Question:

I’ve been using Ambien 10mg most nights for at least six months. During the past month it seems to be having less and less of an effect.  I find myself adding valium which I know I "shouldn’t" do. I was under an impression that one doesn’t develop a tolerance to Ambien – any idea of what’s going on, or, of what to do about it? I can’t sleep.  I can lie in bed for several hours – I’m tired but my eyes are essentially wide open? Louise

Response:

Hi and Welcome to the ng, I’ve been using Ambien 10mg most nights for at least six months. During the past month it seems to be having less and less of an effect.  I find myself adding valium which I know I "shouldn’t" do. I was under an impression that one doesn’t develop a tolerance to Ambien – any idea of what’s going on, or, of what to do about it? I can’t sleep.  I can lie in bed for several hours – I’m tired but my eyes are essentially wide open?

http://www.psyweb.com/Drughtm/ambien.html Zolpidem ( Ambien ) is a sleeping pill from a newer group of drugs called imidzopyridines.. It Is used primarily for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. The habit-forming potential is high. Psychological and physical dependence is possible. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, this could cause psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.

Response:

dear louise:  i can’t tell you anything about ambien, but i did want to suggest, if you haven’t already tried it, that you take a look at desyrel (trazedone).  it’s a non-addictive, anti-depressant that helps me, and many others i’ve noted, get to sleep. hope this helps. kevin

Response:

dear louise:  i can’t tell you anything about ambien, but i did want to suggest, if you haven’t already tried it, that you take a look at desyrel (trazedone).  it’s a non-addictive, anti-depressant that helps me, and many others i’ve noted, get to sleep. hope this helps. kevin

Thanks for the thought.  I took it once or twice a couple of years ago and found that I had wildly vivid and unpleasant dreams. Have you had this experience?  I’m wondering if it was just a bad time and had nothing to do with the drug itself? Thanks Louise

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – dear louise:  i can’t tell you anything about ambien, but i did want to suggest, if you haven’t already tried it, that you take a look at desyrel (trazedone).  it’s a non-addictive, anti-depressant that helps me, and many others i’ve noted, get to sleep. hope this helps. kevin Thanks for the thought.  I took it once or twice a couple of years ago and found that I had wildly vivid and unpleasant dreams. Have you had this experience?  I’m wondering if it was just a bad time and had nothing to do with the drug itself? Thanks Louise

I had trouble with ambien, I felt it changed my personality. There’s other long term meds for sleep disorders.  Maybe you should talk to your doctor about trying them. Remove the **** from my address for email replies…. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve been using Ambien 10mg most nights for at least six months. During the past month it seems to be having less and less of an effect.  I find myself adding valium which I know I "shouldn’t" do. I was under an impression that one doesn’t develop a tolerance to Ambien – any idea of what’s going on, or, of what to do about it? I can’t sleep.  I can lie in bed for several hours – I’m tired but my eyes are essentially wide open? Louise There are better ways to fall asleep at night than taking a sedative like Ambien longterm. Perhaps discuss with your doctor about taking some low dose Trazodone at bedtime. And  Remeron works even better than Trazodone, however the Remeron can put some weight on you. Remeron will just put you right out…zzzzzzzz.

Trazadone worked much better at putting me out then Remeron ever did. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Others have had great sucess with taking a low dose sedating Tricyclic antidepressant at bedtime such as low dose Elavil, Anafranil or  Pamelor. However tricyclics have anti-cholinergic side effects which can be bothersome even at low doses. However some swear by this approach for insomnia. Other options for residual insomnia include taking a high potency calcium/magnesium supplement at bedtime. One that contains 1000 mg calcium with 500-1000 mg magnesium. Usually knocks you right out into a nice restful sleep and has no longterm side effects. And yes you can develop a tolerance to Ambien. Ambien does have some very mild (very mild) habit forming properties to it. It really wasnt meant to be taken for extremely long periods of time. Eric "Dont worry about piss ants when elephants are stomping you to death" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FactsAndFallaciesOfDepression

Remove the **** from my address for email replies…. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

In article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – dear louise:  i can’t tell you anything about ambien, but i did want to suggest, if you haven’t already tried it, that you take a look at desyrel (trazedone).  it’s a non-addictive, anti-depressant that helps me, and many others i’ve noted, get to sleep. hope this helps. kevin Thanks for the thought.  I took it once or twice a couple of years ago and found that I had wildly vivid and unpleasant dreams. Have you had this experience?  I’m wondering if it was just a bad time and had nothing to do with the drug itself? Thanks Louise I had trouble with ambien, I felt it changed my personality. There’s other long term meds for sleep disorders.  Maybe you should talk to your doctor about trying them. Remove the **** from my address for email replies…. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

I just spoke with my doctor and he called in a prescription of Sonata – but as I understand it, Sonata is very similar to Ambien and will lead me down the same path even if it works now. I’m hoping there is something else and am wondering what you are referring to?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been using Ambien 10mg most nights for at least six months. During the past month it seems to be having less and less of an effect.  I find myself adding valium which I know I "shouldn’t" do. I was under an impression that one doesn’t develop a tolerance to Ambien – any idea of what’s going on, or, of what to do about it? I can’t sleep.  I can lie in bed for several hours – I’m tired but my eyes are essentially wide open? Louise There are better ways to fall asleep at night than taking a sedative like Ambien longterm. Perhaps discuss with your doctor about taking some low dose Trazodone at bedtime. And  Remeron works even better than Trazodone, however the Remeron can put some weight on you. Remeron will just put you right out…zzzzzzzz. Others have had great sucess with taking a low dose sedating Tricyclic antidepressant at bedtime such as low dose Elavil, Anafranil or  Pamelor. However tricyclics have anti-cholinergic side effects which can be bothersome even at low doses. However some swear by this approach for insomnia. Other options for residual insomnia include taking a high potency calcium/magnesium supplement at bedtime. One that contains 1000 mg calcium with 500-1000 mg magnesium. Usually knocks you right out into a nice restful sleep and has no longterm side effects. And yes you can develop a tolerance to Ambien. Ambien does have some very mild (very mild) habit forming properties to it. It really wasnt meant to be taken for extremely long periods of time. Eric "Dont worry about piss ants when elephants are stomping you to death" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FactsAndFallaciesOfDepression

Thanks – those are good suggestions and I’ll talk to my doctor about them.  I took Pamelor and Elavil many years ago and maybe a low low dose would work and have only minimal side effects. Louise

Response:

Question:

it has been relatively established that our diets are deficient in many nutrients-we have stripped the soil of its mineral and micronutrient levels, so using a supplement is a good idea with your docs’ blessing.

Here’s an alternative point of view: The Soil Depletion Song The refrain that depleted soils yield less nutritious fruits and vegetables is one story that refuses to go away even though there is minimal evidence for it. Vitamins are not found loose in the soil just waiting for plants to soak them up into their roots. Plants synthesize their vitamins from a variety of building blocks in the soil. Minerals are taken up from the soil, but if there is a deficiency in a mineral needed for growth of the plant, it simply does not yield commercially viable amounts of fruits or vegetables. Many people hold the belief that commercial fertilizers lack some nutrients that are present in the soil or in organic fertilizers. This is simply not true. Most commercial fertilizers are formulated to give the highest yield of whatever crop they are used on. *While there may be some variations in mineral levels of produce due to soil content, only selenium varies markedly*. Some plants can take up lead in very variable amounts depending on the immediate environment. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Depleted soil is not commercially profitable. Therefore, farmers use fertilizers containing all the needed nutrients for specific crops. While organic farming may be more environmentally friendly, there is no nutritional difference in vitamins or minerals between crops grown under these two conditions. Dr. David Klurfeld is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.   In addition, he is Editor in Chief of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, one of the top nutrition research journals in the world. Finally, he is an active researcher in the area of nutrition and prevention of chronic diseases with over 130 publications in the biomedical literature in the last 20 years. http://www.nutritionnewsfocus.com/archive/SoilDep.html — The charter is available at:

Question:

