How do I deal with all these 'senior' problems?
Apparently, as a young boy, I was afflicted with ADHD, (an unknown affliction back then), I grew up with very little self esteem (I firmly believed that I was a major cause of the worlds problems). As I grew older I developed depression, high blood pressure, high cholestoral, and a hammer toe. I’ve always had trouble sleeping and became an insomniac with restless leg syndrome, and later discovered that I have a severe case of sleep apnea.
I now take medicines for high blood pressure, cholesteral, and anti-depressants. I take sleeping pills and meds for RLS at night and I have to sleep with one of those sleep apnea machines.
With all that, I still get quite depressed, have a miserable time getting to sleep at night, with my legs continuously on the move, wake up tired with a low level of energy, somedays I don’t care if I do anything.
Do you suppose that a GOOD STIFF, STRONG, STRAIGHT SHOT OF WHISKEY WOULD HELP?
Thank you.
I said apparently I had ADHD. I don’t think any kid ‘knows’ that he has the problem. The symptoms as they are described today, fill the description of my childhood experiences quite well. Somebody already mentioned that in those days, that kind of behavior was handled with a lot of punishing, scolding and belittling by the teachers and others who had authority over a kids life. Believe me, that kind of crap comes back to haunt you.
Tagged with: adhd • affliction • anti depressants • cholesteral • hammer toe • high blood pressure • high cholestoral • i don t care • insomniac • medicines • meds • miserable time • restless leg syndrome • rls • sleep apnea • sleeping pills • somedays • straight shot • trouble sleeping • whiskey
Filed under: Sleep Apnea Machine Questions
No booze, not with all your meds. If you are still having problems don’t wait go back to your doctor and see if a different combinations will help. It took almost 5 years to get all my meds to the right combination to handle all the different problems I have physically. I am stable right now all my meds are working as they should, I only wake up at night for the potty or if I get cold and need the covers I normally kick off the foot of the bed but I go right back to sleep. My blood pressure is right on now that I take two totally different meds, a Beta Blocker at night and an Ace Inhibitor in the morning. My cholesterol is once more where it is suppose to be, my acid reflux is treated by two different meds one morning one at night, I have fibromyalgia and have two meds to help control it, I also have the RLS but the meds I take for the FM helps with it too. My apnea got better when I lost a little weight and I had my adenoids removed. I need a complete shoulder and total knee replacement and am on meds to increase bone density. So don’t feel bad you have company there are lots of us out here that can sympathize with you. You have to be procative in your health care, research your conditions sign up for the news letters that come out about your conditions. I was the one who found one of the meds for the FM, my doctor didn’t know about it but checked into it and put me on it and with in two weeks I was feeling a little better. Once you research it you can find out what other meds is used to treat them and discuss them with your doctor.
Welcome to my world….when all else fails, a good double shot of whiskey will do the trick everytime.Although back in the day I would prefer a doobie anyday. Works for the RLS.
Have you tried Jesus? You do not mention him or God. You might be surprised how much peace you can receive when you read the Bible. I do not know your belief. I for one think that a shot of whiskey would lead to two and so forth. Not to mention the side effects if it collide with your medication. However, if you are a Christian there is nothing like delving into the New Testament and reading the Gospels of Jesus. For starters you might just want to say through out the day: "Jesus I Trust in You". God bless you!
Hey, go for it PAD! And pass the bottle here!
I’d try some extra fiber first! Sounds like you just could be "bottled-up" already!
Besides, you aren’t supposed to drink alcohol with meds….it could kill ya!
If it means anything to ya, I also suffer from those SAME maladies in my own life & I flatly REFUSE to take any meds from those QUACKS who call themselves Doctors.
Do what you think is the best for YOURSELF & don’t listen to me or anyone else!
When’s the last time you took a walk outside? Sometimes that gets your "juices" flowing enough to wash those "blues" away for a few hours! Try it & let me know how you feel, ok?
EDIT: You might need to drink more fluids. That’s where water & herbal teas can assist your body in staying hydrated. Alcoholic beverages often contribute to de-hydration of your internal organs…thought you’d like to know!
Drinking will only raise your blood pressure. Exercise does alot for battling depression. ADHD in our day was treated with alot of beatings and discipline not being recognized as a condition versus bad behavior. If over weight as I suspect you are, do something about it. When you feel least like doing something, make yourself do something. It sounds like self discipline isn’t your strong point. Escape is never the answer. Get help and work on your self. Take little steps in the right direction and pray for direction. Good luck.
Are you on Seroquel? That will give you jimmy-legs,aka RLS.
