Re: (unknown)

March 6, 2004

Hi Sgtnick,

Welcome, sounds like you have a good doc and a good honey, that's more than half the battle. I was diagnosed in 1984 and wrote www.copingandprevailing.com If you cannot afford to pay for the book send me your mailing address and I will send it to you.

Regards,

Tom

March 6, 2004

Sounds like we need to start the walker club. I also use a walker most of the time and keep my wheelchair in my truck when I go places. I also have the bladder trouble as well. I never have had fatigue troubles with my MS maybe I can trade that in to get my balance back so I can walk normal again.

Welcome to the group.

Bill

(unknown)

HI folkzzz,I just joined this group (duh!) and thought I'd let you know a bit about myself. Currently, I am using a walker to get around the apartment and a wheelchair on my rare forays into the big, bad world (which used to seem so small and friendly). I'm engaged to my wonderful Patty-lady, drawing a 110% (that's right!!) disability pension courtesy of my 11+ years of dedicated and honorable service in the US Army, and going through all kinds of changes/stressors in my life thanks to kids (mine and fiancee Pat's) who are in the 19- to 21-year-old age-group and can't seem to quite figure out how life works, except that when there's a major disaster, it's call Mom or Dad/Me. This usually involves cars or cops, thus $$$$. I'm no tight wad, but the money tree will inevitably run dry, eventually.Grumble grumble grumble.My "brand" of MS is somewhere between relapsing/remitting and secondary/progressive, but who knows? Just labels, as several neurologists have told me. They really don't know ow to classify precisely because of the slipperiness of the disease. I know there's a huge range of disabilities associated with MS, and so far I've been relatively lucky. Oh, I do have a tricky bladder and the occasional difficulty (impossibility) with bowel control-though constipation is a larger problem, but I generally manage. Also a chronically sore lumbar spine, which may be due to scoliosis (spinal curvature), which I was informed I had during an Army physical way back when (1983) I was still busy being a Russian linguist/radio intercept operator in then West Berlin and well before I was finally medically discharged. My first symptom was, Ta! Da!!, optic retinitis (neuritis?) of the right eye. Did a month of prednisone, two weeks on the neuro ward at since defunct Letterman Army General Hospital in San Franciso, got LPd and evoke-responsed and on and on, but could only be provisionally diagnosed with MS. Took an MRI in '86 to settle that issue. I also noticed tinnitus (ringing ears) that began concurrently with the eye problems, but the neuros all say, "Na, that hasn't a thing to do with MS." Bahh!! Who knows MS better than you or I? Of course, the ear ringing could have been a result of standing too close to cherry bombs when I was leading the life of "Beaver" in the 50s and 60s, or because of too much time spent with firearms both in the army and hunting. Or driving a combine, or tractor, or forklift. What else: Oh yeah. For the guys-any of you having trouble with the "lead in your pencils?" Pretty common in MSers with bladder involvement. I find Viagra worked great for a while, but not so consistently any longer. Good thing I'm not the fiend I once was.Any advice as to finding community services that I may not be aware of would be greatly appreciated, or new MS-related web sites. Or just chat.Oh yeah...what's the general consensus on MS-related depression issues among you folks? I know what the stats are, and I have an appointment with VA mental health on the advice of my neurologist, my primary care physician, and my Patty. How up do they expect me to be, I wonder? I've always been a "glass is half-empty" kind of guy, so I really didn't notice anything. I'm anything but suicidal. Self murder is the greatest slap in the face of God possible. If more drugs will help, I'll try something. Wellbutrin (sp?) seems like it might be useful and is generally well tolerated. Truly, I'd rather smoke the evil weed because it's natural and it works, but never mind that. Wait for the prohibition to end. I actually believe that most of my recent gloomier days have been a result of situational stressors.I know I have more to spout off about, but it's early and I want more coffee. One must have one's priorities. And a sitz-shower. And clean clothes. And lottery winnings. And stronger faith. And peace and health and happiness throughout the universe. Is that too much to ask?Snows blowing yet again. Better than the heat of summer, which kicks my rear.Luck to all, K. Nicklaysgtnick1951@...Current meds include Zanaflex, Valium, and lots of vitamins. I did try Avonex, but it didn't agree with my emotional lability level; i.e., I was noticeably more depressed after use.I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory.

