I met a career marine D.I. in the V.A. undergoing withdrawal symptoms from caffeine as devastating as heroin. It was also complicated by mood swings of aggression coinciding with the training cycle of bootcamp. Our cultural clock can be as ingrained as any biological one. Back to Christina's post, we do have cutural comforts; flashlights in the dark, dolls or teddybears, small religous items or writings, so called comfort foods. I had a non standard electrical system on my Motor lifeboat, and in nasty weather could switch on 'Saint Elmo's Fire' on the mast. I'd drape my medal on a scared survivor ( or often as not coastie) and explain the meaning. The placebo effect is also worthwhile. I find 2 aspirin solve 99% of my maladies- real and imagined <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

NAro:

There is no "cute" pain.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hmm, I have got to learn this breathing technique. Maybe I can teach it to my patients.... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

uhh...15mg of propranolol (inderal) would hardly tickle a 50kg guy....let alone be lethal to him.

If it wasn't prescribed to you for any reason, don't take it! Or take it and suffer the consequences..... <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Okay, I feel better now.

Trusbx
This technique is a modification of Herbert Benson's published technique. We're using it for PTSD patients, pain patients, and in anger managment cases. The only medical contraindication may be hyperventilation-prone patients, but I'm not particularly cautious there unless I see a problem.
I've taught this technique to first-responders, and the feedback is positive.

Bountyhunter:
O.K. for you, I suggest this modification of the technique:

1) Breathe in fully and gently.
2) You hold your breath, without tightening up.
3) While doing #2, send a few more posts to this thread.
4) If you get light headed, or experience a loss of consciousness, .... good!

NAro:

Have you got my house bugged?

You've just described daily occurances for me. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Actually, yes. I do have your house bugged. If only the others on this forum knew what you just did a moment ago....

Frankly, NAro, I don't think I want to know.