A couple shots of whisky never killed anyone.
Here’s cheers to you,Pad-D lad!
Whatever works for you. Sounds like you need a friend. Try and smile.Sometimes it helps, I know.
Hey, welcome to the rest of the group! Everyone has problems and right now I’m having a diet pepsi with some malibu rum in it, now that’s good. Whiskey is what will cause you to gag, believe me or you could add it to some pop. And Crown Royal isn’t any better than any of the cheap stuff. Just be hyperactive and keep busy at least you know your still alive then.
Alcohol is not the solution. In fact, a lot of seniors develop problems from using alcohol. Try finding something else that relaxes you. Buy a DVD of your favorite movie of TV show, join a regular card game or visit your local senior center for an activity. .
Yes pad, are you sure your doc didn’t get my file by accident!!!, oh as I am only 41! I have most all that crud going on except the sleep apnea and it all is a royal pain in the ars! AS far as the whiskey…With the meds your on I ‘m not sure if it is OK… but there is allot of meds you can now take to calm down those running legs we have at night…and it should work… if you aren’t getting results you really should think about switching docs, there is no reason you should suffer like you are! everything you have is normal and controllable! we will get you straight end out! and sleeping in no time You need to talk to your doc and say I need you to manage my medicine! it is not doing the job…Tell them what is going on…1 doc can be appointed just to manage your meds…and have it all straightened out in a flash , I hope, nothing worse than sleep deprivation and depression!I have been there…Keep me posted!
Is there a self-help group in your area, or a seniors facility? Maybe your doctor could recommend a group that meets to discuss issues with the goal of helping each other. It can help to unwind and deal with some of the stress. If there is not such a group where you live, remember that you are not alone. Many people suffer from similar problems and afflictions. Trying a hobby, such as some gardening, or doing a couple of hours a week of volunteer work might be helpful. Coming onto a group such as this Seniors group can help, as many of us deal with issues that are troubling. If I may make a suggestion, I would use caution with the whiskey, though. It’s fine to have a drink and to relax, but sometimes one becomes three or four, and that might become another problem to be avoided. Don’t give up; keep pushing on, even when you have doubts.
Yes, as long as you make sure the Whisky is the real thing, and it is the stuff we make here in Scotland, as there is a lot of fake whisky going about.
well i am not a doctor so i will not attempt to tell you what to do — ok i am 68 drink like a fish — of course never start till it is miller time and i do no take meds — hell waste of good booze money — but i do get up and do a full days work around the farm –yes i retired to become a farmer and tree trimmer and junk man — but no ties and suits and best of all it is miller time when ever i decide == some times it happens before the sun gets over the main mask or what ever you call that on a ship — if your doctor tells you to lay off the booze — simple change doctor till you find one that agrees with you — my present heart doctor is about 100 overweight and has forgot more about good cheese and wine than i will ever learn!!!
PAD-D…I sure hear what you are saying man. But remember this, you are not alone. And I can tell you for sure that you were NOT THE CAUSE of the world’s problems. Trust me. Don’t even give that another thought. I don’t know many seniors that don’t take meds for blood pressure, cholesterol and depression. It’s very common. Keep letting that doctor of yours know what you are feeling. You have to get a little tough these days because they will put you on ANYTHING. I have senior friends that were almost in an "overdose" of all kinds of pills from their doctors and they started eliminating certain kinds and now they feel 100% better. The pills actually made them more sick. Make sure your doctor is listening. Be firm. Hang in there!
Thats the pits Pad-D. I have to say no to whiskey while on high blood pressure meds, it could kill you. Darn!
Booze is never the answer to anyones problems. In fact it can give you new problems. Try the Lord. You’d be surprised what He can do for you. If I hadn’t of had Him just today I think I would be in the hospital or morgue tonight.I had all the signs of having a heart attaack today and I was ready to call 911 when I started praying. I rememberred my nitro pills and 2 of them and prayer brought me through. Try it Pad—it may be the answer you need.
Most kids with adhd are "made" in disfunctional homes by toxic parents. http://www.webheights.net/GrowingbeyondEmotionalAbuse/sforward/sftp.htm
Are your parents still alive?
You were taught that you were the cause of the world’s problems, as I was by the reaction of the adults around us.
I tried the good stiff drink thing and yes, it works…for a while then it becomes toxic for us as well.
AA taught me that a higher power can make alot of things a whole lot better.
Love ya, sympathetically.
Juju
.
C’mon guys, lighten up!
