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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 8192 to 8216 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Mrs. C on August 11, 2004, at 21:50:48
In reply to Re: had a bad day today, posted by platinumbride on August 11, 2004, at 0:29:41
Thanks Diane. I think Lex is a great med. It has helped with my anxiety in many ways. But when I get like this I could sure use a little extra. My OCD has improved since beginning lex but it has never gone away completely. Thanks for your support. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on August 11, 2004, at 21:56:54
In reply to Re: Maybe a babble convention...., posted by waki on August 11, 2004, at 18:30:53
I love the cruise Idea! and I love reading your posts. Congrats on becoming you again and I hope the road to recovery is short. Mrs. C
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 11, 2004, at 22:45:47
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by Waki on August 9, 2004, at 23:20:09
> What is the name of the therapy I am supposed to seek?
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding therapy to Psycho-Babble Psychology. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040805/msgs/376668.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by JenStar on August 12, 2004, at 11:13:16
In reply to Re: had a bad day today, posted by Mrs. C on August 11, 2004, at 21:43:47
Mrs. C,
I'm not sure how your insurance works, but can you go to a clinic instead of your primary care doc? Near me, there are several 'urgent care' clinics that take just about every insurance. Although people with 'urgent issues' go there, sometimes people go for routine things when they can't in to see their doc quickly enough: physicals, earache, flu, etc. If you're worried that your doc may discount this, maybe the clinic could give you an unbiased opinion.I think you should check it out if it's worrying you this much. Don't feel bad to do it. You're paying for the insurance, and you deserve to see a doc when you want to. If you can't get to a clinic, see the doc.
I hope you're feeling better and less worried. Keep us updated.
JenStar
Posted by captain on August 13, 2004, at 8:59:07
In reply to Re: had a bad day today, posted by JenStar on August 12, 2004, at 11:13:16
Hey Mrs. C! Your fellow hypochondriac here...I used to have a lump that I would fee CONSTATNLY. I would get everyone I knew to feel it too. I have gone to the doc to have them felt over the years (am only 28) as does my sister, and they are very common. I am sure you know all this and it doesn't make you feel better, but ANY infection in your body can make a lymph node swell. It could be a bladder infection or a sinus infection - it doesn't matter. It could be something that isn't even bothering you. And then the nodes take a LONG time to go down. Literally months sometimes.
I agree with Jen though that you should go to Urgent Care. I know what you mean about feeling like an idiot and not wanting to be discounted. Let us know what you do and how you are. I am thinking of you as I have been having my own hypocondria fits as well.
Captain
Posted by Mrs. C on August 13, 2004, at 16:46:28
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by captain on August 13, 2004, at 8:59:07
Hey Captain, so good to hear from you!! Tell me about your fits. It really helps to hear that I am not the only one who does this stuff. It's literally uncontrollable though as I am sure you know. That what is so frustrating to me. I know that I am over reacting but I can't stop myself! Everyone on this board has been so supportive and I am so glad I have this place to come to when I am feeling low. Thanks, Mrs. C
Posted by Alesa on August 13, 2004, at 17:52:01
In reply to Re: Maybe a babble convention...., posted by waki on August 11, 2004, at 18:30:53
A Babble Convention. Interesting! Can you imagine the signs and hotels at the convention advertising "Babble Convention"?? All outsiders would wonder "What the heck is a Babble?" They'd probably think that we just like to talk alot, or have a rare OCD where we just can't stop talking. And then they'd see the "Hi, I'm normal" signs, and think we're nuts. Which we are, but who cares, right? Everyone's nuts in their own way anyways.
Funny, I thought you were a woman too. I think it's your style of writing, which, by the way, is fantastic. You have a way of writing about your life and feelings, and describing the people and situations around you that's very unique, insightful and expressive. It's easy to follow and understand, and you don't ramble inscessantly, or lash out. I think you should write a book about your life when you're feeling better. Writing is also a key to good mental health, and a good method of therapy. It's great to write out your feelings, and your progress. Of course, this message board helps alot to in relating to others.
