New here and starting Topa and with a question

[spacebebe01]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

I think we are allowed fireworks because it is our way of celebrating guy fawks night which is such a massive tradition here. I cant imagine what would ahppen if we werent allowed our firworks on 5th November. I dont know that shops sell them any other time of year tho.

[Bruunhilde]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Hi everyone!

Space, serving others means also serving yourself, because we can't do much if we don't take care of ourselves, after all.

I went to a P-doc yesterday for the first time in 25 years. He said he recommends weekly therapy from a therapist which is not a Pdoc but someone much less expensive in fact free on my medical plan because I buy the best plan out there every job I go to. This is the first time I actually see a financial difference, usually the only difference is that I can choose my doctor and don't need a referral to specialists like psychiatrists.

Anyways, he also happens to have 12 years specializing in substance abuse and is concerned about my intake. Of course. I told him I've been doing better, 4 nights a week of 5 drinks versus 7 nights a week. However, I've been slipping back and the low dose baclofen doesn't help and he wants me to take celexa for depression. He says anxiety is a huge side effect of depression and that although zoloft and wellbutrin didn't do much for me ten years ago, he recommends trying anti depressants again. He said the wellbutrin wouldn't be good for my anxiety because it has a stimulant effect. He think the lack of anxiety will help my drinking because part of why I drink is anxiety. Part is boredom which you mention Sun and Play in finding your passion (what/where is mine?) and then alcohol isn't an escape from boredom either. For me its the boredom and anxiety and then the alcohol makes me feel really good sometimes and sometimes it just sedates me with bad effect later.

He also says the anxiety control will help with my learning disabilities (possibly) which I'm skeptical about. I didn't have anxiety when I was in 3rd grade when it all started (the anxiety) until my teacher started being abusive emotionally to us kids with problems.

Anyways, I'm going to try the celexa and see if in a month I'm any better. Today I just want to go to bed .... I'm so tired. Partly from drinking last night and partly from the baclofen.

[sunshinedaisies]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Good afternoon all - I woke up this morning to what sounded like someone squirting a water bottle HARD against the carpet - it was Daisy having projectile diarhhea !! What a lovely way to start my day....... even I had a hard time cleaning it up and I don't usually have a problem....:upset:

ANYWAY Diz - lovely to see you back again. Your trip sounded different - yes, it does sound beautiful over there - was the 30 degrees on the plane C or F ? So sorry about bf getting the blood poisoning from the mossies though - what a pain for you both.

How are you doing? how goes it with the AL? What are your plans now - I know that your visa is running out - right? let us know what you will be doing - you are going home for Christmas, I remember that. And bf is going too - but will you be able to go back to UK after that?

Bruun - Celexa is the one that I am on. It has been the only one that works for me. but it does take a while to kick in - like most Ad's. glad that you are going to talk to someone that might know what they are talking about. i wish I could find a substance abuse pd around here.

Hi there Space - it is fairly easy to post pics once it is explained - I had it explained to me using the little paperclip above where we reply - and it is way easier than using photobucket or whatever. If you can upload your pics to the computer I can try and walk you though it. If I can do it, anyone can!!

As usual, I am buzzing out - off to work. Closing shift tonight. Daughter is coming over to feed dogs so I hope Daisy doesn't have any surprises for her - she won't be able to clean it up which means that she will cover it with a paper towel and leave it for me for when I come home tonight !! Gah !!!

Anyway - have a great day everyone, love and hugs, Sun XX

[Bruunhilde]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

LOL Sun,

Gah! A very good friend of mine uses that expression for just the same types of things! Oh DAISY, poor dear, what is going on in that tummy!? And right by your bed like an announcement. uch: My pup used to go out the doggie door /cat door to the garage to make his 'mistakes' but now he can't make it through due to his back/leg problem. Which requires surgery. Already spent $2K+ on him for diagnosis. Ugh. Poor thing, and poor wallet. Just glad I haven't spent any money on any vacation for 12 years so I have the money saved. But not glad I had no fun trips for sure. Was just telling mum that I would have gone to New Zealand with her if it was only 2 weeks not 3 so cheaper.

Glad to know Celexa works for you - maybe for me too. My sister uses Effexor but it makes her gain weight. I think that's the line up for her - she uses other stuff too so not sure if Celexa makes her gain also. How about you? Any sides?

Not sure if he's going to be good or not, this was just the first visit, I have my fingers and toes crossed that he helps me. I haven't had positive experiences with pdocs nor therapists in the past. He didn't seem all egotistical so I'm hopeful. He said I should like the therapist because she's a woman and 30-something. Not sure what that is supposed to mean since he knows I'm 50 and I do know I look at least in my mid to late 40's or 50.

Dizzy, I also was wondering if the temp was C or F, seeing as the visit was to Instanbul and pretty sure no one but USA uses Fareinheit anymore.

