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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 14 to 38 of 38. Go back in thread:
Posted by CarolAnn on November 15, 1999, at 9:56:24
In reply to Re: "Coming out" to a loved one?(How I did it), posted by Adam on November 15, 1999, at 1:13:56
> I think I must respectfully disagree with at least one point: I would not say that depression, in all cases,
> can be "cured". Rather, like diabetes, it is a chronic illness that can be managed. Relapses can occur. Meds can poop out. Anyone who will share your life needs to know this, in my oppinion.
>
>Adam, you are absolutely RIGHT! I should have said that unlike Diabetics, people with depression will at least have *some*(even rarely) times when they have been successfully treated, and are in effect *well*. Whereas, people with diabetes are constantly in danger of physically worsening to the point of blindness, gangrene, diabetic coma, ect...
Also, I have to say that I agree with you on discussing one's depression before "becoming intimate".
One more thing....
To you and anyone else who happens to read this: You all have my utmost apologies for my recent spate of accidentally *empty* submissions! The Serzone I started last week has made me both mentally foggy and really clumsy(not to mention the fact that my typing and spelling are seemingly "Gone With The Wind"! Thanx for your patience. CarolAnn
Posted by Bob on November 15, 1999, at 10:49:31
In reply to "Butter fingers strikes again". THIS is to Adam., posted by CarolAnn on November 15, 1999, at 9:56:24
No, not YOU, CarolAnn ;^)
Before the CoE, who wants to wager on this: Which disroder will be the first to be actually cured by modern, developing treatment strategies such as gene therapy and the like: depression or diabetes? For the sake of fairness, you can specify one type of depression (DSM-IV category) and/or one type of diabetes (I or II). I'll call my bookie in Vegas to see what the odds are...
Now Racer, take this for what it's worth, but I say go on with the "blunder blindly ahead" strategy, which tends to work miraculously when you don't pay much attention to it. Move in. One day, he'll notice those pill bottles. Maybe you'll notice his. You'll be sneaking peeks at all sorts of things anyway. Eventually, it'll pop up somehow. But once you're in that economic codependence mode, there may be all the more incentive to smooth any ruffles.
On the other hand, there is that ageless advice: If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it was always yours. If not, hunt it down and kill it. =^P
Sorry, it's a monday.
Bob
Posted by Adam on November 15, 1999, at 13:35:00
In reply to A comedy of errors, posted by Bob on November 15, 1999, at 10:49:31
>One day, he'll notice those pill bottles
Well, in my case, it would be "what's that thing stuck to your shoulder?"
My money's on Type I diabetes, fwiw. Islet allografts transduced with antiapoptotic
gene(s) to protect against immunological attack. Slight enhanced risk of neoplasia could
be averted with drug-dependant cytotoxic gene (TK/gancyclovir, maybe), should the need arise.
Many years away, though. Gene therapy of any brain abnormality is vastly more complicated.As far as disclosure goes, like I said, to each their own. My question then is, if it's
not a big deal, why not discuss depression as soon as it's been established that this is
someone you can trust? How do you establish trust if you don't discuss these things?> No, not YOU, CarolAnn ;^)
>
> Before the CoE, who wants to wager on this: Which disroder will be the first to be actually cured by modern, developing treatment strategies such as gene therapy and the like: depression or diabetes? For the sake of fairness, you can specify one type of depression (DSM-IV category) and/or one type of diabetes (I or II). I'll call my bookie in Vegas to see what the odds are...
>
> Now Racer, take this for what it's worth, but I say go on with the "blunder blindly ahead" strategy, which tends to work miraculously when you don't pay much attention to it. Move in. One day, he'll notice those pill bottles. Maybe you'll notice his. You'll be sneaking peeks at all sorts of things anyway. Eventually, it'll pop up somehow. But once you're in that economic codependence mode, there may be all the more incentive to smooth any ruffles.
>
> On the other hand, there is that ageless advice: If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it was always yours. If not, hunt it down and kill it. =^P
>
> Sorry, it's a monday.
