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Effexor caused strange buzzing feelings in my head when trying to stop it nm

Posted By: Me too on 2008-05-08
In Reply to: Effexor -- I took that for 5 years and - had an awful time getting off it.

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Effexor -- I took that for 5 years and

My doctor started me on it because I told her I was really stressed out with my 3 kids.  Of course, at the time of the office visit, I was PMSing and couldn't control my emotions very well.  She started me on it that visit and I took it, thinking it had to be okay because the FDA approved it, right?  I took it for 5 years and when I tried to go off it, I couldn't.  I got really sick and dizzy and kept getting these "brain freezes".  My brain actually felt tingly all over.  After doing a lot of research, I realized I wasn't the only one and there were actually a group of people trying to have it taken off the market.  My doctor kept telling me I had to wean off it, but slowing the taper didn't even help.  I was even opening the capsules up and counting out the little beads inside to make the dosage smaller, less noticeably to my body.  Finally, after much pleading with my doctor, she was willing to give me a Prozac tablet to counter the effects of the withdrawal from the Effexor.  It worked and I was able to get off and I said never again!!!!!  I don't care how b*tchy I get from PMS, nothing was worth that.  I've been off it now for 6 months and the "brain freezes" have finally stopped.  I still cringe when I have to type it in a medication list on a report I'm doing.  I keep thinking these poor souls have no idea what it will be like to stop it.


Stay away from Effexor --- Run from it!!!

A little background history:  I am married and had just had my third child 6 months before this.  I was juggling 1 PT office job, 1 PT MT job at home, and 1 per diem job in a clinic 2-3 days a week.  I felt overwhelmed dealing with my 3 jobs and my 3 kids, then ages 5, 2-1/2 and 6 months.  I went to my doctor and told her about my stress and the mood swings especially during my period.


I was started on Effexor 5 years ago this month.  At first, I was kind of afraid of it and didn't really notice any difference with it.  After taking it a week or 2, I decided to stop.  I just quit taking it cold turkey.  About 24 hours after my last dose, the problems started.  First the awful headache came and then the lightheadedness and vomiting.  I immediately took one and lied down for the rest of the evening.  I decided I would just stay on them until my next doctor's visit.  Several months later, when I saw my doctor again, she asked how it was going and I said fine.  I decided to stay on them, thinking I needed them.


After a couple of years of being on Effexor, I began to notice breakouts of acne on my face.  I'm not talking a few pimples around my period; I mean serious almost bullous-like breakouts on my face continuously.  Now I had never had acne in high school or after that until now.  I also gained about 50 pounds, probably partly my fault, but a lot of blogs I read also noted this.  But most concerning were the "brain tingles" I felt at odd times.  At any rate, after 5 years of being on it, I was ready to stop.  I began to realize that my problems couldn't be solved by a pill and that I needed to change myself and the way I dealt with stress (I'm not suggesting that's what you need to do).


Remembering the problem I had initially when I tried to stop the Effexor, I scheduled a visit with my doctor.  She gave me a taper and I started it.  At first, I was okay -- just taking it once a day every 2 days and then skipping a day.  But when I was supposed to take it just every other day, I noticed the same problems - headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting.  I called my doctor back and she suggested a slower taper again.  We tried with no success.  After much research on the internet, I asked my doctor to prescribe a single dose of Prozac to counteract the withdrawal effects.  After a lot of discussion, she agreed to do so. 


I took my last Effexor on December 18, 2007, and I will never, ever, ever take that medication again.  I also will never take another medication without fully knowing the side effects as well as the withdrawal process of it.  I strongly urge you to research any drug your doctor prescribes fully before beginning it.  I wish I had.  I only hope there are no long-term side effects of Effexor that have yet to be unveiled. 


