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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / January 2005Sleep and Other Purrs Needed (long)
Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. I am having one heck of a time sleeping. I've always had occasional bouts of insomnia and usually when I sense something like this coming on I'll take a valerian root capsule about 30 minutes before bedtime. It works (usually). My doctor had prescribed Ambien and that worked well without making me feel like a zombie. But since I an still unemployed and without insurance I can't afford the prescription. (I told him about the valerian and he saw no problem with it combined with my other medications, which he gives me samples of whenever he has them.) Unfortunately, lately valerian isn't working. I can't get my mind to 'turn off' and I can't get comfortable. Last night I took two capsules but literally only dozed, very briefly, and even when dozing was pretty much aware of everything going on (e.g., cars driving by, the fan in my room - I can't sleep without 'white noise'). I tossed and turned to the point of Persia moving well away from me because I was disturbing her sleep! :( No matter what position I was in, my arms ached. (I haven't been formally diagnosed but at my age I know I've got arthritis - aspirin once in the morning and once before bed helps with that, but I ran out of aspirin.) I'm under a great deal of stress. My unemployment insurance ceased in November. I've had no luck finding a job even though I've been on interviews and have 2 headhunters searching for positions for me as well as going out and applying myself. My savings are exhausted. As of right now I have no idea how I'll pay my rent for February. I had to sign another lease in December; the manager agreed not to raise my rent due to my situation but if I hadn't signed a lease, I'd be subject to possible monthly increases mandated by her bosses (out of her control). Then of course there's the utility bill which will be due at the end of this month, my phone bill... you get the gyst. The *fun* part of being me and flat broke is I don't qualify for any sort of government aid such as Medicaid, food stamps or welfare. Why? (Grrrrrr) Because I'm single and have no dependents AND because I have an IRA. Never mind that I can't touch my IRA without incurring severe early withdrawal penalties - why would I want to mess with it? If I use up that money what happens when I do have to retire?! Ticks me off. I'm still waiting for a determination on my SSD claim (which I'm pretty sure they will deny, at least on the first go-round). I'm also still worried about John's health after his relapses following his surgery in December, although he says he's recovering nicely now. So, I could use some sleep purrs. Purrs that John recovers completely. More job purrs/financial purrs. And dirty litterbox offerings to the people who designed "government" benefits which are not available to a person such as myself who worked hard for 27 years but isn't entitled to squat because... well, just because. Jill Oh, Jill, you have my sympathy. I know exactly what you mean. I think it'd be best if I private mailed you if that's okay. Tweed > Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. > [quoted text clipped - 60 lines] > > Jill > Oh, Jill, you have my sympathy. I know exactly what you mean. I > think it'd be best if I private mailed you if that's okay. > > Tweed That would be fine with me. My email is not munged. Jill >> Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. >> [quoted text clipped - 62 lines] >> >> Jill >>Oh, Jill, you have my sympathy. I know exactly what you mean. I >>think it'd be best if I private mailed you if that's okay. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Jill I just sent you an e-mail as well. Dan Take those valerian caps with a cup of camomile tea, and don't be afraid to take 2-3 caps at a time. If you add hops to the equation (the tea tastes awful so use the caps also) it will work even better. Cheapest supplements are at www.swansonvitamins.com I have used them for years. They have a hops-valerian combo 100 caps for $4.49. > Take those valerian caps with a cup of camomile tea, and don't be afraid > to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Cheapest supplements are at www.swansonvitamins.com I have used them for > years. They have a hops-valerian combo 100 caps for $4.49. Jill - During my father's last illness and for some months after, my mother drank camomile tea every night and swore by it. Like Pat, I think it tastes pretty bad but I'm not a good judge as I need sugar and milk in plain tea......Lorna > > Take those valerian caps with a cup of camomile tea, and don't be afraid > > to [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > pretty bad but I'm not a good judge as I need sugar and milk in plain > tea......Lorna I meant hops as tea tastes bad, not camomile. But if you make the camomile strong a little honey and lemon will help. And you should make it strong. > Jill - During my father's last illness and for some months after, my mother > drank camomile tea every night and swore by it. Like Pat, I think it tastes > pretty bad but I'm not a good judge as I need sugar and milk in plain > tea......Lorna Am I a freak? I *like* camomile, especially with a bit of honey. It's very soothing.  Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* >> Jill - During my father's last illness and for some months after, my mother >> drank camomile tea every night and swore by it. Like Pat, I think it tastes [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Am I a freak? I *like* camomile, especially with a bit of honey. It's very > soothing. A friend and Iused to drink camomile with fresh quick breads his other friend sent him. I really liked it. I found it soothing also. >>> Jill - During my father's last illness and for some months after, >>> my mother drank camomile tea every night and swore by it. Like [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > A friend and Iused to drink camomile with fresh quick breads his other > friend sent him. I really liked it. I found it soothing also. Chamomile tea bags are also very soothing in a hot bath... call me weird. I also love lavender (as someone else suggested). Unfortunately, it's just not enough when I'm this stressed to get me to sleep well. Jill > Chamomile tea bags are also very soothing in a hot bath... call me weird. I've heard of this. I'd imagine it would take a whole box of tea bags, though! Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > Unfortunately, lately valerian isn't working. I can't get my mind to 'turn > off' and I can't get comfortable. Last night I took two capsules but Have you tried melatonin? My mom suffered from insomnia for years, until she discovered it. Now she has no problem sleeping. > So, I could use some sleep purrs. Purrs that John recovers completely. > More job purrs/financial purrs. And dirty litterbox offerings to the people > who designed "government" benefits which are not available to a person such > as myself who worked hard for 27 years but isn't entitled to squat > because... well, just because. Lots and lots of purrs going your way. SignatureVictor M. Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com >> Unfortunately, lately valerian isn't working. I can't get my mind >> to 'turn off' and I can't get comfortable. Last night I took two [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > until > she discovered it. Now she has no problem sleeping. Yep, Victor. I tried it and it made me so completely groggy all the next day, even with only half a capsule, I threw them out. >> So, I could use some sleep purrs. Purrs that John recovers >> completely. More job purrs/financial purrs. And dirty litterbox [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Lots and lots of purrs going your way. > Yep, Victor. I tried it and it made me so completely groggy all the next > day, even with only half a capsule, I threw them out. Jill, I understand your problem. I do the same thing. Two things help me. First, I got a sleep mask that blocks out all the light. It is made so that I can open my eyes with it on, so it does not put pressure on my eyes, but everything is dark. Second, I use melatonin to get to sleep. It works for about four hours. I take a very small dose. I have a time release form and a sublingual form. I use one or the other. The sublingual puts me to sleep faster. Maybe you took too big a dose of melatonin. I really like it because I do not feel groggy. All it takes to wake me up is to turn on a light. One warning: People who are on Prozac or similar medication should not take melatonin. It can cause a serious reaction. We are sending purrs and good wishes that your job and financial situation have a rapid resolution. I'm sure that would also help the sleeping problems. What kind of work are you looking for? Maybe someone in this group knows of an opening. Meanwhile, have you tried temporary employment? Sometimes that can lead to a permanent position. Hugs, Annie "jmcquown" <jmcquown@bellsouth.net> had some very interesting things to say about Re: Sleep and Other Purrs Needed (long): >> Have you tried melatonin? My mom suffered from insomnia for years, >> until she discovered it. Now she has no problem sleeping. >Yep, Victor. I tried it and it made me so completely groggy all the next >day, even with only half a capsule, I threw them out. Maybe you had the 3mg. tablets? Those are *definitely* too much, IMO. I find half of a 1mg. tablet the right dose [and don't have the groggies the next day. Unisom is worse for me that way]. Signature"The universe is quite robust in design and appears to be doing just fine on its own, incompetent support staff notwithstanding. :-)" - the Dennis formerly known as (evil), MCFL Jill wrote: ---------------------<snip>---------------------- >So, I could use some sleep purrs. Purrs that John recovers completely. >More job purrs/financial purrs. And dirty litterbox offerings to the people >who designed "government" benefits which are not available to a person such >as myself who worked hard for 27 years but isn't entitled to squat >because... well, just because. No wonder you have trouble getting a good night's sleep. Purrs that your life will have a big turnaround and that you can get that peaceful repose you deserve. Regards and Purrs, O J > Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > diagnosed but at my age I know I've got arthritis - aspirin once in the > morning and once before bed helps with that, but I ran out of aspirin.) Jill, you might want to ask your doctor about Fibromyalgia (but be warned, a lot of doctors don't even acknowledge that it exists - you might have to find out who does if you think you might have it). Here's a link to a diagram that shows Fibromyalgia "trigger points". You can do a quick self-test to see if you might have it. Go to http://hon.nucleusinc.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=4794 and then "poke" yourself (not hard) on the points shown in the diagram. If you feel more pain here than when you poke yourself somewhere else on your body, it's a sign that you may have Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia causes / is caused by insomnia. There are no tests that will diagnose it (which is why a lot of doctors don't believe it exists) - you can score perfect on every physical test there is and still have it. The best diagnosis is the above trigger point test, but other than that it is diagnosed by its symptoms: general pain (which you may mistake for arthritis) which is greater in the morning, insomnia or disturbed sleep (waking every half hour or so all night), fatigue, irratible bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, temperomandibular joint disfunction syndrome, "Fibrofog" (cognitive or memory impairment), multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, dysmenorrhea, urinary and pelvic problems, dizziness, cold symptoms, chest symptoms, skin complaints, and lots of other symptoms that doctors have been dismissing in women for years as "nerves". Fibromyalgia has been acknowledged by the SSA as an eligible disability, so if you get a diagnosis of this, you may qualify easier for disability. Hugs, CatNipped > I'm under a great deal of stress. My unemployment insurance ceased in > November. I've had no luck finding a job even though I've been on [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > > Jill >> Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. >> [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > CatNipped Lori, I tried those pressure points... no noticeable discomfort, let alone pain. Did I mention I also already had carpal tunnel syndrome in my right wrist and tendonitis on the left? Those *were* diagnosed years ago. These aches in my arms are different. At any rate, I can't afford to go to a new doctor right now. The one I have, whom I've known since he was a teenager (before he decided to become a doctor LOL) keeps up with all the latest stuff, whether most doctors believe in it or not. He doesn't charge me for office visits if he can avoid it and gives me samples when he has them. I could call him tomorrow just to inquire. I think I just need something to change in my life so I can get an income and insurance and then I won't be so tense and stressed. But thank you so much for your reply. You know I luvs ya! Jill Purrs and prayers that you get lots of good sleep and that things become better all around. Jazz & his mama SignatureIrulan from the stars we come to the stars we return from now until the end of time > Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. > [quoted text clipped - 60 lines] > > Jill Jill, I can certainly see why you're having trouble sleeping -- I'm so sorry. I might suggest you try taking over-the-counter Benadryl (not the brand name, but the generic version -- think it is called diphenhydramine) as it is an antihistamine that also is a soporific -- it's the ingredient in several over-the-counter sleep meds. You'd just take it about an hour before you want to go to sleep. On the job front, have you thought about signing up with a temporary agency like Olsen's or Norell? I often did that inbetween jobs because I could make some money but also set up interviews, and also check out what some companies/industries were like. > Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. > [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] > > Jill Jill, I can certainly see why you're having trouble sleeping -- I'm so sorry. I might suggest you try taking over-the-counter Benadryl (not the brand name, but the generic version -- think it is called diphenhydramine) as it is an antihistamine that also is a soporific -- it's the ingredient in several over-the-counter sleep meds. You'd just take it about an hour before you want to go to sleep. On the job front, have you thought about signing up with a temporary agency like Olsen's or Norell? I often did that inbetween jobs because I could make some money but also set up interviews, and also check out what some companies/industries were like. Also, you might try looking into merchandising jobs part-time, which is what I'm doing 'cause of my weird schedule re kids -- it's not a lot of money but it is something -- the company I work for merchandises books in stores like K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, etc. Do a search for Charles Levy Co. -- another book/magazine merchandiser is Anderson News Corp.; I also know of Hershey's (yep, the chocolate folk); Trends (posters); American Greetings; and Mosaic (movies). Hope this helps you find a few leads. Sometimes, you just have to start somewhere. If I can help in any way, let me know. Major purrs for you and your LLL's situation. Christine > Jill, I can certainly see why you're having trouble sleeping -- I'm so > sorry. I might suggest you try taking over-the-counter Benadryl (not > the brand name, but the generic version -- think it is called > diphenhydramine) Yep, but it dries up my sinuses and causes nosebleeds. (Am I just full of problems or what?!) > On the job front, have you thought about signing up with a temporary > agency like Olsen's or Norell? I often did that inbetween jobs > because I could make some money but also set up interviews, and also > check out what some companies/industries were like. I have. In fact, I was contacted by a couple of temp agencies due to my resume on Monster. The problem with that is, I (unforunately) locked myself into a specific skill-set. They were contacting me about jobs I know nothing about and have no prior acquaintence with. I remember years