Hey PAD-D, enough of those good stiff, strong, strong, straight shots of whiskey and you won’t remember the ailments or the meds! haha
Sorry to hear that PAD-D. With the medicines you take to maintain decent health , a good stiff,strong,straight shot of whiskey might turn you into a dead stiff . .especially with sleeping pills . That is a coma waiting to happen . A stroke or heart attack or paralysis would be even more depressing . Even regular mild walking does wonder for any kind of depression . Senior centers have pools sometimes just for seniors ; or you can go to any indoor pool to get a little exercise or kick around on a kick-board . It could help the legs . Have you tried those little pillows they make for that condition ,(for between the knees when you sleep).
You have much to contribute on "seniors" ; and for that reason I think you would be a welcome addition to your local senior center . You are too hard on yourself .Know that holidays are times when depression makes itself known more so that other times . You came to the right place . Look at all the caring people on here answering your question and trying to help ! I can’t imagine whats up with all the "thumbs down" on here though – many thought-full answers , hopefully to help.
Well Pad, I don’t have a doctorate in medicine so my suggestion is strictly a layman’s suggestion and should not be construed as a professional opinion. I would first administer a good dose of Phillips Milk of Magnesia and if that doesn’t get you running right it will at least get you running. Next I would get me a bottle of good Tequila and drink that with a good mound of salt on the back of my left hand if you are going to hold the bottle of Tequila in your right hand. A generous squeeze of lemon on the back of your left hand and then the pile of salt on top of that will help the salt stay in place as you lick it between doses of the Tequila. If your not in ship shape by then I know exactly what you need. There are several Doctors in Del Rio, Texas who were students of our "Doctor*" John Romulus Brinkley in Del Rio and he, "Doctor*" Brinkley, cured many a man when all the other doctors failed. "Dr*", John Brinkley was sometimes known as "Doctor*" " Goat Gland " Brinkley. His operation got to be so popular that the fastest thing on four legs was a billy goat going past Dr. Brinkley’s office. His operation was at one time so popular that you had to bring your own goat. Do a Google search for Dr. John Brinkley.
When I wound up in the hospital for a brain bleed, it seemed that every vulture with a cell phone and a medical degree was on my case. I was taking so many pills, I didn’t know if I had what I had because I had it and they just found it; or because all those pills gave it all to me. It just seemed, even in my mental condition, that none would ever admit that a pill was no good; but instead always add one more, one more. My solution was to just stop going to one dr at a time. It took a while, but my health is back to where it was before, and I’m down to one very small Blood Pressure pill a day, If nothing else, I learned a little about how they work, and I don’t say, he must know ’cause he’s a dr.
Not only would a straight shot of whiskey help but a good roll in the hay would be even better. Seems like you have spent your entire life never knowing what it feels like to be completely relaxed. I suggest finding a good sexual partner, going to yoga classes. drinking a straight shot of whiskey once in a while and learning everything you can about relaxing the body and the mind. Sex cures everything and what it doesn’t cure yoga will. Mind control classes would be a plus as well.
First of all I believe you when you say ”that kind of crap can come back to haunt you” So much for the good ‘ole days.
I have Fibromyalgia and I have had problems with sleep for years. I take a Benadryle at about 8 or 9 pm and then about 30 minutes or so before I am ready to go to bed I take 3 Melatonin. This works pretty well and would work better if I did not have so much on my mind keeping me awake (husband has cancer) I have a little bit of the restless leg think and I think that the Melatonin helps. I get Melatonin at Walmart and it is cheap and safe.
Cut back on your salt and go walking or dancing.
Depression is part of life. I would worry about anyone who doesn’t get depressed.
I don’t like a strong, stiff, straight shot of whiskey but I do love Kesslers mixed with Sprite….just enough to take the edge off if you know what I mean. Occasionally but not often.
Hang in there.
Lets start with the medication. I am on blood pressure pills, the third (and hopefully the last ones) since I was diagnosed. The others had terrible side effects. Have you thought that some of your frustration, tiredness, leg syndromes, could be caused by one or some of your pills. My daughter was taking Tylenol 3, diagnosed for a very bad accident to her back. He kept her on that for two years. The tylenol made her constipated, and she started getting trouble with her bowls. The Doctor gave her another pill to rectify the bowl situation, which created pain down below. It was a vicious circle. The T3, started the trend, and one pill was creating something else, and then another pill, created something else. Look to your prescription, especially the anti-depressents. Some anti-depressents actually bring a person down more and some have committed suicide because of a particular pill. That said, try living in the present moment instead of living in the past or the future. When we live in either, we always have negative thoughts creeping in. We miss the present moment by wasting our energy on the past or the future. Living in the now, becomes a habit. It is challenging to do, but it does make one feel more positive. I have found that going to Low impact classes at the local community centre has not only helped my blood pressure, but has assisted in my nightly leg pains. It has also made me a more positive person. These classes are done to music, and that in itself is a wonderful energy. I find also that getting up for about ten minutes and just walking around, calms the legs down and then you can get back to sleep. The main thing is to make sure the pills are not bringing you down, both physically and emotionally and to try and keep your mind out of the past and future. My opinions only, but maybe they will assist you.
