Thursday, April 21, 2011

Deadly Addictive Drug -- ENDOCET

One of the most deadly and addictive drugs now replacing less dangerous 'highs' is ENDOCET. Unhappily this stuff is readily available by prescription, sale, or theft.

Apparently I violated log rules by posting the entire account. I will keep this short and hope it is widely distributed. I was on this stuff briefly and generally in a daze with it until my son warned me of its dangerous addition -- it is highly addictive.

I went cold turkey for a night and really suffered -- could not sleep without pain. The next two nights I took half doses and got by until I quit entirely the third night. Am okay now.

Endocet is now becoming one of the most popular of big kick drugs with no mention of its addiction. It has a number of different names such a PERCOCET.

Needless to say, this is the most dangerous stuff being widely circulated to younger people short of an actual poison for suicide.
--
"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
--
Ed Kent [blind copies]

Help! Scarcely a public mention of our sufferering poor as our rich get richer!

America is no longer a democracy. It is reverting to the injustices of the 19th century reformed by the two Roosevelts. People's memories are short and we soon may be seeing our own revolution as suffering people fight back against our super rich poised to get even richer with manipulation of the global economy and our waste on wars and pointless military junk -- blackmail from reps in districts that make such useless things.

We should be letting nations fight their own wars for reform -- not setting an example from which they are trying to escape! The Koch brothers and a few others now virtually own the U.S. The rest of the world can see this. And why are we messing with Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq -- and what next? Military domination went out with the Soviet Union several decades back.

We now have 1 bridge in 7 that is likely to collapse with heavy traffic. States pay for the damage our trucks do to their highways. And Medicaid is pathetically underfunded.

Only in America do we see a major nation still living in the 20th century.

How sad!
--
"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
--
Ed Kent [blind copies]

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Beware Addictive Pain Killers -- Physical Therapy Better

I have reached that age where I have to cope with pain. A combination of arthritis and a rib injured in a fall had me using Endocet (below) until my son discovered that this drug is both dangerous and addictive.
My first night off it was hell. Then I split the pills and took half does for several days. I may still be breaking loose.

Much better for maintaining one's body is a field of people trained in physical therapy for at least three years. They work on one's body and loosen up joints, etc. The one I am using now is located at 162 W. 72nd. St. (forth floor -- a small door to the east of the main building) and one can make appointments by phone -- 212-362-3595. It is covered by Medicare and GHI for my system, so costs nothing.

Endocet

Generic Name: acetaminophen and oxycodone (a SEET a MIN oh fen and OX i KOE done)
Brand Names: Endocet, Magnacet, Percocet, Primalev, Primlev, Roxicet, Tylox, Xolox
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What is Endocet?

Endocet contains a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.

Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of oxycodone.

Endocet is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Endocet may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Endocet

Tell your doctor if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

Oxycodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep Endocet in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Endocet can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Tell your doctor if Endocet seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Before taking Endocet

Do not use Endocet if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or oxycodone. Oxycodone may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share Endocet with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Tell your doctor if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

To make sure you can safely take Endocet, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
liver or kidney disease;

a history of head injury or brain tumor;

epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

low blood pressure;

a stomach, intestinal, or pancreas disorder;

underactive thyroid;

Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorder;

enlarged prostate, urination problems;

curvature of the spine;

mental illness; or

a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Endocet is harmful to an unborn baby, but it could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Before you take Endocet, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Acetaminophen and oxycodone may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Endocet without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Endocet pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
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How should I take Endocet?

Take Endocet exactly as prescribed. Never take Endocet in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver. Adults should not take more than 1 gram (1000 mg) of acetaminophen per dose or 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. If you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) of acetaminophen per day.

One Endocet tablet may contain up to 650 mg of acetaminophen. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the specific product you are taking.

Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily to help prevent constipation while you are taking Endocet. Do not use a stool softener (laxative) without first asking your doctor. Do not stop using this Endocet suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Endocet.

Acetaminophen can cause false results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic and you notice changes in your glucose levels during treatment.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Endocet. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store Endocet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of the Endocet used from each new bottle. Oxycodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

See also: Endocet dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Endocet is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1 800 222 1222. An overdose of Endocet can be fatal.

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Overdose symptoms may also include extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, muscle weakness, fainting, weak pulse, slow heart rate, coma, blue lips, shallow breathing, or no breathing
What should I avoid while taking Endocet?

