![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 928 to 952 of 1838. Go back in thread:
Posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 18:55:01
In reply to Re: topamx, posted by stresser on October 26, 2004, at 8:36:28
> We did try the Genteal eye gel for M, and she says her eyes feel better this morning after using it last night before bed. That's a relief. She is taking accutane as well a topamax (small dosage of accutane) and that tends to be drying for her eyes also. Thanks so much for the recomendations for the gel. Kat-you don't even realize how much I value your knowledge, and I'm feel very fortunate to have stumbled across this board. My husband and I have really tried many different aproaches to this disorder. We have tried being tough, sympathetic, encouraging, indifferent, etc. and nothing is really working long term. He is really stubborn, and engineer, and with him it's either black or white. Do you know the type? Drives me BONKERS!!! You would think encouragement would help, but it doesn't at all. I do go to talk with her pdoc. tomorrow, and I hope that helps me to know how to react. I also know how it feels to grow up not being noticed. May parents were divorced when I was 12, my dad hardley knew I was alive, but yet my brother got enormous amounts of attention. I have ALWAYS known that I was and still am, not good enough for my mother. Isn't that sad that many of us are in the same situation. I feel that maybe I am passing that off to M, but how do I stop when that's all I know? I have tried to act as if I don't care about many things with her, and that really doesn't seem to work either. I'm either controlling or not caring enough. I'm stuck in a tought spot and cannot get out, so now I'm looking to all of you once again for advice. -L
L, it is easy to relate... I could - and did - bring home 100s in algebra and geometry, only to be asked why the papers weren't tidier or the penmanship better... whereas my grandfather when he saw the marks would ask what I planned to do after that, after all one hundred was hard to beat..
I was a perfectionist even then but it was not enough... my father was an engineering type and my mother a perfectionist in her own way as I have mentioned. My grandfather was an engineer also, but he never let it interfere with his people skills; when I told him that I had accomplished the highest English lit or French lit mark, he was pleased and encouraging to their wondering why the mark was not higher, and never compared me to anyone else... my mother's favourite trick was to compare me with her dead brother... the sainted paragon... he had done no wrong EVER... even when he ran off and enlisted underage...
From my grandfather I learned so much that I have tempered my control freak nature with his people skills. I spent every school holiday with him and my grandmother, lived with them the last two years of high school for that matter -- and they noticed my weight... .. he always had time for me, no matter how demanding his job was of his time and energy. I would meet him at his office around lunch time and we would talk about things that mattered as he finished his rounds of the plant, we would drive together on those summer days as he toured from his headquarters to the other plants he controlled...I remember one day when I was about seven wandering through the plant with him when he discovered a man asleep on the job.
He took his notebook out of his pocket. There was always a notebook in his pocket... and I always carry a notebook with me, something I learned from him... to capture important thoughts and ideas, this time he wrote in the notebook, tore off the page and carefully stuck it in the man's shirt pocket, all the while signalling to me to keep quiet.
We tiptoed away so as not to disturb the man's sleep.
I had heard about courts martial and I had heard about men being put on report and being thrown in the brig and about my father's temper and I knew his temper first hand. I was expecting my grandfather to explode as my father would have in the circumstances.
I was shocked at his response and I learned a lot when I learned that he had written,
' I hope you enjoyed your nap. Your next will be your last here' with his signature at the bottom.
There are better ways of dealing with people than yelling and shouting and demanding things of them...
calm expectations, positive reinforcement...
all these go so far to help ...if M is sure that she has support and loving support from both of you no matter what, then that is the first step...
trust me...I gained weight for two reasons... one was the meds that caused weight gain and the other was because I didn't feel like losing it...
sort of an anti-Barbie thing... accept me for my mind not for my looks...
my husband told me he didn't care how I looked or what I weighed; he loved me for who I am and what I could do and what I had done and weight didn't matter...
it may not have pushed me to the dieting and weight loss or exercise urges but it helped me to accept me as who I am, exactly what I wanted the world to do...
for too long I had been forced to be something to someone who fit the standard that was set for me and now I was fighting back, here was someone who cared who didn't set any standards and who loved me as I was...
it was important...I remember when I first met him... he always tells people that when he met me he felt sorry for me and proposed for me because someone had to take me home and feed me LOL...
wherever I was singing or performing, he and some one or ones from his family (and it is a HUGE family) would be present to encourage me... with my ego I really didn't need encouragement in that way, but it was nice to they cared and that I mattered... if I made a mess of my music, entrance, lines, whatever, they didn't care... they were just there for me...
