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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2 to 26 of 26. Go back in thread:
Posted by Maynerd on January 12, 2006, at 21:14:24
In reply to I think I need a hamster etc., posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 20:45:58
While it can be hard to do, transendental meditation can really do wonders for relieving stress and anxiety for people. I usually listen to music by Johnathon Goldman when I do it inside because he creates such awesome sound therapy music. There is no lyrics to disrupt the energy, it just carries you away.
Another technique that I was told to try and found to work often times is physical exercise. I don't really enjoy exercise machines so my favorite is walking; I love walking in the rain.
For both these things it almost mandatory that you do them alone so you aren't subjecting yourself to the pressures of friends or the outside world. Do them in nature if you can.
A pet would do you you or anyone else so much good I can't say it enough. Once you establish that bond there is nothing that feels better than being able to love and be loved by something without all the conditions we people put on ourselves and others; pure uncoditional love. I know my cat Spirit saved my life more than once because of that unconditional love.
Do you like math? Most statistics are pretty easy to do these days because of SPSS and other stat programs. I'm working on getting a degree in psychology and there it is almost a must to learn stats even if you plan on being a counselor.
Posted by Phillipa on January 12, 2006, at 21:25:37
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc., posted by Maynerd on January 12, 2006, at 21:14:24
I'd wait a bit before another hamster. The job thing sounds better. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by sleepygirl on January 12, 2006, at 21:35:19
In reply to I think I need a hamster etc., posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 20:45:58
> It's been really stressful lately. I need something besides studying to keep my mind off things.
>
> I have this horrible anxiety that comes and goes. It feels like a falling sensation in my stomach.
>
> Usually I get the pounding in the heart type anxiety around people, but now it is like a constant anxiety.
>
> I'm thinking of some hamster therapy...what do you think?
>
> If this hamster dies, it's going to be horrible for me at this time.I think that's a nice idea, I've had many of the little critters, but you know what? I'm really falling for guinea pigs lately - a bit more cuddly, bunnies are awesome too
> I just don't know what to do to make myself feel better.
> I think I need to keep busy...with studying.that could help among other things
> I wish I had a T to talk to. I think I'm a bit draining as a friend.
It's be great if you could have that - therapists after all are supposed to help you with the stuff you struggle with, it's their job
> I think I'm going to go in for some career counselling. A friend suggested this to me. She said it really helped her find her job. She's like me, she doesn't have much job experience at all. She ended up getting a job doing statistics for the College of Physicians and Surgeons here. She analyses med-student's tests. What I'm thinking is, if she can do it, so can I (at least theoretically).
Excellent idea, very helpful when one is not sure what to do, it's nice to find things to build your experience, and it helps you figure out what you really like doing
> Ugh, here comes the horrible anxiety again...it comes in awful waves.breathe, take it easy, take a walk, you don't have to have everything together right now
> Deneb
Posted by Dinah on January 12, 2006, at 21:49:57
In reply to I think I need a hamster etc., posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 20:45:58
The Risperdal isn't helping with the anxiety? I generally find it rather tolerable at .75 mg a day.
Have you talked to your mother about the possibility of a longer lived pet? We had a rabbit that lived forever. Two of them actually, but one lived a very very long time. Even though we had him neutered, which apparently is rough on rabbits.
A friend of ours had rabbits that she housetrained. :) That amazes me. I can't even conceive of doing that with our rabbits.
Maybe now that she saw that you were responsible with a hamster, she'd be ok with a larger hutch. Or a pet that you kept strictly in your room.
I don't know how long hamsters usually live. I had dreadful luck with hamsters, parakeets, canaries, and guinea pigs. Maybe it helps if you get them from a breeder though, rather than a pet store.
Posted by sleepygirl on January 12, 2006, at 21:54:35
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » Deneb, posted by Dinah on January 12, 2006, at 21:49:57
I think Deneb's dearly beloved "Hammie" lived for quite a while considering how short their life spans can be. The longest I've ever heard one live is 3 years.
Mine all seemed to die after about a year or so, or less if some illness afflicted them.