March 6, 2004

Welcome to the CLub, Steve!

Related to walker club, can I join if I'm only using it at night?

During the day, I found that using "Canadian crutches", or forearm

crutches, to work better. With the walker, I was tending to slouch over

more. I did get a "winnie walker" which was great, had brakes, and a

basket and a seat for when I got tired; it let me go over rough

territory (like football and soccer fields) and always have a seat

available. With the forearm crutches (prescribed by PT) I was able to

improve my posture, and actually am more stable. With a cane, having

weak wrists, I was wobbly. With the CC, since they are stabilized from

the forearms and you hold onto a bar below, it feels like an extension

of your arm and I am much more stable. Also fits better when shopping.

I don't need the crutches in the house.

I do use a walker at my bedside at night, to stabilize myself when I

get up to go to the bathroom.

Sam

in Boston; where winter is coming back next week..

Bill Foulke wrote:

Sounds like we need to start the

walker club. I also use a walker most of the time and keep my

wheelchair in my truck when I go places. I also have the bladder

trouble as well. I never have had fatigue troubles with my MS maybe I

can trade that in to get my balance back so I can walk normal again.

Welcome to the group.

Bill

-----

Original Message -----

From:

Sgt.

K. Nicklay, USA (Med.Ret.)

To:

MSersLife

Sent:

Saturday, March 06, 2004 12:58 PM

Subject:

(unknown)

HI folkzzz,

I just joined this group (duh!) and thought I'd let you know a bit

about myself. Currently, I am using a walker to get around the

apartment and a wheelchair on my rare forays into the big, bad world

(which used to seem so small and friendly). I'm engaged to my

wonderful Patty-lady, drawing a 110% (that's right!!) disability

pension courtesy of my 11+ years of dedicated and honorable service

in the US Army, and going through all kinds of changes/stressors in

my life thanks to kids (mine and fiancee Pat's) who are in the 19- to

21-year-old age-group and can't seem to quite figure out how life

works, except that when there's a major disaster, it's call Mom or

Dad/Me. This usually involves cars or cops, thus $$$$. I'm no tight

wad, but the money tree will inevitably run dry, eventually.

Grumble grumble grumble.

My "brand" of MS is somewhere between relapsing/remitting and

secondary/progressive, but who knows? Just labels, as several

neurologists have told me. They really don't know ow to classify

precisely because of the slipperiness of the disease. I know there's

a huge range of disabilities associated with MS, and so far I've been

relatively lucky. Oh, I do have a tricky bladder and the occasional

difficulty (impossibility) with bowel control-though constipation is

a larger problem, but I generally manage. Also a chronically sore

lumbar spine, which may be due to scoliosis (spinal curvature), which

I was informed I had during an Army physical way back when (1983) I

was still busy being a Russian linguist/radio intercept operator in

then West Berlin and well before I was finally medically discharged.

My first symptom was, Ta! Da!!, optic retinitis (neuritis?) of the

right eye. Did a month of prednisone, two weeks on the neuro ward at

since defunct Letterman Army General Hospital in San Franciso, got

LPd and evoke-responsed and on and on, but could only be

provisionally diagnosed with MS. Took an MRI in '86 to settle that

issue. I also noticed tinnitus (ringing ears) that began concurrently

with the eye problems, but the neuros all say, "Na, that hasn't a

thing to do with MS." Bahh!! Who knows MS better than you or I? Of

course, the ear ringing could have been a result of standing too

close to cherry bombs when I was leading the life of "Beaver" in the

50s and 60s, or because of too much time spent with firearms both in

the army and hunting. Or driving a combine, or tractor, or forklift.