ago signing up with a temp agency (Pat Parker, IIRC). At that time I was looking for secretarial or receptionist work - keep in mind, this was pre-computers or word processors on every desk. Typewriters and calculators. This guy working there says to me, "Could you be licensed to carry a gun?" "Yes, but why?" He thought I'd be just perfect for a listing for a private detective. I gather he'd watched the 'Charlie's Angels' TV show. No thanks! LOL Maybe that just left a bad taste in my mouth. Private detective... yeah, right. Jill >> Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. >> [quoted text clipped - 81 lines] > LLL's situation. > Christine >> Jill, I can certainly see why you're having trouble sleeping -- I'm so >> sorry. I might suggest you try taking over-the-counter Benadryl (not [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > Jill Well, that's pretty unusual. I got my permanent job through Kelly Girls. I was fortunate and only did one before I got the one I'm on. Many companies use temp agencies as their "headhunters" rather than advertising other ways. I would sure give it a go if I were you. >>> On the job front, have you thought about signing up with a temporary >>> agency like Olsen's or Norell? I often did that inbetween jobs [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Many companies use temp agencies as their "headhunters" rather than > advertising other ways. I would sure give it a go if I were you. I suppose I shall. The ones who contacted me said if I was interested I should come in, sign up and take some "tests". I gather these would be tests for proficiency at common office software such as MS Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint. I can type letters in Word, fumble my way around an Excel spreadsheet. Access and Powerpoint I've never worked with. I suppose I'm a bit intimidated at the thought. Jill > >>> On the job front, have you thought about signing up with a temporary > >>> agency like Olsen's or Norell? I often did that inbetween jobs [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > Jill Oh yeah. Those are *nothing*. I had never even worked in excel or word when I did it and it was SUPER simple. They also just test your typing speed and data entry. Honest, it was a breeze. DOn't be intimidated! I don't think they even go near Powerpoint. And when I did it, they had little tutorial programs you went through first. They are also not tests like "getting a grade" but rather seeing if you are at all adaptable. It's not a right and wrong kind of thing. You would do fine. >>>>> On the job front, have you thought about signing up with a >>>>> temporary agency like Olsen's or Norell? [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > you are at all adaptable. It's not a right and wrong kind of thing. > You would do fine. Thanks for the encouragement! I suppose I would do okay - after all, I did troubleshooting in Unix for years and Unix ain't all that easy! But you can see why I didn't have much exposure to those "products" :) And I type pretty danged fast - sometimes up to 120WPM. Now I just have to get over my anxiety and leave the house <G> Jill >>> I suppose I shall. The ones who contacted me said if I was >>> interested I should come in, sign up and take some "tests". I [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] >pretty danged fast - sometimes up to 120WPM. Now I just have to get over my >anxiety and leave the house <G> Jill, let me add to what Karen said. While I've not taken a test like you describe, I have had to learn Powerpoint and Access on the fly (no training). Powerpoint is especially easy to use, and if they want you to create a new database in Access, let the Wizard walk you though it! Anyone who can handle Unix should have no trouble with this stuff!!! :) Jeanne Hedge, as directed by Natasha ============ http://www.jhedge.com > Jill, let me add to what Karen said. While I've not taken a test like > you describe, I have had to learn Powerpoint and Access on the fly (no > training). Powerpoint is especially easy to use, and if they want you > to create a new database in Access, let the Wizard walk you though it! > Anyone who can handle Unix should have no trouble with this stuff!!! > :) I haven't taken the tests, but I did pick up the basics of those, from Word to Access, on my own. They aren't hard, not at the basic level. And when I did eventually take some training in them, hoping to learn some of the more advanced functions, I was suprised at how little the courses assumed that you already knew. An enormous numbers of users of those programs are only required to use them at the most basic level imaginable. It's harder to teach yourself to type with reasonable speed and accuracy than it is to figure out how to produce a basic document or file in any of those. And you said you already know how to type! The downside of clerical work is that it doesn't pay well. But it pays better than nothing, with benefits running out or non-existant! Been there, done that. Good luck. SignatureCheryl > >>> I suppose I shall. The ones who contacted me said if I was > >>> interested I should come in, sign up and take some "tests". I [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > Anyone who can handle Unix should have no trouble with this stuff!!! > :) Oh absolutely! I think you should do it Jill. Just getting out, even though it may not be your dream job, just will help you overall, I think, feel more back "in the mainstream". When my sister died last year, I had difficulty getting even 2 hours sleep a night. I found that using putting a few drops Valerian oil under the tongue worked well for me. Here's a link to some more info on Valerian from the National Institutes of Health: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian.asp Because Valerian neither smells nor tastes great, I'd put a drop of Lavender oil under my nose and that seemed to do the trick. Another option would be to put the Valerian in a capsule and injest it that way. Just as an aside, "valerian drops" are recommended by the country doctor Dorn in the play, The Sea Gull by Anton Chekhov, to one of his patients for insomnia. The 19th century playwright actually made his living as a country doctor, so I presume this is a remedy he might have prescribed to his patients. If you injest essential oils, please make sure you use a THERAPEUTIC grade oil. Valerian Root is on the FDA's generally accepted as safe (GRAS) list for internal use. Kathryn Streletzky www.youngliving.com/animarising Oh man I can't stand the smell of lavendar oil. I know people used to used it to calm headaches but for me there is nothing worse. OK, I do the old warm milk with a sprinkling of nutmeg (very, very soothing smell. In fact, just sitting and sniffing it can be relaxing.) while playing some solitaire until my mind is a blank. That's my insomnia cure. I think the main thing is to do SOME kind of activity before bed which you can clear your mind of all thoughts as much as possible. Whether that is listening to music (stimulates my thoughts, but others it soothes) or at times it may be watching reruns of Star Trek, something that is so ingrained in me from a child, I just forget about the rest of the world as I enjoy it. The big thing is to get rid of those cycloning "day thoughts" that are really what is keep ing you awake. Oh, one other thing I sometimes used to do was create a mental environment in my head in great detail of what it would really be like to lie in a cloud of warm snuggly cotton. But again, each activity is to release the mind from it's "day harping". Hope you find something that helps. > When my sister died last year, I had difficulty getting even 2 hours > sleep a night. I found that using putting a few drops Valerian oil [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > Kathryn Streletzky > www.youngliving.com/animarising > Oh man I can't stand the smell of lavendar oil. I know people used to > used [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > soothing > smell. Consuming LARGE amounts of nutmeg can lead to a drunken or hallucinogenic state, as it contains the pharmacologically active alkaloid myristicin. It's forbidden in many prisons. The effect was first observed in the wild, where troops of monkeys thad besotted themselves with nutmeg. Picture monkeys on catnip... >> Oh man I can't