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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by BabyBunny on June 26, 2007, at 9:23:16
Hi everyone. I have decided I think I want to undergo some neurological testing to see what's really going on rather than keep trying to find a medication to help me and having it fail.
I have heard that some of the tests performed can actually tell you what is wrong with you and what is needed to correct the problem. I don't really know a lot about it but enough to know that since I have health insurance, I am gonna get some testing done as My Psychitrists are getting frustrated because nothing but Xanax XR is working for me.
I supposedly have Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and all the Anxiety Disorders. But I have made a discovery. When my anxiety peaks, that's when my moods shift. If my anxiety is under control, I a fine. For the most part anyway. I mean I can function and am MUCH happier and better.
So has anyone here ever seen a neourologist? Anyone have testing done (even if through a different kind of Docotr)? I am curious because I want to know if it's worth the time and money.
Thanks everyone. I hope to hear from someone shortly as I'm excitied about this!
Take care!
Posted by med_empowered on June 26, 2007, at 11:17:18
In reply to Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers?, posted by BabyBunny on June 26, 2007, at 9:23:16
I think that's a good idea..neurologists are more like "real doctors" to me (sorry to offend anybody), so they'll treat any conditions with medications designed for that condition...often p-docs just seem to throw some pills together and expect you to magically mend.
Posted by Phillipa on June 26, 2007, at 12:10:03
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers?, posted by med_empowered on June 26, 2007, at 11:17:18
I've seen neurologists and had MRI's of the brain and had MS and other neurological stuff ruled out. So probably an excellent ideas. They will do testing and hopefully nothing will be wrong. Although at times I wish they could pin a medical dx on my anxiety/depression. Oh I've had chronic lymes and none in the brain and spinal fluid taps to rule it out too. Good luck Love Phillipa
Posted by zeugma on June 26, 2007, at 12:42:30
In reply to Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers?, posted by BabyBunny on June 26, 2007, at 9:23:16
I saw a neurologist when I was twelve... he concluded that I had MBD (Minimal Brain Dysfunction) after a long battery of tests.
This disorder later received a more 'politically correct' designation, ADHD.
P.S. If Xanax XR is working well, I wouldn't mess with it.
-z
Posted by stargazer2 on June 26, 2007, at 13:38:28
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers? » BabyBunny, posted by zeugma on June 26, 2007, at 12:42:30
BB, I went to a neurologist last year because I was falling and thought I had MS. I was on Lamictal which I didn't think was causing the problems but it turned out to be the cause. He did do a slew of lab tests which all turned out negative and my neuro exam was negative too so I was "normal" from a neurological point of view except I continue to have treatment resistent depression which he didn't touch with a ten foot pole, he offered no suggestions for medications except to get off Lamicatil but no other solutions were offered. He knew I had major depression but didn't offer any new insight into what i could try next or what tests other than the ones he ordered would be helpful to get.
The next step for me, per my pdoc is an endocrinology exam which other than a saliva test which Phillipa suggested and I'm not sure how to get the test wihout the doctor's order since my GP is never going to order a saliva test. She is too clueless with many things due to her age. Besides I can only see the nurse practitioner in August since the endo's first appt is in March of 2008! Nice to have access to doctors and get some answers.
I'm not sure that there are any answers. A neurology workup is the exception for psych diagnoses and there has to be a neuro deficit and depression isn't considered one of them but perhaps you will see someone that can shed light on the situation. I have seen docs for this depression since the 1980's and a neuro workup was never offered as a way to figure out my lack of response to medications. Perhaps if the MD is someone who has a psychiatric and neuro background it might be the type that can help with a psych diagnosis.
Good luck finding a skilled neurologist who can offer you some suggestions and testing to help you figure your lack of response to medications. I may be skeptical but I think it is unlikely but worth a try, just because I didn't get any answers doesn't mean none exist.
