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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by rainy on December 1, 2004, at 16:45:40
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey » rainy, posted by headachequeen on December 1, 2004, at 16:38:45
Well, if I said what I want to I would be blocked from the board. I'm sorry to hear this news.
rainy
Posted by stresser on December 2, 2004, at 6:47:45
In reply to Re: Herman Munster and eating disorder/topamax/new » stresser, posted by iris2 on November 30, 2004, at 22:18:02
We are talking about topamax working for binge eating disorder at 400 mgs -L
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 2, 2004, at 8:29:06
In reply to Re: topamax symptoms, posted by stresser on December 2, 2004, at 6:47:45
hahaha rainy!I know what mean! Kat I called my insurance company and they won't cover the rolfing. Rolfing is a form of deep massage therapy where they use their elbows palms etc. It's like deep tissue massage to the extreme. I would assume it is not for everyone. Most people go to a massage therapist to relax. This one kinda hurts but it's a good kinda hurt. THey work out all those crunchy knots and it goes hand in hand with chiro. My chiro says it's a shame that insurance companys don't cover it because for people with fibro myalgia and yes he finally admits I have it now(unfortunately), massage and chiro are on the top of the list to treat it. This guy is licensed and I am going to take it off my taxes, dang it! I consider it a valid medical treatment! I am doing this not just for fun but to help relieve some of this pain in my tight muscles so my chiro can do a better job. I'm sorry you are having such a horrid time getting to where you need to go Kat. :( It really sucks that people freak out when there is hardly any snow on the ground. I KNOW! I live in the south where they moment they announce snow, before the first snowflake has fallen, all you know what breaks loose and people are stampeding to the stores to buy BREAD AND MILK! I guess they plan on making bread soup. Who knows. ALL THE SCHOOLS CLOSE! AHHHH IT'S THE SECOND ICE AGE!! You catch my drift. And people can't EVEN begin to drive in the snow. It's very frustrating, especially when you need to get out and actually get medicine. I'll pray that you can get out soon! We don't want you to have any more seizures!
Posted by headachequeen on December 2, 2004, at 20:34:49
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey » headachequeen, posted by rainy on December 1, 2004, at 16:45:40
> Well, if I said what I want to I would be blocked from the board. I'm sorry to hear this news.
> rainyThanks, rainy...
also found out this morning that I am on a different form of tegretol now as they work out the balance of meds... it is a short lasting version... so as I take it twice a day I have AED coverage from it for about three to four hours twice a day...
no wonder the seizures are moving in to stay...
topomax is only a supportive med and not a stand-alone AED...
but at this point it is all that is standing between me and a lot more seizures I guess....no wonder I am always defending the stuff :(
kat
Posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 8:38:31
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey » rainy, posted by headachequeen on December 2, 2004, at 20:34:49
It's bad enough when we mess up our own lives but when someone else does it for us it really sucks. Especially when it comes to prescription writing. If I am not extremely vigilant at pdoc's office, when I get home and look at the scripts I usually find that there's something that needs to be changed.
This must be a function of the American system of ten minutes to a client so that more and more people can be seen per day--the sheer number of prescriptions written has to numb the brain of the person writing them. My psychophamachologist is unique to me, so I assume I am to her, forgetting that I'm just one out of thirty or more people she'll see during an ordinary work day.This is a question to help me make up my mind: how many of you who have a bipolar diagnosis and are on medication are also having talk therapy? Do you think it helps? I've been seeing a therapist since September and I'm not sure it's doing any good.
I feel like I'm losing hope with medication and therapy. Bummer.
rainy
Posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 9:26:09
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 8:38:31
raniy ~
I'm bipolar and I'm on five medications and was in talk therapy from April 1998 to March 2004.
I feel the talk therapy was a help at the time. I really needed to have someone to talk to about what I was going through.
However now I feel I'm past that kind of therapy and if I went back into therapy I would want to have sessions geared more to goal and problem solving, not just like hanging out talking for an hour to someone.
My therapist for those six years was the best, but I would pick someone new if I were to go back into therapy.
I do attend every now and then a bipolar support group that meets twice a month.
I have really stepped up my exercise to everyday, that's right seven day's a week for and hour and a half daily.
And I've started doing some volunteer work at a new hospital here in town and I feel these things have helped me a lot.
But I know that I would not be able to do these things if it weren't for my meds working pretty good right now.