stand the smell of lavendar oil. I know people used to >> used [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > The effect was first observed in the wild, where troops of monkeys thad > besotted themselves with nutmeg. Picture monkeys on catnip... Interesting. Well, I just use a pinch so I think it's ok :) But I never had heard of that effect before! >> Consuming LARGE amounts of nutmeg can lead to a drunken or >> hallucinogenic state, as it contains the pharmacologically active [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >Interesting. Well, I just use a pinch so I think it's ok :) But I never had >heard of that effect before! A friend who was into pharamacological experimentation tried this once and his advice was not to bother trying because you have to consume the equivalent of several whole nutmeg "nuts" and you'll be vomiting long before any high becomes apparent. The medicinal effects of common herbs and spices fascinates me. For example, ginger for nausea, cloves for toothache (apparently clove oil is a mild anaesthetic and antiseptic), thyme for a congested chest, etc. Tish > A friend who was into pharamacological experimentation tried this once and > his advice was not to bother trying because you have to consume the > equivalent of several whole nutmeg "nuts" and you'll be vomiting long before > any high becomes apparent. Don't "shrooms" induce vomiting before the effects are felt? Lots of people still use those recreationally. Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > Don't "shrooms" induce vomiting before the effects are felt? Lots of people > still use those recreationally. You're thinking of Peyote.... Mushrooms can make your GI tract do some funky things, but I've never heard of someone vomiting from them... Not to say it has'nt happened, I've just never heard of it... SignatureMathew Butler to 2 kittens: Chablis & Muscat En Vino Veritas >> Don't "shrooms" induce vomiting before the effects are felt? Lots of > people [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > things, but I've never heard of someone vomiting from them... Not to say it > has'nt happened, I've just never heard of it... Odd. Someone told me that's what always happen because they're essentially poisonous and your body wants to immediately expel them. I guess different people would have different reactions. That makes sense. Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > Consuming LARGE amounts of nutmeg can lead to a drunken or > hallucinogenic state, as it contains the pharmacologically active > alkaloid myristicin. It's forbidden in many prisons. Gets you sick to your stomach too..... SignatureMathew Butler to 2 kittens: Chablis & Muscat En Vino Veritas > Jill, let me add to what Karen said. While I've not taken a test like you > describe, I have had to learn Powerpoint and Access on the fly (no > training). Powerpoint is especially easy to use, and if they want you to > create a new database in Access, let the Wizard walk you though it! Anyone > who can handle Unix should have no trouble with this stuff!!! >:) Well, yes and no. It's not that there's trouble, it's just that I nearly pounded my fist through the cube desk when Visio decided to rename all of the objects in my diagram for the umpteenth time, and move them around, too. Give me the command line any day over that crap. I'd much rather have a hard-to-learn system that does the right thing than an easy-to-learn system that confounds you at every turn. I would be surprised if they'd ask a temp person to creat an access "database"; after all, someone has to maintain it. Or maybe I'm not thinking enough like a manager. Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* >>>> On the job front, have you thought about signing up with a temporary >>>> agency like Olsen's or Norell? I often did that inbetween jobs [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] >Excel spreadsheet. Access and Powerpoint I've never worked with. I suppose >I'm a bit intimidated at the thought. You know, Jill, it's a good idea just to take the tests to get familiar with the testing software. Even if you don't pass them the first time around, the tests let you know what to brush up on. All the agencies seem to use pretty much the same testing software, and they don't toss you out and tell you never to darken their door again if you don't pass. They encourage you to come back and try again. Just take the test, brush up, go back and take the test again. And you may even pass the first time, making all this moot. Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com Kreisleriana <kreisleriana2@yahoo.com> had some very interesting things to say about Re: Sleep and Other Purrs Needed (long): >You know, Jill, it's a good idea just to take the tests to get >familiar with the testing software. Even if you don't pass them the >first time around, the tests let you know what to brush up on. All >the agencies seem to use pretty much the same testing software, and >they don't toss you out and tell you never to darken their door again >if you don't pass. They encourage you to come back and try again. Kelly, at least, also offers training tutorials, which is where I got what little I know about PowerPoint. :-) Signature"The universe is quite robust in design and appears to be doing just fine on its own, incompetent support staff notwithstanding. :-)" - the Dennis formerly known as (evil), MCFL Jill, The tests are easy. If you don't know a program, they will teach it to you prior to sending you to the job site. One of the nice things about being a temp is that they really don't expect expert help right away. They know you will need training. If the place you are assigned to doesn't work for you, you can always ask to be assigned somewhere else. The employer has the same option. The main reasons for the tests are to see what you are capable of doing. Some temp agencies even specialize in different areas. If you look at it as a way to gain additional skills and taste test various jobs and companies, it might help. If you find a place you like, you will have a bit of a network to start with. You may find a place that sounded promising really isn't where you would be happy. Good luck. Diane > I suppose I shall. The ones who contacted me said if I was interested I > should come in, sign up and take some "tests". I gather these would be [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Jill > > Jill, I can certainly see why you're having trouble sleeping -- I'm so > > sorry. I might suggest you try taking over-the-counter Benadryl (not [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > of > problems or what?!) Some people have better luck with meclizine (trade name Bonine), which is most often marketed for motion sickness. That particular class of antihistamines tends to be sedating, but responses are very individual. Neither make me especially sleepy, although a different class of prescription antihistamine has some effect. Trade Bonine, as well as many generics, at least are a very nice raspberry chewable tablet. Incidentally, diphenhydramine is branded Gravol in Canada. While they are probably more likely to cause the side effects you dislike, if you can buy a few tablets of chlorprophenamine or bromprophenamine, they might work. Again, it's very individual. I myself am off tomorrow to see people in one of the medical school psychiatry clinics, to review medications. When I talked to the head of the clinic, he seemed very reasonable, and actually rather appreciative that I have a technical understanding of psychopharmacology. With the community psychiatrist I saw, I did best when I told him what to prescribe, but was only occasionally able to talk him out of strange tangents. There's good and bad news about valerian. Were valerian not an herbal, and not eligible for patent, it would be a commercial drug. There have been well-controlled studies that it is an effective sedative and tranquilizer, but it's not economically feasible for a US drug company to run it through FDA approvals. Because it does have demonstrated effectiveness, I'd be careful in raising the dose. > Neither make me especially sleepy, although a different class of > prescription antihistamine has some effect. Trade Bonine, as well as > many generics, at least are a very nice raspberry chewable tablet. > Incidentally, diphenhydramine