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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 574 to 598 of 948. Go back in thread:
Posted by katia on September 7, 2003, at 1:09:43
In reply to thanks for the breathing advice!, posted by fluffy on September 6, 2003, at 18:14:14
I've actually had lots of experience with this as someone told me once that I was a shallow breather and was in a constant state of hyperventilation. I sigh all the time too. I researched it and found a great book "The Tao of Natural Breathing". It goes into how our emotional state totally effects our breathing and how our breathing is of utmost importance in digestion, blood ph, etc. etc. mood. In fact, a lot of depressed people have problems with digestion and also forget to breath. It's totally related. in brief, when we breathe properly, our diaphragm massages our digestive organs and helps with elimination and digestion. About 60-70% of toxic elimination is done thru' respiration. Depending on how much oxygen is getting into the blood and Co2, can depend if the blood is acidic or not (mine is). It goes on and on. Fascinating book - highly recommend it. I'd go and get it off my shelf and quote some more, but I'm too tired. I need beddy-by.
So if you sigh a lot, it is a sign that you are hyperventilating due to being a shallow breather. This book, among other things, a year and a half ago was one of the tell'tale signs to awaken me to the fact that I'd been depressed much of my life.
Katia
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 7, 2003, at 12:32:33
In reply to Re: Lami/Lith combo » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on September 7, 2003, at 1:00:30
Katia,
About the fatigue and other physical discomforts, can you definitely trace it to when you started taking Dep? Could there be something else going on? Digestion, hormones (there I go on that one again, however if you've had PCOS scare, maybe so), could be alot of things that don't have anything to do with meds. Maybe the meds exacerbate something already there.You know, I think I read something somewhere about Depakote affecting something physical, hence the PCOS connection. It would make sense that hormones would be implicated in PCOS since it's the reproductive system, don't you think? You mentioned your Scotland pregnancy. Was there a problem with the pregnancy that would make you suspect some kind of hormonal thing? From personal experience, I know how miserable any kind of hormonal imbalance can be. The little critters are such key players in our mind/body health.
I'll make myself a note and track the info down. Not to say that Dep is causing it, but maybe there's some other imbalance that's been there and is now coming out of hiding.
I sure don't think it's the Lam. I've read some medical literature that says it can cause drowsiness, but no real person who has ever taken it has ever complained about it being sedating - just the opposite. - Barbara
p.s.
> yes, I agree about getting him, I mean :-), it on the table.***Right as I clicked on the 'Submit Post' button I thought, 'Oh Jeez, I'll probably get blocked for that one'...
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 7, 2003, at 12:38:44
In reply to Re: thanks for the breathing advice! » fluffy, posted by katia on September 7, 2003, at 1:09:43
That looks like a great book, Katia. I looked at the table of contents and really liked what I saw. I'm going to get it too. - Barbara
> I've actually had lots of experience with this as someone told me once that I was a shallow breather and was in a constant state of hyperventilation. I sigh all the time too. I researched it and found a great book "The Tao of Natural Breathing". It goes into how our emotional state totally effects our breathing and how our breathing is of utmost importance in digestion, blood ph, etc. etc. mood. In fact, a lot of depressed people have problems with digestion and also forget to breath. It's totally related. in brief, when we breathe properly, our diaphragm massages our digestive organs and helps with elimination and digestion. About 60-70% of toxic elimination is done thru' respiration. Depending on how much oxygen is getting into the blood and Co2, can depend if the blood is acidic or not (mine is). It goes on and on. Fascinating book - highly recommend it. I'd go and get it off my shelf and quote some more, but I'm too tired. I need beddy-by.
> So if you sigh a lot, it is a sign that you are hyperventilating due to being a shallow breather. This book, among other things, a year and a half ago was one of the tell'tale signs to awaken me to the fact that I'd been depressed much of my life.
> Katia
Posted by katia on September 7, 2003, at 15:01:48
In reply to Re: thanks for the breathing advice! » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on September 7, 2003, at 12:38:44
Great. It is a good book. Lots of good exercises in it too. I should pick it back up.
k.