I really liked this statement that you wrote: "Maybe if people who are mentally ill collectively synergize with each other we can heal each other more rapidly". I truely believe that-support groups work. I think I feel better so quickly too because of this board. The healing of support and positive energy travels via the internet just as well as in real space and time.
I also believe people who are mentally ill possess unique insight of the world around them that mentally healthy people cannot comprehend. We are sensitive and aware of certain issues, feelings, intuitions and energies that exist. It has definately opened my mind. Most artists and songwriters have suffered some sort of mental illness.
Your words have helped me alot.
Thanks
Alesa.
> Who knows.....
>
> Maybe if we all get past our obsticals we can all go on a cruise and meet. We can wear name tags that says "3 years of happiness", or sell bumper stickers that say "I am normal are you?".
>
> My mother and I were talking today. She is so happy what she calls "haveing me back" that she cries everytime when she see's me now.
>
> I am not even that well yet but I am well enough that she believes she got her son back.
>
> She keeps secretly inviting one of her friends over at a time every time I visit her. I sit back when I go home and just shake my head as to what have a done to all these people.
>
> Anyway, she keeps asking me questions what "they" doctors do with me every week at the treatment research center. She is so excited she wants to go with me and thank them. I told her there's no way a near middle age guy like me is going to parade my mother around the center to let her say thanks. We laughed. She said it was the first time we laughed that she can remember. After she laughs she cries, sort of bizzare really.
>
> She believes that these medications are only partial of my improvement. She tells me my attitude appears to be improving, upbeat. She describes it as an "energy" or positive "ora" that seems to be contagious to others and improving everyday. She claims she see's a glow in my face that I can't see myself.
>
> She says that when she introduces me back to her friends they feel better and want to know more about mental illnesses. It's to the point all her friends are comming out of the wood work saying they have childern that are bi polar, their husbands appear to be depressed, tehir edlery parents must be depressed. yadda yadda yadda.
>
> I don't see it or feel it but I have to trust her. Maybe theres something to this energy?
>
> Maybe if people who are mentally ill collectively synergize with each other we can heal each other more rapidly.
>
> I have allot of patching up to do with family members and friends that I don't know where to start. I have walked away from family, friends and relationships for the last 25 years.
>
> It's depressing to hear that I have hurt so many people because I abandoned all of them.
>
> But the more I think about it, I think I answered my own question. I believe one starts to know depression is subsiding when others make remarks.
>
> When you see others be happy because you are making them happy is the un measurable proof in the pudding.
>
> Well I need to go know. I actually put myself on a committee to help build a float for a parade. I can't remember the last time I helped people out before.
>
> Don't forget the cruise, maybe thats what we all need!
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 14, 2004, at 12:27:13
In reply to Re: Maybe a babble convention.... » waki, posted by Alesa on August 13, 2004, at 17:52:01
> A Babble Convention. Interesting!
We're actually planning a birthday party for Babble next June:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040717/msgs/367076.html
Let us know there if you have any ideas...
Bob
Posted by Waki on August 16, 2004, at 2:11:00
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by Waki on August 9, 2004, at 23:20:09
Alesa,
Interesting you mentioned you lived partially for your cat. Is your cat special breed, personality?
I encountered the same thing.
I will share something with you about cats. Cats purr under stress and when content. The purr is below 50 KHz which is omni directional. This means their entire body feels this vibration. research is learning that the cat is self medicating therselves with freqiency waves.
I forgot how ong you said you've been dealing with your issue, and your age, but it sure sounds like you got a good handle on a path to recovery.
More and more i am seeing that the medication can adjust our chemistry but attitude is 50% of making the medication work.