What else: Oh yeah. For the guys-any of you having trouble with

the "lead in your pencils?" Pretty common in MSers with bladder

involvement. I find Viagra worked great for a while, but not so

consistently any longer. Good thing I'm not the fiend I once was.

Any advice as to finding community services that I may not be aware

of would be greatly appreciated, or new MS-related web sites. Or just

chat.

Oh yeah...what's the general consensus on MS-related depression

issues among you folks? I know what the stats are, and I have an

appointment with VA mental health on the advice of my neurologist, my

primary care physician, and my Patty. How up do they expect me to be,

I wonder? I've always been a "glass is half-empty" kind of guy, so I

really didn't notice anything. I'm anything but suicidal. Self murder

is the greatest slap in the face of God possible. If more drugs will

help, I'll try something. Wellbutrin (sp?) seems like it might be

useful and is generally well tolerated. Truly, I'd rather smoke the

evil weed because it's natural and it works, but never mind that.

Wait for the prohibition to end. I actually believe that most of my

recent gloomier days have been a result of situational stressors.

I know I have more to spout off about, but it's early and I want more

coffee. One must have one's priorities. And a sitz-shower. And clean

clothes. And lottery winnings. And stronger faith. And peace and

health and happiness throughout the universe. Is that too much to ask?

Snows blowing yet again. Better than the heat of summer, which kicks

my rear.

Luck to all,

K. Nicklay

sgtnick1951@...

Current meds include Zanaflex, Valium, and lots of vitamins. I did

try Avonex, but it didn't agree with my emotional lability level;

i.e., I was noticeably more depressed after use.

I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory.

March 7, 2004

Number 1-never feel sorry for chatting

on. We all need to do it…I’m the queen of this ‘art’.

Second, thank you for serving our

country.

Third, I am on Paxil, and had to bring the

dose up once. I got the worst headache, brought the dose right back down and

it worked fine.

Take Care,

Drew

----

" When you're curious, you find lots

of interesting things to do. And one thing it takes to accomplish something is

courage. "

Walt Disney

Re: (unknown)

Hi , or is it Steve?

Hi Sarge,

Welcome to the group. You gave 110% to your country, its a comfort to

see them giving 110% back. You will find a great deal of support, information,

ideas and shoulders here. A great bunch of people. I have been on Wellbutrin,

Zoloft, and currently Paxil. They all seem to work fairly well, however I think

I beging to build up a tolerance after a while.

I have had interesting side effects with the Zoloft and Paxil that my

Siginficant Other noticed as well. (everything works when its supposed to but

the grand finale takes at least an hour to achieve) Needless to say, I havent

been told to stop taking them. Besides, I get very " dark " without

them. Any specific questions about anything MS related however obscure will

more then likely be addressed in triplicate. So jump right in, the waters fine.

Take care,

USN/Ret

" Sgt. K.

Nicklay, USA (Med.Ret.) "

wrote:

HI folkzzz,

I just joined this group (duh!) and thought

I'd let you know a bit

about myself. Currently, I am using a walker

to get around the

apartment and a wheelchair on my rare forays

into the big, bad world

(which used to seem so small and friendly).

I'm engaged to my

wonderful Patty-lady, drawing a 110% (that's

right!!) disability

pension courtesy of my 11+ years of dedicated

and honorable service

in the US Army, and going through all kinds

of changes/stressors in

my life thanks to kids (mine and fiancee

Pat's) who are in the 19- to

21-year-old age-group and can't seem to quite

figure out how life

works, except that when there's a major

disaster, it's call Mom or

Dad/Me. This usually involves cars or cops,

thus $$$$. I'm no tight

wad, but the money tree will inevitably run

dry, eventually.

Grumble grumble grumble.

to the Yahoo! Terms of

Service.

--

Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.

Checked by AVG Anti-Virus (http://www.grisoft.com).

Version: 7.0.225 / Virus Database: 262.2.1 - Release Date: 3/5/2004

--

Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

Checked by AVG Anti-Virus (http://www.grisoft.com).