Posted by katia on September 7, 2003, at 16:41:27
In reply to Re: Lami/Lith combo » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on September 7, 2003, at 12:32:33
I can pretty much associate the fatigue with the Depakote. Digestion thing has been going on for years. I have a distinct and sudden drop in energy and feel exhausted to the bones in the afternoon/evening. I guess the Lam. will energize me back up. But that's the wierd thing. I have the worst time falling asleep and feel that wired/tired thing going on. I get at least 6-7 hours on bad nights, so it's not much of a lack of sleep. On good nights, I sleep between 8-11 hours. I sleep too much, which is an odd mix into the picture. I have always needed sleep. Well, at least after I have been in my mid 20s. It's like I ran out of energy b/c I don't think I slept much late teens, early twenties. And since then, I just cannot go without sleep without losing the plot totally. I get out of balance sooooo quickly with little sleep. But then again, I've been medicated for the past year. Prior to that I was sleeping like 4-8 hours a night. utter insomniac. It may be med related. So 6-7 usually can be ok for me for a brief period, but somehow on Dep. it's sooo not enough. I'll just ride it out and see what the next day brings. consciousness is a funny thing - always changing perceptions....
Katia
> Katia,
> About the fatigue and other physical discomforts, can you definitely trace it to when you started taking Dep? Could there be something else going on? Digestion, hormones (there I go on that one again, however if you've had PCOS scare, maybe so), could be alot of things that don't have anything to do with meds. Maybe the meds exacerbate something already there.
>
> You know, I think I read something somewhere about Depakote affecting something physical, hence the PCOS connection. It would make sense that hormones would be implicated in PCOS since it's the reproductive system, don't you think? You mentioned your Scotland pregnancy. Was there a problem with the pregnancy that would make you suspect some kind of hormonal thing? From personal experience, I know how miserable any kind of hormonal imbalance can be. The little critters are such key players in our mind/body health.
>
> I'll make myself a note and track the info down. Not to say that Dep is causing it, but maybe there's some other imbalance that's been there and is now coming out of hiding.
>
> I sure don't think it's the Lam. I've read some medical literature that says it can cause drowsiness, but no real person who has ever taken it has ever complained about it being sedating - just the opposite. - Barbara
>
> p.s.
> > yes, I agree about getting him, I mean :-), it on the table.
>
> ***Right as I clicked on the 'Submit Post' button I thought, 'Oh Jeez, I'll probably get blocked for that one'...
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 7, 2003, at 20:13:02
In reply to Re: Lami/Lith combo » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on September 7, 2003, at 16:41:27
Katia,
Here's something you might find interesting regarding the Depakote PCOS thing:http://www.psycheducation.org/hormones/Insulin/polycystic.htm
What I found interesting at this link was how Dep seemed to affect hormones in general, as in estrogen being twice normal after 6 months of use. There were also some refutes about it saying that other tests showed no difference between it and lithium in that regard. Anyway, there's alot here to digest.
I now remember what I read about the PCOS and hormones. It's the connection to insulin, or insulin resistance. It was in a number of books I've been reading on cortisol, high carb diets and mood, weight and hyperinsulemia and such. Did your metabolic tester correlate hyperinsulemia with your metabolic type and symptoms? What you said recently about tiredness, sleep problems, mood fluctuations, etc, sounds alot like a blood sugar disorder. I'm sure you've had all this checked out and you said that symptoms have started since Dep, but I wonder if your insulin could have been affected in some way since starting it, or maybe exacerbated an existing problem? Hope not, if Dep is going to work for you, but it's something to investigate, eh? And wouldn't it be loverly if all the crap was due to lousy blood sugar? I'm hot on the trail with that one myself. Oh, love the decomposed skunk blood image. Good thing I don't go for red wine or I'd really be tempted. -Barbara
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 7, 2003, at 20:19:19
In reply to thanks for the breathing advice!, posted by fluffy on September 6, 2003, at 18:14:14
Howzit going, girl? Haven't heard from you in a while. Hope your gallery event and talk went great. That's probably where you are, gadding about at celebratory post-show parties. Anyhow, we miss you!
