William: 35 years of fighting diseases, medications, and therapies

Jamie Clark74 Jamie Clark74 said:I can't help myself—I have to respond to this, even though it’s probably pretty silly of me to pay any attention to someone who clearly knows nothing about health or sickness!

I’m healthy—so, I guess you could say I actually know a thing or two about health. 😉

Eating healthy definitely plays a huge role in your overall health—if you aren't already convinced, maybe do a little digging on the subject.

Jamie Clark74 said:How am I supposed to give anyone advice about a sickness—when I haven't even beaten it myself?
It’s a bit heavy, I know—but there are so many people out there just like me who don't have any real help. You just end up living with these issues day in and day out, month after month, year after year... and that's just how it goes for the rest of your life.
People like me—well, we actually get it. We know what these struggles feel like, what we've been through, and just how much a sickness can take a toll on both you and your family.

It feels more like we’re just getting used to living with problems rather than actually solving them—honestly, if someone truly believes they have to pop a mountain of pills for the rest of their lives just to feel "healthy," they probably aren't as well-informed as they think. 😉

Jamie Clark74 Jamie Clark74 said:People like me have tried every single alternative remedy and those so-called "alternative specialists" out there—honestly, we've burned through tens of thousands of dollars just to end up right back where we started, with zero relief. It’s funny, really—they'll try anything to convince you that "natural" is somehow safer or better than modern medicine.

Who actually tried that garbage!!!

What does "trying" actually mean? — Just a thought.
I’m not quite sure why people struggle to grasp that every single cell in our bodies—except for neurons—is constantly regenerating. If you're consistently getting all the right nutrients every single day, you're actually meeting the basic requirements for high-quality cellular repair. It doesn't just happen overnight, though—it takes time. We're talking about maybe 90 days for blood and lymph, up to a year for soft tissue, and even seven years for bone. But if we stay consistent with those nutrients, almost everything can rebuild itself properly, bringing the body back into balance and helping many health issues simply fade away. I've seen this firsthand—people who stuck to "cellular nutrition" long enough saw real results, whereas those who just "gave it a try" for a few days didn't see any change at all. 😛

Look, there's a massive difference between alternative medicine and actually following a science-based nutritional approach—it's night and day. Honestly, if you just try telling yourself that every night before you hit the hay, maybe in a few years it’ll finally click. 😉

Jamie Clark74 Jamie Clark74 said:I’m sure there are people out there who have minor issues—just enough to get manipulated by a Chiropractor—and they walk away thinking they’re totally cured after just one or two visits. It's the same thing with people seeing a nutritionist or trying some natural remedies and suddenly feeling fine... meanwhile, here I am, doing everything by the book, and still nothing. So, what's the takeaway?

The only conclusion I can really draw here is that success doesn't just happen overnight—yet so many people seem to reject the possibility of actually getting better right from the jump... it's like some folks are almost "enjoying" their role as victims more than anything else. 😕

There’s no such thing as a "natural cure"—it's really just medicinal plants that offer some health benefits—but honestly, those herbs won't do much if your diet is a mess. If you aren't getting enough protein, healthy fats, or... well, pretty much everything else you need, you're basically spinning your wheels.

Jamie Clark74 Jamie Clark74 said:It would honestly be easier to just say I’m a fraud—or maybe I'm just making this whole sickness up in my head—than to deal with being accused by someone else... or just labeling myself a hypochondriac and a nuisance.

I didn't say that—but honestly, that defensive attitude and the struggle to grasp basic survival needs like food and water... it just keeps you from finding any real solutions or actually feeling better.

Jamie Clark74 Jamie Clark74 said:So true!
Whether you get banged up at work, during a workout, or just around the house—it doesn't always have to be a huge deal. Sometimes the body just needs a little grace, some downtime, and a bit of time to heal itself—maybe a quick pain reliever here or an anti-inflammatory there if things get really annoying.
Whether they've seen a doctor or not—and I mean a real MD, without any of that "natural remedy" nonsense—it usually takes about four to six weeks to see if someone is doing okay.
Back when I was younger—and clearly much more reckless—I used to power through injuries like that without even thinking about seeing a doctor or taking time off work... while everyone else was stuck on sick leave for days or even weeks.

When we're younger, our metabolism and overall balance just work better—cells regenerate way more easily, too. Once you hit that 40s milestone, things change; there isn't as much natural cell turnover, so you really need to double up on antioxidants and Omega-3s—something most people unfortunately skip. All those years of neglecting what we put into our bodies eventually "comes due"—which is why I truly believe focusing on solid nutritional habits is the best preventative measure against most modern sicknesses.

Jamie Clark74 Jamie Clark74 said:I don't really consider myself some big authority on incurable sicknesses—even though I've been dealing with them for 36 years and know exactly what you can and can't do about it. I just see myself as someone sharing "concrete health results" from people who found their way there outside the typical medical playbook—you know, bypassing the standard doctors and prescriptions... kind of like how Conor McGregor would put it.

There’s really no such thing as an incurable sickness... at least for some conditions that people used to claim were permanent—it's already been proven. For others, we just haven't found the right way to fix them yet—the point is all about the direction we take when searching for solutions. 😉 🙂

Larry Mendoza said:Jamie Clark74, I have a serious question for you.
Is one single doctor actually prescribing all of this stuff?
If not—does your primary care physician even know about everything else you're taking?

I’m asking because looking at your daily list—Rohypnol, Norvasc, Monopril, Valium, and Celebrex—it’s basically a cocktail of depressants and sedatives, none of which should really be taken in such high doses. Plus, all those meds I pointed out could be the reason you're dealing with Sleep Apnea.😱

If your doctors haven't walked you through this, then there's clearly a breakdown in our healthcare system—because, honestly, this kind of UNCONTROLLED treatment looks pretty sketchy to me.😕

It would be quite an eye-opener to just list out all the side effects from those instruction manuals... it would probably throw an elephant off balance, let alone a person (especially as we get older). With that much chemistry running through his system, if he doesn't have some sort of intense "detox" process going on, it's no wonder the pill count keeps rising... and his health keeps sliding.😢

Though, maybe he finds a little Nirvana in those "certain moments"—so perhaps it isn't all bad. 😲 😉

Larry Mendoza said:Jamie Clark74, I have one serious question for you.
Is one single doctor really prescribing all of these medications to you?
If not, does your family doctor actually know their way around all these medications?

