Posted by Racer on August 31, 2008, at 1:13:27
In reply to Re: Same old meds, same old results » Nurse Hot Flash, posted by bleauberry on August 30, 2008, at 21:33:52
> > On the other hand, it seems to me kind of a cop-out to not be aggressive and creative at greater improvement.
In theory, of course I agree with you. "Response" may not mean acceptable quality of life -- it may just mean a different score on an objective chart which does not reflect the subjective experience of the individual. (And excuse me -- I'm tired, and not expressing myself very well.)
On the other hand, I really do know that no medication is going to provide euthymia for me at this point in my life. Working on finding a way to accommodate that reality is likely to be healthier for me -- removes the additional frustration, demoralization, and despair that comes with disappointment in med trial after med trial. (And the last few trials have had bad results -- bad enough I don't think my doctor would consider changing my meds on an outpatient basis, because the outcomes were just too seriously ungood, you know?) Right now, I'm fragile, I'm only moderately functional by any measure I consider valid -- and I'm at that point of equilibrium that any little thing could push me one way or the other.
Rather than risk the effects of another medication trial, I'm working on finding realistic compensatory mechanisms. I spend more time than I'd like to admit in my own slough of despond -- but I know how much worse it can get, and how fast it can get that way.
So -- on the one hand, of course the goal is full remission. On the other hand, there's a point at which we all have to say, "good enough" and accept less than perfection. Just like I gotta accept being much shorter than I wish to be, or having chronic joint pain -- some things ain't gonna change on accounta wishing, and sometimes the wishing hurts more than the lack.
And on the gripping hand...
poster:Racer
thread:849242
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080822/msgs/849374.html