> Bob
Posted by Racer on November 15, 1999, at 14:02:00
In reply to A comedy of errors, posted by Bob on November 15, 1999, at 10:49:31
> Now Racer, take this for what it's worth, but I say go on with the "blunder blindly ahead" strategy, which tends to work miraculously when you don't pay much attention to it. Move in. One day, he'll notice those pill bottles. Maybe you'll notice his.
Funny thing, Bob, he's Type I diabetic, I'm Type II, and he already knows about the bottles, since the Effexor is inducing hypoglycemia in a big way right now! So, he knows about the pills, just not how bad my depression can get. He does know, though, that I have had at least one depression severe enough to require meds.
> On the other hand, there is that ageless advice: If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it was always yours. If not, hunt it down and kill it. =^P
Thanks for the ageless wisdom! I love the sentiment, and rumor has it that it's gonna be Monday all day long!
(BTW, my nasty little monster cat peed on my jeans last night, and I didn't notice until I got to class, and had to explain to the students why they smelled cat pee... Speaking of killing...)
Posted by Noa on November 16, 1999, at 2:23:19
In reply to Re: A comedy of errors, posted by Racer on November 15, 1999, at 14:02:00
Racer, LOL.
Carol Ann, I believe I recall reading something in the Serzone package insert about a keyboarding dysfunction as one of the infrequent, adverse effects.
Posted by CarolAnn(THIS one is the real post) on November 16, 1999, at 9:30:43
In reply to Good News, it's Tuesday, posted by Noa on November 16, 1999, at 2:23:19
> Carol Ann, I believe I recall reading something in the Serzone package insert about a keyboarding dysfunction as one of the infrequent, adverse effects.<<
Noa, Thanx for the info, I was beginning to think I had developed latent dyslexia!
Dr. Bob, You may have noticed a rash of "fake" submissions(from me) here lately. Is there any way to tweak the program so that a post will only get sent by hitting submit(NOT enter)?? I really think that my "enter" key is just too darn close to my "shift" key, not to mention my "quote mark" key. Or maybe it's just the *Serzone* typing! Thank you for your time. CarolAnn
Posted by Craig on November 16, 1999, at 18:13:52
In reply to Re: Good News, it's Tuesday(to Noa & Dr. Bob), posted by CarolAnn(THIS one is the real post) on November 16, 1999, at 9:30:43
Carol Ann:
Ditto on the typing ability and Serzone!!!
When I started back up on AD's a month ago, I looked forward to regaining my fast typing. Prozac-fortified me couldn't produce a typo even if me fingers were broken. But Serzone has made the typing effort worse if anything. the only saving grace is the two cups of coffee i drink after by daily doses to combat The Daze. I type well on coffee but can't really feel my fingers.
How's Serzone for you otherwise???
Posted by Bob on November 16, 1999, at 23:09:14
In reply to Re: Good News, it's Tuesday(to Noa & Dr. Bob), posted by Craig on November 16, 1999, at 18:13:52
It was one Monday of a Tuesday, and Wednesday's not looking much better ... looks like I picked a bad week to stop sniffing glue ... I mean, thank goodness I'm finally (for all intents and purposes) off Zoloft.
Well fine, Racer, glad to help on the ancient wisdom. Adam's right in getting down to brass tacks ... conversations like that are what builds trust inthe first place. Well, sounds like you're more onto the third or fourth place now, so some deeper trust-building conversations (especially since the pills are out in the open, figuratively and literally) may be in order.
So, here's some more ancient wisdom for you: You can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can't wipe your friends on the side of the couch.
(aside to CarolAnn ... your forms are getting posted with just an enter keystroke? What browser/platform are you working from? Multi-text field forms aren't supposed to do that....)
Bob
Posted by Noa on November 17, 1999, at 5:35:24
In reply to Re: Good News, it's Tuesday(sez you!), posted by Bob on November 16, 1999, at 23:09:14
Carol Anne, the package insert thing was an attempt at a joke, but it seems Craig has presented independent confirmation of keyboarding difficulties on Serzone.
Actually, when I first started on Serzone, I was quite groggy, and had some balance problems--found myself tripping a lot, walked like Frankenstein's monster in the morning, etc., so having some fine motor problems is not so far fetched to me. The good thing, is that these problems wore off after a while, as did the extreme agitation, emotionality, etc.
