[lefthanded]

I recently had to replace my computer because my hard drive crashed. It took several Apple computer geniuses to figure out how to restore my backed-up data, since the program I used to back-up is no longer available. Well, they saved my photos and documents . . . but now I have to replace the software that I used to manage and use them! I can't even print a letter I had written! Seems back-up did not save my software, nor the link to use with a new computer.

So today I tried to purchase the writing program . . . gave it my credit card number . . . and NOTHING! I tried again and again to do this supposedly simple procedure, but I never got the software.

So I took a deep breath and thought that I would move on and download the upgraded operating system they said I would get free, since it came out right after I bought my new computer. So I begin the process and it says I have to prove I bought it during a certain period (not what I was told at the Mac Store) and asked me to scan my receipt and submit it as proof. Well, I could do that, but the new operating system is incompatible with my printer-scanner program, so that is not possible right now.

So another option was to submit a high-resolution photo of the receipt. Tried that, but it wanted a smaller file! I could do that, but that software I would do that with no longer works with my computer.

By now I am blowing steam out my ears and nose, and very close to taking the hammer my partner left on the counter after fixing a loose board on the deck and SMASHING MY NEW LAPTOP to smitherines. I felt like I was going to explode, I was so angry. I hate feeling so out-of-control, so helpless. I swear to you, my laptop was laughing at me . . .


I guess this means a trip to the Mac Store. I loved my old, now-dead computer, with its older, simpler, easier operating system. I don't enjoy my new one at all. I don't want all the fancy-smancy bells and whistles, and I want my basic and commonsense commands and operations back. I mean I can't even open a new folder in iPhoto anymore? Geesh!

Well, I took a shower to try to calm down. I made myself some chocolate chip pancakes and ate them with ice cream on top. I took a little ativan, and smoked a bowl (medical marijuana) to try to bring down my tension and stress. I even put make-up on . . .

I have two questions for my friends here:

1) Do neurological disorders like MS and transverse myelitis lead to short fuse? I was near melt-down . . . and that is not usual for me. I need to know if this is a new symptoms, or if I am ready for a padded room.

2) I am not ready to face the computer geniuses at the Mac Store just yet. I have a choice between a nap . . . and going on a spontaneous and uninhibited shopping spree at the outlet mall.

Which would you do?

[SallyC]

I'd have them make an emergency house call..

[ANNagain]

Sorry LH, it sounds like a b of a day!

1.Computer malfunctions lead to frustration. Not a new symptom.

2.After the bowl of weed, I don't think you should "go" anywhere. Also, you are going to be buying a new printer and possibly a new ipod that are compatible w the new computer so there is no money for the outlet mall. Just a guess.

Do you have more ice cream?
ANN

[Erika]

Arrgghh! I know how you feel...

1. I too have experiences with both MS and TM; but don't think that melt downs are directly caused by it. Rather, it seems that the collective effect of all stresses shortens one's fuse at times.

Stress is not a descriptive term that only relates to emotions; but also includes anything that requires the body and mind to adapt. This includes things like infections, excesses of temperature, environmental toxins, dysfunctions of the body systems, lack of sleep, over work, exercise, mental & emotional upsets, diseases etc.

To put things into perspective, I look at it this way:
Imagine that all of the effects of these stresses are stored in one expandable container and when that container is filled to capacity, the body system goes into survival mode (fight, flight or freeze).

When that happens, adrenalin is flowing as a protective mechanism which prepares the body for a fight, to flee or to freeze. If another stress is added at that time, it is like the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Because there is no room for the body to adapt to added stress at that point, the body goes into full on survival mode and the expressions of that are either fight (anger/rage), flight (retreating to somewhere secluded to hide...perhaps after slamming a few doors along the way) or freeze (shutting down of body systems and cognitive thought; as in shock).

When the fight, flight or freeze survival system gets turned on there is absolutely no tolerance for nonsense (which is another stress); just as there is little room for calm thought or critical thinking.

So what to do when one finds one's self in such a situation? If one can, it helps to consciously choose if it is more beneficial to fight, flee or freeze.
Fighting usually just leads to flight, and flight often leads to freezing; so in the end it is often most beneficial to calm down through intentionally going through the fight, flight or freeze stages in reverse order.

First, just stop (freeze). That means stopping what one is doing, and stopping all movement of the mind and the body to just breathe.

Second, remove one's self from the offending stress (flee).

Third, if calmly 'fleeing' in this way is not possible (as in when there is active infection, disease, pain etc), then out of compassion for the body and the mind, allow those aspects to deal with the main types of stresses quietly without adding others to it.
That usually takes one back to the conscious freeze phase to catch one's breath; and can include lying down for a bit and not thinking about all the other stresses.