Hello everybody ! I need your advice: Several years ago I lived in South Altai (East Kazakhstan). My friends and I organized eco- and adventure tours about South Altai. Today many people all over the world who are fond of eco- tourism know Altai mountains. You can see more on www.ukg.kz/altai-es But what about Ural region? What do Australian people know and think about Ural (the Ural mountains, the border between Europe and Asia)? If Australian people were in Ekaterinburg, what would be interesting for them to see? Can Ekaterinburg be known only as the place where the last Russian Tsar and his family were killed by the communists? It’s so notorious… And I don’t like it at all ! How can I find people who have been to Ural once at least ? Does it more interesting to travel about South or Pre-Polar Ural? What are curious places? What difficulties did you meet with? Are there any tourist agencies in Australia which are interested in traveling about Russia? What places in Russia are the most popular with Australian tourists? May be Ural is really known a little in other countries? But it is the place where the European largest national park (Yugid-Va) is situated. There are many caves, geological objects, attractive landscapes, memorials of Russian history, culture and nature…. My friend from Mississippi said that many people who were interested in Russia and fond of traveling preferred to communicate with people that knew places of interest and could show them, not with tourist agencies. (??) Now I live in Ekaterinburg. And I’m interested in such information as I have organized a small tourist company in Ekaterinburg. Ekaterinburg is the third Russian city in size after Moscow and St. Petersburg. This year we have prepared several journeys and excursions about the Ural (from the South to the North). And now I’d like to know if these programs are of interest for foreign tourists. Oleg Demianenko

Response:

Snip I’m getting really confused about Australian and NZ mountains this morning. — Tony Bailey Mercury Travel Books

Response:

The issue of miscarriages is indeed new.  In 3+ years on this ng, and 7 years as an AF instructor, I have never heard this before.  But, that is why I like this group (one of the reasons at least).  I am always learning something new. Now, to your situation.  When you say you feel "lousy," what do you mean?  Do *you* see inflammation?  Are you fatigued still?  The question of how aggressive to be with meds can be difficult.  If your RD isn’t seeing active inflammation or joint deterioration, he will be reluctant to push further.  But, you are the one who has to live with your body. So, if you are feeling the need to ask if you need a second opinion, you probably do. I have also experienced that there is only so far the meds can take us. We also have to use other means of getting well(er).  Are you exercising?  Do you do regular relaxation exercises?  How is your diet? Maybe there is something else you can do, besides adding more meds, to make you feel better than you currently feel. Hope taht helps. Walt Hanks – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

I was looking for the thread re miscarriages and RA.  I did not find it yet but am interested because I am only familiar with the relation between miscarriages/lupus; miscarriages/anti-phospholipid antibodies. I’ve run arthritis support groups since c. 1986.  And I would have to put "My doctor says I feel ok but I feel like hell; what do I do?" in the top-ten questions. There are a lot of options and here are some that different people have liked in the past: have a heart-to-heart with your doc; explain that you are glad you are not worse but you want to make sure s/he knows how you are really doing…and you want to know what your treatment options are and what the risks and benefits of them are so you can make an informed choice get a second opinion keep a record of your symptoms — daily or weekly log, chart, notes of flares between appointments, short list of current symptoms, etc. Patient/doctor combinations prefer different systems; it has to be one that works for both parties some say it’s good to have someone who is involved in your life come with you to an appointment to help you observe where communication problems, if any, are…and perhaps also to help validate your day-to-day experiences We’ve had some seminars on doc/patient relationships and docs have a number of problems: sometimes the next treatments to be considered are too toxic to warrant use at the current level of symptoms often there is not enough time to spend with the patient so it helps if the patient prioritizes the current symptoms sometimes the doc doesn’t realize the patient preferences…some people would rather have more dysfunction and less medication; others would rather risk long-term side effects than have a lower quality of life in the present.  Some treatments are not good choices for patients who plan to have children, etc. Sorry so rambling; ill and tired at the moment. Hope this helps. Good luck!  Let us know what happens, Pam — Rheumatic Disease Web Site http://www.silcom.com/~sblc/ I am collecting hardship stories of people who were finacially harmed by government benefit programs (Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal) due to working.  Please e-mail me.

Response:

The issue of miscarriages is indeed new.  In 3+ years on this ng, and 7 years as an AF instructor, I have never heard this before.  But, that is why I like this group (one of the reasons at least).  I am always learning something new.

Hi Teresa, I wish I could be of more help, but I only know the experience of a friend of mine.  She was pregnant and had some new symptoms of lupus.  After doing some reading she found out about the antibodies Dr. Susan mentioned, and was worried. She also found out there was some type of shot to take, but I don’t remember if it was before or after the birth.  She went to my rheumatologist who retested her and found that her symptoms of lupus were from the blood-pressure medicine she had been switched to during pregnancy!  And the baby was born perfect. I really don’t know where she found her information, and don’t know of anywhere to suggest looking.  Perhaps a second opinion from another RD might be helpful. You might try asking DR.Susan for more info if your see one of her posts again. I wish you all the best. Sandy F.

Response:

there is no evidence that RA results in bad fetal outcome. Regards drdoc

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was looking for the thread re miscarriages and RA.  I did not find it yet but am interested because I am only familiar with the relation between miscarriages/lupus; miscarriages/anti-phospholipid antibodies. It was in the thread "getting pregnant"  Dr. Susan made a comment about it but did not explain it further. Sorry, I don’t keep my back posts. Otherwise I would cut and paste… —Ali life is what happens when you’re making other plans…

Response:

Hi, How coincidental that youand I have been though virtually the same thing, apart frm th act that I was in hospital for three and a half momths and had a prm baby, now a strapping 6′4" paramedic, however whilst pregnant with the second child some 13 months later I started to become even more ill with heart problems. Well James was born a healthly 7pound 11 oz, baby and everything went well but it was recommended that i was I to have a tubal ligaton which I did 9 months later.I then diiscovered that I had RA and was put onto various medications and unknown to me at the time I underwent five miscarriages and this resulted at having a hysterectomy at the age of 25. I had various medications but the one I remember most was Chloroquine, and years ago  quinine  was used as a means to a spontaneuos abortion, I am talking of the days of yore! So if this quinine was used to induce an abortion what makes the doctors so sure that drugs which contain this chemical are safe nowadays. I hope they are because I can tell you that although I agreed to be sterilized, it was heartbreaking to think of each of those babies, especially as 6 months after the hysterectomy my husband of that time left me because he felt I " was no longer a woman" Very kind sort eh! I do have a happy ending though because although my present husband and I never had our own biological child, we adopted both my biological sons and they are so like him that you would never know if I never told you!! Please, any couple deciding to have a child, investigate fully all the risks from the mediations befoe you go ahead or that most precious child. Best wishes Connie. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Are you pregnant?  When I was pregnant with my daughter (I have RA as well), I never felt "good" (this was my second baby and with my first I felt great). Anyway, to make a long story short.  I developed toxima 2 months before her due date.  I was placed in the hospital and delivered early.  She was in intensive care for two days and I was in intensive care for four days  (my blood pressure would not go down).  She is doing very well and turned 8 last weekend. I guess the moral of my story is be sure to check toxima out.  The doctors were baffled with my case.  Tomxima usually "hits" first time young mothers. I was 32 and Tina was my second.  The blood pressure can be stablized with drugs and bed rest.  Mine would not respond to both.  I live in Olympia and they wanted to send me to Seattle’s University Hospital, but could not stablize me enough.  It was scary.  I almost lost the baby and almost died, but everything worked out. BTW, the doctor said I probably should not have any more kids, which I have not. I don’t want to totally scare you, but if doctors knew about this possibility, they may be able to avoid some of the problems I had. Good luck, LoriV. LoriV After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

Response:

I was looking for the thread re miscarriages and RA.  I did not find it yet but am interested because I am only familiar with the relation between miscarriages/lupus; miscarriages/anti-phospholipid antibodies.

It was in the thread "getting pregnant"  Dr. Susan made a comment about it but did not explain it further. Sorry, I don’t keep my back posts. Otherwise I would cut and paste… —Ali life is what happens when you’re making other plans…

Response:

sometimes the doc doesn’t realize the patient preferences…some people would rather have more dysfunction and less medication; others would rather risk long-term side effects than have a lower quality of life in the present.

I like the above comment. This is so true. Often dr.s have their own idea of what is best (their philosophy of treatment). But ultimately it should be the patient who decides how aggressive the treatment is. —Ali life is what happens when you’re making other plans…

Response:

Hi, Are you pregnant?  When I was pregnant with my daughter (I have RA as well), I never felt "good" (this was my second baby and with my first I felt great). Anyway, to make a long story short.  I developed toxima 2 months before her due date.  I was placed in the hospital and delivered early.  She was in intensive care for two days and I was in intensive care for four days  (my blood pressure would not go down).  She is doing very well and turned 8 last weekend. I guess the moral of my story is be sure to check toxima out.  The doctors were baffled with my case.  Tomxima usually "hits" first time young mothers.  I was 32 and Tina was my second.  The blood pressure can be stablized with drugs and bed rest.  Mine would not respond to both.  I live in Olympia and they wanted to send me to Seattle’s University Hospital, but could not stablize me enough.  It was scary.  I almost lost the baby and almost died, but everything worked out. BTW, the doctor said I probably should not have any more kids, which I have not. I don’t want to totally scare you, but if doctors knew about this possibility, they may be able to avoid some of the problems I had. Good luck, LoriV. LoriV – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

Response:

Hi, I’m certainly no expert, but I empathize, and decided to share my thoughts.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?

