I was on Lexapro for about 3 years. It helped w/ anxiety & sleep problems, however I wanted to discontinue because I didn't cry anymore, felt I was having some brain-failure moments (I made some mistakes at work), brain zap feelings & my husband and I both agreed I was a little too unconcerned about things. Anyhow, the shrink who prescribed said any withdrawal symptoms were 'in my head'. I tried weaning myself and was so nervous, I finally made an appt w/ a psychologist so they could sort of hold my hand thru the w/drawal. She was great. She saw me as needed and said she had heard about this many times. My withdrawal was tapered & slow. I negotiated 3 weeks off using sick time w/ company nurse, however never used it. I recall my bothersome symptoms include involuntary leg movements as I was trying to go to sleep and headaches. For about 2 months, I had some crying episodes at work. I would cry for little reason. Finally had to explain to coworker who sat next to me--- I wanted her to know I hadn't come unglued, it was the meds. Don't remember much else - it's been a few years, but it was definitely a big deal for me.

outright fighting is not the only way they show hostility Funny you should say that, Breenthumb. I came downstairs this morning and discovered that one of the cats had peed on top of an antique table during the night. I have a tendency to blame Annie, but this time she was locked up, and so was Rocky. Pogo and Annie were so skittish this morning. Pogo usually spends some time in my bedroom after I get up, but he didn't stay this time. Peachy was afraid to come downstairs. They were nervous, and I was nervous. I played with Rocky a lot before Pogo and Peachy joined us downstairs, hoping to discharge some of his energy. He has an abundance of it. Then a few minutes ago Peachy (much smaller than Rocky) hissed at him, and he took a step toward her. That was all it took to make me want to put an end to this situation, at least for now. So I put Rocky outside. I know he'll want to come in. I have loved seeing him enjoying the comforts of home. But we'll try this for awhile, and continue to give the situation some thought. At least in the warm weather Rocky will have lots of human companionship outdoors, as we're a family of gardeners. I cancelled the vet appointment. Annie has never been easy to handle, and when I showed up she hid under the bed. The last thing I want is to risk another cat bite. I changed the dressing this morning, and my hand and wrist are swollen, red, and hot. I hope the Augmentin takes care of the infection. My thanks again to all.

i hope i didn't offend anyone. I really liked breastfeeding, for me, it was the best way. But I was also young and healthy. I wasn't rushed back to work, nor did I have other stresses on me. The LaLeche League is a group of women who have successfully breast fed and hope to teach new mothers how to do it. There is certainly a place for formulas, if the mother can't or doesn't wish to breast feed. For example, if the mother and baby need to be separated. Plus it's the ONLY method that can involve the father in feedings. I thought it was great FOR ME AND MY KIDS. I remember the nurse telling me that Natural Childbirth is best, too, but as long as you bring a healthy baby into this world, it doesn't maytter how he/she got here. As long as your baby gets enough nutrition,that's all that really matters. On another topic, my MIL was strange in many ways, one of them was she didn't think breast feeding was good, too primitive, too animal, I don't know. Once I went to a restaurant with MLL and SIL (her daughter) with my first born. She was maybe three weeks old. I was wearing a nursing dress, very loose but with two slits in front, disguised with pleats. As we sat in a quiet dark booth, I started to nurse her. MIL looked shocked, said "That's disgusting, you better do that in the ladies room." I was embarassed, turned beet red, and ran in the bathroom. There was no special place to nurse, so I went in a booth and sat down, and locked the door. It smelled bad but I stayed and fed her, all the while crying. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. Since then, I have always seemed to look for evidence that "validates" my breast-feeding. Sorry about this, I just had to "get it off my chest". And isn't it typical that MILs and DILs don't get along?

I have hot flashes but I guess they don't bother me that much. I am usually able to fall back asleep after I wake up with one. They last only a few minutes. I have a fan in the room and if I get a hot flash, I just throw off the covers, cool off and then roll over and fall back asleep. If it happens at work, I just go into the shade if I am outside, or into an air conditioned place if I can. I know I am lucky. Here's what minimizes them--exercise, no alcohol, good diet with not much refined sugar, very minimal caffeine. I take a general vitamin supplement, with an iron tab once a week or so, and calcium/magnesium/vit. C at night. Iron on an empty stomach for absorption. All this helps with sleep. Melatonin on a weekend to see me through a rough patch, but not when I have to get up for work, it makes me groggy. As for the rest, hopefully you and hubs can work on some ways to be intimate and close even when you're not feeling your best. My poor SO is a saint! I've had more problems with my "lady parts" than anyone would care to know around here! We treat each other with massages though, and at our age with all our aches and pains that's pretty spiffy! We snuggle whenever we can and we have found each other so late in life that we are just happy for the sane, steady good company! I try to figure out ways to shower him with affection that he likes but I can handle when I'm not feeling super good. I get migraines too, so I sometimes have to say, "Not tonight dear, I have a HUGE headache" but he is pretty patient about that, does not give me a hard time about it. Migraines are tough because you look fine on the outside and no one can figure out why you are in such a crabby, sickly mood! But we're not squeamish about life's little blips. I think me being a biologist helps.