I’m asking because I noticed your daily medication list—Rohypnol, Norvasc, Monopril, Valium, and Celebrex. Honestly, those are all depressants or sedatives, and you shouldn't be taking them in such high doses. Beyond that, from what I can see, all of these specific drugs are likely what's causing your Sleep Apnea. 😱

If your doctors haven't explained this to you yet, there’s clearly something wrong with your healthcare system. As far as I'm concerned... Out of control. The treatment seems highly questionable. 😕

============

Since when did Norvasc, Monopril, Celebrex, and Voltaren suppositories become antidepressants or sedatives?
If you’re going to weigh in on this, at least make sure you actually know what these medications are used for.
The medications have been prescribed:
I'm currently taking Clonezapena and Rivotrol, which were prescribed by my psychiatrist alongside Lexapro.
Both Monopril and Norvasc are used to manage high blood pressure.
Valium and diazepam, along with quinine, can help with muscle spasms and other muscular issues.
Celebrex and Voltaren are my go-to anti-inflammatories. Honestly, without them, I wouldn't even be able to move.
The prescription is for Gout.
I was prescribed Colofac, Somac, Gastostop/Imodium, and Spasmonil by my gastroenterologist to manage my IBS.
Diaformin is used for Type 2 diabetes, which I’ve actually been diagnosed with, though I don't have any on hand right now. I take the tablets mainly to help keep my metabolism on track.
I take a half tablet of g/hydrogen 1/2 regularly to manage my fluid levels.
Hiprex is used to prevent urinary tract infections. It acts as a preventative antibiotic, which is prescribed to adults and children alike who deal with chronic UTI issues.
The ultrasound shows everything looks fine, but I'm still waiting on the flexible cystoscopy. That seems like the best way to get a full picture of what's actually going on.
My urologist prescribed Sustanon 250,1 as part of my hormone replacement therapy.

Looking at the list above, you can see I've cycled through just about everything—from narcotics to antidepressants used for pain management. Rivotrol falls right into that category, whether it's being used for pain or anxiety.

So, every single medication was prescribed by its respective specialist.

Every specialist and GP out there has this exact list of medications on hand.
I only have one primary care doctor, and I stick to just one specialist for everything else. The only exception was back when I was getting second opinions before my spinal surgery.

Regarding Sleep Apnea... before I finally got my machine, I went through all the necessary testing. Those results showed my breathing was actually stopping up to 500 times a night.

It seems I’m not the only one dealing with Sleep Apnea who chooses to skip the medication.
From what I’ve gathered, even without seeing a specialist, Rohypnol seems to relax the muscles in my throat area. Honestly, I just can't find any other medication that works for my specific situation.
A specialist will know the answer to that.

Do you really think this is easy for me? Like I actually want to be popping this many pills?
I work closely with specialists, just like my primary care physician does.
I know my way around medication side effects and drug interactions pretty well. I've done my homework.

I have to run—got a psychiatry appointment later this morning.
As for what Jamie Clark74 said—calling me some kind of drug addict just because of my medication—it’s honestly ridiculous. My body simply doesn't tolerate narcotics, which is exactly why I can't get my pain under control. I've already explained all of this before.

🙂 😉 😎

Angela Rodriguez2 said:A huge chunk of what you're dealing with right now could actually be managed through better nutrition.

- High blood pressure.

- Gout.

- Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

I found this interesting breakdown on managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome through diet over at herbalvitality.info. It’s worth a look if you're trying to navigate the food triggers that come with it.

Here are a few more. Testimonials ... or something like that. Traditional Chinese medicine.

I’ve dealt with my fair share of urinary tract infections. I have plenty of experience managing various types of bacteria in my urine—things like Escherichia coli and others—and I've found some really effective ways to get them under control.

Muscle cramps and tension? I’m guessing that's where the real issues lie. circulation due to insufficient intake protein It can lead to all sorts of health issues, including... cardiac Proteins are essentially the building blocks of our bodies. Without them, we’d just feel sluggish and completely unable to function properly.

For total body wellness—especially when it comes to heart health—I’d suggest looking into those Nobel Prize-winning solutions that are already being used today. Great results. ... 👍

==============
http://www.ananova.com/images/comp/51663.jpg

Don't try to make assumptions for me. Don't tell me what this will do or how we should handle things. And please, don't suggest that one thing can be cured by another. I'm not looking for suggestions.

I didn't just "try" it. I had about 200 visits to my chiropractor while I was working. He basically just kept me going with massages—no adjustments—just enough to get me through the workday.
I wouldn't recommend letting a chiropractor perform any manual manipulations if you've had spinal surgery. There have been documented cases where patients suffered brain hemorrhages following those kinds of adjustments.

I’ve had acupuncture maybe five different times, totaling around 50 sessions. Honestly, I used to head home with needles still stuck in my feet and legs, just pulling them out myself.😁 🙄

The naturists and those peddling "medication" have been running their scams right here for thirty years now—just seasoned con artists doing what they've always done.

High blood pressure hits everyone differently. For me, I managed to get mine under control between 1986 and 1991—back when I still had enough energy to stay active. I did it without relying on any meds, natural or otherwise.

IBS hits everyone differently. Before the early '90s, I could eat just about anything without a second thought, and my system handled it just fine.

A urinary tract infection? That’s a whole different conversation. It’s pretty rare for guys, but it does happen. I’m not going to get into the whole herbal supplement debate either—I'm just waiting on modern medicine to get me that flexible cystoscopy. You know me, I'm practically looking forward to it. I guess you could say I'm "enjoying the pain."

We’ve been eating this way for about 35 years now, following the recommended diet of plenty of greens and fruit—which, thank God, we have available year-round here in the States. We just make sure to get the right amounts and variety to ensure we're hitting all our vitamins and getting everything we need.
In my neck of the woods, we’ve been cutting meat thin and avoiding the heavy stuff for over 35 years. We stay away from salt, skip the alcohol, and drink just enough water to handle this heat. Honestly, how would you know what it’s like to work in 113F weather?

I won't waste my breath. I already mentioned that my wife deals with B12 issues because her system just doesn't absorb it from food. She needs B12 injections every three months. Vitamins, regular food, or even YOUR FAMOUS PRODUCTS wouldn't do a lick of good for her.