Effexor works wonders for me...sm

I've been taking Effexor XR for years, and it's practically a miracle drug for me.  I have chronic depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and social anxiety disorder.  Effexor pretty much "cures" all of these things for me.  It was only prescribed to me for it's antidepressant effects, but it helps a great deal with the social anxiety disorder (and fatigue), which is a huge, huge plus.  It hasn't caused me to gain or lose weight, so no problem there.  


Now, Effexor was not the 1st antidepressant I tried.  There were others that seemed to worked for me but the side effects (constant headache, stomache ache, drowsiness, insomnia or what have you) were too much to deal with.  After trying many over the years, Effexor is the one that works the best for me. 


I have heard that Effexor is awful to stop though, and I believe it.  I take it at night because it makes me drowsy and if I ever forget to take it - woo boy!  I wake up feeling practically like I have a hangover (very dizzy and groggy) and I have to take it right away.  I've been taking it for years and I do worry about the long-term effects of it, but it helps me so much I don't know that I'll ever stop taking it. 


Now ~Wellbutrin~ on the other hand, made me feel like I was going to die after just one dose!  (See my post about in on the Mental Health board here.)  I wouldn't take that again if my life depended on it. 


So, everyone is different.  It can be very long, tough process of trial and error finding the med. that works best for you, but it can make a big, positive difference in your life if you can find one that works well for you, whether you just take it for a little while or (like me) long-term. 


Oh! Head in the SAND! I thought you said head in the CAN!
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Where was the earthquake that caused it? - nm
o
It may have caused some problems
since for years I didn't know to be careful about B vitamis and such.

I haven't been to the doctor in several years and rarely did before that, so who knows? I have issues here and there like most people, but it's always hard to pinpoint what causes what.

I think I'm good with vitamins and pretty good with iron now, but sometimes might not get quite enough protein. I try to buy protein powder for that but kind of go in spurts.

I think a lot of people get funny about eating meat as they get older. I know quite a few men who don't pull the trigger when hunting anymore either. They would rather watch the animals and feel a connection with them. Kind of a short-term evolution I suppose. : )
It is such a shame that her fame has caused
You hear so often of stars with private gardeners, make-up artists, etc.  Why not a private psychologist/psychiatrist/interventionist.  Such a cute girl and so much more life to live.  It sure does make you wonder if pushing your children into these types of fields is really the right thing to do.  I guess every job has its ups and downs, but I still wouldn't want to see my child have such turmoil when they were seen as "starlets" for so long.  I also think the media makes a big deal out of everything.  I don't think her actions are good choices, but I also think every little move the poor young mother makes is under scrutinization by the public.  You don't often hear about every day people dropping their kids and getting that much publicity.  Just like when Michael Jackson dangled his child over the balcony for example.  I have been around people that throw their children in the air and catch them.  This scares me, but I never see those same people on CNN that night throwing their child in the air and being scrutinized for that action.  JMO. 
Avon actually caused problems for me
with allergy type reactions and skin irritation. I think their products are often too strong. JMO
I may have caused my former cat's demise by feeding Meow Mix dry (sm)
It is higher in certain minerals that can make it easier for cats (esp. males) to develop urinary crystals. I had a perfectly healthy 4-year-old male Persian who had only recently gotten Meow Mix just as a hand-fed treat, and he developed crystals, complete urinary tract blockage, and eventually complete renal failure, resulting in euthanasia. His total bill came to over $5,000 - which I am STILL paying off 6 months later. I learned 2 important lessons:
1) NEVER feed Meow Mix, and
2) Buy pet health insurance!
A time of 5 years should not have caused kidney failure.
This is too short a time.
Did she have heart problems also?
I know people who drag along for 30 years until they finally succumb to organ failure.
cardiac arrythmia is what caused my daughter to do the same thing -
nm
Fever blisters caused by herpes virus which stays
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Stop! Stop! Memories

Keypunch machines. That's why my hearing is a bit off now. LOL


First personal computer and printer: An Epson and continuous paper printer with DOS operating system. Cost: $3500.


