![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 16:02:08
Hi everyone,
I have posted here before and received thoughtful responses. I continue to be having problems so here I am again...
I have had obsessive thoughts and chronic uneaseiness and anxiety since my wife had an x-ray during the pregnancy of our new baby girl. I worry that the baby may get cancer from the x-rays. I can not seem to get it out of my head. For your information, although the literature is volumous and often inconsistent and generally has some methodological flaws, there is good evidence that there is some increased risk of cancers. Even knowing that the risk is very small, I cannot seem to get on with my life. I have a great wife, beautiful new baby and a good job. But I cant enjoy them. I am continually anxious and have a low-level depression.
I have been on Effexor (up to 250mg) and I am now on 80mg! Celexa while moving off the Effexor. I also take clozepam as needed (about 1 mg a day.) I have tried Remeron but did not like the spaced out feeling and neurontin which was not effective enough. I have tried CBT and may try it again. It has not been that succesful but has helped a little.
What can I do? I want to start to enjoy my life again. Any med augmenttaion you can suggest.
Please keep in mind that I am a practicing lawyer with many resposibilites so I have to be "on the ball". I am just going through the motions of life with fear and no pleasure.
Thanks very much and good wishes and health to you all,
Jeff
Posted by King Vultan on May 21, 2004, at 17:06:08
In reply to Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 16:02:08
I have had problems very similar to this in the past with excessive worrying and obsessive thoughts and can tell you that it is possible to overcome it, as that's what I have been able to do. In my case, it took a number of years, and I believe I was aided by the Zoloft and Effexor that I alternately took during that time, but I believe the real key was important insights that I gained along the way.
I can comprehend your mindset regarding the example of the X-ray you gave, and I don't know if this will be of any benefit or not, but let me point out two things:
1) How much danger is there, objectively? I believe the answer is
There is some risk of cancer, but as you indicated, it is very small. If I may offer my opinion, it is so small that it is not worth worrying about.
2) What can you do about it? I believe the answer is
not a damned thing--other than worrying about it.
Meds are fine and can be most helpful, but regardless of what you're taking, you have to eventually come to the realization that it doesn't do any good to worry about things that have already happened and you cannot change, particularly when they're this inconsequential (Don't think I'm faulting or criticizing you, as I assure you that I'm a person who used to be a chronic worrier and would go from one worrying about one thing to another and another and another...) I would highly suggest therapy or perhaps even better, a self help book targeted towards your particular situation. I do wish you well.
Todd
Posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 19:27:59
In reply to Re: Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by King Vultan on May 21, 2004, at 17:06:08
> I have had problems very similar to this in the past with excessive worrying and obsessive thoughts and can tell you that it is possible to overcome it, as that's what I have been able to do. In my case, it took a number of years, and I believe I was aided by the Zoloft and Effexor that I alternately took during that time, but I believe the real key was important insights that I gained along the way.
>
> I can comprehend your mindset regarding the example of the X-ray you gave, and I don't know if this will be of any benefit or not, but let me point out two things:
>
> 1) How much danger is there, objectively? I believe the answer is
>
> There is some risk of cancer, but as you indicated, it is very small. If I may offer my opinion, it is so small that it is not worth worrying about.
>
> 2) What can you do about it? I believe the answer is
>
> not a damned thing--other than worrying about it.
>
> Meds are fine and can be most helpful, but regardless of what you're taking, you have to eventually come to the realization that it doesn't do any good to worry about things that have already happened and you cannot change, particularly when they're this inconsequential (Don't think I'm faulting or criticizing you, as I assure you that I'm a person who used to be a chronic worrier and would go from one worrying about one thing to another and another and another...) I would highly suggest therapy or perhaps even better, a self help book targeted towards your particular situation. I do wish you well.
>
> ToddThank you for your thoughtful reply. Your words ring very true to my ears. But how do I get there? Any books you have in mind? How exactly did you do it? Thanks for your time and insights.
Posted by linkadge on May 21, 2004, at 20:29:21
In reply to Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 16:02:08
What I do when I am in this type of situation, is I *find* somebody who has had like, 10 times X-wrays then your child, and say to yourself, when this person gets cancer, then I will start worying about my child getting cancer.
For the longes time, I (130 lbd) of having a heart attack. Then I found myself a 400 pound woman that I watch every day and say to myself - when this person has a heart attack, then I will start worying.I know it's kind of pithy, but it works for me.