Version: 7.0.225 / Virus Database: 262.2.1 - Release Date: 3/5/2004

March 8, 2004

Drew,

if you are having side effects that you do not like, you should go to your dr and tell him/her about your situations. They should change meds, there are a lot of other ones out there to try without you having to suffer side effects!

I held onto a med for almost 1 yr and had horrid side effects...FINALLY i told my neuro to change meds! She listened and I am now sooooooo much happier!

Just a bit of info and help for ya.

Kim

RE: (unknown)

Number 1-never feel sorry for chatting on. We all need to do it…I’m the queen of this ‘art’.

Second, thank you for serving our country.

Third, I am on Paxil, and had to bring the dose up once. I got the worst headache, brought the dose right back down and it worked fine.

Take Care,

Drew

----

"When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do. And one thing it takes to accomplish something is courage." Walt Disney

-----Original Message-----From: Mister Zig Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2004 10:34 AMTo: MSersLife Subject: Re: (unknown)

Hi , or is it Steve?

Hi Sarge,

Welcome to the group. You gave 110% to your country, its a comfort to see them giving 110% back. You will find a great deal of support, information, ideas and shoulders here. A great bunch of people. I have been on Wellbutrin, Zoloft, and currently Paxil. They all seem to work fairly well, however I think I beging to build up a tolerance after a while.

I have had interesting side effects with the Zoloft and Paxil that my Siginficant Other noticed as well. (everything works when its supposed to but the grand finale takes at least an hour to achieve) Needless to say, I havent been told to stop taking them. Besides, I get very "dark" without them. Any specific questions about anything MS related however obscure will more then likely be addressed in triplicate. So jump right in, the waters fine.

Take care,

USN/Ret

"Sgt. K. Nicklay, USA (Med.Ret.)" wrote:

HI folkzzz,I just joined this group (duh!) and thought I'd let you know a bit about myself. Currently, I am using a walker to get around the apartment and a wheelchair on my rare forays into the big, bad world (which used to seem so small and friendly). I'm engaged to my wonderful Patty-lady, drawing a 110% (that's right!!) disability pension courtesy of my 11+ years of dedicated and honorable service in the US Army, and going through all kinds of changes/stressors in my life thanks to kids (mine and fiancee Pat's) who are in the 19- to 21-year-old age-group and can't seem to quite figure out how life works, except that when there's a major disaster, it's call Mom or Dad/Me. This usually involves cars or cops, thus $$$$. I'm no tight wad, but the money tree will inevitably run dry, eventually.Grumble grumble grumble. to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

--Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 7.0.225 / Virus Database: 262.2.1 - Release Date: 3/5/2004

--Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus (http://www.grisoft.com).Version: 7.0.225 / Virus Database: 262.2.1 - Release Date: 3/5/2004

March 10, 2004

Welcome ,

You sound like a very up-beat guy. Sometimes a sense of humor is the best weapon against the MonSter. Depression is very common, though, and meds can help. I take Celexa for mine and I can tell when I've missed a couple of pills - so can my husband!

Welcome again.