Peace and love.
STOP WATCHING TV COMMERCIALS ABOUT AFFLICTIONS THE PHARMA COMPANIES ARE INVENTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You deal with all these senior problems in the way all seniors do. You take a good stiff shot of whiskey, if that does it for you, curse yourself for becoming so well-informed, and direct that on your tombstone is carved I Told Ya So. But first you get a bumper sticker that says He Who Dies Knowing The Most Wins. You get a round, flat piece of wood about two feet in circumference, design a mandala, and paint it in. You remember old age ain’t for sissies, and rise above it all with expansive thinking.
That, or take a good stiff shot of whiskey.
Pad why don’t you take omega 3 fish oil capsules, they will help lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure and probably the restless leg syndrome as well as they are good for the covering on your nerves.
Magnesium supplements would also help with the restless legs and the depression. Of course you could eat the foods with these nutrients as well.
I wont begrudge you a good stiff strong straight shot of whiskey, you’re a senior citizen and deserve some treats; so long as you keep to the right amount of standard drinks allowed.
My older brother who studied microbiology and worked for a brewing company says that the first two drinks of alcohol are a stimulant. After that, more drinks it becomes a depressant.
Make sure you get out for a walk sometime and take in a good movie and a meal at a nice affordable restaurant.
Nice list! But you don’t have chronic pain yet. Wait until you get that! Whoever chimed in with old age is not for sissies was right on! You’ve got a list but there are others with longer ones. So far you’ve got alcohol, Jesus or sex on you to do list. Too bad you aren’t a female or you could use the REAL cure to all of this crap……….chocolate.
Nope.
Irish Mist, with Coffee, and Whipped Cream as a nice toddy,
Pad-D – I’ve been where you are! So I know – - – - booze of any kind is a depressant. So if you are depressed forget the whiskey! Also booze of any kind taken with blood pressure medication can kill you.
SO Pad-D please do not drink. Keep smiling, life does get better! Have a hug! CJ
PAD-D you will be glad to hear that I have recently received my PhD from The University of Drinkpouring. I have to say that I have seen several cases like yours. I recommend 75cc of whiskey and 25cc of vodka. Should clear up the problem in no time.
Don’t drink on your medication…it’s dangerous. Try to get some exercise and a dose of positive mental attitude.
No answers at the bottom of the bottle and booze with meds is bad combination. Eat and drink in a healthy way and get out of your daily routine and exercise, go outdoors, find a seniors group to become involved with and you will have to feel better. Also, check the side effects of the medicines you are taking to see if some of them cause some of your other problems.
Hey Padd, I hate to tell you this my brother, but,,,YOU’RE A MESS ! (lolll)
(AND I THOUGHT I WAS MESSED UP !)
You ask; "about a stiff, strong straight shot of whiskey, helping you", well, put it this way,,,IT CAN’T HURT, and actually I think you’re on the right track for recovery.
Q. What kind of whiskey are you considering ? Some of that "rot-gut" is only good for snake bites, or giving to your in-laws and not-so-good friends, so if you plan to take this "medication", treat yourself and make it the good stuff.
Your a "senior" and YOU DESERVE IT !
So hang in there, Buddy, and DON’T LET THE BA***RD’S SEE YA SWEAT…..og
Oh Pad-D, I can feel your frustration as I read your questions. I’d reach through the screen to give you a hug, but insomnia can make us a bit irritable, and so I guess a hug wouldn’t help much or be appreciated……
The only thing that has ever worked for me to break a cycle of insomnia is physical activity to the point of exhaustion. It doesn’t matter what activity, work or play, or just walking….I know I will sleep if I move enough during the day.
Much as I love using my computer, I know darn well that if I’m on the computer, or even watching TV, then I will not fall asleep for hours. I completely understand that going online is a wonderful distraction….it does feel good to surf around….but it does nothing to encourage sleep. Some nights, I just give up on sleeping and play around online; but I always get moving the next day so it doesn’t happen again.
