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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JohnDoenut on March 20, 2002, at 20:33:53
So I know people post things here when they are happy and when they are sad. Lately I've been more sad than happy. Its to be expected though what with the job finding problem now and no prospects in sight. I go up and down as you know and today I dont know why, i had taken my meds, I read my email and sometimes something someone says will set me off or just the whole gravity of it all and I entered a pit of despair that has been unknown to me before now. Not depression, despair. I tried taking more meds but it didnt help. Made it worse in a way. And then later I was in the kitchen and thought what the heck and poured two shots (Im not really a big drinker or anything) and within a few minutes I felt much better. For me this is weird because drinking usually makes me feel tired or drunk not better. I suddenly realized what this whole self medication thing with alcohol was all about.
And i was thinking I dont want to start drinking to feel better. I cant let this become a regular thing. anyway that was a few hours ago and now Im feeling better in general. I just have to keep going. Just keep stumbling through this world and see where it goes.
JohnD
Posted by JohnDoenut on March 20, 2002, at 20:37:13
In reply to I get it now., posted by JohnDoenut on March 20, 2002, at 20:33:53
So I forgot to mention that tv or the computer wasnt helping so I shut it all off and watched the snow falling outside. It was snowing and I just sat there and watched it. I then went to the back and lay on my back and turned my head and watched the snow fall in my lovely backyard. Big flakes. The cats came in and out of the room and flopped around and I played with them while I was upside down and drifting in and out of sleep while watching the snow.
Posted by trouble on March 20, 2002, at 20:58:07
In reply to Re: I get it now., posted by JohnDoenut on March 20, 2002, at 20:37:13
Well John, few may agree w/ this but I think it's fine to drink (so long as your p-doc okays it, all my drug bottles warn against "interactions" my p-doc says it's fine when I need to). Alcohol soothes and it can anesthetize, that's what it was made for, and I believe, when it is used, as it most often is, in just the fashion you're using it, tonight, you are being responsible. Responsible and shame-free would be best.
By the looks of your 2nd post it didn't do you any harm, looked to me like you were feeling no pain. As if. But it can help us get over the rough spots, so just thought I'd offer my support, if you've a mind for it.
from the liquor lobby of my mind,
trouble
Posted by Uppendown on March 20, 2002, at 21:37:32
In reply to You don't need permission for anything, posted by trouble on March 20, 2002, at 20:58:07
Hey John, and Trouble..
I totally agree... and it sure is refreshing to hear it on a site such as this !! So often we hear all the usual things, the usual admonishments about alcohol.. or self medication.. " The Usual Suspects"... But I'm really impressed to see the honesty.. the self awareness.. the real life support for real life realities... and the validation to a fellow member that they ARE making choices, and another human being is going to respect their choices, another human being is going to aknowledge the other persons intelligence and life struggles..
VERY cool... I really am impressed...
And John... I know you're in the thick of it at the moment.. I just wanted to throw out something I know you know.. that meds can have very limited impacts on "situational" influences on our lives.. You have a lot of heavy stuff on your plate at the moment, stuff that would get ANYONE down.. so, don't beat yourself up too much over those issues .. we have enough things to work on as it is, eh ?
BTW, you in the Pacific North West?? Just cuz the snow references.. LOL! I can relate !! They're talking about white outs on the radio as I write !
Best Wishes..
U&D
Posted by Ritch on March 21, 2002, at 1:31:21
In reply to Re: I get it now., posted by JohnDoenut on March 20, 2002, at 20:37:13
Posted by IsoM on March 21, 2002, at 1:34:32
In reply to Catnip and Dandelion wine! (nm), posted by Ritch on March 21, 2002, at 1:31:21
I've eaten catnip straight - ewww! pretty strong tasting. Did nothing either. But ummmm, dandelion wine is so good!
Posted by Zo on March 21, 2002, at 3:24:44
In reply to Re: Catnip and Dandelion wine! » Ritch, posted by IsoM on March 21, 2002, at 1:34:32
> I've eaten catnip straight - ewww!
WHY?
Posted by IsoM on March 21, 2002, at 12:48:52
In reply to Re: I only got one question » IsoM, posted by Zo on March 21, 2002, at 3:24:44
It grows in abundance & self-seeds so easily. A couple of years ago when I was trying to come off Paxil & was laid up in bed with discontinuation/withdrawal symptoms wishing I was dead & wanting to die, I tried catnip.
Catnip is a long-time favourite for nervous disorders. And is supposedly effective! It's very calming for nerves & stomach & considering how I felt, I'd have eaten the cat's litter box if I believed it would've helped.