HI folkzzz,I just joined this group (duh!) and thought I'd let you know a bit about myself. Currently, I am using a walker to get around the apartment and a wheelchair on my rare forays into the big, bad world (which used to seem so small and friendly). I'm engaged to my wonderful Patty-lady, drawing a 110% (that's right!!) disability pension courtesy of my 11+ years of dedicated and honorable service in the US Army, and going through all kinds of changes/stressors in my life thanks to kids (mine and fiancee Pat's) who are in the 19- to 21-year-old age-group and can't seem to quite figure out how life works, except that when there's a major disaster, it's call Mom or Dad/Me. This usually involves cars or cops, thus $$$$. I'm no tight wad, but the money tree will inevitably run dry, eventually.Grumble grumble grumble.My "brand" of MS is somewhere between relapsing/remitting and secondary/progressive, but who knows? Just labels, as several neurologists have told me. They really don't know ow to classify precisely because of the slipperiness of the disease. I know there's a huge range of disabilities associated with MS, and so far I've been relatively lucky. Oh, I do have a tricky bladder and the occasional difficulty (impossibility) with bowel control-though constipation is a larger problem, but I generally manage. Also a chronically sore lumbar spine, which may be due to scoliosis (spinal curvature), which I was informed I had during an Army physical way back when (1983) I was still busy being a Russian linguist/radio intercept operator in then West Berlin and well before I was finally medically discharged. My first symptom was, Ta! Da!!, optic retinitis (neuritis?) of the right eye. Did a month of prednisone, two weeks on the neuro ward at since defunct Letterman Army General Hospital in San Franciso, got LPd and evoke-responsed and on and on, but could only be provisionally diagnosed with MS. Took an MRI in '86 to settle that issue. I also noticed tinnitus (ringing ears) that began concurrently with the eye problems, but the neuros all say, "Na, that hasn't a thing to do with MS." Bahh!! Who knows MS better than you or I? Of course, the ear ringing could have been a result of standing too close to cherry bombs when I was leading the life of "Beaver" in the 50s and 60s, or because of too much time spent with firearms both in the army and hunting. Or driving a combine, or tractor, or forklift. What else: Oh yeah. For the guys-any of you having trouble with the "lead in your pencils?" Pretty common in MSers with bladder involvement. I find Viagra worked great for a while, but not so consistently any longer. Good thing I'm not the fiend I once was.Any advice as to finding community services that I may not be aware of would be greatly appreciated, or new MS-related web sites. Or just chat.Oh yeah...what's the general consensus on MS-related depression issues among you folks? I know what the stats are, and I have an appointment with VA mental health on the advice of my neurologist, my primary care physician, and my Patty. How up do they expect me to be, I wonder? I've always been a "glass is half-empty" kind of guy, so I really didn't notice anything. I'm anything but suicidal. Self murder is the greatest slap in the face of God possible. If more drugs will help, I'll try something. Wellbutrin (sp?) seems like it might be useful and is generally well tolerated. Truly, I'd rather smoke the evil weed because it's natural and it works, but never mind that. Wait for the prohibition to end. I actually believe that most of my recent gloomier days have been a result of situational stressors.I know I have more to spout off about, but it's early and I want more coffee. One must have one's priorities. And a sitz-shower. And clean clothes. And lottery winnings. And stronger faith. And peace and health and happiness throughout the universe. Is that too much to ask?Snows blowing yet again. Better than the heat of summer, which kicks my rear.Luck to all, K. Nicklaysgtnick1951@...

March 11, 2004

Nice meeting you. Thank you for serving our great country. I deeply appreciate it!! that lead in the pencil problem, well there are newer meds for that now. Sex fiend or not you want to keep your lady, Patty, happy. So when were you dx'ed with MS? Avonex didn't agree with my depression level either at first. I "outgrew" the depression from that. I just have MS depression now...lol

Oh, and I didn't steal your tagline. I've been using mine for a couple of weeks now...lol

I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory.

-- (unknown)