I still have my mood rings and my torquoise jewelry but lost my class ring in the grocery store.It was expensive, $50, black onxy stone and gold band.


Snowstorms that shut the towns down for days on end. Couldn't get out to go to work unless you worked close to home and could walk. Schools never shut down. Five of us walked a mile a day to school with snow up to our hips. Our lessons for the day? Study hall.


My first car was a ི Chevy coupe. Gas was $.27 a gallon and I chauffered 5 friends to and from school for $.25 a week. On Friday and Sat. nights there was a dance with a group that became 'almost famous.' They got as far as the Steel Pier in Atlantic City dance club. It was a big deal to be on TV in those days. On those nights, I would go to the next town and pick up anybody hitch hiking to the dance. (I wasn't allowed to go to the dances). I wired the car with an older portable record player that only played 45s and kept my records under the seat.Worked great except when I would hit a bump. LOL


Bandstand every day from 3:30 to 5:00 EST.


Sleigh riding in the winter on our Flexible Flyer. We did it on steep coal banks. Much better thrill. Then we found out cardboard worked even better. No getting stuck halfway down the bank because the sleigh rails would hit a larger piece of coal sticking up.


Hide-and-seek when it got dark. I missed the pole and hit face first. What a bloody mess, but you didn't run to the ER for it.


Throwing corn at the nasty neighbor's house at Halloween. He called the cops. We ran and hid. I was caught. Where was I hiding? In the neighbor's garbage pile. Today garbage piles are called compost piles.


 


 


Feelings
are neither right or wrong, they just are, but I don't just feel that way, I believe it.

This was not a small child. This was a teenager. Think back to when you were one. Now, think back to what you were taught as a child. Can you honestly see yourself actually hanging yourself to death because someone insulted you on an internet site? I say there was a lot more wrong there than is public knowledge and the persons who would best (or should best) know that would be parents. I am not cold and unfeeling. I care. I do believe that suicide is a permanent soluion to a temporary problem and I brought up my children to believe that too. I also believe I have a right to my opinion and, unfortunately, have personal experience with this problem having had a relative's child in the family commit suicide as a teenager. I still believe that the parents need to train children from childhood on up about this and many other topics that seem to be left out of child rearing these days including manners, appropriateness, religion, drugs, sexuality, and work ethic. We all need to put more into our children and families at home. This includes extended family.

Sorry you have such a closed mind about my opinion and hope I have not hurt your tender feelings with my front-on approach.
I am really, really sorry because I know your feelings
I recently lost my beloved pet of 18 years but I have also lost animals to parvo in the past, really sad. I so feel for you and hope your heart will mend before long. We just love these little ones so much and does not take long for them to have us wrapped around their little paws. Sorry in your loss.
Why is okay for you to have your feelings but
I'm the one who started the Tolerance thread.

If I don't want to like or condone or support immorality, I don't have to. It is my choice, my right.

If you want to sit there and be happy about it or accept it or whatever, fine for you.

And it's not fine for the schools or government or any other group to determine what I or my children are allowed to think is acceptable or not. That is MY choice and MY right.

Very normal feelings.......sm
I went through the same feelings with both my children, my daughter being the oldest. She had to take a drivers course at our local high school during the summer, then she got her permit. She drove with that for a few months before getting her license. But that first time she went with a girlfriend just down the street to a local burger joint made me crazy. I knew she would go slow and be very cautious, but that feeilng was still there, bordering on panic. She's 23 now. My son came next....he had to take the same course. He's was a little more pushy about the license, but didn't make a big deal out of it. But, unfortunately, within the month after getting them his dad said he could go to his girlfriend's.. it was rainy and I was not happy. She lives on a dead end street which is good, cause a dog ran out in front of him, he dodged it, and ran over the neighbor's utility box and tore up their beautiful grass. He was scared to death. Well, that got fixed and I guarantee he went slower after that. He's 20 now and as I notice a lot of guys do, he drives faster than his sister, but not as fast as his girlfriend, thank goodness!! He drives her car cause he tells her she goes too fast, won't use blinkers, no signals, makes me nuts. But they are grown and made it through those early testing times, and so will yours. By the time my son got his license, my state had graduated license, so he could only drive between certain daytime hours, and not past 7 at night for a few months. Check your state laws...a lot of them have these now.
I understand your feelings, too. SM

