depression

[Guest guest]

Hi, I see that you are confused as to what to do for your daughter I can tell

you the psych eval is worth getting so they can what type of depression she

has so to better treat it. Alot of times depression runs in families so it

would be worth your time also to check your families histories for her on both

sides since children can inherit depression from any family member and may give

you some insight as to what is happening. I just had one done on my daughter

checking for adhd and maybe depression since I suffer from chronic depression

myself. Call you local mental health services and ask for information on testing

alot of it is observance and paper work from you and her and what you see

..Dont let it get to you , I think everyone should have one it really gives you

tons of information about yourself and how and what you feel and WHY? You can

call you local mental health services and ask them for someone who is

experienced working with people with developmental delays. My daughter saw a

pediatric

pschologist. You may want to consider that depending on her developmental

status at this time and who you think may be able to work better for her. Any

questions my name is Jeanette mom to 4 including 10 with ds

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome. I hope you get some answers. Where are you? You may be interested in

checking out the Down syndrome clinic in the DC area. There are members on the

list that have been there.

Good luck!

mom to Bridget 10

Depression

Hi Everyone:

I am new to the board and looking for some help.

I have a 21 year old daughter with DS who is suffering from

depression. We are trying to find meds that will help, her doc

however wants her to have a full psych eval as well. I am wondering

if anyone out there has dealt with this and can give us some insight

into their experience. We are also looking for mental health

professionals experienced in working with our kids. Any help you

can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[Guest guest]

Dear Steve:

Now , with the Human Map of DNA + Statistic we now that this is not, true.

You have to take Genetic, Population , race, Age.

Low levels leads to depletion of Serotonin and you loose Resilience. Then you got MORE depressed. This squeeze the HPA axis and triggers high levels of CRF = More Cortisol.

= More Stress = more depletion of Serotonin and you loose Resilience = More Depression--------------------------------> Very low level Serotonin = High Suicide Risk.

Warm regards

www.qeeg.com.ar

-----

[Guest guest]

Studies with twins (monozygotic vs dizygotic) control for most of

these variables. I can't remember the actual stats but environment

accounts for the majority of the variance with unipolar depression.

Environmental stressors (early and current) suppress the action of

the seratonin system. Some folks have a somewhat higher biologicla

predisposition.

SDC

> Dear Steve:

>

>

> Now , with the Human Map of DNA + Statistic we now that this is

not, true.

>

> You have to take Genetic, Population , race, Age.

> Low levels leads to depletion of Serotonin and you loose

Resilience. Then you got MORE depressed. This squeeze the HPA axis

and triggers high levels of CRF = More Cortisol.

> = More Stress = more depletion of Serotonin and you loose

Resilience = More Depression--------------------------------> Very

low level Serotonin = High Suicide Risk.

>

> Warm regards

>

>

> www.qeeg.com.ar

> -----

[Guest guest]

> ok- ive got it really bad and im at wits end. there are reasons i

> have it right now (too humiliating to talk about) and it is really

> bringing me down. for those of you who also suffer from

depression,

> can you please give me some insight?? how do you deal with it

> (besides medicine) and what makes it go away??

>

> vicki

> HELP

Time, time and more time.

Marta

[Guest guest]

> ok- ive got it really bad and im at wits end. there are reasons i

> have it right now (too humiliating to talk about) and it is really

> bringing me down. for those of you who also suffer from

depression,

> can you please give me some insight?? how do you deal with it

> (besides medicine) and what makes it go away??

>

> vicki

> HELP

Time, time and more time.

Marta

[Guest guest]

> > ok- ive got it really bad and im at wits end. there are reasons

i

> > have it right now (too humiliating to talk about) and it is

really

> > bringing me down. for those of you who also suffer from

> depression,

> > can you please give me some insight?? how do you deal with it

> > (besides medicine) and what makes it go away??

> >

> > vicki

> > HELP

>

> Time, time and more time.

>

> Marta

yea but its not surgery related. Doc- you know what its related

to!!!!! vicki

[Guest guest]

> > ok- ive got it really bad and im at wits end. there are reasons

i

> > have it right now (too humiliating to talk about) and it is

really

> > bringing me down. for those of you who also suffer from

> depression,

> > can you please give me some insight?? how do you deal with it

> > (besides medicine) and what makes it go away??

> >

> > vicki

> > HELP

>

> Time, time and more time.

>

> Marta

yea but its not surgery related. Doc- you know what its related

to!!!!! vicki

[Guest guest]

You have taken the words right out of my mouth Rick,even more annoying is

when people advertise their services on these lists and then have the hide

to get upset when people dont agree with their services.J.Atkins.

Depression

> Good

>

> I remember reading that in Russia they required miners to use sun

> tanning beds/lamps to counter depression. It was probably cost

> effective to avoid hostility/suicides.

> To bad people have become so brainwashed by scientists to seek a

> 'magic pill' rather than adopt the healthy lifestyle. It takes effort

> to exercise, get proper sunlight and eat healthy. Instead Americans

> want to believe the 'experts' that you can 'eat anything you want

> anytime you want' - just take their pill.

> I have always said if you believe that, please take a little arsenic

> with their pill.

> Americans buy about 20 billion dollars worth of 'diet' pills every

> year to avoid the effort of healthy lifestyle. So to say Americans

> would rather die than diet. Scientists and the pharma cartel have the

> public almost completely brainwashed and under their control by

> spending billions $$ on advertising. Most of alternative medicine is

> not much better, they are suckering the public to believe in their

> 'magic herb'.

> The basic protocol that works best is the Budwig protocol because it

> imparts some of the values of Sunlight which is the Ultimate healer

> containing the life-force frequencies that run our bodies. I'm sure

> this will offend some here, but again it takes effort to be

> responsible for your own health. It is so much easier to just let

> someone else poison you. Old phrase = Where Sunshine is - Doctors Aint.

>

> Rick

>

>

> > To , Rick, Bob and All.

> > In adding a few words to this discussion, I want to deal first, with the

> > second

> > part of Bob's question, and to Rick's inquiry about " emotions and

> > environment " .

> >

> > In Elmer Pendell's book " Why Civilizations Self-Destruct " 1977, I

> read --

> > - " the structure of our minds is just as much a product of our evolution

> > (evolving), as our bones, glands and muscles. Mind and body evolved

> > together.

> > Man's mechanisms for concepts and emotions are as surely the results of

> > evolution as are his body traits. "

> > From this I would gather that " emotions just don't come from

> anywhere " . The

> > capacity and mechanism for emotions is built into our body ( system)

> just

> > like all our

> > body parts that have a particular, or individual function for the

> survival

> > of the body.