I really feel that with bipolar that getting your meds working is key. I know they can't do everything, but if you can get them as close as you can you can do the rest.
Posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 9:40:00
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 9:26:09
Thank, redscarlet. I'm sure you've said, but if don't mind, what are you taking now?
(I would love a support group. The only one around is at night and I'm night blind.)
rainy
Posted by krem on December 3, 2004, at 9:47:09
In reply to Re: topamax symptoms, posted by bridgey1128 on December 2, 2004, at 8:29:06
has anyone tried accupuncture for fibro or chronic fatigue?
Posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 10:39:24
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey » redscarlet, posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 9:40:00
> Thank, redscarlet. I'm sure you've said, but if don't mind, what are you taking now?
> (I would love a support group. The only one around is at night and I'm night blind.)
> rainyI take: Zonegran, Geodon, Seroquel, Wellbutrin & Xanax
Posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 11:38:17
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 10:39:24
Thank you, Redscarlet, you just said that last week! Hello!
Krem, I've just begun acupuncture for what was a huge muscle spasm in my shoulder and back--thoretically a side effect of provigil. I've just discovered that trazodone could be implicated too. I've had three sessions of acupuncture and there's been remarkable relief of pain and the big knots I could feel in muscle tissue.
The practioners claim they can "redirect energy" to alleviate symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder, but I certainly haven't noticed any change in that regard unles it's been a slight worsening of mood. About chronic fatigue I know nothing.
rainy
Posted by iris2 on December 3, 2004, at 12:52:15
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 9:26:09
I wanted you to know how much I appresciate you stating tha the exersise and volunteer work helps you but importantly tha you could not do it if the meds were not working. People around me have made me feel so guilty that I am no table to do these things that have so obviously helped me in the past When My Medicine Was Working!
Thanks,
irene
Posted by stresser on December 3, 2004, at 13:52:11
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 9:26:09
I have a question for those of you who take Xanax. Do you take it every day, or just when you feel you need it? My daughters doc. gave her a prescription a while back and said take up to 3x per day, but didn't say every day. I have been reading that some of you are taking it, and wonder now if it's something that is suppose to be taken every day.....maybe that could have been helping her more than the welbutrin alone all this time? Please give me your advice.-L
Posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 17:38:51
In reply to Re: New subject, posted by stresser on December 3, 2004, at 13:52:11
Stresser (L) ~
Xanax is used to treat anxiety.
It's a benzondiazepine, meaning you can become addicted to it.
Xanax is a good med when and if needed and used properly, for the treatment of anxiety.
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 3, 2004, at 22:23:14
In reply to Re: New subject, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 17:38:51
same thing with Ativan. It's addictive and you can take it just when you need it. I think its a benzodiazapine as well. I took .5mg twice a day for about 2 months until it just stopped working. After that I just quit taking it. I have never been addicted to any drug. I have only had withdrawl once and that was Effexor the drug from you know where....That was horrid..I won't do that one again. I guess that means I was addicted. I am not sure. I certainly didn't WANT to take it. It started giving me a constant headache so I had to wean myself off of it. But half a capsule wasn't good enough so I had to break it into like a 4th. It was driving me crazy! I ended up almost having a nervous breakdown because of my headache not going away so I stopped the Effexor cold turkey and took and Ativan. Well...I found out much later that Ativan is also used to combat withdrawl symptoms. I was taking it to combat the nervous breakdown. I guess being a redhead I am just not affected like other people...oh well..
Posted by rainy on December 4, 2004, at 9:13:14
In reply to Re: New subject, posted by bridgey1128 on December 3, 2004, at 22:23:14
There are some interesting posts on the admistration board, all referring back to posting policies beginning with "please be supportive" and HermanMunster. It turns out that "Please be civil" is apparently the precurser to a block, so we will do well to be civil. It also seems that we can make a citizen's arrest by asking another poster to please be civil ourselves, so that another infingement by the poster is an automatic block if Bob catches it. At least that's how I read the messages.
I've learned something about the site.
rainy
Posted by stresser on December 4, 2004, at 11:09:29
In reply to Heads up, posted by rainy on December 4, 2004, at 9:13:14
I was basically getting the same idea myself, thanks for making that clearer to me. You are right on that one! Good girl! -L
Posted by iris2 on December 4, 2004, at 20:20:25
In reply to Heads up, posted by rainy on December 4, 2004, at 9:13:14
Posted by merry on December 5, 2004, at 2:28:18
In reply to Very interesting!! (nm) » rainy, posted by iris2 on December 4, 2004, at 20:20:25
Hi everyone! Long time no talk. Been down in the dumps for a while. Feeling better now.
