aspergers and vaping.

[AXIOM_1]

Maybe now is not the right time for me to drop in and say hi ....

It's about time you jumped in Mrs/Miss!

 

[AXIOM_1]

Soooooooooooooo, I missed a bit this weekend, but guess who finally got help with their anxiety! Woooooooo. Pumped to see if these meds work. (Though, I'll tell you, if you're taking something for anxiety, never EVER read the side-effects list. It took the g/f almost 1/2 an hour to talk me into giving the meds a shot after I saw that list, and I almost had a panic attack)

lol -- you worry too much sista -- come to think of it I do too sometimes

In other news, roughest day ever, accident shut down the commute for half of my city and I left my carry case at home, which means NO juice! aghhhhh

Now, we can't have that

 

[AXIOM_1]

Hi folks!

I've been lurking on this thread for some time. I've wanted to join in on occasion, but I keep telling myself that you have your own struggles and don't want to hear about mine.

See how you are? -- I really don't have too many struggles --- just like to hang out with my own type from time to time.

I don't believe that I have Asperger's, but I do struggle with some of the same issues, and I am happy to see others here actually discussing their problems. I've been guilty in RL of not sharing enough. Trying to put on a happy or brave face for the world. I don't like other people worrying about me.

I certainly don't care if you have Aspergers or not --- You seem to have some types of problems (similar to us) so put them on the table whenever you desire...

But in a room full of people with similar issues, it feels less lonely. It gives me hope. Thanks, all. I wanted to say "Hi", and thanks for showing me that maybe I'm not as alone as I think.

Yeah and that's why I like this thread.... Might sound like a bunch of belly aching to some people but we do have our moments of levity here as well

 

[Electrodave]

HEY Taxguy! I was wondering when you'd chime in. . . I've seen you lurking down there in that box for a bit.

this started out as aspies but has delved into all sorts of topics. welcome to the party!

Thanks for the welcome!

Mind if I unload a bit? When I was about 18 months old, I got an ear infection and a fever that ran up to 106F (I am told). As I grew up, people started noticing that I would "drift off" on occasion. All sorts of explanations were given, including that it was just "thoughtfulness", or, later in my teen years, drug abuse.

I didn't know how to tell people what was happening. I had no way of describing it, no other frame of reference. It got worse and happened more and more frequently. Doctors would "diagnose" me with unlikely conditions like hypoglycemia.

Then, when I was 16, I had a major tonic/clonic seizure. Tore my left rotator cuff wide open. All of those years, I had epilepsy, but it wasn't diagnosed because I had only been having "absence" seizures before then. Hopefully, teachers and doctors are more likely today to see this for what it is.

Which leads to the other thing.

The brain damage that caused the seizures caused something else to happen as well, and the seizures gradually made it worse. I was easily depressed ("Stop being so glum, chum"). My arms never swung normally when I walked. I had a stiff gait, and looked down frequently when I walked.

I also had a lot of trouble sitting still. I felt like I was being torn apart. I moved around a bit, and the discomfort went away for a while. Teachers called me disruptive, and a neurologist diagnosed me with what was then called "hyperkinesis". So they gave me Ritalin, which made me much worse.

All of this continued into adulthood. Still does. But now, there are seizure medicines that really work, and I haven't had one in 9 years. Which is good, since the last one lasted for about 40 hours. I'm lucky to be alive.

There are also milder medications now for Parkinson's Disease, which is what the other problem turned out to be. My smoking was just another symptom (compulsive behavior). I tend to latch onto something and not let it go until the next distraction comes along. I've spent the last three months tinkering with vaping equipment every night. Until a few months ago, I spent several years compulsively building and playing guitars. I now own more guitars than I can possibly justify.

Thank God for my wife of 30 years, and her devotion even in the face of my sometimes bizarre behavior.

But in the 60's, it was absolutely unimaginable that a child could have a Parkinsonism. There still exists some controversy among doctors about it. But I know it's real, and once in a while, I see a child that exhibits the so familiar symptoms. I want to say something to the parents (if they're present), but I know better than that. I just hope that they find the truth someday soon.

Now, another challenge comes along (well, in addition to getting old and discovering such delights as diabetes and gout). The very effective anti-seizure medications that I've been taking for over 20 years are starting to show some long term effects. They were originally developed for Bipolar Disorder. I'm in the first generation of people who have been taking them for this long.

