post it on mine. He has lost a lot of friendships in the last couple of years to drugs and drinking because he didn't want to take that route and recently I discovered that for the last year he has tried marijuana and alcohol. Just a few times but enough for him to feel the need to confess and decide that it is not all as appealing as some make it seem.

[amputee1995]

Christina that will be fine if you want to PM me with an email address and I will email the essay to you. If you have a Son whom is 16 years old, thats exactly who the essay was written for. I will have to retype it but I will be most happy to.

Don

[amputee1995]

I haven't seen my friend in many years. He only broke his Jaw bone and in a short while he was good as new. Unfdortunately I had multiple surgeries. He came saw me in the hospital one time as I was in thee the first time for 170 days. After that I came home in a body cast and stayed in that thing for such a long time. I lost 30 pounds while I was in that thing just from the weight of it. Remember back then thy only had the heavy plaster type casting. After my friend came that one time I haven't seen him since. My brother carried the mail in his town for many years though and he said the last time he came up on him he looked really bad. My brother said it looked like you could just touch him and he would fall over. He never gave up the drinking and no telling what else he got invloved with. I still wonder about him at times but I have no clue where he is now.

Don