Our school district lost 4 kids last year (2005-2006 school year) to car accidents (2 in one accident), and it's not a big district, as well as a young father of 3, who was killed by a drunk driver.  But my daughter turned 16 last November and she went for her permit and got her license over the summer.  As much as I would like to put all three of my kids up on a shelf so nothing ever happens to them, I know I can't.  I pray for them daily and hope their father and I have set good examples for them as far as being behind the wheel. 


My daughter also drives a very distinct looking car and her older brother also drove it, so everyone in the area knows who's car it is and the kids know I WILL hear about if they do something dumb.


Mixed feelings
I had extremely harsh and unforgiving feelings toward ANY sexual misconduct/abuse situation.

Then, one of the young boys in my family was found guilty of such.

It has split and torn my entire family apart.

The agony of loving this young man and despising his act is killing the soul. His parents are especially suffering.

Before I was in this situation, I simply felt we should put them all to death. Now, I'm not sure what to believe.

I do believe he should pay his consequences and I am relieved that the court has to do this terrible job. They can be objective. It is harder when you know the individual.

I want him to suffer the consequences of his actions. I want him to rightfully bear the conviction, the shame, the social retribution for it.

At the same time, I want him saved, rehabilitated, redeemed.

He is mortified of how he will be treated for the rest of his life. I remind him that one reaps what they sow.

I have great sympathy for him, for his victims (this was sexual misconduct, not rape), for all of us in this situation.

I'm not sure why I'm even posting this other than remind everyone: The persons who commit these acts are someone's child, too, regardless of age. Someone loves them, too.
I understand your feelings sm
but I say definitely go and enjoy. My husband and I have left our children (now 14 and 16) many times over the years since about the ages of 5 and 7. We could only go on short trips like 2 to 3 nights but I think it really helped them to learn a little independance. The first time my daughter went away to camp she was 11 and it was for 2 weeks. On the second night she broke her collarbone and begged us not to come and get her. Kids don't suffer near as much separation anxiety as parents do.
You know my feelings also, but you get blasted
when you feel like this, on this board you do. Mine are grown also. I think lots on this board maybe with young babies, children and the like and have not reached the point to where it is not as coochie-cho as it was when little. Not a happy ever after type thing. One child self-reliant but into their own little self and the other 1 had to close the bank on that one. No more hearing from that 1, not even a call on Mothers Day. Have not talked to them in over 2 years now and live in the same town. Oh, loved them as babies though. Didn’t last a lifetime.
Yes, I understand your feelings
My Mom died in 1981, my dad in 1984. I was in my early 30s, not married, no kids, all my other siblings had their own families. I lived with my parents for about 8 years longer than any of the rest of them.

For about 15 years, I missed them so much it physically hurt. I still miss them, but I've moved along enough in the grieving process that now I am more balanced about it. I still miss them deeply, esp. on holidays which were always celebrated by the entire family together but not since Mom died.

The emotional scar tissue gets thicker but grief is a life long process and anyone who says otherwise is not being honest. There will always be a void.