looking around, it was seldom that one saw my parents there... interesting contrast...
support and no demands...
it helps...Part of the reason I train and use the positive reinforcement as a method of training is because I see the effect it has on dog and on owner... I really like the effect it has on the self esteem of the teen-agers in the family (I insist on the entire family being involved ... no point in one person training the dog and the rest undoing what is done)..
watched one badly overweight girl whose dog was going to be put down work determinedly with her dog, a mixed breed, every day... she got up at five to practise with him and met me at the school every afternoon and lunchtime and the difference in her was phenomenal...
the guidance counsellor had asked me to help either explain about euthanasia or help her with the dog that was totally out of control... what could I do but say yes????
in ten days her head was up and she looked people in the eye; she was a positive person and was losing weight... no wonder as she was doing agility with the dog and it is work believe, so is basic obedience for that matter,...
but she had done wonders with her dog, and she knew it...
her parents were amazed and thrilled with her accomplishments and told the world what she had done and best of all kept telling her...
her head kept getting higher...
it is so exciting and I keep thinking I should give these kids cookies the same as we give the dogs... praise... instance praise and reward for the dogs and I praise the client too...and then there is the unconditional love from the dog... well we have to give unconditional love to the kid involved... no strings attached...
just love with nothing asked in return...
it is sooooo hard...
just love for who she is...
and that means who she is today....
it works for the dog...
and when the dog loves us unconditionally it works for us so I figure it works for the kids...
and I keep using it whenever I can...
with people I mean <g>
kat
Posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 19:08:07
In reply to Re: topamx » headachequeen, posted by rainy on October 26, 2004, at 16:01:57
> I'm getting confused here as to who is posting, but I think it's you, stresser, that mentioned you had a mother for whom you could do nothing right, and so you end up swinging between appearing indifferent and too controlling with M.
> Our kids are grown now and they both have our values, but I think our son is bipolar II. Everything I say or do seems to irritate him and I often feel like I'm walking on eggs around him. Foot in mouth disease in the bosom of the family. Our daughter and I have come to terms, but she was treated for depression for several years and may still be on meds--we don't talk about it. They change the subject if my bipolar situation comes up, although Marc is becoming more open. Our daughter's husband is a family therapist! Parenting is the harderst thing in the world to do.
> When I first began to write again on this board three weeks ago, it was just after that awful confirmation class and I was really afraid I was losing it because of the Topamax. I was considering going off and asking for people's experience in going off the med--taper or cold turkey.
> I don't think the original question was answered but now it's settled--I don't want to go off. I've done some rethinking about my own responses to crises, I've had a chance to participate in some conversations here, I'm feeling better about myself, and I can tell when I'm heading into hypomania. Which is now.
> I've been concentrating on Topomax as a bulwark against bulimia and I haven't been listening all that well to the rest of you, I' afarid.
> I'm beginning a new project tomorrow that I'd like to tell you about and ask for your good wishes. I've got butterflies becaus of the Coming of Age experience and because I'm tearful--I think because I'm on only 200 mgs of desryel, 300 mgs of Top, and as of tomorrow 200 mgs of provigil. I'm depressed, despite the lovely, cloudy fall day and I don't feel fully in charge of myself.
> Here's the deal. Our church is starting a "Small Group Ministry." We have 10 groups, mine, I'm the facilitator, went throught the training without mishap, has 9 members. Adults! We meet for two hours and eventually, form into a support group. Not a therapy group, but close friends who can help each other out.
> There's stucture, check in, we have to develop a covenant, confidentiality policy etc, topic of discussion, opening and closing words. My job is to keep the meeting moving smoothly and on task, stop any biting and scratching, make sure that everybody has a chance to talk etc, Tactfully.
> Given my recent Mouth Adventures, I'm a little worried. Also I forget words. Also there are a couple of "difficult" people in the group.
> So, please, keep your fingers crossed for me.
> Thanks
> Rainy of the well intentioned MOUTH
>
Rainy to a great extent that group is like this one... here we have a group that has become close friends who help out each other...
so you forget words...
I do too not from Topomax but since the raging seizures... I find that people help me remember them... I just cover with some comment such as oops... that word just sailed through my mind...
someone else must have needed it more... oh, you know the one...
and when someone says the word you never forget it again, believe me...
it is like vocabulary building as a child...Your main function at this point is to guide these people and to ensure that they do not get into arguments and back-biting... so you do not have to worry about your vocabulary... all you really have to do is use phrases such as "Is that sort of comment really helpful here?" or "I don't think we want to be hurtful here" and make up a mental list before you start...
come on, gang, let's create a set of mental cue cards for Rainy before the first session...
