Posted by BarbaraCat on October 25, 2003, at 0:19:37
In reply to Re: Lamictal, posted by St. John on October 24, 2003, at 23:07:54
That's a funny but horrible story about your 'consultation'. Why didn't they just hire a court reporter? One wonders how these guys ever make it out of med school. What I find curious is how many of them never had a significant mood disorder but treat the field as an intellectual and pharmacological foray. Those are the ones to run like holy hell from. Fortunately there are many very gifted ones as well, but you don't really know until later.
Here are some questions you don't have to answer if you'd prefer not. What are the symptoms of your depression? Is it cyclical with normal days or is it always there? Vegetative, agitated or a mix? Do you ever get somatic symptoms, i.e., body pain, GI problems? What happened when you took SSRIs or other ADs? Normal side effects, yes, but anything else, like exacerbation of your symptoms, or was it that they just didn't do anything. You probably have, but have you had your thyroid checked? Low thyroid was a big contributor for me.
Not trying to diagnose or offer any unsolicited advice, it's just that my own experience of 'depression' was so bizarre that I felt like a strange and hopeless case, especially when none of the tried and true's were not only not working but making me worse. I'd imagine that you've gone through this kind of despair as well. Since being on the lithium/lam combo and finding a great naturopath who is treating other hormonal imbalances I can honestly say that this is the first time I've felt sustained health and hope in over 20 years. You're on my 'good wishes' list that you find a bright spot on your horizon. It's out there - it's only molecules. - Barbara
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:238206
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031021/msgs/272997.html