mixed feelings
I have mixed feelings on this subject. I think a lot of it has to do with the owners but maybe there is something about the breed too - not sure. But yesterday a friend of ours had to shoot his neighbor's pit bull. . The dog was known to be mean and is usually kept inside but it was out and came after our friend's 2y/o grandchild. He got the child inside and when he looked out, the dog was going after another neighbor's child. He got his gun and shot it. . However, I will say, the owner of the pit bull is a known drug dealer and not a very nice person, so that could be why the dog was so aggressive.
Mine comes from the job and my feelings at the end of the day. sm
I have done transcription and/or typing of one type or another for years it seems. So the MT is what I do for a living (and the way my brain feels) and the "worn out" is the way I feel after doing my job all day and then my 2nd job on top of that.
I understand your feelings
My in-laws won't even do what your family is doing. They insist that everyone should get a gift. Well not even that but they say to just "cut back" which means what exactly???? I don't know. I didn't grow up with big Christmas presents and all that...family and dinner was emphasized. It makes me wish xmas was just another day. We can't afford it this year but when trying to talk to anyone about it they act like we have no head.

If you want to participate, I would do the flat $25 in a gift card for dinner or groceries and leave it at that. How can they get upset when you stick to the agreement. If they don't like your choice, that's too bad. Maybe they shouldn't participate next year if they have such high standards.
Feelings may be temporary sm
We work in a very stressful profession. Just think about it for awhile. I stuck my marriage out and am glad I did now. Sometimes you have to talk directly to the person, tell him how you feel and ask for his cooperation. Truth be told, I don't see any "perfect" marriages. Leave the religion out of it and look at the marriage, the consequences, and where you will be in 10 years from now. Don't exchange one situation for a worse one. Sometimes the grass looks greener on the other side, but people lie a lot! Think hard before you do something you may regret. I'm glad I stayed.
Had my feelings hurt, how to handle?

About a week ago my elderly aunt called and told me she was having problem with her scalp, asked what did I think she should do, dermatologist she asked. Told her I would be happy to check on an ole timey medicine to apply to scalp, used for daughter before and worked. Distributor no longer made but phamacist suggested something else. I took to her and did not want money for it and told her so. Today I get the cost of the medicine back and then she goes on to say what a terrible smell, stung when she first put it on (says so on the directions which I am sure she read), awful smell, could not go out anywhere, had to wash her hair, just terrible putrid smell. Now, except for a doctors visit every one in awhile, she does not go out and that is not every week. I did this out of kindness and now I feel hurt, not only about her returning the money but most of all how she went on and on and on about how she could not use. She is not senile, has plenty of sense, although elderly still drives and no kind of problems except I think she was kinda rude to me. Any ideas? Should I say something, let it go, not involve myself any more??


PS: *Gut feelings* are usually correct in my case! -nm
.
I agree with your feelings, except the PETA
part. That is a very strange organization whose actual weird agenda they keep out of sight. I am for protecting animals, but not PETA. They would have people release their pets into the wild and let nature take its course. But they don't advertise that side of their beliefs. You would have to look into the origins of the organization.
The part about you hoping never have same feelings about your son
I would have never thought in a million years I would ever be alienated from my son but am and it has been at least 3-4 years since I saw or talked with him. He tried and I say tried, to say things that he should have never said against me. I wish him the best but I would never stand by and hear what came out of his mouth to come out again. I cut any and all ties with him and his family.
Honestly, it would hurt my feelings...
I've always had a key to my parents' house and if they asked for it back, it would hurt my feelings. It's kinda like saying you're not welcome here. Every time my parents move, they have extra keys made for me and my siblings, and it makes me feel like the door is always open. I live less than a mile away from them, but I make sure to always call before I come over. You might want to explain why you took the key from your son and make sure he didn't take it the wrong way and that he's still welcome to come back just to make sure he's okay with it.
I don't let people hurt my feelings any more sm
Was told years ago by a very good psychiatrist that we can control this ourselves - it is all about expectations. We let them hurt us - you had a higher expectation of her and when she did not deliver - she hurt you - so lower your expectation - realize she is weird (!!) that it was rather insulting - but don't let it hurt your feelings - and move on!! Kind of confusing I know - but it works
I agree with your feelings and opinions.
I LIKE MIKE, too. Wish he had a "snowball's chance".
Honestly I have mixed feelings on this.
On one hand...I feel it is your body, you can do what you wish. Who should say what you do with your body. Providing it is willing, agreeing, consenting adults, that should be their choice.

