Posted by ZeeZee on February 23, 2003, at 9:53:45
In reply to Re: Jackster - How are you doing? » ZeeZee, posted by Jackster on February 22, 2003, at 23:21:09
Hi Jackie
I definitely think it's a wonderful idea to be on a low dose SSRI if and when you get pregnant. I can only speak for myself, but although I was thrilled about being pregnant the hormone change as well as knowing I couldn't take a xananx or any type of tranquilizer was enough to greatly increase my anxiety and keep it there. It wasn't that bad with my first pregnancy, but was severe with my second and I suffered silently. Had I received help in a timely fashion I may not be where I am today. I also feel guilty as hell for the "hostile" pre-natal environment the constant surging of stress hormones caused for my son and feel responsible for his ADD and any other problems he has with his mood. I don't even know if they knew enough about this disorder back in the early 80's to have prescribed appropriate treatment, you are fortunate to have the benefit of progress on your side.
My problem with the b/p and surging of adrenaline only got worse. Combined with lack of a sleep I had some really bad days last week. My pdoc is on vacation but her receptionist is a hell of psuedo - doc and has been very helpful to me. I started taking a small dose of a beta blocker again along with my other b/p medicine and within a few days brought down my b/p to normal to below with a steady pulse in the 60's. It's a wonderful drug because it totally soothed me internally. I don't know if it's the beta blocker or that I've turned a corner with the side effects, but I do feel much better. I think switching to daytime dosing was a mistake because in spite of all the energizing it does to me it seems to also sedate me.
I'm postponing my day dose by 2 hours each day to get to a dinner time dose. I'm doing this on my own because my pdoc has a "rule" about not doing any type of phone consultations and requires I come in for a med check instead. Since I am agoraphobic and could no more drive to her than swim across the Atlantic and I must depend on my husband to take me. He cannot take off from work for two weeks. On Monday, she will return and will "relay" to her receptionist if I should just stay at 10 mgs or increase it as well as when I should take it.
I have had some spurts of panic within my "safe area" where I should not have or did not have any anxiety at all in the past. I did notice that the panic was "muffled" and short lived. In the past few days it seems to be further from the surface and harder to trigger so I think I may be experiencing the very early beginning of some benefits.
I wish you continued good luck and health. Stay on top of this disorder - it is chronic - and I learned the hard way (relapse after 8 years of being fairly symptom free) that it always requires treatment.
Regards,
ZZ
poster:ZeeZee
thread:200882
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030219/msgs/203038.html