> >

> > I believe that Rick is correct in relating environment to awakening or

> > suppressing emotions. I assume that the environment he

> > refers to is one of proper or improper nutrition. Emotion, a

> mechanism of

> > the mind,

> > or mental body parts, will not operate efficiently if those parts

> are not

> > nourished properly, especially

> > when exposed to other environmental factors such as fear, revulsion,

> > disgust, frustation, hate,

> > envy, love, happiness, security, and a myriad of other factors, in,

> and of,

> > our environment,

> > The next question is - just how is the mechanism of emotion ignited and

> > where does environment come in?

> >

> > In 1935, A.D.Speranksy a Russian, published his book, " A Basis For the

> > Theory of Medicine " ( in Russian).

> > He was Director of the Dept. Patho-Physiology of the All-Union

> Institute of

> > Experimental Medicine.

> > As other researchers, who painstakingly discovered the circulatory

> system of

> > the blood, and others, of the lymph system

> > and all the other body functions, Speransky, through years of research,

> > mapped out the nervous system

> > and how it functions. Through his work he brought into focus the body

> > procees, the nervous system,

> > which controls all activity which is called into play when the body is

> > subject to a stimuli of any kind,

> > such as those factors mentioned above, and other external stimuli

> such as

> > the prick of a pin on the skin ,

> > and an ache or a pain, etc. (environmental factors)

> >

> > From what I understand about Speransky's discovery, I see the

> nervous system

> > as a messenger system

> > which goes into action when there is an irritation to the body.

> Immediately

> > the nervous system carries a

> > message that the body is being attached, to the brain. The brain then

> > decides what must be done to preserve the body,

> > and in turn, it sends back a message throught the nervous system to

> whatever

> > part of the body is required to

> > defend against the irritating factor.

> >

> > In the same way the emotion mechanism of the mind is brought into

> play when

> > the mind is faced

> > with such factors of the mind, as mentioned above, which may call for a

> > physical response, or it may be so

> > overwhelmed that an inactive or a depressed state of mind will follow. A

> > depressed state may also be facilitated by

> > a lack of a nutritional factor, such as a Vit. B12 supplement,

> which, I

> > understand, can be helpful.

> >

> > To your question, Rick, about how much can depression motivate other

> > responses. Depressed people, that I see, are very negative, with

> their state

> > of depression encompasing all other negative emotions.

> >

> > With reference to depression it has been said that there are some

> people who

> > appear to like their depressed state, for whatever reason. For

> others the

> > irritating cause can be environmental or nutritional. Depression

> calls for

> > the greatest effort on those depressed to correct either of these two

> > factors, and to pray the famous " Serenity Prayer " which is as

> follows ---

> > " God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, and to

> > change he things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. "

> >

> > This is I see this question brought here.

> >

> >

>

> > > Most intelligent people know by now that depression is a major side

> > > effect of sunlight deprevation. How much can depression motivate

> > > other negative emotions? Also Omega 3's (kind of similar to sunlight)

> > > will effect mental attitudes including hostility. So maybe the

> > > environment

> > > (lack of sunlight) or diet (lack of omega 3s) are the precussor to

> > > emotions?

>

>

>

>

> Get HUGE info at http://www.cures for cancer.ws, and post your own links there.

Unsubscribe by sending email to cures for cancer-unsubscribeegroups or by

visiting http://www.bobhurt.com/subunsub.mv

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Barbara,

My first thought would be to check if this kid has higher beta at F4

than F3, and the opposite w.r.t. alpha, e.g. typical alpha asymmetry

reported in depression by son. If so, that might be a good thing

to try to adjust. Plus, training beta up/alpha down at F3 might aid in

attention. But it also may overactive this guy, so go slow with

frontal training. You may wish to try plain 'ol C4 SMR as well for

attention and general regulation.

Do you have an assessment (TLC, QEEG, etc) of any sort?

Good luck, and welcome!

Best,

Hill

Neurofeedback Technician

The NeuroDevelopment Center

www.neurodevelopmentcenter.com

On Dec 5, 2004, at 3:15 PM, Barbara Forsey wrote:

> I am new to the list and just starting my practice. I am using

> NeuroCybernetics Eeger equipment. I would like to present a case for

> some assistance.

>

> I have a 13 year old boy with severe depression. He is on wellbutrin

> 150 mg morning and evening. He is asthmatic and uses an inhaler

> occasionally. He also takes claritin 10mg per day. I have only met

> him once at the intake. He stated prior to the wellbutrin he would

> fluctuate between sad and happy rapidly. The happy would often turn

> to anger and uncontrollable outbursts. I am thinking Bi-Polar could

> be a possibility. Would you agree? Also the family has many

> suicides in the history. He has suicidal tendencies. He stated that

> if he had a magic wand he would make himself absolutely silent and

> never make a noise at all...become invisible. He has a younger brother

> that according to the parents is the same.

> Needless to say I would like to help this family with neurofeedback

> any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

>

> The TOVA results that I put through eegexpert stated as follows:

>

> Interpretation of Results

>

>

>

> I. VALIDITY MEASURES

>

> ¡÷ There were no invalid quarters.

>

>

>

> II. TOTAL SCORES:

>

> ¡÷ Omission Errors are significantly greater than average, indicating

> significant inattention (low sustained attention).

>

> ¡÷ Post Commission Response Time is faster than average correct

> Response Time in quarter(s) 4.

> A Post Commission Response Time is the response time immediately

> following a Commission Error. People typically slow down after a

> Commission Error. Speeding up after a Commission Error indicates

> increased speed with increased attention after an error. This might

> indicate that Commission Errors are resulting from inattention rather

> than over arousal, and might reflect lack of frontal control and

> possibly under arousal. Look at graph of response times to see whether

> Commission Errors are faster (impulsive) or slower (inattentive) than

> average.

>

>

>

> III. SCORES BY HALF:

>

> ¡÷ First half consistency of response scores are significantly below

> average.

> This is the boring task (target-infrequent condition), and poor scores

> in the first half indicate under-arousal and difficulty maintaining

> attention and control.

>

> ¡÷ Second half sustained attention scores are significantly below

> average.

> This is the active or high response demand task (target-frequent

> condition), and poor scores in the second half indicate over-arousal.

> Most people tend to be faster and make more Commission Errors in the

> second half, but over-arousal often results in uncontrolled responses

> to targets and non-targets or freezing and missing targets.

>

> ¡÷ Below average standard scores in both halves

> may indicate both under-arousal and over-arousal problems.

>

> ¡÷ Standard scores for consistency of response are significantly worse

> in the first half than the second half.

> The first half is the boring task (target-infrequent condition). Lower

> scores in the first half may indicate under-arousal and greater

> difficulty attending during a boring task.