There is a big difference between doing great as a medical case, with its associated RH factor counts, and sedimentation rates; and doing great as a personal experience.  Your doc’s assessment probably has to do with the stability of objectively tested blood factors, and maybe even movements in the right direction.  Your personal assessment is going to be influenced by the amount of stress you’re under, your expectations, and a bunch of other factors that may not even enter in to your doctor’s assessment.  I don’t mean to imply that your doctor is a better judge of your condition that you are.  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried. Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?

This sounds exactly like what my doctor says.  He operates on the standard model of RA as a lifelong incurable chronic disease, and therefore concentrates on damage control.In my opinion, damage control is important, but the focus and goal of treatment have to be curing the disease. I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.

I am struggling with this one myself.  There is always something more that can be done, the question is what specifically.  More physician prescribed drugs? Which ones?Nutrition?  Being obsessive about exercise?  I’ve decided to do a survey of all the possible therapies recommended by anybody, and pick a few that I personally believe will help me to do.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?

I don’t know anything about this specifically.  But I’m not surprised that no one mentioned the connection.  Proponents of a treatment, medical or alternative, invariably "accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative" as the song says. Almost all the information I’ve got regarding the pontentially damaging side effects of the drugs I take has come from reading, not from my doc. I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?

When I got the diagnosis of RA, I immedieately got a second and third opinion. The diagnosis did not vary at all, recommended treatment varied only in details, depending mainly on exactly the same arsenal of drugs.  I’ve decided that my MD, whom I like very much, can be regarded as expressing mainstream medical opinion, and the that only second opinion that matters is mine. I hope this helps you some. Stan Stansbury

Response:

After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

Response:

The issue of miscarriages is indeed new.  In 3+ years on this ng, and 7 years as an AF instructor, I have never heard this before.  But, that is why I like this group (one of the reasons at least).  I am always learning something new. Now, to your situation.  When you say you feel "lousy," what do you mean?  Do *you* see inflammation?  Are you fatigued still?  The question of how aggressive to be with meds can be difficult.  If your RD isn’t seeing active inflammation or joint deterioration, he will be reluctant to push further.  But, you are the one who has to live with your body. So, if you are feeling the need to ask if you need a second opinion, you probably do. I have also experienced that there is only so far the meds can take us. We also have to use other means of getting well(er).  Are you exercising?  Do you do regular relaxation exercises?  How is your diet? Maybe there is something else you can do, besides adding more meds, to make you feel better than you currently feel. Hope taht helps. Walt Hanks – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

I was looking for the thread re miscarriages and RA.  I did not find it yet but am interested because I am only familiar with the relation between miscarriages/lupus; miscarriages/anti-phospholipid antibodies. I’ve run arthritis support groups since c. 1986.  And I would have to put "My doctor says I feel ok but I feel like hell; what do I do?" in the top-ten questions. There are a lot of options and here are some that different people have liked in the past: have a heart-to-heart with your doc; explain that you are glad you are not worse but you want to make sure s/he knows how you are really doing…and you want to know what your treatment options are and what the risks and benefits of them are so you can make an informed choice get a second opinion keep a record of your symptoms — daily or weekly log, chart, notes of flares between appointments, short list of current symptoms, etc. Patient/doctor combinations prefer different systems; it has to be one that works for both parties some say it’s good to have someone who is involved in your life come with you to an appointment to help you observe where communication problems, if any, are…and perhaps also to help validate your day-to-day experiences We’ve had some seminars on doc/patient relationships and docs have a number of problems: sometimes the next treatments to be considered are too toxic to warrant use at the current level of symptoms often there is not enough time to spend with the patient so it helps if the patient prioritizes the current symptoms sometimes the doc doesn’t realize the patient preferences…some people would rather have more dysfunction and less medication; others would rather risk long-term side effects than have a lower quality of life in the present.  Some treatments are not good choices for patients who plan to have children, etc. Sorry so rambling; ill and tired at the moment. Hope this helps. Good luck!  Let us know what happens, Pam — Rheumatic Disease Web Site http://www.silcom.com/~sblc/ I am collecting hardship stories of people who were finacially harmed by government benefit programs (Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal) due to working.  Please e-mail me.

Response:

The issue of miscarriages is indeed new.  In 3+ years on this ng, and 7 years as an AF instructor, I have never heard this before.  But, that is why I like this group (one of the reasons at least).  I am always learning something new.

Hi Teresa, I wish I could be of more help, but I only know the experience of a friend of mine.  She was pregnant and had some new symptoms of lupus.  After doing some reading she found out about the antibodies Dr. Susan mentioned, and was worried. She also found out there was some type of shot to take, but I don’t remember if it was before or after the birth.  She went to my rheumatologist who retested her and found that her symptoms of lupus were from the blood-pressure medicine she had been switched to during pregnancy!  And the baby was born perfect. I really don’t know where she found her information, and don’t know of anywhere to suggest looking.  Perhaps a second opinion from another RD might be helpful. You might try asking DR.Susan for more info if your see one of her posts again. I wish you all the best. Sandy F.

Response:

there is no evidence that RA results in bad fetal outcome. Regards drdoc

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was looking for the thread re miscarriages and RA.  I did not find it yet but am interested because I am only familiar with the relation between miscarriages/lupus; miscarriages/anti-phospholipid antibodies. It was in the thread "getting pregnant"  Dr. Susan made a comment about it but did not explain it further. Sorry, I don’t keep my back posts. Otherwise I would cut and paste… —Ali life is what happens when you’re making other plans…

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Hi, How coincidental that youand I have been though virtually the same thing, apart frm th act that I was in hospital for three and a half momths and had a prm baby, now a strapping 6′4" paramedic, however whilst pregnant with the second child some 13 months later I started to become even more ill with heart problems. Well James was born a healthly 7pound 11 oz, baby and everything went well but it was recommended that i was I to have a tubal ligaton which I did 9 months later.I then diiscovered that I had RA and was put onto various medications and unknown to me at the time I underwent five miscarriages and this resulted at having a hysterectomy at the age of 25. I had various medications but the one I remember most was Chloroquine, and years ago  quinine  was used as a means to a spontaneuos abortion, I am talking of the days of yore! So if this quinine was used to induce an abortion what makes the doctors so sure that drugs which contain this chemical are safe nowadays. I hope they are because I can tell you that although I agreed to be sterilized, it was heartbreaking to think of each of those babies, especially as 6 months after the hysterectomy my husband of that time left me because he felt I " was no longer a woman" Very kind sort eh! I do have a happy ending though because although my present husband and I never had our own biological child, we adopted both my biological sons and they are so like him that you would never know if I never told you!! Please, any couple deciding to have a child, investigate fully all the risks from the mediations befoe you go ahead or that most precious child. Best wishes Connie. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Are you pregnant?  When I was pregnant with my daughter (I have RA as well), I never felt "good" (this was my second baby and with my first I felt great). Anyway, to make a long story short.  I developed toxima 2 months before her due date.  I was placed in the hospital and delivered early.  She was in intensive care for two days and I was in intensive care for four days  (my blood pressure would not go down).  She is doing very well and turned 8 last weekend. I guess the moral of my story is be sure to check toxima out.  The doctors were baffled with my case.  Tomxima usually "hits" first time young mothers. I was 32 and Tina was my second.  The blood pressure can be stablized with drugs and bed rest.  Mine would not respond to both.  I live in Olympia and they wanted to send me to Seattle’s University Hospital, but could not stablize me enough.  It was scary.  I almost lost the baby and almost died, but everything worked out. BTW, the doctor said I probably should not have any more kids, which I have not. I don’t want to totally scare you, but if doctors knew about this possibility, they may be able to avoid some of the problems I had. Good luck, LoriV. LoriV After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

Response:

I was looking for the thread re miscarriages and RA.  I did not find it yet but am interested because I am only familiar with the relation between miscarriages/lupus; miscarriages/anti-phospholipid antibodies.

