Posted by Elizabeth on May 13, 2000, at 15:17:39
In reply to Terrible bind., posted by kazoo on May 11, 2000, at 0:05:37
I really feel for you. That is terrible to feel like it doesn't matter to any of your doctors that you have several very serious illnesses! As if somehow the illnesses cancelled each other out. :-P
I'll add two more phone numbers you could try (and these are actually sort of close to where you live!):
Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston)
617 726 5800 (physician referral)McLean Hospital (Belmont, Mass. -- about 10 or 15 minutes from Harvard Square)
800 333 0338 (main number)Start by explaining that you have multiple medical conditions as well as depression and that you need a psychiatrist who's familiar with your type of situation and the polypharmacy that is required. Mass. General in particular has the advantage that it's a general hospital with a good psych department, so you can get a psych, a GI, and an internist who can work closely with each other.
I know a guy who has hep C, hemophilia, and depression. He manages it with the appropriate meds and lifestyle changes, and yes, the interferon brought out his depression -- he was able to manage it.
Take care of yourself, and don't give up...nothing is more important than your health.
poster:Elizabeth
thread:33138
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000508/msgs/33378.html