Posted by captain on August 16, 2004, at 8:07:12
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by Mrs. C on August 13, 2004, at 16:46:28
Hey Mrs. C! I agree it does help to hear that other people are hypochondriacs and go thru what you go through. I always think that I am such a freak and am just convinced that because I "feel" and "sense" so many things within my body, that I certainly have SOMETHING and I wonder how everyone can walk around just not worrying about all their little aches and pains.
I even think about other people being sick when they tell me that they woke up with a horrible head ache and i think to myself "that is a bad sign! you should not have a headache that wakes you up!" but of course I keep my mouth shut as not to freak them out.
I am thinking I should increase my lex dosage from 10 to 15mg. I can feel the anxiety coming back and I hate it. I don't even know if I am worrying about one single problem anymore - it seems to be everything. I am still obsessed with the thought of a brain tumor and/or MS and constantly think I have something wrong with my vision or motor skills, and still have occaisional dizziness. Every ache and pain seems to be something and I have forced myself to stop reading online and to change the channel if there is a health story on. I have found that that helps from creating new symptoms as I used to read about things and sure enough I would have them later. Unfotunately it does not help with the regular old worries.
I wish there was something I could do. I do not go to counseling and wonder if that would be helpful. Do you go? Have you found it helps with the hypochondria? My problem is that i don't have time to go. I work from 8am to 6:30pm every day and unless I can find someone to take me at 7am, I can't do it.
Xanax helps when i start to obsess and think I can't move something or can't see well or am dizzy, but my doctor is not very giving when it comes to prescribing it for me. (another reason to see a pdoc i know).
Tell me what you have found works for you (if anything!). It is a horrible way to be. I remember you saying that you have kids - do you worry about their health too? I worry that when i have children I will drag them from doc to doc and I do not want to pass this down to them.
SOrry for the long post - but i look forward to hearing back from you!
Captain
Posted by Alesa on August 16, 2004, at 11:33:18
In reply to Re: Alesa: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by Waki on August 16, 2004, at 2:11:00
My cat is just a tabby, but she's very sweet and cute. She's all striped and coloured just like a grey bengal tiger. I love her so much, and she is so attached to me that if I were gone, she'd be the most hurt and confused out of anyone in my life. At least my friends and siblings would know where I'd gone, but she'd have no idea, the poor thing. She is one of my reasons for living because she brings so much joy in my life.
Interesting about the cat's purr. The sound and sensation of it is so therapeutic and relaxing and makes everyone smile. There is nothing more satisfying. Aren't cats so amazing? I also heard that research has shown that the purring helps maintain their bone density and helps keep their bones strong. Scientists are trying to find out if cats can help people fight osteoporosis. Maybe if they sit on your lap alot it can help strenghthen your bones!
I am 35 years old, and having been dealing with anxiety and depression since I was about 12 years old. I remember having my first panic attack in class, and I thought it was the flu. I was so terrified of it happening again, I stayed home for a week. My depression was really bad as a teen, and I used to cut my wrists, but not bad enough to substantially hurt myself or cut the vein, but enough to draw blood. I used to hit myself alot too, and pull my hair, spit at my reflection in the mirror. My self hatred and anger at myself was all consuming at times. People would always tell me how miserable I looked. My panic attacks intensified over the years, and I had to miss work because they would get so bad.
I would always blame others around me, like boyfriends or my job for my condition. It wasn't until my late 20's that someone pointed out it was pyschologically related, and then I started to re-think things. I blamed my father and family for YEARS after that. I hated my father and was so angry with him. He is partially to blame, but not entirely. It wasn't until Mom died three months ago I could finally forgive him and move on. I knew my depression needed to be treated or else I would die this way,just like Mom did. She was in so much pain and didn't know how to help herself, or accept help from others.
I realized it was also partially hereditary, and since it had been plaguing me for so long that I needed medication.
Funny how when you're depressed, you attract the kind of people that make you feel bad about yourself. When you recognize this, then you attract people that make you feel good about yourself, but you can't accept their compliments. You twist their words in your mind so that they come out critical and insulting.
