You said to ask for a plan and I am up for that.....I think?
Go easy one me for I am a very old 34 y/o. (Smile)
I and am asking for your help with my recovery. No marathons!!! Yet.
I am not sure what form of amino acids but I here a lot of talk. What is the benefit? I do take a multi vit daily and I do not have a bad diet.
I never drink soda and and it is so seldom to eat chips . I am a pretty healthy with my diet. It is funny that I used for so long but I do not drink, smoke and am pretty conscience about my health but put a bottle of vicodins in front of me I will take the whole bottle in one day. I always called my brother the healthiest crack smoker I know. Ha!
OK, that's fair. I was the same way with Vicodin, but was lucky to be in great shape because of competitive cycling. In other words I didn't have far to go. I will ask you some questions and if you would prefer you can e-mail me to remain anonymous with your answers. No worries I am not trying to mine your mediacl history or retrieve your personal info, but it gives me an idea of your general health and well being. I am not a physician so anything I tell you should be reviewed with your physician to ensure that we haven't missed something. I have a vast background in physical strength training and nutrition and these skills really helped me get back on my feet quicker.
You can e-mail me at: lawsonaudio@gmail.com
I need to know a few things;
height
weight
age
heart condition...any issues like heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure
history with seizures
medications that would affect diet or exercise program
diabetic?
history of diet and exercise you have done...have you been athletic in the past.
are you a morning person or evening person?
do you work? work from home, etc.
what type of physical activity do you like?? if any...
This will help us figure out an exercise & diet program that fits YOU and one that hopefully you can stick to. Cuz the benefits will be amazing.
You can e-mail me at: lawsonaudio@gmail.com
I need to know a few things;
height
weight
age
heart condition...any issues like heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure
history with seizures
medications that would affect diet or exercise program
diabetic?
history of diet and exercise you have done...have you been athletic in the past.
are you a morning person or evening person?
do you work? work from home, etc.
what type of physical activity do you like?? if any...
This will help us figure out an exercise & diet program that fits YOU and one that hopefully you can stick to. Cuz the benefits will be amazing.
I need to know a few things;
height: 5'7"
weight:135lbs
age: 34
heart condition...any issues like heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure
history with seizures: NONE
medications that would affect diet or exercise program
diabetic?NO MEDS
history of diet and exercise you have done...have you been athletic in the past. very athletic...mostly running and hiking. No weights for about 4 months
are you a morning person or evening person?Morning
do you work? work from home, etc.: No longer working
what type of physical activity do you like?? if any...
Cardio..Kickboxing,running
height: 5'7"
weight:135lbs
age: 34
heart condition...any issues like heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure
history with seizures: NONE
medications that would affect diet or exercise program
diabetic?NO MEDS
history of diet and exercise you have done...have you been athletic in the past. very athletic...mostly running and hiking. No weights for about 4 months
are you a morning person or evening person?Morning
do you work? work from home, etc.: No longer working
what type of physical activity do you like?? if any...
Cardio..Kickboxing,running
Hey Eyes - How's it going? This should be great inspiration to you. Bikeman being your personal trainer and health coach. I'm jealous. Seriously I don't think we even realize how down we are on ourselves while using. When we awaken from that we have to start to look at ourselves. What a great thing to have someone willing to work with you. I'm expecting great things from you!
You are not alone with your struggle with the pain pills. Did you get to the meeting? It helps to hear your own story in others.
Bikeman - You are so right about the physical exercise clearing your head. I always feel so much better after a workout. It's good to hear about how you handle your struggles. You have said that you are a spiritual person as well. God is watching over you with all the temptation around you. I'm sure you have inspired a few on the road.
You are not alone with your struggle with the pain pills. Did you get to the meeting? It helps to hear your own story in others.
Bikeman - You are so right about the physical exercise clearing your head. I always feel so much better after a workout. It's good to hear about how you handle your struggles. You have said that you are a spiritual person as well. God is watching over you with all the temptation around you. I'm sure you have inspired a few on the road.
Bman im with ya 100%.....fitness clears the head and keeps ya focused.....im 39 and am a member of an amatuer road racing team....on Sundays we usually do a 5mile time trial.....then somewhere between 50/70miles on the road race against several teams.I was a cycle courier in London in my late 20s and doing 40/50miles a day whilst fighting all the dangers a busy city was not unusual.....great money at the time ...i.e tax free as you were looked on as a contracter.....the more letters/packages delivered in all weathers the more money at the end of it....so even when i was a heroin addict,my body had still the slim,lithe tone of a cyclist....so i could bounce back easily enuff.Much respect to ya............Davey
hello Eyes, Et al',
I am pleased to read that you are no stranger to physical exercise and perhaps getting back into the swing of things won't be as difficult as you think. My biggest challenge are with folks who just never really had any desire to exercise. That is a huge mindset to try and change. I can take your information and work on a diet and cardio/strength training program that will help get your brain back to normal. It seemed like once my brain began to function right everything else fell into place. I began to rationalize daily life and make better decisions.
So, this may take me a few days, cuz work and all just seems to get in the way of the fun stuff, but if you have an e-mail address you don't mind sharing I will send you a bunch of stuff to get you started. There will be lots of links to different websites that will also have good nutritional info for you. Do you have at least 30 minutes a day that you can dedicate to just YOU?? 30 minutes that you can dedicate unobstructed by life?? If so, that is where we will start and move on from there.
Hey davey- good to see another cyclist out there. I envy your routine... I wish I had the time to race and train like i used to. my touring schedule has picked up this summer and I need to cash....so, the road beckons.
I am pleased to read that you are no stranger to physical exercise and perhaps getting back into the swing of things won't be as difficult as you think. My biggest challenge are with folks who just never really had any desire to exercise. That is a huge mindset to try and change. I can take your information and work on a diet and cardio/strength training program that will help get your brain back to normal. It seemed like once my brain began to function right everything else fell into place. I began to rationalize daily life and make better decisions.
So, this may take me a few days, cuz work and all just seems to get in the way of the fun stuff, but if you have an e-mail address you don't mind sharing I will send you a bunch of stuff to get you started. There will be lots of links to different websites that will also have good nutritional info for you. Do you have at least 30 minutes a day that you can dedicate to just YOU?? 30 minutes that you can dedicate unobstructed by life?? If so, that is where we will start and move on from there.
Hey davey- good to see another cyclist out there. I envy your routine... I wish I had the time to race and train like i used to. my touring schedule has picked up this summer and I need to cash....so, the road beckons.
Alice,
My faith is my anchor and without it I would be in deep trouble. There is a solace in prayer that is like no other and when life becomes harsh I pray. I know that not everyone has faith or believes as I do, but if they did perhaps their journey would be more fulfilled.
My faith is my anchor and without it I would be in deep trouble. There is a solace in prayer that is like no other and when life becomes harsh I pray. I know that not everyone has faith or believes as I do, but if they did perhaps their journey would be more fulfilled.
Good Morning Bikeman
I have been at my sisters the last few days. I am still clean and happy to say so. One problem is that out of no where I will start to get mildly depressed which comes out n the form of anger. I am not having cravings too often and when I do they are much easier to control. I will e-mail you.
Hope all is well
I have been at my sisters the last few days. I am still clean and happy to say so. One problem is that out of no where I will start to get mildly depressed which comes out n the form of anger. I am not having cravings too often and when I do they are much easier to control. I will e-mail you.
Hope all is well
Hey Eye's,
Check your inbox....
Check your inbox....
As Dave knows I'm a big proponent of exercise....anykind.I don't think enough emphasis is put on it in early recovery.I'm involved with 12th step groups but I can't stress how changing my diet and getting back to the gym,running,surfing and mountain biking all excellerated the process.
Opiate abuse depletes the body from making natural endorphins.You've hijacked the brain with a fake chemical and unless you kick the process back in,it can take months to feel better.You hear all the time about a runners high,well essentialy that's like taking a good shot of morphine.I don't even run fast anymore.I do a nice slow jog and the feeling I get is incredible.
Surfing makes me use oxygen.If the surf is good you forget about pain and being tired.You get so stoked and amped from the endorphins.It's the same with biking.I'm not a racer like Dave but MBing can give you a similar rush.
You can't do any of this if your fuel is fat and sugars.You have to get high quality protein,natural fruits and vegetables and lots of water.There is no reason to spend copious amounts of money on fads.Eat good quality foods,take a good multi-vitamin and maybe supplement it with some aminos.
Also,once you find out that all of this works,the temptation to put poisons like Vicodin in your body becomes less desirable.I also believe in faith but it's my own.It's your responsibility to find what works for you.
Opiate abuse depletes the body from making natural endorphins.You've hijacked the brain with a fake chemical and unless you kick the process back in,it can take months to feel better.You hear all the time about a runners high,well essentialy that's like taking a good shot of morphine.I don't even run fast anymore.I do a nice slow jog and the feeling I get is incredible.
Surfing makes me use oxygen.If the surf is good you forget about pain and being tired.You get so stoked and amped from the endorphins.It's the same with biking.I'm not a racer like Dave but MBing can give you a similar rush.
You can't do any of this if your fuel is fat and sugars.You have to get high quality protein,natural fruits and vegetables and lots of water.There is no reason to spend copious amounts of money on fads.Eat good quality foods,take a good multi-vitamin and maybe supplement it with some aminos.
Also,once you find out that all of this works,the temptation to put poisons like Vicodin in your body becomes less desirable.I also believe in faith but it's my own.It's your responsibility to find what works for you.
Even with excersize, how long does it take to repair the brain? Chronic users, does it ever go back to normal?
5 years and I feel amazing now but it's been so long that I don't remember what normal was supposed to feel like. I wonder if I'm still broken? Brain that is.
Just curious....
5 years and I feel amazing now but it's been so long that I don't remember what normal was supposed to feel like. I wonder if I'm still broken? Brain that is.
Just curious....
HI Tim,
Bikeman has sent me a diet plan and is working on an exercise plan. I have yet to purchase the amino acids. I know what you are talking about when you say runners high. I am a runner or use to be. I do a lot of hiking which is evenly paced, some tough 3hour uphill hikes which are so rewarding when you reach the top.
Where do you live that you get to surf..that is awesome......never done that before.
Cowgirl,
I can say that at first I thougth I would never return to well, felling better but I am slowly. I feel pretty amazing myself. I am not craving as much anymore but this saturday I was. I was gifted the flu from a neighbor and at first I though geez...I feel like I am going through withdrawls. When I was using it did not matter what type of sickness I had I would take vicodin and feel like a million bucks.
You asked before where I live in Alaska...Palmer, Little Palmer. It's great!
Bikeman has sent me a diet plan and is working on an exercise plan. I have yet to purchase the amino acids. I know what you are talking about when you say runners high. I am a runner or use to be. I do a lot of hiking which is evenly paced, some tough 3hour uphill hikes which are so rewarding when you reach the top.
Where do you live that you get to surf..that is awesome......never done that before.
Cowgirl,
I can say that at first I thougth I would never return to well, felling better but I am slowly. I feel pretty amazing myself. I am not craving as much anymore but this saturday I was. I was gifted the flu from a neighbor and at first I though geez...I feel like I am going through withdrawls. When I was using it did not matter what type of sickness I had I would take vicodin and feel like a million bucks.
You asked before where I live in Alaska...Palmer, Little Palmer. It's great!
The brain heals faster when all the connections, enzymes and proper chemistry are balanced...key thing is balanced. I had a four hour discussion with my neurosurgeon the other day about this very subject. I wanted to talk to him about what goes on in the brain. what physiologically goes on when we withdraw from drugs. As Tim mentioned, the drugs really send your brain chemistry into overdrive and create false transmitters/receptors and an over production of endorphins, serotonin and other neural chemicals. Once the drugs have stopped it takes time for the brain to heal. My Dr. indicated that proper diet, exercise and quitting smoking will get the brain back in order faster. Smoking is the WORST things you can do, according to him, because nicotine also creates false receptors in the brain....it's like taking to steps forward and one step back. Many other issues are associated with smoking, but it evidently affects the brain too. Interestingly, he also indicated that there is absolutely no quantifiable data that there is any physiological differences between an addicts brain and one who is not susceptible to addiction. The differences appear to be more psychological in nature. The notion that there is some 'magical' gene that is pre-disposed in the brain for addictive personalities just cannot be repeated and if not repeated then it's not quantifiable and if not quantifiable, then it doesn't exist. The key to quick and sustained recovery is diet and exercise. 12 step programs and group therapy are great and work well, but they do not address the physiological issues....
Everyone has the potential to not only get better but live better.This may sound facetious but most people are too lazy.It takes a lot of discipline to say no I won't eat that,I'm not going to smoke,I'm going to start eating healthier foods and I'm making it a priority to do some exercise everyday.Our society is a quick fix life.It's faster to go to McDonalds and easier to get in your car and drive everywhere.
There are some days I will absolutely abhor going to the gym or jog.You couldn't force me but I will go walk my dog for a mile.I may be depressed the whole time but when I'm through,it does change.It's not like Nirvana but making the effort helps.I do believe that alcoholism and addiction are genetically based.You don't have to agree with this but I've read a lot of literature that seems to substatiate this.I do believe you can alter the course also.It does not have to be a "done deal".My sister knew I had a problem in my teens and chose not to drink because also my dad had been an alcoholic in his 20's.
Eyes...I live in Houston but we have waves at Surfside and Matagorda.They aren't world class like the pacific but it's still fun.It's just not close.We also have some awesome Mountain Bike trails within a couple of hours around Houston.
There is even kayaking in the Bayous here.The water's not real pretty but being with friends,exercising and making the best of it is what it's all about.
Lisa......I think you will get as normal as God sees fit.You are well spoken,have a good life with a loving husband.You have good children and grandchildren.Many people would envy such a life.The way I look at it now is the damage is done.I can sure spend the rest of my life working for positive goals and that will make me as normal as I will ever get.
I knew at 14 I wasn't right.I do have some gifts that only a maniac would posess.LOL
There are some days I will absolutely abhor going to the gym or jog.You couldn't force me but I will go walk my dog for a mile.I may be depressed the whole time but when I'm through,it does change.It's not like Nirvana but making the effort helps.I do believe that alcoholism and addiction are genetically based.You don't have to agree with this but I've read a lot of literature that seems to substatiate this.I do believe you can alter the course also.It does not have to be a "done deal".My sister knew I had a problem in my teens and chose not to drink because also my dad had been an alcoholic in his 20's.
Eyes...I live in Houston but we have waves at Surfside and Matagorda.They aren't world class like the pacific but it's still fun.It's just not close.We also have some awesome Mountain Bike trails within a couple of hours around Houston.
There is even kayaking in the Bayous here.The water's not real pretty but being with friends,exercising and making the best of it is what it's all about.
Lisa......I think you will get as normal as God sees fit.You are well spoken,have a good life with a loving husband.You have good children and grandchildren.Many people would envy such a life.The way I look at it now is the damage is done.I can sure spend the rest of my life working for positive goals and that will make me as normal as I will ever get.
I knew at 14 I wasn't right.I do have some gifts that only a maniac would posess.LOL
Hey Tim,
I found the conversations with my neurosurgeon quite informative, but I too thought and to some degree still believe that addiction has some genetic similarities. I am not a Dr. and only sited his experiences and he evidently lead a 10 year study on this very subject. The issues they found were that the results were extremely inconsistent therefore not quantifiable. It seemed that many people that were addicted to opiates had a particular gene that non-addicts didn't have. One would think..'Eureka' we have found a cure, yet when other forms of addiction were studied they had different genes that the opiate addicts didn't have. Also, non-alcoholics and alcoholics in the same family have similar genetic make-up. But the alcoholics in the family had similar 'behavioral' traits...
He did indicate that the whole thing was a giant moving target and 'one' gene didn't solve the entire puzzle of addiction. Would be nice if it did because a lot of suffering could be avoided.
I found the conversations with my neurosurgeon quite informative, but I too thought and to some degree still believe that addiction has some genetic similarities. I am not a Dr. and only sited his experiences and he evidently lead a 10 year study on this very subject. The issues they found were that the results were extremely inconsistent therefore not quantifiable. It seemed that many people that were addicted to opiates had a particular gene that non-addicts didn't have. One would think..'Eureka' we have found a cure, yet when other forms of addiction were studied they had different genes that the opiate addicts didn't have. Also, non-alcoholics and alcoholics in the same family have similar genetic make-up. But the alcoholics in the family had similar 'behavioral' traits...
He did indicate that the whole thing was a giant moving target and 'one' gene didn't solve the entire puzzle of addiction. Would be nice if it did because a lot of suffering could be avoided.
QUOTE |
Everyone has the potential to not only get better but live better.This may sound facetious but most people are too lazy.It takes a lot of discipline to say no I won't eat that,I'm not going to smoke,I'm going to start eating healthier foods and I'm making it a priority to do some exercise everyday.Our society is a quick fix life.It's faster to go to McDonalds and easier to get in your car and drive everywhere. |
Off to chill on the patio with my guy =)
Peace~M&M
Mom-
You will get back into it.One thing I have noticed about consistent exercisers's is they don't forget.We all have injuries that might put us down awhile but the brain has this little nagging switch that says "It's time to stop f***ing around".
Gardening burns about 700 calories an hour.
I worry most about middle age exercisers who have never done anything.They don't have the physical or mental skills to push themselves.[there are always exceptions!].I see some guys at the gym that are 150# overweight about a week and then they dissappear? I always try and encorage anybody I see struggling to stick with it.Magic doesn't happen at 40+ like it did when you were 20.It may take 6 months to drop 10 lbs. and put on some lean mass but it's natural and last.