It was in the thread "getting pregnant"  Dr. Susan made a comment about it but did not explain it further. Sorry, I don’t keep my back posts. Otherwise I would cut and paste… —Ali life is what happens when you’re making other plans…

Response:

sometimes the doc doesn’t realize the patient preferences…some people would rather have more dysfunction and less medication; others would rather risk long-term side effects than have a lower quality of life in the present.

I like the above comment. This is so true. Often dr.s have their own idea of what is best (their philosophy of treatment). But ultimately it should be the patient who decides how aggressive the treatment is. —Ali life is what happens when you’re making other plans…

Response:

Hi, Are you pregnant?  When I was pregnant with my daughter (I have RA as well), I never felt "good" (this was my second baby and with my first I felt great). Anyway, to make a long story short.  I developed toxima 2 months before her due date.  I was placed in the hospital and delivered early.  She was in intensive care for two days and I was in intensive care for four days  (my blood pressure would not go down).  She is doing very well and turned 8 last weekend. I guess the moral of my story is be sure to check toxima out.  The doctors were baffled with my case.  Tomxima usually "hits" first time young mothers.  I was 32 and Tina was my second.  The blood pressure can be stablized with drugs and bed rest.  Mine would not respond to both.  I live in Olympia and they wanted to send me to Seattle’s University Hospital, but could not stablize me enough.  It was scary.  I almost lost the baby and almost died, but everything worked out. BTW, the doctor said I probably should not have any more kids, which I have not. I don’t want to totally scare you, but if doctors knew about this possibility, they may be able to avoid some of the problems I had. Good luck, LoriV. LoriV – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

Response:

Hi, I’m certainly no expert, but I empathize, and decided to share my thoughts.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?

There is a big difference between doing great as a medical case, with its associated RH factor counts, and sedimentation rates; and doing great as a personal experience.  Your doc’s assessment probably has to do with the stability of objectively tested blood factors, and maybe even movements in the right direction.  Your personal assessment is going to be influenced by the amount of stress you’re under, your expectations, and a bunch of other factors that may not even enter in to your doctor’s assessment.  I don’t mean to imply that your doctor is a better judge of your condition that you are.  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried. Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?

This sounds exactly like what my doctor says.  He operates on the standard model of RA as a lifelong incurable chronic disease, and therefore concentrates on damage control.In my opinion, damage control is important, but the focus and goal of treatment have to be curing the disease. I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.

I am struggling with this one myself.  There is always something more that can be done, the question is what specifically.  More physician prescribed drugs? Which ones?Nutrition?  Being obsessive about exercise?  I’ve decided to do a survey of all the possible therapies recommended by anybody, and pick a few that I personally believe will help me to do.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?

I don’t know anything about this specifically.  But I’m not surprised that no one mentioned the connection.  Proponents of a treatment, medical or alternative, invariably "accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative" as the song says. Almost all the information I’ve got regarding the pontentially damaging side effects of the drugs I take has come from reading, not from my doc. I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?

When I got the diagnosis of RA, I immedieately got a second and third opinion. The diagnosis did not vary at all, recommended treatment varied only in details, depending mainly on exactly the same arsenal of drugs.  I’ve decided that my MD, whom I like very much, can be regarded as expressing mainstream medical opinion, and the that only second opinion that matters is mine. I hope this helps you some. Stan Stansbury

Response:

After reading the thread about miscarriages and RA I am deeply confused.  I saw my RD yesterday and he said (again) that I am doing great.  Then why do I feel so lousy?  His feeling is that I am going to have flares, but that as long as my joints remain mobile and don’t show signs of resistance to manipulation he is not worried.  Does this sound reasonable to you veterans and MD’s out there?  I am on Plaquanil and  an NSAID.  I do not get as sick as a lot of the people who post on this group, but is there more to be done so I could maybe avoid being sicker in the future.  And doesn’t it seem weird that no one mentioned the connections with miscarriage. Is this new information?  I know that nobody can make a diagnosis on a NG but opinions are needed.  I don’t know anyone else with a rheumatic disease.  PS there is only one other RD in my area.  Is it time for a second opinion?  TIA for anything anyone has to offer.  You guys are a lifesaver.  Teresa PS.  This NG has been a lifesaver for me the last few weeks, I would hate to lose any aspect of it to disagreements over jokes.

Response:

Question:

Hi there~~ I’ve been taking Prevacid 30 mg once/day for several months now, and at first it was great; solved the acid problems that Zantac couldn’t touch anymore.  Now it’s almost as worthless as the Zantac was. In August, my insurance started fussing about the Prevacid, wanting a letter from my doctor.  That took awhile, and in the meantime, my doc called in a scrip for Protonix.  I didn’t know about that, so was surprised when I picked it up, but wound up not having to take it, as I got a month’s worth of Prevacid samples from my doc to tide me over until insurance got over themselves and approved the Prevacid for a year. Now, however, I’m considering taking the Protonix to see if it will be any better than the Prevacid.  Opinions?  I’ve read the prescribing info on it, and am a little concerned about the possible allergic reactions they mention, rare though they may be.  Also, I take Zoloft and Topamax.   From the sounds of it, those won’t interact with Protonix, but could anyone verify that in English?  LOL Thanks for any info/experiences, Tami

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi there~~ I’ve been taking Prevacid 30 mg once/day for several months now, and at first it was great; solved the acid problems that Zantac couldn’t touch anymore.  Now it’s almost as worthless as the Zantac was. In August, my insurance started fussing about the Prevacid, wanting a letter from my doctor.  That took awhile, and in the meantime, my doc called in a scrip for Protonix.  I didn’t know about that, so was surprised when I picked it up, but wound up not having to take it, as I got a month’s worth of Prevacid samples from my doc to tide me over until insurance got over themselves and approved the Prevacid for a year. Now, however, I’m considering taking the Protonix to see if it will be any better than the Prevacid.  Opinions?  I’ve read the prescribing info on it, and am a little concerned about the possible allergic reactions they mention, rare though they may be.  Also, I take Zoloft and Topamax.  From the sounds of it, those won’t interact with Protonix, but could anyone verify that in English?  LOL Thanks for any info/experiences, Tami

My doctor told Me that if 30mg of Prevacid did not work that further testing would be needed… In other words, you probably have a more serious condition than simple heartburn…

Response:

What are you eating with the Prevacid? I know alot of people who get on these drugs who still think they can eat out at Chilli’s and other places. Fact is stomach problems require lifestyle changes and returning to a natural diet. Sure its okay to reward yourself sometimes. Have you changed your diet completely?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there~~ I’ve been taking Prevacid 30 mg once/day for several months now, and at first it was great; solved the acid problems that Zantac couldn’t touch anymore.  Now it’s almost as worthless as the Zantac was. In August, my insurance started fussing about the Prevacid, wanting a letter from my doctor.  That took awhile, and in the meantime, my doc called in a scrip for Protonix.  I didn’t know about that, so was surprised when I picked it up, but wound up not having to take it, as I got a month’s worth of Prevacid samples from my doc to tide me over until insurance got over themselves and approved the Prevacid for a year. Now, however, I’m considering taking the Protonix to see if it will be any better than the Prevacid.  Opinions?  I’ve read the prescribing info on it, and am a little concerned about the possible allergic reactions they mention, rare though they may be.  Also, I take Zoloft and Topamax.   From the sounds of it, those won’t interact with Protonix, but could anyone verify that in English?  LOL Thanks for any info/experiences, Tami

Response:

I have been on Protonix off and on for a couple of years.  Sadly, it is true…no ppi is gonna do the trick without serious dietary changes.  I have been in denial, but recently I think I have woken up. Protonix works pretty well and I have had no side effects.  When my diet was crazy, I would think the drug wasn’t working anymore.  I tried Nexium and Prilosec at different times.  AFTER 1 WEEK…NO ACID REFLUX…BUTTTTT in it’s place this feeling that my food wasn’t digesting.  I couldn’t even burp if I wanted to.  It was soooo miserable.  Both times it went away when I got back on Protonix after a couple of days.  I now keep a food journal and I must say that the most significant thing I have noticed:  if I eat small amounts at a time, I have so little problem.  If I eat alot at one sitting, it is NO BUENO!!!!  I would not hesitate to try Protonix….I think it works really well if your diet is right.

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Question:

Wow, no. I guess I shouldn’t complain about just bad stomach pain (kind of like really bad acid reflux). I could have an elephant standing on me . david

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Hey, does this pain feel like your stomach and back are  growing together or like a elephant standing on your stomach and pressing it to your back.