Posted by Noa on November 17, 1999, at 5:38:20
In reply to Re: Good News, it's Tuesday(sez you!), posted by Bob on November 16, 1999, at 23:09:14
Well, Bob, when I woke up Tuesday morning I was feeling rotten--dizzy and nauseous, so maybe you were right. Now it's Wednesday, 6:35 am, and while I should be in the car on my way to work, or at the very least in the shower, I am typing this post. So it might be a Monday of a Wednesday too.
Hang in there. BTW, the delays from your HR people are fuel for your complaint, no? Keep that dish cold, and bide your time.
Posted by Bob on November 17, 1999, at 14:56:11
In reply to Re: Good News, it's Tuesday(sez you!), posted by Noa on November 17, 1999, at 5:38:20
> BTW, the delays from your HR people are fuel for your complaint, no?
Ooooohohoho yes. Depends on how you want to portray her actions -- she participates in an illegitimate process to threaten my job based on my disability, she cares so little about it that she doesn't put it in her calendar, but then she requires that the meetings be rescheduled all the same. This is our director of human resources? I'm tempted to see how far I can push the law and see if I can file against her personally for civil rights violations.
... just my mad, but cool, panderings ....
Bob
Posted by Adam on November 17, 1999, at 17:07:07
In reply to That dish is chillin', posted by Bob on November 17, 1999, at 14:56:11
Best served cold, dude, best served cold. Not that I'm any good at following
my own advice.Case in point, much of my apprehension about cohabitation stems from my own rather
unhappy experience. I lived with someone for three years, and when we started out,
things were really pretty happy. But as time went on, things that didn't seem like
such a big deal in the beginning became significant problems that ultimately couldn't
be solved. How we neglected to share our feelings on certain very important subjects
(kids, vis-a-vis depression, esp.) is beyond me now, but I guess we were young and
in love and love conquers all, right? Why worry? Having to disengage youself from
someone you share practically everything with is an can be an excruciating experience.
I do believe it's better to have loved and lost, blah, blah, blah, but not to have lost
in quite such a heartbreaking way.
> ... just my mad, but cool, panderings ....
> Bob
Posted by Racer on November 18, 1999, at 0:51:34
In reply to Re: That dish is chillin', posted by Adam on November 17, 1999, at 17:07:07
Hey, folks, I've loved, lost, dusted off my pants and gotten back on the horse, OK?
Adam, I lived with someone too, that's why I vowed never to live with anyone else, ever again. I've said for years that I would marry the first man who promised to buy a duplex and live in the other half! This is the first man I've ever felt I could share with.
It's really scary, though. I know that we have so much in common that he's going to see through me, which scares the hell out of me.
But we ARE sharing. I've told him something that I'm more ashamed of than the depression: I never finished my BA. How's that for weird priorities? As it turns out, neither did he! It's getting better, in other words.
So, everyone, cross your fingers and spit for me, eh? But don't hold your breath over the fence, or your horse will do the same...
Posted by CarolAnn on November 18, 1999, at 11:34:52
In reply to Re: Good News, it's Tuesday(to Noa & Dr. Bob), posted by Craig on November 16, 1999, at 18:13:52
Craig, haven't been on Serzone long enough to tell(it's only been 9 days), but I do drink alot of caffeine as well as taking it in "wake-up" pills.
Even on 400 mgs of Wellbutrin and all that caffeine I am zoned out all the time. Am thinking this could be health related, so have started more healthy habits(mostly, vitamins, herbs and better eating. Can't quite bring myself to exercise though--yes, Pdocs everywhere, I know endorphins would help, but who's kidding who here?)Anyway, I'm hoping that between all of the above, I will see at least some decrease in depression AND some increase in energy!
