![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 394 to 418 of 948. Go back in thread:
Posted by katia on August 22, 2003, at 0:49:17
In reply to Re: BTW,what the heck of bobbles?, posted by SUMMER2002 on August 21, 2003, at 18:23:16
> I've been reading your emails - picked them up when I did a search on lamactil. I'm new at this chat room but thought I might share some of my experiences and get some feed back.
>
> I went into a deep depression last fall and was prescribed lexipro. After a bad reaction to lexipro (high anxiety etc.) my diagnosis changed from depression to bpII. Over six months I was switched from Trileptal to Zyprexa to Abilify. The latter I was on for several months. I switched pdoc and he prescribed 250 mg lamacital. That's all. I increased dose by 25mg every 4 days. I wasn't sleeping well so he also prescribed Florazapam. At first I felt great - back to my old self - even cleaned the garage (and that's saying alot). But now I'm starting back down into a slump - is that a word? I also don't want to get out of bed in the morning, I walk into walls and my memory is rotten - though much better than when I was on abilify. I have to say I hated how I felt on the abilify. As far as excercise I walk three times a week (2 miles) and try to keep up w/ four kids. I don't know if what I'm going through right now is med related or am I just going through normal up and downs. I just wish I felt as good as I did a couple weeks ago.
>
> Oh well - have to drive my son to swimming lessons. Love to hear your thoughts.
>
> PatriciaHi Patricia,
Is lexapro the only anti-depressant (AD) that you've tried? What other indicators led your doctor to believe that you are bipolar? Do you feel that's the case?
Katia
Posted by fluffy on August 22, 2003, at 11:04:57
In reply to Re: BTW,what the heck ARE bobbles? » SUMMER2002, posted by katia on August 22, 2003, at 0:49:17
Hey Katia--
I refer to my little swings as "bobbles". I remember hearing the word a lot as a gymnast and a dancer--when you don't stick a landing and you lose your balance, maybe step out and then step back. The coach or tv announcer says--"ooop--there was a little bobble in her landing--that's gonna cost her some points." (anyway--that's my little analogy)
Welcome summer2002. Glad to have you in our club. I was wondering (like you) last night if my troubles are not so much med related as they are depression related. As much as I thought I was improving, I think the season is catching up with me, and alas, I'm falling back into the blues. I'm feeling low or no motivation (and I've got things to do!--I just lay on the couch watching tv), lack of appetite, tiredness, heavyness, apathy, sadness. jeez--sounds like depression to me. But it's in its mild to moderate stages right now, and I hope to not fall into severe depression.
After talking to my doctor about these new developments, he wants to try Lithium on me. I'm kinda scared--but I think if I respond to it, then it's good. I do feel that I have pretty classic symptoms--at first extreme optomism, energy, lots of ideas, racing thoughts--then I crash into typical depression--slowness, trouble sleeping at night--wanting to sleep all day, no appetite, no interest in pleasure. However, I do seem to have an atypical trait--esp. the rejection sensitivity. Whatever. I just hope i respond.
I also had the bad reaction to Lexapro--I had a doozy of a mixed state--I became obsessed with suicide, I was knashing my teeth, pacing, crying, my thoughts were all layered, I felt like I would explode. That's also when I got my lovely BPII diagnosis. Sometimes I wonder if I'm closer to a BPI.
Miss Summer2002--I sincerely hope your depression doesn't snag you too hard this time around. September can be a rough month on us BP folks. I'm just holding my breath and trying my best.
All I could manage as exercise this morning was 25 jumping jacks. As a former gymnast and dancer, I liked Barb-cat's idea of a trampoline.
best to all of you,
Katy
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 22, 2003, at 12:10:03
In reply to Re: BTW,what the heck of bobbles?, posted by SUMMER2002 on August 21, 2003, at 18:23:16
Welcome, Patricia Summer,
Yuck, it's so hard to know how to treat a depression when you've got other complications, like a probable BPII dx. You might want to get "Why your depression isn't getting better" by Michael Bartos, MD for alot of good info on bipolar issues and depression. There are so many variables, with diet, hormones, all kinds of things playing into mood. However, if you're on Lamictal only, that could be a problem. You're on a dose that is considered high for some people and might need to balance it with a more mellow mood stabilizer. For me, that's been lithium. There are others that supposedly work similarly, like Depakote, but I don't have experience with them and am very happy to remain on lithium. Lithium is primarily known for anti-mania, but is a mild antidepressant, an augmentor of other meds, and is even neuroprotective and suspected of increasing the density of neuron connections.
