Mental Health

by yeldell2 14 Replies latest watchtower medical

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  yeldell2

  Dear RedHorseWoman:

  I would love to be able to use herbal products. In the past, I have
  tried many, many times. But, somehow my system does not thoroughly
  absorb the herbal products, so I've had to resort to using synthetic
  medications, of which I do not use often, especially for arthritis,
  as many are addictive or have other unpleasant side effects. Lately,
  I seem a bit stronger, not in as much pain, although constantly tired.
  Arthritis has that as a side effect all on its own.

  Are you part native heritage, by the name? Just wondered. It is al-
  ways comforting to hear from the "friends," as we share a language and
  understanding all our own. I get hot flashes sometimes, but not as
  badly as last year. At age 49, I stopped menstruating at 48, and am
  finding that there are many women who still have a regular cycle. I
  was always plagued with a severe cramps so am grateful to Jehovah for
  not having to deal with that pain as well.

  Again, thank you for your heartfelt concern.

  Sincerely,

  Patricia

  Need assistance. Forgot what UserName
  and Email Address was used. Not sure
  I used Email Address listed above.
  But can be contacted there to retrieve
  valued information. Please help!!
• 

  yeldell2

  Dear OVB:

  Forgive me for taking so long in answering your letter. Yes, I have
  taken myself off the neurontin. I was beginning to get headaches, with 1800 mg. daily and decided to see if they continued if I stopped
  taking it. Well, that seemed to be the right thing to do. It worked!
  My seizure episode was a one time thing as were the migraine headaches. I did receive some literature in the mail yesterday re:
  mental health. It's a whole new ballgame for me learning about mental
  health - but the two seem to go hand in hand. Good physical health is
  impossible without good mental health. I just never had to deal with
  the mental effects of long term (congenital) arthritis. How I could
  have neglected to find out about what arthritis does to one mentally
  is beyond me. The psychological effects it imposes on one, are defi-
  nitely worth knowing about. I do intend to keep in touch with my
  psychiatrist as to my mental health, even though I am no longer on
  medication. My 6 month committment, per the hospital stay, when I
  had a "nervous breakdown," has ended and I no longer have to continue
  to see doctors. Actually, I feel better without meds -- much better.
  After the hip surgery, I want to be able to slowly get to the point
  where I can walk without a cane, and try to re-establish my sleep
  patterns. My hours have been horrendous. With the neurontin, I could
  not sleep - it is an anticonvulsant and a stimulant. My doctors nurse
  called it "speed." Those kinds of medications have their place but
  generally are not good for the body. I am with the firm conviction that, not having been born, with mental illness, my body can function
  well (recovering) after having had a little bit of help. At least
  if I feel myself "slipping" again, I will know what is happening and
  know what to do and where to go and who to see about it all. I just
  pray to Jehovah that the worse part of all of that is over with.

  Thank you for your kind attention to my situation. Sometimes, one gets more comfort from being able to discuss their particular situation with someone who has had to deal with it personally or with
  a loved one undergoing such a struggle. The discussion forum helps
  to bring all of that to the forefront.

  May God Bless You and Yours,

  Sincerely,

  Sister Patricia Oliphant

  Need assistance. Forgot what UserName
  and Email Address was used. Not sure
  I used Email Address listed above.
  But can be contacted there to retrieve
  valued information. Please help!!
• 

  RedhorseWoman

  Yeldell2, I'm so sorry that the herbal products haven't worked for you. In my case, almost any time I've used allopathic medications, I've had severe allergic reactions (one time going into seizures that almost killed me). I tend to be very leary of medications because of that. I guess my sensitivity to these things enables the herbal products to be more effective.

  As far a menopause goes, Black Cohosh, Wild Yam and Dong Quai are excellent sources of plant-based estrogen. They can help with the hot flashes and other symptoms. My gynecologist also advised me to drink soy milk and eat tofu to help. I refuse to take the standard HRT because I object to the treatment of the horses used to produce Premarin and similar products. So far, the plant-based estrogen products have been excellent.

  No, I'm not of Native American extraction. My name is based on the fact that I own a horse whose coat is quite red.....therefore, RedhorseWoman.
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  mommy

  WILD YAM!! Has been a lifesaver for me as well.
  wendy
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  thinker

  Patricia,
  I am so sorry I have not responded to your pain before this. It is one of those cases where you really want to but are not sure what to say.
  Just know that I am very sorry for all you have been through and are going through. Health is such a precious gift, and many times we don't appreciate it until we have lost it.
  I too subscribe to natural treatments if possible. RHW advised herbs as well as mommy's seem to be the ones that help through menopause. You may want to check that your diet is good too.
  Oatmeal has an amazing calming effect. Spinach also is helpful in many areas of health.
  Take care of yourself, and know that we are thinking about you.
  Many hugs and kisses to you.
  Thinkers Wife