Stargazer
Posted by BabyBunny on June 26, 2007, at 17:06:58
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers?, posted by stargazer2 on June 26, 2007, at 13:38:28
Thank you all for your responses. I truly appreciate each and every one. :)
I have an appointment to go see a Neurologist for an Evaluation or something on July 12. Heck it's only a $30 co-pay so why not? I've tried everything else EXCEPT the natural route which may be my next stop as I am noticing HUGS improvement since cutting back on my meds.
Thanks again and take care!
Hugs,
Baby Bunny
Posted by BabyBunny on June 26, 2007, at 17:08:58
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers?, posted by BabyBunny on June 26, 2007, at 17:06:58
LOL HUGE improvement too! And yes, more hugs because of it! LOL :) Right there is a clue I'm getting better. I have affection on my mind. Something the Depakote and other meds lessened BIG TIME.
See, sometimes less IS more! :)
> Thank you all for your responses. I truly appreciate each and every one. :)
>
> I have an appointment to go see a Neurologist for an Evaluation or something on July 12. Heck it's only a $30 co-pay so why not? I've tried everything else EXCEPT the natural route which may be my next stop as I am noticing HUGS improvement since cutting back on my meds.
>
> Thanks again and take care!
>
> Hugs,
> Baby Bunny
>
Posted by Phillipa on June 26, 2007, at 19:43:56
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers?, posted by stargazer2 on June 26, 2007, at 13:38:28
Stargazer I think the Nurse Practioneer can order one but I hope you don't get treated like I did one blood draw and that was it considered normal. Another thing I can do is my neice had a fabulous endo in same state as you and can e-mail her and see if I can get the name. Still on the coast about an hour away I think.Love Phillipa
Posted by chiron on June 26, 2007, at 20:42:29
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers? » stargazer2, posted by Phillipa on June 26, 2007, at 19:43:56
I recently went to one because after a brief trial of Neurontin I started having really weird scary sensations & ended up in the ER once. My MRI was normal (I was wondering if I had Epilepsy or MS or something). I also went because I had high copper in my urine, which could be an indicator of Wilson's disease, which can manifest signs in the brain. (rare, my uncle had it though). The neurologist I went to was not very friendly and just wanted me to always get to the point, but she was probably very knowledgable.
I think we should do everything possible to figure out what the hell is going on with us though. I am not brave enough to call it quits, but I am so sick and tired of the fight.
Posted by brooke484 on June 26, 2007, at 20:51:26
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers?, posted by stargazer2 on June 26, 2007, at 13:38:28
Did you get the message I sent to you about saliva testing? I sent you a link.
brooke
Posted by brooke484 on June 26, 2007, at 20:56:27
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers?, posted by stargazer2 on June 26, 2007, at 13:38:28
This is from http://www.canaryclub.org
The Basic Panel At A Cost Of $141.55 for Canary Club Members Includes:
Thyroid Tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, microsomal antibody)
Adrenal Stress Tests (four samples for cortisol and DHEA) .. This involves one saliva sample collected in the morning before breakfast, another sample collected around noon (before lunch), another around 4 p.m.
(before dinner), and another around 10 p.m. (before bed).Sex Hormone Tests (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) .. Men and menopausal women can do this one saliva sample testing on any day of any month.
This is the best price I've found if you're going to order it yourself.
Brooke
Posted by Phillipa on June 26, 2007, at 21:08:45
In reply to stargazer, here's more info, posted by brooke484 on June 26, 2007, at 20:56:27
Brooke it's a money saver just doing it yourself do they interpret for you or do you need an endo for that? Love Phillipa
Posted by chiron on June 26, 2007, at 22:36:36
In reply to Re: Anyone Ever Go To A Neurologist To Find Answers?, posted by stargazer2 on June 26, 2007, at 13:38:28
stargazer,
so are you still finding nothing that helps?
my doc says i am the most difficult case he has seen (makes me feel really hopeful). it's been about 25 years for me. ECT is the only thing that has really worked, but I have too much anxiety now to handle it. I think it is the anesthesia and going under that freaks me out. I don't really care that they are shocking my brain. My brain feels like it needs shocking. When I didn't have so much of an anxiety problem I could deal with it.
