February 19, 2007

Multiple Sclerosis and Anti Anxiety Medication

In the ever increasing fast paced world in which we live, more and more people are succumbing to the effects of what was once a little talked about subject – severe stress and uncontrollable anxiety. As technology makes the world move faster each and every day, more among us are beginning to feel the effects of both . The good news is that over the past decade remarkable strides have been made in the development of anti anxiety medication. These are drugs specifically targeted to those who suffer the most from anxiety’s grip.

When considering an approach to dealing with anxiety and its symptoms many people choose herbal remedies over prescription medications. There are many options that are available to sufferers of all degrees, however, some choose the natural approach as they feel it is best suited for them. Many people feel that natural or herbal anxiety remedies are non-addictive and therefore are the safer way to fight any type of illness whether it is real or perceived. To some degree most herbal are able to naturally restore the neurotransmitter loss normally associated with severe anxiety. For those who suffer from extreme and debilitating anxiety symptoms there is often no other choice than prescription anti anxiety medication. In cases where the patient also is taking medication for depression, these anxiety medications help as the brain’s neurotransmitters are further depleted by the taking of benzodiazepines.

The most common signs of anxiety disorders are general nervousness, rapid heartbeat, light headedness, sweating, and a terrible sense of dread or fear. can stop these feelings very convincingly and help make the patient much more comfortable in a very short period of time, depending on the medication used. At present, the most commonly prescribed drugs for anxiety are Xanax, Lorazepam, Diazepam, Paxil, Alprazolam, and Buspar. While generally effective for all it sometimes takes a few weeks of trial and error before finding the one that is most effective for you. The most common side effects of all of these medications are drowsiness and blurred vision. Patients must be certain as to how they will react to the drugs before attempting things such as driving a car or operating machinery. The upside of all of this is a genuine feeling of relaxation and focus. It is what every person who suffers from this disease wishes for when considering an anti anxiety medication.

Another approach to coping with the numerous symptoms of anxiety is to seek out peer groups and local counseling centers that specialize in mental health problems. Sometimes merely realizing that you are not alone in your battle is the first step in overcoming it. With many techniques and approaches available other than only taking an anti anxiety medication, success can easily be yours to find.

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October 9, 2007

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common of the demyelinating diseases, but the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) will vary from person to person.

At first there may only be an isolated symptom or a combination of several. The initial onset may only last for a short period of time and then be followed by a remission. However, as the condition progresses, the following disturbances and multiple sclerosis symptoms become apparent, depending on the areas of the brain and central nervous system affected. Incidence of multiple sclerosis, however, varies widely in different geographical areas. For example it is very low in the tropics but high in the temperate zones of both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Visual symptoms of MS

Involvement of the optic nerve may give rise to blurred vision, severe pain and tenderness of either one or both eyes. Double vision and nystagmus (oscillatory eye movement) or drooping of the eyelid may be present. In some severe cases of multiple sclerosis, blindness in one or both eyes has been known to occur on a temporary basis.

Motor and sensory symptoms of MS

General weakness and 'clumsiness' in one or both legs in the early stages are common. This might be indicated, for example, by toes catching on irregularities on the ground causing tripping. It may also be associated with a feeling of heaviness. There might also be numbness or tingling at the ends of hands and feet.

Bladder and bowel symptoms

Frequency, urgency and incontinence of urine can be of particular concern and is fairly common. On the other hand there may be retention of urine and constipation.

Sexual problems and symptoms

There may be partial or complete impotence. Lack of sensation and lack of vaginal lubrication will also cause distress.

Psychological and emotional symptoms

Euphoria, when it occurs, is quite significant. Depression is often present due to the emotional reaction to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and in some cases can become severe enough to require specific treatment.

Communication impairment

Slurred speech is not uncommon and will occur if the bulbar area of the brain is affected. The speech may become slow and deliberate with emphasis on each syllable.

A common picture of multiple sclerosis is therefore one of a variety of symptoms, such as an ataxic gait (clumsiness in walking), intention tremor, lack of coordination and loss of dexterity. The person becomes weak and easily fatigues. As the condition progresses he or she will become increasingly dependent on others.

Now read on - see the multiple sclerosis symptoms page at severe-brain-injury.com

Barbara Eastcairn writes about all the health issues which really matter to families and carers.

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My Sinister Adversary ~ 'Denial'

As denial had deceived me, I was slow to accept Multiple Sclerosis. Who, after all, would embrace a diagnosis of the dread disease, of no known cause, for which there is no cure?

I feel that denial has been one of my most insidious adversaries. Acceptance of a dreaded disease diagnosis, as in my case MS, has been a bitter battle.

If I severely severed my finger, I could deny that I had cut myself all that I wanted too, but I would still have to get the bleeding stopped.

If someone told me that I had halitosis, I could get mad at the bad-news bearer, but it might be wiser to go brush my teeth.

Mind over matter will not work here. Like the blind man with a bazooka, it will not matter how strong my resolve if I don’t see or identify my immediate enemy.

By denying that I do have a problem, I even limit my Lord’s ability to heal me. Rather, He accomplishes this by fueling my faith, utilizing resources within my own mind, leading me to collective wisdom of the more learned, or manifesting my healing via a miraculous recovery. The lepers whom the Lord healed didn’t try to deny that they had leprosy. A blind man was asked, “What do you want?”

I have a better promise of finding a satisfactory solution by acknowledging that I do indeed have a particular problem. If, like an Ostrich, I bury my head beneath the sand, my butt will still be hanging out.

I’m learning that to overcome a personal predicament, recognition of its reality is the first step toward disarming the enemy. (TEV) Proverbs 22:3 Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later.

Dr’s say I have Multiple Sclerosis. This diagnosis is confirmed by their tests and my own body’s developing symptoms. Okay, I can submit to that part. But conventional medicine doesn’t know the cause, or have a cure, so I had better find one, or learn how to live with it. This is not an act of giving up. It is a Declaration-of-War!

Now, this is a different kind of war than I’ve ever before waged. There is a lot at stake here. Not only my own life, but the lives of my loved ones, and even our personal freedoms are at risk.

Recognizing that this unauthorized challenger is bigger than I am, I’ll just have to grow. I’ll rally an army made up of angels, those who love and believe in me, and those who still want to. Although I lack the financial strength and physical stamina that I may have once had, we will whip this foe together.

Certain war-time principles apply. The first thing I must remember is not to abuse my allies or trample my own troops. By the very nature of my disease, and new limitations, we all suffer increased anxiety. I’d better be asking myself, “What can I do to alleviate some stress for them?”

When those who want to support me watch me wobbling on a cane, it doesn’t instill much confidence in my sound judgment. I’m not fooling the people who know me, and frightening the poor people who don’t. Total strangers even take on stress.

Claiming that I am not disabled casts doubt upon my good sense. Maybe, using a 4-wheeled walker, with a solid seat, would reflect better judgment and make us all more secure? (ASV) Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Russ Miles is author of the novel, For Sale By Owners:FSBO. A “Seasoned” Real Estate NAR® Broker, he is “Disabled” by Multiple Sclerosis, FOR SALE BY OWNERS:FSBO ISBN 0-595-28703-4,in trade paperback, is available by phone or Internet:1-800-Authors to order direct! Very HOT–LINK Adobe e-book & hard cover editions also available at Amazon.com at Barnes and Noble and other fine booksellers. For personal referrals to his publisher or comments, reach Russ at (360)694-6756. Or by e-mail MilesRuss@Gmail.com

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