You are going to do this with flying colours...
and the Topomax is going to help keep your bulimia under control so it is not a worry and the hypomania... I am told I suffer from that according to the psychiatrist and psychologist at the hospital a couple of years ago and I am ADD according to my later therapist... what the heck let's be all we can be and join the marines or something...
wouldn't that give them something to think about...
there you laughed and you are ready to take on the world...You can do this and we will be here to help and support...
we have our positive reinforcement ready and able for you...
kat
Posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 19:10:45
In reply to Re: topamx » headachequeen, posted by iris2 on October 26, 2004, at 17:03:33
> I thought that was calm and rational. To be sure I was not sure Stresser would like everything I said but I do not think I was being cold or abrupt or critical. Being supportive does not mean saying only what the other person wants to hear or having the answer to everything the person asks even though we are not specialists here. If I thought you (Stresser) only wanted to hear what made you right and happy I would not bother posting to you, it would be a waste of my time. You seem to want to know other people’s experiences and opinions. Please understand that most of what I post is only my opinion based on my own life’s experience and all what doctors and therapists have been telling me for 30 years. None of us here has the magic answer. I wish we did for you and me.
>
> I am truly sorry if you took anything I said as being "heavy". I have to say I did mean what I posted and was worried about how you were thinking that the Topomax seemed to be "the answer".
>
> Wishing you only the best,
>
> irene
>
>Irene you did mean only the best and when I read that post I was on my way to the doctor's and in dread of the next step....it was my fault....
mea culpa...I read it as being critical and I was expecting him to be critical and I was just seeing the world as being critical...
one of those days...and I am trying to be less controlling...
man is that hard for a control freak...forgive me???
kat
Posted by rainy on October 26, 2004, at 19:50:29
In reply to Re: topamx mea culpa » iris2, posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 19:10:45
Hey, Iris2, I say things that I don't mean as critical and they come out as critical and people get all huffy and then I feel awful. My husband, who someimes has good things to says it's about them if they get offended, not us, as long as we didn't call them unspeakable names or disparage their heritages or something. What is true or close to it is so often harad to hear.
I tend to carry guilt around about stuff I've said--if my sense of humor were as well developed as as my sense of guilt, I'd be a healthy person.
Thank's Kat. I just to don't want to say, shut up, you snickerdoodle, and then talk about his/her politics in a way that I'd like too. My mouth is really colorful--our 13 year old son once told me I swear too much and that was a long
time ago.
I also don't want to cry. If I stop thinking about myself and think about my 9 fully adult, friendly, intelligent group members, I'll be OK. And, Iris, I agree with what you're saying. One person's version of the truth often isn't easy to read, but that doesn't mean it was ill meant or cruel.
We perceive stuff as we do.
on that highly philosophical note, more work to be done and thanks for your support.
I could use a good stiff drink. Them were the days.
rainy
Posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 19:55:47
In reply to Re: topamx mea culpa » headachequeen, posted by rainy on October 26, 2004, at 19:50:29
> Hey, Iris2, I say things that I don't mean as critical and they come out as critical and people get all huffy and then I feel awful. My husband, who someimes has good things to says it's about them if they get offended, not us, as long as we didn't call them unspeakable names or disparage their heritages or something. What is true or close to it is so often harad to hear.
> I tend to carry guilt around about stuff I've said--if my sense of humor were as well developed as as my sense of guilt, I'd be a healthy person.
> Thank's Kat. I just to don't want to say, shut up, you snickerdoodle, and then talk about his/her politics in a way that I'd like too. My mouth is really colorful--our 13 year old son once told me I swear too much and that was a long
> time ago.
> I also don't want to cry. If I stop thinking about myself and think about my 9 fully adult, friendly, intelligent group members, I'll be OK. And, Iris, I agree with what you're saying. One person's version of the truth often isn't easy to read, but that doesn't mean it was ill meant or cruel.
> We perceive stuff as we do.
> on that highly philosophical note, more work to be done and thanks for your support.
> I could use a good stiff drink. Them were the days.