In my experience, stress is the biggest culprit in mood disorders and can bring on anything from a hypomanic to full blown mania episode on down to a depression or mixed state. So many different stressors to choose from, environmental, financial, family, work, social, on and on. I believe that Lamictal alone is destabilizing and agitating and can predispose one to anxiety and stress. That's been my experience of it and I've learned that I need lithium along with lamictal. I've tried one without the other and alone they didn't work, but together they work wonderfully. I take 600mg lithium and 125mg lamictal. Lithium at 600mg is a relatively very low dose and well below my therapeutic window. I do this for thyroid problems as well as allowing me to skirt around the edge of hypomania and not get too emotionally blunted. This is sometimes productive and sometimes uncomfortable but works well in general. Also, lamictal and lithium seem to be synergistic so you need less of each to do the job.I tried testing both 'just to see'. I have hypothyroidism and it was getting worse because lithium unfortunately displaces thryoid hormone in the thyroid gland. So I cut back on lithium and tried to go with lamictal only. I felt awful - distracted, depressed, irritable, overly sensitive, doom. I knew I was getting into trouble when I was coming home with palletts of plants from Freddie's, Costco, anywhere, and they'd sit in the sun and wither cause I couldn't get it together to dig the required holes. Then I'd thrash about consumed with guilt and self loathing and exhausted futility - even on lamictal! Within 1 week of restarting lithium I smoothed out. I did a test of tapering off lamictal, just to see if I really needed it, and a different sort of depression came on. More like the slowed, sludgy, mirky kind. I seem to need both, and I've heard that lithium and lamictal are 'a match made in heaven' for bipolar depression. I've mainly been severely depressed, but have been definitely manic which can be very fun and productive but quickly deteriorates into disorganization and then depression which ran the gamut from slowed and deadened to agitated and panicky. The agitated mania and despairing depressions were more frequently beginning to merge into each other as bipolar mixed states which is unbelievably nightmarish. I'm 52 years old and this is not uncommon with untreated bipolar as one gets older. I've only come into lithium and lamictal treatment in the past 2 years and even though I've had major and huge stressors in that time period, I can stand it and my life is my own again. Many people have a gut reaction against lithium and the stigma around it (jeeze, lithium, that must mean I'm really crazy!). I know I did and I still don't mention I'm taking it outside of my 'in the know' circle of friends. I'm so glad I overcame my prejudices and fear around it because it's been a lifesaver. Good luck and keep posting here. We have a lovely and very helpful little group going in this thread and I hope it continues. Happy bobbling! - Barbara
Posted by katia on August 22, 2003, at 12:42:24
In reply to Re: BTW,what the heck of bobbles? » SUMMER2002, posted by BarbaraCat on August 22, 2003, at 12:10:03
Good luck and keep posting here. We have a lovely and very helpful little group going in this thread and I hope it continues. Happy bobbling! - Barbara
yay for that! and thanks for the description of bobbles Katy!
Barb, where have you heard that lithium and lam. are a match made in heaven for BP depression? (besides your own experience on it).
Katia
Posted by SUMMER2002 on August 22, 2003, at 19:56:18
In reply to Re: BTW,what the heck of bobbles? » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on August 22, 2003, at 12:42:24
I appreciate the information. I am forty and was also diagnosed with rapid cycling bp. Hypomania only - never been manic. Well at least I say I've never been manic. I have had my own prejudices against lithium and depakote. I also have many stressors. I'll mention the lithium combo with my pdoc. I can relate to dead flowers. We live in very lovely neighborhood and I have two pots on front porch without any plants because I can't get up the energy to put plants in them. Why rush - it's only late August?! My depression is getting worse - my husband thinks it's him/so do I depending on the day. But seriously I don't. I really hate this feeling - like falling down a hole and no way to get out.
I miss the mania side - I haven't had that in long time. But then again not -I also went from rapid cycling to mixed.
Thanks again for the response
Patricia
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 22, 2003, at 21:14:56
In reply to Re: BTW,what the heck of bobbles? » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on August 22, 2003, at 12:42:24
> Barb, where have you heard that lithium and lam. are a match made in heaven for BP depression? (besides your own experience on it).
**I don't have the exact source but it was a professional paper I read on the web. I've heard similar endorsements of it from other web sources and others' personal experiences. If you do a web search on lamictal+lithium you'll get alot of hits. They may not exactly say 'a match made in heaven' but there's alot of impressive research coming in to spark interest.