So far, I still feel better on meds, but last weekend I felt a bit down and lethargic. We've had a heat wave here, so I'm hoping it's just the heat as our apartment gets stifling hot. Still no panic attacks, and I still can't cry. I still feel things, and still feel sad when I think of Mom, but no tears.
Posted by calico cat on August 16, 2004, at 12:45:43
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by captain on August 16, 2004, at 8:07:12
Poor Captain. It sounds horrible to think that something serious is always wrong with you.
I think counseling is a good idea when you are worrying like you do. I went to therapy for about a year after my mother died. I had a wonderful therapist who helped me realize some of the reasons of my angst. I am thinking of going some day again as I know my emotions are getting the better of me and I needed to stop because I needed a break from therapy - it was my choice. One thing about therapy - I found - is that it is work that you do alone. I spent a great deal of time thinking and reconsidering how I perceive things. It is a lot of work but well worth it.
Good luck, Calico Cat
Posted by captain on August 16, 2004, at 13:17:10
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by calico cat on August 16, 2004, at 12:45:43
Hi Calico- thanks for the email. I am sorry to hear about your mother passing. I am 28 years old and my best friend lost her mother suddenly in april and my other best friend is most likely going to lose her mom in the next few months. I feel like we are too young for this and these instances have pushed my anxiety thru the roof as I am abnormally close to my mother and worry about something happening to a family member. I don't think I could handle it.
The lexapro has helped but i don't think anything can take away that kind of fear and worry. My sister has started to go to counseling and they said she needs to change the way she thinks about things, so I may try the same thing.
I hope you are doing well and I appreciate the post.
Captain
Posted by mystic on August 16, 2004, at 17:11:56
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by calico cat on August 16, 2004, at 12:45:43
Hey girls...and guys if there are any..I've had a terrible day obsessing..i was on bactrim for 2 days and this morning i woke up and have this terrible terrible ache in both my legs and my left arm and it is driving me crazy..I have called both my gyno and my regular primary nurse and she said oh it could be the bactrim but not a usual side effect..that makes me feel better..so if i stroke out tonight or have a heart attack then glad to have met all of you..dont you hate obsessing and it is sooooo worse when you just know that there is something wrong and they might not believe you because you are on lex..not that it is my experience that this happens just I dont know peranoid..anyone else paranoid about these things in here..hahahah of course we are..well thanks for listening..your freind mystic
Posted by calico cat on August 16, 2004, at 17:56:42
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - calico cat, posted by captain on August 16, 2004, at 13:17:10
Hi Captain. Wow, you are very young - my mother died when I was 40; now I am 43 - I am almost 44 which makes me in my mid-40's. Actually, I like being older in many ways - even though I have teenagers, I still like this better than diapers, naps, etc.
To tell the truth, my 10 of lexapro definitely has effects, but not glimmers of happiness. I am just going day by day. I try not to dwell on too many worries. My daughter on the other hand, is struggling because we have had some rainy days. At 15, I can see her life is not going to be an easy one - but then, whose life is easy? Even under the best of circumstances, life is hard.
Once I start writing, I can't stop. I guess I have let too much get plugged up, and this is definitely an issue I have to work on. that's what is good about this web site. Maybe we should all write a book, and then when we come to Chicago, we can all be on Oprah. Actually, can we go to the Oprah show any way? I would love to see her in person. Calico Cat
Posted by captain on August 16, 2004, at 20:09:38
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on August 16, 2004, at 17:11:56
Hey Mystic - that sucks. I know that feeling of obsessing. I woke up with bites all over me this morning and was freaking out that i have some internal worm of some sort and my boyfriend just called and said we have chiggers! I feel like a country hick - haha. he just bought a cabin outside of the city and we went walking yesterday and sure enough - we are covered in bites.