HI folkzzz,I just joined this group (duh!) and thought I'd let you know a bit about myself. Currently, I am using a walker to get around the apartment and a wheelchair on my rare forays into the big, bad world (which used to seem so small and friendly). I'm engaged to my wonderful Patty-lady, drawing a 110% (that's right!!) disability pension courtesy of my 11+ years of dedicated and honorable service in the US Army, and going through all kinds of changes/stressors in my life thanks to kids (mine and fiancee Pat's) who are in the 19- to 21-year-old age-group and can't seem to quite figure out how life works, except that when there's a major disaster, it's call Mom or Dad/Me. This usually involves cars or cops, thus $$$$. I'm no tight wad, but the money tree will inevitably run dry, eventually.Grumble grumble grumble.My "brand" of MS is somewhere between relapsing/remitting and secondary/progressive, but who knows? Just labels, as several neurologists have told me. They really don't know ow to classify precisely because of the slipperiness of the disease. I know there's a huge range of disabilities associated with MS, and so far I've been relatively lucky. Oh, I do have a tricky bladder and the occasional difficulty (impossibility) with bowel control-though constipation is a larger problem, but I generally manage. Also a chronically sore lumbar spine, which may be due to scoliosis (spinal curvature), which I was informed I had during an Army physical way back when (1983) I was still busy being a Russian linguist/radio intercept operator in then West Berlin and well before I was finally medically discharged. My first symptom was, Ta! Da!!, optic retinitis (neuritis?) of the right eye. Did a month of prednisone, two weeks on the neuro ward at since defunct Letterman Army General Hospital in San Franciso, got LPd and evoke-responsed and on and on, but could only be provisionally diagnosed with MS. Took an MRI in '86 to settle that issue. I also noticed tinnitus (ringing ears) that began concurrently with the eye problems, but the neuros all say, "Na, that hasn't a thing to do with MS." Bahh!! Who knows MS better than you or I? Of course, the ear ringing could have been a result of standing too close to cherry bombs when I was leading the life of "Beaver" in the 50s and 60s, or because of too much time spent with firearms both in the army and hunting. Or driving a combine, or tractor, or forklift. What else: Oh yeah. For the guys-any of you having trouble with the "lead in your pencils?" Pretty common in MSers with bladder involvement. I find Viagra worked great for a while, but not so consistently any longer. Good thing I'm not the fiend I once was.Any advice as to finding community services that I may not be aware of would be greatly appreciated, or new MS-related web sites. Or just chat.Oh yeah...what's the general consensus on MS-related depression issues among you folks? I know what the stats are, and I have an appointment with VA mental health on the advice of my neurologist, my primary care physician, and my Patty. How up do they expect me to be, I wonder? I've always been a "glass is half-empty" kind of guy, so I really didn't notice anything. I'm anything but suicidal. Self murder is the greatest slap in the face of God possible. If more drugs will help, I'll try something. Wellbutrin (sp?) seems like it might be useful and is generally well tolerated. Truly, I'd rather smoke the evil weed because it's natural and it works, but never mind that. Wait for the prohibition to end. I actually believe that most of my recent gloomier days have been a result of situational stressors.I know I have more to spout off about, but it's early and I want more coffee. One must have one's priorities. And a sitz-shower. And clean clothes. And lottery winnings. And stronger faith. And peace and health and happiness throughout the universe. Is that too much to ask?Snows blowing yet again. Better than the heat of summer, which kicks my rear.Luck to all, K. Nicklaysgtnick1951@...Current meds include Zanaflex, Valium, and lots of vitamins. I did try Avonex, but it didn't agree with my emotional lability level; i.e., I was noticeably more depressed after use.I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory.

____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here

March 12, 2004

I know exactly what you mean. I am also on Celexa and I don't know what I'd do without it. I too have missed a few days (I just forget sometimes), but when I so my husband ever so non-chalauntly(sp?) hands me my botle and tells me to take my chill-pill haha. I'm glad I have it!Lpcnc@... wrote:

Welcome ,

You sound like a very up-beat guy. Sometimes a sense of humor is the best weapon against the MonSter. Depression is very common, though, and meds can help. I take Celexa for mine and I can tell when I've missed a couple of pills - so can my husband!

Welcome again.