My pdoc had me on xanax 3 or 4x a day for irritability and agitation caused by the wellbutrin even though it is addicting. But since I've been on the Topomax, I've cut back on the xanax because my moods are calmer. I only use the xanax now as needed. Mostly when I get anxious.
I was in talk therapy for a while, but I didn't feel it was helping me much. I think that learning how to cope and manage my symptoms helps. Reading books about bipolar disorder, researching on-line, finding support from others like you guys helps me. I learn a lot from you guys.
merry
Posted by rainy on December 5, 2004, at 5:47:48
In reply to Heads up, posted by rainy on December 4, 2004, at 9:13:14
Merry, you seem like such a sensible soul. Thanks for your response. I think you're on Wellbutrin, Xanax and Topamax? What's your Topamax dose?
I've been in therapy with a rather eclectic, slightly new age therapist since September. I don't think we're going places, although I like her style. We've put her on hold while I have acupuncture treatments for my back--can't afford both. I'm considering not going back.
I'm having such trouble with my meds. The Wellbutrin SR taken 4 times a day causes a build up in my body so that by mid afternoon I'm pretty agitated. I take knonopin only when imperative because I've withdrawn from that stuff before and it was awful. It's been imperative nearly every day lately. This is scary.
My tongue has become restless inside my closed mouth, I've been licking my lips until they're dry. Now it's poking it's way out every now and then without my permission--a symtom of the dread tardive dyskinesia that usually comes with antip sychotic use, but can also happen with trazodone (AD), which I'm taking at bedtime.
Tuesday I want to ask pdoc to wean me off all meds except Topamax. Maybe wellbutrin down to 200. I don't think I can get more depressed or anxious, agitated, irritable than I am, so we have nothing to lose. Getting up this morning, I fell out of bed, and then got mad at my sleeping husband about it??I can't deal with the side effects anymore and taking something to mask something is just more stuff in the stew pot.
I tend to agree that information is the best answer for me--that and the mitzvah therapy that was mentioned yesterday--do something good for someone else without telling anybody about it. thanks again.
rainy
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 5, 2004, at 20:24:07
In reply to Re: Heads up » rainy, posted by rainy on December 5, 2004, at 5:47:48
Someone asked about talk therapy. Talk therapy as in psychologist, no I have never felt the need. I find them unhelpful and patronizing. Especially since when I went to one to be officially "diagnosed", when I was speaking he kept ducking his head into my line of vision when I didn't keep my eyes directly on him all the time. That was extremely annoying. It was like he thought since I wasn't looking at him at all times I must either me lying or not paying attention to him. That and my insurance deductible was $250 and then it only covered 50%. No freaking way. It just wasn't worth it. I wasn't going to pay someone to patronize me. I find candid conversation among friends who share the same and somewhat different problems much more theraputic. I also don't find it as sterile and DEFINITELY not patronizing. So I thank you very much!
Posted by headachequeen on December 5, 2004, at 21:25:36
In reply to No psychs for me thanks!, posted by bridgey1128 on December 5, 2004, at 20:24:07
> Someone asked about talk therapy. Talk therapy as in psychologist, no I have never felt the need. I find them unhelpful and patronizing.
Well, I have to disagree to some extent. If I were to base an opinion on the first psychotherapist (as in psychologist) I met well, I might agree as I found him utterly pathetic and really felt that he was easily manipulated and totally unhelpful. He was convinced that everyone had to fit into a category somewhere, even if that category was unhelpful and inappropriate.
Then I met the second psychiatologist was totally different and unbelievably helpful. He also had little if any use for the first psychologist and his categories and slots and ideas, I might add. His help was sound and he did not insist that I look him in the eye; he realised that there were things we were talking about that made me want to look anywhere but at people, let alone in someone's eyes, and he accepted that.
He was there with a box of tissues when it was needed and with silence when it was needed.
The third and fourth such people I know are also sound practioners of their craft...