The doses of these medicines are much, much higher for seizure control than for Bipolar. Some people, myself included, are starting to suffer a side effect called "mirroring". They actually, over time, start causing some of the same symptoms that they are supposed to treat. So a couple of years ago, I started having manic episodes.

Depression is already a symptom of Parkinson's Disease. I was already taking anti-depressants. Apparently, the combination makes the manic episodes worse. But I can't risk trying a different class of seizure meds, since none of the others really work for me, and another seizure could be the last. Plus, I can't take anti-depressants without climbing the walls.

Did I say "unload a bit"? Sorry.

 

[AXIOM_1]

@Taxguydave I will reply to your post when I have a bit of time --- a few chores are calling me.... Trust me brother, I want to reply to that post...so keep checking back because I will reply later on.

 

[Electrodave]

@Taxguydave I will reply to your post when I have a bit of time --- a few chores are calling me.... Trust me brother, I want to reply to that post...so keep checking back because I will reply later on.

Have I mentioned yet that I love you, in a non-romantic kind of way?

 

[Robert Cromwell]

Taxguy this is the place to unload. Not sure how much it helps but I don't think it hurts.

 

[Electrodave]

Taxguy this is the place to unload. Not sure how much it helps but I don't think it hurts.

Thanks, Lord Cromwell.

I think it can help. If nothing else, you find out how NOT alone you are with your struggles. A lot of people carry burdens on their shoulders, afraid to tell anyone else, because it seems like you're the only person in the world who has that particular problem.

Before the internet, it was just by chance that you might meet and talk to someone who could really relate. Today we might run into such a person almost anywhere. Even on an e cigarette forum.

 

[AXIOM_1]

Thanks for the welcome!
Mind if I unload a bit?

Not at all --- unload all you want brother

When I was about 18 months old, I got an ear infection and a fever that ran up to 106F (I am told). As I
grew up, people started noticing that I would "drift off" on occasion. All sorts of explanations were
given, including that it was just "thoughtfulness", or, later in my teen years, drug abuse.

I had a cousin that when he was 4 years old got a high fever (spinal meningitis) and it caused him to go
permanently and totally deaf in both ears -- Yeah whenever a person gets a real high fever like that it can
cause all sorts of neurological damage for sure. My cousin's fever was also 106 degrees and he almost did not
survive. You are fortunate to have even survived such an ordeal.

Doctors would "diagnose" me with unlikely conditions like hypoglycemia.

Yeah -- good ole croakers and their WRONG diagnosis's -- the problem with lots of neurological disorders is
that they cannot be readily tested for or even seen on many modern imaging scans. So, getting a proper
diagnosis is sometimes very difficult if not impossible. Especially if a person has some type of a
neurologic disorder that crosses boundaries and shares traits with other disorders.

Then, when I was 16, I had a major tonic/clonic seizure. Tore my left rotator cuff wide open. All of those
years, I had epilepsy, but it wasn't diagnosed because I had only been having "absence" seizures before
then. Hopefully, teachers and doctors are more likely today to see this for what it is.

Strange you should mention absence seizures because I used to have them and they never could find the cause.
My absence seizures never showed up on any type of EEG machine. I also am on anti-seizure medication but I
am NOT on it because of absence seizures. I am on it because I have a "weird" form of neuropathy for which
they do not know the cause. (Sensi-motor PolyNeuropathy) The anti-seizure medicine helps diminish the pain
from the body-wide neuropathy.

The brain damage that caused the seizures caused something else to happen as well, and the seizures
gradually made it worse. I was easily depressed ("Stop being so glum, chum"). My arms never swung normally
when I walked. I had a stiff gait, and looked down frequently when I walked.

That's a bummer for sure, it really is ---- I don't have any type of physical indicators that show my
neurological state. I walk normal, talk normal, and do everything else normal (except socialize "normal"). ---
From what I understand an abnormal gait is often associated with seveal types of neurologic disorders.

Teachers called me disruptive, and a neurologist diagnosed me with what was then called "hyperkinesis". So
they gave me Ritalin, which made me much worse.