I guess if I put it in perspective and keep reminding myself that it's not as scary as the other alternative that I keep thinking about. If it were a one-time thing that would be different. But I would need to do maintenance. Fun.
Posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 9:32:52
In reply to stargazer question » stargazer2, posted by chiron on June 26, 2007, at 22:36:36
Ummm I hate to say this but I started this thread to find out if anyone could tell me if going to a Neurologist is a god idea since I'm getting nowhere with Psychiatrists.
I dunno what happened but it drifted off in another direction. But if it helps, then I'm glad it did. I just don't want my original question to go unnoticed because I am very interested to hear from people about the original topic.
Thanks all for your responses. Take care!
Hugs,
Baby Bunny
Posted by brooke484 on June 27, 2007, at 13:11:02
In reply to Re: stargazer question, posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 9:32:52
Sorry for going off topic.
About seeing a neurologist...I had all of the tests done. MRIs, EEGs, etc. Nothing is wrong with me. I thought for sure I had a brain tumor or temporal lobe epilepsy, but no, it's my brain chemistry. I think the only test I haven't had done is a PET scan but my doctor said that wouldn't show anything.
I always ask this, I know, but have you had your thyroid checked out? That can cause all sorts of problems. When mine was off I was having panic attacks every day.
brooke
Posted by brooke484 on June 27, 2007, at 13:12:12
In reply to Re: stargazer, here's more info » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on June 26, 2007, at 21:08:45
YOu do not need a doctor. They send you the results.
brooke
Posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 14:57:36
In reply to neurologists, posted by brooke484 on June 27, 2007, at 13:11:02
Hi there. No problem. I just didn't want my question to get lost in the shuffle. :) Gosh I hope I didn't come across as rude. :( I am SO SORRY if I did I just am looking for answers as last week I had one of the worst days of my life (I'm 34). So I'm kinda desperate for info from those who understand and have been there. :)
As for your question, I've had my thyroid checked a bunch of times because I also suffer from obesity (I'm a Post Gastric Bypass Surgery Survivor, but haven't even lost 1/2 my weight although since stopping Depaokte, I am losing again). So yes I have had it checked.
I remember one time a Doctor telling me it was actually on the high side (over active side, I guess) and that might be why I have so much anxiety. But that was years ago and in a different part of the country.
Maybe I'll go see my General Practitioner as he always listens to me and respects my feelings and opinions. And I don't think he's ever denied me being tested for anything. So I think I'll ask him for the saliva test this time instead. He's so easygoing he'll probably ask why but then say ok, if you think it will help. LOL He's great!
Hmmm I'm gonna call them right now. So when I do have my test done, I will let you all know what's going on.
Take good care and thanks for your response. I really hope and will pray that you get the help you need. Life can be hard enough as it is. Having anxiety only makes it harder.
Hugs,
Michelle
> Sorry for going off topic.
>
> About seeing a neurologist...I had all of the tests done. MRIs, EEGs, etc. Nothing is wrong with me. I thought for sure I had a brain tumor or temporal lobe epilepsy, but no, it's my brain chemistry. I think the only test I haven't had done is a PET scan but my doctor said that wouldn't show anything.
>
> I always ask this, I know, but have you had your thyroid checked out? That can cause all sorts of problems. When mine was off I was having panic attacks every day.
>
> brooke
Posted by brooke484 on June 27, 2007, at 19:59:10
In reply to Re: neurologists » brooke484, posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 14:57:36
When my TSH was over 3 I had major anxiety. So, when you doctor says "high" that could be a problem. I would get it checked again. You have no idea how many problems that can cause.