It did help some but I was very sick from stopping Paxil (actually tapering off over three months) & it didn't do as much as I hoped. Rather than drink catnip tea, I'd only gag it back. So I stuffed a couple of leaves in my mouth, chewed & washed it down with water followed by a bite of apple to keep it down. My cats were very interested in my new brand of "toothpaste" though. Did it off & on for a week or so.
Last fall as I was cleaning my garden, I pulled up so many volunteer catnip plants - had a pile beside me. Every time someone walked by on the sidewalk, I'd call & wave to them, asking them if they have a cat. Only one person nervously walked away. Those who had cats happily took handfuls of catnip home with them.
Posted by Zo on March 21, 2002, at 14:56:40
In reply to Meowww! =^..^= » Zo, posted by IsoM on March 21, 2002, at 12:48:52
Posted by Gracie2 on March 22, 2002, at 19:23:45
In reply to I get it now., posted by JohnDoenut on March 20, 2002, at 20:33:53
Yeah as long as the alcohol thing doesn't get to be a habit I think it's fine too. The only reason I'm throwing a wrench in the soup is because I'm picturing myself sitting in my psychiatrist's office yesterday and he's saying, "You're one of those people who can't drink safely, so you shouldn't drink at all, especially on the medication you're taking." (Seroquel) So I had to agree. I'd already given up hard liquor, and now I have to give up wine, which I love. That sucks.
Now I am down to Baileys, which is okay because the stuff is so rich that I always get full before I get drunk, but it is also really fattening. I just can't give up everything.
Gracie
Posted by JohnDoenut on March 22, 2002, at 21:28:24
In reply to Wow! .. And... I agree... , posted by Uppendown on March 20, 2002, at 21:37:32
Hey Trouble and Uppendown and all thanks for the nice words! Ive been off the pc since then and now Im back for a quickie! I guess youre right. Im just worry it might become a problem but then again if it hasnt by now then probably wont be. Its just another med in the cabinet for occassional use! :)
As for catnip, yes Ive heard it has a calming effect in humans. Maybe Ill try it sometime!
As for weather, Im on the Northeast coast. I hear Northwest is nice though.
JohnD
Posted by trouble on March 23, 2002, at 15:13:49
In reply to Re: I get it now., posted by Gracie2 on March 22, 2002, at 19:23:45
Me an you Gracie, looks like same situation, I ued to drink 3 bottles of cheap Zinfandel a day, Jim Beam during hard times, then my body gave out. I hate when that happens. So for the last 3 years it's a shot of Baileys in the morning coffee, but that can turn into a habit too, so I quit for a month a couple times a year to make sure I can. BTW Baileys is so expensive!!! I buy Carolans or Emmets at half the price and it's made the same and is just as tasty. Cheers,
trouble
Posted by trouble on March 23, 2002, at 15:33:22
In reply to Re: Wow! .. And... I agree... » Uppendown, posted by JohnDoenut on March 22, 2002, at 21:28:24
Let's make a deal, huh Bro?
Glad we could help, but you tell us if the demon Rum starts to get out of
hand, and we'll flood your computer w/ resolutions for that too!trouble
Posted by Gracie2 on March 25, 2002, at 16:26:43
In reply to Re: I get it now., for Gracie, posted by trouble on March 23, 2002, at 15:13:49
I agree, Carolans might actually be better than Baileys. Also like you said, much cheaper.
Last time I bought Cask & Cream, made with brandy instead of bourbon, it's similar but too sweet, I think. Usually I drink black coffee with a little Irish Cream on the side but this stuff I had to pour right into the coffee. Why am I still talking, I don't know.
Cheers,
Gracie
Posted by JohnDoenut on March 26, 2002, at 8:17:56
In reply to Mmmm, Carolans, for trouble, posted by Gracie2 on March 25, 2002, at 16:26:43
>Why am I still talking, I don't know.
> Cheers,
> GracieHA! :) Talk away!
The other night I tried straight shot of Absolut Kurant (blackberry or something) and it was VILE! Then tried Absolut Mandarin. Also yucky but not as bad. Im sure they work better as mixers. However I do like Absolut Citroen (citrus) much better! Makes a cosmopolitan!!! Yum! You know a vodka is good if you can do a straight shot without grimacing! Cold or not! 8-)
JohnD
Posted by beardedlady on March 26, 2002, at 8:50:45
In reply to Mmmm, Carolans, for trouble, posted by Gracie2 on March 25, 2002, at 16:26:43
Try it half and half with club soda in the summer. It's mighty tasty!
beardy : )>
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