Posted by Ponder on September 8, 2003, at 13:00:53
In reply to Re: Lami/Lith combo » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on September 7, 2003, at 12:32:33
In response to B-cat:
>I sure don't think it's the Lam. I've read some medical literature that says it can cause drowsiness, but no real person who has ever taken it has ever complained about it being sedating - just the opposite. - BarbaraDoesn't this just frost you? That's why PsychoBabble is so useful. Most psych docs prescribe based on the product circulars, look at you like crazy if you tell them you've had a different response, and it's damned hard to tell what really to expect from the initial clinical trials.
Posted by katia on September 8, 2003, at 14:25:41
In reply to Official Side-effects, posted by Ponder on September 8, 2003, at 13:00:53
hi,
yes, I agree. No one knows what will happen with s/e Ponder.BTW Barb, I haven't started the Lamcital yet b/c i'm starting all my suppelements (incl. L-Carnitine). So we've decided to wait a week.
My dep. will run out in two days and I'm finding it hard to get an rx filled! Doc has no samples. eek.
Katia
Posted by katia on September 9, 2003, at 14:46:07
In reply to Dep and PCOS » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on September 7, 2003, at 20:13:02
Hiya Barb,
Very interesting info I found out....
I was doing some research on L-Carn. b/c I wanted to find out if I should be taking it on Dep. I was sooooo racy yesterday. I woke up at 6:30 and went to bed the previous night at 1:30 for a total of 5 hours. I got a lot done and even worked. I was wondering if it had to do w/ L-Carn. or my mood swing.
Anyway, what I found out is ironically and coicindentally enough Depakote reduced L-Carnitine in people and when that happens, weight gain happens. So it's probably a very good thing to take while on dep.
Interesting huh?
gotta go. A depressed "no one loves me" doggie needs a walk right now.
Katia
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 10, 2003, at 1:54:33
In reply to L-Carnitine and Depakote » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on September 9, 2003, at 14:46:07
Yes, very interesting! L-Carnitine is supposed to help control 'blood sugar' and slows down the absorption of carbs to be stored as fat. This all has to do with insulin levels. Carbs are stored in cells and can only be released by insulin. Once carbs are released, they become the glucose the body and brain runs on. If insulin receptors become desensitized though different means, carbs don't get released, don't get used for energy production, and end up getting stored as fat, causing a high free insulin blood level, blood sugar spikes, hypoglycemic symptoms, anxiety, fatigue, mental duhhhh, weight gain - sound familiar?
What I've been finding out through searching since we talked about all this is that Depakote negatively affects insulin - why or how I don't know yet - causing the same insulin resistance problems (hyperinsulemia) described above. Taking L-Carn makes alot of sense, since L-Carnitine supposedly prevents and reverses hyperinsulemia which would prevent the weight gain that bound up carbs cause. I'm running out and getting me some tomorrow!
This whole insulin/carbs thing is the main theory behind the Atkins diet, the Zone, all these low carb diets. This would be a great litmus test for L-carnitine, eh? But I wonder if Depakote somehow works because of this insulin effect thing and if L-Carn would interfere? Even so, best to know these things about these strange substances we take and hope and pray will make us feel better and hopefully not turn us into physical wrecks.
Of course, we don't know for sure that Depakote causes hyperinsulemia but there's alot of research saying it does. I wonder if the other 'porkogenic' meds cause weight gain through the same insulin connection. If so, this is something serious to look into. Hyperinsulemia is turning out to be a very bad thing - dangerous to the heart, Diabetes II, and not just a fat issue. - Barbara
> Hiya Barb,
> Very interesting info I found out....
> I was doing some research on L-Carn. b/c I wanted to find out if I should be taking it on Dep. I was sooooo racy yesterday. I woke up at 6:30 and went to bed the previous night at 1:30 for a total of 5 hours. I got a lot done and even worked. I was wondering if it had to do w/ L-Carn. or my mood swing.