>

> ¡÷ Standard scores for sustained attention and impulse control are

> significantly worse in the second half than the first half.

> The second half is the high response demand task (target-frequent

> condition). Lower scores in the second half may indicate over-arousal

> and greater difficulty responding under pressure.

>

>

>

> IV. SCORES BY QUARTER:

>

> ¡÷ First Quarter consistency of response standard scores are

> significantly below average.

>

> ¡÷ Second Quarter consistency of response standard scores are

> significantly below average.

>

> ¡÷ Fourth Quarter sustained attention standard scores are significantly

> below average.

>

> ¡÷ Standard scores for sustained attention, impulse control, speed of

> response and consistency of response are significantly worse in

> quarter 4 than quarter 3.

> This indicates an inability to maintain attention under high response

> demand conditions, and may indicate frontal lobe dysfunction.

>

> ¡÷ Standard scores for consistency of response are significantly worse

> in quarter 1 than quarter 2.

> This could be indicative of excessive anxiety.

>

> ¡÷ Significant omission errors (standard score < 70) in quarter(s) 4

> may be associated with neurological immaturity or dysfunction,

> including sleep disorders. Ask subject whether missed targets were

> seen, and look for clusters of Omission Errors in the Response Time

> graph.

> These might indicate absence seizures or narcolepsy. Excessive

> Omission Errors might also reflect visual deficits. Consider

> assessment by a developmental optometrist.

>

> Thank you,

>

> Barbara Forsey Ph.D.

> 15720 Ventura Blvd

> Suite 206

> Encino, CA 91436

> 818 772 7885

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Barbara,

Unfortunately, with your equipment you won't really be able to perform an

assessment to see what is going on in this client's brain. There are two areas

you might try to evaluate as well as you can:

How much delta and theta is there frontally; if you are able to measure two

channels at the same time, as I believe you may be able to do with EEGer, take a

look at the amplitudes in various frequency bands. Extremely slow frontal lobes

can result in the types of issues you are seeing.

Can you compare the beta and alpha levels at Fp1 and Fp2 (referenced to the ears

on the same side or to linked ears) and at F3 and F4? If so, you should see

alpha amplitudes 10-15% higher on the right side and beta levels higher on the

left. If the alpha levels are reversed, there is a good chance the client will

experience the " helpless/hopeless " type of depression he describes. The beta

reversal could also relate to the anger.

See if you can gather any real brain data with your equipment to answer these

questions and report that back to us. If not, perhaps you can find someone with

a Pendant or BrainMaster and BioExplorer software (total cost about $1,000),

either one of which will allow you to do a full assessment of the brain in about

40 minutes.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Pete

>

> From: " Barbara Forsey " <forsey@...>

> Date: 2004/12/05 Sun PM 03:15:04 EST

> < >

> Subject: Depression

>

> I am new to the list and just starting my practice. I am using

> NeuroCybernetics Eeger equipment. I would like to present a case for

> some assistance.

>

> I have a 13 year old boy with severe depression. He is on wellbutrin

> 150 mg morning and evening. He is asthmatic and uses an inhaler

> occasionally. He also takes claritin 10mg per day. I have only met him

> once at the intake. He stated prior to the wellbutrin he would

> fluctuate between sad and happy rapidly. The happy would often turn to

> anger and uncontrollable outbursts. I am thinking Bi-Polar could be a

> possibility. Would you agree? Also the family has many suicides in

> the history. He has suicidal tendencies. He stated that if he had a

> magic wand he would make himself absolutely silent and never make a

> noise at all...become invisible. He has a younger brother that according

> to the parents is the same.

> Needless to say I would like to help this family with neurofeedback any

> suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

>

> The TOVA results that I put through eegexpert stated as follows:

> Interpretation of Results

>

>

>

> I. VALIDITY MEASURES

>

> ? There were no invalid quarters.

>

>

>

> II. TOTAL SCORES:

>

> ? Omission Errors are significantly greater than average, indicating

> significant inattention (low sustained attention).

>

> ? Post Commission Response Time is faster than average correct Response

> Time in quarter(s) 4.

> A Post Commission Response Time is the response time immediately

> following a Commission Error. People typically slow down after a

> Commission Error. Speeding up after a Commission Error indicates

> increased speed with increased attention after an error. This might

> indicate that Commission Errors are resulting from inattention rather

> than over arousal, and might reflect lack of frontal control and

> possibly under arousal. Look at graph of response times to see whether

> Commission Errors are faster (impulsive) or slower (inattentive) than

> average.

>

>

>

> III. SCORES BY HALF:

>

>

> ? First half consistency of response scores are significantly below

> average.

> This is the boring task (target-infrequent condition), and poor scores

> in the first half indicate under-arousal and difficulty maintaining

> attention and control.

>

> ? Second half sustained attention scores are significantly below

> average.

> This is the active or high response demand task (target-frequent

> condition), and poor scores in the second half indicate over-arousal.

> Most people tend to be faster and make more Commission Errors in the

> second half, but over-arousal often results in uncontrolled responses to

> targets and non-targets or freezing and missing targets.

>

> ? Below average standard scores in both halves

> may indicate both under-arousal and over-arousal problems.

>

> ? Standard scores for consistency of response are significantly worse

> in the first half than the second half.

> The first half is the boring task (target-infrequent condition). Lower

> scores in the first half may indicate under-arousal and greater

> difficulty attending during a boring task.

>

> ? Standard scores for sustained attention and impulse control are

> significantly worse in the second half than the first half.

> The second half is the high response demand task (target-frequent

> condition). Lower scores in the second half may indicate over-arousal

> and greater difficulty responding under pressure.

>

>

>

> IV. SCORES BY QUARTER:

>

>

> ? First Quarter consistency of response standard scores are

> significantly below average.

>

> ? Second Quarter consistency of response standard scores are

> significantly below average.

>

> ? Fourth Quarter sustained attention standard scores are significantly

> below average.

>

> ? Standard scores for sustained attention, impulse control, speed of

> response and consistency of response are significantly worse in quarter

> 4 than quarter 3.

> This indicates an inability to maintain attention under high response

> demand conditions, and may indicate frontal lobe dysfunction.

>

> ? Standard scores for consistency of response are significantly worse

> in quarter 1 than quarter 2.

> This could be indicative of excessive anxiety.

>

> ? Significant omission errors (standard score < 70) in quarter(s) 4

> may be associated with neurological immaturity or dysfunction, including

> sleep disorders. Ask subject whether missed targets were seen, and look

> for clusters of Omission Errors in the Response Time graph.

> These might indicate absence seizures or narcolepsy. Excessive Omission

> Errors might also reflect visual deficits. Consider assessment by a

> developmental optometrist.

>

>

> Thank you,

>

> Barbara Forsey Ph.D.

