RELAXATION TRAINING FOR WAYWARD NERVES: CREATIVE VISUALIZATION – RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RELAXATION SESSION If you practise visualization every day you will begin to feel things changing, you will become stronger and more in charge. You may be moving away from a lifetime of negative thoughts, so don’t be too impatient – give it time. To many people the idea that they are valuable human beings worthy of love is very new, and visualizing themselves as children often brings tears. Welcome this if it happens: it is part of the healing you need. Also don’t expect to forgive everyone in the first session; one woman said ‘It took me nine weeks to give my ex-husband “a rose” but I felt so liberated when I managed it.’You need not remember this guided imagery word for word, it is only a model for you to work from; you can make up any imagery you choose. The key factors to include are: being in a peaceful place; cleansing; looking at colours; loving and forgiving yourself and others; allowing a healing light to travel over you; and repeating a positive affirmation such as, ‘every day etc’ or ‘I love and approve of myself exactly as I am’; ‘I am contented and healthy.’ If you like the suggested imagery but have difficulty remembering it you could put it on tape. Some people find their own voice irritating on tape; if this is your experience ask a friend, particularly someone who cares for you, to do it for you.*113\326\8*

Q. What other forms of medication are used?

A. The Histamine ft-receptor antagonists are currently the most widely used drugs for peptic ulcers. Nevertheless, a form of medication called tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate (colloidal bismuth) is also claimed to produce very good results. It is said to be about as effective as cimetidine, but until recently the only form available was an unpleasant tasting liquid which had a strong ammoniacal odour. It is now available as a chewable tablet and this has improved patient compliance. There is little doubt that if a person does not like his medication, , he often will not take it. He will invariably lie to the doctor and say he is taking the prescribed medication!

Q. Does it have adverse side effects?

A. Every medication has some side effects in someone as we have already pointed out. However, like cimetidine, these are small and fairly unimportant, at least in the known short term. It may stain porcelain teeth fillings, colour the tongue and cause the stools to turn a strange dark grey. It is taken well before meals. Its effect is negated by the presence in the stomach of food, milk or antacids, so it is essential these are not taken at the same time, or indeed probably within an hour or two either way.

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