> Anyway, what I found out is ironically and coicindentally enough Depakote reduced L-Carnitine in people and when that happens, weight gain happens. So it's probably a very good thing to take while on dep.
> Interesting huh?
> gotta go. A depressed "no one loves me" doggie needs a walk right now.
> Katia
Posted by fluffy on September 10, 2003, at 11:33:42
In reply to How's the Fluffsters? » fluffy, posted by BarbaraCat on September 7, 2003, at 20:19:19
Hi--I'm here.
You're sweet for noticing that I was "gone".I don't have internet access, and I can only do this while I'm at my job. I have a VERY low key job at a book shop, so I'm able to surf a lot.
Well, I got through the class I teach last night w/o a scratch. I didn't fumble too much w/ my words. The opening of the exhibition is tonight. And that shouldn't be too difficult.
My pdoc appointment yesterday was another story. My doc seems to think that I shouldn't be taking Lithium because I'm having severe cognitive side effects, even at a low dose. And I went hypomanic for about 4 days--super, super speedy and frenetic (while on the Li). I've been on it for almost two weeks now, and no significant improvements--if anything, I've had some setbacks. I tried to write a book review 3 days ago, and I couldn't even put sentences together. I have been stuttering, and I can't find words. I've been reminding myself 5 times why I'm walking into a room, and even then, sometimes I forget why I am there. WHAT TO DO???
He wanted to switch me right away to Zyprexa, Depakote or Trileptal. I decided to wait it out and see if it gets better. Last night, I slept on my own w/o the benzo. So at least that's good. But I still feel stupid. And now I'm getting the watery mouth (thirst) thing.
It is SUPER important to me to be able to have my memory and such (like I suppose it is to ANYONE). I decided to try the Li for another week or so to see if this all clears up. My doc said it was a sound decision--one that a normal clinician would make. He is somewhat radical as a researcher. And he admitted that he makes decisions more quickly than your normal psychiatrist.
Katia--if the Depakote WORKS, then count yourself lucky. Not everyone benefits from the same combos of meds. And if you find the right one or combo right away, then GREAT!
I'm caught up in the confusing and frustrating process of finding the final touch to stop this roller coaster--it SUCKS!!
Best to all,
Katy
Posted by katia on September 10, 2003, at 12:35:31
In reply to Re: How's the Fluffsters?, posted by fluffy on September 10, 2003, at 11:33:42
Hi Fluffy, Barbara, etc.
I'm having a hard time figuring out what's what too. Sunday night I barely slept and Monday I had tons of energy. Monday I slept 11hrs and yesterday I could barely drag myself out of bed to run errands to just come crawling back to bed. Last night I slept 8 hours and feel fine today.
If the Depakote works doesn't matter b/c I'm so afraid of the PCOS and infertility and I'm certainly not losing weight by any means.
You've probably read some of the posts here, if you do go on Depakote, it may be worth your while to get some L-Carnitine. My pdoc wants to see how I do on Depakote for the next 8 weeks while I titrate slowly on Lamictal and then add Lithium (after coming off of Dep). He mentioned Trileptal sp? as a good one to try. I know that he said that it is similar to Tegretol, but with less side effects.For me, all I know is that I want something with an antidepressant quality as that's my main thing. Like yesterday. It was awful. I'm sick of hiding away from the world. When is there a good time to just go back into it? work-wise. I wait tables twice a week and am starting to loathe it and it's exhausting. I'm too old for this! And I am going 1000$ in the hole per month!
