Posted by Mr.Scott on June 4, 2005, at 18:34:47
In reply to Re: How is it... » Mr.Scott, posted by SLS on June 3, 2005, at 21:14:28
Scott-
I will say that your presentation (best I can tell over the web!) seems similar to mine, but correct me if I'm wrong. Mine has been Fairly chronic. Mostly dysthymia/atypical. Never get beyond moderately severe which is usually in the winter and I consider that a double depression. Where I suspect I differ is that I have a great deal of anxiety as well, and you don't seem too anxious. I too have responded temporarily to meds even for significant periods. Nardil & Prozac were what made me realize their was hope, but that was temporary as in a few years, then a few months. I also began to experience neurological side effects from ssri's which make them virtually intolerable at this point (ie. 12.5mg zoloft and no more or I have myoclonic jerks and akathisia.) You seem to be more tolerant now, whereas I was able to take lots of anything but no longer can. I am highly functional despite my depression. By that I mean I somehow manage to have a decent life that others seem to even envy at times, but that I have trouble enjoying. So thats my deal. My next question is whether or not you've had any experience with ECT. If you want I'll share my personal experience with it in depth, and how I use it once a month to keep most of my depression at bay. Put it this way...Its made all the difference in the world, and when I get up on those early mornings once a month anxious as hell and trying to convince myself how insane this is because I'm not even depressed and don't need this, I just try to remember those days when I'd think of jumping in front of train as it approached the platform. My girlfriend picks me up. We go to the hospital where surprisingly a large number of folks are doing this. I go to sleep, I wake up with a headache take some advil and she takes me to work. I have virtually no cognitive or memory impairment whatsoever other than feeling a bit loopey from the thiopental.
Unfortunately, It hasn't helped too much with my obsessiveness...for that I'm seeing a therapist. And my time limit for the day perusing the internet is up! I'm also looking to knock off a klonopin dependence (not addiction).
I'll be happy to detail further, but I certainly understand how people get weirded out by the idea. I waited a full year from the time we talked about it, to the time I decided to give it a try.
Scott
poster:Mr.Scott
thread:507285
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050601/msgs/507734.html