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 22, 2003, at 22:11:59
In reply to Re: BTW,what the heck of bobbles? » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on August 22, 2003, at 12:42:24
OK, here's some very interesting stuff. I had my naturopath visit today to go over the results of my tests. I did saliva tests of these hormones: estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone and cortisol. I also did a test for human growth hormone which makes all the others work. I was waaaaaayyyyyyy off on ALL of them, very, very low except for cortisol. This explains alot, my fibromyalgia, mood disorders, anxiety, weight gain, all of it. Don't forget, I'm already taking menopausal hormones (natural progesterone and estrogen) but the dear HMO folks never saw the need to test my levels. I take thyroid but not enough was getting into my cells even tho' the standard TSH blood tests didn't pick this up. I'm also taking the sex hormones orally which apparently doesn't work very well because of the liver's inability to adequately process them. I now have a different prescription for topical cream consisting of DHEA, progesterone, estriol, estradiol and testosterone. Human grown hormone is a whole other chapter of which books have been written but without adequate levels things fall apart, especially around menopause. Suffice it to say, early and ongoing stress disrupts the proper levels. I'll now be taking daily shots of it. The levels were so low that no matter how much I supplemented other hormones, they'd give up the ghost after a while. Human growth hormone is probably not an issue for y'all, but it illustrates the importance of getting to the underlying lynch-pin.
Time will tell if this will make the difference in my moods but according to my naturopath, there's no way I could be this hormonally unbalanced and NOT be one hurtin' unit. My psych meds are holding me together in the meantime and addressing the symptoms, but not the underlying hormonal imbalance. The more I research, the more convinced I am that this whole HPA-axis disregulation affects all our hormones and THIS is the place we should be looking to solve our mental mysteries. After all, hormones are our 'chemical messengers' and this means neurochemical messengers as well! There are SO MANY hormonal disrupters in our environment that it would be amazing if any of us were A-OK in that department.
So, dear friends, I lovingly and strongly suggest to you to get some really good hormonal testing done. Forget your primary care docs unless they're really really unique. They're good mechanics at broken bones and such but lousy at health. Forget endocrinologists, OB/gyn's, or pdocs. They are tunnel-visioned specialists and can't put the pieces together between hormones, moods and lasting wellness. If you know of a very GOOD naturopath, go there (many of them are inept). If you need a suggestion for a holistically oriented physician, try www.acam.org. However you find a good whole body/mind health professional who knows hormones, do yourself a big favor and make it happen.
I'm very relieved that more pieces of the puzzle are fitting together after YEARS of sleuthing but so damned PISSED at the majority of well-intentioned clueless medical professionals who think they're helping us get well. Drug companies fund the research, the scholarships, the symposiums, the education. No wonder we're taking more drugs and not getting much better.
BTW, this hormonal testing applies to men as well. We all have the same hormones, only in different ratios. - BarbaraCat
Posted by SUMMER2002 on August 22, 2003, at 23:09:48
In reply to Re: BTW,what the heck ARE bobbles?, posted by fluffy on August 22, 2003, at 11:04:57
> Hey Katia--
>
> I refer to my little swings as "bobbles". I remember hearing the word a lot as a gymnast and a dancer--when you don't stick a landing and you lose your balance, maybe step out and then step back. The coach or tv announcer says--"ooop--there was a little bobble in her landing--that's gonna cost her some points." (anyway--that's my little analogy)
>
> Welcome summer2002. Glad to have you in our club. I was wondering (like you) last night if my troubles are not so much med related as they are depression related. As much as I thought I was improving, I think the season is catching up with me, and alas, I'm falling back into the blues. I'm feeling low or no motivation (and I've got things to do!--I just lay on the couch watching tv), lack of appetite, tiredness, heavyness, apathy, sadness. jeez--sounds like depression to me. But it's in its mild to moderate stages right now, and I hope to not fall into severe depression.
>
> After talking to my doctor about these new developments, he wants to try Lithium on me. I'm kinda scared--but I think if I respond to it, then it's good. I do feel that I have pretty classic symptoms--at first extreme optomism, energy, lots of ideas, racing thoughts--then I crash into typical depression--slowness, trouble sleeping at night--wanting to sleep all day, no appetite, no interest in pleasure. However, I do seem to have an atypical trait--esp. the rejection sensitivity. Whatever. I just hope i respond.