I know I'm not totally stable (of course not - I'll be when I find the right med/combo?) as I do impulsive things that make sense at the time, but then a day later I cringe. for instance, I walked out Friday from my pdoc's appt. w/o paying, I forgot and then I went back on Monday to pay with loads of literature on studies/research for my pdoc along with a four page poem that I had written 9 mos. or so ago. I thought it would help him understand me better. It made perfect sense to give it to him then, now I can't figure out why I did that? Stupid things that I'm so sure about at the time and just have to do them or perform the act and am quite adamant and stubborn about it, then a few hours/days and I can't believe I've done it!anyone else can relate? I'm not totally convinced that I'm BP. And I need for my pdoc to talk to me about things like giving him poems, leaving bizarre messages. How does he know that I am? It's all so confusing. I might just be agitated depressed. and the times I've experienced any type of mania was probably just my reaction for coming out of the depression cave. But I can relate so well to BP stories. I'm confused. And can dx's change over the years? And will I have to take meds for life?
I suppose I'll ask him all these questions.
Katia
Posted by fluffy on September 10, 2003, at 15:32:40
In reply to Official Side-effects, posted by Ponder on September 8, 2003, at 13:00:53
Hey Katia, B-cat, Ponder,
Sometimes I think it's just hard for them to put side effects into words. (They have to sound clinical, you know--they can't very well say--"it causes a fuzzy but activated response") I DID feel sedated on Lamictal---I felt all weird--yawning and heavy eyes during the day, but not able to sleep at night.
Now--on to Katia--
What you are describing sounds like bipolar disorder to me. You do things in excess, then later, when you're depressed, you wonder why you did that stuff. It sounds to me like you might be a rapid cycler as well. Judging from your posts, it seems that you do. I'm NOT your doctor. So I won't presume to know what kind of treatment you need. But your doctor seems to be on the right track. Sounds to me like he knows his stuff. Unfortunately, as I am experiencing now, RESPONSES VARY from drug to drug and from person to person!!
I don't know what to say to you since I'm not in the best of spirits right now myself. I do, however believe that there is a drug or combination of drugs that will help you and I. It can take awhile.
Now about the debt. I hate to ask....(if this is a sensitive topic)...but...do you have a good relationship with your family? Do they know what you are going through? Maybe they can help. Just a thought.
Gotta go--my eyes are blurry. I really wish you the best Katia. I haven't lost hope for you yet, so don't you lose hope either! Remember--this is the tough part. And I'm there with you.
Katy
> In response to B-cat:
> >I sure don't think it's the Lam. I've read some medical literature that says it can cause drowsiness, but no real person who has ever taken it has ever complained about it being sedating - just the opposite. - Barbara
>
> Doesn't this just frost you? That's why PsychoBabble is so useful. Most psych docs prescribe based on the product circulars, look at you like crazy if you tell them you've had a different response, and it's damned hard to tell what really to expect from the initial clinical trials.
Posted by katia on September 10, 2003, at 16:12:35
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects, posted by fluffy on September 10, 2003, at 15:32:40
Hi Katy,
Thanks for your supportive words. My family has helped me out too much in the past. I've made a conscious financial break from them no matter how much I'm getting into debt. It's just not fair, one, and two, I need to draw a boundary and when finances are involved, boundaries become unclear.
I do think I'm BP too, but there are so many categories and subtypes and comorbidity, it's hard to tell. My pdoc is not really that interested in hearing about my past; just more what I'm experiencing in the present. I don't understand that. He did ask some questions in the intake. I guess I'm just feeling a little unheard/unseen for all that I am and wonder if he has the full scope of me and my history.
The s/e you describe from Lam. is this new since Li.? Or has it been the whole time?
Hope you too have feeling better soon.
Katia
Posted by fluffy on September 10, 2003, at 16:51:31
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects » fluffy, posted by katia on September 10, 2003, at 16:12:35
Hey Katia--
No--the side effects from Lamictal went away over time. Usually, the side effects would erupt 2 weeks after raising the dose, then settle down after a few days or so. At some point during the titration, the side effects became overwhelming, so we stopped @200mg.
Psychiatrists just don't have the time to understand ALL of you. They speak in terms of symptoms--some of which they observe from what you say in your visits. That's their job--I don't think they mean to be impersonal--they just can't be too emotional. But I do know what you mean. I felt that way when I was first diagnosed. Now I almost like the über clinical setting.