If I were to base my opinion of psychiatrists on the first such I met, then I would say that all such are wonderful people with a solid ability to help their patients connect with themselves and their needs and on and on...
but then I met the second one, and he was the head of service and I formed a distinctly negative impression...
and I now think that they are for the most part, note I say, for the MOST part, overpaid and over-rated and I wonder why they are allowed such free rein in treatment...
kat
Posted by redscarlet on December 5, 2004, at 21:53:32
In reply to Re: Heads up » rainy, posted by rainy on December 5, 2004, at 5:47:48
Rainy ~ You may want to try Wellbutrin XL, it's a once a day dosing, it may help.
Posted by rainy on December 6, 2004, at 5:34:17
In reply to Re: Heads up, posted by redscarlet on December 5, 2004, at 21:53:32
Strange to say, it runs out of uummph about midmorning. Sounds even to me like I'm playing the "yes but" game. We've tried all these things in different combininations and only serzone worked.
It worked in a mild but steady way to keep me functioning well, laughing, spontaneously asking friends over for dinner (not since we moved since we don't have any friends--long story about minister having dual relationships) and generally being a "normal" depressed person.
Now, I generally feel OK until I take my meds and then the physical stuff takes over. I truly don't want to keep taking Klonopin just to breathe! It's getting worse and since I'm not a Christian and the kids are gone it isn't the holdays. Traditionally we don't spend much at Christmas so there's not that pressure. Lack of snow and the mild, sunny weather is terribly bothersome though, and adding to my irritability and sadness. I hate the sun.
So, more disciplined with the walks, Mitzvah therapy, attention to diet--full fruits, veggies, vitamins, water, chicken fish whole grains etc. ahead. Continue Topamax, sleep, good books, music, a couple of parties to go to, writing in my journal, this board and maybe Psych Central, finish acupuncture, stop griping so much, check out Planned Parenthood for volunteer opportunities, don't smile if I don't feel like it, and cut down on activities I really dread, can't stop one. I can do everything but the volunteer stuff right now (and maybe the griping) but it's a day at a time process.
I'm thinking of changing pdocs if she won't go with the weaning off plan, at least while I have the insurance. Oh boy. That sounds irresponsible, doesn't it?Thanks for your suggestion, Redscarlet.
rainy
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 6, 2004, at 8:33:21
In reply to Re: Heads up » redscarlet, posted by rainy on December 6, 2004, at 5:34:17
I find smiling very theraputic but I think I understand what you mean though. A fake, forced smile is hard. When you feel crappy those aren't fun. I had never heard of Mitzvah therapy. Well, let me put it this way, I didn't realize that was a kind of professional or non? therapy. That is a very GOOD therapy. As a Christian, I am called to do those kinds of things anyway. Maybe it's a built in kind of therapy. :P I think most people, regardless of our religion, are naturally selfish creatures. And so when we let go and do for other people, without any kind of thought for ourselves or want in something in return, it feels really good. And it should. I guess one of the reasons that I have not felt the need to have talk therapy is because I have always felt so comfortable around my church family. I am not trying to get into a religious discussion by any stretch, but I am saying that when you have a supportive structure, whether it be friends or family or a church or social group, sometimes there is no need for a cold professional. Well, not to say they are all cold. I am sure that many are very supportive and warm. And many people would prefer to talk to someone one on one in an office environment where they feel like their "secrets" will not be exposed and they feel secure or whatever the reason is that they would rather speak to a professional. THere is nothing wrong with that. THere are good ones and bad ones in every field. As for medication, Topomax is the only thing I have ever tried that has ever worked long term. Everything else has either just stopped working, didn't work at all, made me nuts, or had weird off the wall side effects. Even with Topomax I sometimes wonder if it's working. It doesn't work with PMS. I think I have breakthrough mania during that time of the month and breakthrough witchiness. Hmm maybe that will come in handy for my audtion. I am auditioning for The Witch! hehe Well, anyway, I am off to the shower! Have a wonderful but chilly or warm, day! Depending on where you are. :)
Posted by rainy on December 6, 2004, at 10:45:19
In reply to Re: Heads up, posted by bridgey1128 on December 6, 2004, at 8:33:21
A mitzvah, as I understand it, is a good deed or act of kindness done anonymously. Sol Gordon is/was a psychologist who specialzed in working with adoloscent issues back in the early 70s. He focused especially on depression and human sexuality. Sol suggested that people who are depressed will feel better if they do a Mitzvah and learn something new each day. He called this combination "Mitzvah therapy," and I recommend it highly.
rainy
I don't have your message in front of me, Bidgey, so Idon't want to screw up my response. Good luck with your audition!
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