> rainy
>
>I think all of us have better developed senses of guilt than senses of humour sigh...
now, where are those mental cue cards for Rainy...
we need them by early tomorrow morning so she can start these sessions well prepared to direct (not control <GGGG> this group...
kat (and the rest of us will be keeping a list of the ideas for future reference too I would bet <g>)
Posted by stresser on October 26, 2004, at 20:43:33
In reply to Re: topamx mea culpa » rainy, posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 19:55:47
Woa,.....I sure missed quite a bit this afternoon!! Seriously, I don't take offense at anything anyone has to say. I have a very good friend that I can count on to ALWAYS tell me her view on my "problems". Sometimes I need someone to point out things I overlook, or maybe I'm just having a dense day! Anyway, don't be afraid to give me your point of view...and this is for all of you "pack members". There are so many posting on here that I'm having trouble keeping them straight and I find myself re-reading the posts!
Iris II, (I think I may have this correct, but let me know if I don't) You are safe here, no matter how you feel, ok? I really don't think the topamax is the answer, I'm just hoping it will help along the way. It saddens me to think you are having such a difficult time with depression....that's tough, I know.The organization you all seem to have is very impressive, because you see, I don't have that when it comes to posting on these boards. I just keep reading and thinking "Wow, these girls really have their heads on straight". I'm a wanna be......(CONTROL QUEEN too).
About that siff drink? I will never argue that! -L
Posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 20:50:59
In reply to Re: topamx mea culpa, posted by stresser on October 26, 2004, at 20:43:33
There are so many posting on here that I'm having trouble keeping them straight and I find myself re-reading the posts!
here comes the control freak in me...
that is why it helps to have some sort of nom de plum or nom de guerre or whatever... so we know who we are...
well, I never know who I am, but you know what I mean <G>
> About that siff drink? I will never argue that! -LOh, L, never on Topomax...
alcohol and Topomax for most people, there are a few who can manage to mix them, but for the most part it is a real mess up thing...
hangover multiplies by many times....
the aftermath is truly AWFUL...kat
Posted by stresser on October 26, 2004, at 20:51:33
In reply to Re: topamx » rainy, posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 19:08:07
I have no doubt that you will be able to control your Ministry group. You have a way with words, you will be able to head off any trouble without "ticking anyone off", so to speak. I think your group is a wonderful idea, and I think I should form one here. You have our Good Wishes.
You are doing just fine listening to the rest of us, we would never have known if you hadn't told us!!! Thanks for that anyway. I know we all get so wrapped up in our problems that we forget the others at times.
I must get off here, M is scratching at the door for the computer!!! -L
Posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 20:54:58
In reply to Re: topamx » headachequeen, posted by stresser on October 26, 2004, at 20:51:33
> I have no doubt that you will be able to control your Ministry group. You have a way with words, you will be able to head off any trouble without "ticking anyone off", so to speak. I think your group is a wonderful idea, and I think I should form one here. You have our Good Wishes.
>
> You are doing just fine listening to the rest of us, we would never have known if you hadn't told us!!! Thanks for that anyway. I know we all get so wrapped up in our problems that we forget the others at times.
>
> I must get off here, M is scratching at the door for the computer!!! -LWOW!!! There it is at its finest... positive reinforcement... see Rainy... you can do it...
and will do it... L just said it...
she said it and I believe it and you will do it...
simple as that ...
and we will be waiting to hear all about it...I am so proud of you both...
kat
Posted by rainy on October 26, 2004, at 21:24:02
In reply to Re: topamx mea culpa » stresser, posted by headachequeen on October 26, 2004, at 20:50:59
Thank you for your good wishes and kind words--I'm just learning to really accept compliments and they mean a lot.
I forget what people say bewtween posts which is why I'm sort of uncomfortable with babble mail, which, incidentally, I've done unto you at least three times, Ms. Stresser--are you not getting the messages?
As for me and criticism, it doesn't hurt at first--there's this period of numbness and then the anguish sets in--that goes all the way back to the 6th grade.
I got over it for awhile--did any of you have periods in your lives when you felt really healthy and strong? .
And somebody was writing that she can't remember who is who on this board--I'm just getting you guys figured out but Merry is new, Redscarlet goes back aways, but hasn't been on for awhile, those two guys,the chemist and the man who was so concerned about his weight haven't said a thing for a week or two. I began writing last year but was intimidated.
This time I just decided I wanna be a control freak too, but I have brown hair and four cats and I'll bet I'm the oldest on the board and certainly the only one who writes in stream of consciousness. Do you suppose we sometimes jump in too fast to really remember what's going on?
