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All members please read!! I know emotions are running high here.

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Posted 12/16/2012 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,
I realize that emotions seem to be running pretty high right now, and I'm most sincerely sorry for any part in it I may have played - it was completely unintentional, I assure you.

I do have my theories on why so many emotions are running high, based on what I've seen happen here on the forum the last two years that I have been a Moderator here on this forum.
One is the full moon approaches once again. I didn't believe this could have an impact, and definitely one this large for the longest of time - but I have come to believe that it really does have a pretty large impact on us. Watch the attitudes on the forum as the full moon approaches each month and you too will see what I mean!

Christmas is just days away. This bring with it many things, not all of them happy. I too suffer this time of year. It can be especially difficult to cope with depression around Christmas time because everyone else seems so joyous, so reaching out feels more awkward and more remote. We don’t want to bring down those around us, we don’t want to feel “different” or alienate ourselves, and we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves either. But please don't allow this to stop you from reaching out to someone by phone, whether it is a friend, a relative, or a professional, just call someone. This is so important. There is nothing to be ashamed of and there are plenty of people willing and able to assist you. A bad moment (even a really long one that last several weeks) does not have to ruin a future.

Below are some phone number that anyone can call.
Posted 12/16/2012 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
U.S. Helplines

National Suicide Hotline

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

This is a combined network of the Amerian Association of Suicidology, the National Hopeline Network, CONTACT USA, and many other organizations. Call are automatically routed to the nearest crisis center to the phone from which the call for help is placed.


NDMDA Depression Hotline | Support Group. 800-826-3632

Suicide Prevention Services Crisis Hotline 800-784-2433

Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline 630-482-9696

AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center 800-560-0717

Child Abuse Hotline | Support & Information 800-792-5200

Crisis Help Line | For Any Kind of Crisis 800-233-4357

Domestic & Teen Dating Violence | English & Spanish 800-992-2600

Parental Stress Hotline | Help for Parents 800-632-8188

Runaway Hotline | All Calls are Confidential 800-231-6946

Sexual Assault Hotline | Up 24/7 - In English & Spanish 800-223-5001

Suicide & Depression Hotline | Covenant House 800-999-9999



-------USA National Hotlines-------

National Child Abuse Hotline 800-422-4453

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE

National Domestic Violence Hotline (TDD) 800-787-3224

National Youth Crisis Hotline 800-448-4663

------Online Hotline Resources--------

Sex Addicts Anonymous website www.sexaa.org/ .

SuicideHotlines.com

Befrienders International :: The Samaritans

Metanoia :: Online Therapists

suicidal.com/suicidalteens/

www.selfinjury.com/index.html


U.K. Helplines

The Samaritans 0845 790 9090

Child line 0800 1111

National AIDS helpline 0800 567 123

Women’s Aid National Domestic Violence Helpline 0345 023 468

Sexual Abuse Centre 0117 935 1707

Counselling (Youth) - Maidenhead 01628 636 661

Youth Info Services - Milton Keynes 0173 334 9932

*** & Gay Switchboard 0121 622 6589

Lothian Gay & *** Switchboard - Scotland 0131 556 4049

Peter's links:

Helpful Web Sites:
Suicide Hotlines (listed by state)
Suicidal.com (includes Suicide Crisis Center and Depression and Suicide)
Posted 12/16/2012 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
**I've broken this up into 3 posts because they would be so very long otherwise!**

So we all need to take a deep breath, and try our best to not post in anger!!! If we are offended by a post, step away for a moment or two. Take a short walk - even just around the house! Get a cup of herbal tea.

None of us are here to try to fight with another. We are all here for the same purposes; to find help and then to provide help for others, and to discuss the different aspects of these diseases.

Let's not attack each other- we really are on the same side!
Posted 12/16/2012 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I totally agree..  I think people forget that this is a support forum and people come here to help each other, not the opposite.  

Traveler, funny that you mention a full moon since I always observed people during a full moon for years and years and people do act a little ???  during a full moon.  I guess the moon controls water and people are made up of 90% water..  Or something like that?   Duh!!