Thanks for the well-wishing, Katia. I'm in a bad mood. I hope you are feeling better soon, too.
Katy
Posted by SUMMER2002 on September 10, 2003, at 22:01:33
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects » fluffy, posted by katia on September 10, 2003, at 16:12:35
Hi Ladies,
Sometimes I feel like I'm eavesdropping on your conversations but it helps. I still question my BP diagnosis to the point my pdoc said fire me - what are you paying me for? This was after I went through two other pdocs. Oh well. He then went on to say I'm not my diagnosis etc etc etc.
Anyway, my point is that I am only on Lamicatal and feel fine for the most part. I'm at 250 mg. I may start welbutrin (spelling?) to help stop smoking - but a little bit nervous about changing anything. I am tired alot but I don't know if it from the lamicatal. I'm still taking flurazapam every night to help sleep. I quit for two nights and had some wild dreams. The second night I woke up crying (sobbing was more like it) from the dream. Pretty odd.
Take care
Patricia
Posted by katia on September 11, 2003, at 0:30:53
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects » katia, posted by SUMMER2002 on September 10, 2003, at 22:01:33
Hi Patricia!
Anyone is welcome, otherwise we'd be emailing each other instead of posting on this board. That's the beauty of this, anyone can jump in at any time.How long have you been on Lamcital? What has your official" dx been?
Why do you question it (besides the obvious reasons of taking care of ourselves)?
thanks for your post!
Katia
Posted by femlite on September 11, 2003, at 7:34:42
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects » katia, posted by SUMMER2002 on September 10, 2003, at 22:01:33
>I still question my BP diagnosis to the point my pdoc said fire me - what are you paying me for? This was after I went through two other pdocs. Oh well. He then went on to say I'm not my diagnosis etc etc etc.Hi Patricia, (Summer is such a pleasant thought!)
What is it about your diagnosis that you question?
Another observation, if you are BP, is it 1 or 2?
from reading and the knowledge Ive gained lurking on this sight, BPs usually reguire more than one med. Usually a mood stabilizer, I think Lamictal could suffice (correct me if I wrong, ya'all).
And next they need an AD. Wellbutrin would fill that bill. Ive had some bad experences with SSRIs.
Too activating, couldnt sleep. But wellbutrin is a little different as it affects dopamine receptors more than serotonin receptors. I too take a sleep aid.Dopamine receptors are responsible for motivation, which I sorely lack.
Wellbutrin is activating, and could help your tiredness during the day
>
> Anyway, my point is that I am only on Lamicatal and feel fine for the most part. I'm at 250 mg. I may start welbutrin (spelling?) to help stop smoking - but a little bit nervous about changing anything. I am tired alot but I don't know if it from the lamicatal. I'm still taking flurazapam every night to help sleep. I quit for two nights and had some wild dreams. The second night I woke up crying (sobbing was more like it) from the dream. Pretty odd.Forgive me for saying this, but you sound kinda discourged. I think thats to be expected if your a BP and are not taking an Anti-deppresant.
I know what you mean about the scarriness of messing with your brain, but you obviously want to feel better, and thats what drives us all to seek help in the first place.
Wellbutrin is a good AD to start with. Give it a month and see what happens. (there will side effects in the first month)
Are you taking a multi vitamin that contains Iron?
I made that mistake a few months ago, and have since learned that too much Iron is worse than to little. One of the effects of Iron toxcity is feeling tired.
Best of luck to ya
Posted by fluffy on September 11, 2003, at 11:42:13
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects » katia, posted by SUMMER2002 on September 10, 2003, at 22:01:33
Hello again Patricia and everyone--
It is so natural to question a BP diagnosis!! Sometimes it is necessary. Do you feel that you fit the DSM definition at all? Have you had a bad reaction to antidepressants in the past? Is there a family history? All of these things helped me to determine that it was indeed true--I am bipolar. SHEESH!! I even hate to say it. It carries quite a stigma. Sounds to me that if you are, you are probably BPII--or just barely above the unipolar of the BP "spectrum".