Besides, I’ve tried everything—natural stuff, glucosamine from high-end clinical trials... it just doesn't work for many of us.

When it comes to cramps and musculoskeletal issues, there isn't a mineral, diet, or vitamin out there that can fix it. You don't live with constant pain, so you have no idea. Sometimes a muscle relaxant is the only thing that helps, which is why I take Valium and Quinine. I spent over two months trying various minerals and supplements, and nothing worked; I’ve actually had full-body spasms right in the middle of a grocery store. If you're healthy, good for you. I’m fine with my struggle. I don't need to go looking for sympathy from people like you.

What do you know if you haven't lived through it? All you've done is attend some sales seminar or read a few things and now you think you can lecture me on Nobel Prize-winning science.

You clearly don't get it. Once a laminectomy or stenosis surgery is done—once they cut deep into the back muscles to uncover the LAMINA, shave down bone, and reset everything—it’s never the same again.
Not every case is the same, and no two surgeries are identical.

I’m known for bouncing back fast, being a patient who doesn't complain, staying optimistic, and always being able to make a joke at my own expense.

But when someone is dealing with incurable conditions, NO AMOUNT OF SALESMEN—in this case, Mac Fcuker, or whatever name you want to put under "MODERN MEDICINE" to sell snake oil—can help. You can try selling that nonsense to healthy people who think they might have a minor issue, but not to us.

How would you even attempt to treat things like Asbestosis or Arachnoiditis? Especially if, after two surgeries, the nerves are compressed and the person can barely walk? They know they'll never walk like they used to, just struggling to get by month after month.
With your attitude... look, we've already been over this. You don't have the answers. If you did, you'd be a billionaire, because there are millions of people worldwide facing these exact problems.

Some of my ailments are pretty standard for my age, but Asbestosis, Arachnoiditis, and two spinal surgeries aren't exactly everyday occurrences. Living with that for 35 years is brutal. If you really wanted to help, you'd try living with that kind of pain for 35 years without any pain relief. Just imagine being in pain for 48 hours straight, let alone having to work through it until your entire health is completely destroyed.
And now you're suggesting I fix my worn-out muscles, tendon tears, and osteoarthritis with "HEALTHY FOOD"? Where on earth do you live?

All legitimate medications are tested and require FDA approval; some are researched for years.
If vitamins, supplements, and "healthy diets" were actually effective, they shouldn't be labeled "Medical Approved." They should have "UNAPPROVED" written in giant letters.

The American Medical Association puts it clearly: alternative medicine doesn't exist. There is only scientific, evidence-based medicine that has solid research, testing, and proven results. Everything else labeled "alternative" lacks scientific evidence. Until something is proven and tested to work, it shouldn't be called a medicine.

MaxuB said:A little friendly advice: try supplementing your "therapy" with some yoga and making sure you actually get some exercise. It beats just sitting around complaining about antidepressant side effects. [/COLOR]

Angela Rodriguez2 said:I agree. Getting active through sports or just staying moving can go a long way in burning off that negative energy. Plus, upping your intake of fruits and veggies helps protect your nervous system with B vitamins, which really helps keep everything in balance. 😉 🙂 👍

Oh... Dr. Fuckers, I didn't get a chance earlier!
Well, looks like you found your target audience!
Hey MaxuB, you finally got all those fillings replaced and finished up all those exams. Sounds like you’ve cleared out all the bad stuff at once. How’s your health holding up?
It must be nice being a hypochondriac when you're actually healthy.
You’d think that when you're young, you shouldn't have to worry about health or all the reckless stuff you used to pull... but have you finally convinced yourself that everything is actually okay?
It’s been a while since I’ve read your posts... so I'm not quite sure if there's anything new to catch up on?

Look, if I were actually healthy, I wouldn't be sitting here trying to figure out what's wrong with me in the first place. Why would I?

Back in '92, I didn't have a second to myself. It was nothing but work—just grinding away 12 to 14 hours a day... all while constantly managing pain. Honestly, getting those fillings removed wasn't even part of the plan to get healthy.Maybe if you just pulled all your teeth, you'd finally be cured. "How did I not think of that sooner?" I'd ask myself. Then I could just stick to a healthy diet through a feeding tube from Dr. Fuckers.

Dr. Fuckers, does healthy eating ever come in suppository form? I honestly wouldn't mind just doing it myself. If I'm going to pay for it anyway, I might as well enjoy the process a little!
bok Fucker

Hey MaxuB!

Finally caught some sleep. After pulling a 60-hour marathon without rest, I managed to get seven hours in after seeing my psychiatrist this morning.

Let's circle back to my visit to the orthopedist yesterday. Just to refresh your memory:

Note for QEH outpatient Orthopedics; QEH UR No:603835

I have some complaints I need to share. Please take a look at this: my X-rays, scans, ultrasounds, and a full list of the steroid injections I’ve had over the last 18 months.

Right wrist.
Dealing with pain in both my right and left elbows lately.
Dealing with issues in both shoulders.
Regarding the knees—it's the same situation as I mentioned before.
Bilateral plantar fasciitis. I’ve been dealing with it on my right foot for 37 years, and the left side for about 20.
I've been spending a massive amount of time on ladders and kneeling lately. It’s definitely taking its toll.

I’ve been dealing with pins and needles in both my arms and fingers lately. I've attached the medical reports here for anyone who wants to take a look.
Cervical degeneration at C5/6 and C6/7.
=======
At the doctor's office;
William, we’ve only got 20 minutes left and I see you have quite a lot on your plate. It’s good that you have everything prepared and written down. I'm addressing a junior doctor currently in training to become an orthopedist. Here we have a textbook case where everything is misaligned due to years of wear and tear. We aren't going to focus on the Lumbar section of the spine; that's a task for Professor X. William, are the symptoms still the same as before? And have you started physical therapy yet? I noticed the doctor ordered it about a month ago.