Linkadge
Posted by cherylann on May 21, 2004, at 21:15:25
In reply to Re: Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by linkadge on May 21, 2004, at 20:29:21
I have always relied on meds to cure my depression/anxiety, but recently have found that reading self help books DO actually help.
I'm a Christian, so right now I'm reading The Purpose Driven Life. That might not fit your lifestyle, but there are tons others that will.
I recently read a book (and I'm recommending this a little hesitantly) called Depression Is A Choice by A.B. Curtiss. While I have since learned that her message of "no one should be on anti-depressants" is a bit extreme, I did learn a lot of tricks to stop anxiety or depressing thoughts.
On the medication subject, There are so many out there you haven't tried and it's frustrating that you have to wait so long to see if they work. But while you're trying some different meds, have you thought about hypnosis? I haven't tried it myself, but have heard nothing but good things. The trick is finding the right therapist who specializes in what you need.
All the best
cherylann
Posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 21:25:14
In reply to Re: Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by linkadge on May 21, 2004, at 20:29:21
> What I do when I am in this type of situation, is I *find* somebody who has had like, 10 times X-wrays then your child, and say to yourself, when this person gets cancer, then I will start worying about my child getting cancer.
>
>
> For the longes time, I (130 lbd) of having a heart attack. Then I found myself a 400 pound woman that I watch every day and say to myself - when this person has a heart attack, then I will start worying.
>
> I know it's kind of pithy, but it works for me.
>
> LinkadgeThank you for your suggestion. Its an interesting approach. I will try to use it..but what happns when that 400pouder gets a heart attack? Best wishes, Jeff
Posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 21:30:28
In reply to My two cents, for what it's worth..., posted by cherylann on May 21, 2004, at 21:15:25
> I have always relied on meds to cure my depression/anxiety, but recently have found that reading self help books DO actually help.
> I'm a Christian, so right now I'm reading The Purpose Driven Life. That might not fit your lifestyle, but there are tons others that will.
> I recently read a book (and I'm recommending this a little hesitantly) called Depression Is A Choice by A.B. Curtiss. While I have since learned that her message of "no one should be on anti-depressants" is a bit extreme, I did learn a lot of tricks to stop anxiety or depressing thoughts.
> On the medication subject, There are so many out there you haven't tried and it's frustrating that you have to wait so long to see if they work. But while you're trying some different meds, have you thought about hypnosis? I haven't tried it myself, but have heard nothing but good things. The trick is finding the right therapist who specializes in what you need.
> All the best
> cherylann
Thank you for your thoughts. I havent considered hypnotism. Maybe it is worth a try. I always thought as them as charlatans, but you never know. I am glad your faith has helped you. Best wishes, Jeff
Posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 21:30:53
In reply to My two cents, for what it's worth..., posted by cherylann on May 21, 2004, at 21:15:25
> I have always relied on meds to cure my depression/anxiety, but recently have found that reading self help books DO actually help.
> I'm a Christian, so right now I'm reading The Purpose Driven Life. That might not fit your lifestyle, but there are tons others that will.
> I recently read a book (and I'm recommending this a little hesitantly) called Depression Is A Choice by A.B. Curtiss. While I have since learned that her message of "no one should be on anti-depressants" is a bit extreme, I did learn a lot of tricks to stop anxiety or depressing thoughts.
> On the medication subject, There are so many out there you haven't tried and it's frustrating that you have to wait so long to see if they work. But while you're trying some different meds, have you thought about hypnosis? I haven't tried it myself, but have heard nothing but good things. The trick is finding the right therapist who specializes in what you need.
> All the best
> cherylann
Thank you for your thoughts. I havent considered hypnotism. Maybe it is worth a try. I always thought as them as charlatans, but you never know. I am glad your faith has helped you. Best wishes, Jeff
Posted by kotsunega on May 21, 2004, at 22:44:25
In reply to Re: My two cents, for what it's worth..., posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 21:30:53
Jeff,
I used to be a constant worrier with bad OCD. I once had a job where I was responsible for ensuring the safe was locked at the end of my shift in the company I worked for. I would get home from work, go to bed, and I couldn't sleep, I was so worried that the safe was not locked after all. I would get dressed, go back into work, and check the safe -- I did this several times a night when I was responsible for the safe. I just couldn't stop worrying about it. All that changed after 2 weeks of Prozac, 60 mgs a day. Because of my experience, I am of the opinion that you just need to find the right AD to treat your obsessive tendancies.