Endocet may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP. Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.
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Endocet side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Endocet: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;

feeling light-headed, fainting;

confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;

seizure (convulsions);

problems with urination; or

nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious Endocet side effects include:

feeling dizzy or drowsy;

mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;

blurred vision; or

dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Endocet side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Endocet?

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, or seizure medication can add to sleepiness caused by oxycodone, or could slow your breathing. Tell your doctor if you need to use any of these other medicines while you are taking Endocet.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

glycopyrrolate (Robinul);

mepenzolate (Cantil);

atropine (Donnatal, and others), benztropine (Cogentin), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), methscopolamine (Pamine), or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop);

bladder or urinary medications such as darifenacin (Enablex), flavoxate (Urispas), oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), tolterodine (Detrol), or solifenacin (Vesicare);

a bronchodilator such as ipratropium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva); or

irritable bowel medications such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others), or propantheline (Pro-Banthine).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Endocet. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

--
"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
--
Ed Kent [blind copies]

Not Math or logic, but emotions, slogans (often lies) determine of decision-making (voting included)

My thoughtful son has noted that few of use logic or math to approach our decision-making. Rather emotions, slogans (honest or lies often repeated), anxieties, etc. determine our thinking and voting patterns.

It is hard to believe that our 'democracy' is making no authentic mention of American suffering -- loss of homes, jobs, etc. Give the CEOs (Koch brothers, etc.) billions in breaks and let the rest of us suffer.

We have a massive military of hundreds of costly bases spread around he globe. Because pols in two state did not want to lose jobs for their constituents we we built at a huge cost more than 100 super jets to fight the Soviet Union -- now long gone.

We dodge the cost in young military lives involved in our military excursions here and there -- they are, of course, quickly forgotten except by their grieving families.

Obama is a man who tries to reconcile conflicting groups, but this is impossible with pols who wish destroy us and fatten their wealth.

In short the U.S. is no longer a model for developing democracies. It is approaching the pre-FDR world of greed and cruelty.

As a retired social, political, legal philosophy, I am appalled by my son's all too accurate vision -- onwards with the Tea Party? I recall as a child Fascist Italy. Mussolini was eventually hanged upside down.
--
"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
--
Ed Kent [blind copies]

Sunday, April 03, 2011

American Cannibalism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism

Cannibalism is a human practice in which the strong conquer and literally eat the bodies of the weak.

For all the boasting of 'American democracy' it is obvious that precisely political cannibalism is the game being played. How many children are hungry? How many people are being driven from their homes? How many are either too young or too old to find employment. Certainly the academic world is being junked with part-timers. Medicaid is being drastically cut back. Our schools are being trashed. How many billionaires are we producing -- a very few of whom care for those in need. How many homes did our most recent presidential candidate own -- 8 now!

Cannibalism is, of course, a metaphor. But it is as apt as any I can find for what we are doing to our most needy Americans.
--
"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
--
Ed Kent [blind copies]

Friday, April 01, 2011

The Greatest Threat Now Facing Humanity

Confidence Slips Away as Japan Battles Nuclear Peril

Ken Belson and Hiroko Tabuchi, The New York Times

Ken Belson and Hiroko Tabuchi report: "Compounding the matter, the government said Tuesday that the recent discovery of plutonium in the soil at the plant provided new evidence that at least one reactor was experiencing melting of its nuclear fuel, as happened in the early days."

*****************************

[I don't think we have begun to assimilate the greatest threat now facing us -- not a Libya or other lesser wars or 'revolutions'. Rather it is the prospect of a massive eruption induced by the nuclear materials now dripping on the concrete bases of the Japanese reactors which can produce a huge nuclear explosion. Unhappily no one seems to know from where these wastes are leaking, so they cannot be blocked.
Already we are now discovering small amounts of radiation still safe so far from Japan. But the major eruption merely mentioned in an interview with two experts on such things, but not reported elsewhere to my knowledge, would spread deadly radiation across our northern hemisphere. Google covers only lesser explosions of the reactors, not the equivalent of an unimaginably massive 'nuclear bomb'.