I had to strip down my shirt for the exam... this younger doctor is helping me out, but things got a little awkward. He was checking all my joints for any signs of dislocation and kept asking me to move my hands toward him and away from him. Hm. To comment on what William said—you really are quite strong, there aren't any issues with your muscles. He just keeps checking my head movements too... I'm staying pretty still.
You’re going to need an MRI for your cervical spine. Based on that last CT scan, it looks like there's some significant stuff going on that could be compressing your nerves whenever you lie down. What’s hitting you harder when you're horizontal—is it numbness in your arms or more of a shoulder pain? Also, which elbow is giving you more trouble?
You'll need an MRI for that right shoulder too. I’m also going to send you over to physical therapy to see what kind of progress we can actually make, though I won't promise miracles.
I don't examine feet or legs... actually, anything below the waist. You'll need to see a different specialist. We might have to go ahead with surgery on my right shoulder, but that really depends on what shows up on the MRI—an ultrasound only picks up external muscle issues. When I was heading out, the doctor mentioned to his junior associate that despite how much I struggle to walk, I still have more muscle strength than a high school kid who hits the gym regularly. I can't help but feel a bit ridiculous, but honestly, it doesn't matter if it's intense pain or just weak muscles. It all hurts the same.

Hey Doc... I’ve decided I’m done with the cutting. Honestly, I'd rather just deal with the pain than have things get any worse. After going through two spinal surgeries, I've definitely learned my lesson the hard way.
Had my MRI on February 14th, 2006, and saw the orthopedist on March 6th.

🙂 😉 😎

MangoAnanas said:If trying 20 different medications hasn't worked, have you ever considered ECT?

Well,
Honestly, Jamie Clark74 and I are both wondering if you've looked into ECT.
I know someone who struggled with depression for years, cycling through endless therapies and antidepressants, but things only really started looking up after she tried ECT.

So, as promised, I had my psychiatrist appointment today. It’s always the same routine: first, we have a little chat about family matters, then an update on how my wife, Verica, is doing, and then we spend the remaining 40 minutes strictly on my own issues and questions. That's just how it goes.
I brought up this forum and the writing, along with the trouble that comes when I try to tell the truth... my wife actually said, "I tell him he shouldn't write and air his problems; people should see what others keep hidden and how they call him a liar or a troublemaker."

Originally, it was actually the psychiatrist and the pain clinic's idea for me to start writing—to keep a journal while continuing my work, or at least something similar since I can't handle my old job anymore. They suggested it might help me transition into something like a community college or university course for seniors... which would be ideal if I could just treat it as a {{hobby}}. I managed to stick with it for about 18 months before the pain and restlessness became too much to handle.

I first saw a psychiatrist back in March 1992. I was the first one in, and here I am, 14 years later, still needing her.

We went over all the antidepressants I've taken, why we switched them, and the reasoning behind it. Some were specifically requested by the pain clinic to see if they might help manage the pain or affect the nervous system. Over time, we phased out everything the clinic suggested, and now I'm settled on Laxapro, which has its ups and the downs.

We talked about my panic attacks, which still happen today, and the constant anxiety that's always there... though I manage it somewhat with Rohypnol or Clonezapena. I don't mind spending the money, usually hovering between 2-3mg depending on how I feel. If I drop below that, my behavior changes immediately; my wife notices right away and asks if I skipped a dose or just forgot.

About a year ago, I tried to slowly taper off my antidepressant and Rohypnol, which led to a very unpleasant situation. I won't make that mistake again. I've successfully tapered off antidepressants many times before when switching types, but nothing like that experience. Since then, I gave my word to my doctor that I wouldn't "experiment" with my dosage anymore.

Anyway, we reviewed my medication list again today, and I asked about ECT, though I couldn't quite remember what her previous answer was.
She told me that patients who don't respond, or respond very poorly, to antidepressants are extremely rare cases for an ENT... and that in her 14 years of private practice—since she moved from state-run facilities—she has only seen three cases involving ECT.

In any case, I actually respond quite well to my current meds, but we changed them frequently at the request of various pain clinics. We aren't changing anything else now. I'm staying put, even though she thinks I was best on Paroxetine, but I wanted to switch after the last recommendation from the pain clinic. Besides, given my diagnosis of Arachnoiditis and having undergone two spinal surgeries, ECT isn't even on the table for me... the risk of nerve damage is just too high.

So, that's where I am. Other people on the forum might think I'm taking too many pills, but I only take what's necessary, and I'm not even using anything for the actual pain yet... because Tylenol and Advil aren't strong enough, but they're enough to save my stomach from the heavier stuff.

Sorry for the long post, but I couldn't just give a brief answer; everything is so interconnected. As you can see in the following link:

http://www.geocities.com/vilimkov/image19.jpg

It’s Wednesday afternoon here in Adelaide too, February 8th, 2006.

🙂 😉 😎

8/2/06
Every two weeks, I have a scheduled visit with my primary care physician—appointments that were actually set up a year in advance. Sometimes I need extra visits for specific issues too.
Every 14 days, I also need a testosterone injection, specifically Sustanon 250,1ml. For the first year, my wife used to handle them, but it wasn't easy for her. The injections are thick and tough to push through, so now her fingers are sore and swollen from arthritis; she’ll eventually need joint replacement surgery. Because of that, I have to go to the doctor for the shots now.
Between all the other prescriptions and referrals, I usually see him at least once a month... sometimes even more often.

We live in a "Retirement Village" here, and in nine years, he's been my third primary doctor.
I had trouble with the first one, and he ended up retiring. I saw the second one for years until he started charging me an extra $5-$10 out of pocket for every single visit.
The local private practice here has seven doctors. I actually asked the receptionist if there was anyone who didn't charge retirees extra (I knew there was someone, but they weren't taking new patients), so I switched to my current doctor. He's about 35 or 40, originally from Australia, his father is a doctor named Grik, and his mother was a
Naturopath.

He is very serious about his work and truly goes above and beyond for his patients; nothing is too much trouble for him. I have a lot of respect for him, just as he has for me. We spent one Saturday afternoon, maybe three or four hours, just going over everything. I gave him my entire medical history and all my past reports printed out so he’d know exactly what he was dealing with... it was a good way to get to know each other.

I can honestly say, much like with my psychiatrist, I’m very happy to have quality care and a doctor I can actually talk to. It’s useless to have a bunch of specialists who only see you two or four times a year; at the end of the day, it falls on the primary doctor to coordinate everything based on those specialists' advice.

He and I have reviewed my medication list several times, and what I'm currently taking is really the bare minimum. We've discussed "alternative natural remedies," and even though he's quite open to alternative medicine because his mother was a Naturopath, he doesn't think it would be wise to mix one or two herbal supplements with my current regimen, given how complex my situation is.