Space, fireworks are sold in the US for July 4th in non-fire danger areas. They're sold in Iowa but not in Southern California as far as I know, for example - although Mexico isn't far away and I believe they can be brought over just so long as they aren't disguised as illegal immigrants or drugs. haha.

Topa and Kudzu did not have that effect on me - tried both multiple times. Congrats to you both, that is a happy and lucky thing for you two. :schmokin:

[DizzyBee]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Hi

Space I agree that Bonfire night or Guy Fawkes is very nice, I think this year was the first time I 'got it' even though its the third time I spent it over here. Possibly because Windsor is such a nice family orientated town and people were really responsible. Its just a bit odd when you get used to something being illegalised and then you see it be normal again. A bit like when I was in Turkey and everyone was just smoking everywhere again. Even though I smoke at least one or two cigarettes a day, I did take offense when the one taxi driver smoked in the car while he was driving us somewhere.

I'm glad to say there were no problems that I know of and people seem to be careful and know what they were doing.

Bruun, you're right, I have never used F so it was 30 Celsius on the plane, the perfect breeding ground for germs!

Sun, thanks for the kind words, I'm struggling with AL and getting the Topa to work in the same way that it used to. Feeling a bit at my wits end. Sorry about the way your day started - poor Daisy - and especially you. I hope she is better now.

Damn I got loads of wet linen because the laundrette closed an hour earlier than I thought it did so it has to wait until morning. It really sucks to live in a tiny apartment without room for a drier in winter.

Chat soon, have a good evening.

:h

[Alcoholic]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Hello everyone: hi, dizzybee:

All of a sudden there's so much posts to catch up!!! Just want to say hi but I only finished reading dizzy's adventure in Istanbul. Everyone here travels everywhere!!! So jealous! Anyway, I have to go back and catch up to see what you guys have been up to.

[NoraC]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Hello everyone....came by to try to get caught up on everyone. :l

Bruun - I hope the celexa helps you. I take Lexapro which is similar.

Diz - Wow! What a trip you had. Welcome back.

Space - That is great that the Topa is helping you like that. What dosage are you on?

Play - you are leaving in a month?

Ok - I agree with Ally. I obviously need to read back & get caught up here. I have missed so much news.

Take care everyone & I'll be back. :h

[NoraC]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

PS - Sunnie.....you should have made hubby clean up Daisy's accident. :H:H:H

[playland]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Hi Nora, well actually I'm leaving for Spain in one week and Space is joining me in a little less than a month. My trip is not really a holiday, I'm going to help my daughter who will be having a hip replacement, she is young and I'll help her during her recovery and get to spend time with my adorable two grandchildren, my fun part will be having Space spend time with me there, we are both really excited.

Love, Play

[NoraC]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Play - How nice that you can go and be there for you daughter. Enjoy your grandchildren. How long are you going to be there? How exciting that you and Space are going to spend time together.

[Raven2012]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Hi Friends,

I have been on Topimax for a few months, up to 200 mg per day. No more toe tingling. Cravings are increasing. Should I increase? Seems like a pretty high dosage already. Thanks friends.

[houtx]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Hey all -
It's been weeks since I posted, I know. Just stuff got in the way. Trying to catch up - I gave up and went back about 10 pgs. only. Good to see some new people here and seeing posts from Dizzy again. I can't comment on everyone's posts like most of you do...just understand I read and see and appreciate!

I am doing fine. Not much changed. Today my school offered a Health Screening I went in for...they said I had high blood pressure and my glucose levels were high. Hello. All a result of heavy AL consumption I know/they don't and things I've had told to me before and that I sweep under the proverbial rug.

A sweet gf from the TSM site messaged me the other day to see how I was doing...made me do a "holdup" think-thru of where I was and where I am now...Sadly, not much changed except I am more careful. My drinking habits have only slightly changed, but not by much and I am still drinking at dangerous levels. I know the health problems I have, although minor, are directly related to AL. But I don't know how I can cope with my horribly high-stress job without some kind of substance abuse!! Seriously.

Anyway - I am posting late at night on a Friday night. I have gotten way behind in everyone's posts and tried to skim thru everything. I so love coming here as a refuge. Like WTE welcomes newcomers...it's like flopping down on the sofa with a group of friends. I've missed this and will try and come in more often. Love reading the posts for sure and hope to catch up again soon!

Lots of nothing to talk about soon! Love you all -

XO

[Alcoholic]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Hi everyone: I think I'm caught up now:

Nora: nice to see you here!!!

Brunn: hope celexa will help your anxiety. I'm glad you have such good insurance to pay for therapy and doctors...

Sun: hello! You are still buzzing around, I see. I'd like some of your energy. I'm so tired these days. Any free time I have, I lay in bed. I should exercise, but the thought of it makes me tired. I totally can relate to space. I think it has to do w the cold weather.

Space: you are doing awesome on the topamax! I am on it but I keep forgetting to take it. I think in mind I'm already convinced it's the kudzu helping me so I don't think I'm giving topa a fair chance.