Best regards,
kotsunega
Posted by katalina on May 22, 2004, at 0:07:36
In reply to Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 16:02:08
I haven't read the other posts yet, but wanted to get this out to you since I understand your anxiety (albeit senseless - no offense meant).
I took prozac the first two months of both of my pregnancies and had an MRI with my younger one (unknowingly). They are both beautiful, perfect and too smart for their own (or my) benefit at 4 and 5. My mother has been a L&D (labor and delivery) nurse for 36 years and has seen crack addicts have the most beautiful healthy babies and macrobiotic tree hugging granola types have stillborns. While I am obvliously in no way saying that pregnancy is a time to throw caution to the wind with regard to health issues, we have very little control over the survival process. Something greater than ourselves, the universe does.
I know saying don't worry doesn't help, but if you can't stop, up the effexor or the klonopin or talk to your pdoc. Enjoy your little bundle - she's a gift to be enjoyed and was entrusted to your care. Don't waste time worrying over something so insignificant as an x-ray. Your daughter is here now and healthy, be happy!
Best wishes, Katie
Posted by Waterlily on May 22, 2004, at 8:37:44
In reply to Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 16:02:08
Maybe give Luvox a shot? It worked for my obsessions and breakthrough depression. Also keep in mind that a new baby can be a big strain because it is such a huge change to your lifestyle. It is somewhat normal to be a bit depressed right now, even for the father.
Posted by Jeffrey on May 22, 2004, at 21:44:10
In reply to Re: My two cents, for what it's worth..., posted by kotsunega on May 21, 2004, at 22:44:25
> Jeff,
>
> I used to be a constant worrier with bad OCD. I once had a job where I was responsible for ensuring the safe was locked at the end of my shift in the company I worked for. I would get home from work, go to bed, and I couldn't sleep, I was so worried that the safe was not locked after all. I would get dressed, go back into work, and check the safe -- I did this several times a night when I was responsible for the safe. I just couldn't stop worrying about it. All that changed after 2 weeks of Prozac, 60 mgs a day. Because of my experience, I am of the opinion that you just need to find the right AD to treat your obsessive tendancies.
>
> Best regards,
> kotsunega
I am glad your OCD is under control. I am looking for a drug that might work or augment with my high dose celexa and clonazepam. Thank and best regards, Jeff
Posted by Jeffrey on May 22, 2004, at 21:49:19
In reply to Re: Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by katalina on May 22, 2004, at 0:07:36
> I haven't read the other posts yet, but wanted to get this out to you since I understand your anxiety (albeit senseless - no offense meant).
>
> I took prozac the first two months of both of my pregnancies and had an MRI with my younger one (unknowingly). They are both beautiful, perfect and too smart for their own (or my) benefit at 4 and 5. My mother has been a L&D (labor and delivery) nurse for 36 years and has seen crack addicts have the most beautiful healthy babies and macrobiotic tree hugging granola types have stillborns. While I am obvliously in no way saying that pregnancy is a time to throw caution to the wind with regard to health issues, we have very little control over the survival process. Something greater than ourselves, the universe does.
>
> I know saying don't worry doesn't help, but if you can't stop, up the effexor or the klonopin or talk to your pdoc. Enjoy your little bundle - she's a gift to be enjoyed and was entrusted to your care. Don't waste time worrying over something so insignificant as an x-ray. Your daughter is here now and healthy, be happy!
>
> Best wishes, Katie
Thanks for your good advice. It is much easier to read and agree with then to act on it. I want to be able to enjoy my beautiful healthy girl and I know that the chances are overwhlemingly in her favor that she did not get cancer from the x-rays. That is the nature of my problem. Good news for you, MRIs dont emit radiation (although it sounds like you never worried about this). Thanks again and best wishes.
Posted by Caper on May 22, 2004, at 23:18:12
In reply to Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by Jeffrey on May 21, 2004, at 16:02:08
Hi Jeff,
First, congratulations on your healthy baby. Second, my heart goes out to you. As a parent I know nothing is worse than worrying about the health of a child.
I wanted to say that I agree with most of the posts above. Also, as an expectant mother one does the best she can to protect the health of the baby but some things are out of her hands- like the x-ray.
With my first pregnancy I had a chest x-ray and dental x-rays before I knew I was pregnant. Also, I had to work up to 18 hours a day waiting tables (I was only 20 years old and all alone) and had premature labor two times. The doctors were able to stop the pre-term contractions both times and eventually I delivered a perfect full term baby who is now a healthy ten year old.
