Posted by iris2 on January 21, 2005, at 9:37:34
In reply to Mood stabilizers and Juvenile Rhuematoid Arthritis, posted by resa on January 20, 2005, at 20:16:50
I have had major depression for most of my life but in the past ten years or so have had a chronic decease of interstitial cystitis (a diseased of the bladder
To you question. I am not sure I have the answers for you. For me it is an emotional decision about which illness I am currently trying to work with more. It seems that as soon as I get one a little better the other illness becomes the vital one to treat. For me whichever one is bothering me more at the moment is the one I want to focus on. I think it makes some sense as you eloquently wrote that the emotional affects the physical and visa versa. One does not want to go quickly from one to the other with no results however. I think it is a balancing act. You need to have your doctor’s listen to you but at the same time be able to listen to them. One specialist might focus more on what he is trained to. I had a psychiatrist who was well versed with people with chronic pain and his ability to have empathy for it and me I have found to be very helpful. I suggest that you find at least one treating doctor who has the ability to treat or at least take into account both your illnesses at once. In the end only you know for sure what is needed in the immediate. For me it also took some experience with the illnesses so the doctor’s input initially was more helpful. You know what your personal goals are in your life and need to tailor your treatments to meet those goals.
irene
poster:iris2
thread:9730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050119/msgs/445152.html