I do
rainy
Posted by iris2 on October 27, 2004, at 12:10:00
In reply to Re: topamx » headachequeen, posted by iris2 on October 26, 2004, at 17:03:33
I just want everyone to know that "headachqueen" and iris2 are on great terms and not think it was not worked out. "H.." appologized which was very kind and of coure I accepted. Not even sure an oppology was needed but thanks.
irene
Posted by stresser on October 27, 2004, at 17:52:35
In reply to Re: topamx mea culpa » headachequeen, posted by rainy on October 26, 2004, at 21:24:02
Rain, you are doing fine on here, and PLEASE don't let us intimidate you because we don't want that to happen. I am really boggled about the babble mail, because I got one from Iris II a few days ago, and that's been all. They are not coming through, but if you will, please try again. I that doesn't work, I will give you my e-mail address. I went to M'm doc today and I guess she told him she was going to move out!! News to me!!!! I wonder if she will ever bring that one up? She also told him her dad has an ad written up to put in the paper to sell her car? I know he told her that is she gets any more C's he will ground her from the car. WE HAVE A DRAMA QUEEN THAT LIVES HERE. It's been that way for years, I guess the doc. just met that personality. Anyway, he increased her dosage to 200mg per day. I still have the 25mg pills, so we can take it slowely. She says her eyes aren't buring anymore, but I'm very causious and really listen to the advice for that medication from everyone.
Rainy, you don't sound like a control freak from your posts, but if you try, I think you should be able to convice us otherwise!!! I really don't think you come close to me, I am the worst....ask my husband. He doesn't even pick out his cloths!!!! When he goes on business trips, I have to match the cloths up for him before he leaves. I think I need to color code the tags.<g> (hey, I used it) Yes, I know I jump too fast, I'm very impatient and I need to CHILL OUT. Easier said than done. -L
Posted by headachequeen on October 27, 2004, at 18:45:41
In reply to Re: topamx mea culpa, posted by stresser on October 27, 2004, at 17:52:35
> Rain, you are doing fine on here, and PLEASE don't let us intimidate you because we don't want that to happen. I am really boggled about the babble mail, because I got one from Iris II a few days ago, and that's been all. They are not coming through, but if you will, please try again. I that doesn't work, I will give you my e-mail address. I went to M'm doc today and I guess she told him she was going to move out!! News to me!!!! I wonder if she will ever bring that one up? She also told him her dad has an ad written up to put in the paper to sell her car? I know he told her that is she gets any more C's he will ground her from the car. WE HAVE A DRAMA QUEEN THAT LIVES HERE. It's been that way for years, I guess the doc. just met that personality. Anyway, he increased her dosage to 200mg per day. I still have the 25mg pills, so we can take it slowely. She says her eyes aren't buring anymore, but I'm very causious and really listen to the advice for that medication from everyone.
>
>
All right, if she is increasing the dose, be sure it happens in the evening at bedtime... I know, you know that but I have to be the worrier and remind you again and again...I am glad the dry eyes are becoming a thing of the past... with continued use of genteal gel and with lots of water to drink it will continue to be a thing of the past...
as for drama queens... been there done that... had four of them in the house at once... two foster daughters (we fostered teenagers) and two teens of our own, all trying to be the drama queen of the century at the same time...
isn't it fun? some days you wonder if you are going to survive until the next moment let alone the next day...
just ignore it is the advice I was always given...
ignore it??? with Desdemone and Lady Macbeth and the Lady of Shallott all vying for attention at the same time while King Lear's daughters are coming through the door? and that is just the one child...
I figure the mother of a teen-aged daughter going through these crises can solve the mid-East crisis as well as the NHL crisis (A serious crisis for Canadians) with one hand tied behind her back, all the while finishing a day's work at the office, doing the laundry, cooking dinner, entertaining unexpected guests her husband brought home, finding her younger child's lost sock in time for football practice, and explaining to the chemistry teacher that blowing up the lab really was a mistake, the child didn't know those chemicals were a lethal combination. In between she can get a manicure, have the car detailed, and run the dog to the vet's for the annual check-up and rabies shot, have the rugs cleaned, and pick up the dry cleaning, get the groceries, stop at the bakery, call at the florist's for fresh flowers for the dinner table to impress those unexpected guests, while signing the labour contracts that get management and players back to an agreement in the NHL and the mid-East to agree to a cease-fire, never confusing the papers she is signing, and put her make-up on for dinner. The unexpected guests are going to be overawed at her ability to deal with any topic that is introduced in conversation, indeed none of them is going to feel able to measure up to her, and is going to wish s/he had gone to McDonald's or Burger King.