I'm very thankful that my liver and kidneys are in great shape. My stomach is a different story, though, since the medications affect digestion. There isn't a drug without side effects or complications; I certainly feel them, but it is what it is.

People always wonder how I can tolerate NSAIDs and anti-inflammatories after 36 years. Without them, I can barely move after three or four days. I know they cause digestive issues, so I occasionally balance things out with some suppositories... then back to Celebrex capsules.

If I only had one or two issues, I’d try to treat them with natural medicine if possible.
But with everything I'm dealing with, there isn't really an "alternative" way to do this.
And even if there were, I wouldn't be able to afford it.
Besides, many people don't realize that plenty of modern medicines are derived from natural products anyway.

I wrote all this yesterday, and I'm not sure what happened to the forum. Usually, I type everything up in Word first before posting...
Until next time
😉 🙂 😎

Hey there. I don't really have any profound advice to offer, I just wanted to tell you not to let those vultures on this forum get under your skin; they're just sitting around waiting for a chance to crucify someone and tear them down... there are some truly twisted people in this place. Just hang in there and try to ignore them, because giving them any attention will only end up pissing you off. Good luck!

Brian Ramos8 said:Hey there! I don't have any specific advice for you, I just wanted to say don't let those vultures on this forum get to you. They’re just waiting for a chance to tear someone down and mess with their head... there are some truly toxic people in here. Hang in there and just ignore them; they'll only end up upsetting you. Good luck!

Thanks for the support and for all the emails. Over the last few weeks, I've been feeling much better—as the saying goes!

🙂 😉 😎

If I’d had the chance to write this from the start, this whole thread wouldn't be such a mess. It’s all tangled up now. Somewhere in the middle, if you try to read through it, it’s hard to even tell what the main topic is.

There are links here pointing back to previous posts where people accused me of being a "slacker" who never worked and just made up all my illnesses.

Regarding the thread about Jamie Clark74: I deal with plenty of health issues, but I am certainly no "slacker." I’ve provided all the original documentation, including specialist letters, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasound results.

Let’s set aside my 36-year struggle with chronic pain and other ailments for a moment,
as well as my two spinal surgeries—specifically the Laminectomy and stenosis treatments.

What actually pushed me into disability retirement—which ends this year since I'll be turning 65 and transitioning to standard retirement—were the following medical events.

I’ll start with what happened back in 1991-1992, when three different psychiatrists diagnosed me with Major Depressive Disorder, panic attacks, anxiety, agoraphobia, and obsessive personality traits.

There are real reasons behind all those issues. Sometimes they build up over years without us even realizing it.

In my case, the depression and panic attacks started because of a job that demanded way too much. I actually complained about the workload, but the steel mill was going through massive layoffs, shrinking from 6,500 employees down to 2,900. I was part of the group saddled with heavy responsibilities; management basically told us, "You’re the group staying on, so it’s up to you to fix the system and make it work."

Before I got sick, I didn't realize anything was wrong. But eventually, I lost the strength to even get out of bed. Then came the nights where I couldn't sleep at all; I'd sit in the living room having panic attacks, wondering whether to call 911 because my blood pressure was spiking and my heart rate was hitting 120-140 beats per minute.
I used my four weeks of annual leave, went back to work, felt even worse, and ended up taking six weeks of leave. When I finally returned, I was sent home from the medical center because they thought I was having a heart attack and rushed me to the hospital. My primary care doctor gave me everything needed to prevent a cardiac event, but the tests came back clear. That was the first time anyone suggested it might actually be anxiety.

Until I saw a Neurologist and a psychiatrist, I didn't believe anyone when they said my problems were "nerve-related," as we unrefined folks say. I mean, who actually wants to be labeled mentally ill?

That was back in 1991. I filed a claim with the company for workplace stress and began treatment. A visiting Neurologist confirmed the stress was the issue and referred me to a psychiatrist who visited every two weeks. Based on my symptoms and the DSM-IV criteria, he made the diagnosis, which was later confirmed by two other psychiatrists.

I saw the psychiatrist every two weeks, making trips to Adelaide and back. We eventually moved to Adelaide in 1994. Back in 1992, while driving toward Adelaide at night, a car swerved into our lane because the driver fell asleep. I barely avoided a collision, though the side of our car was totaled. Luckily, no one was hurt. That incident really drove home the idea that after 25 years in one place, we should move to a major city like Adelaide.497 miles
It was tough leaving our son behind right as he was starting his apprenticeship and technical school. We helped him get settled into a two-bedroom apartment, furnished it, and paid his rent for the first six months. Since he was earning a wage, he could manage the rest. He spent four years working 12-hour days between his trade and school to earn two certifications: electrician and instrument mechanic, eventually becoming a certified electronics technician.

1992 was also incredibly stressful because my older son was struggling with his own "stress" issues.
He worked out in the desert for two or three weeks at a time before coming home for a week. He had two kids and was reaching his breaking point. His wife was pregnant again, and after nine years of marriage, things hit a crisis point. It wasn't an affair or anything; it was the overwhelming pressure of debt and raising three children. One morning, we got a phone call from him saying he was going to kill himself and saw no way out. We had just returned from Adelaide the night before, so we immediately called his wife and told them both to wait so we could meet them at 5:00 AM.

Basically, my son headed out for field work, leaving us to stay with my daughter-in-law for a few days to help her through the worst of it.
He moved in with a single colleague he was working with, and since the house was sold, we did everything we could to help her get settled into a rental. We stay in close contact and help out whenever it's possible.
It's funny how when things go wrong, they all hit at once. It’s been 14 years now; she’s still raising the kids on her own. My son pays steady, reliable child support. He remarried about three years later—he's 43 now—and doesn't have any more children.

To top it all off, he had an accident at work that broke and damaged his cervical vertebrae. He went through three surgeries and is now permanently disabled. He has a morphine pump implanted; thankfully, he isn't in constant pain, but he'll need a new pump installed every five years because the batteries only last that long. Every six or seven weeks, they check the pump's status via computer and refill the morphine.

Intrathecal Morphine Pump for Pain Management!

It took me years to finally wrap my head around this: in our early years and childhood, we aren't just growing up—we're being shaped. Our nature is passed down through our genes, sure, but the way our parents raise us leaves a permanent mark. Those early influences stay with us for the rest of our lives.