>
> I also had the bad reaction to Lexapro--I had a doozy of a mixed state--I became obsessed with suicide, I was knashing my teeth, pacing, crying, my thoughts were all layered, I felt like I would explode. That's also when I got my lovely BPII diagnosis. Sometimes I wonder if I'm closer to a BPI.
>
> Miss Summer2002--I sincerely hope your depression doesn't snag you too hard this time around. September can be a rough month on us BP folks. I'm just holding my breath and trying my best.
>
> All I could manage as exercise this morning was 25 jumping jacks. As a former gymnast and dancer, I liked Barb-cat's idea of a trampoline.
>
> best to all of you,
> Katy
Katy,Wow! That is exactly what happened to me on Lexipro. I had to see a dentist and get a mouth guard to sleep at night. Ditto with the suicidal thoughts, high anxiety and pacing. Needless to say it wasn't a pleasant time.
As far as the hormones go - I wonder if it has caused some of this behavior although I have a history back to college days. We have early menopause in the family and my sisters have been on my case to get hormone levels checked. Only person to go to is ob.
Patricia
Posted by lputn333 on August 22, 2003, at 23:18:07
In reply to Naturopath visit results, please read, posted by BarbaraCat on August 22, 2003, at 22:11:59
Hi, I am new to this, I found this by looking up info. on Lexapro. I had a hysterectomy a year ago and was really doing well until a few months ago. I suddenly started getting constant headaches, had trouble breathing, trouble sleeping and mood swings. My doctor said it was stress and prescribed Lexapro to calm me down. It had been working really well but lately I just feel so depressed all the time. It's almost like I'm stuck in this black hole and I can't get out. I'm 42 have been married for 16 years and have 2 daughters. I just need other people I can relate to and discuss this with. Thanks
Posted by katia on August 23, 2003, at 0:29:58
In reply to Naturopath visit results, please read, posted by BarbaraCat on August 22, 2003, at 22:11:59
Hi Barb,
Wow. I'm glad you are finding more pieces to the puzzle. I actually asked my pdoc about testing my hormones, but he said that my "problem" was mood related, probably not hormonal. I wonder if they do affect one another and/or if they are just two individual pieces (to make the whole!)that need sorting out? Maybe you need both?Have you ever done kundalini yoga? I did a class last year for three months (partially academic, partially meditative for my M.A.) and just went to a local meditation tonight (different teacher). It's pretty intense and I'm wondering if it's too much right now while I'm trying to sort out the meds? My therapist seems to think it might "stir" up too much at the moment. The "teacher" of the yoga said it can only support all life areas. who knows. My therapist is very transpersonal oriented too BTW, so she's not just saying that out of ignorance.
anyway!
take care,
Katia
Posted by Ima on August 23, 2003, at 11:10:47
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read, posted by lputn333 on August 22, 2003, at 23:18:07
> Hi, I am new to this, I found this by looking up info. on Lexapro. I had a hysterectomy a year ago and was really doing well until a few months ago.
Hi Lputn
I have no problem with ADs if their needed. But womens health issues are sometimes more complicated and with a little more investigation, you can find aproaches that are more comprehensive, treat the whole person.
I havent had a hysterectymy but Im peri-mena pausal at 42 (my mom was through her change by the time she was 45) So Our situations are similar.
I was fortunate to find a general Practictioner who believes in natural hormone therapy (actually does reasearch in hormone therapy). These are not the scary hormones we've all heard so much about in the news lately. Those hormones are derived from the urinine of pregnant female horses, bad stuff , very harsh on the body. The ones Im on are a synthetic type, modeled after plants, much easier on the body. They have saved my sanity on more than one occasion.. Please look into it.We all have to face the change at some point but it can be especially hard when you still have children at home. I take progesterone (PROMETRIUM 100 & 200 mg ) during day 14 - 28 of my cycle. By 40 most womens stores of progsterone are completely depleated. It really helps during the last week. I usually have to take 100 mg in the morning and 200 at night to sleep. The progesterone has a calming effect on my nerves. When I start screaming at the kids for really stupid reasons, I know I need to take or increase my progesterone.
I also take ESTRIOL/ESTRADIOL 20/20 mg in a cream form. I apply to my skin. Estriol gives me more energy and lifts my spirts a bit. I take this during day 1-14. The lack of either of these hormones can have a tremendous effect on your mood.
Having said all that, you may not want to go throught the effects of having a monthly cycle agian. And the estriol will probably impact that. Progesterone most likely wouldnt.