> 15720 Ventura Blvd

> Suite 206

> Encino, CA 91436

> 818 772 7885

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kathie (Zeke), Thanks for the offer to put my name in your prayer

vase - that's such an excellent idea. I firmly believe in the power

of prayer. God Bless, Mo

[Guest guest]

Hello Paggy.

Peggy wrote:

Notan are you out

there?

I have not been reading much lately, but I did read your

message.

....the

neurotransmitters in the brain can actually

be reset, allowing slow titrate from the medication and a permanent fix

to this disorder.

Being careful to titrate really slowly is important -- much slower than

the MDs say.

This is believed to be true for both depression

and chronic pain. It seems that our nerves can learn to be depressed or

in pain and then stay that way until something like medication resets

them. Pain and depression both are made worse by low serotonin and each

can make the other worse.

....the risk falling

into depression subsequently tends

to result in worse and more difficult to recover from episodes.

Once 3 episodes have been

experienced, there is a 90 percent chance of another

episode...

Teenage depression used to be, and still is by

many, considered just normal teenage moodiness. Now there is concern that

even in younger years the more one stays depressed the more likely one is

to have more and worse episodes later in life.

....Interestingly,

seritonin has significant GI side effects.

Most of the serotonin in the body is in the

gut.

Also, there is a

strong association with depressive and anxiety disorders and esophageal

motility disorders, according to psychiatric literature. Wonder

why?

If the esophageal disorder comes first

depression could understandably follow. Depression is a common problem

for people that have disabilities or chronic diseases. Depression is also

common among people that have lost the ability to enjoy something that

gave them pleasure. It is also common when people withdraw from social

activities. On the other hand people can raise their mood by overcoming

problems, enriching their lives and socializing with others.

Achalasia is debilitating. Difficulty eating makes other things

difficult. We loose the enjoyment we had for certain foods and social

events that involve eating. It is important to overcome where possible,

enrich our lives in new ways and adjust our socializing to include more

events that don't involve eating (if it is a problem), and of course,

relax.

It is also possible that whatever causes achalasia could also have an

effect on the nervous system in other ways that may cause depression and

anxiety disorders. As Carolyn said, the vagus nerve is known to have a

connection with both depression and achalasia. Electrical stimulation of

the vagus nerve may be a treatment for depression. The FDA is requiring

more safety studies before approving a device for it. Or, if the immune

system is part of the problem, as in an autoimmune disease or chronic

infection, the immune system can make you feel depressed. I once read,

but can't find a reference to it, that some doctors were placing people

at risk for depression on antidepressants before heart surgery because

the immune system response to that amount of trauma will make some

patients suicidal.

There are a lot of links between the mind and body. Much of it is new to

science and medicine.

People that are concerned about depression may also want to look into

fish oil. There are a lot of studies to support this. Not all of them are

consistent and many are small, but it looks very promising. Here is a

good article:

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=533861

Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: A primer for the

mental health professional

Some points covered in it are:

As our diet went to less omega 3s (fish oil)

and more omega 6s the rate of depression has gone up.

Omega 3s are important in nerve membranes and neural transmitter use.

Essential Fatty Acids (omega 3s) can act as sources for second messengers

within and between neurons.

Omega-3 fatty acids may modulate cytokines (immune system chemicals that

lower neurotransmitter precursor availability) .

Psychological stress can elevate cytokines. Some antidepressants can

inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines.

Omega-3s may influence brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in

depression, which supports the survival and growth of neurons through

development and adulthood.

Antidepressants and exercise can enhance BDNF, while diets high in

saturated fat and sucrose, and psychological stress inhibit BDNF

production.

Nutrients which can influence omega-3 status include: zinc, selenium,

folic acid and dietary antioxidants.

Low levels of zinc, selenium, folic acid and dietary antioxidants are

connected to depression.

Increases in zinc, selenium, folic acid and antioxidants increase omega 3

status.

Thank-you, Sandi, for encouraging me to look

at omega 3s and cytokines.

notan

[Guest guest]

Thanks Notan for the great information -- I will be studying up.

Peggy

>

[Guest guest]

notan,

I was just taking time

to get caught up on my emails, and I just caught that last sentence…You

are very welcome! LOL…and thank you for always reminding me to take a look

at the finer details! I wish I had more time to keep up with all this stuff…I

know there’s an answer out there. Are you still taking the fish oil??? I

had to quit…I started aspirating on it because all the capsules weren’t

going down, but I just sent my daughter a bottle of fish oil (the

pharmaceutical stuff) to take for the baby…we’re hoping it will

help with the babies brain development during the last trimester.

Take care…

Sandi

Re:

Depression

Hello Paggy.

Peggy wrote:

Notan are you out there?

I have not been reading much lately, but I did read your message.

....the neurotransmitters in the brain can actually

be reset, allowing slow titrate from the medication and a permanent fix to this

disorder.

Being careful to titrate really slowly is important -- much slower than the MDs

say.

This is

believed to be true for both depression and chronic pain. It seems that our

nerves can learn to be depressed or in pain and then stay that way until

something like medication resets them. Pain and depression both are made worse

by low serotonin and each can make the other worse.

....the risk falling into depression subsequently tends

to result in worse and more difficult to recover from episodes. Once 3

episodes have been

experienced, there is a 90 percent chance of another episode...

Teenage

depression used to be, and still is by many, considered just normal teenage moodiness.

Now there is concern that even in younger years the more one stays depressed

the more likely one is to have more and worse episodes later in life.

....Interestingly, seritonin has significant GI side

effects.

Most of the

serotonin in the body is in the gut.

Also, there is a strong association with depressive

and anxiety disorders and esophageal

motility disorders, according to psychiatric literature. Wonder why?

If the

esophageal disorder comes first depression could understandably follow. Depression

is a common problem for people that have disabilities or chronic diseases.

Depression is also common among people that have lost the ability to enjoy

something that gave them pleasure. It is also common when people withdraw from

social activities. On the other hand people can raise their mood by overcoming

problems, enriching their lives and socializing with others. Achalasia is

debilitating. Difficulty eating makes other things difficult. We loose the

enjoyment we had for certain foods and social events that involve eating. It is

important to overcome where possible, enrich our lives in new ways and adjust

our socializing to include more events that don't involve eating (if it is a

problem), and of course, relax.

It is also possible that whatever causes achalasia could also have an effect on

the nervous system in other ways that may cause depression and anxiety

disorders. As Carolyn said, the vagus nerve is known to have a connection with

both depression and achalasia. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve may be

a treatment for depression. The FDA is requiring more safety studies before

approving a device for it. Or, if the immune system is part of the problem, as

in an autoimmune disease or chronic infection, the immune system can make you feel

depressed. I once read, but can't find a reference to it, that some doctors

were placing people at risk for depression on antidepressants before heart

surgery because the immune system response to that amount of trauma will make

some patients suicidal.