It’s vital that I revisit my past and my childhood. That’s where all my struggles first took root, and it’s exactly why I’m facing this whole treatment process now in my fifties.

The following excerpts are from:
Jamie Clark74: My childhood under communism.

1945-1947
Times were incredibly tough back then. So many people lost their parents and their homes all at once. I still remember how our family—even though we didn't exactly have much space ourselves—took in "war orphans" for about two years. They were around my age. We did that until things finally stabilized and the government opened up dedicated shelters for everyone affected by the war.

I still remember my sister telling me stories about what life was like during the war—all those things they had to surgically remove. Once the war finally ended, she was among the first wave of young people out there working alongside the military to build up the railroads and the interstate highway system.
I remember it clearly—every single time she came back, she’d show up with a new stack of trophies and awards from her races. She was an American track and field champion.

When she finally returned, she decided to learn a trade. She trained in upper shoe stitching, just like the leather production side of things.

It’s starting to feel like those old days again... I remember my father working at an orthopedic factory, making prosthetics and custom footwear for people with disabilities.
I remember back when we lived on Vocarska, he was actually chosen to head up the planning and coordinate the volunteer work for the new community center.

I remember being right there in the trenches, hauling bricks whenever I could. I even have photos of myself perched on a ladder, passing tiles down the line to the next guy.

I still remember my school days over on Babunicev ulica, and that plot of land the government handed us in the neighborhood... that’s where my early days of working in the garden began. It always went like this: while everyone else was running around kicking a soccer ball, I’d be out in that massive garden, turning the soil or pulling weeds. To be honest, there were plenty of times when Mom and Dad weren't looking and I'd just sit there crying, feeling pretty miserable because I couldn't join in the games.

Back when we lived over on Vocarska, we actually had this little shared space with our neighbors where we’d raise a couple of pigs, along with some rabbits and pigeons. It was one of those times where you just made do with what you had—you figured out how to scrape by, and that’s exactly what you ate.

I know not everyone was that driven—some were true gentlemen—but that sense of resourcefulness definitely runs in my family. It comes from my father. He had a rough road in life, starting his trade at just twelve years old. He’d be up at 4:00 AM to get everything ready at the shop, then spend the rest of the day working until dark just to master the craft.
Back in the day, his father actually had to pay the handyman with 200kg of grain and two pigs every single year. That’s just how things used to be.

What am I even getting at here? I just wanted to show that life after the war was a real struggle, though everyone found their own way to get through it.

I still remember how we were raised back in the day. We used to address everyone as Mr. or Mrs., and when it came to the older, more prominent ladies, we’d show our respect by saying, "I kiss your hands." That was a long time ago—way back.
We used to live in a neighborhood like Beverly Hills, right under the estate of Countess Draskovic. We actually had a place on the ground floor of her lover's villa—he was Mate Grkovic, a well-known stage actor.

Look, I’ve said it before: nobody had an easy childhood. We all carry our own baggage. But let’s be honest—not everyone had to fight the same battles I did.
I’m not complaining, but there are times I wish I’d had a more typical childhood—instead of being out on construction sites and working in the garden since I was seven.
Even after we moved over to the cemetery area and had that other construction site near our old place in Beverly Hills, my life didn't really change much. I was still hauling bricks at the job sites, and we still had our garden back in the hills—it just meant a much longer walk.
We actually tried building a house ourselves for a little while. We never quite got it finished, though—we just ran out of cash, and my dad couldn't get a loan approved.

When was the last time you actually thought back to your childhood?

Man, I love this city. In the summer, I just walk around barefoot.
Stuck in some hot tar. Wish me luck.
I'm walking on my toes now, but the stinging sensation is actually getting worse.

I head for cover and my legs just sink under the water... oh God.
To the one who brings both the sunshine and the rain—this was it.
Maybe a little too much. Have some pity for us little guys.

My mind wanders back to my childhood in the Midwest, when I was just a small
kid frequently taking the school bus. It used to be sweltering, but
right across the street from my house was the Ilovo River.
I was tiny, but everyone always called me "Joe’s hardworking son."

The shovel was bigger than I was, but I wasn't called
Joe’s son for nothing. I’d plunge that shovel into the river and haul
small loads of sand up, tossing them over my head onto the first step... sometimes half would splash back into the
river... but Jamie Clark74 was persistent. I spent hours tossing sand onto those three steps before finally piling it at the top where we’d sell it by the cubic yard.

I think I was the first kid in school to actually understand what a cubic yard was.
When the teacher asked, I just said, "Two mornings at the river equals that much." Everyone laughed at Joe’s son... but then I showed them with my two little steps how big the pile should be... until it was almost head-high. Everyone cheered.

I remember my grandfather—a small, older man with glasses and his cherished family Bibles. We never worked on Sundays. I had to sit and listen to him read Scripture. Once lunch was served, even if there was room at the big table, we kids under sixteen had our own little table and chairs. That was our spot.

I remember during that first year, tears were streaming into my plate while
I ate, and my sister ran off to the barn and hid until evening.

Years later, I was working like a farmhand,
from sunrise to sunset. I’d lead the cattle to pasture,
watching the cows while Grandfather plowed the fields.
Grandfather used to call me William after the Prussian Emperor. He was a sharp man who spoke four languages... he moved here all the way from the suburbs of Chicago and married a woman from a local family, and they ended up having thirteen children.
Grandfather was a highly educated man, a real scholar, and I learned so much from him.

I remember when he passed away; I didn't attend the funeral. My father went alone.
The following summer, we were all sitting at the large dining table,
but Aunt Bozena, still young then, hauled the table and chairs into the barn. She declared that as long as she was alive, no one would eat at "Grandfather's chairs" ever again.

But sometimes I think about those chairs and that table. All thirteen
of us grew up eating at them, because that’s just how things were back then.

I know it doesn't rhyme, but it feels right to say it.
As I write this, tears are welling up thinking about the Midwest, the river... the sand, and my grandfather. I get a lump in my throat remembering that little kids' table, sitting just a few inches off the floor.