I'll keep you posted, if you keep reminding me(my thinking processes are suffering with Serzone too!),.Signing off, "The Good, The Bad," The Fogged in...(AKA CarolAnn)
Posted by CarolAnn on November 18, 1999, at 11:44:39
In reply to Re: Good News, it's Tuesday(sez you!), posted by Bob on November 16, 1999, at 23:09:14
> (aside to CarolAnn ... your forms are getting posted with just an enter keystroke? What browser/platform are you working from? Multi-text field forms aren't supposed to do that....)>>
Hey Bob, re: your above questions, I have *no* idea, I am the epitomy of computer illiteracy! I have just barely enough brain power, to learn only enough(about anything computer related), to accomplish exactly what I want to do and nothing but exactly what I want to do. Pitiful, ain't it? CarolAnn
Posted by CarolAnn on November 18, 1999, at 11:52:33
In reply to Geez, I was joking, but....., posted by Noa on November 17, 1999, at 5:35:24
> Carol Anne, the package insert thing was an attempt at a joke,>>
from me:
Sad to say, I've never had the ability to "get" subtle jokes, even during less depressed times! I always tell new friends this fact and that they must use the code word "kiddin'!" if they want to get around my incredible gullibility...that said, thanks for attempting to "find" my sense of humour!CarolAnn
Posted by Bob on November 18, 1999, at 14:01:27
In reply to Re: Bob's aside to me,(and my reply), posted by CarolAnn on November 18, 1999, at 11:44:39
You know, CarolAnn, sometimes its a helluva lot better to just not know, so don't sweat it. Ignorance definitely can be bliss.
But for my questions: what company made your machine. When you turn it on, does the pretty splashscreen say MacOS, Windows95, or Windows98 (or something else)? Finally, do you open up Netscape Communicator (or Navigator) or Internet Explorer?
(My bet is on Win98 with IE ... Microsoft tries to be *so* helpful in the most infuriating ways, and mapping the enter key as a universal form submit, even for multi-text field forms, would be just like them....)
Hey Racer, that was some heavy shite to admit to. I mean, being depressed can be downright fashionable, but not finishing your BA? That's either the Kiss of Death or the entry ticket into the new counter-culture. or no big whup.
Bob
Posted by CarolAnn on November 18, 1999, at 14:54:30
In reply to My reply to CarolAnn's reply to my aside, posted by Bob on November 18, 1999, at 14:01:27
>
> (My bet is on Win98 with IE ... Microsoft tries to be *so* helpful in the most infuriating ways, and mapping the enter key as a universal form submit, even for multi-text field forms, would be just like them....)>>Hey Bob, Bingo!!! And it's a Compaq computer.
(more after next paragraph)> Hey Racer, that was some heavy shite to admit to. I mean, being depressed can be downright fashionable, but not finishing your BA? That's either the Kiss of Death or the entry ticket into the new counter-culture. or no big whup.>>
from CarolAnn:
"no big whup", eh? Well, how about--never even *starting* a BA?(and I'm not ashamed at all:))
To be honest, I've found myself to be more knowledgeable(I'll read almost anything)on a variety of topics then most of my friends who did go on to higher educations are.Ciao! Au revoir!Arrivaderci!Sayonara!auf Wiedersehn! Adios!(I could go on, but will spare you!))
Posted by Racer on November 18, 1999, at 17:35:36
In reply to My reply to CarolAnn's reply to my aside, posted by Bob on November 18, 1999, at 14:01:27
>When you turn it on, does the pretty splashscreen say MacOS, Windows95, or Windows98
What if the pretty splashscreen says something else entirely? The machines where I work say "Hey, Everyone, Lookee here! I didn't follow instructions!" when they're turned on, except for the machines over in the Graphics Labs, which have pretty colors and say "Debian" on them. This machine I'm using right now has a really pretty picture by Klimt on it when it turns on...
Heheheheh! With a big evil grin on my face, I really enjoy making splash screens! You want a custom splashscreen, Bubba? Just ask for it... The Debian really seems to scare people, even more than the "Lookee Here!" screen. Dunno why?
> Hey Racer, that was some heavy shite to admit to. I mean, being depressed can be downright fashionable, but not finishing your BA? That's either the Kiss of Death or the entry ticket into the new counter-culture. or no big whup.Yeah, well, when I confess, man, I confess! (Just don't ask me about Jimmy Hoffa - unless you REALLY want to know...)