is branded Gravol in Canada. Ah, that works like a charm for me. I used to have to travel on public transportation before smoking was banned on them, and the combination of smoke and motion makes me sick. So I'd take a couple Gravol and doze through the trip. It's a good thing I was never the driver! I hate to say it, but my sleeping patterns finally improved immensely after I'd gotten through a very stressful period, and not only had less stress in my life, but had enough energy to do all the boring things like lead a regular life (ie go to bed and get up at regular times) and generally take care of myself. Oh, and I realized that caffeine, even in small quantities, affected my sleep a lot. If you could pick up something temporary or part time, it might help out a bit while you are trying to find something in your field. SignatureCheryl >There's good and bad news about valerian. Were valerian not an herbal, >and not eligible for patent, it would be a commercial drug. There have >been well-controlled studies that it is an effective sedative and >tranquilizer, but it's not economically feasible for a US drug company >to run it through FDA approvals. Valerian was in the USP years ago. It was used for hysteria. It's efficacy was believed to be primarily due to the taste. Patients would "get better" so they wouldn't have to take any more of it! For some reason, cats like the way it smells. > >There's good and bad news about valerian. Were valerian not an herbal, > >and not eligible for patent, it would be a commercial drug. There have [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > would "get better" so they wouldn't have to take any more of it! For > some reason, cats like the way it smells. They sure do! I have to keep mine under lock and key. > Valerian was in the USP years ago. It was used for hysteria. It's > efficacy was believed to be primarily due to the taste. Patients > would "get better" so they wouldn't have to take any more of it! For > some reason, cats like the way it smells. Mine don't, which is fortunate, because neither do I. I found this out when I was buying catnip in a natural food store which sold an incredible variety of herbs in bulk. The clerk asked if I have cats, and suggested valerian for them, so I bought a bit. Does it ever smell! SignatureCheryl > There's good and bad news about valerian. Were valerian not an herbal, and > not eligible for patent, it would be a commercial drug. There have been > well-controlled studies that it is an effective sedative and tranquilizer, > but it's not economically feasible for a US drug company to run it through > FDA approvals. Can you explain (or post a link) explaining the whole herbal to FDA connection or lack thereof? I bought some glucosamine w/c... whatever that other stuff is recently. Mom's doctor prescribed it to her for joint pain and arthritis, and as I have the same problems, it sounded like a good bet. Anyway, I was reading through the fine print on the new FSA OTC (flexible spending account, over the counter) policies and noticed that vitamins and herbal supplements weren't covered, whereas pain killers are. Eric suggested that maybe it has to do with FDA regulation. I still don't understand why "family planning" methods are covered, but "feminine hygiene" products aren't. (For those who may not have seen these acronyms before, the FSA allows you to set aside money from your pay check. Income tax doesn't apply to this money, but if you don't spend it all on health-related expenses, you lose it at the end of the year. It seems like kind of a rip-off, but if you're conservative it's not too bad.) Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > I still don't understand why "family planning" methods are covered, > but "feminine hygiene" products aren't. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > seems like kind of a rip-off, but if you're conservative it's not too > bad.) I didn't contribute to my company's FSA because of the fact that I'd lose my own money at the end of the year. Hell, it's my money! When I worked for [major insurance company] if you didn't spend it, it came back to you. It was an escrow account; they couldn't keep the funds. At any rate, family planning methods were *not* covered until after the time I was deemed too old to be on 'the pill'; and other methods weren't covered. Yet they would pay for people to have children and you know where this is going... 18-25 years of future incurred medical expenses. Go figure. Jill > I didn't contribute to my company's FSA because of the fact that I'd lose my > own money at the end of the year. Hell, it's my money! When I worked for > [major insurance company] if you didn't spend it, it came back to you. It > was an escrow account; they couldn't keep the funds. I agree the setup is dumb, but I found that after watching my expenses for a year, it was pretty easy to choose a minimum amount. It's good to set aside the amount you expect to spend on routine maintenance, prescriptions, and the like. Setting aside more than that is risky. I set aside $1400 last year and spent it all, and then some. That's $1400 that won't contribute toward my taxable income. > At any rate, family planning methods were *not* covered until after the time > I was deemed too old to be on 'the pill'; and other methods weren't covered. > Yet they would pay for people to have children and you know where this is > going... 18-25 years of future incurred medical expenses. Go figure. Looks like they even cover condoms now, which surprises me somehow. Hey, the HR person at my old company had to fight the insurance co. for BC pill coverage. That was only a few years ago. Crazy. Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > Can you explain (or post a link) explaining the whole herbal to FDA connection > or lack thereof? In Canada 'drugs' must have a DIN (Drug Identification Number) After much hulabaloo several years ago, herbs were listed as 'foods'. Drug & Genetic companies (Phizer, Monsanto and all those other altruistic loveleys) tried to have our lawmakers pass a bill that would have required all herbs to have a DIN. The process of getting a DIN takes about a year & costs a little over $10, 000. I'm sure you can figure out why they wanted this to happen.... > I bought some glucosamine w/c... whatever that other stuff is recently. Mom's > doctor prescribed it to her for joint pain and arthritis, and as I have the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > whereas pain killers are. Eric suggested that maybe it has to do with FDA > regulation. Vitamins & herbal suppliments don't make Phizer rich... If you take these things, you MIGHT get healthy & no longer NEED pain killers, cholestorol reducers, Viagra, blood thinners et al... Why cover something (HMO'S are in bed with the drug companies) that will potentially make you LESS dependant on profitable pills? > I still don't understand why "family planning" methods are covered, but > "feminine hygiene" products aren't. Phizer, Monsanto & other drug companies don't make tampons. It's all about the money Monique... always has been... SignatureMathew Butler to 2 kittens: Chablis & Muscat En Vino Veritas > Vitamins & herbal suppliments don't make Phizer rich... If you take these > things, you MIGHT get healthy & no longer NEED pain killers, cholestorol [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Phizer, Monsanto & other drug companies don't make tampons. > It's all about the money Monique... always has been... I'm not trying to defend drug companies, but I will not take herbals unless I know that there is scientific, not anecdotal, data supporting their use, and that the producer has tight quality controls over concentration. There certainly are commercial factors, but there are legitimate safety factors. These include risk -- it may be that a prescription drug is proven effective, but the herbal MIGHT be effective. If I can afford the prescription drug, why take the gamble? Now, my perspective tends to be based on molecular pharmacology. I am hesitant to take a drug unless I know the biochemical mechanisms it affecs. With herbs being mixtures of substances, it's much harder to explain their effects. > I'm not trying to defend drug companies, but I will not take herbals unless > I know that there is scientific, not anecdotal, data supporting their use, [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > With herbs being mixtures of substances, it's much harder to explain their > effects. To me, it's all about calculated risk. I know that "natural" does not mean "safe." But I also see health practices as a chaotic system. Things are more or less effective depending on your particular body chemistry, your diet, altitude, what medications you're taking ... I remember freaking out about my "late" periods for the longest time before going to a gyn and seeing the question, "How long is your menstrual cycle?" Suddenly it clicked. I had a 5-week cycle, but no one had ever told me that was possible, so I was constantly panicked ... Or studies about women's health. I've been on depo for years. I often wonder if the studies have any bearing on me, as I'm not losing iron, I'm not ovulating, etc. There are times when prescriptions aren't working, and if something else might help ... It's a personal decision, and should be an educated decision, hopefully made with a doctor you trust. Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > > There's good and bad news about valerian. Were valerian not an herbal, > > and [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > connection > or lack thereof? I'll have to hunt up a link, but it's worth remembering the name of the organization is the Food & Drug Administration. We tend to focus on the drug aspect. Their regulatory authority is much weaker over foods -- after all, it's hard to define "efficacy and safety" for a food. They tend to be reactive about foods, putting out warnings involving known contamination and the like. Many food additives are classified as Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS), which does NOT mean these additives, be they dyes, emulsifiers, etc., have gone through formal safety testing. It's more that there aren't known problems. Herbals are usually treated as food supplements rather than drugs. Drugs require a systematic, very expensive process of clinical testing before they can be sold. A drug manufacturer wants to recover that cost, and relies on patent protection to give them a temporary monopoly. You can't patent herbals, so it would be the economic equivalent of a manufacturer spending money and time (years) to do clinical trials, and, on the first day of sales, there could be cheaper generic versions. So, there really isn't any economic incentive for an herbal manufacturer to go through clinical testing. Remember, some drugs fail clinical testing, and are either withdrawn from the process, or disapproved by the FDA. It's sort of a double-edged sword. Commercial firms can't justify the expense of clinical trials when they won't have patent protection, but that also means that the resources of the profit-making pharmaceutical industry aren't available for herbal testing. Here and there, universities and the like do testing. Other countries, such as Germany, have modified testing requirements for herbals. Another technical issue for herbals is because they come from living organisms, the concentration, and possibly impurities, in a particular batch of herbs may vary from other ones. One of the oldest effective drugs known comes from the foxglove plant, the class of digitalis alkaloids with extensive medical uses. For many years, a plant extract was used, but could vary in potency -- and the difference between a therapeutic and toxic dose is especially narrow. In modern medicine, synthetic digoxin is used rather than digitalis leaf extracts, simply because the concentration is predictable from batch to batch. It's a problem. Valerian, for example, has been shown in decently controlled scientific studies to have safe and effective actions. The FDA doesn't approve a drug unless a manufacturer applies, and, because valerian would not have patent protection, no profit-making drug manufacturer would undertake the expense of clinical trials. So, the herbal/food supplement industry falls back on the lesser regulation for "food supplements", which legally cannot be claimed, by the producer, to treat actual disease in the absence of controlled clinical testing. > I bought some glucosamine w/c... whatever that other stuff is recently. > Mom's [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > FDA > regulation. In general, medical coverage doesn't extend to things that can't demonstrate efficacy. This can include off-label use of prescription drugs, or medically controlled experimental drugs. Ironically, there is no testing requirement for surgical procedures, although some insurers may not pay for procedures they consider ineffective or uneconomic. > I still don't understand why "family planning" methods are covered, but > "feminine hygiene" products aren't. I'm reasonably certain most family products are treated as drugs, or the other FDA regulated category, therapeutic devices (e.g., a pacemaker or a diaphragm). Some may remember the FDA pulling a number of intrauterine devices. > Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. > [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] > > Jill Purrs, Jill, that you can find something to keep things together soon. I don't have any big suggestions, unfortunately, but purrs going out. > Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. > [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] > > Jill Jill, I'm sorry you're having all those problems. Purrs and prayers coming to you. My brother swears by Melatonin (spelling?) He says it puts him right to sleep. I was on Ambien for a while when I first got hurt and it worked well. But I eventually built up a tolerence to it and it no longer worked for me. And when I tried to get off of it I had a really hard time. And I'm like you in the fact that I have to use a fan even in the winter for white noise. I symathize with you on the govt aid. I wish I could help you out but I'm struggling too. Just know that you're not alone. Bob P.S. In case you didn't get my email, thanks again for the Xmas Ecard you sent me. Persia is a beautiful girl. >> Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. >> >> I am having one heck of a time sleeping. I've always had occasional >> bouts of insomnia and usually when I sense something like this >> coming on I'll take a valerian root capsule about 30 minutes before >> bedtime. It works (usually). (snipped self) >> So, I could use some sleep purrs. Purrs that John recovers >> completely. More job purrs/financial purrs. And dirty litterbox [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > My brother swears by Melatonin (spelling?) He says it puts him right > to sleep. Thank you. I tried it; when I woke up (even after cutting one of the pills in half) I was so groggy I could barely function. I guess I'm just not cut out for it. > And I'm like you in the fact that I have to use a fan even in > the winter for white noise. > I symathize with you on the govt aid. I wish I could help you out but > I'm struggling too. Just know that you're not alone. > > Bob Thank you, Bob. I really appreciate the thought. > P.S. In case you didn't get my email, thanks again for the Xmas Ecard > you sent me. Persia is a beautiful girl. She *is* :) And trust me, she has plenty of food, litter, toys... she shall not want :) Neither will my lovebird, Peaches. Purrs on the way for you, too. Jill >>> Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. >>> [quoted text clipped - 41 lines] > > Jill My animals never wanted either, when I occasionally fell on hard times. But, but, what is white noise? and why would you need some of it to go to sleep? It is totally silent here at night and totally dark. Isn't that better? <confused> Tweed >>>> Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. >>>> [quoted text clipped - 50 lines] > > Tweed Perhaps you live an area which isn't quite "silent". If I don't have something like a fan running to drown out sounds of occasional cars driving by, or people honking horns on their autos, I wake up instantly. I have to say, when I lived in the 'country' or if I went camping, the sounds of the outside crickets chirruping, frogs croaking, etc., lulled me right to sleep. Not so where I live. If there is total silence and any sound outside intrudes, I wake up straight away. So I keep a fan running all times of the year. Of course I always know when Persia gets off the bed and gets back on; that's just a fact of being owned :) Jill > Perhaps you live an area which isn't quite "silent". If I don't have > something like a fan running to drown out sounds of occasional cars driving [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > sound outside intrudes, I wake up straight away. So I keep a fan running > all times of the year. I have the same problem getting to sleep without noise. The TV running will help me drop right off. Music usually keeps me wide awake. For Rob, it is the opposite. Music helps him drop off to sleep, the TV keeps him awake. We can both go to sleep with the fan on. Both Rob and I can sleep through just about anything, other than kids, cats, and phone calls once we're asleep, but getting to sleep is often a problem. Pam S. Tanada <tanada@earthlink.net> had some very interesting things to say about Re: Sleep and Other Purrs Needed (long): >> I have to say, when I lived in the 'country' or if I went camping, the >> sounds of the outside crickets chirruping, frogs croaking, etc., lulled me [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >I can sleep through just about anything, other than kids, cats, and >phone calls once we're asleep, but getting to sleep is often a problem. Same here, and I also at times have trouble staying asleep. Music works for me. Signature"The universe is quite robust in design and appears to be doing just fine on its own, incompetent support staff notwithstanding. :-)" - the Dennis formerly known as (evil), MCFL >> My animals never wanted either, when I occasionally fell on hard >> times. But, but, what is white noise? and why would you need some of [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >> >> Tweed > Perhaps you live an area which isn't quite "silent". If I don't have > something like a fan running to drown out sounds of occasional cars driving > by, or people honking horns on their autos, I wake up instantly. > I have to say, when I lived in the 'country' or if I went camping, the > sounds of the outside crickets chirruping, frogs croaking, etc., lulled me > right to sleep. Not so where I live. If there is total silence and any > sound outside intrudes, I wake up straight away. So I keep a fan running > all times of the year. We don't have much in the way of traditional country sounds here, and the first time my parents took us camping in an area that did have crickets etc., I complained bitterly because they were so noisy they kept me awake! I worked in an office once that had a white noise generator. It was mostly open-plan, so noise carried a lot and people complained they couldn't concentrate on their work, so this was installed. It seems that if you have a certain kind of low noise in the background, you are less likely to notice other people's phone conversations, drawer slammings, photocopying, etc. And it's a lot cheaper than building individual offices for everyone! I honestly didn't notice it during the day, but after hours, I realized I could hear things from much further away than I could in the day. I was told it was because the machine was switched off. SignatureCheryl Jill I know *exactly* where you're coming from as I'm in a very similar situation myself right now. Like others, I wish I could help you out, but all I can offer is good thoughts and purrs and knowledge that something good will have to happen eventually (or so I keep telling myself). I just hope it's sooner rather than later for both of us! Jeanne Hedge, as directed by Natasha ============ http://www.jhedge.com >Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. > [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] > >Jill Jill, you have my sympathy. I'm always falling through the cracks of programs, too. It stinks. And insomnia is well-know to my brain, as well. Wish I had some good suggestions for you. Here is all I can think of right now, though: 1. Warm milk and cookies before bed 2. Exercise 1/2 before bed 3. A shot of Irish whisky in warm milk before bed 4. Counting backwards -- sometimes works for me, especially if I do it in French! 5. Something I used to do when I was much younger -- make up stories while trying to sleep. 6. Read a boring book before bed. 7. If you can't sleep, get up, do something else relaxing, and try again in 20-30 minutes. Sending purrs your way that things go better for you soon! Ginger-lyn > Wish I had some good suggestions for you. Here is all I can think of > right now, though: > > 5. Something I used to do when I was much younger -- make up stories > while trying to sleep. I still do this. However, I have to make the story as boring, or soothing as possible. Do not bring Antonio Bandaras into it, or Huey will climb up your body and sniff your hair. > 6. Read a boring book before bed. "A Writer's Guide to a Buyer's Market" was my boring book for years. It could knock me out in three paragraphs. However, Rob usually also got knocked out by it when it slipped out of my hands. I am still looking for a suitable and smaller replacement. > 7. If you can't sleep, get up, do something else relaxing, and try > again in 20-30 minutes. I would not consider playing games on the net as an option on this. It kept me up until after 7 am a week ago. Fortunately, we were winter break still, and I could get some sleep. I had the kids wake me up at noon, so that I wouldn't get too much sleep and not be able to sleep the following evening. > Sending purrs your way that things go better for you soon! Purrs are good. They soothe and relax most people. Persia!!! Please help your hoomin and purr her to sleep. Pam S. tacking onto Ginger-lyn's insightful comments. > Jill, you have my sympathy. I'm always falling through the cracks of > programs, too. It stinks. And insomnia is well-know to my brain, as [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Ginger-lyn I believe there's a chemical reaction between sugar and milk that makes you sleepy. Mom used to give me warm milk with a little sugar in it to help me sleep. As for exercise, that can backfire. A really hard workout early in the day may put me to sleep at night, but if I work out in the evening I won't be able to sleep for several more hours (especially if my hair is wet, hah!). Also, if I am extremely sore, the muscle ache keeps me from sleeping well. So I'd agree with the exercise thing, but suggest aerobic exercise more toward the middle of the day. Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > > Jill, you have my sympathy. I'm always falling through the cracks of > > programs, too. It stinks. And insomnia is well-know to my brain, as [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > sleepy. Mom used to give me warm milk with a little sugar in it to help me > sleep. I thought that the sweetened milk thing was something deep in our subconcious from the days of our infancy when we'd get nice warm, quite sweet milk in our mother's arms and feel all cuddly and content and sleepy. Yowie >> I believe there's a chemical reaction between sugar and milk that >> makes you sleepy. Mom used to give me warm milk with a little sugar [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Yowie Is breast milk sweet? I'm not volunteering to find out! I tried to google for sugar + milk + sleep. Didn't get anything definitive. I did find this, though: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T042400.asp "Eating carbohydrates with tryptophan-containing foods makes this calming amino acid more available to the brain." ... "The best bedtime snack is one that has both complex carbohydrates and protein, and perhaps some calcium. Calcium helps the brain use the tryptophan to manufacture melatonin. This explains why dairy products, which contain both tryptophan and calcium, are one of the top sleep-inducing foods." Sugars are carbs, so maybe in small amounts sugar helps you digest the milk and thereby make you sleepy. The whole article should be pretty interesting to people with insomnia. Signaturemonique, roommate of Oscar the (female) grouch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eros was adopted! Eros has a home now! *cheer!