Denise

Posted 12/16/2012 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Well, the moon does have enough umph to make the tides of the ocean higher than usual at this time - why wouldn't it affect us, right? My doc even thinks that it can affect the pain levels that I have - and I do have to agree with her! LOL! The pain usually increases!

I've already noticed for myself, that I'm having more nerve tingling and burning, muscle cramping/spasming (just lovely eyes), and my innerds are messing with me again (!!) and we still have a week to go!!! ACK!
Posted 12/16/2012 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Wise post--thank you Traveler!!

I too, at one time would have pooh-poohed the full moon effect! That after being a nurse and EXPERIENCING the crazy ER and maternity wards the full moon brings. . . My husband and I did several "experiments" with my daughter (who has Lyme) and did not tell her when a full moon was coming and EVERY time it made a difference--even if she did not know there was a full moon!! Isn't it funny that the moon affects the tides but we don't (can't??) see how it affects behavior, illness, spirochetes?!! I'm a believer!!
Posted 12/17/2012 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
Nice post, Violet. I agree with everything you said.

I would be lost without communities such as this, and people like Traveller sharing their knowledge. We can't expect our doctors to help.
Posted 12/17/2012 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
Awesome post Violet, and another great reminder!  Last year at this time, we were pretty down. . .   but I have seen such great improvements in Caity this year!!  She is not where we would like for her to be, but so much better!  So hang in there everyone!! 

Also agree on the pain killers and heavy duty meds--the side effects they can cause can be worse than the illness and I do believe they can contribute to worsening symptoms.  It was hard for Caity to get off the Valium and hydrocodone, but so worth it.  She is not taking any pain killers at all right now--praise the Lord!

God bless you all--you are all fighters, strong and compassionate!

 

Posted 12/17/2012 7:52 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I agree that a lot of meds are band-aids, but please keep in mind some of us need these for many different reasons.

I am still waiting to see an LLMD. I still have 7 weeks to go.
I personally hope to switch to more natural treatments in the near future, but I'm waiting to see the LLMD first.

In the meantime, if it weren't for some these "band-aids" I wouldn't be able to care for my son on a daily basis. I must admit that pain is my biggest issue, and the meds only "distract" from it, but without them I wouldn't be getting out of bed.

I think it's great that your daughter has healed enough not to need them any longer, treehousemom!

I hope I don't too sound defensive, I just get frustrated reading negative opinions on something commonly used by some of us to treat symptoms of Lyme. Sometimes it's necessary :)


Happy Holidays everyone!
Posted 12/17/2012 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Violets said: "Hi Traveler...I just saw your post and as I continue to research the various web sites, I must say I give you huge credit for being the type of person you are. One who is apparently willing to reach out to others, even if you really don't have to, if you think that you may have done something to even remotely make them feel bad. You must be one remarkable person. Healing Well is lucky to have you."
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blush Uhmmm, wow! blush Violets, thank you so much for your kind words. :-) I do my best, but I understand that I'm not an easy person to like. I'm okay with that, but I hope to still be able to help those that find their way to this forum. It was a life line for me and I know that it can be a life line for others as well.


And Tickled, thank you for your kind words as well. All of this can most certainly be overwhelming!

I appreciate all of you for participating in this forum - that's what truly makes it such a wonderful place - it's a community, not just another forum! smilewinkgrin


A word about having to use pain meds and other pills just to get through until the treatments have time to really take effect- I wouldn't have made it through without them.

Are they just a bandaid? Yes! But at least they are a bandaid that works some so that we can function and our bodies can start the healing process with just a bit less of a burden on them.

It's a very careful balance of side effects from the meds and the relief that they can bring to an already over-burdened body, but one many of us have to accept. I remember when my GP told me I was going to have to start this one 'script to counter the side effects of some others that I was already on - I drew the line there. If I needed pills to help with the side effects of the pills I was already on, something was wrong and I wasn't going down that road! This too is a very personal decision based on how badly your symptoms are interfering with trying to accomplish the basics of living on this earth and how much help your body may need in functioning at that point in time.