>
>
> Bob
Posted by CraigF on November 18, 1999, at 18:50:49
In reply to Hey, Bob, what if..., posted by Racer on November 18, 1999, at 17:35:36
Carol Ann:
After nine days of Serzone you can't expect to feel much more than the zone outs. Trust me, they go away for the most part. judicious coffee use cleans up the rest. I'm starting week five and It took me a while to improve. Luckily, others on the babble board told me to stick with it. One contributor said it took her six weeks to feel it, but she's been on more than three years.
HOw are you and anxiety? and what does the wellbutrin contribute to that. I was thinking of giving WB a try to replace the coffee and give a bit more excitability, but I don't want to excasberate (sp?) my anxiety.
Posted by CarolAnn on November 18, 1999, at 20:16:51
In reply to More drugs (for CarolAnn)..., posted by CraigF on November 18, 1999, at 18:50:49
>
> HOw are you and anxiety? and what does the wellbutrin contribute to that. I was thinking of giving WB a try to replace the coffee and give a bit more excitability, but I don't want to excasberate (sp?) my anxiety.>>>CraigF, I do have episodes of anxiety but they are mostly during times when I have way too much to do, and way too little time to do it. Been having these episodes for quite a while, and don't think they are worse with Wellbutrin.
I've only been on Wellbutrin 4 wks, and my Pdoc wants me to give it a full 12 week trial. So far my response has been very atypical in that I'm still fatigued(and ingesting mucho caffeine)and have gained 15 pounds. I do feel my depression has subsided a bit, but I am incredibly IRRITABLE most of the time. It's ironic, my depression isn't making me suicidal lately, but I get so ANGRY that I want to *murder* myself! Of course, as we all can attest, drugs effect each person in vastly different ways. Good Luck!CarolAnn
Posted by CraigF on November 18, 1999, at 20:57:51
In reply to More drugs for CarolAnn?(I wish! ha ha - to Craig, posted by CarolAnn on November 18, 1999, at 20:16:51
OOOO! watch out for the irritability. It's a somewhat common side-effect of Serzone (it borders on intense rage for some people).
It's not a problem for me, but this is what I hear. WB may add to the frustration.
(Boy, do I waffle!)
BTW: I've noticed a pre-existing Craig on the Board, so I've officially changed my name to CraigF -- or the mess formerly known as Craig. I recently grabbed onto a thread where a woman was searching desperately for me...Good for the ego until I realized there's another Craig out there.
Posted by Craig on November 19, 1999, at 1:39:13
In reply to Re: More drugs for CarolAnn?(I wish! ha ha - to Craig, posted by CraigF on November 18, 1999, at 20:57:51
Thanks for letting me keep my name! I've been hanging around this board since it began in mid-1998. And I agree, it's quite an ego boost to have a woman desperately seeking me. If only I had women doing this in my real life.....
> BTW: I've noticed a pre-existing Craig on the Board, so I've officially changed my name to CraigF -- or the mess formerly known as Craig. I recently grabbed onto a thread where a woman was searching desperately for me...Good for the ego until I realized there's another Craig out there.
Posted by Phil on November 19, 1999, at 6:43:02
In reply to More drugs for CarolAnn?(I wish! ha ha - to Craig, posted by CarolAnn on November 18, 1999, at 20:16:51
CarolAnn,
I HAD to get off Serzone because of ANGER. People at work were getting a little worried!
I really wanted that drug to work because of, otherwise, low SE. Hope it works for you but keep the doc informed.Phil
Posted by Noa on November 19, 1999, at 8:42:59
In reply to ReCarolAnn, posted by Phil on November 19, 1999, at 6:43:02
Just adding my 2 cents...
At first, serzone made me groggy, loopy, sleepy, and gave me balance problems. Then, for a while, I was very very emotional, angry, irritable, full of rage. Then, things calmed down. It took over a month. I can't speak to the overall effectiveness of serzone as an antidepresant, because I only take 150 mg in the evening, to augment effexor and help me sleep. For the most part, it does help me sleep, although there are some nights when the fidgetiness is out of control.
This is the end of the thread.
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