* > "Eating carbohydrates with tryptophan-containing foods makes this calming > amino acid more available to the brain." [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Sugars are carbs, so maybe in small amounts sugar helps you digest the milk > and thereby make you sleepy. And milk itself contains a fair amount of carbs. I think one of its sleep-inducing effects is simply that it raises your blood glucose, which makes you sleepy (well, that makes me sleepy, anyway, because I'm diabetic). SignatureMarina, Frank and Nikki marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki > >> I believe there's a chemical reaction between sugar and milk that > >> makes you sleepy. Mom used to give me warm milk with a little sugar [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Is breast milk sweet? I'm not volunteering to find out! Warning: Detailed stuff about breastmilk and breastfeeding below. Some people may find it a bit personal, but it doens't embarass me, hence why I've posted. Some people might want to know. (After going through the birth process, various bodily functions don't embarass me so much any more) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Yup, breast milk is actually *very* sweet. It changes during the course of a feed from quite watery - almost sugar water - at the start of a feed - and increases in creaminess as the feed continues. The theory being that if the baby is simply hungry, they'll get stuff mainly for energy, but if they are in a growth spurt and are in need of extra nutrents, fats, and stuff to grow, they'll suckle much longer (which Cary did) And I can definately say that breast milk is different for each child. Cary was a big bub, and my breast milk was quite thin for most of the feed, and had an almost bluish tinge like skim milk does. But my friend who had a premmie baby had distinctly yellow milk - lots and lots of cream in that stuff - because her baby need to grow and fatten up *alot* compared to Cary. Its quite amazing stuff actually - and comes out in a multitude of very very fine streams (finer than a thread of cotton). Each tiny stream from each seperate milk duct. When I was breast feeding I had two milk ducts that kept over filling and I had to massage out after each feed, and the squirts were always from the exact same spot - and one squited to the left and one to the right, despite being virtually next to each other. And its equally amazing the pressure that it can come out at, once the let down has happened. Cary detached at one point during the feed and I was *squirting* in rhythm to his suckling pattern. The same sort of thing would happen if I inadvertantly rolled over on an overfull one in the morning. I never did measure the maximum distance I could achieve, but it was over a yard. Thankfully I had good quality breast pads, because that old story of letting down (ie, suddenly letting out copius quantaties of milk) in the supermarket at another baby's cry is 100% true. And the capacity of each breast is incredible too - at the height of breast feeding, I could store up to 200ml (a cup) in each boob. Joel was most impressed with the size and shape they took on when absolutely full, but they were so painful at that point that any joy he had from "porno tits" as he so lovingly referred to them, was purely visual. All I wanted to do was get Cary onto them ASAP and get them deflated before they exploded. Yowie > And I can definately say that breast milk is different for each > child. Cary was a big bub, and my breast milk was quite thin for > most of the feed, and had an almost bluish tinge like skim milk > does. But my friend who had a premmie baby had distinctly yellow > milk - lots and lots of cream in that stuff - because her baby > need to grow and fatten up *alot* compared to Cary. That is absolutely fascinating! We need an experiment here. One to see if the same mom can produce different consistencies of breast milk. When will you have a second child? ;) SignatureCheryl > > And I can definately say that breast milk is different for each > > child. Cary was a big bub, and my breast milk was quite thin for [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > see if the same mom can produce different consistencies of breast > milk. When will you have a second child? ;) Whenever it happens. We aren't actively preventing another from coming along, but on the same token we don't seem to find the time or energy to actively try to make one either :-). So, much like how Cary came to us, we are actually leaving the decision of whether or not there's a second Yowlet to a Higher Power. At least, until I turn 40 anyway. After that, I don't think I'll be willing to go through it all again. Yowie >> > And I can definately say that breast milk is different for each >> > child. Cary was a big bub, and my breast milk was quite thin for [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Yowie Second is (allegedly) much easier than the first. My brother had to deliver his second child himself (on the phone to emergency services) in the bathroom. Total labour, half an hour. Child was 8lb 13oz, no stitches required. That was my nephew, Nathan, now aged 5. Tweed >> And I can definately say that breast milk is different for each >> child. Cary was a big bub, and my breast milk was quite thin for [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >see if the same mom can produce different consistencies of breast >milk. When will you have a second child? ;) Ae truly novel type of breast milk would be what I remember seeing in one painting in a European art museum (in the Prado in Madrid, Spain, if I remember correctly). The Virgin Mary was feeding Jesus at one breast, and he had reached out and tweaked the other nipple with his hand. A stream of stars and comets was flying out from her breast! I guess the artist felt that this was the origin of the Milky Way galaxy. SignatureJohn F. Eldredge -- john@jfeldredge.com PGP key available from http://pgp.mit.edu "Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all." -- Hypatia of Alexandria >> And I can definately say that breast milk is different for each >> child. Cary was a big bub, and my breast milk was quite thin for [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >see if the same mom can produce different consistencies of breast >milk. When will you have a second child? ;) Ae truly novel type of breast milk would be what I remember seeing in one painting in a European art museum (in the Prado in Madrid, Spain, if I remember correctly). The Virgin Mary was feeding Jesus at one breast, and he had reached out and tweaked the other nipple with his hand. A stream of stars and comets was flying out from her breast! I guess the artist felt that this was the origin of the Milky Way galaxy. SignatureJohn F. Eldredge -- john@jfeldredge.com PGP key available from http://pgp.mit.edu "Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all." -- Hypatia of Alexandria >>> I believe there's a chemical reaction between sugar and milk that >>> makes you sleepy. Mom used to give me warm milk with a little sugar [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > definitive. > I did find this, though: Back in ancient times before you could buy infant formula, you made your own with a combination of evaporated milk, karo syrup, and water. The evaporated milk is more sterile, cheaper and more stable than fresh milk, and you dilute it to where it has more water than fresh milk. We fed our daughter evaporated milk and water after she outgrew formula to avoid the problems that can come with fresh whole milk. Jo >Please allow me a little venting and a few more purr requests. Soothing purrs for sleep, health and security. ;) Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com <BIG SNIP> Jill, sorry to hear about your problems... I've been in a similar situation, there's no stress quite like money stress... Worse than a monkey on your back... more like a ferret who won't stop nibbling. On the sleep thing, you may be developing a tolerance to Valerian... Try: Skullcap, Vervain, Lemon Balm &/or Oatstraw... The oatstraw is good as a general stress reliever too. As you're obviously on a budget, capsules may be a little pricey... Getting small ammounts of the raw herb is fairly cheap & you can make tea. 1tsp of herb to 1 cup boiling water, steep for 20 min & consume... You can make this stuff in large batches, store it in the fridge & mix it with whatever other liquid you like. Hope this helps, purrs to you. Mathew Butler to 2 kittens: Chablis & Muscat En Vino Veritas |
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