Needless to say we should be focusing all of our attention, expertise, and monies on averting this catastrophe! The Japanese experts look to be lost with this unimagined Armageddon! Ed Kent]
--
"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
--
Ed Kent [blind copies]

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Names of the Dead

Amidst all the 'entertainment' stuff designed to build profits, we too readily forget that almost daily another of our brave young military have died in wars that look in some cases to have no ends.

The NY Times usually has a snippet of another death and the numbers of our military who have already died per the report below. We are one death away from 1,500 young lives given over to "the Afghan war and related operations."

As these deaths are the great hole in our awareness, I intend to publish them daily as they turn up. These people deserve to be honored far more than our entertainment honchos who dominate our news reports.

I wonder how the family of Justin D. Ross (below) feels about his death as do the nearly 1,500 other nameless and now forgotten ones who have sacrificed their lives -- for what?

It looks to me as though the nations out there must settle their own disputes -- as some seem ready to do. I make no comment on Libya. This may be a special case of a tyrant slaughtering his own people. We shall see.

************************************

Names of the Dead
Published: March 28, 2011

The Department of Defense has identified 1,499 American service members who have died as a part of the Afghan war and related operations. It confirmed the death of the following American recently:

ROSS, Justin D., 22, Specialist, Army; Green Bay, Wis.; 863rd Engineer Battalion.
A version of this list appeared in print on March 29, 2011, on page A8 of the New York edition.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Damned If We Do . . . !

Manifestly, there is no more brutal national head in the Middle East than Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. Anyone willing and ready to slaughter his own makes Saddam Hussein look like a pussycat.

We (and I say pointedly "We" ) had no choice but block this man's slaughter routine. It looks to me as though Obama has done the best possible job getting things together fast to rescue numerous lives at risk. The games now being played with declaring wars are a farce.

I sometimes wonder why I watch the latest news release from our profit oriented TV nonsense games. Such 'news' outlets are owned and operated by our CEO's. Anything goes with them that will make more money.

The U.S. is a global embarrassment now with its indifference to national suffering and deference to our billionaires. I don't know what we honest and caring Americans are supposed to do in the face of the sellouts of our national political institutions -- the Supreme Court and Congress?

I would imagine such stuff is pretty obvious to the bulk of the world -- peace-making is not in fashion now although it is is primary goal of Obama. Peace, of course includes more than halting our military -- it demands decent treatment of our people rather than exploitation of them.
--
"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
--
Ed Kent [blind copies]

Sunday, March 20, 2011

What a Difference Fifty Years Makes!

We moved into our present home, 440 Riverside Drive, approximately a half century ago just as the City University of New York was opening its doors to any and all -- I had been startled to be able to get students admitted to Yale who were being rejected by CCNY. I was persuaded by this experience that teaching in an open enrollment college looked like the thing for me -- even though my former chair at Yale had offered me a beginner's position there.

What we have noticed over our years is that Morningside Heights has been converted from a home for all -- homeless with one or two co-ops -- to one of our centers of great wealth in Manhattan. The co-op we started in 1979 was open to all -- with an offer of mortgage help from the owners or non coop residency for others.

Now what could be purchased in 440 for $20,000 or far less demands a million or so as do the many others in the neighborhood -- the old shelters for the homeless have all been converted to perks for the well off.

Symbolic to me in other ways has been the conversions of uses of our our 'commercial' spaces. Our little ones benefited from a children''s library at 440 staffed by volunteer mothers which closed when mothers moved from the home to jobs -- the women's revolution. At nearly the same time it was replaced by the Encore Beauty Salon -- (212)222-1241 where men can now get excellent haircuts. Being now 88 with weaker hands and arthritis, I was also delighted to discover that one could have hands and feet -- particularly nails which are hard to reach and clip -- done for a modest cost -- $10 each for either hands or feet and $15 for the haircut with the owner whom I prefer. She rejects tips.

Obviously our children are no longer prime time, but our elderly have resources near by in the neighborhood as needed. I had not known about the nails problems which had really become a chore.

Needless to say, Columbia and other owners have either increased increased leases or been driven out of business by the monsters. I am worried, too, about Encore Beauty Salon which has not been offered a new lease. May our 440 board do the right thing here. We elderly need them -- not increased profits.

--
"A war is just if there is no alternative, and the resort to arms is legitimate if they represent your last hope." (Livy cited by Machiavelli)
--
Ed Kent [blind copies]