Miserable croakers anyway Always doing something to make us worse instead of better.
a.k.a. Guinea pigs

There are also milder medications now for Parkinson's Disease, which is what the other problem turned out to
be. My smoking was just another symptom (compulsive behavior). I tend to latch onto something and not let
it go until the next distraction comes along. I've spent the last three months tinkering with vaping
equipment every night. Until a few months ago, I spent several years compulsively building and playing
guitars. I now own more guitars than I can possibly justify.

I can really relate to the latching on to a subject until another interest comes along. As a matter of fact,
I sort of laugh at myself now days for believing that I never had tunnel vision but that everyone else on
the planet does lol .... The reality, as I have come to understand it, is the exact opposite... In certain
ways, it is myself who has the tunnel vision. I say this because I block everything else out in life while
studying what interests me (tunnel vision).... Most "normals" that I know are able to study and pursue what
interests them and at the same time are able to be active at socializing and just generally have a balanced
lifestyle of sorts. Not so much with a guy like myself.. I selectively focus in on one subject/event at a
time.... I had always "assumed" that everyone was that way but it wasn't until just a few years ago that I
was told "no, that is not normal" lol ... So, that is when the learning process about myself truly began.
Some claim that it is this very phenomenon of utmost concentration/fixation that allows Asperger folks to
mentally excel at certain things... I don't really know about that nor do I care about it .... I only know I
possess those tendencies.

Thank God for my wife of 30 years, and her devotion even in the face of my sometimes bizarre behavior.

Well, about all I can say is that she must really love you. Lots of Women would not be so selfless. So, you
are very fortunate in those regards.

Now, another challenge comes along (well, in addition to getting old and discovering such delights as
diabetes and gout).

yeah that's one disease none of us will escape -- age

The doses of these medicines are much, much higher for seizure control than for Bipolar. Some people,
myself included, are starting to suffer a side effect called "mirroring". They actually, over time, start
causing some of the same symptoms that they are supposed to treat. So a couple of years ago, I started
having manic episodes.

I have been on anti-seizure meds for a few years now --- gosh I hope I can avoid those problems

Now see, opening yourself up wasn't that fatal now was it?
Thanks for sharing.

 

[AXIOM_1]

Have I mentioned yet that I love you, in a non-romantic kind of way?

I will take all of the luvin stuff I can ever get -- I didn't think you meant romantic -- besides it would be difficult for you to get used to my horns.

 

[Luke95]

In a non romantic way I love all you guys you understand me. And are willing to help.

I don't know what has happened to me. I have never felt like this. All the sudden an outcry of emotion has eaten me and made me see so much I have done wrong.

Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk

 

[AXIOM_1]

In a non romantic way I love all you guys you understand me. And are willing to help.

I don't know what has happened to me. I have never felt like this. All the sudden an outcry of emotion has eaten me and made me see so much I have done wrong.

Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk

that's the problem with humanity -- not enough loving and too much hating.

 

[Luke95]

The worst part is I missed all the happiness

Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk

 

[AXIOM_1]

The worst part is I missed all the happiness

Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk

I hear ya brother --- I missed out on lots too, in pursuit of knowledge --- but to what end? But brother Luke, you are young enough and you can do something about it, no?

 

[Electrodave]

Not at all --- unload all you want brother

Much appreciated.

Yeah -- good ole croakers and their WRONG diagnosis's -- the problem with lots of neurological disorders is
that they cannot be readily tested for or even seen on many modern imaging scans. So, getting a proper
diagnosis is sometimes very difficult if not impossible. Especially if a person has some type of a
neurologic disorder that crosses boundaries and shares traits with other disorders.

My EEG's have always been "close to normal", and nothing has ever shown up on any imaging.

Strange you should mention absence seizures because I used to have them and they never could find the cause.
My absence seizures never showed up on any type of EEG machine. I also am on anti-seizure medication but I
am NOT on it because of absence seizures. I am on it because I have a "weird" form of neuropathy for which
they do not know the cause. (Sensi-motor PolyNeuropathy) The anti-seizure medicine helps diminish the pain
from the body-wide neuropathy.

I've had "root pains" (shooting pains caused by the nerves themselves) since I was a child. I can relate to the neuropathy. Something that's really hard to describe to someone else. Like absence seizures. How can you possibly describe those adequately to anyone else?