My second pregnancy was twins and since their father is a doctor we got the best care possible, I didn't have to work, and I'm pretty sure I could not have been more cautious, but in my fifth month I had placental abruption and both babies were stillborn.
My point is, you can do everything right and have an unhealthy child and you can also have a few things go "wrong" and have a perfect baby. It's out of your hands as far as the x-ray. All you can do now is enjoy your healthy child and take the best possible care of her- and I have no doubt you will do so, given the concern you've shown.
Please don't let the fear of an extremely unlikely complication spoil your first months with your baby. The time goes by so fast, and you can't get it back. Just try to think positive thoughts and concentrate on the fact that the baby is healthy and keep telling yourself that she will continue to be healthy in the future. She really is much more likely to stay healthy than to develop a problem from one x-ray, you know that intellectually- now you just have to keep telling yourself until you believe it emotionally.
I can't really suggest anything as far as medication, sorry. I would say try cognitive behavioral therapy some more if you can, plus be very honest with the baby's pediatrician about your fears so you can get some honest reassurance.
I hope this helps a little. You'll be in my prayers.
Caper
> Hi everyone,
>
> I have posted here before and received thoughtful responses. I continue to be having problems so here I am again...
>
> I have had obsessive thoughts and chronic uneaseiness and anxiety since my wife had an x-ray during the pregnancy of our new baby girl. I worry that the baby may get cancer from the x-rays. I can not seem to get it out of my head. For your information, although the literature is volumous and often inconsistent and generally has some methodological flaws, there is good evidence that there is some increased risk of cancers. Even knowing that the risk is very small, I cannot seem to get on with my life. I have a great wife, beautiful new baby and a good job. But I cant enjoy them. I am continually anxious and have a low-level depression.
>
> I have been on Effexor (up to 250mg) and I am now on 80mg! Celexa while moving off the Effexor. I also take clozepam as needed (about 1 mg a day.) I have tried Remeron but did not like the spaced out feeling and neurontin which was not effective enough. I have tried CBT and may try it again. It has not been that succesful but has helped a little.
>
> What can I do? I want to start to enjoy my life again. Any med augmenttaion you can suggest.
>
> Please keep in mind that I am a practicing lawyer with many resposibilites so I have to be "on the ball". I am just going through the motions of life with fear and no pleasure.
>
> Thanks very much and good wishes and health to you all,
>
> Jeff
>
>
Posted by katalina on May 23, 2004, at 12:03:35
In reply to Re: Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by Jeffrey on May 22, 2004, at 21:49:19
> > I haven't read the other posts yet, but wanted to get this out to you since I understand your anxiety (albeit senseless - no offense meant).
> >
> > I took prozac the first two months of both of my pregnancies and had an MRI with my younger one (unknowingly). They are both beautiful, perfect and too smart for their own (or my) benefit at 4 and 5. My mother has been a L&D (labor and delivery) nurse for 36 years and has seen crack addicts have the most beautiful healthy babies and macrobiotic tree hugging granola types have stillborns. While I am obvliously in no way saying that pregnancy is a time to throw caution to the wind with regard to health issues, we have very little control over the survival process. Something greater than ourselves, the universe does.
> >
> > I know saying don't worry doesn't help, but if you can't stop, up the effexor or the klonopin or talk to your pdoc. Enjoy your little bundle - she's a gift to be enjoyed and was entrusted to your care. Don't waste time worrying over something so insignificant as an x-ray. Your daughter is here now and healthy, be happy!
> >
> > Best wishes, Katie
>
>
> Thanks for your good advice. It is much easier to read and agree with then to act on it. I want to be able to enjoy my beautiful healthy girl and I know that the chances are overwhlemingly in her favor that she did not get cancer from the x-rays. That is the nature of my problem. Good news for you, MRIs dont emit radiation (although it sounds like you never worried about this). Thanks again and best wishes.
>Jeff,
I know it's ridiculous to tell someone not to worry. I never tell my daughters "you're o.k." if they fall down and start crying . . . it's one of those automatic response things, as if telling someone they're fine will make them fine! I always say "that must hurt, would ice make it feel better". It helps validate their pain (however minor) yet I don't encourage dramatic outbursts from them by giving too much attention to something as benign as a mosquito bite. Those kids end up being cry babies for attention.
ANYWAY, just thought I'd pass along one of the few positive parenting techniques I find useful. I also wanted to let you know that I wasn't aware MRI's didn't emit radiation, but I did have two sets of x-rays done prior to the MRI (the results of which determined my getting the MRI). I wasn't sure if that would make you feel better or not.