Jamie Clark74
1950
😉 🙂 😎

Each brick weighed about 5.5 pounds... I lost count, but I probably lugged at least 100,000 of them around while we were building houses in our neighborhood during my early teens.
Back when we lived near the cemetery, my dad—bless him—organized it so that every day after school, I’d head out to work. I was hauling bricks, mixing mortar, and doing all sorts of manual labor. In one of the houses we worked on, they kept cows, so my sweat equity actually paid for the milk, potatoes, and cabbage. I don't recall ever getting pocket money for a movie; everything went toward groceries or buying my schoolbooks.

The only saving grace was my older sister. She had a soft spot for me and would occasionally slip a few bucks into my pocket so I could catch a film. That lasted until I turned 15 and started earning my own way.

I used to work straight through until 9:00 PM, then come home to finish homework or copy someone else's assignment just to stay afloat. There were days I’d actually nod off right there in class from sheer exhaustion. But I never complained. Honestly, I was just proud whenever my dad praised how hard I was working.

One thing I should mention: even after his regular job, my dad always spent his evenings at home making custom orthopedic shoes for people in need.

As for the garden, that was a constant thing for us. Even after we moved, we had a plot over by the old neighborhood where all three of us would work together before my father took over the maintenance himself. He’d spend his evenings working on the land, walking home from the outskirts of town, and then settling back in to work on those shoes.
Since my mom didn't work outside the house, things weren't exactly easy financially, despite how much we put in.

I remember when I was 13, we started digging at the construction site. We needed a basement since we were built on a hill, and we needed water. One Saturday, my dad and I dug down about six or seven feet, and within two days, we hit a well. We had more than enough water to last the entire build.

Once the basement was done and the foundations were set, autumn rolled in... which meant a change of pace. My "new job" season began, which mostly involved staying warm and enjoying good company at my aunt and uncle's place.

My aunt and uncle ran a massive operation after hours making Christmas jewelry. It was sold all over the US, and we even shipped it across the borders.
We worked almost year-round; my mom would help out during the day, and I’d jump in right after school.

The process involved cutting glass of various thicknesses over a flame and sealing it... I handled that part. My uncle would heat the pieces, blow them to create spheres, and we also made other ornaments like tree toppers, little birds, and hollow beads.
Once they were blown, my job was to trim the excess from the stems. Then my mom would dip them and work them in liquid while wearing gloves to silver them.

It went on forever. I still remember my first night working—it was a Saturday night heading into Sunday. We drank strong coffee to stay awake, and I had my very first cigarette, just to see what it was like!

I spent many nights working instead of going to school. Is Jamie Clark74 smart enough to learn from that?
It was such a mistake on my parents' part—not just working through the night, but actually writing fake excuse notes to the school saying I was sick. Though, to be fair, I *was* exhausted.
At the time, it didn't feel like an issue, but looking back, it really hit me much later... it was a rough start, no matter how hard-working you are.

I also helped my mom move smaller batches, sometimes stacking boxes as high as a freight truck to get them onto the train for shipping to where they were ordered.

With every passing day, my skills and experience just kept growing.
That kind of work continued right up until I officially started my own trade.

I found out later that we had actually borrowed money from my aunt to build our house, and we used the profits from this business to pay it back.

I suppose I gained a lot of diverse knowledge while other kids and teenagers were out just messing around and having fun.

👋 👋

What kind of forum is this? It’s just Jamie Clark74 posting here. How on earth did this become a trending topic?!

Chloe Gray12 said:Which forum are we even talking about? It’s just Jamie Clark74 posting here. How did this become a trending topic?!

29/01/06 Chloe Gray12 wrote;
I suggest Jamie Clark74 starts a brand new thread so he can monopolize the whole space. He keeps making endless posts saying the exact same things, plus his signature is ridiculously long with all those links to his blogs and whatnot.

Short memory, isn't it?
I actually did everything for you and stripped my avatar and signatures... until I noticed what everyone else was doing—posting nonsense in their signatures in all caps. So, I brought it all back a few days ago.

P.S. If anyone is unhappy and feels this thread is unnecessary or inappropriate, please speak up. I'll be the first to vote to close this as a trending topic and let it fade away naturally.

And apparently, the moderators thought this was the best way to stop me from starting new threads!
Best regards, Jamie Clark74

With everything else going on, I completely forgot to mention that this happened at least ten times before I was even ten years old.
If I was lucky enough to get an hour to play soccer with the neighborhood kids—which I absolutely loved—my mother would never just call me home. Instead, she’d mess with me... it’s hard to put into words. If I wasn't back exactly on time, there was a punishment: kneeling in a corner on corn kernels, facing the wall, with my arms held out so I couldn't lean. If I moved even an inch, the sentence just got longer.
It usually lasted anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes.

I didn't originally intend to write about this, but I want to highlight what children go through and the things they endure.

I'm not sharing this to brag. I'm writing so others can understand why I struggle with the same issues as those who have been through similar things. I want people to know they weren't alone. And I want parents to remember that children aren't tools to be used, punished, or broken—physically or mentally.

That’s really the only reason I write. If my words can help even a few people... well, if someone learns something, finds support, or realizes they need to seek further help, then I'm happy.

Jamie Clark74

I can't wrap my head around spending 15 years hooked on antidepressants and anxiolytics. I won't say a single word about the psychiatrist prescribing them, mainly because she doesn't even cite a single piece of professional research. On the flip side, Australia actually produced one of the world's leading experts on anxiety and panic attacks. If you speak English, look up the work of Dr. Claire Weekes; her approach to treating panic attacks is still the gold standard today. If you're already having to take medication for physical pain, at least try to help yourself avoid needing anxiolytics and antidepressants just to manage panic attacks, if I'm understanding you correctly.
http://www.highbridgeaudio.com/pasthrougpan.html

Jamie Clark74 is just a victim of the system he’s stuck in. Honestly, if he were living in Pakistan, China, or Somalia, you’d see how fast he’d actually recover.

He just got caught in this whirlwind where there's no easy way out. If he shows any signs of getting better, they expect him back at work immediately. But what happens if he feels terrible again in a month? Then it's the same old headache—dealing with doctors, filling out endless paperwork, and basically having to prove to the system that he’s actually sick.

And once you fall into that hole, it’s honestly easier to stay sick while drawing a paycheck than it is to try and get healthy for peanuts. It’s the same for Jamie Clark74 as it is for so many others; there’s no real way out because staying a victim pays better than being a hero. And in the end, after taking all those meds for so long, you really do end up getting sick.