HI folkzzz,I just joined this group (duh!) and thought I'd let you know a bit about myself. Currently, I am using a walker to get around the apartment and a wheelchair on my rare forays into the big, bad world (which used to seem so small and friendly). I'm engaged to my wonderful Patty-lady, drawing a 110% (that's right!!) disability pension courtesy of my 11+ years of dedicated and honorable service in the US Army, and going through all kinds of changes/stressors in my life thanks to kids (mine and fiancee Pat's) who are in the 19- to 21-year-old age-group and can't seem to quite figure out how life works, except that when there's a major disaster, it's call Mom or Dad/Me. This usually involves cars or cops, thus $$$$. I'm no tight wad, but the money tree will inevitably run dry, eventually.Grumble grumble

grumble.My "brand" of MS is somewhere between relapsing/remitting and secondary/progressive, but who knows? Just labels, as several neurologists have told me. They really don't know ow to classify precisely because of the slipperiness of the disease. I know there's a huge range of disabilities associated with MS, and so far I've been relatively lucky. Oh, I do have a tricky bladder and the occasional difficulty (impossibility) with bowel control-though constipation is a larger problem, but I generally manage. Also a chronically sore lumbar spine, which may be due to scoliosis (spinal curvature), which I was informed I had during an Army physical way back when (1983) I was still busy being a Russian linguist/radio intercept operator in then West Berlin and well before I was finally medically discharged. My first symptom was, Ta! Da!!, optic retinitis (neuritis?) of the right eye. Did a month of prednisone, two weeks on

the neuro ward at since defunct Letterman Army General Ho! spital i n San Franciso, got LPd and evoke-responsed and on and on, but could only be provisionally diagnosed with MS. Took an MRI in '86 to settle that issue. I also noticed tinnitus (ringing ears) that began concurrently with the eye problems, but the neuros all say, "Na, that hasn't a thing to do with MS." Bahh!! Who knows MS better than you or I? Of course, the ear ringing could have been a result of standing too close to cherry bombs when I was leading the life of "Beaver" in the 50s and 60s, or because of too much time spent with firearms both in the army and hunting. Or driving a combine, or tractor, or forklift. What else: Oh yeah. For the guys-any of you having trouble with the "lead in your pencils?" Pretty common in MSers with bladder involvement. I find Viagra worked great for a while, but not so consistently any longer. Good thing I'm not the fiend I once

was.Any advice as to finding community services that I may not be aware of would be greatly appreciated, or new MS-related web sites. Or just chat.Oh yeah...what's the general consensus on MS-related depression issues among you folks? I know what the stats are, and I have an appointment with VA mental health on the advice of my neurologist, my primary care physician, and my Patty. How up do they expect me to be, I wonder? I've always been a "glass is half-empty" kind of guy, so I really didn't notice anything. I'm anything but suicidal. Self murder is the greatest slap in the face of God possible. If more drugs will help, I'll try something. Wellbutrin (sp?) seems like it might be useful and is generally well tolerated. Truly, I'd rather smoke the evil weed because it's natural and it works, but never mind that. Wait for the prohibition to end. I actually believe that most of my recent gloomier days have been a

result of situational stressors.I know I have more to spout off about, but it's early and I want more coffee. ! One must have one's priorities. And a sitz-shower. And clean clothes. And lottery winnings. And stronger faith. And peace and health and happiness throughout the universe. Is that too much to ask?Snows blowing yet again. Better than the heat of summer, which kicks my rear.Luck to all, K. Nicklaysgtnick1951@...

March 23, 2004

Hi guys,

I don't forget my pills, because I have pain if I do But for

others in my family, I've gotten one of those 7-day pill containers.

You can always check and see if you forgot, or if you think you took

it...

Sam

in Boston-where if you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes,

and something else will come along..

Maldonado wrote:

I know exactly what you mean. I am also on Celexa and I

don't know what I'd do without it. I too have missed a few days (I just

forget sometimes), but when I so my husband ever so non-chalauntly(sp?)

hands me my botle and tells me to take my chill-pill haha. I'm glad I

have it!

Lpcnc@... wrote:

Welcome ,

You sound like a very up-beat guy. Sometimes a

sense of humor is the best weapon against the MonSter. Depression is

very common, though, and meds can help. I take Celexa for mine and I

can tell when I've missed a couple of pills - so can my husband!

Welcome again.

In a message dated 3/6/2004 1:02:27 PM Eastern Standard Time,

sgtnick1951@... writes: