Depression, Anxiety

[whitelion65]

What dose were you on Syndrome?
My GP explained to me that going cold turkey would never be an option.
That didn't stop me doing exactly that about 18 months ago....FAIL!!
I take it your're back on the meds? Make sure you stay in touch with your GP or specialist.
Stay strong....or hang on to someone who is!!

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Didn't take my SSRI medication for two days and started to experience withdrawal systems. So much for the claims made decades ago that this type of medication is not addictive! All good now.

Hey Syndrome,

I had no idea what SSR's are/were, so I did a bit of research. Whilst doing so, I came across this info:

Stopping treatment with SSRIs
SSRIs aren't addictive. However, stopping antidepressant treatment abruptly or missing several doses can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome. Work with your doctor to gradually and safely decrease your dose.

Withdrawal-like symptoms can include:

General feeling of uneasiness
Nausea
Dizziness
Lethargy
Flu-like symptoms

So, not addictive, per se, but you can experience addictive-like withdrawal symptoms (not sure how that makes it any different?).

Found that here, if you're interested.

All the best, mate.

[slowsnake]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Didn't take my SSRI medication for two days and started to experience withdrawal systems. So much for the claims made decades ago that this type of medication is not addictive! All good now.

Hello, you need a change of doctor or psychologist, how long you been with the same team and on your current regimen?
SSRI are Selective Seretonin Reuptake Inhibitors, like Zoloft, Prozac or Paxil to name a few.
I took everything they threw at me ( like a good little boy) and realised they were trialling me on different meds.
I take one antidepressant now called DESVENLAFAXINE ER x 100mg or commonly known as PRISTIQ.
Its to stop neuropathic pain which in turn depresses me.

If the meds don't work then in my opinion they are treating the symptoms not the cause!
Do you know about the triple 333's look it up on Google, may help a little.

Cheers Billy

[sneaky]

I have been told in the past to slowly taper the dosage as you come off the meds. This time I was on 'only' 50mg of zoloft daily so I went cold turkey, I had the brain zaps for maybe a week.

In theory maybe I should have dropped to 25mg for a week or two, then 12mg, etc.

I have previously been warned against having 50mg, then skip a day, then 50mg, skip a day, etc as a way of coming off the meds.


maybe 5 years ago my GP (retired now) was getting me to try one form of antidepressant for a few months, if that gave no result I would change the type of meds and start again. I eventually ended up seeing a psychiatrist and she got me on to the type that worked for me almost straight away. GP's can hand meds out like tic tacs but the psychiatrists are better trained and on top of what is available and what should work.

[Citroënbender]

That sadly describes most GPs, doing harm by over-abundant caution - often coupled with a disengaged manner. A bit like sending a psychologist to a major car crash, as first responder…

I’ve seen first-hand the results when people announce “I don’t think I need to take this anymore” - then go cold turkey, and it ends up in an unhappy situation within weeks. It’s heartbreaking to see it over and over when the systems that theoretically should have offered support, have either fallen for the sufferer’s “snow job” or really couldn’t care.

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by whitelion65

What dose were you on Syndrome?
My GP explained to me that going cold turkey would never be an option.
That didn't stop me doing exactly that about 18 months ago....FAIL!!
I take it your're back on the meds? Make sure you stay in touch with your GP or specialist.
Stay strong....or hang on to someone who is!!

I've been prescribed 20mg Paroxetine. However I've been trying to ween myself of the stuff. Purchased a pill cutter at the chemist and take one quarter of a tablet most days. Can miss a day without too much drama. But if I go two days without then it starts.

[slowsnake]

I ran out of my script on Wednesday, somehow after my lung surgery they failed to put all my pills/meds back in my green hospital supplied medication bag?
So you have to take all your medications including non script, ie:- vitamins including my A/B Berocca and my Magnesium tabs.
They change your meds while there but are supposed to give what you take in back to you.

So no Pristiq, i should of had enough until next Wednesday?.after 3 days off I really noticed the difference too, I picked up a script at 5 am this morning from an all nighter, just can't sleep, its now after 8 am and I can really feel it kicking in, its a very subtle change, but noticable!

Moral, check meds before discharge, problem I chose bread and milk over $6.50c script!


Cheers Billy.

[slowsnake]

And I thought 100mg Pristiq was doing nothing for me?...mmm, wrong!


Cheers Billy.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by slowsnake

And I thought 100mg Pristiq was doing nothing for me?...mmm, wrong!

Cheers Billy.

Hey Billy, when people get given these meds, is there an actual plan from the doctor on when and how to exit them?

I remember when I was going through my roughest time, a friend of mine working in the psychiatry field kept pressuring me to see a GP to access meds. I asked "but how long would i need to be on them for" her reply "as long as it takes". With no definitive end I decided against it. Although, I did take something for a few weeks to help me sleep. That was 6+ years ago now.

[slowsnake]

3 days without = crazy sleep/wake cycle, and I was trying to hang out until next Wednesday to see Doctor, couldn't do it, go mad really, mainly from lack of normal sleep cycle, and I take it in morning not night!
OK now


Cheers Billy.

[T3rminator]

Hope everyone is doing ok. 3 states in some form of lock down. Us Vics, more so Melbournians, have been through 5. Some advice for those who might struggle:

1) Control the amount of media you consume and be very selective where you source your news. It can be addictive to follow the news 24/7 whilst at home. Get some awareness of what is "entertainment" and what is "real news".

2) Avoid the ABCs of the red platform - Anger, Blame and Complain. Its bloody hard. But there is nothing you can do to change the current situation. The ABC is a waste of energy. I still fall in this trap from time to time.

3) Use your full allocation of outside exercise time.

4) Take the time to reconnect with those around you. Mum, dad, kids, house mates etc.

5) ..... follow some of DFB FGXR6 threads....they are quite calming

Take care.

[slowsnake]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Hey Billy, when people get given these meds, is there an actual plan from the doctor on when and how to exit them?

I remember when I was going through my roughest time, a friend of mine working in the psychiatry field kept pressuring me to see a GP to access meds. I asked "but how long would i need to be on them for" her reply "as long as it takes". With no definitive end I decided against it. Although, I did take something for a few weeks to help me sleep. That was 6+ years ago now.

I should of answered this sooner, sorry mate, my anti depressants were always supposedly to control neuropathic pain, I have had lots of spinal surgery, and you have a thing called referred pain, its a mongrel of a thing, but once surgery is done, nerves decompressed it just vanishes, its like a massive painful burden is lifted.

Afterwards is neuropathy and or radiculopathy and this is what my antidepressants are supposed to help.
Chronic pain is probably the most soul destroying, debilitating thing there is, its like a bad toothache that you sort of adapt to, you got to, won't kill you but just feels like it will.
Changes your personality, if you let it, the meds are to stop that I think, pain is still there but it changes the way you feel about it!..apparently


Cheers Billy

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by slowsnake

Chronic pain is probably the most soul destroying, debilitating thing there is, its like a bad toothache that you sort of adapt to, you got to, won't kill you but just feels like it will.
Changes your personality, if you let it, the meds are to stop that I think, pain is still there but it changes the way you feel about it!..apparently


Cheers Billy

I woke up one day in February 2014 with a sudden onset of pain in right lower abdomen. I have been poked and probed ever since and no doctor or surgeon can tell me what it is. I have had some pretty invasive surgery in early 2018 and a variety of nerve blocks. Nothing has helped. I would hate to know how much time and money I have wasted trying to find out and treat this un-explained chronic pain.

In 2014 I was 28, the pain has ruined my life and robbed me of my prime. It has caused me to change as a person, making me anxious and very intolerant and sharp with other people. It has undoubtedly contributed to my depression. And because pain is invisible, people don't understand what you are going through, to the point where a family member said it's all in my head. For years, I would go to sleep at night hoping and praying it would do away.

After all the procedures I have had, all with no improvement, I have basically given up hope that it will go away. I now approach each day as "how much will it hurt today".

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Hope everyone is doing ok. 3 states in some form of lock down. Us Vics, more so Melbournians, have been through 5. Some advice for those who might struggle:

1) Control the amount of media you consume and be very selective where you source your news. It can be addictive to follow the news 24/7 whilst at home. Get some awareness of what is "entertainment" and what is "real news".

2) Avoid the ABCs of the red platform - Anger, Blame and Complain. Its bloody hard. But there is nothing you can do to change the current situation. The ABC is a waste of energy. I still fall in this trap from time to time.

3) Use your full allocation of outside exercise time.

4) Take the time to reconnect with those around you. Mum, dad, kids, house mates etc.

5) ..... follow some of DFB FGXR6 threads....they are quite calming

Take care.

Completely agree about news, 24 hr coverage has made things worse especially when its all negative.
I use the "check in" approach with news, ill check in for 15 or 20 mins a few times a day, but wont leave it on in the background, and i avoid most of the commercial stations, as their language and reporting style make me angry and anxious.
The other thing i do for self preservation is how local the bad news is. Now we no longer have multiple local news bulletins, worrying about a "Horror Smash" on the M4 in sydney, isnt in my interest, as callous as it sounds when im in Adelaide. Select what things you will engage with.
And know this, news services arent in the business of providing you with the most balanced,researched and accurate news. They need you to click. Thats all.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

2) Avoid the ABCs of the red platform - Anger, Blame and Complain. Its bloody hard. But there is nothing you can do to change the current situation. The ABC is a waste of energy. I still fall in this trap from time to time.

I can understand why some may not like the ABC, but my primary source of information during the busy days is their Covid Live Update Blog.

There's no personal commentary, just reporting of events as they occur such as press conferences etc. I find it to be the most up to date summary of major events.


On a completely different note, today has been a bit bittersweet for me. After over 18 years, today I am formally a single person again. In some ways it doesn't bother me, as it is really just a formalisation of where I've been for the last two and a bit years, but in other ways it makes me sad; sad that our relationship ended up where it did, sad that I wasn't able to prevent where we ended up, sad that my ex felt she had no other option than to end our relationship, sad that we weren't able to provide our daughter with a 'normal' parental arrangement.

My daughter is with her mum this week, so it's just me and the dog. Went for a run as it's good for both body and soul and then I got fish and chips for tea coz I CBF'd making dinner, and, even though I very rarely drink alcohol, I made myself a southern and coke and 'celebrated' with the dog. Not sure I would have done much different even if we weren't in lockdown.

Not sure why, but I haven't even told any of my family or friends about the divorce happening today.

Oh, and of course, I then jumped onto AFF to see what trouble and strife has been caused this evening.

Thanks to you guys and girls who, mostly unknowingly, help keep me sane.

Stay well all.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

I can understand why some may not like the ABC, but my primary source of information during the busy days is their Covid Live Update Blog.

There's no personal commentary, just reporting of events as they occur such as press conferences etc. I find it to be the most up to date summary of major events.
.........

LOL on ABC. No I wasn't referring to the TV channel. There is a book called "The Green Platform". I think something like 20,000 odd thoughts go through our heads every day, and it either lands on the Green (positive) or Red (negative) platform.

The ABC of the red platform = Anger, Blame and Complain

The ABC of the green platform = Action, Belief and Commitment.

I read the first couple of chapters, but being impatient and not the type that likes to read books, I'm now looking for the audio book to complete.

PS. Sorry to hear about your split. Where one door closes, another opportunity will open in time.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

LOL on ABC. No I wasn't referring to the TV channel. There is a book called "The Green Platform". I think something like 20,000 odd thoughts go through our heads every day, and it either lands on the Green (positive) or Red (negative) platform.

The ABC of the red platform = Anger, Blame and Complain

The ABC of the green platform = Action, Belief and Commitment.

I read the first couple of chapters, but being impatient and not the type that likes to read books, I'm now looking for the audio book to complete.

PS. Sorry to hear about your split. Where one door closes, another opportunity will open in time.

Oh, completely misunderstood that one, didn't I! Maybe that one drink i had effected me more than I thought

Cheers for the thoughts, mate, appreciate it.

[slowsnake]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I woke up one day in February 2014 with a sudden onset of pain in right lower abdomen. I have been poked and probed ever since and no doctor or surgeon can tell me what it is. I have had some pretty invasive surgery in early 2018 and a variety of nerve blocks. Nothing has helped. I would hate to know how much time and money I have wasted trying to find out and treat this un-explained chronic pain.

In 2014 I was 28, the pain has ruined my life and robbed me of my prime. It has caused me to change as a person, making me anxious and very intolerant and sharp with other people. It has undoubtedly contributed to my depression. And because pain is invisible, people don't understand what you are going through, to the point where a family member said it's all in my head. For years, I would go to sleep at night hoping and praying it would do away.

After all the procedures I have had, all with no improvement, I have basically given up hope that it will go away. I now approach each day as "how much will it hurt today".

Very odd because when I was 28 I to woke up with a pain in the lower left abdomen, just back from a 6 month contract in the NT, did a lot of big heavy drinking there, carton of VB stubby a night, that's not a typo.
Got back to Sydney and this pain started, it was investigated for 18 months and nothing there?

Get sent to see a Dr Margaret Gilles, known as "the Rear Admiral" she had private rooms in Annandale Sydney.
She thought gastritis and organised a barium enema, pumped this white stuff up my bum, suddenly I shouted to stop, they asked why, I said the pain has stopped, vanished, they xrayed me to see how far the barium had gone, and big surprise, right where my pain was?

Been off work 18 months, was back working the following week, never had it again.
Dr said that my intestine must of been raw where the pain was, the barium, like gaviscon hit the raw bit and instantly soothed it, sounds unreal but true, it never came back and I changed diet and drinking habits, no food or nibbles then no grog!

I wish you well, if I was you I would buy an enema bag, fill it with warm milk and lay on my right side and put a few litres in, may work, won't do any harm.


Cheers Billy.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Loneliness can be a major contributor to depression. Whilst you don't necessarily need to be alone to be lonely, I think it's important those who do live alone during the lockdowns know they have options. One that I came across the other day may be of use to anyone who is feeling lonely and would just like someone to talk to.

FriendLine is for anyone who needs to reconnect or just wants a chat.
All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous and the friendly volunteers are ready for a yarn and to share a story or two.

Call 1800 424 287.

The support line is open 10am – 8pm AEST, 7 days a week

[DFB FGXR6]

A little bit more on chronic pain -

National Pain Week 2021, 26th July - 1st August.

National Pain Week is an annual awareness event coordinated each year by Chronic Pain Australia.

https://www.nationalpainweek.org.au/...d=7269944&jb=3

- Chronic pain is arguably Australia, and the world’s, fastest-growing medical condition.

- 1 in 5 Australians live with chronic pain - including adolescents and children. This includes 1 in 3 people over the age of 65.

- 1 in 5 GP consultations involve a patient with chronic pain and almost 5% report severe, disabling chronic pain.

- The prevalence of chronic pain is projected to increase as Australia's population ages – from around 3.2 million in 2007 to 5 million by 2050.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Quote of the day I shared with my team today. Thought it was worthwhile posting this one here, too.

Knowing what to leave out is just as important as knowing what to focus on.
Warren Buffett

[slowsnake]

I just got a letter from SCGH Perth, they want a phone consultation 2nd September, this is from the Dept of Pain Management?..lol..
While I was in getting my lung ripped out, they informed me that they did not like the meds I take!
I said neither do I actually, they said we are going to change them, I said ten years is a long time to change, they said it was OK then not now?
So I said that means what you want to give me now will be obsolete too, in ten years time?
No answer...


Cheers Billy

[MercuryT]

Glad to hear people are sharing their feelings.

It's not easy but I think important to share whether here, friends, family, Drs or whereever.

Well my deserved ban has ended and I can confirm I haven't had a drink for just over a fortnight.

Feel better than I have in a long time and I'm committed to staying sober.

I * everything up when I drink heavily so I've decided enough is enough both for my physical and mental health.

Have a great day all.

Merc

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Glad to hear people are sharing their feelings.

It's not easy but I think important to share whether here, friends, family, Drs or whereever.

Well my deserved ban has ended and I can confirm I haven't had a drink for just over a fortnight.

Feel better than I have in a long time and I'm committed to staying sober.

I * everything up when I drink heavily so I've decided enough is enough both for my physical and mental health.

Have a great day all.

Merc

Good on you, Merc. We all make mistakes in life. It's what we learn from those mistakes that's important. And it sounds like you've made the first step in any road to reform; you've admitted that you have a problem!

Congrats on the two weeks sober. Credit to you. I've never been there myself, but I reckon quitting the grog would have to be one of the hardest things someone could do. Alcoholism is such an insidious disease.

Keep up the good work mate, and remember to reach out to those around you, including on here, when the road gets tough and you think about getting back on the grog again. I'm sure I won't be the only one to offer support for your journey.

[slowsnake]

October 6th 2016, that was my last real drink, I can now have a cider or beer or Bundy on special occasions without out side effects, others can drink around me all the time, I'm not interested or get jealous or the urge to drink!

And it feels good being in control, so good luck to you Merc...


Cheers Mr B

[MercuryT]

Thank you to both the posts above.

Much appreciated and yes being in control feels great, and certainly I've known I've had a problem for years but doing something about it is another matter as quitting is a horrible and scary experience (if drinking at the level i was).

Congrats on your efforts Mr B, and thanks for the offer of support Foxtrot as I will certainly remember that if that situation arises (I've relapsed many times before and I don't want to again).

Hope everyone is doing well or getting assistance if struggling.
Merc

[slowsnake]

Will just add a little bit Merc, I was very lucky as a drinker, I was known as a "happy" drinker, I drunk because after being in a welding helmet all day, especially in summer, earlier on in negative ventilation sweatshops around Sydney, well the first thing I wanted was an ice cold bitter beer, not draught, but something bitter to wash all that metal dust out of my throat, i/we convinced ourselves we "deserved" it, as a right, just like your right to morning smoko!

That was the early 70's, after that until 1979 in Qld, I worked away and we were put up in pubs, geez 6am to 5pm, hour for lunch, at the pub as it was paid for, 10 pots, or middies each day, knock off same, dinner, beer then rum and coke, every day Merc, and still turned up for work every day.

Then the NT, wow, laying and building tank floors and pipework in full long gear, including leather welding jacket.
Carton of VB stubby every night, and the first 6 pack in 15mins, just to get some liquid in us, another 6 before dry mess shut, then party central at my donga, FIFO, 6 months on 2 weeks of your annual holidays off, but it was thirsty work Merc, to me normal, but it was tolerated because I was just a happy person, sober, working or legless and drunk!

Back in Sydney 1981, slowed down a bit but it was nothing for 4 of us to sit and play chess from Friday night until Sunday arvo, 1 carton of Johnny Walker black label, plus 4 cartons VB stubbs, it was like a lifestyle, all my friends were drinkers, I found teetotaller types boring, they thought I was a joke a minute, and I was, but I was welcome anywhere because I was/still am a happy person, I laugh about my cancer, it does not faze me one bit, to me it's a natural progression of the demise of the body/entity known as Billy, or Mr B, or King Billy.

My mother was cremated on 6th October 2016, I lived way out of Perth and dident have enough money for fuel, my brother made the funeral arrangements on the day before my disability pension day, I had $15 bucks, needed $30 bucks, so I bought a 10 pack of cider, sat at home and drunk them!

That was the day I stopped drinking!
Every photo of me and Mum I have either a beer or Bundy in my hand, every photo of us together, but imwas always accepted due to my happiness, I was not a bad drunk, I was funny and happy and still am!

I have had 5 drink drives, 3 in 3 weeks in 3 States and Territories, in one year I had 32 speeding fines and 32 defects on my 62 Holden EK Panel Van, all off one copper from Liverpool Command, it had a 138 grey motor and 1 of the 250 FC Holden crossflow heads, mild cam, ported and polished by me, twin 1 3/4" twin exhaust made by my mate, Jock McCloud, he owned a drag car a early silver Cortina called Mayhem, he made my van sound like a worked 302ci motor, but I loved a drink, that's it, I was a very thirsty person who thought he would end up in " the hospital for thirsty people".lol...

Take it easy brother, and you can do it, stop that is, and you will mate!


Cheers Billy

PS:- in 1986 aged 33, I spent 4 weeks in Liverpool Hospital, it was liver failure, my dad had cancer, he was in Perth, multiple myeloma, back then a shocking way to die, I overdid the sorrowful me bit, and nearly died from the booze, but I had shattered my knee in a bike accident and the meds mixed with the beer nearly destroyed me and my liver, the first day out I went to the Stardust Hotel in Cabramatta!....crazy eh...but you can stop Merc, its hard as you can see from my little effort, but you can and will do it mate!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Glad to hear people are sharing their feelings.

It's not easy but I think important to share whether here, friends, family, Drs or whereever.

Well my deserved ban has ended and I can confirm I haven't had a drink for just over a fortnight.

Feel better than I have in a long time and I'm committed to staying sober.

I * everything up when I drink heavily so I've decided enough is enough both for my physical and mental health.

Have a great day all.

Merc

Welcome back brother!

Glad to see you are attacking your demons slowly but surely.

If you ever need to chat, send me a PM or email me mrshav@hotmail.com

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by slowsnake

Will just add a little bit Merc, I was very lucky as a drinker, I was known as a "happy" drinker, I drunk because after being in a welding helmet all day, especially in summer, earlier on in negative ventilation sweatshops around Sydney, well the first thing I wanted was an ice cold bitter beer, not draught, but something bitter to wash all that metal dust out of my throat, i/we convinced ourselves we "deserved" it, as a right, just like your right to morning smoko!

That was the early 70's, after that until 1979 in Qld, I worked away and we were put up in pubs, geez 6am to 5pm, hour for lunch, at the pub as it was paid for, 10 pots, or middies each day, knock off same, dinner, beer then rum and coke, every day Merc, and still turned up for work every day.

Then the NT, wow, laying and building tank floors and pipework in full long gear, including leather welding jacket.
Carton of VB stubby every night, and the first 6 pack in 15mins, just to get some liquid in us, another 6 before dry mess shut, then party central at my donga, FIFO, 6 months on 2 weeks of your annual holidays off, but it was thirsty work Merc, to me normal, but it was tolerated because I was just a happy person, sober, working or legless and drunk!

Back in Sydney 1981, slowed down a bit but it was nothing for 4 of us to sit and play chess from Friday night until Sunday arvo, 1 carton of Johnny Walker black label, plus 4 cartons VB stubbs, it was like a lifestyle, all my friends were drinkers, I found teetotaller types boring, they thought I was a joke a minute, and I was, but I was welcome anywhere because I was/still am a happy person, I laugh about my cancer, it does not faze me one bit, to me it's a natural progression of the demise of the body/entity known as Billy, or Mr B, or King Billy.

My mother was cremated on 6th October 2016, I lived way out of Perth and dident have enough money for fuel, my brother made the funeral arrangements on the day before my disability pension day, I had $15 bucks, needed $30 bucks, so I bought a 10 pack of cider, sat at home and drunk them!

That was the day I stopped drinking!
Every photo of me and Mum I have either a beer or Bundy in my hand, every photo of us together, but imwas always accepted due to my happiness, I was not a bad drunk, I was funny and happy and still am!

I have had 5 drink drives, 3 in 3 weeks in 3 States and Territories, in one year I had 32 speeding fines and 32 defects on my 62 Holden EK Panel Van, all off one copper from Liverpool Command, it had a 138 grey motor and 1 of the 250 FC Holden crossflow heads, mild cam, ported and polished by me, twin 1 3/4" twin exhaust made by my mate, Jock McCloud, he owned a drag car a early silver Cortina called Mayhem, he made my van sound like a worked 302ci motor, but I loved a drink, that's it, I was a very thirsty person who thought he would end up in " the hospital for thirsty people".lol...

Take it easy brother, and you can do it, stop that is, and you will mate!


Cheers Billy

PS:- in 1986 aged 33, I spent 4 weeks in Liverpool Hospital, it was liver failure, my dad had cancer, he was in Perth, multiple myeloma, back then a shocking way to die, I overdid the sorrowful me bit, and nearly died from the booze, but I had shattered my knee in a bike accident and the meds mixed with the beer nearly destroyed me and my liver, the first day out I went to the Stardust Hotel in Cabramatta!....crazy eh...but you can stop Merc, its hard as you can see from my little effort, but you can and will do it mate!

Hey Billy, just wanted to say, from reading your posts across all the different threads, that you remind me of a neighbour I once had. Probably around the same age too. The bloke had been through a lot of tough experiences in life, but he was always happy and content, never ever complained, and would drop everything without notice to help people out. He had almost every tool imaginable in his shed, and there was nothing he couldn't fix. A real problem solver.

He spent a lot of time at our house, mostly because him and my dad got along really well. Plus I think he just enjoyed helping us solve and fix all sorts of problems, from cars to house to planting etc etc. I called him Mr Wolf (from Pulp Fiction), cos he was mr fix it for everything He was a real thinker.

When I get on later in life, I'd like to have his peace. Doesn't matter what you've been through, still happy and content.

Unfortunately smoking got the better of him. He has been gone a few years now, I do miss him dearly. One of the few blokes I trusted to look after my car when I went on holidays

[slowsnake]

My nickname at work, anywhere, any State was " the complete unit " as I could do anything with anything, lol, I got Slowsnake from crawling through after turbine low pressure steam pipes to do weld repairs, out of all the tradesmen I was the only one coded to do the repairs, you could not fix your own faults, for obvious reasons, but I would crawl along 2 foot diameter pipes for maybe 40 feet, around bends, dragging a welding cable and 4" grinder, with a legrope to drag me out if the fumes got me, and I loved the work too!...


Cheers Slowsnake