On the other hand...I think some, if not many, who get into prostitution, it is a bad life...they have low self esteem, no respect for themselves...and they are at their lowest and do not know what to do or where to turn. Many times they are so involved with drugs and alcohol, they can not think clearly.

But at the same time...the ones who are "low", are going to do what they can to make money....whether it is prostitution, selling drugs, stealing....illegal or not, they will do it if they are that desperate.

Heck, there are women and men out there selling thier bodies, making good money...or at least money...why not make it legal so you can tax them!

You sound like you share my feelings for
all these wondeful creatures.  Please know I said Monster in the most loving way!!!  We laugh at her constantly when she manipulates and tells us what she wants!  She is bound to get it, too.  If we give her something and she doesn't want it at the moment she will throw it out of her beak onto the floor and then sit with her head turned with one eye staring at it.  She sings because I sing to her a lot and that is just adorable.  She actually puts the vibration in her voice!  You are so right on about the emotions of animals.  They have needs and wants, and need to be loved and have companionship.  I think many times over about her future.  I wish I knew you and could work with you in caring for birds.  I think they so very special.  Keep up what you are doing.  You are really making a difference.
she is just expressing her feelings, do NOT BASH HER FOR THAT..
YOU HAVE SOME NERVE !!!!
But you are more concerned about her feelings than the life of your cats
Sounds like you care more for her dog and her feelings than your cats.  Sorry if your feelings are hurt for people getting upset with you but that is a lot less than what your cats felt.  There is no suggestion you can give her as it is apparent that she will not take them.  Plain and simple -- it will not stop and if you get more cats you are asking for it.  So either accept the situation as it and beware that it may next be you or your child or your dog or do something about and that is getting rid of the dog or keeping it in a fenced situation.  
Because it seems as though you are more concerned about her feelings than the life of an animal
Since you no longer have any cats there should be no problem until they attack a member of your family and then we can go through all of this again.  Why are her dogs more important than your cats -- because she treats them like children -- come on get realistic.  Not only were your cats providing a service for your family they were older and had been there longer and deserve better treatment and loyality than what you are giving them.  Again, since you no longer have cats and do not expect to get any more why do you need any solutions until these dogs do it to someone elses animals that will take action against them or your SIL.  And putting them in a 8 x 12 foot run is not that bad -- lots better then letting then "run at large".  Again I am just going by what your attitude --not much concern about the death of two cats but really concerned about hurting someone's feelings.  Good luck. 
FEELINGS. . . SOOOO sick of that stupid thing! NM
xx
That is so strange
Those are the exact dreams that I have as well. The locker combination, never getting to class, can't remember where my class is and I had the teeth falling out one about 2 weeks ago!!!

Strange how so many minds can work the same subconsciously.

I always figured it was because I have "issues" from high school, lol.

So nice to know I'm not the only one who dreams those things constantly!
strange. . .
a peep show. . I think you're over reacting a little. . . Give this poor mom a break. . yes, everyone has problems - I sure do - but this lady does not need this sort of bashing right now. . how is that helpful to her??
This is strange
because my DH and I have talked about this often. I do think consumers get the short end of the stick because the government does not release drugs as quickly as they should. They also will not recognize a treatment because if doesn't have FDA approval. I do think the FDA does keep us safe at times but I also think they are too slow in approving many drugs that have been safely used in other countries for years.

My DH and I also have talked about how if they came up with cures for many of the diseases what would they have fund-raisers (think about the millions MDA has brought in) for and wouldn't it put many of the researchers out of business? Because drugs and cures are big business.
Strange...
I took my daughter to the doc today with these exact symptoms. Neg flu and neg strep. She is really sick but with what? She has amoxicillin and Dytan.
Really? It seems strange
that you never discussed it. If my man would not admit it, I would pester him to death becuase I couldn't stand it.