Oh, L, You are indeed a woman among women if you can hold you head up with a drama queen...
you are going to survive this... so is the drama queen and one day you are going to share so much and smile and laugh... I promise you... together...
it happens...Rainy, you will manage and direct the events in the team you are leading ... you have the ability... I know it...
you are going to use that ability to control but you are going to use it suggestively...
I fully believe it...
and you are going to tell us here how each session goes and how you have magically and miraculously guided the discussion moulding the happenings...I have confidence in all of you....
kat
Posted by rainy on October 27, 2004, at 19:15:15
In reply to Re: topamx mea culpa, posted by stresser on October 27, 2004, at 17:52:35
OK, I think we've got a couple of issues that some of us were sort of joking about last night right here. First, I think I said I was intimidated last year, but wasn't going to be any more. I don't feel intimidated now--hear me roar.
One of the problems I'm experiencing with this board is that I read a message really fast, and then jump right in to answer, so that I don't really "listen" to the person or persons to whom I'm responding. Perhaps, sometimes, we need to slow down. I know I do.
Of course the medications don't help, either, in keeping track of who said what when. Also, just between you and me, I'm not sure the System is all that easy to deal with. I really have babbled you, Stresser, at least three times without answer and who knows to what evil ends my e-mail address has gone.
Second, and this is probably venturing where angels think hard about, I sense a kind of unspoken contest on this board about who writes most or with the best story. Part of that, I think, comes from the fact that several of the people here have been writing for a long time and have developed a history and a friendship, so that when new people start, the culture of the board changes. It can be hard to barge in and to be barged in upon. You seem to have fouond it easier than others.
I gave up last year, but this year I don't want to because I enjoy the converesation. I am sacred of my meds, I'm feeling very reflective about nearing the end of what might be my productive life and afraid that medication and malady may keep me from doing anything about it.
I don't have anybody else to talk to about what to do about this--go back to school? change meds? stop meds? arrrgh!! besides my husband, who is rooting for the Redsox.
Control? I was joking about control, except that I want to hear and be heard on this board. As a person with bulimia at bay by Topamax, I have some things to say about control, but not on this board, unless it's with your permission, L. This is why I was hoping for e-mail. As a former medical social worker and other blah blah "careers" that I almost got to and quit, I know about confidentiality.
I sound grim, I know. I'm not. I don't know how to read your message again and then respond before sending this off. Usually i lose the whole message and have to start over and then forget etc.
It sounds like M is ready to live her own life. I'm glad Anne is 37.
Oh, by the way, the small group thing went fine, mostly, and I didn't have to say shut up. I did have to say "hold that thought" to a woman who later told me she had felt "set aside." Sorry about that.
I came home and had the shakes and I hadn't been drinking. Not one drop. I did pop .5 mg klonopin but I'm afraid of becoming addicted.
rainy
Posted by EJizzle on October 27, 2004, at 23:16:09
In reply to topamx question (nm), posted by EJizzle on October 27, 2004, at 23:12:25
Does topomax thin your blood or your spinal fluid? I was woundering because after taking it I've gotted a concusion and had alot of the symptoms during football games. Granted it's a contact sport but this never happened before the topomax......?
Posted by rainy on October 28, 2004, at 7:54:09
In reply to topamx question, posted by EJizzle on October 27, 2004, at 23:16:09
Hi, E-Jizzle. I hope I spelled that right--what an interesting name.
I don't think Topamax thins blood or spinal fluid. Have you been seen by a doctor for the concussion? What kind of symptoms are you getting and how much Topamax are you taking?
Are you taking any other medication, incuding beer at the game? (Not meant snottily)
Have you asked the person you got the fabulous Topamax from about this? Do you get symtoms ar other times?
Do you feel like you're at the doctor's office right now, or sitting at a little table in a bare room with a light bulb hanging down?
Crumbs. My name is rainy and I never, ever, just answer the question. Welcome aboard and please, if they're not too nosy, let us know about those questions.
rainy
Posted by headachequeen on October 28, 2004, at 9:23:46
In reply to topamx question, posted by EJizzle on October 27, 2004, at 23:16:09
> Does topomax thin your blood or your spinal fluid? I was woundering because after taking it I've gotted a concusion and had alot of the symptoms during football games. Granted it's a contact sport but this never happened before the topomax......?
Somehow I think that falling and hitting your head will bring on concussion with or without Topomax...