If the Wellbutrin makes you feel manic or mixed, then bag it--it's not worth it to take a drug to help you quit. For what it's worth, I also quit smoking 6 months ago. I found that once my mood was stabilized, it was easier to quit. So, heck--if the WB works, then HOORAY!!! I just quit cold turkey--I was a raging bitch for 4 days, and was very tempted to start again for the next month, but after that it got a lot easier.
I also found that Lamictal made it almost impossible for me to sleep--esp. at first, and for some reason lately. Maybe it's just the changing of the seasons.
I am feeling much better with the Li today. I'm giving it another week, and who knows--it may be just right. Doctors always want to try the new models and use their patients as guinea pigs. (esp. mine!) But I can see why past BP and present BP people couldn't tolerate Li--it has been uncomfortable!! But the side effects do seem to be fading. As for a jump in the dose--oh!! I'm cringing!! Not another 3 weeks of feeling confused and stupid! I'm a professor and I have to be smarter than my students--it's my job!
My next option is Zyprexa, I think. Since i have "psychotic" depressions w/ rejection sensitivity and negative ruminations, it may be good bet.
Sorry for the ramble--
I hope everyone is well and functional!!Katy
Posted by katia on September 11, 2003, at 13:49:10
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects, posted by fluffy on September 11, 2003, at 11:42:13
Katy and the rest,
What dose did you start at on Lamictal? I'm starting at 5mg tomorrow. Hopefully that won't cause distruptions in my sleep. I'm feeling better, but a little foggy headed sometimes on the Dep. and I always crash in the late afternoon. I've taken to just laying down for an hour and it's helped. But then my energy is up and running again. I agree with the Mediterranean way of living - siesta and late dinners! Glad to hear you're better. What sort of class do you teach?Patricia,
It's been my experience that ADs make me worse. Like Katy said, try the WB and if it doesn't work, "bag it".
I too can give up some of the addictions when I'm feeling centered and well.
Katia
Posted by fluffy on September 11, 2003, at 15:15:05
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects, posted by katia on September 11, 2003, at 13:49:10
Hey Katia--
I didn't know they made Lamictal tabs in 5mg. I started at 25mg. Some people start SUPER SLOW (at 12.5 mg going up in 25mg incriments) until they reach the "therapeutic" dose. These days, most clinicians agree that 200mg is the target dose. Everyone is different, though.
I teach art appreciation. Seems like it would be easy--but it takes a TON of research!
take care,
Katy
Posted by fluffy on September 11, 2003, at 17:49:04
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects » SUMMER2002, posted by femlite on September 11, 2003, at 7:34:42
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 11, 2003, at 18:53:01
In reply to Where's B-cat? (nm), posted by fluffy on September 11, 2003, at 17:49:04
Thanks for asking. Been a little preoccupied lately. I don't know why. I spin wheels alot and don't get much done when I'm neither depressed nor manic yet not quite alright either. The house is slowly cluttering up again, a sure sign that I'm losing my focus. Husband just got a double hernia operation so that should keep me busy being nurse for awhile.
Glad everyone is relatively OK. I empathise with you Katia about how thick headed pdocs can be. You just wish they'd take into account your whole being instead of as a lab experiment. I guess the insurance companies have hobbled alot of well intentioned doctors. Katia, do you qualify for any kind of state aid? Working 2 days a week, you can't be making much over the Federal poverty limit. You might be able to go on SSI or get some kind of state aid or insurance, or at least food stamps. It's worth looking in to. It's so damn hard to heal when the stress of financial worries are looming over you. I know you've said how most of these symptoms came on after starting Dep, but honey, they sure sound physical to me.