Muscle burns more calories even when stationery.Fat doesn't.It takes longer to burn fat and you have to be patient.Eat when you're hungry not when you're having a feeling.There is one gut at the ym that is seriously obese but he's been coming about a year.He hasn't lost much weight but is still trying.Without being pushy I talked to him one day about just amping up the cardio and not worry about the weight right now.I think he really heard me because lately it looks like he's leaned up.
My next rant will be all these sports drinks.I read one the other day that had 300 mg. of caffeine and 20 tsp. of sugar.Can you say diabetes?
You will get back into it.One thing I have noticed about consistent exercisers's is they don't forget.We all have injuries that might put us down awhile but the brain has this little nagging switch that says "It's time to stop f***ing around".
Gardening burns about 700 calories an hour.
I worry most about middle age exercisers who have never done anything.They don't have the physical or mental skills to push themselves.[there are always exceptions!].I see some guys at the gym that are 150# overweight about a week and then they dissappear? I always try and encorage anybody I see struggling to stick with it.Magic doesn't happen at 40+ like it did when you were 20.It may take 6 months to drop 10 lbs. and put on some lean mass but it's natural and last.
Muscle burns more calories even when stationery.Fat doesn't.It takes longer to burn fat and you have to be patient.Eat when you're hungry not when you're having a feeling.There is one gut at the ym that is seriously obese but he's been coming about a year.He hasn't lost much weight but is still trying.Without being pushy I talked to him one day about just amping up the cardio and not worry about the weight right now.I think he really heard me because lately it looks like he's leaned up.
My next rant will be all these sports drinks.I read one the other day that had 300 mg. of caffeine and 20 tsp. of sugar.Can you say diabetes?
Hey Tim,
Don't get me started on the sports drinks. I have tried them all at some point during my cycling career and there are benefits to some of the caffeine and sugar, but you have to take it into context. If you are riding a 24 hr mountain bike race then the aforementioned drink will work great and be of benefit to the rider. In endurance sports a high glycemic index can be just what separates you from finishing and dieing on the side of the trail from exhaustion. I wouldn't drink any of those sports drinks and just sit around all day and they are definitely not for the weekend work-out guyz. I was sponsored by Powerbar when I was racing and I coudn't stand to eat those damned things. Now they have come up with some products that are edible and actually taste good
Don't get me started on the sports drinks. I have tried them all at some point during my cycling career and there are benefits to some of the caffeine and sugar, but you have to take it into context. If you are riding a 24 hr mountain bike race then the aforementioned drink will work great and be of benefit to the rider. In endurance sports a high glycemic index can be just what separates you from finishing and dieing on the side of the trail from exhaustion. I wouldn't drink any of those sports drinks and just sit around all day and they are definitely not for the weekend work-out guyz. I was sponsored by Powerbar when I was racing and I coudn't stand to eat those damned things. Now they have come up with some products that are edible and actually taste good
Ok, so I'm lazy. I can't quit smoking because I won't. But that keeps my brain sick? I hate that.
I see your point Dave.That little edge could decide a race.
I meant Lisa was the only one on the board I knew who took narcotics for surgery and did it the way it was sugggested.You can't have open heart surgery without narcotics,that's insane.Also,when you take them as prescribed for pain in the proper amounts,you won't get high anyway.
I do think Dave's approach would be one I would consider.Load me up with anything but narcotics if it it involves a somewhat minor procedure.
I have a blocked testicular tube right now that is painful that the doctor had given me Cipro for.He also gave me Motrin and it's gettting better.Before,I would have insisted for VicodinES but that's just habit.Once you know how strong an 800 mg.prescription Motrin is,it will work for most pain.There are also some powerful NSAID'S that work pretty good for dental work.You just have to change you're thinking.Opiates are not always the best solution.
Quitting smoking has nothing to do with being lazy.You really have to get to the place you hate it.You're not there yet and beating yourself up about it does no good.
I meant Lisa was the only one on the board I knew who took narcotics for surgery and did it the way it was sugggested.You can't have open heart surgery without narcotics,that's insane.Also,when you take them as prescribed for pain in the proper amounts,you won't get high anyway.
I do think Dave's approach would be one I would consider.Load me up with anything but narcotics if it it involves a somewhat minor procedure.
I have a blocked testicular tube right now that is painful that the doctor had given me Cipro for.He also gave me Motrin and it's gettting better.Before,I would have insisted for VicodinES but that's just habit.Once you know how strong an 800 mg.prescription Motrin is,it will work for most pain.There are also some powerful NSAID'S that work pretty good for dental work.You just have to change you're thinking.Opiates are not always the best solution.
Quitting smoking has nothing to do with being lazy.You really have to get to the place you hate it.You're not there yet and beating yourself up about it does no good.