Dizzy: what a trip you had! Those of you who travel to other countries are totally brave in my mind. Because to get a mosquito bite and having to go to hospital in a different country... Wow. I'd freak out having to go to a hospital in ThiS country!

Play: have a great time w Space in Spain. How's that travel plan coming along?

Wte: missing in action. Hello if you are lurking!

Gonna go to bed now... Oh wait, I've been in bed. I meant I'm going to get up, brush my teeth, wash face, take out contacts, then get back into bed now...

[sunshinedaisies]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Hi everyone - in from work - gosh, it was crazy busy tonight - I guess the Christmas season is upon us !!

Raven - lovely to see you here - I have to go up to 300mg to see any effect from the topa - I try to keep it down to 250mg if I can, but really 300mg is what does it for me. I know lower doses work for a lot of others, but I guess I drew the short straw...... my main problem with the 300mg is that when I get up to that level, is that I get major depression - so I have to try and back off when I feel that coming on but balance it out with the effects of the topa - otherwise I would stay on the 300mg all the time. It WORKS for me at that level. Yes, I would increase if you are not having any major SE's.

Ally - I always have energy - I think I am very lucky. I am a fidget and can't keep still most of the time. If I do stop, I would fall asleep, which is why I don't stop. As I said before, energy creates energy - you remember those desktop things that they had for executives with the balls that you set going - and they just keep going - hitting each other? That is me !!

Houtx - good to see you again. So sorry you are pretty much in the same boat - I know your job is stressful - you couldn't pay me enough to do what you do. Just hang in there and keep popping in - we love to see you here and hear from you.

Nora - hi there - good to see you too - yes, I thought about waking up hubs and having him clean up Daisy's accident but in all fairness he had only been in bed for three hours. Plus he would have probably still left a stain. I am amazed that I got it all out. She seems fine now, but has seemed a little under the weather for a few days - has thrown up a few times so I am just going to keep an eye on her and see what transpires.

Bruun - I have no SE's from Celexa at all - I used to be on 60mg and it was awesome. Then the FDA said no-one could be on that dose 'cos of heart arrythmia problems - so my doc took me off of it and put me on Lexapro but a very low dose - that was when I had the supposed mini stroke that turned out to be withdrawal from the celexa !! I am since back on the celexa at 40mg but it wasn't hacking it for me at 40mg which is the dose that the FDA says is the optimal dose so I have taken matters into my own hands....... PM me !!!

WTE - please post - I am getting worried about you. I know that you are busy but I do have a slight feeling of angst about what is going on. I know when I don't post it is 'cos I am down. So, just to let you know we are here for you and thinking of you....

Play - we really are going to miss you when you go to Spain - I know you will still post but I know that you will be super busy to begin with. Hope all goes well with your daughter and her surgery.

Space - you are going to have such a lovely time with Play. I wish I could be there with the two of you. Play is so sweet and I would imagine barcelona is wonderful. I hope that you are feeling better than you were.... :l to you.

Well folks, I must think about getting to bed. Up at 6.00 as I work the 8.00 shift tomorrow. Love and hugs to you all,

sun XXX

[spacebebe01]

New here and starting Topa and with a question

Its so cool when it gets busy on here but Im not sure I can remember to respond to everyone tho

Dizzy Im so glad you enjoyed your trip to Istanbul, even tho you both got ill, which isnt good but its good you enjoyed the rest of it.

I hope this new therapist works out for you Bruun, plus the celexa, at least something is changeing so it could well be the thing to work for you, and the therapist will be free so even better. Is your dog any better?

And snd is Daisy ok now, how nasty for her the poor thing to have such a bad tum. are things calming down in work now.

Nora are you still taking topa or did you stop, good to have you back again.

and its cool to hear from you to houxt, long time no read, get back again sooner next time please x

Ally, I have never noticed any difference at all with kudzu so you must be lucky, I have a bottle and have been trying ti again but not noticed anything again. Im glad its working for you, its strange isnt it the way one thing works for one person and not another, at least you have found what is good for you early on which is great.

Im still in pretty much the same situation, except last nigh I had a bad asthma attck, my asthma has been getting worse for a while now but Ive been trying not to take much notice of it, I have my inhalers and theres nothing else that can be done about it. So last night I ended up collapsed on the floor banging to get one of my sons to get my inhaler to me, I was terrified, I seriously couldnt breath and was worried about myself. I dont know what triggered it, but I will go back and mention it to the doc but as I say there is nothing else they can do that I know of, or maybe he could give me a stronger steriod inhaler the one I only used twice a day, I will ask anyway because my breathing is getting worse all the time, I know I really need to give up smoking but dont seem able to, I do keep on attempting but it never gets anywhere. I need to try again, I wanted to have stopped before I go to spain, I dont think play smokes do you play, or can you tell me if she does sun. not that is matters. I am full on addicted and would so love to be not addicted and just not to smoke at all.