Take care,
brooke
Posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2007, at 20:15:13
In reply to phillipa, posted by brooke484 on June 27, 2007, at 13:12:12
Booke really that quite interesting. Who treats you if you have a problem? An endo? Thanks Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2007, at 20:19:26
In reply to neurologists » babybunny, posted by brooke484 on June 27, 2007, at 19:59:10
Mine is hasimotos as most are the autoimmune. And imagine what my anxiety was like when TSH was 22. My first hospitalization and a real diagnosis of my thyroid as they called a consultant in. Of couse dose was regulated upwards. Love Phillipa
Posted by brooke484 on June 27, 2007, at 20:34:58
In reply to Re: phillipa » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2007, at 20:15:13
My family doctor treats me. He's the only one who would give me Armour. The endos kept giving me Synthroid but that didn't agree with me.
brooke
Posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 20:52:10
In reply to neurologists » babybunny, posted by brooke484 on June 27, 2007, at 19:59:10
Wow! I KNOW Mine has been over 3. I believe it was 3.4 or 3.6. I have one of those memories that remeber numbers forever. Especially now as I am getting better and better since stopping the Depakote (I even thought about applying for some jobs today! This is AWESOME! Although I am still too anxious but at least I'm "alive' and "me" again).
I called My General Docotor earlier and made the appointment to request the saliva tests for my thyroid. I go on July 6. I will keep you all posted as to what happens. :)
Thanks so much for your response and support. I so appreciate it! You're very kind. :)
Take good care of yourself and have a great night/day!
Hugs,
Baby Bunny
> When my TSH was over 3 I had major anxiety. So, when you doctor says "high" that could be a problem. I would get it checked again. You have no idea how many problems that can cause.
>
> Take care,
>
> brooke
Posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2007, at 22:04:25
In reply to Re: phillipa, posted by brooke484 on June 27, 2007, at 20:34:58
Brooke you know lately I've heard a lot of negative on synthroid and wonder if it's part of my problem with anxiety / depression since it really didn't start til the thyroid thing. How does it affect you differently? I have to call mine and also an ER nurse here said she'd tried all the endos here hated them and her internist was treating hers. But best part is she feels good. How do you go about making a switch if you really are new to an area and don't have a relationship with a GP? They ship you out to specialists here. Thanks, Love Phillipa
Posted by brooke484 on June 28, 2007, at 13:17:46
In reply to Re: neurologists » brooke484, posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 20:52:10
Here is a great web site for thyroid info.
http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/l/blthyroid.htm
Posted by stargazer2 on June 28, 2007, at 17:10:15
In reply to stargazer question » stargazer2, posted by chiron on June 26, 2007, at 22:36:36
Chiron, yes, I am still having difficulty finding anything that works but I have resolved to never have ECT, you can babble me for more on that but I am now on Nardil, the newer version, that is not the same as the old version that worked for me in 1989 like a charm, the first drug ever that worked. Then in 1994 Marplan worked like a charm and guess what, Roche discontinued it with no warning or substitution of what should be taken for it. I tried all of the serotonin drugs from 1994 to 2000 with poor results, although Celexa in combination with Adderall and wellbutrin worked so-so for about 4 years, failing about 3 years ago. Since then, nothing has really gotten me out of this depression ,although, I recently started to exercise again and I'm not sure if it's that or the Nardil/Abilify combination, but I am feeling better than I have in a long time, so perhaps something is starting to kick in.
I will try any medication but the combination of what works is the thing that can't be determined or calcluated very well so although I have tried every med and lots of different combos, it the variations of the combos and the dosages that never is easy to get to work together. I'll keep trying though my life has basically caome to a standstill and I really don't know what my future holds. I have no ambition or motivation to get a job and my health insurance will run out in a few months so I am moving into an uncertain territory which has me very concerned and worried since I have at least 10 more years I should be working but the thought of working is terrifying and threatneing, not a safe place for someone with a shakey confidence and uncertain moods day to day.
Any suggestions....Stargazer
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