Why isn't someone paying more attention to you? All this stuff with your pdoc, the poems, paying, etc. aren't biggies in themselves, but taken together with the way you're feeling, you're not being listened to. You don't have a significant other to give you feedback or help out with anything when you're at the end of your rope. You need to get more, much more, from your care providers. You're paying this pdoc? He's falling down on the job, I'm afraid, and you can damn well tell him I said so. I've been to many and it's the dear souls who really care who notice 'hmmm, maybe this person needs a little more than I'm providing'. Money is always the issue. If you have questions about your dx and how he arrived at his speculations, you should ask. Have you had any mood assessment tests done? Has he ever mentioned the dreaded 'B' dx? No, not BP but BPD? No one wants to look at borderline disorder, but it's real, it's a fact and it's treated differently than BP.
You deserve to be talked to plainly and clearly about what's ailing you. You seem to be a strong-willed, very smart and creative person, but pardon me, a bit of a wimp when it comes to biting this guy on his nuts and not letting go until he jumps to your care. GRRRRR!! Now I'm getting mad, so hang on.
I don't know, Katia, maybe you write here when you're feeling really awful and the rest of the time you're maintaining OK. But if all the time you're riding the rollercoaster, it's just not good for you. It's causing way too much stress. The bottom line of this rant is this: you should (yes, I'm using the should word) you should tell your pdoc that you need much more help and much more quickly and that you need his help to get it. You need to go to some kind of Human Services office and find out about whatever kind of aid they can give you, medication assistance, medical, whatever. Keep on pushing for this. Call United Way, tell them what you're going through and ask them if they can suggest anything.
I'm pissed and you bloody well should be too. I'm also projecting because I've felt like I was totally losing it at times and felt like nobody responded as quickly as I needed, but I have insurance and have the luxury of knowing I can always check myself in somewhere. You don't and so I hope you can make it your mission to find out where you can get some assistance to get the help you deserve.
Maybe you're pretending nice for your pdoc? Maybe you don't let him know how this mad cycling is making you feel horrible because he won't like you? STOP IT!! This is not a personality contest! You're paying him to get better! If you need to talk to him about life issues that you feel are very relevant to your issues today then INSIST he listen to you, and if he doesn't, ask him WHY NOT??? These guys are not Gods, even though they get paid like they were. Jump up and down and tell him YOU FEEL LIKE SHIT AND YOU AIN'T GONNA TAKE IT NO MORE!!!!! Love, B-Cat
Posted by katia on September 11, 2003, at 19:21:05
In reply to I is here, posted by BarbaraCat on September 11, 2003, at 18:53:01
Hi Barb,
Thanks for rooting for me.
But it does sound like you've got the exaggerated take on what I really feel and am experiencing. He actually is doing his job and he does call me back when I call him with concerns or questions.2. Will you be my caregiver???? will you make all those calls and followup calls and follow, follow-up calls for me trying to get help?
I've actually been down that route somewhat and it's so frustrating, which is why I finally chose to go into debt to see this private doc and to live stress(ish) free for awhile. All the stress that goes into getting what little aid there is out there is almost not worth it. I wouldn't even know where to begin. I am being covered with dental and medical (the medical part is a joke however), but have recently qualified to receive low to no cost meds. But that was after way too many phone calls following up with doctors, case workers, pharmacies, etc. etc. I finally just ordered from Canada. If it were easy to 1. find the aid, I would 2. wouldn't take so much out of me to just get poor quality care and service (i.e. last year with all my rounds with psychiatrists at two clinics and rounds with ADs - no thanks).
It's sometimes more difficult than it is worth it. If you know where I could begin to start, let me know (in regards to financial aid). It's also a bit degrading, they normally treat you like shit (in regards to the medical care part I've encountered)
The health care in this country is not good. And what little aid there is is poor quality and you have to wait for eons. You have to make nothing in order to qualify for anything, (like $500) per month. In California that's a joke. So even tho' I make more than $500 a month, and still live going further into debt each month, I don't think I can qualify. The system doesn't work with you to help yourself basically.So I've acutally been fine the past two days. quite good actually and sleeping fine. Thanks for your concern Barbara, but I think you have a slightly off perception of how dire my mood state is.
BTW, I know what you mean about not being productive in limbo land.
Katia
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