But i know how you feel about worrying. Do you have something like xanax that can help mellow you out and take your mind off of it?
Captain
Posted by waki on August 17, 2004, at 14:04:51
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by ednababish on August 7, 2004, at 9:24:18
Well,
I did what you said. I asked my research treatment program what would they think of if I went to therapy. They said we can discuss it later if I persist. It appears that when one is a medical experimental rat as I am, they need results that are purely from their treatment. I do understand it, think about it, when they write about my results medical research needs to know what effect it took on me. After all they are investing an enourmous amount of money in me.
Anyway, I searched for a hospital that has a very reputable Psych department. I have an appointment in 10 days. I want them to fully evaluate my thinking and behavior. I then want to know what available cognitive behavior changes are available.
If the cards fall that I really need therapy, then I will have some decisions to make in the future.
I guess this is a good problem. For the first time in my life I am trying to decide which solution I want for a specific problem. After not knowing I had a problem this is a huge deal for me.
Thanks so much for your advise! I hope you win the lottery or something.
Posted by ednababish on August 17, 2004, at 15:30:10
In reply to Re: EDNABABISH How do you know Depression ended?, posted by waki on August 17, 2004, at 14:04:51
If I win the lottery after you made that wish, I owe you.
Posted by Mrs. C on August 17, 2004, at 21:46:27
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by captain on August 16, 2004, at 8:07:12
HI Captain,
Let's see. Do I go to therapy? Yes, or at least I was going. I have the kids home with me during the summer and its very hard to get away for appointments without finding someone to watch them for me. I just started going in May and found it to be interesting. I have been suffering from this for over 10 years now and this is the first time I have ever asked for help. I got to the point where I wasn't able to function. I was starting to worry about some health problem almost daily and my life was starting to suffer for it. I was becoming depressed and very anxious. I went to my doc crying and she prescribed the lex. I felt so much better. Less anxious, happier but I still worry over my health. I am currently on 20mgs of Lex. It has helped but no much with the OCD. Although this last problem with the gland in my neck subsided after about a week of constant and grouling worry. Before Lex I would probably still be worrying and obsessing. So I guess that is progress. I think that I could use Zanax too but my doc won't give it to me. I should also see a pdoc. Anyway back to therapy. The therapist really thinks that I can overcome this and we were beginning to make some progress before I stopped going. I was starting to realize why I obsess the way I do. Which helps alot. I plan to go back as soon as school starts again.
So far I don't obsess over my kids health. Thank goodness. I sure dont want to pass this along to them. This is a terrible way to live sometimes and I am thankful for the support I have found on this board. It has been the most helpful thing to me. I also have had times where I believe I have some terrible disease. I have had them all at one point or another. Every symptom that comes along cause extreme worry. I can spend hours on the web or looking in medical journals. I have even locked myself in the bathroom so that no one in the house knows what I am doing. I probed my neck so much over this last incident that I gave myself a bruise. I am telling you this so that you realize that you are not alone in your obsessions. I dont tell many people about how bad I really have been with this illness and I know that many are reading this right now. But if I can help someone else feel even a little better, it's worth the embarassement. Keep hanging in there. I have improved so much since last September when I first sought help with this. I understand myself alot better and I dont feel so alone with it anymore. Lex has lifted the depression and anxiety and it's up to me to lift the obsessing and compulsive behavior. Let me know what I can do to help you. Mrs. C
Posted by Baz on August 18, 2004, at 8:20:51
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by Mrs. C on August 17, 2004, at 21:46:27
I found this board today looking for some info about a new or perhaps recently realized side effect to Lexapro-buzzing. I feel like I have a small motor in my legs and hands.
I am so sorry I started to try new anti depressants this year. I had been on Celexa and was feeling nothing. Bummed to be taking daily meds and feeling nothing. So I started on Lex and the first effect was higher blood pressure.