There are a lot of links between the mind and body. Much of it is new to

science and medicine.

People that are concerned about depression may also want to look into fish oil.

There are a lot of studies to support this. Not all of them are consistent and

many are small, but it looks very promising. Here is a good article:

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=533861

Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: A primer for the

mental health professional

Some points covered in it are:

As our diet went to

less omega 3s (fish oil) and more omega 6s the rate of depression has gone up.

Omega 3s are important in nerve membranes and neural transmitter use.

Essential Fatty Acids (omega 3s) can act as sources for second messengers

within and between neurons.

Omega-3 fatty acids may modulate cytokines (immune system chemicals that lower

neurotransmitter precursor availability) .

Psychological stress can elevate cytokines. Some antidepressants can inhibit

the release of inflammatory cytokines.

Omega-3s may influence brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in depression,

which supports the survival and growth of neurons through development and

adulthood.

Antidepressants and exercise can enhance BDNF, while diets high in saturated

fat and sucrose, and psychological stress inhibit BDNF production.

Nutrients which can influence omega-3 status include: zinc, selenium, folic acid

and dietary antioxidants.

Low levels of zinc, selenium, folic acid and dietary antioxidants are connected

to depression.

Increases in zinc, selenium, folic acid and antioxidants increase omega 3

status.

Thank-you, Sandi, for

encouraging me to look at omega 3s and cytokines.

notan

[Guest guest]

Sandi and Notan:

Do you have a source for fish oils that are not in capsules? I can't swallow

those darned

pills -- they float.

Peggy

>

>

>

> Notan are you out there?

>

> I have not been reading much lately, but I did read your message.

>

>

>

> ...the neurotransmitters in the brain can actually

> be reset, allowing slow titrate from the medication and a permanent fix

> to this disorder.

> Being careful to titrate really slowly is important -- much slower than

> the MDs say.

>

> This is believed to be true for both depression and chronic pain. It

> seems that our nerves can learn to be depressed or in pain and then stay

> that way until something like medication resets them. Pain and

> depression both are made worse by low serotonin and each can make the

> other worse.

>

>

>

> ...the risk falling into depression subsequently tends

> to result in worse and more difficult to recover from episodes. Once 3

> episodes have been

> experienced, there is a 90 percent chance of another episode...

>

> Teenage depression used to be, and still is by many, considered just

> normal teenage moodiness. Now there is concern that even in younger

> years the more one stays depressed the more likely one is to have more

> and worse episodes later in life.

>

>

>

> ...Interestingly, seritonin has significant GI side effects.

>

> Most of the serotonin in the body is in the gut.

>

>

>

> Also, there is a strong association with depressive and anxiety

> disorders and esophageal

> motility disorders, according to psychiatric literature. Wonder why?

>

> If the esophageal disorder comes first depression could understandably

> follow. Depression is a common problem for people that have disabilities

> or chronic diseases. Depression is also common among people that have

> lost the ability to enjoy something that gave them pleasure. It is also

> common when people withdraw from social activities. On the other hand

> people can raise their mood by overcoming problems, enriching their

> lives and socializing with others. Achalasia is debilitating.

> Difficulty eating makes other things difficult. We loose the enjoyment

> we had for certain foods and social events that involve eating. It is

> important to overcome where possible, enrich our lives in new ways and

> adjust our socializing to include more events that don't involve eating

> (if it is a problem), and of course, relax.

>

> It is also possible that whatever causes achalasia could also have an

> effect on the nervous system in other ways that may cause depression and

> anxiety disorders. As Carolyn said, the vagus nerve is known to have a

> connection with both depression and achalasia. Electrical stimulation of

> the vagus nerve may be a treatment for depression. The FDA is requiring

> more safety studies before approving a device for it. Or, if the immune

> system is part of the problem, as in an autoimmune disease or chronic

> infection, the immune system can make you feel depressed. I once read,

> but can't find a reference to it, that some doctors were placing people

> at risk for depression on antidepressants before heart surgery because

> the immune system response to that amount of trauma will make some

> patients suicidal.

>

> There are a lot of links between the mind and body. Much of it is new to

> science and medicine.

>

> People that are concerned about depression may also want to look into

> fish oil. There are a lot of studies to support this. Not all of them

> are consistent and many are small, but it looks very promising. Here is

> a good article:

>

> http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=533861

> Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: A primer for the mental health

> professional

>

> Some points covered in it are:

>

> As our diet went to less omega 3s (fish oil) and more omega 6s the rate

> of depression has gone up.

>

> Omega 3s are important in nerve membranes and neural transmitter use.

>

> Essential Fatty Acids (omega 3s) can act as sources for second

> messengers within and between neurons.

>

> Omega-3 fatty acids may modulate cytokines (immune system chemicals that

> lower neurotransmitter precursor availability) .

>

> Psychological stress can elevate cytokines. Some antidepressants can

> inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines.

>

> Omega-3s may influence brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in

> depression, which supports the survival and growth of neurons through

> development and adulthood.

>

> Antidepressants and exercise can enhance BDNF, while diets high in

> saturated fat and sucrose, and psychological stress inhibit BDNF

> production.

>

> Nutrients which can influence omega-3 status include: zinc, selenium,

> folic acid and dietary antioxidants.

>

> Low levels of zinc, selenium, folic acid and dietary antioxidants are

> connected to depression.

>

> Increases in zinc, selenium, folic acid and antioxidants increase omega

> 3 status.

>

> Thank-you, Sandi, for encouraging me to look at omega 3s and cytokines.

>

> notan

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> _____

>

>

[Guest guest]

Peggy wrote:

Do you have a source for fish oils that are not in capsules? I can't swallow those darned pills -- they float

I don't have a source, but you can find it on

the Internet. You may want to find some that is more concentrated than

most of the caps. The more concentrated it is the less fish taste it

will have. I am told that very concentrated has no taste and you can

use it on a salad or what have you. You can tell how concentrated it is

by the amount of DHA and EPA in each dose, and the size of a dose. EPA

and DHA are the main omega 3s in the oil. Also the more concentrated it

is you get less of the other kinds of fats that you don't need more of

(saturated).

I just chew some caps and suck the oil out of them, then I spit the

shells out. It is kind of fishy though.

My wife was put on 300mg of DHA+EPA to prevent heart disease. I was put

on 1000mg to lower triglyceride. I think Sandi was taking about 5000mg.