Response:

Is the pain by any chance the rectal spasms? (tenesmus).  Levsin, an antispasmatic, a hot tub for about 30 minutes and a pain pill – for me, usually a tylennol 4 seems to get the job done in the middle of the night

Response:

Well that’s a plus! I hope it was just a CD oddity. Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Deb, who knows.  I’m sure it was CD related.  At least I haven’t have any other flare type symptoms.  mgbio I hope it wasn’t your CD acting up mgbio! Debs David, I woke up w/ extreme pain twice last week.  I’m not sure why and for me it seemed to be isolated so I haven’t sought any professional input.  I think it may have been gas or just CD acting up. I hope you find something to help you soon.  mgbio Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

Thanks Deb, who knows.  I’m sure it was CD related.  At least I haven’t have any other flare type symptoms.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope it wasn’t your CD acting up mgbio! Debs David, I woke up w/ extreme pain twice last week.  I’m not sure why and for me it seemed to be isolated so I haven’t sought any professional input.  I think it may have been gas or just CD acting up. I hope you find something to help you soon.  mgbio Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

I hope it wasn’t your CD acting up mgbio! Debs – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – David, I woke up w/ extreme pain twice last week.  I’m not sure why and for me it seemed to be isolated so I haven’t sought any professional input.  I think it may have been gas or just CD acting up. I hope you find something to help you soon.  mgbio Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

David, I woke up w/ extreme pain twice last week.  I’m not sure why and for me it seemed to be isolated so I haven’t sought any professional input.  I think it may have been gas or just CD acting up.   I hope you find something to help you soon.  mgbio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

Yes pain at night when sleeping is common for me.  What I try to do is not eat anything to heavy in the late evening.  With me it is spasms in the lower right that can radiate anywhere and gas and scar tissues.  I take Levbid three times a day along with Benytl and if I awake at night I can take one more Bentyl to help. I also take a sleep med to help with relaxing everything.  I hope this helps.  UM MOM Susan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

Hi everyone, Well, the combination of colazal and strict adherence to the SCD diet over the last two months has left me in pretty good shape, (I know I’m lucky). I’m still having a symptom though and it has mystified my doctor. so, I turn to the ultimate authority … this group The pain during the day is gone, but almost every night, I am awakened by pain. At first the doctors thought it was stomach pain and prescribed Prilosac and prevacid, but they had no effect. So now I’ve got a prescription for an antispasmodic. My questions are, does anyone else have this (pain coming specifically in the night)? If so, any ideas why it comes in the night. And the big question what (if anything) are you doing for it? As always, any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, David (CD diagnosed last November)

Response:

Question:

thank you.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town  proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the  whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his  heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it.  Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart  they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more  loudly about his beautiful heart. Suddenly, an old man appeared  at the front of the crowd and said, "Why your heart is not nearly  as beautiful as mine." The crowd and the young man looked at the  old man’s heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it  had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in,  but they didn’t fit quite right and there were several jagged edges.  In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where  whole pieces were missing. The people stared – how  can he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought?  The young man looked at the old man’s heart and saw its  state and laughed. "You must be joking," he said.  "Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a  mess of scars and tears." "Yes," said the old man, "Yours is perfect  looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar  represents a person to whom I have given my love – I tear out a  piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece  of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but  because the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges, which I  cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared. Sometimes I  have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn’t  returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges –  giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful,  they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too,  and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting.  So now do you see what true beauty is?"  The young man stood silently with tears running down his  cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his  perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out.  He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took  his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his  old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man’s  heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.  The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more  beautiful than ever, since love from the old man’s heart flowed into  his. They embraced and walked away side by side.  How sad it must be to go through life with a whole heart.  Remember…  Work like you don’t need the money.  Love like you’ve never been hurt.  Dance like nobody is watching.

Response:

 One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town  proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the  whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his  heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it.  Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart  they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more  loudly about his beautiful heart. Suddenly, an old man appeared  at the front of the crowd and said, "Why your heart is not nearly  as beautiful as mine." The crowd and the young man looked at the  old man’s heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it  had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in,  but they didn’t fit quite right and there were several jagged edges.  In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where  whole pieces were missing. The people stared – how  can he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought?  The young man looked at the old man’s heart and saw its  state and laughed. "You must be joking," he said.  "Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a  mess of scars and tears." "Yes," said the old man, "Yours is perfect  looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar  represents a person to whom I have given my love – I tear out a  piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece  of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but  because the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges, which I    cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared. Sometimes I  have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn’t  returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges –  giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful,  they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too,  and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting.  So now do you see what true beauty is?"  The young man stood silently with tears running down his  cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his  perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out.  He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took  his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his  old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man’s  heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.  The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more  beautiful than ever, since love from the old man’s heart flowed into  his. They embraced and walked away side by side.  How sad it must be to go through life with a whole heart.  Remember…  Work like you don’t need the money.  Love like you’ve never been hurt.  Dance like nobody is watching.

Response:

Question:

Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs. this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny

Way to go, donny!  :)  The slower the better in stepping down from Xanax!!! ((((((((HUGS)))))))) Love, Katie — "A word to the wise ain’t necessary.  It’s the stupid who need the advice." —Will Rogers Before you buy.

Response:

I would have to say the meds haven’t affected our sex life near as much as the PTSD has.  It was really rough sometimes because of the ’suffocation’ effect that fast breathing gives you…since my accident was breathing related, it made an impact. But med wise, I would say no…we manage more than once a week~!  LOL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is that all of your monthly meds? I envy you…let’s see…ours was horrible before the anxiety, but now it is worse. I have singulair, allegra,  and prevacid maintenance medications (at $15 each) then I have to buy a steroid inhaler (Azmacort) and my rescue inhalers…oh and those irritating nasal spray things (Nasacort) for my sinuses (THOSE are expensive!) Now, even though I don’t have to pay for my anxiety meds because the work comp thing, but still it looks like a medicine store when I go to reload my stupid daily pill thing: Paxil   60mg Effexor  75mg Xanax   .5 mg (but only when needed) Before work comp picked up this bill on those meds, we were having a BIG problem! And you have to remember Wes’ isn’t covered by work comp, so we have the same problem there Paxil Ativan (being weaned off of) Buspar And his singulair and allegra (we share a lot because it is cheaper…!) He also has a DIFFERENT steroid inhaler and sinus sniffer than I do, so we can’t share those LOL I HATE having to spend so much on meds all the time…. R hi robin you are taking alot of paxil.  Does it bother you sexually.  I took 50mgs.  then switched to celexa. donny

Til Later…. ~~R "What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others"   -Proverbs

Response:

hey, good luck with the stepping down of xanax. hope it works for you! I had been stepping down on 2 of my 3 meds for about a year….but now am back where I started….maybe more so too. Sometimes I try to take less too. (but then I have ‘extra’ pills….no good…I’m likely to take them all when I don’t feel well). My genious dr. had me increase my prescription of imipramine last week, but then called in the re-fill under the original dosage?!?! what the……? You know if you go to the pharmacy 1 day before your ’supposed’ to be out, they won’t refill you!! take care, -Z-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs.  this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny

Response:

(DClax28033) writes: Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs.  this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny

That’s great that you have no problems weaning off of it Donny! Di

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is that all of your monthly meds? I envy you…let’s see…ours was horrible before the anxiety, but now it is worse. I have singulair, allegra,  and prevacid maintenance medications (at $15 each) then I have to buy a steroid inhaler (Azmacort) and my rescue inhalers…oh and those irritating nasal spray things (Nasacort) for my sinuses (THOSE are expensive!) Now, even though I don’t have to pay for my anxiety meds because the work comp thing, but still it looks like a medicine store when I go to reload my stupid daily pill thing: Paxil   60mg Effexor  75mg Xanax   .5 mg (but only when needed) Before work comp picked up this bill on those meds, we were having a BIG problem! And you have to remember Wes’ isn’t covered by work comp, so we have the same problem there Paxil Ativan (being weaned off of) Buspar And his singulair and allegra (we share a lot because it is cheaper…!) He also has a DIFFERENT steroid inhaler and sinus sniffer than I do, so we can’t share those LOL I HATE having to spend so much on meds all the time…. R hi robin you are taking alot of paxil.  Does it bother you sexually.  I took

50mgs.  then switched to celexa. donny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs. this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny Way to go, donny!  :)  The slower the better in stepping down from Xanax!!! ((((((((HUGS)))))))) Love, Katie — yep i dont want any withdrawyal symptoms.

donny

Response:

<snipped You know if you go to the pharmacy 1 day before your ’supposed’ to be out, they won’t refill you!!