Posted by sleepygirl on January 12, 2006, at 21:56:01
In reply to I think I need a hamster etc., posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 20:45:58
maybe go to this website - ratemybunny.com
see if you fall in love ;-)
Posted by Dinah on January 12, 2006, at 22:03:33
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » Dinah, posted by sleepygirl on January 12, 2006, at 21:54:35
Three seems quite old.
Come to think of it, we didn't have a hamster. I think we had a gerbil who escaped and hopefully lived a long life in the walls of our house, because we never found any sign of him at all after he somehow managed to get the top off his cage.
We spent weeks crawling around on the floor peering under furniture.
Posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 22:06:11
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc., posted by Maynerd on January 12, 2006, at 21:14:24
> While it can be hard to do, transendental meditation can really do wonders for relieving stress and anxiety for people.
That sounds like a good idea and it seems to be working for you. I don't have an meditation-type music. I should look into that. Any suggestions?
> Another technique that I was told to try and found to work often times is physical exercise.I gotta admit, I don't do enough physical activity. Walking/jogging on the treadmill is really really boring. It's just too bad that the days are still short. I'm usually busy with classes and studying during the daytime. I'll try to find some time to go walking outdoors.
> A pet would do you you or anyone else so much good I can't say it enough.
My pets were great at relieving boredom too. I never tired of looking at them.
> Do you like math?
I used to like math. I don't know anymore. It's been a while since I've taken a math class.
>Most statistics are pretty easy to do these days because of SPSS and other stat programs. I'm working on getting a degree in psychology and there it is almost a must to learn stats even if you plan on being a counselor.
My friend who is working at the stats thing did her degree in psychology.
I'm still not done my degree in general science. I don't know what I'm going to do with it. I don't feel competent to do anything. There's always someone better than me and smarter than me and it's very competitive.
Deneb
Posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 22:07:02
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc., posted by Phillipa on January 12, 2006, at 21:25:37
> I'd wait a bit before another hamster. The job thing sounds better. Fondly, Phillipa
I'm pretty sure I can manage to do both. :-)
Deneb
Posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 22:10:01
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » Deneb, posted by sleepygirl on January 12, 2006, at 21:35:19
> > I wish I had a T to talk to. I think I'm a bit draining as a friend.
>
> It's be great if you could have that - therapists after all are supposed to help you with the stuff you struggle with, it's their jobI think I might go to the counselling centre tomorrow to ask for referrals. I need to find some low-cost therapy.
Yes...that is what I'm going to do tomorrow.
Deneb
Posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 22:16:02
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » Deneb, posted by Dinah on January 12, 2006, at 21:49:57
> The Risperdal isn't helping with the anxiety? I generally find it rather tolerable at .75 mg a day.
It was helping with the general anxiety I got being around people, but right now I have some extreme anxiety to deal with because I just found a lump in my breast and have to go get an ultrasound.
>
> Have you talked to your mother about the possibility of a longer lived pet?I'm pretty sure my Mom won't let me have a longer lived pet. But maybe I'm ask her anyways.
>We had a rabbit that lived forever. Two of them actually, but one lived a very very long time. Even though we had him neutered, which apparently is rough on rabbits.
I love rabbits. They are so cute. I was at the pet store several weeks ago and there was this bunny that just let me touch her/him.
>
> A friend of ours had rabbits that she housetrained. :) That amazes me. I can't even conceive of doing that with our rabbits.Wow, didn't know one can do that. Although, I did train Hammie to use his a litter box to pee in. :-) It made cleaning much easier for me. Sophie wasn't as bright...
> Maybe now that she saw that you were responsible with a hamster, she'd be ok with a larger hutch. Or a pet that you kept strictly in your room.
Maybe...
>
> I don't know how long hamsters usually live. I had dreadful luck with hamsters, parakeets, canaries, and guinea pigs. Maybe it helps if you get them from a breeder though, rather than a pet store.Syrian hamsters (the normal type hamsters) usually like about 2-3 years. I think guinea pigs live about 5 years. I like guinea pigs too.
Deneb
Posted by Phillipa on January 12, 2006, at 22:23:51
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » sleepygirl, posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 22:10:01
Deneb just don't overwhelm yourself have you considered volunteering maybe at a shelter? Walking dogs feeding animals loving them. You'd be very good at that they'd love you. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Dinah on January 12, 2006, at 22:29:57
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » Dinah, posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 22:16:02
The doctor said it was a cyst, right?