Doctors are telling patients with a number of conditions that it may

help them. Even so, the government (FDA I think) came out with a

statement earlier this month saying that it recognizes the benefits to

the heart but is not ready to recognize the benefits for other

conditions without more convincing studies, even though the research to

date looks promising.

If you take it for depression it will probably take some time before

you notice a change. Maybe a month or more.

notan

[Guest guest]

Thanks Notan -- that is really helpful information. Peg

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

I agree with you. Achalasia is very depressing. You try to eat 3 meals a day, and the food goes wherever it wants to. Sometimes down, sometimes up, sometimes nowhere. You struggle thru the meal, you never know what's going to happen if you should even be able to get to sleep at night. Then you're exhausted the next day from lack of sleep, and an obvious lack of nourishment.

But even though A is a permanent conditon, and who doesn't get depressed over permanent conditions, its also a "before and after' condition.

Before being diagnosed with A, you don't know what's going on with your body, and what to expect next (as is the case with most doctors). Then after you are diagnosed some people are depressed that they have this disease, while others might be much less depressed having been told that they might have esophageal Cancer, but they don't because its Achalasia.

While this disease is of the esophagus, it messes with your mind. You want to eat, but you can't eat. You want to sleep, but you can't sleep. What in the world am I talking about, and where am I going with this line of thinking?

Kathy: You've been diagnosed with a frustrating illness that can be controlled. You are going to have a balloon dilatation that is going to wipe that depression away, and for a yet to be determined amount of time, you are going to feel a lot better. You are in the "after" diagnosis, "before" dilatation stage. After the dilatation is done, and you quickly recuperate and start eating again, the depression will leave you. Stop worrying about Ireland. You have faith that the doctor doing the dilatation had done many of these before? If not, find yourself someone else fast! This is not just a matter of sticking a balloon down your esophagus and blowing it up. The doctor has to possess the skill to know exactly where to place it, which size to use, how much inflation is needed, and for how long. If you haven't already questioned him, please get on the phone.

After getting stretched with a bougie, the balloon is your next line of defense (for many, their first). If this can be done right, you may never need treatment again (though you'd never know it by reading the posts here). I had it done 6 times (and the first time failed miserably and was repeated a month later). You shouldn't be the one I tell that to, but nobody hides anything here.

So, you want 'perspective," I'll give you perspective. (It would have been nice knowing how long you have had symptoms, how long since diagnosed, who your doctor and hospital is, and if you've had anything else done yet), but I won't shy away.

This is a frustrating, progressive illness, but much of how you spend the rest of your life with it is in your hands. The worse you let this get, the more depressed you will get, but there is nothing like getting a good balloon job and eating like old times again. Makes depression disappear real fast. And to repeat my old posts: Try thinking about kids with leukemia, or people dying from Cancer or heart disease, and then think how lucky you are that if you are stuck with one disease in your life, that it is one that won't kill you, and has procedures and surgeries to make living a whole lot better than how you are going thru it right now. Don't think, "Well that is their problem, not mine." Instead think: "It seems bad, but its not once its 'taken care of.' I can live with it. The others on this Board do. I can also. There are far worse things out there."

You might need a Heller Myotomy some day, but let's take one day at a time. Between now and May 25th, try reading many of the things people on this Board have posted about what they do to get the food down better. Read how many people feared the balloon and the surgery, but can't believe how much better they feel, and the weight that came back on after having these things done. You are less than three weeks away from having your life given back to you. That's very little time indeed, in the scheme of things. Look forward to it.

Read my post earlier today about coping with symptoms, and what I wrote about nifedipine and soda. Others have written about numerous ways to cope.

We have all been depressed about this disease. You've come to the right place to talk about how you are. Many people come here to vent, then don't follow any advice. While its good to vent here, its far better to read the posts, especially the ones directed to you, or other ones that you can relate to, and then follow their advice. Who better than the people who have already experienced what you are first going thru, to listen to?

I hope in some small way this helps you.

In a message dated 5/8/2006 8:56:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, kmlyons1946@... writes:

I have been so depressed about having achalasia and about the way I feel physically most of the time lately. I am scheduled for a balloon dilation on the 25th of May, but meanwhile I am throwing up at least once a day and I'm not really able to keep any evening food down. Achalasia is all I ever think about right now. I just don't know how to put this into perspective.I am supposed to go to Ireland from June 22nd to July 2nd and I worry about how I am going to tolerate the trip if the dilation does not work for me. There isn't enough time for me to have another dilation or surgery.Help - I need words of encouragement and/or advise.Kathy

[Guest guest]

Kathy, we understand what you are feeling. Surgery would be the best for getting relief over a long time but if you are not in the postition to get that done right now then a dilation will work in the mean time. I would suggest not having to many done if you can advoid it cause it may lower the success rate of the surgery when you finally get it. Most of the time when a dialtion is done and done by a GI doctor that knows what they are doing then you should get some relief and be able to enjoy your upcoming vacation. My first dilation lasted for about 7 years. Keep your head up things will get better. Take time and relax on your trip to Ireland, it is a very beautiful country.

in Suffolk

In a message dated 5/9/2006 1:56:43 AM GMT Standard Time, kmlyons1946@... writes:

I have been so depressed about having achalasia and about the way Ifeel physically most of the time lately. I am scheduled for a balloondilation on the 25th of May, but meanwhile I am throwing up at leastonce a day and I'm not really able to keep any evening food down. Achalasia is all I ever think about right now. I just don't know howto put this into perspective.I am supposed to go to Ireland from June 22nd to July 2nd and I worryabout how I am going to tolerate the trip if the dilation does notwork for me. There isn't enough time for me to have another dilationor surgery.Help - I need words of encouragement and/or advise.Kathy

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

I happen to know Dr. Ravich, having had a dilatation done by him around 1989 at s Hopkins. I see that his personality has not changed in the ensuing years. See what response you get from him if you mention Dr. Hendricks, (retired) who was my GI and the closest one will ever get to being the perfect doctor (Head of the Dept of Gastroenterology, and the most compassionate, patient and understanding person you will ever find).

While Dr. Ravich's abilities were never in question, I was past my Myotomy and no longer felt compelled to travel from NY after Dr. Hendricks retired. If you can get past his bedside manners, he is skilled at what he does, and he has vast experience.

When I had my 6 dilatations done in the 1980's, both in NY City & at Hopkins, they never gave any sedation at all. I haven't heard of it being done that way in years, but I am curious as to what your experience will be like.

I also wanted you to know, that after he did the dilatation, I went on vacation the next day. The recovery was that rapid! As far as Ireland, the only thing you'll have to think about is the weather. You're going to be fine, feeling better than you have felt for a long time! So, start cheering up, you have a lot to look forward to!!!