When it comes to computer stuff though, it is often helpful to remind one's self at the outset that messing around with technology stuff is enough to test the patience of a turtle .
Thus, be well rested and have plenty of room for the abundant amount of stress that this can cause...and remember to freeze at the first hint of having reached the stress balloon's capacity.

2. Taking a little sugar or carbohydrate at the point when the stress balloon is about to burst seems to help in providing the necessary fuel for the fight, flight or freeze responses in a positive way, because low blood sugar is also a stress. Replenishing blood sugar to normal levels can shrink the stress balloon a bit.

Raising blood sugar beyond normal levels is also a stress so taking a lot of that sort of food can ignite the fight, flight or freeze survival responses like gasoline being thrown onto a small fire. Moderation with purpose and having a plan in mind of whether one is going to fight, flee or freeze is a beneficial way to incorporate satisfying that sugar craving.

Going out in public is not recommended for there are many potential stresses in such environments, never mind the added stress of more body and mind movements required just to get there.
Heaven help anyone who finds themself in the path of someone who is in any sort of survival mode. Road rage comes to mind .
Thus it is probably best to seek solitude and quiet until the body and mind have adjusted, calmed down and there is once again room for further adaptation to stress.

Hope that this helps but failing that, and keeping with the thought that the greatest of things are achieved in a light heart, a little levity might.

In the last 5 years I have intentionally thrashed 2 Apples, one Dell...and am considering Frisbeeing a new Microsoft lap top onto the driveway and driving over it several times with the truck if things don't start to synch very soon.
Sometimes enough is enough and you have to fight!

With love, Erika

[doydie]

The answer to all computer problems is to have a son in law that has computers as his business. I think the web site is called LogMeIn or something like that. I know it is a word that has no spaces. Anyway he can remotely access my computer from his home. He can assess my problem and fix it. I try not to ask him to do much because I am not learning. For little things I can't figure out I call my daughter who lives here in town.

[Blessings2You]

I can't address your computer issues, that's my son's area of expertise. Most of my emails to him have the subject line: another dumb question.

However, my dad also had MS, and all through my childhood I heard Mom say, "Don't say anything to your father, it will make him upset" or "Stop that before your father gets home, he'll get upset." Well, I interpreted "upset" as "angry". Sometimes it was, but he wasn't by nature an angry or short-fused person.

I would hear Mom talking to a family member and say, "His problem affects his nerves", meaning that so-called trivial things could unexpectedly upset him disproportionately. Someone might park a car blocking our driveway, and he'd become so upset he was shaking and almost in tears with anger. On a "normal" day, he'd shrug and say, "No big deal, they'll move it pretty soon."

I very rarely get angry, at least not more angry than appropriate. But on MY bad days, I have a hair trigger as far as anxiety, fear, tears, and just generally getting upset over nothing.

[kicker]

I find MS does effect my affect (emotional state - my lability - emotional swing). I cry more easily, laugh, am easily pleased like a 4 year old or get angry. You did and talked about more stuff in your first few sentences than I can do in a day on my computer. Hats off to you.

[Debbie D]

It's called pseudo bulbar affect; the wires from the logic frontal lobe to the emotion center get skewed.
I get easily overwrought and overwhelmed. I was on Nudexta for it but my cardiologist took me off it thinking it was causing irregular heartbeat. My neuro said that was ridiculous-he'd done research & clinical trials on it & even discussed this with the pharma research department and said there ap was no affect on the heart.
So don't beat yourself up-rather do some reading to see if there are behavioral techniques that will help you. Jonathan Kabat-Zinn writes books on meditation & catastrophic thinking that helps me a bit.

[ginnie]

Nope you arn't ready for the padded room yet. I certainly have at some point wanted to hammer my own PC. I couldn't have done half of what you did to try and correct the problem. Loved your calming experienes and had to laugh.
Maybe consider having someone over, that you trust, that is a PC tech. I did this once or twice, and saved me some headaches with trying at the store.
The more complex our systems get, the harder they are to use. I miss the old on off mode, the only thing left in that is a setting on a hair dryer. Keep cool, there will be a solution. Anyone in your family a computer help? My son has also helped me on a number of occassions. I have a basic PC now after having a lap top. It is actually easier to use. ginnie

[lefthanded]

Originally Posted by doydie

The answer to all computer problems is to have a son in law that has computers as his business. I think the web site is called LogMeIn or something like that. I know it is a word that has no spaces. Anyway he can remotely access my computer from his home. He can assess my problem and fix it. I try not to ask him to do much because I am not learning. For little things I can't figure out I call my daughter who lives here in town.

I have just such a son-in-law! But he is PC, not MAC. And a new dad. Busy.

And the week has rolled into one big stress-ball. Hits from all sides. Armor all dented. Deflector shields out of power. Batteries corroded. Foliage gone. Roots shriveled.

Oops.

I will probably survive. But today my printer died . . . and no, I am not wishing to buy a new iPod just yet.

I am just tired . . .