The Dr put me on a plan to increase the dose to 20mg. After being several days at that dose I started to feel MORE down than I originally felt. I have learned that doseage is everything because these meds seem to "inject" you with the "hair of the dog that bit you"!
I damn the day 10 years ago when I started this trek. I feel everyone of these meds have made me fat and captive!
I know I sound cynical but I am exhausted with try this/try that.
BAz
Posted by captain on August 18, 2004, at 9:18:57
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by Mrs. C on August 17, 2004, at 21:46:27
Hey Mrs. C, Thanks for sharing that story. It does make me feel less like a freak as I really don't know anyone else at all that worries about their health as much as I do. My sister is a worrier but she kind of does the opposite - she would rather NOT go find out what is wrong! My friends tease me that my favorite place to be is in the doctors office getting tests.
I never really thought about hypochondria being an OCD - but i guess it is? I saw that you mentioned that. I guess I always think of that as someone who has to have everything Just So and locks their locks three times EVERY time. haha - but I do obsess over illness. Lex has helped somewhat, but I can't be on this forever and want to change the way I think which is why i feel a pdoc would be helpful.
I am glad you don't obsess over your childrens health. I do not want to pass this down. It runs HORRIBLY thru my gene pool as it is! I had my 10 year high school reunion this year and we were looking at year books before we went and I realized that as my senior gift, they gave me (and this was in WRITING!) "A first aid kit to cure all the concocted diseases in her head." I didn't even realize that I had been this way for so long - and so openly. I just want not to worry about my health. When I have an odd sensation of any sort, i start to sweat and my heart races and i just want to run from wherever i am - just full blown anxiety attacks. That is where the lex has helped some. You know your hypochondria is bad when you are hiding it from other people. I try not to tell anyone now when i think something is wrong. No one ever believes me anymore as it is. (which of course makes me think that i really WILL get something!)
On top of that - I worry that worrying will actually give me something! How about that for a vicious cycle! haha -
Oh well, I am at work and better get back to it... thanks a bunch for your post. If you ever want to email me, here is my address:
I hope you have a carefree day!
Captain
Posted by calico cat on August 18, 2004, at 11:37:30
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by captain on August 18, 2004, at 9:18:57
Hi everyone. Mrs. C. - my birthday is also in October. I will be 44. I think we should have a big fiesta.
I went to my psych. nurse today. I am going to stay on 10 mg. of lexapro and 150 mg. of wellbutrin. She says this is a good combination so I won't be dozing off at 1 pm. like a two year old. Plus I will hopefully have a lot more energy. If any of you have tried this combo, let me know how it worked.
Off to the Lion King tonight. I am sooo excited, Calico Cat
Posted by Mrs. C on August 18, 2004, at 22:07:43
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by Baz on August 18, 2004, at 8:20:51
Hi Baz, I am sorry that you are having such a hard time. But I do remember that "buzzing" that you are experiencing when I first started Lexapro. Sometimes I still fill it a bit. I have been on Lex for almost a year now. I started at 10mgs and now take 20. So far so good. The side effects do subside after a few weeks. Hang in there. Lex has improved the lives of many on this board and I hope that you feel some improvement soon. Keep coming hear, it's full of wonderful and supportive friends. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on August 18, 2004, at 22:10:34
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by captain on August 18, 2004, at 9:18:57
Hey Captain, I actually had a great carefree day today. This crisis of last week has subsided. I am free until the next symptom comes up. Hope that you are feeling good as well. Nice to share with someone who is in the same boat. Call on me anytime! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on August 18, 2004, at 22:12:53
In reply to Re: mrs. c's birthday, posted by calico cat on August 18, 2004, at 11:37:30
Hi Calico, where are you going to see The Lion King? I have wanted to see it for some time now. How fun for you. I am glad that you feel better about your med combo and I pray that you continue to feel good. I am only on Lex so I can't give out much advice about the combo but I think others here have tried it. Have a great time tonight and let us know how it was. Mrs. C
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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