Yup, my insurance company will not allow it filled any earlier. I always worry if there was some kind of situation where I couldn`t get my meds for a few days(like a hurricane), what would I do. I have a small stash of Paxil, only because I take 15mgs instead of 20mgs, but I can`t make a stash with my thryoid meds. I need to take the dose prescribed every single day. I find it very annoying and it is the insurance companies doing. Take care Jackie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snipped You know if you go to the pharmacy 1 day before your ’supposed’ to be out, they won’t refill you!! Yup, my insurance company will not allow it filled any earlier. I always worry if there was some kind of situation where I couldn`t get my meds for a few days(like a hurricane), what would I do. I have a small stash of Paxil, only because I take 15mgs instead of 20mgs, but I can`t make a stash with my thryoid meds. I need to take the dose prescribed every single day. I find it very annoying and it is the insurance companies doing. Take care Jackie I can get mine filled a week or so early.  I make sure i dont run out and have

a stash myself.(peace of mind). donny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Got my celexa for 20.00 =40mg, then got my 2 orders of xanax for 20 dollars. .5mgs and .25mgs.  So i can make those combinations like .625mgs.  this is about my 6 day of stepping down on xanax and have had no problems.  I will step down another .125mgs in about 3 weeks. donny

Response:

Is that all of your monthly meds? I envy you…let’s see…ours was horrible before the anxiety, but now it is worse. I have singulair, allegra,  and prevacid maintenance medications (at $15 each) then I have to buy a steroid inhaler (Azmacort) and my rescue inhalers…oh and those irritating nasal spray things (Nasacort) for my sinuses (THOSE are expensive!) Now, even though I don’t have to pay for my anxiety meds because the work comp thing, but still it looks like a medicine store when I go to reload my stupid daily pill thing: Paxil   60mg Effexor  75mg Xanax   .5 mg (but only when needed) Before work comp picked up this bill on those meds, we were having a BIG problem! And you have to remember Wes’ isn’t covered by work comp, so we have the same problem there Paxil Ativan (being weaned off of) Buspar And his singulair and allegra (we share a lot because it is cheaper…!) He also has a DIFFERENT steroid inhaler and sinus sniffer than I do, so we can’t share those LOL I HATE having to spend so much on meds all the time…. R

Response:

Question:

In my part of the country (Minnesota), Smith Kline Beecham has been running full-page ads in one of our daily papers.  The ad put up a scare about Resulin then hypes a pump for their Avandia.  A. is said to help type IIs by sensitizing cells to recognize insulin. Has any reader here had any experiences with Avandia.  I have an MD appointment coming up next week, so just email whatever you know to Thanks. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Denny … As far as I am concerned, I have no personal objection to YOU taking Rezulin.  However, it may surprise you to know that I have no control over either the media *or* the FDA.  <gasp I sympathize with your frustration, but blaming the general public (or your fellow diabetics) for the FDA "withdrawing" Rezulin is pretty absurd, IMHO. It was the people who believe that no drug which can be considered to have caused harm in anyone is to be allowed for anyone else. The problem is with the FDA having the authority to deny this, or any other drug, to those who benefit from it.

– John Ferman Minneapolis, Minnesota

Response:

Denny … As far as I am concerned, I have no personal objection to YOU taking Rezulin.  However, it may surprise you to know that I have no control over either the media *or* the FDA.  <gasp I sympathize with your frustration, but blaming the general public (or your fellow diabetics) for the FDA "withdrawing" Rezulin is pretty absurd, IMHO.

It was the people who believe that no drug which can be considered to have caused harm in anyone is to be allowed for anyone else. The problem is with the FDA having the authority to deny this, or any other drug, to those who benefit from it. — This address is for information only.  I do not claim that these views are those of the Statistics Department or of Purdue University. Herman Rubin, Dept. of Statistics, Purdue Univ., West Lafayette IN47907-1399

Response:

So…while on Glucophage, is your doctor checking your kidney readings on a regular basis? Rezulin is bad for the liver, glucophage is hard on the kidneys. Six of one, half dozen of another. From Guy Williams                    There are several new drugs coming on the market. I have heard they are similar  to Rezulin.  Are they the same chemical or in the same chemical family?  What makes them different from Rezulin?

They are in the same chemical family.  They are different; one cannot just switch from Rezulin to Avandia or Actos and have the same effect continue unchanged, which would be the case if they were real substitutes. Under present law they cannot, but anyone whose other medication is adversely affected by switching from Rezulin should be able to sue those who deny them the chemical.  There are no "safe and effective" drugs. Everyone is different, and any error in protecting people from themselves should be considered aggravated assault, if not attempted murder. — This address is for information only.  I do not claim that these views are those of the Statistics Department or of Purdue University. Herman Rubin, Dept. of Statistics, Purdue Univ., West Lafayette IN47907-1399

Response:

Ted, that is just it. I know you don’t control the media, and as a diabetic, you are probably much more informed. However, when I read things like: Although what you state is generally correct, it may be "never" that we see a generic for Rezulin (Troglitazone); the FDA just "pulled" it’s approval of Rezulin.  And about time, IMHO, given the drugs long history of serious liver complications (including quite a few deaths).  My endo had me try Rezulin for three months; thank goodness it was not effective for me (although no liver problems), and he switched me to Glucophage.

I find it hard to comprehend that many diabteics have swallowed this hook, line and sinker over the fear of 63 deaths. Am I saddened that they died? To a point. Am I willing to risk it? Hell yes. Most of the posts I have read have been very dispariging of Rezulin, or written in a fearful or negative fashion, and this is by those who have not either taken it or only for a short period. Even my mother the nurse called me about it quite fearfully. She knows better than to believe such tripe. Of the more than a dozen or so diabetics I know on Rezulin, not a ONE has had any complications. This morning on the local talk radio show, some lawyer was already getting his name out there and quoting bs numbers. I can just see the upcoming Class Action Lawsuit in the works. As for having no control over the FDA, well, I think you are wrong. Just exactly whom do they work for? It sure seems like only a few have been able to take from me and so many others, who are using the drug successfully, away. 500k successful -vs- roughly 200 who had ill effects or death. A solid and dependable solution has been stolen from us and I for one am pissed. Yup, knowing that my government is looking out for my welfare makes me sleep real well at night. Furthermore, knowing that so many are easyily swayed is like a cherry on top of a sundae. Denny Denny … As far as I am concerned, I have no personal objection to YOU taking Rezulin.  However, it may surprise you to know that I have no control over either the media *or* the FDA.  <gasp I sympathize with your frustration, but blaming the general public (or your fellow diabetics) for the FDA "withdrawing" Rezulin is pretty absurd, IMHO. Ted

SNIP MY RANT

Response:

Denny … As far as I am concerned, I have no personal objection to YOU taking Rezulin.  However, it may surprise you to know that I have no control over either the media *or* the FDA.  <gasp I sympathize with your frustration, but blaming the general public (or your fellow diabetics) for the FDA "withdrawing" Rezulin is pretty absurd, IMHO. Ted – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – James … There isn’t one, and even if it stayed on the market, it would probably be a decade before you see one. You get generics only AFTER the patents have expired. The patent typically runs for 20 years, so for drugs like Rezulin, Avandia and Actos, there are more than a few years to run. Drugs like Glucophage, and most of the Sufonylurea’s have been around for a very long time, so the patents have expired, and they exist as generics. Although what you state is generally correct, it may be "never" that we see a generic for Rezulin (Troglitazone); the FDA just "pulled" it’s approval of Rezulin.  And about time, IMHO, given the drugs long history of serious liver complications (including quite a few deaths).  My endo had me try Rezulin for three months; thank goodness it was not effective for me (although no liver problems), and he switched me to Glucophage. BTW, as part of the FDA announcement, they stated that patients currently taking Rezulin should not unilaterally taking the med; rather they should contact their doctor for instructions.  I think this means that patients should be "staged" off of Rezulin under close medical supervision. I think I read that there were approx. 500,000 patients taking Rezulin in the USA … that’s a lot of people. Ted Rodrick T2; Insulin & Glucophage Ted, my name is Denny, and have been a diabetic for 5 years. The first two years were an utter terror. When I found a endocronologist that was good, and I mean damn good, he took me off the 53 units of inuslin I was previously taking. (Don’t ask, just think quack.) He put me on Glucophage., Glucotrol, and when Rezulin came out, he added it as well. He told me of the risks beforehand, and since that time I have been on the same regiment of pills (tricor too for the tri’s). I have been tested repeatedly with the results always showing NO ill effect. The thing is, I resent those that are so willing to tell me that I cannot comprehend a risk as miniscule as with Rezulin, and are happy to denounce it. You said you were on it for three months. I have been on it from day one, and so far it is the only drug that really controls MY diabetes. You stated that there are approximately 500k users curretnly using it, and you didn’t mention how many times it was used; well over 1.5 million times. Just how many deaths? 63. I am more than willing to take the odds and continue to use it, but no I can’t. As for switching, well my fine endo moved to NJ, and his replacement nearly killed me when he tookl me off Rezulin and replaced it with nothing. Within a week I had to buy Insulin and start injecting myself. I tried for 5 days to get ahold of him and when he did call I told him what I had done. Five minutes after telling him he states that maybe I should start taking some insulin. I fired his butt right there. Time to search for new endo on my insurance plan, and haven’t found one yet who is worth a dime. Then my GP moves. so I now am trying to get a new GP just so I can be authorized for a new endo and I have less than a 5 day supply. The damn pharmacy called me yesterday demanding my Rezulin and of course I declined. Yup, IMHO, thanks to opinions like yours and the SOB’s at the FDA for screwing me. Denny

