Posted by amberss on December 27, 2004, at 8:03:44 [reposted on December 27, 2004, at 22:40:34 | original URL]
Found this site on a fluke...since was concerned about constipation of late...and VOILA I am here. Suppose I should have gone to the newbie site but rushing I just pushed this button.
Re: constipation...have taken this drug first time only since May...and last couple of months have been plagues with constipation..tho I have been lately making sure HIGH fiber is in my diet..even eating can of spinach each day for a week after a really really bad time of it. Better but still there and have to watch what I eat. Adding apples and raisins and always oatmeal in mornings.
BUT THE PLUSSES: first have to say 22 yrs ago PANIC ATTACKS came into my life and changed it forever as Pandora's Box of HELL opened up. Recluse for several yrs/hair turned straight-black-damaged-in panic or near day and night - a true living HELL. Armory of physical tests..and years of therapy with outstanding therapists. STILL anxiety has incapacitated me - kept me in a verbally abusive marriage of 30 yrs of course which may be the source of the pressure cooker of which FEW understand or accept. Have researched PD/anxiety in depth, intense therapies, coping skills...etc etc..however have resisted meds as I have always been scared stiff of medications of any kind. Took xenax upon onset and short time only. HOWEVER, started taking effexor last May (for multitude of reasons). I am certainly not cured..is there such a thing particularly for those hit with POD/anxiety to such severity.
THE PLUSSES of EFFEXOR: Feel slightly mellow (tho I am an easy going person anyway yet abusive husband does not get to me so much and not nearly as depressed about my life) ALSO more energized. Not running any marathons YET I am def more active and going more places!!! ANNNnnd can now be alone in the house where I could not be before for some years. A REAL BREAKTHRU. Of course at same time I went on an exercise routine and diet...just prior to starting effexor..This was ALL a part of a last ditch effort to get back into life...hope to get some quality FUN into my life...perhaps eventually to RECLAIM my life..think of ME. I feel no side effects THANKFULLY other than mentioned above. I do however believe meds are sooo different for each of us..for many reasons..and thats why I resisted them in past feeling I was not willing to play russian roulette..not able to WORSEN my condition that had me feeling I was on the edge of the earth anyway.
Sorry to ramble here but feel I have alot to give and alot to learn. I support another gal...am on 24 hour call and willingly so...as she is a total recluse with NO one..and I am able to talk her thru with relaxation and other coping skills..and am NOT a therapist...just have lended some of what I have learned to survive and she has improved and it makes ME feel stronger as well. of course she has her own doc and takes meds..I am just a support person.
THANKS for listening..and I give my heartfelt FULL support to anyone that is touched by the horrors of anxiety!! and all that comes with. Support from accepting or better yet understanding others is INVALUABLE. Hang in there! I say to all.
Effexor is working for me..and I hope that it will for others if not...they will find what will.
poster:amberss
thread:434859
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041223/msgs/434859.html