It had been working really well but lately I just feel so depressed all the time. It's almost like I'm stuck in this black hole and I can't get out. I'm 42 have been married for 16 years and have 2 daughters. I just need other people I can relate to and discuss this with. Thanks
Talk with your doc about ALL your options. The lexpro may just need more time.
Every one here knows about the black hole. Have you seen the movie "A Gathering Storm"? Winston Churchill called his black times "black dog days".
Blessings to you.
Peace
Ima
Posted by jota on August 23, 2003, at 11:29:50
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read, posted by Ima on August 23, 2003, at 11:10:47
A lot of evidence has been accumulating that men with treatment-resistant depression have very low levels of testosterone. When we finally checked it, mine turned out to be off the charts low. I would definitely urge men reading this forum to get theirs checked.
Jordan
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 23, 2003, at 12:22:16
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on August 23, 2003, at 0:29:58
>>I actually asked my pdoc about testing my hormones, but he said that my "problem" was mood related, probably not hormonal. I wonder if they do affect one another and/or if they are just two individual pieces (to make the whole!)that need sorting out? Maybe you need both?
**Your pdoc is not the one to ask about hormonal testing. He/she likely knows nothing about how to decipher them or how the numbers might relate to mood. I asked my gynocologist to please test me and he, who should know about female hormones, said most doctors don't use hormonal testing because they don't know what to do with the numbers!! And yes, of course hormones affect mood and vice versa. The function of hormones is to prodvide communication between bio- and neuro-chemicals. If one system is out of whack it will affect the whole. The brain has a huge number of estrogen receptors, so this should suggest how important supposedly 'unrelated' physical hormones are to neuro systems. There are no separate physical/mental pieces. They all relate to the whole. This is why you'd be best talking to someone who is holistically oriented, who recognizes that all body systems are interrelated and knows what to do with this information. Reproductive hormones may not be your entire problem and granted, mood and stress affects hormone levels. But if you're hormonally unbalanced, you're swimming against the tide to try to get your moods balanced.
>
> Have you ever done kundalini yoga? I did a class last year for three months (partially academic, partially meditative for my M.A.) and just went to a local meditation tonight (different teacher). It's pretty intense and I'm wondering if it's too much right now while I'm trying to sort out the meds?**Yes, I've done kundalini and there are different types. You say that this one is intense. I'd agree with your therapist on this one and wait until you're stabilized. If you go too fast raising energy before you're in a very grounded state, it would be like shooting a huge zap of electricity through a frayed wire. There's a psychiatric condition known as 'kundalini psychosis', believe it or not. Yoga is wonderful for depression and anxiety but again, there are so many different kinds. I'd opt for the more calming and centering kinds, like Kripalu, Anusara, even Iyengar, and be cautious about the really activating ones like Kriya, Kundalini, Ashtanga (Bikram). However, if you get a good gut reaction to this class and teacher and it would be a good community, good exercise and good philosphy then it could be a real gift during this time. Whatever, you can keep a cool head and body as well as taking with a grain of salt anything any teacher tells you.
Posted by fluffy on August 23, 2003, at 13:17:23
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on August 23, 2003, at 12:22:16
Hey Katia and Patricia--
Aside from all of this Psycho-babble stuff, I've found that one book in particular was extremely helpful to me when I was first diagnosed. And I have finally bought a copy instead of getting it from the library. When I feel like I am questioning what's going on with my moods/diagnosis, it straightens me out and gives good treatment options. It's called "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide". I highly recommend it, even though it doesn't dwell on the particularities of bipolar II. All of the information can be applied.Just a thought--take it or leave it.
I hope you guys are well. I've cycled out once again, and feeling normal. However, the Li is coming soon--I have an appt. on monday with my pdoc.Katy
Posted by Ima on August 23, 2003, at 14:46:36
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on August 23, 2003, at 12:22:16
Its okay for me to respond to responses, right?(Im still new at this :)
> >>I actually asked my pdoc about testing my hormones, but he said that my "problem" was mood related, probably not hormonal. I wonder if they do affect one another and/or if they are just two individual pieces (to make the whole!)that need sorting out? Maybe you need both?
Hormone balance no problem after a hysterectemy? Pleeease!
Of course they affect each other, but your right , the depression problem may exist in some people from childhood, even before puberty.
>
> **Your pdoc is not the one to ask about hormonal testing.Definately.