Depression is a challenge to cope with; and it likely amplifies all the other problems you are dealing with. Meds can help, but meds alone are not enough. I hope you can "overwrite" that "tape" playing in your head….the bit about being a major cause of the worlds problems, and the crap coming back to haunt you…….Hit the "pause button", learn to recognize the signs that you are being haunted. Then hit the "stop button", quit talking down to yourself, stop counting all your faults, you do not have to keep believing the things you were told as a kid….rebel against that nonsense. Don’t try to do things perfectly….just do what you can.
I was very ill and had major surgery 3 years ago. Although I’m healed, I still haven’t regained my former strength, fitness, or ability to feel good like I could before I was sick. It is frustrating me to the point that I feel fatigued. So, I need to get moving too. Maybe you and I could prod each other to get some exercise…..help each other get moving…..I’ll even take a shot of whisky with you if we can get moving for awhile first…:)
I can’t imagine what it must feel like to have insomnia as often as I’ve seen you mention it. I hope it will ease up for you!
Find a hobby…..idle time and hands is the devil’s playground!!!!
The shot of stiff whiskey with a healthy dose of denial should do the trick!
Well, I look at it like this…….
I do what I can do…If it is not done…it waits….
Talk to the Mrs. The best thing for the legs are massage. It can cure.
Just let it all go…life is short and live. I Follow the Secret and it has made a great difference. Check that out!
Just one great big miserable experience isn’t it? If you have the resources you might consider checking yourself into a fat farm
…if not, well take a good look in the mirror and call the adult mental health services in your region
…..make sure that you are working with a licensed professional….you might require psychiatric hospitalization.
Seriously.
Funny but when I was a kid I also think I had ADHD. I always shook my leg even at night. Also I would have terrible buzzinging and all the noise from the day replaying in my brain at night. I was always on the move and quite active. In grade 1 the nuns tied me to my chair in class. I was constantly told to be quiet because I was always chattering and joking. As a lteenager I had highs and then lows. I also used to get depressed for no apparent reason but I now know it was probably the sugar or coffee or cigarettes that did it. My Mom would always know when I was sick because that’s the only time I was quiet. Everyone loved me. Even the nuns that tied me up they did it as a joke to prove their point! I am glad I grew up then because in today’s world I would be given drugs. I had a great childhood. That is how I saw it although others might have seen it as terrible. My parents were highly critical, my grandmother who would take care of me while my parents worked would always arrive late and I would be frighened when I woke up and it was dark out and she wasn’t there. My cousins were abusibe and I almost got killed by them. When we moved away my parents worked at night and I was always afraid being alone all night. I was in a foster home while my mom was ill. We were poor and my mom was often ill and I spent many times taking her to the hospital and on and on but but I always enjoyed myself and had fun.
My blood pressure is great, my cholesterol fine I sleep well although not that long. I am almost always happy and feel good rarely do I get depressed although I have gone through more than most people. I am positive and if I feel myself slipping I do affirmations, I meditate almost everyday. I walk my dog and do exercises andjust now getting my fitness instructor certificate. I look for the good in life and although I do not belong to any religious groups I am spiritual and pray.
It was not always like that granted I think I always had a positive attitude but I really had to work at getting rid of temper and of being critical and being non judgemental and patient and on and on but hey it’s a challenge. It’s fun to overcome challenges.
You also have choices. Life is what you make it and the attitude and choices you make in dealing with your challenges determines the out come. For instance you can start taking control of your life and heal yourself or not . It is always easier to be a victim and not have to take responsibilities and it is your right.
If you wish to start taking control you can do a web search for Louise Hay affirmations (there are too many sites for me to give you) and many have free affirmations. Then you may be interested enough to go to http://www.edgarcayce.org and see why your life may be as it is and it also contains nutrition, spirituality everything you need to change your life around.. Also I would caution you against a good stiff drink. It really makes your sleep worse. Also your poor body has to detoxify the poison and it is already overloaded by all the pills you take. Your body and your mind and your soul are telling you they are not well and asking for help. It is not pills they want or need but good nutrition, exercise, some mental stimulation, hope or spirituality and a positive outlook. A good 30 minutes exercise creates and releases more endorphins than any anti depressants and help you feel good and sleep well. Exercise and nutrition is the only real way to get rid of high blood pressure (pills do not cure the cause they just lower it and the cause is still remains and yoy need pills for the side effects). Garlic pills and olive oil and so many things would help but as I said it’s easier to be a victim and take pills than take control. Start with the 2 suggestions I gave. I wish you the best. Start right now you’ve already wasted too much time.