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <<<So…while on Glucophage, is your doctor checking your kidney readings on a regular basis? Rezulin is bad for the liver, glucophage is hard on the kidneys. Six of one, half dozen of another. Yes … I get my kidney function checked, but that was happening long before my endo prescribed Glucophage.  BTW, I think your analogy is way off the mark.  According to both my endo and my primary physician (both board-certified in internal medicine), Glucophage … while a very small minority of patients can exhibit impacted kidney function should not be characterized as "hard on the kidneys."  According to the Glucophage product literature, if kidney function is impacted, Glucophage should be discontinued and THE KIDNEY ABBORMALITIES USUALLY REVERSE THEMSELVES … also, the only Glucophage complication (very rare) that is regarded as possible life threatening is lactic acidosis. Unfortunately, liver damage induced by Rezulin is typically non- reversible (and there have been 60+ deaths attributed to Rezulin- induced liver problems.  Just not at all comparable, IMHO. Ted P.S.  Are you aware that you are posting in HTML.  This is NOT considered appropriate choice for newsgroup posting.  I recommend that you switch to "plain text" in your newsreader.

glucophage also works on the liver to reduce glycogen. thats was its main action when first released

Response:

Guy … So…while on Glucophage, is your doctor checking your kidney readings on a regular basis? Rezulin is bad for the liver, glucophage is hard on the kidneys. Six of one, half dozen of another. From Guy Williams                     There are several new drugs coming on the market. I have heard they are similar  to Rezulin.  Are they the same chemical or in the same chemical family?  What makes them different from Rezulin?

Actually, there are several that have been available for some time (e.g. Actos and Avandia).  It’s my understanding that they are chemically "close cousins" of Rezulin, but the developers tinkered with the molecule to decrease the liklihood of associated liver problems.  Time will tell … Ted

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -James … There isn’t one, and even if it stayed on the market, it would probably be a decade before you see one. You get generics only AFTER the patents have expired. The patent typically runs for 20 years, so for drugs like Rezulin, Avandia and Actos, there are more than a few years to run. Drugs like Glucophage, and most of the Sufonylurea’s have been around for a very long time, so the patents have expired, and they exist as generics. Although what you state is generally correct, it may be "never" that we see a generic for Rezulin (Troglitazone); the FDA just "pulled" it’s approval of Rezulin.  And about time, IMHO, given the drugs long history of serious liver complications (including quite a few deaths).  My endo had me try Rezulin for three months; thank goodness it was not effective for me (although no liver problems), and he switched me to Glucophage. BTW, as part of the FDA announcement, they stated that patients currently taking Rezulin should not unilaterally taking the med; rather they should contact their doctor for instructions.  I think this means that patients should be "staged" off of Rezulin under close medical supervision. I think I read that there were approx. 500,000 patients taking Rezulin in the USA … that’s a lot of people.   Ted Rodrick T2; Insulin & Glucophage

Ted, my name is Denny, and have been a diabetic for 5 years. The first two years were an utter terror. When I found a endocronologist that was good, and I mean damn good, he took me off the 53 units of inuslin I was previously taking. (Don’t ask, just think quack.) He put me on Glucophage., Glucotrol, and when Rezulin came out, he added it as well. He told me of the risks beforehand, and since that time I have been on the same regiment of pills (tricor too for the tri’s). I have been tested repeatedly with the results always showing NO ill effect. The thing is, I resent those that are so willing to tell me that I cannot comprehend a risk as miniscule as with Rezulin, and are happy to denounce it. You said you were on it for three months. I have been on it from day one, and so far it is the only drug that really controls MY diabetes. You stated that there are approximately 500k users curretnly using it, and you didn’t mention how many times it was used; well over 1.5 million times. Just how many deaths? 63. I am more than willing to take the odds and continue to use it, but no I can’t. As for switching, well my fine endo moved to NJ, and his replacement nearly killed me when he tookl me off Rezulin and replaced it with nothing. Within a week I had to buy Insulin and start injecting myself. I tried for 5 days to get ahold of him and when he did call I told him what I had done. Five minutes after telling him he states that maybe I should start taking some insulin. I fired his butt right there. Time to search for new endo on my insurance plan, and haven’t found one yet who is worth a dime. Then my GP moves. so I now am trying to get a new GP just so I can be authorized for a new endo and I have less than a 5 day supply. The damn pharmacy called me yesterday demanding my Rezulin and of course I declined. Yup, IMHO, thanks to opinions like yours and the SOB’s at the FDA for screwing me. Denny

Response:

<<<So…while on Glucophage, is your doctor checking your kidney readings on a regular basis? Rezulin is bad for the liver, glucophage is hard on the kidneys. Six of one, half dozen of another. Yes … I get my kidney function checked, but that was happening long before my endo prescribed Glucophage.  BTW, I think your analogy is way off the mark.  According to both my endo and my primary physician (both board-certified in internal medicine), Glucophage … while a very small minority of patients can exhibit impacted kidney function should not be characterized as "hard on the kidneys."  According to the Glucophage product literature, if kidney function is impacted, Glucophage should be discontinued and THE KIDNEY ABBORMALITIES USUALLY REVERSE THEMSELVES … also, the only Glucophage complication (very rare) that is regarded as possible life threatening is lactic acidosis. Unfortunately, liver damage induced by Rezulin is typically non- reversible (and there have been 60+ deaths attributed to Rezulin- induced liver problems.  Just not at all comparable, IMHO. Ted P.S.  Are you aware that you are posting in HTML.  This is NOT considered appropriate choice for newsgroup posting.  I recommend that you switch to "plain text" in your newsreader.

Response:

James … There isn’t one, and even if it stayed on the market, it would probably be a decade before you see one. You get generics only AFTER the patents have expired. The patent typically runs for 20 years, so for drugs like Rezulin, Avandia and Actos, there are more than a few years to run. Drugs like Glucophage, and most of the Sufonylurea’s have been around for a very long time, so the patents have expired, and they exist as generics.

Although what you state is generally correct, it may be "never" that we see a generic for Rezulin (Troglitazone); the FDA just "pulled" it’s approval of Rezulin.  And about time, IMHO, given the drugs long history of serious liver complications (including quite a few deaths).  My endo had me try Rezulin for three months; thank goodness it was not effective for me (although no liver problems), and he switched me to Glucophage. BTW, as part of the FDA announcement, they stated that patients currently taking Rezulin should not unilaterally taking the med; rather they should contact their doctor for instructions.  I think this means that patients should be "staged" off of Rezulin under close medical supervision. I think I read that there were approx. 500,000 patients taking Rezulin in the USA … that’s a lot of people.   Ted Rodrick T2; Insulin & Glucophage

Response:

There isn’t one, and even if it stayed on the market, it would probably be a decade before you see one. You get generics only AFTER the patents have expired. The patent typically runs for 20 years, so for drugs like Rezulin, Avandia and Actos, there are more than a few years to run. Drugs like Glucophage, and most of the Sufonylurea’s have been around for a very long time, so the patents have expired, and they exist as generics.