In a message dated 5/9/2006 11:36:46 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, kmlyons1946@... writes:

, thanks for the encouraging and understanding words. Youreally seem to know where I am coming from. I do have confidence inthe doctor because he has done many of these dilations - Dr. Ravich ats Hopkins. He is not very personable but he is supposed to begood and he said he will start conservately and be cautious.I will keep reading your message when I am feeling so down!Kathy-- In achalasia , cynmark24@... wrote:>> > Hi Kathy,> > I agree with you. Achalasia is very depressing. You try to eat3 meals > a day, and the food goes wherever it wants to. Sometimes down,sometimes up, > sometimes nowhere. You struggle thru the meal, you never knowwhat's going > to happen if you should even be able to get to sleep at night. Then you're > exhausted the next day from lack of sleep, and an obvious lack ofnourishment. > > > But even though A is a permanent conditon, and who doesn't getdepressed > over permanent conditions, its also a "before and after' condition.> > Before being diagnosed with A, you don't know what's going onwith your > body, and what to expect next (as is the case with most doctors).Then after > you are diagnosed some people are depressed that they have thisdisease, > while others might be much less depressed having been told thatthey might have > esophageal Cancer, but they don't because its Achalasia.> > While this disease is of the esophagus, it messes with yourmind. You > want to eat, but you can't eat. You want to sleep, but you can'tsleep. What > in the world am I talking about, and where am I going with thisline of > thinking?> > Kathy: You've been diagnosed with a frustrating illness thatcan be > controlled. You are going to have a balloon dilatation that isgoing to wipe > that depression away, and for a yet to be determined amount oftime, you are > going to feel a lot better. You are in the "after" diagnosis,"before" > dilatation stage. After the dilatation is done, and you quicklyrecuperate and > start eating again, the depression will leave you. Stop worryingabout Ireland. > You have faith that the doctor doing the dilatation had done manyof these > before? If not, find yourself someone else fast! This is not justa matter > of sticking a balloon down your esophagus and blowing it up. The doctor has > to possess the skill to know exactly where to place it, which sizeto use, > how much inflation is needed, and for how long. If you haven't already > questioned him, please get on the phone.> > After getting stretched with a bougie, the balloon is your nextline of > defense (for many, their first). If this can be done right, youmay never > need treatment again (though you'd never know it by reading theposts here). I > had it done 6 times (and the first time failed miserably and wasrepeated a > month later). You shouldn't be the one I tell that to, but nobodyhides > anything here.> > So, you want 'perspective," I'll give you perspective. (Itwould have > been nice knowing how long you have had symptoms, how long sincediagnosed, > who your doctor and hospital is, and if you've had anything elsedone yet), but > I won't shy away.> > This is a frustrating, progressive illness, but much of how youspend > the rest of your life with it is in your hands. The worse you letthis get, > the more depressed you will get, but there is nothing like gettinga good > balloon job and eating like old times again. Makes depressiondisappear real > fast. And to repeat my old posts: Try thinking about kids withleukemia, or > people dying from Cancer or heart disease, and then think how luckyyou are that > if you are stuck with one disease in your life, that it is one thatwon't > kill you, and has procedures and surgeries to make living a wholelot better > than how you are going thru it right now. Don't think, "Well thatis their > problem, not mine." Instead think: "It seems bad, but its not onceits 'taken > care of.' I can live with it. The others on this Board do. I canalso. > There are far worse things out there."> > You might need a Heller Myotomy some day, but let's take oneday at a > time. Between now and May 25th, try reading many of the thingspeople on this > Board have posted about what they do to get the food down better. Read how > many people feared the balloon and the surgery, but can't believehow much > better they feel, and the weight that came back on after havingthese things > done. You are less than three weeks away from having your lifegiven back to > you. That's very little time indeed, in the scheme of things. Look forward > to it.> > Read my post earlier today about coping with symptoms, and whatI wrote > about nifedipine and soda. Others have written about numerous waysto cope.> > We have all been depressed about this disease. You've come tothe right > place to talk about how you are. Many people come here to vent,then don't > follow any advice. While its good to vent here, its far better toread the > posts, especially the ones directed to you, or other ones that youcan relate > to, and then follow their advice. Who better than the people who have > already experienced what you are first going thru, to listen to?> > I hope in some small way this helps you.> > > > In a message dated 5/8/2006 8:56:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, > kmlyons1946@... writes:> > I have been so depressed about having achalasia and about the way Ifeel > physically most of the time lately. I am scheduled for a balloondilation on > the 25th of May, but meanwhile I am throwing up at least once a dayand I'm not > really able to keep any evening food down. Achalasia is all I everthink > about right now. I just don't know how to put this into perspective.> > I am supposed to go to Ireland from June 22nd to July 2nd and Iworry about > how I am going to tolerate the trip if the dilation does not workfor me. > There isn't enough time for me to have another dilation or surgery.> > Help - I need words of encouragement and/or advise.> > Kathy>

[Guest guest]

, thanks for the encouraging and understanding words. You

really seem to know where I am coming from. I do have confidence in

the doctor because he has done many of these dilations - Dr. Ravich at

s Hopkins. He is not very personable but he is supposed to be

good and he said he will start conservately and be cautious.

I will keep reading your message when I am feeling so down!

Kathy

-- In achalasia , cynmark24@... wrote:

>

>

> Hi Kathy,

>

> I agree with you. Achalasia is very depressing. You try to eat

3 meals

> a day, and the food goes wherever it wants to. Sometimes down,

sometimes up,

> sometimes nowhere. You struggle thru the meal, you never know

what's going

> to happen if you should even be able to get to sleep at night.

Then you're

> exhausted the next day from lack of sleep, and an obvious lack of

nourishment.

>

>

> But even though A is a permanent conditon, and who doesn't get

depressed

> over permanent conditions, its also a " before and after' condition.

>

> Before being diagnosed with A, you don't know what's going on

with your

> body, and what to expect next (as is the case with most doctors).

Then after

> you are diagnosed some people are depressed that they have this

disease,

> while others might be much less depressed having been told that

they might have

> esophageal Cancer, but they don't because its Achalasia.

>

> While this disease is of the esophagus, it messes with your

mind. You

> want to eat, but you can't eat. You want to sleep, but you can't

sleep. What

> in the world am I talking about, and where am I going with this

line of

> thinking?

>

> Kathy: You've been diagnosed with a frustrating illness that

can be

> controlled. You are going to have a balloon dilatation that is

going to wipe

> that depression away, and for a yet to be determined amount of

time, you are

> going to feel a lot better. You are in the " after " diagnosis,

" before "

> dilatation stage. After the dilatation is done, and you quickly

recuperate and

> start eating again, the depression will leave you. Stop worrying

about Ireland.