So bandaids are needed at times, but try not to stay on them any longer than necessary, as some do have terrible side effects - I'm still trying to wean off of an anti-depression med!! When on them for long periods of time, some actually re-wire the brain, so it's slow going to come off of them.
Posted 12/17/2012 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Well said everyone!

@Violet - I've decided 9/10 doctors are glorified drug dealers, the insurance companies are the "mobsters" and pharmaceuticals - the distributors. Of course - I do not mean this for everyone as I have family in medicine/pharma BUT especially the new conceited drs. fresh out of school...blech - fancy degree but that is where their accomplishment seems to end.

I'm so glad this forum is here. If it hadn't been I probably would've been scooting from dr to dr for years instead of telling my current dr to can it and just go to a specialist. Whew!
Posted 12/17/2012 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Concur on 9/10 doctors being drug dealers. They don't seem to understand health, per se, only how to treat symptoms of ill health.
Posted 12/17/2012 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately this seems to be a world wide phenomena,the doctors here in Germany are no better
Posted 12/18/2012 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
I want to apologize if I inferred that pain meds are bad. . . I agree with you all, that at times "bandaids" ARE needed just to get through. . .And some of you are raising families while dealing with Lyme yourselves--you have my utmost respect and admiration!! I have seen so much strength and perserverance in the Lyme community--along with compassion, empathy, wisdom, caring. I am grateful for this group and the people in it that have been there when no one else was, for the wisdom and information shared in the posts, and the graciousness you give and receive.

When Caity first got sick, I really also needed to hear about the people that did get well. So I always love those posts! And also did want to share that it is a journey, steps so small that they sometimes are not noticed, setbacks that do happen, but that it is possible to recover and regain life. I think it is easier to see progress if you are NOT the one that is sick. . .

Anyway, please forgive me for my hasty comments! Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!
Posted 12/18/2012 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
And Violet--I love and agree with everything you have said.  One difference lies in the fact that I am not the sick one, and I also am the one that has read and researched and learned FOR my child.  I am also an RN, and I have seen firsthand how drugs and meds are handed out like candy.  There is a time and a place--but it is easy to get trapped in the viscious cycle of pain med addiction--psychologically as well as physiologically. . .  As parents, we were in a place where we could actually observe this happening and did feel rather helpless to prevent it.  At what point do you say no to a child who is undeniably hurting and wanting relief, but also seeing this physiological addiction becoming a cycle??  It was so hard to know where to draw the line--and we enlisted the help of a pain management doctor.  She is now off of all pain meds, but it was a journey and not one which she would have undertaken herself.   And, yes, she is better for it--without doubt!

I do hope nobody is offended by me sharing this.  It is our experience--nothing more and nothing less.  I realize everyone's story is a bit different. Thank you Violet for wording this so well. . . .

Posted 12/18/2012 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
I do agree with you Violets! Thank you for posting your insights here! We value them!! :-)
Posted 12/19/2012 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
violets- I couldn't agree more! My doc has pegged me as having "Fibromyalgia" as my "main" issue, and it is frustrating and maddening at times, as I truly believe that the fibro is merely a symptom, and therefore only a small part, of a much bigger problem. He chose to trust the negative western blot, and I chose to seek out an LLMD!

treehousemom, thank you so much for sharing that story. I apologize for jumping down your throat about the meds, lol! I am pretty defensive about them, and I know this defensive actually comes from my own insecurities about not just taking them, but needing them. I'm too prideful for this disease! :)

My nephew is currently undergoing chemo for stage IV Lymphoma, and I've had many conversations with my sister about his pain and anxiety meds. She is terrified to watch him take them. She knows he needs them, but can't help but worry about the fact that these drugs are highly addictive. I try to reassure her that the majority of people who really need these medications will not become addicted. However, there is always the real possibility of developing a dependence.

Side note: Once I educated myself on the difference between addiction and dependence I felt a huge sense of relief. IMO, no one who needs medication should feel like an addict if they've developed a dependence. They have enough to worry about, and the two are not one and the same.

I hope I didn't downplay how amazing it is that your daughter is not only pain-free, but pain-free without those medications! That is truly a wonderful thing. I hope she continues to heal and feel good!
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