I think I'd believe him unless the more advanced tests say otherwise. It sounds just like the cyst I had for years on my leg. Doctors kept telling me it was just fine, and it was. I eventually had it removed just because I kept bumping it, and it hurt.
It's always a good idea to have these things well checked, but usually it ends up ok.
I think the pet store we got our guinea pigs from had some sort of problem. They only lived a few weeks. :(
Posted by Maynerd on January 13, 2006, at 1:53:53
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » Maynerd, posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 22:06:11
Music for meditation is a personal thing, but most with say to avoid anything with lyrics because they draw your attention to them. When I am sitting around the house and need to relax I listen to Jonathan Goldman; he specializes in making music for yoga, meditation and eastern philosopy type stuff. Even when I try it seems to wash away all the hectic crud in my head. Other than that I haven't really found anything that works very well except for the ocean. My most profound experiences were sitting on the beach by myself listening to nature. That's just me perhaps, I worked on boats for 11 years because the ocean soothes my fiery soul. It also kept me so tired from working long hours that I didn't have time to pay attention the thoughts in my head!
Posted by verne on January 13, 2006, at 8:42:20
In reply to meditation music, posted by Maynerd on January 13, 2006, at 1:53:53
I've been doing TM off and on for over 20 years. I tried a CD series of brain wave music (thetha, alpha, delta, beta, I think) but couldn't get into them. I think the TM manual would recommend no music though.
Currently I'm listening to a bunch of CD's by Thomas Ashley-Farrand on mantras. Having seen the TM movement up close I'm having my doubts and exploring other techniques. Centering prayer is another avenue. Sometimes I'll use a bit of scripture as a mantra.
I'm still not sure about the Farrand CD's since he emphasizes the practical aspects or "power" of mantras to bring abundance and healing.
If we are seeking something, we aren't meditating correctly. The goal is to cease striving and forget there's a goal.
Verne
Posted by happyflower on January 13, 2006, at 10:16:30
In reply to meditation music, posted by Maynerd on January 13, 2006, at 1:53:53
Hi Maynard! Do you practice yoga?
Posted by Maynerd on January 13, 2006, at 14:44:23
In reply to Re: meditation music » Maynerd, posted by happyflower on January 13, 2006, at 10:16:30
I don't yoga in the sense that most people do, mostly because I am such an introvert that I avoid group sort of things. A friend in the past suggested that I have a very unstructured form of yoga that I do without training,; my spirit seems to tell me that I need to find my mental and spiritual balance and it seems to just direct me automatically. An old friend used to tell me that to her I always seemed to be constantly in some state of meditation or something, others say I am just living in my head, Don's world, or a a silly dreamer.
I tried to go to yoga a few times with friends but didn't have much success because it felt like I was spending more resources trying to get into the right posture than I was getting into the right mental/spiritual place.
Posted by Frida on January 14, 2006, at 10:48:00
In reply to I think I need a hamster etc., posted by Deneb on January 12, 2006, at 20:45:58
Hi Deneb,
just wanted to say that pets truly truly help, they give so much unconditional love.
However,I wouldn't get another hamster in your place. Losing a pet is very stressful and painful...
and hamsters live such a short time.I have two guinea pigs I adore.
Maybe you can consider adopting a pair from a rescue? The ones you buy at pet stores always have risks of being sick, etc.if you're interested you can visit this page:
www.cavycages.com
it truly helped me to do the right thing with my guinea pigs and someone can help you find a pair of guinea pigs to adopt near your location.
They are lovely, you have to work a little to gain their trust, they are fearful at first but so lovely and adorable when they get to trust you.They've helped me a lot in my own therapy, my T says they are like me in a lot of ways...Very fearful, but once you get to their heart and you show them it is safe and you won't hurt them, they are very vulnerable to you.
Just wanted to share, they help me a lot, you have to clean, too, but they live more than a hamster, and with the proper care they don't get sick often.
Maybe you can consider this option..?
all the best,
Love,
Frida.
> It's been really stressful lately. I need something besides studying to keep my mind off things.
>
> I have this horrible anxiety that comes and goes. It feels like a falling sensation in my stomach.