** said most doctors don't use hormonal testing because they don't know what to do with the numbers!!As my GP told me the numbers are not the best indicator of a womans hormonal needs. You & I may test in the normal range for estrogen levels but not feel the same. I may need more than you to feel normal.
The question is do you want to open the hormonal can of worms? It will take alot energy to get it balanced and then youll have to deal with cycles again. If you feel in your gut that this may be a piece of the puzzle, it wont hurt to start. There are little side effects to Natural hormone therapy.
** But if you're hormonally unbalanced, you're swimming against the tide to try to get your moods balanced.
I agree. But the change of menopause (in this case, pre mature) is inevitable. At some point we (woman)all will have to live with diminshed hormone capacity. That was one of the factors that figured into the national study. Women were taking Premarin long after the change because they "felt better". But the 1 - 2% increase in cancer is a serious consideration.
**It's pretty intense and I'm wondering if it's too much right now while I'm trying to sort out the meds?Youll get lots of helpful suggestions and ideas to look into on this site. You know what you need. Follow your gut and keep investigating.
A great book on Hormones is "Natural Hormone Balace for Woman" by Uzzi Reiss
Peace
Ima
Posted by katia on August 23, 2003, at 15:23:04
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on August 23, 2003, at 12:22:16
>There's a psychiatric condition known as 'kundalini psychosis', believe it or not.
Yes, I've known about this.
>>Yoga is wonderful for depression and anxiety but again, there are so many different kinds. I'd opt for the more calming and centering kinds, like Kripalu, Anusara, even Iyengar, and be cautious about the really activating ones like Kriya, Kundalini, Ashtanga (Bikram).
Actually Ashtanga and Bikram are two different types. I do Bikram sometimes/often and it helps. But I don't consider it yoga so much.
>However, if you get a good gut reaction to this class and teacher and it would be a good community, good exercise and good philosphy then it could be a real gift during this time. Whatever, you can keep a cool head and body as well as taking with a grain of salt anything any teacher tells you.
yes, I agree. This is not a movement yoga. It's sitted meditation working actively with the charkas. I'm going to go to a few different kinds of meditations and see what feels best.As you probably know from the previous posts, I contacted my pdoc and told him about my reaction (initial) to Depakote. He told me to ramp it up and see what happens. I did and am at 500mg now for three days. I didn't need the Seroquel for sleep last night and slept well. I'm starting to feel a bit more stable, which is great. But I'm still not quite there.
thanks for your input.
Katia
Posted by katia on August 23, 2003, at 15:26:37
In reply to Katia and Patricia--a good book, posted by fluffy on August 23, 2003, at 13:17:23
> Hey Katia and Patricia--
>
> Aside from all of this Psycho-babble stuff, I've found that one book in particular was extremely helpful to me when I was first diagnosed. And I have finally bought a copy instead of getting it from the library. When I feel like I am questioning what's going on with my moods/diagnosis, it straightens me out and gives good treatment options. It's called "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide". I highly recommend it, even though it doesn't dwell on the particularities of bipolar II. All of the information can be applied.
>
> Just a thought--take it or leave it.
> I hope you guys are well. I've cycled out once again, and feeling normal. However, the Li is coming soon--I have an appt. on monday with my pdoc.
>
> KatyThanks Katy,
I'll check it out. I've read one called "Bipolar Disorder" A guide for patients and families.it helped some.
k.
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 23, 2003, at 21:15:13
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read, posted by jota on August 23, 2003, at 11:29:50
> A lot of evidence has been accumulating that men with treatment-resistant depression have very low levels of testosterone. When we finally checked it, mine turned out to be off the charts low. I would definitely urge men reading this forum to get theirs checked.
**And women as well! My testosterone was barely squeaking down there and testosterone has so much to do with mood and energy of all kinds. What kind of supplementing are you using? My husband was on the Androderm patch for a while but it gave him headaches. His levels were excrutiatingly low and now that he's not on anything he's slowly turning into a lass before my horrified eyes. I'm using a topical cream containing testosterone along with other hormones.
Posted by Ponder on August 24, 2003, at 11:42:21
In reply to Re: Katia and Patricia--a good book » fluffy, posted by katia on August 23, 2003, at 15:26:37
>
> Thanks Katy,
> I'll check it out. I've read one called "Bipolar Disorder" A guide for patients and families.
>
> it helped some.