And I am very shocked that he just accepted you making him change his lifestyle so (not making any moves alone) without a word. ??
Not strange here
My daughter has her 9th grade dance and if they're from another school they have to sign a form or they won't get in. The same if they're not in the 9th grade but are in the same school district.
Very strange
I was just going to get on and ask the same question.  For about the past month, my legs, mostly from the knees down, have felt tight and achy.  They are swollen and red, blanching when I poke them with my finger.  I too will sit with them up for a while and they feel better, only to go back to where they were when I sit again for any extended period of time.  I have been trying to drink a lot of water, stay away from salt, etc.  I don't know what is going on.  If the support stockings help, I will also wear them. 
How strange!
You said in your experience "the longer a girl waits, the more socially awkward she feels, and the more promiscuous she becomes once she finally joins the party." You also wrote that "being the only virgin left in the school would also cause psychological damage."

I don't understand that at all. So caving to peer pressure should be the deciding factor in when a person loses his/her virginity?

Not for me. I was a virgin until my wedding night, at age 23. I've been married 25 years. My husband was also a virgin. I wasn't socially awkward, and I certainly didn't become more promiscuous when I finally "joined the party". I was, however, college educated, living in a large eastern city, enjoying all life had to offer which included a lively social life.

I'm not very fond of the idea of purity pledges and big group celebrations where fathers present their daughters with promise rings, etc. I don't think a public declaration is needed. I was simply raised to respect myself and to be responsible. My father and I were very close, yet we never once had a conversation about "saving" myself. But throughout my life with him (he died when I was 21), he made sure that I knew how loved I was. I knew that he felt I was special. He was always a gentleman and treated my mother and me, and all women, with great respect. From his wonderful example, I learned how a woman should be treated, and I settled for nothing less. I'm sure this upbringing is a major reason why I enjoy a strong and loving marriage with my husband.

Compared to the purity pledge idea, I think my father's method is a much more effective way to raise up a woman with a healthy attitude about herself and her sexuality. I know it's not the experience that most women have, but I certainly wish it were.
get your son out of there. What a strange
attitude and behavior of your in-laws. Continuing like this they will never get closure. This will render everybody depressed. Is this sort of a cult?
Strange, isn't it.............sm
how we assign super mortal status to celebrities?

Farrah was just a girl from Corpus Christi, Texas, and MJ was just a boy from Indiana, yet their lives and deaths and the manner of same has become fodder for the media. Before anyone says "sour grapes" let me say that I am happy for them that they achieved superstar status with all its attendent perks. I just don't quite understand what makes their deaths any more interesting than the average person.

May they both rest in peace.
I can say she looks strange, she does but
then what about him? He was such a good looking guy at one time. Know he had the money to get all the plastic surgery done but why would any reputable physician do the surgery?
Strange Situation....

OK, I'm not sure if I'm overthinking this, but I'd love your opinions and advice.


We're good friends w/our next door neighbors -we go to each other's kids parties, have lot's of cookouts, and do lot's of things together. The last thing was our Christmas Open House. They were here, all was 'normal' and we all had a good time.


For the past three years we've celebrated New Year's Eve together. I mentioned it at our party a couple weeks ago and she kind of himmed and hawed b/c they may be out of town, but then, no, they would be in town. She'd let me know.


Then, later that week, a friend of hers who is an acquaintance of mine called me about this makeup she sells. In casual conversation she mentions an open house our neighbors are having and says she'll see me there. Uh, what open house? We were not invited, no mention of it, no come by after your family leaves, nothing. The acquaintance kind of back-peddles, but there's no going back. Their open house was yesterday, and from the looks of their driveway there were 30 or more people there.


Their kids came over today to play with our kids and the little was saying how we should have come over, didn't we see all the cars? I wanted to, but didn't say we were'nt invited.


Now, should I swallow my pride and just call over to see about New Year's Eve, or just let it go?