>
> Usually I get the pounding in the heart type anxiety around people, but now it is like a constant anxiety.
>
> I'm thinking of some hamster therapy...what do you think?
>
> If this hamster dies, it's going to be horrible for me at this time.
>
> I just don't know what to do to make myself feel better.
>
> I think I need to keep busy...with studying.
>
> I wish I had a T to talk to. I think I'm a bit draining as a friend.
>
> I think I'm going to go in for some career counselling. A friend suggested this to me. She said it really helped her find her job. She's like me, she doesn't have much job experience at all. She ended up getting a job doing statistics for the College of Physicians and Surgeons here. She analyses med-student's tests. What I'm thinking is, if she can do it, so can I (at least theoretically).
>
> Ugh, here comes the horrible anxiety again...it comes in awful waves.
>
> Deneb
Posted by Deneb on January 14, 2006, at 14:27:03
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » Deneb, posted by Frida on January 14, 2006, at 10:48:00
> I have two guinea pigs I adore.
> Maybe you can consider adopting a pair from a rescue? The ones you buy at pet stores always have risks of being sick, etc.I love guinea pigs. :-)
Before I got a hamster I'd wanted a guinea pig. I even bought some metal grid panels to make a cage, just like the ones on the website you provided. My Mom freaked out when she saw how big the cage was going to be. Then I suggested a hamster. I still want a guinea pig or pigs very much. I just don't know if my Mom would let me, probably not.Deneb
Posted by Deneb on January 14, 2006, at 15:12:59
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » Deneb, posted by Frida on January 14, 2006, at 10:48:00
Hi Frida
Do you have a cubes and coroplast cage? Was it difficult to find the coroplast?
I didn't have a problem finding the cubes last time.
What kind of bedding do you use? How much does it cost you? I'm not sure I can afford to have guinea pigs right now.
What are your guinea pig's names? What breed are they?
Deneb
Posted by Frida on January 17, 2006, at 11:25:05
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc. » Frida, posted by Deneb on January 14, 2006, at 15:12:59
Hi Deneb!
Yes, their cages take space, but it's not difficult to clean...with a big cage there's no smell at all, they are happy, and incredibly sweet together :o) It's better to have two, because they are social animals, and they keep each other company when you're away.
I found it hard to find cubes where I live, so I had to have them made. But the coroplast was easy to find. You find them in a sign store. I called a sign store and I had the coroplast in the next few days.
If you can find the cubes that's perfect because you can do what you want...I've had my two guinea pigs since August. I use fleece..it works perfect for me.
I use a thick layer of newspapers on the coroplast, then a pair of old towels (or puppy pads) and then the fleece.
It stays clean for a week. I wash everything (hand-wash) on Fridays or Saturdays. (it doesn't take long to wash) and change everything (once a week)
I only had to buy two changes of fleece. But that wasn't expensive either. So I only had to pay for that once. Then I need newspapers, but my friends, boyfriend, everyone gives me their newspapers instead of throwing them away, so that's ok too.
Carefresh is another bedding that people use, but I think fleece is a great alternative. It looks very tidy, clean, no odour at all, it's not expensive, and relatively easy to maintain if you wash once a week. Also the piggies love it, it's soft on their feet and good for their health.I do have to spend money on veggies, but it isn't that expensive.
I live in [xxx], so my guinea pigs have Spanish names: One of them is [xxx] and the other one [xxx].
[xxx] is an american and [xxx] abbysian =)
They are adorable and so sweet as they get to trust you.Wanna see a picture? =)
This is [xxx]
and this is [xxx]
Hope you like them,
if you have any question about guinea pig care, don't hesitate to ask... :o)
Frida
Posted by Deneb on January 17, 2006, at 19:01:02
In reply to Re: I think I need a hamster etc., posted by Frida on January 17, 2006, at 11:25:05
> I've had my two guinea pigs since August. I use fleece..it works perfect for me.
Wow, I didn't know one can do that...use fleece as bedding. That's a very good idea. Carefresh is very expensive.
> I use a thick layer of newspapers on the coroplast, then a pair of old towels (or puppy pads) and then the fleece.
I don't have any newspapers. I don't think my Mom will go for the idea, but I think I'll definitely get guinea pigs sometime.
