As things become harder for me to do each year I get frustrated and sometimes it really gets me down on myself and gets me angry. I know I am not the only one that feels this way and would like to know how you handle it. I take no mood stabalizing medications and am wondering if it might help? I am thankful for what I can still do but sometimes that is not enough when you are trying to complete a task that would have been no problem and take only minutes in the past. Sometimes you are trying to get something done when no one is around to ask for help from and the task need to be done now. How do you deal with the frustration? Any thoughts?

Cymbalta is a fairly new anti depressant medication that is also effective in relieving pain. Provigil is a medication that may improve energy level, and combat fatigue. I sugget discussing these medications with your doctor. I find that maintaining normal levels of testosterone improves strength, and mood. Testosterone is available by injection, gel, and Striant (a wafer placed between gum, and cheek).

Hi Terry

I want to thank you for your communications several years ago, when I first started to have laryngeal spasms. It helped me quite a bit to understand what was going on, and to cope with it. Having the website has been very good as well; I appreciate all your work.

I tried anti-depressants a while back; they did stabilize my moods, but I found that I was living in a "grey" zone, and got off them as soon as I could. Exercise, like Tai Chi or Qui Ghong also helps, if and when you are capable physically. I find that "Mindfulness" (google it for a description) or Buddhism (which is more of a life philosophy than a religion) helps to better adjust your outlook on life. As my body goes slowly downhill, I think it is important to strengthen my mind. I also find reading on these subjects calms my mind for sleep.

Cam, you are so right. I practiced Tai Chi for several years and then had to switch to Qigong because of a balance issue. I still practice a form of Qigong every day and find it most helpful.

Take care ...

Exercise - you should try to continue your exercises waist deep in a pool when things get too hard on dry land. Falling over in the pool is just part of the fun!