I have a son who managed eight head injuries and was never allowed to play football or other contact sports and has never taken Topomax...
all the concussions were while on the school playground or on school field trips other than the time he fell when he was two and when his playmate hit him with a hammer...
that one works every time...
falling when on Topomax will not exacerbate the symptoms of concussion according to any of the literature I have ever read...
or any of the doctors I have ever talked with...
kat
Posted by headachequeen on October 28, 2004, at 9:25:43
In reply to Re: topamx question » EJizzle, posted by rainy on October 28, 2004, at 7:54:09
> Hi, E-Jizzle. I hope I spelled that right--what an interesting name.
> I don't think Topamax thins blood or spinal fluid. Have you been seen by a doctor for the concussion? What kind of symptoms are you getting and how much Topamax are you taking?
> Are you taking any other medication, incuding beer at the game? (Not meant snottily)
> Have you asked the person you got the fabulous Topamax from about this? Do you get symtoms ar other times?
> Do you feel like you're at the doctor's office right now, or sitting at a little table in a bare room with a light bulb hanging down?
> Crumbs. My name is rainy and I never, ever, just answer the question. Welcome aboard and please, if they're not too nosy, let us know about those questions.
> rainyGood questions Rainy... I hadn't thought of the spectator aspect... kat
Posted by rainy on October 28, 2004, at 9:33:32
In reply to Re: topamx question, posted by headachequeen on October 28, 2004, at 9:25:43
I just assumed spectator. Our son was the Dungeons and Dragons sportsman so we had hardly any violently inflicted wounds at our house (except upon his sister). But I can see where you're coming from, too.
But, again, what symptoms is E-Jizzle experiencing?
rainy
Posted by headachequeen on October 28, 2004, at 10:36:40
In reply to Re: topamx question » headachequeen, posted by rainy on October 28, 2004, at 9:33:32
> I just assumed spectator. Our son was the Dungeons and Dragons sportsman so we had hardly any violently inflicted wounds at our house (except upon his sister). But I can see where you're coming from, too.
> But, again, what symptoms is E-Jizzle experiencing?
> rainyAm I being the journalist cynic when I wonder the same thing???
and may I take this opportunity to tell you that I am so happy and proud to hear how well the session went? You did so well...
and your reply to Ejizzle is just another example of those leadership skills coming to the fore...
kat
Posted by rainy on October 28, 2004, at 11:17:45
In reply to Re: topamx question, posted by headachequeen on October 28, 2004, at 10:36:40
Ah, Kat, kind words will get you, what? not a day off tegretol, I'm afraid. Are you tolerating the Tegretol any better now that you've been on the new stuff that supposed to counterat the side effects for awhile?
In truth, yesterday I did make mistakes, of course, because it was the first groupmeeting. I've facilitated groups before, but it's been awhile and I was essentially a newbie. I was so focued on making sure that all ten people had a chance to talk that the discussion never got off the ground, so we are swinging the so called discussion over to the next meeting.
The only time I may have been "Toped" was when I couldn't find the closing words I'd so carefully chosen and read instead some sort of gibberish that nobody understood. That's OK, we were all of the age where senior moments occur and a couple of people have hearing problems. It's over.
And I talked too much at check in, where we go around and say what's on our mind at the moment. I think I'm on the verge, if not into hypomania, so that I may need more than 300 mgs of Topamax, especially since last night I fell flat on my face into dark, dark depression. (That makes no sense at all!) This morning I was re reading posts (instead of grocery shopping, this is bad) and I came across one of yours where you cried, "Somebody make it go away!" at the end. This was when you were going through all that torture with the neurologist and the sleep deprivation and the eegs. Anyway, that's how I felt last night--it being the flat black dark.
What do you guys know about provigil? Anybody been on desyrel (generic trazodone)? The trzadone is what I've got for depression right now. Not enough.
Also, Merry? Are you still with us? How's it going for you?
rainy
Posted by headachequeen on October 28, 2004, at 13:28:58
In reply to Re: topamx question » headachequeen, posted by rainy on October 28, 2004, at 11:17:45
> Ah, Kat, kind words will get you, what? not a day off tegretol, I'm afraid. Are you tolerating the Tegretol any better now that you've been on the new stuff that supposed to counterat the side effects for awhile?
> In truth, yesterday I did make mistakes, of course, because it was the first groupmeeting. I've facilitated groups before, but it's been awhile and I was essentially a newbie. I was so focued on making sure that all ten people had a chance to talk that the discussion never got off the ground, so we are swinging the so called discussion over to the next meeting.
> The only time I may have been "Toped" was when I couldn't find the closing words I'd so carefully chosen and read instead some sort of gibberish that nobody understood. That's OK, we were all of the age where senior moments occur and a couple of people have hearing problems. It's over.