> I live in [xxx], so my guinea pigs have Spanish names: One of them is [xxx] and the other one [xxx].
> [xxx] is an american and [xxx] abbysian =)
> They are adorable and so sweet as they get to trust you.They have very cute names. :-)
[xxx] and [xxx] are sooo cute! I want guinea pigs! They look soft and cuddly. :-)
If by some miracle I can get guinea pigs, I'll definitely ask you for advice.
Deneb
Posted by Camille Dumont on January 18, 2006, at 10:35:12
In reply to Guinea pigs » Frida, posted by Deneb on January 17, 2006, at 19:01:02
My rats probably did a better job at dragging me out of my depression than any medication or therapy. They are the reason I live, they are the reason I'll never commit suicide and whenever I feel bad, I cuddle them and play with them.
How can you not smile at a face like this:
http://k00kie.freeshell.org/other/buro/09-09-05/mor1.JPG
I am not always happy but I can always make them happy. They are all abandonned, unwanted, handicapped rats that would have been pts. I give them a forever home.
When they die or I have to have them put to sleep because vet care can no longer help them, sure I feel horrible and it hurts, but I try to look at the whole picture. I get a week of feeling crappy in exchange for 2 to 3 years of feeling super happy. Seems like a good deal to me.
Posted by Deneb on January 18, 2006, at 19:18:44
In reply to Re: Rats, posted by Camille Dumont on January 18, 2006, at 10:35:12
> My rats probably did a better job at dragging me out of my depression than any medication or therapy. They are the reason I live, they are the reason I'll never commit suicide and whenever I feel bad, I cuddle them and play with them.
That's great! I remember sometimes thinking that I shouldn't kill myself because no one would take care of Hammie if I did.
>
> How can you not smile at a face like this:
>
> http://k00kie.freeshell.org/other/buro/09-09-05/mor1.JPGOMGosh, she/he's soooooo cute! What's her/his name?
>I get a week of feeling crappy in exchange for 2 to 3 years of feeling super happy. Seems like a good deal to me.
Yeah, my Mom doesn't want to have pets because they will die, but it really is worth it in the long run.
Deneb
Posted by Camille Dumont on January 20, 2006, at 13:03:59
In reply to Re: Rats » Camille Dumont, posted by Deneb on January 18, 2006, at 19:18:44
> > My rats probably did a better job at dragging me out of my depression than any medication or therapy. They are the reason I live, they are the reason I'll never commit suicide and whenever I feel bad, I cuddle them and play with them.
>
> That's great! I remember sometimes thinking that I shouldn't kill myself because no one would take care of Hammie if I did.
>
> >
> > How can you not smile at a face like this:
> >
> > http://k00kie.freeshell.org/other/buro/09-09-05/mor1.JPG
>
> OMGosh, she/he's soooooo cute! What's her/his name?
>
> >I get a week of feeling crappy in exchange for 2 to 3 years of feeling super happy. Seems like a good deal to me.
>
> Yeah, my Mom doesn't want to have pets because they will die, but it really is worth it in the long run.
>
> Deneb
>
>His name is Dr. Moriarty. I also had his brother Dr. Jeckyll:
http://k00kie.freeshell.org/other/buro/10-10-05/jeckyll4.JPG
But I had to put him to sleep because his lungs were so scarred from his brush with death when he was young that he was constantly becomming epoxic. It was the most gentle thing to do.
Incidentally, Dr. Moriarty is my $1000 rat ... because that's what he cost me in surgeries last summer / fall. But it's more than worth it. He's a total cuddle but who likes nothing more than to lay down on you and get his ears scratched until he falls assleep.
I gave him and his brothers scary/strong names because they were starving when I adopted them and hoped they would grow strong. I also called them Dr. because they do a better job than the pills when it comes to cheering me up.
I also had Dr. Livingstone (now passed away)
http://k00kie.freeshell.org/other/buro/21-09-04/livingstone.JPG
and Dr. Watson who is still with me.
http://k00kie.freeshell.org/other/buro/02-10-05/basic3.JPG
and PaiMei, a rat born with just one eye and completly blind ... she's still climbs and runs and explores like the others and beats up the bigger rats all the time.
This is the end of the thread.
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