Another thing I would always remember when I was worried about deformities/abnormalities, etc. when I was pregnant, was that most of my generation's mothers lived on coffee and cigarrettes while they were pregnant. In the 60's and 70's this was normal, even female doctors drank alcohol and smoked cigarettes during pregnancy as there was no concern or awareness of it being detrimental to the fetus. Now we have mothers who are afraid to drink coffee or take a tylenol - quite the extreme. My obstetrician was an older man (late 50's) and he even prescribed valium to me with my second pregnancy as a sleep aid and muscle relaxant. I forgot all about that until just now. My doctor said 20 years ago we used to tell pregnant women to drink a couple of glasses of wine every night to unwind. The problem with today's society is that the medical community has to "dumb down" to the people who will go and drink 10 drinks a night instead of 2, so they make it zero. Anyway, the pharmacist took one look at me 8 months pregnant trying to fill my valium scrip and said "Does your doctor know what he's doing, I'm going to call him to make sure, etc." Of course some pharmacists love to play doctor and of course she did a little reading in her PDR and gave it to me.
I hope you find alleviation from your pain and worry. I certainly know what it's like to obsess about unwarranted things.
Best of luck, Katie
Posted by Jeffrey on May 23, 2004, at 16:32:47
In reply to Re: Please help- I am stuck - Thank you » Jeffrey, posted by Caper on May 22, 2004, at 23:18:12
> Hi Jeff,
>
> First, congratulations on your healthy baby. Second, my heart goes out to you. As a parent I know nothing is worse than worrying about the health of a child.
>
> I wanted to say that I agree with most of the posts above. Also, as an expectant mother one does the best she can to protect the health of the baby but some things are out of her hands- like the x-ray.
>
> With my first pregnancy I had a chest x-ray and dental x-rays before I knew I was pregnant. Also, I had to work up to 18 hours a day waiting tables (I was only 20 years old and all alone) and had premature labor two times. The doctors were able to stop the pre-term contractions both times and eventually I delivered a perfect full term baby who is now a healthy ten year old.
>
> My second pregnancy was twins and since their father is a doctor we got the best care possible, I didn't have to work, and I'm pretty sure I could not have been more cautious, but in my fifth month I had placental abruption and both babies were stillborn.
>
> My point is, you can do everything right and have an unhealthy child and you can also have a few things go "wrong" and have a perfect baby. It's out of your hands as far as the x-ray. All you can do now is enjoy your healthy child and take the best possible care of her- and I have no doubt you will do so, given the concern you've shown.
>
> Please don't let the fear of an extremely unlikely complication spoil your first months with your baby. The time goes by so fast, and you can't get it back. Just try to think positive thoughts and concentrate on the fact that the baby is healthy and keep telling yourself that she will continue to be healthy in the future. She really is much more likely to stay healthy than to develop a problem from one x-ray, you know that intellectually- now you just have to keep telling yourself until you believe it emotionally.
>
> I can't really suggest anything as far as medication, sorry. I would say try cognitive behavioral therapy some more if you can, plus be very honest with the baby's pediatrician about your fears so you can get some honest reassurance.
>
> I hope this helps a little. You'll be in my prayers.
>
> Caper
>
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > I have posted here before and received thoughtful responses. I continue to be having problems so here I am again...
> >
> > I have had obsessive thoughts and chronic uneaseiness and anxiety since my wife had an x-ray during the pregnancy of our new baby girl. I worry that the baby may get cancer from the x-rays. I can not seem to get it out of my head. For your information, although the literature is volumous and often inconsistent and generally has some methodological flaws, there is good evidence that there is some increased risk of cancers. Even knowing that the risk is very small, I cannot seem to get on with my life. I have a great wife, beautiful new baby and a good job. But I cant enjoy them. I am continually anxious and have a low-level depression.
> >
> > I have been on Effexor (up to 250mg) and I am now on 80mg! Celexa while moving off the Effexor. I also take clozepam as needed (about 1 mg a day.) I have tried Remeron but did not like the spaced out feeling and neurontin which was not effective enough. I have tried CBT and may try it again. It has not been that succesful but has helped a little.
> >
> > What can I do? I want to start to enjoy my life again. Any med augmenttaion you can suggest.
> >
> > Please keep in mind that I am a practicing lawyer with many resposibilites so I have to be "on the ball". I am just going through the motions of life with fear and no pleasure.