> k.I, too, found Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Familes to be an excellent book, but was frustrated with the authors failing to list weight gain as a side effect of medications that are notorious for it. Weight gain poses a grave threat to anyone's health, and yet the propensity for it that psych drugs endow is rarely discussed openly by professionals. There is stuff in the medical journals on it, but in a book like this one--both credible, fairly comprehensive, and well-written--you'd expect to see the issue addressed.
With Depakote, he mentioned that he had heard of some weight gain with the drug, but had not seen it in his practice. Is there anyone on this board who did NOT gain weight with Depakote?
Posted by Ponder on August 24, 2003, at 11:56:13
In reply to Naturopath visit results, please read, posted by BarbaraCat on August 22, 2003, at 22:11:59
B-Cat, you are so right about the difficulty in getting coordinated care on the hormonal piece of the puzzle. My psych-doc doesn't know what to do with estrogen/progestin, my family practice doc doesn't know beans about psychiatric issues, my gyn doesn't want to deal with anything but the HRT. I've never seen an endocrinologist, but understand they have a beef with anything but the most conservative thyroid supplementation (partly because of the osteoporosis risk).
The HRT thing is confusing. I've heard that these hormones play a huge role in mood disorders, but the effects are unpredictable. So, I guess it's another one of those try-it-and-see kinds of things. I've been reluctant to discontinue for fear of destabilizing.
Truth is, I'm pretty much afraid of everything these days. I've lost hope for feeling any better than marginal. I have a few days of euthymia a month and they are wonderful, but the rest of the time I'm just grateful that I'm able to get out of bed in the morning. So I keep taking my usual meds and call it good. It's so hard to evaluate treatment efficacy with rapid-cycling BP that the try-it-and-see method is stressful. I can't always tell what is helping vs. just cycling out of the depression for a while. I fear I may be spending my money and subjecting my body to drugs/supplements that are not really helping at all.
Well, there, I've talked about several issues, I guess, and in not too organized a way. But there it is.
Thanks, B. for your lucid and helpful posts.
Posted by fluffy on August 24, 2003, at 15:04:42
In reply to Re: Katia and Patricia--a good book » katia, posted by Ponder on August 24, 2003, at 11:42:21
Hi Ponder-
I think there are two books with similar names. I'm not sure, but the Bipolar Survival Guide addressed weight gain. But all in all, I know what you mean. It's kind of a problem with the psychitrists. I was just telling my boyfriend last night that I wish psychiatrists were more blunt about the course of bipolar disorder and the side effects of drugs. For most doctors, it's a trade off--health problems in the long run, or the patient running the risk of having consecutive and more severe episodes. Weight gain or suicide? ALSO--Not EVERYONE gains weight on Depakote--it's a POSSIBLE side effect.
The psychiatrists who do have expertise with mood disorders have an obligation to inform patients of the risks and possible side effects of medications, as well as the probable future of maybe more episodes. I think they just don't want to bog patients down with too much bad news at once. Could you imagine if your psychiatrist said "you have a disorder that will be with you for the rest of your life. the only way to control it is with medication. And we're not sure which ones with work for you--you might be miserable for years trying new ones. And most of the kinks are not worked out, so you may feel like a zombie and gain 40 lbs." Esp. since most BP patients get treatment only when they feel depressed, it's probably good that they dwell on the positives of treatment. I was too close to suicide to hear all of the negatives at once. I'm kind of glad that things were sugar coated and that I've come to understand the positves and negatives for myself.
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 24, 2003, at 16:10:53
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read » BarbaraCat, posted by Ponder on August 24, 2003, at 11:56:13
Hey there, it's been a while! Great to hear from you again! Are you taking HRT? What kind? You know that there's the standard formulary crap - Prempro and the like which is derived from mare's urine. That is the most problematic and it's tragic that it's the bulk of what gets prescribed. If this is what you're taking, or Premarin and Norprin or any of the standard generic synthetics, you are not doing yourself any favors. You have to ask for the bio-identical and even then you get the one size fits all dosage. They never test. Why? Because testing isn't cheap! I had been taking Prometrium which is micronized bioidentical progesterone and estrace which is bioidentical estrogen, (but estriol only instead of estradiol also), thinkin I was at least getting the 'natural' kind. No one ever tested me and it turned out that I was getting way too much estrogen and ended up with a buildup in the lining of my uterus, lumpy breasts and a precancerous condition that eventually caused hemorraging. Fun. My thyroid zoomed through the roof because I was on lithium but no one seemed very concerned even though I'm well aware of what normal levels should be and the many problems even miniscule abnormal levels cause. I had to INSIST I be given more thyroid than they were willing to prescribe (the party line being, oh, even though you're a little hypothyroid, it shouldn't cause any problems). BULL SHIT!!!!!