> And I talked too much at check in, where we go around and say what's on our mind at the moment. I think I'm on the verge, if not into hypomania, so that I may need more than 300 mgs of Topamax, especially since last night I fell flat on my face into dark, dark depression. (That makes no sense at all!) This morning I was re reading posts (instead of grocery shopping, this is bad) and I came across one of yours where you cried, "Somebody make it go away!" at the end. This was when you were going through all that torture with the neurologist and the sleep deprivation and the eegs. Anyway, that's how I felt last night--it being the flat black dark.
> What do you guys know about provigil? Anybody been on desyrel (generic trazodone)? The trzadone is what I've got for depression right now. Not enough.
>
> Also, Merry? Are you still with us? How's it going for you?
> rainy
>Rainy, at this point I am having an awful tegretol time... every thing is blurry in my head.. or around my head... I am not having a seizure and have not had one for five days if my count is right but I am not sure what day this is...thought it was Friday was told it is not... the person told me it was not Friday but did not tell me what day it was... delightfully helpful...
having a hard time reading... and I know my husband is tired of it all...
he has to be...
the support med has been discontinued, the one that stops the nausea, but I am still on the one that stops any oh what is it called, they talk about it all the time advertising stuff for it on television during sports on television... I want to call it post nasal drip but it is not...
having a great day, can you tell?
something about acid... and it apparently affects the vocal cords too so that is why I am on it... but it is not helping much, oh it helps the vocal cords because I am singing again, and singing properly and that is a major thing in my life, but I have to be able to read to read the music... this sentence originally read rqzd...
acid reflux that is it...
I do not have problems with heartburn, I am dizzy and afraid to move or go outside on my own because the sidewalk is not where I think it is... and I am not sure where the street is... things like that.. how on earth does one make these medical people understand these things?
oh well, the seizures are not hsppening during the dways at leaset... that has to be a positive thing...
I am waiting now for the sleep clinic people to call and set up an appointment... apparently if I can get this erratic sleep under control things will be better... sleeping properly will make me feel better and I will be less tired during the day and less likely to feel the stress that leads to seizures...
the new neurologist is determined to find the cause of the seizures as well as to control them... but can they just make them go away??as for the people at the session and your closing remarks, don't worry so much, Rainy... most of them will not remember... they are too busy worrying about things they said that they wish they had not said... and worrying that they were not intelligent enough to understand the deep things YOU said to close the session...
Next session relax and you will be fine...you are fine here...
pretend it is this group...and Merry, whre are you and L, where are you???
and what is this zopiclone they have given me to help me sleep...
I have not taken it yet...
I have this paranoia about meds that make me sleep... it will make my brain shut down is what they said... apparently it keeps going even when I want to sleep is what they said....
so what is this stuff....do I really want to use it?
kat
Posted by rainy on October 28, 2004, at 13:50:15
In reply to Re: topamx question, posted by headachequeen on October 28, 2004, at 13:28:58
Oh I wish so much that I could use so called swear words on this board. I wanted to just now when I read your opening words, and then that "just make it go away" just doesn't seem to happen, does it?
It's Thursday, midafternoon, and L is probably still at work since I think she's a teacher.
Kat, I would like to babble mouth you or whatever it's called with one small question about a post, if you're up to it. It's nothing emotionally provacative or even very interesting. If not, I understand.
I'm sorry you're having such a crappy day.
rainy
Posted by rainy on October 28, 2004, at 16:33:21
In reply to Re: topomax » NeNe, posted by headachequeen on October 24, 2004, at 10:52:27
This is for NeNe. My sense of time is all screwed up so it seems like ages since you posted. How are you doing?
I was cognitivly bonkers at 400 mgs and mean as can be, but I blamed it on the medicine, not me. Moods were, well, more or less irritable. But then I was on Lamictal, too, and felt immediately better when I stopped that supposedly effective drug. That was more than a year ago, so my memory is sort of foggy. I do remember that 400 mgs of Topamax was not a fun time in my life. It's working now, at 300.
You wrote on the 24th, I think, that you get yourself all depressed when your moods go bouncing around. Are you taking Topamax as a mood stabilizer? From what you wrote, things were a little topsy turvy in your life at that time.
How now?
rainy
Posted by rainy on October 28, 2004, at 16:40:12
In reply to Re: topamx question, posted by headachequeen on October 28, 2004, at 13:28:58
What is going on?? Is anybody else but me sick of seing my name on this board? Holy cow!!
This is not a publicity stunt.
My Goodness!! Ick!
rainy
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.