Actually, I don’t believe glucophage is out in the U.S. yet in its generic form — at least it wasn’t the last time I had a prescription written (a couple of months ago).  If it is out, it’s only very recently. Wendy — The essence of science is restraint.  Humility in the face of overwhelming complexity.  A willingness to say "I don’t yet know."  – Chet Raymo

Response:

So…while on Glucophage, is your doctor checking your kidney readings on a regular basis? Rezulin is bad for the liver, glucophage is hard on the kidneys. Six of one, half dozen of another.

From Guy Williams                     There are several new drugs coming on the market. I have heard they are similar  to Rezulin.  Are they the same chemical or in the same chemical family?  What makes them different from Rezulin?

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So…while on Glucophage, is your doctor checking your kidney readings on a regular basis? Rezulin is bad for the liver, glucophage is hard on the kidneys. Six of one, half dozen of another. q   James …           There isn’t one, and even if it stayed on the market, it would   probably be a decade before you see one. You get generics only AFTER   the patents have expired. The patent typically runs for 20 years, so   for drugs like Rezulin, Avandia and Actos, there are more than a few   years to run.     Drugs like Glucophage, and most of the Sufonylurea’s have been around   for a very long time, so the patents have expired, and they exist as   generics.   Although what you state is generally correct, it may be "never" that   we see a generic for Rezulin (Troglitazone); the FDA just "pulled"   it’s approval of Rezulin.  And about time, IMHO, given the drugs   long history of serious liver complications (including quite a few   deaths).  My endo had me try Rezulin for three months; thank goodness   it was not effective for me (although no liver problems), and he   switched me to Glucophage.   BTW, as part of the FDA announcement, they stated that patients   currently taking Rezulin should not unilaterally taking the med;   rather they should contact their doctor for instructions.  I think   this means that patients should be "staged" off of Rezulin under   close medical supervision. I think I read that there were approx.   500,000 patients taking Rezulin in the USA … that’s a lot of   people.     Ted Rodrick   T2; Insulin & Glucophage

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There isn’t one, and even if it stayed on the market, it would probably be a decade before you see one. You get generics only AFTER the patents have expired. The patent typically runs for 20 years, so for drugs like Rezulin, Avandia and Actos, there are more than a few years to run. Drugs like Glucophage, and most of the Sufonylurea’s have been around for a very long time, so the patents have expired, and they exist as generics.

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Question:

My name is Liz,  I would like to respond to your recent question on schizophrenia.  I used to be on this medication ( Seroquel) alone,  I started  on the  highest  dosage possible.  I still had  symptoms, and ended up in the hospital.  I was placed on  Haldol also,  That, in addition to congentin for side effects, seems to have worked,  I heard from another person and my  nurse, that it only works for some people. So talk to your doctor about it.

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I am waiting for seroquel to come on the Australian market. I hear it is very good at *NOT* inducing weight gain. BTW…I have lost 5kgs now that I am off meds… Regards, Jon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -jonbe…@post.com wrote in message …

I’m on Zyprexa for two years now and am just getting tired of everything, the pills in particular. Thinking of changing meds. Is anyone here on Seroquel? is it any good / effective, how is it relative to zyprexa, does it cure your voices / when you hear people talking about you? does it help with your general paranoia? what side-effects are there? I hear it gaves dogs eyes cataracts or something, is this a serious risk? does it need to be checked?

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walt wrote in message <385EF68C.AA513…@bellsouth.net

… Hi jonbenet, I have been using Seroquel for about 8 months now. I find it to be about equal to Zyprexa for delusions & paranoia. I don’t know about voices. The only side effect of any significance I have noticed is that it makes me feel "bloated" when I eat what I consider a normal meal. In that way it forces me to eat smaller meals & I tend to lose weight slowly on it. I personally regard that as an advantage, but others might feel differently.

Major advantage in my book. Weight = diabetes/high blood pressure/general difficulty with every day maintenance. Regards, Jon

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My daughter has been on Seroquel for two years and is doing very well. It is supposed to cause less weight gain than Zyprexa. She responded to it by not hearing voices any more, right away, but it takes longer to take effect on some people. My daughter’s doctor has not tested her eyes. I have heard some doctors do. She had them tested for glasses recently, though.  Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -jonbe…@post.com wrote:

I’m on Zyprexa for two years now and am just getting tired of everything, the pills in particular. Thinking of changing meds. Is anyone here on Seroquel? is it any good / effective, how is it relative to zyprexa, does it cure your voices / when you hear people talking about you? does it help with your general paranoia? what side-effects are there? I hear it gaves dogs eyes cataracts or something, is this a serious risk? does it need to be checked?

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Hi jonbenet, I have been using Seroquel for about 8 months now. I find it to be about equal to Zyprexa for delusions & paranoia. I don’t know about voices. The only side effect of any significance I have noticed is that it makes me feel "bloated" when I eat what I consider a normal meal. In that way it forces me to eat smaller meals & I tend to lose weight slowly on it. I personally regard that as an advantage, but others might feel differently. I read about the cataracts in dogs, so I had a cataract exam about 1 month ago. My ophthalmologist found nothing that seemed related to Seroquel, although I had some cataract development years before I started using Seroquel. As far as I can tell, Seroquel has not made my eyes any worse. Walt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -jonbe…@post.com wrote:

I’m on Zyprexa for two years now and am just getting tired of everything, the pills in particular. Thinking of changing meds. Is anyone here on Seroquel? is it any good / effective, how is it relative to zyprexa, does it cure your voices / when you hear people talking about you? does it help with your general paranoia? what side-effects are there? I hear it gaves dogs eyes cataracts or something, is this a serious risk? does it need to be checked?

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Question:

I’d like to know 2 things. What kind of pickups come standard on Epiphone Lp100’s (not Epi. Les Paul’s) i know they’re humbuckers, but what kind. Next thing, what are some really screaming humbuckers i could replace the old ones with on the same guitar, there’s room for a full size bridge and neck. Thanks D

   A could screaming pickup with high output would be the seymour duncan screaming demon..

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I’d like to know 2 things. What kind of pickups come standard on Epiphone Lp100’s (not Epi. Les Paul’s) i know they’re humbuckers, but what kind. Next thing, what are some really screaming humbuckers i could replace the old ones with on the same guitar, there’s room for a full size bridge and neck. Thanks D

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I’d like to know 2 things. What kind of pickups come standard on Epiphone Lp100’s (not Epi. Les Paul’s) i know they’re humbuckers, but what kind.

Generic Korean Epiphone humbucking pickups – most likely around 7-8K Ohms resistance (standard PAF-range resistance and similar output). Next thing, what are some really screaming humbuckers i could replace the old ones with on the same guitar, there’s room for a full size bridge and neck. Thanks D

A screaming set would be a DiMarzio Tone Zone in the bridge and a DiMarzio Air Norton in the neck.  I have them in a guitar now – they definately scream.  A duncan distortion also is a screamer (for bridge).

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They are Gibson designed and authorized Epiphone LP100 humbucking pickups. Outside of that, we only know they are assembled in Korea and presumably manufactured there. At least, that’s all I know. I think they are two conductor pickups. You could get yourself a multi tester at radio shack and measure the output of each pickup in ohms… then you’d be better able to decide how much ‘hotter’ you want to go. "Screaming" humbuckers is sort of a tough thing to decide on.. even among loud pickups there are a lot of differences in tonality, etc. I would check out a number of things: websites for Gibson, Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Schaller, Carvin, and any other pickup brand you think might fill the bill. If you can, compare their design specs with your epis… assuming you have the output info. mentioned above. Read a book such as Donald Brosnac ‘Guitar Electronics’ so you can familiarize yourself with myth and fact concerning pickups.. it’s not expensive and you’ll use it for years… really, books like this are a leg up on guitar in every way. Send for free catalogs… both to pickup manufacturers, and to mail order companies… they have lots of info and you can not only get more specs, but price comparisons, etc. Go to http://members.wbs.net/homepages/t/w/a/twangme.html for a start on all this.. don’t forget to consider the Schaller Vintage ’50s.. at http://www.stewmac.com these are output matched.. width matched…humbucks..four conductor.. high output..potted pickups which match real well against more expensive models with the same specs and no better manufacture… However.. it’s also a good idea to ask around the NG’s for peoples opinions as to tone and sustain and durability and other performance considerations, too. Hear some, if you get a chance,  even on a different guitar. hope this helps twang! patrick f. coleman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to know 2 things. What kind of pickups come standard on Epiphone Lp100’s (not Epi. Les Paul’s) i know they’re humbuckers, but what kind. Next thing, what are some really screaming humbuckers i could replace the old ones with on the same guitar, there’s room for a full size bridge and neck. Thanks D

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