> >
> > Thanks very much and good wishes and health to you all,
> >
> > Jeff
> >
> >
>
>
Thanks for your compassionate response. I will try to take your thoughtss to heart. You put it well: I understand intellectually that the risk is small and worrying will not help it but I am still stuck worrying about it and not enjoying this wonderful time for me and my wife.
Best wishes, Jeff
Posted by Jeffrey on May 23, 2004, at 16:39:28
In reply to Re: Please help- I am stuck - Thank you, posted by katalina on May 23, 2004, at 12:03:35
> > > I haven't read the other posts yet, but wanted to get this out to you since I understand your anxiety (albeit senseless - no offense meant).
> > >
> > > I took prozac the first two months of both of my pregnancies and had an MRI with my younger one (unknowingly). They are both beautiful, perfect and too smart for their own (or my) benefit at 4 and 5. My mother has been a L&D (labor and delivery) nurse for 36 years and has seen crack addicts have the most beautiful healthy babies and macrobiotic tree hugging granola types have stillborns. While I am obvliously in no way saying that pregnancy is a time to throw caution to the wind with regard to health issues, we have very little control over the survival process. Something greater than ourselves, the universe does.
> > >
> > > I know saying don't worry doesn't help, but if you can't stop, up the effexor or the klonopin or talk to your pdoc. Enjoy your little bundle - she's a gift to be enjoyed and was entrusted to your care. Don't waste time worrying over something so insignificant as an x-ray. Your daughter is here now and healthy, be happy!
> > >
> > > Best wishes, Katie
> >
> >
> > Thanks for your good advice. It is much easier to read and agree with then to act on it. I want to be able to enjoy my beautiful healthy girl and I know that the chances are overwhlemingly in her favor that she did not get cancer from the x-rays. That is the nature of my problem. Good news for you, MRIs dont emit radiation (although it sounds like you never worried about this). Thanks again and best wishes.
> >
>
> Jeff,
>
> I know it's ridiculous to tell someone not to worry. I never tell my daughters "you're o.k." if they fall down and start crying . . . it's one of those automatic response things, as if telling someone they're fine will make them fine! I always say "that must hurt, would ice make it feel better". It helps validate their pain (however minor) yet I don't encourage dramatic outbursts from them by giving too much attention to something as benign as a mosquito bite. Those kids end up being cry babies for attention.
>
> ANYWAY, just thought I'd pass along one of the few positive parenting techniques I find useful. I also wanted to let you know that I wasn't aware MRI's didn't emit radiation, but I did have two sets of x-rays done prior to the MRI (the results of which determined my getting the MRI). I wasn't sure if that would make you feel better or not.
>
> Another thing I would always remember when I was worried about deformities/abnormalities, etc. when I was pregnant, was that most of my generation's mothers lived on coffee and cigarrettes while they were pregnant. In the 60's and 70's this was normal, even female doctors drank alcohol and smoked cigarettes during pregnancy as there was no concern or awareness of it being detrimental to the fetus. Now we have mothers who are afraid to drink coffee or take a tylenol - quite the extreme. My obstetrician was an older man (late 50's) and he even prescribed valium to me with my second pregnancy as a sleep aid and muscle relaxant. I forgot all about that until just now. My doctor said 20 years ago we used to tell pregnant women to drink a couple of glasses of wine every night to unwind. The problem with today's society is that the medical community has to "dumb down" to the people who will go and drink 10 drinks a night instead of 2, so they make it zero. Anyway, the pharmacist took one look at me 8 months pregnant trying to fill my valium scrip and said "Does your doctor know what he's doing, I'm going to call him to make sure, etc." Of course some pharmacists love to play doctor and of course she did a little reading in her PDR and gave it to me.
>
> I hope you find alleviation from your pain and worry. I certainly know what it's like to obsess about unwarranted things.
>
> Best of luck, KatieThanks for your thoughtful reply. I think your attitude makes sense. I would do well to adopt it. My mother smoked and drank with me during pregnancy but that may explain something. I appreciate hearing that you understand what its like to obsess about unwarranted things. Its been a very difficult time. I wish I could enjoy this special time more. Thanks for the parenting tip. It sounds like a good one.
Best wishes, Jeff
Posted by husschick on May 26, 2004, at 12:07:31
In reply to Re: My two cents, for what it's worth..., posted by Jeffrey on May 22, 2004, at 21:44:10
JEFF-I too have also for years had problems with anxiety. I take effexor 75 mg once a day, and it does seem to help me but I also have learned yoga and it benefits me greatly. It really teaches you how to breathe your way through some situations. best of luck
This is the end of the thread.
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