In short, my hormones were all screwed up and even the most basic dumb HMO tests showed this. Do you think my pdoc ever looked at those records, even though all my 'care' providers were in the same building? Did he ever bother to put the obvious pieces together that just maybe my loopy hormones were affecting my mood? Did my primary care doc ever consider that the very obvious unbalanced state of my physical systems had anything to do with the intense psychic suffering I was experiencing? Does anyone remember PMS?? Any woman (or man living with such woman) who's gone through rabid PMS can tell you about the hormone/mood connection.
So yes, you're point regarding concern about all the meds doing much good and maybe doing harm is very relevant. What's interacting negatively? Is there anything beyond hit or miss psych treatment that should be considered and explored? If you have an unusually good MD who knows what the heck they're doing, then thank the Great Spirit every night. Most of them are not the physicians/healers of the past. They don't have time and are dictated by HMO guidelines and drug company funding. We absolutely MUST take charge and learn about our bodies, and ESPECIALLY our hormones. I am on a soap box about this one and if I reach just one person, I can eventually die feeling like I've made a difference. We're putting our psyches in the hands of well-meaning sound-bite technicians who have no idea beyond the basics of what to do with us. We have to go farther than looking at our brain chemistry. WHY is our brain responding the way it is? What is causing the imbalance? What imbalances are our brain chemistry causing? The wholeness of our being isn't divided at our necks. Two books can help:
"Screaming to be Heard", Elizabeth Vliet
"The Wisdom of Menopause", Christiane NorthrupUltimately, it means hoofing around and finding a talented and dedicated health practitioner who knows what the heck they're doing and takes the time to get to know precious you. It probably means paying out of pocket because, I assure you, the only concern managed care and health insurance companies give a rip about concerning your continued good health is if you don't cost them anything. They are out to cut costs and are NOT on your side. I'll keep my woefully inadequate HMO in case I get run over by a truck, but for my health, my naturopath is now my mentor because she is one smart cookie and I trust her wisdom and experience. Sorry to rant, but boy oh boy, am I pissed! The answer was right in front of their bamboozled faces and it was I who had to stamp my feet and do something! - Barbara
Posted by katia on August 24, 2003, at 17:11:37
In reply to Re: Katia and Patricia--a good book » katia, posted by Ponder on August 24, 2003, at 11:42:21
> >
> > Thanks Katy,
> > I'll check it out. I've read one called "Bipolar Disorder" A guide for patients and families.
> >
> > it helped some.
> > k.
>
> I, too, found Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Familes to be an excellent book, but was frustrated with the authors failing to list weight gain as a side effect of medications that are notorious for it. Weight gain poses a grave threat to anyone's health, and yet the propensity for it that psych drugs endow is rarely discussed openly by professionals. There is stuff in the medical journals on it, but in a book like this one--both credible, fairly comprehensive, and well-written--you'd expect to see the issue addressed.
>
> With Depakote, he mentioned that he had heard of some weight gain with the drug, but had not seen it in his practice. Is there anyone on this board who did NOT gain weight with Depakote?
>Hi,
I actually am on my second week of Depakote at 500mg a day. I definitely have not lost weight and I don't have a scale, but I think I may be gaining weight. I've been really good about not overeating and getting exercise, but my clothes are tight! And so, it's not due to overeating. My period also just started so it could've been that. But I'm defin. not losing weight and I've already maxed out my average range of weight. I feel a bit heavy. I just hope that the weight gain doesn't happen!
How about you? Did you take Dep.? and gain weight? I've heard of a couple of people who took dep. and did not gain weight.katia
Posted by Jota on August 24, 2003, at 21:35:00
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read » jota, posted by BarbaraCat on August 23, 2003, at 21:15:13
> What kind of supplementing are you using? My husband was on the Androderm patch for a while but it gave him headaches.I'm using AndroGel. At 7.5 g, my testosterone level was still extremely low. Now at 10g and will do another blood test in a week. I haven't noticed any side effects so far. Instead, diminished headaches. And increased sexual desire.
Jordan
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 24, 2003, at 22:22:32
In reply to Re: Naturopath visit results, please read, posted by Ima on August 23, 2003, at 14:46:36
> A great book on Hormones is "Natural Hormone Balace for Woman" by Uzzi Reiss
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
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