That's a bummer for sure, it really is ---- I don't have any type of physical indicators that show my
neurological state. I walk normal, talk normal, and do everything else normal (except socialize "normal

Normal? What's that?

So, that is when the learning process about myself truly began.
Some claim that it is this very phenomenon of utmost concentration/fixation that allows Asperger folks to
mentally excel at certain things... I don't really know about that nor do I care about it .... I only know I
possess those tendencies.

We're special! That much is true.

Well, about all I can say is that she must really love you. Lots of Women would not be so selfless. So, you are very fortunate in those regards.

I am extremely fortunate. She has her own challenges, so support goes both ways. As it should.

yeah that's one disease none of us will escape -- age

Actually, you're wrong there. We will all escape it some day. Like it or not.

I have been on anti-seizure meds for a few years now --- gosh I hope I can avoid those problems

The big offenders (by brand name) are Depakote, Lamictal and Keppra. Keppra is probably the worst, behavior wise. Somebody coined the term "Kepprage". It's appropriate. Lamictal is the most likely to cause manic episodes. Depakote causes tremors, which is how I ended up being diagnosed with Parkinson's. The tremors got better, but didn't go away when I discontinued it.

But I'm kind of stuck with Keppra and Lamictal, 'cause they work, and I can't live with the side effects of Depakote.

Don't worry about it too much. These complications don't seem to show up until after you've been taking them for a couple of decades or so.

Now see, opening yourself up wasn't that fatal now was it?
Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for listening.

 

[AXIOM_1]

I've had "root pains" (shooting pains caused by the nerves themselves) since I was a child. I can relate to the neuropathy. Something that's really hard to describe to someone else. Like absence seizures. How can you possibly describe those adequately to anyone else?

Bother, do you know what a "miracle" (for a lack of better words) this is? I spent many years and went to many Doctors trying to find out why I would get sharp stabbing pains all over my body. They never could find a reason for them. No other regular person I ever mentioned them to had ever heard of such a thing. Finally, I just assumed I was the only one on the planet that had them...that is until I just read what you had to say. Pretty neat to say the least.

I am extremely fortunate. She has her own challenges, so support goes both ways. As it should.

yeah lots of people can't say that for sure

Actually, you're wrong there. We will all escape it some day. Like it or not.

That's just a matter of perception -- yes, we will escape it but it is the disease of age that will kill us if nothing else does.

Don't worry about it too much. These complications don't seem to show up until after you've been taking them for a couple of decades or so.

nah, I don't worry about it -- besides I am on Neurontin which is not quite the same.

 

[Luke95]

I hear ya brother --- I missed out on lots too, in pursuit of knowledge --- but to what end? But brother Luke, you are young enough and you can do something about it, no?

I am going enough to make up for it but I fear o may have missed out on something as important as making up for it.
Tax guy. Your welcome here.... We are an odd bunch.
Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk

 

[Electrodave]

Bother, do you know what a "miracle" (for a lack of better words) this is? I spent many years and went to many Doctors trying to find out why I would get sharp stabbing pains all over my body. They never could find a reason for them. No other regular person I ever mentioned them to had ever heard of such a thing. Finally, I just assumed I was the only one on the planet that had them...that is until I just read what you had to say. Pretty neat to say the least.

The magic of the internets...it's been a big awakening for me as well.

nah, I don't worry about it -- besides I am on Neurontin which is not quite the same.

Neurontin is in an entirely different class of drugs. I think the side effects are less frightening, but nothing that stops seizures seems to be too benign.

Tax guy. Your welcome here.... We are an odd bunch.
Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the welcome. Glad to be in such odd company.

 

[AXIOM_1]

@Taxguydave was it ever explained to you what was causing the nerve pain? Was it neuropathy, absence seizure activity, or something else?

 

[Electrodave]

@Taxguydave was it ever explained to you what was causing the nerve pain? Was it neuropathy, absence seizure activity, or something else?

They don't know. Surprised? I didn't think so.

The neurologist that diagnosed me with Parkinson's (who unfortunately retired recently) speculated that the most likely reason was nerve damage from the seizures.

If I were to become a doctor, I sure wouldn't pick neurology. Dermatologists make more money anyway.