> You have faith that the doctor doing the dilatation had done many

of these

> before? If not, find yourself someone else fast! This is not just

a matter

> of sticking a balloon down your esophagus and blowing it up. The

doctor has

> to possess the skill to know exactly where to place it, which size

to use,

> how much inflation is needed, and for how long. If you haven't

already

> questioned him, please get on the phone.

>

> After getting stretched with a bougie, the balloon is your next

line of

> defense (for many, their first). If this can be done right, you

may never

> need treatment again (though you'd never know it by reading the

posts here). I

> had it done 6 times (and the first time failed miserably and was

repeated a

> month later). You shouldn't be the one I tell that to, but nobody

hides

> anything here.

>

> So, you want 'perspective, " I'll give you perspective. (It

would have

> been nice knowing how long you have had symptoms, how long since

diagnosed,

> who your doctor and hospital is, and if you've had anything else

done yet), but

> I won't shy away.

>

> This is a frustrating, progressive illness, but much of how you

spend

> the rest of your life with it is in your hands. The worse you let

this get,

> the more depressed you will get, but there is nothing like getting

a good

> balloon job and eating like old times again. Makes depression

disappear real

> fast. And to repeat my old posts: Try thinking about kids with

leukemia, or

> people dying from Cancer or heart disease, and then think how lucky

you are that

> if you are stuck with one disease in your life, that it is one that

won't

> kill you, and has procedures and surgeries to make living a whole

lot better

> than how you are going thru it right now. Don't think, " Well that

is their

> problem, not mine. " Instead think: " It seems bad, but its not once

its 'taken

> care of.' I can live with it. The others on this Board do. I can

also.

> There are far worse things out there. "

>

> You might need a Heller Myotomy some day, but let's take one

day at a

> time. Between now and May 25th, try reading many of the things

people on this

> Board have posted about what they do to get the food down better.

Read how

> many people feared the balloon and the surgery, but can't believe

how much

> better they feel, and the weight that came back on after having

these things

> done. You are less than three weeks away from having your life

given back to

> you. That's very little time indeed, in the scheme of things.

Look forward

> to it.

>

> Read my post earlier today about coping with symptoms, and what

I wrote

> about nifedipine and soda. Others have written about numerous ways

to cope.

>

> We have all been depressed about this disease. You've come to

the right

> place to talk about how you are. Many people come here to vent,

then don't

> follow any advice. While its good to vent here, its far better to

read the

> posts, especially the ones directed to you, or other ones that you

can relate

> to, and then follow their advice. Who better than the people who have

> already experienced what you are first going thru, to listen to?

>

> I hope in some small way this helps you.

>

>

>

> In a message dated 5/8/2006 8:56:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> kmlyons1946@... writes:

>

> I have been so depressed about having achalasia and about the way I

feel

> physically most of the time lately. I am scheduled for a balloon

dilation on

> the 25th of May, but meanwhile I am throwing up at least once a day

and I'm not

> really able to keep any evening food down. Achalasia is all I ever

think

> about right now. I just don't know how to put this into perspective.

>

> I am supposed to go to Ireland from June 22nd to July 2nd and I

worry about

> how I am going to tolerate the trip if the dilation does not work

for me.

> There isn't enough time for me to have another dilation or surgery.

>

> Help - I need words of encouragement and/or advise.

>

> Kathy

>

[Guest guest]

, thanks for your message. With the messages I received, I can

believe that there can be light at the end of the tunnel.

Kathy

>

>

> Kathy, we understand what you are feeling. Surgery would be the

best for

> getting relief over a long time but if you are not in the postition

to get that

> done right now then a dilation will work in the mean time. I would

suggest

> not having to many done if you can advoid it cause it may lower the

success

> rate of the surgery when you finally get it. Most of the time when

a dialtion

> is done and done by a GI doctor that knows what they are doing then

you

> should get some relief and be able to enjoy your upcoming vacation.

My first

> dilation lasted for about 7 years. Keep your head up things will

get better.

> Take time and relax on your trip to Ireland, it is a very beautiful

country.

>

>

>

>

> in Suffolk

>

>

>

> In a message dated 5/9/2006 1:56:43 AM GMT Standard Time,

> kmlyons1946@... writes:

>

> I have been so depressed about having achalasia and about the way I

> feel physically most of the time lately. I am scheduled for a balloon

> dilation on the 25th of May, but meanwhile I am throwing up at least

> once a day and I'm not really able to keep any evening food down.

> Achalasia is all I ever think about right now. I just don't know how

> to put this into perspective.

>

> I am supposed to go to Ireland from June 22nd to July 2nd and I worry

> about how I am going to tolerate the trip if the dilation does not

> work for me. There isn't enough time for me to have another dilation

> or surgery.

>

> Help - I need words of encouragement and/or advise.

>

> Kathy

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

While it is a tough disease to battle it is a treatable disease, try to hang

on to that idea, and know that the future can be better.

Ed

I have been so depressed about having achalasia and about the way I

feel physically most of the time lately. I am scheduled for a balloon

dilation on the 25th of May, but meanwhile I am throwing up at least

once a day and I'm not really able to keep any evening food down.

Achalasia is all I ever think about right now. I just don't know how

to put this into perspective.

I am supposed to go to Ireland from June 22nd to July 2nd and I worry

about how I am going to tolerate the trip if the dilation does not

work for me. There isn't enough time for me to have another dilation

or surgery.

Help - I need words of encouragement and/or advise.

Kathy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

--Hi Kathy,

We know how you feel and it can consume you. I always tried to focus on

the positives coming my way to get through the bad times. I know

sometimes it just doesn't look that way. I used to try a meal up to 8

times I was so bad. I always hoped tomorrow would be better. Once I had

the heller myotomy, life changed dramatically. You can then focus on

appreciating that we have the second chance at it. Accepting the

disease is not easy. I hope you can learn to find a place where you can

get " comfortable " with it too, for use of a better word. A is

certainly not comfortable. The useless side is it was mostly impossible

to talk to others about it, it is hard for them to understand. This

group will help you a lot.

Chin up.

Regards

- In achalasia , " kmlyons1946 " <kmlyons1946@...> wrote:

>

> I have been so depressed about having achalasia and about the way I

> feel physically most of the time lately. I am scheduled for a balloon

> dilation on the 25th of May, but meanwhile I am throwing up at least

> once a day and I'm not really able to keep any evening food down.

> Achalasia is all I ever think about right now. I just don't know how

> to put this into perspective.

>

> I am supposed to go to Ireland from June 22nd to July 2nd and I worry

> about how I am going to tolerate the trip if the dilation does not

> work for me. There isn't enough time for me to have another dilation

> or surgery.

>

> Help - I need words of encouragement and/or advise.

>

> Kathy

>