The laws here in the US regarding "long term disability" were recently adjusted because the old way simply wasn't helping people. In fact, it was making them sicker and more exhausted.
Now, they're allowed to work as much as they can—just enough to maintain the routine that's so vital for mental health—without being penalized. That is, while they're receiving benefits, they can earn up to $5,000 a year without any issues.

stormylynx4 Jamie Clark74 said:I can’t imagine spending fifteen years of my life relying on antidepressants and anxiolytics. Honestly, I wouldn't waste a single word on a psychiatrist who doesn't even bother to cite a professional study in their practice. On the other hand, Australia actually gave us one of the leading experts in the field of anxiety and panic attacks. If you search in English for the work of Dr. Claire Weekes, you'll find that her approach to treating panic attacks is still largely used today. If you absolutely have to take medication for pain, at least try to help yourself so you don't end up needing anxiolytics and antidepressants—which, if I understood correctly, you're primarily taking to manage panic attacks.
Check out this Highbridge Audio page on passthrough panning: http://www.highbridgeaudio.com/pasthrougpan.html

It looks like we have a fellow quote enthusiast here. Out of curiosity, how many years has it actually been since the first edition of that book by Dr. Claire Weekes was released?
Born in 1903, passed away in 1990... yet people are still churning out books on this. Honestly, God knows which editions they're printing now, but they’re always these tiny, cheap little things. People are buying them up like they're some kind of magic cure-all. It feels like someone's just looking for a quick way to make a buck.

How outdated are her techniques and treatments really? When you consider the pace of modern life, how much weight can we actually give to her expertise? She’s just a General Practitioner, after all—not someone who specialized in psychiatry or psychology. Sure, she wrote books, but they weren't strictly medical texts either.
Her approach and treatment methods date back to 1962. Back then, there weren't many specialists dedicated solely to mental health, especially when it came to women's issues.

If you look online, you’ll mostly just find endless cycles of reselling, flipping, and all sorts of other schemes.
She was honored with the Order of the Queen for being the first woman to earn both her university degree and her doctorate.

There’s really no point in questioning what my psychiatrist posted. She’s done the work and earned her credentials. Honestly, why bother nitpicking? Just look at how much she travels—she’s out there speaking at conferences all over the world.

You really can't compare life and society in the 21st century to how things were between 1960 and 1980. Times have changed significantly. Technology has shifted, and the way computerization impacts the workforce isn't even close to what it was 30 or 40 years ago.

I’ve heard it from just about every other psychiatrist and psychologist I've encountered at the pain clinic: they are genuinely glad to have her as their patient. It makes sense, though. She’s widely recognized as a leading specialist across the entire Asia-Pacific region, including the US and Australia. If she weren't that highly regarded, she wouldn't be sitting on the board for psychiatric examinations, nor would she have spent years heading up the association of psychiatrists for the whole Asian region. She even sits on the national advisory panel that consults the government on medication, mental health policy, and the accreditation of foreign doctors.

It looks like you haven't quite caught up on everything I've shared here. My issues aren't just simple matters; they're pretty complex and tend to ripple out and affect pretty much every part of my life.

I mentioned before that my General Practitioner and my Psychiatrist both work alongside the Pain Clinic.
People who haven't dealt with this firsthand might not get it. I’ve spent 20 years navigating pain clinics—two different facilities plus one private practice. I've been through every treatment and diagnostic test available. A lot of the medicine prescribed targets the nervous system for patients dealing with neurological pain following surgery. They often use anti-seizure meds or antidepressants because, for about 30% of people, nothing else works. One of my biggest hurdles is that I simply don't want to be drugged. I want to stay in control of my own life.

Some people still hold onto that old mindset—labeling anyone struggling with mental health as "crazy." They think these individuals just don't know how to help themselves. It’s a tired perspective.
Lately, we’ve seen quite a few famous actors dealing with this illness, which seems to have sparked a lot more conversation and debate in the spotlight.

In Australia, we’ve had two top-tier politicians step down from their roles as State Governors. They were incredible leaders, truly. But between the relentless stress and everything else that comes with the job, they just had to resign. It’s a shame they hadn't discovered Dr. Claire Weekes' work. Even when other leading specialists couldn't seem to help, I bet if they had actually read her books or listened to her techniques, they could have recovered. Honestly, I think the specialists themselves should have been reading her.

My Psychiatrist!
Not many people understand how physical and psychiatric issues intertwine—even doctors at a specialized pain clinic often lack answers. It’s a relatively new approach, only about 25 years old, where a multidisciplinary team—anesthesiologists, neurologists, internists, nurses, physical therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists—all work alongside the patient.

For what it's worth, I’d recommend five or six specific books and some relaxation techniques for self-hypnosis, though I know those offer little comfort to someone who is truly suffering.

Have I heard "think positive"? Please. I’ve been practicing that for at least 35 years. Hoping for a miracle? It isn't going to happen. Instead, you learn to accept reality and just live. Like my General Practitioner tells me: "There won't be a miracle for you." Honestly, I admire how much you've endured over the years and how long you kept working. Looking through my own 35 years of medical records, my doctor once said, "I have never seen anyone with sciatica or a pinched nerve work 15 months straight without taking sick leave." He also noted they would have been starving if I had stopped working; back before 1974, there wasn't a social safety net like we have now—it was just the Salvation Army or food stamps. For Jamie Clark74, that felt beneath his dignity. I wasn't raised to beg.

I borrowed money just to survive for two months and paid it back in full. And instead of having nine months of rehab, we're talking about a massive 30cm Laminectomy at L5/S1 with fusion performed by an orthopedic surgeon rather than a neurosurgeon. I lied to them and went back to work after just seven weeks without any rehab or physical therapy. I knew immediately the surgery hadn't worked; my leg was still dragging, and I could never bend again. Not from the knee down, and certainly not over a table or sink without pain. But I worked normally, gritting my teeth and crawling on my knees if I needed to reach something. I did attic work too, which meant crawling and lying flat because the joists weren't solid like ours—they were spaced out every 18 inches. That was my second job; my main job was industrial electrical work at a steel mill.

It feels silly even writing this again—let it all go to hell, including me.

Do you really think someone like me *wants* to be sick? You'd understand better if you followed my history.
People like me just ache for the days when we were working and actually had the strength to keep going.

Way to go, Italy, at the 2006 Winter Olympics!
🙂 😉 😎