![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 176 to 200 of 458. Go back in thread:
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 6, 2003, at 1:24:21
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 5, 2003, at 20:48:42
>>One something like "comprehenvise thyroid test" costs $240 and tests estradiol, progest., testost., DHEA-S, and Cortisol and the throid tests.
**If you can afford it the comp thyroid test is the way to go. It measures your thyroid every which way from Sunday - how much free T3, T4, reverse, T3, thyroiditis antibodies - and not just the standard TSH numbers. But even if all those tests come back normal the coldness and tired foggyness is reason to try thyroid. At least, that's what I'd ask for.
>
> My other thought about digital versus mercury is this. Always whenever hearing about what a normal or low body temp is it's talking about from a digital basal. Maybe however, there are different "normal" temps for a mercury that are a bit higher. So maybe the testing takes into account that mercury's and basal digitals are not reflecting the same temps.**I've always heard basal temps for thyroid should be done with a mercury thermometer and never digital. I tested mine with two digitals and their numbers were off by .3 degrees. The two mercurys were the same. But you're right about mercurys being higher depending on where. Rectal temperatures are about 1 degree higher and my armpit temp is usually a whole degree lower, although it's supposed to be the same as oral.
>
> So the one drink every so often is working for you?**Sorta. It's always hard to go back to not partaking once I've had 'the taste' and am a couple days removed from how sh*tty I felt the day after.
>>I was thinking that I might just buy the most expensive bottle, indulge, drink the whole thing - get it out of my craving system.
**Ha ha. That's your Beast talking. It'll just whet your appetite for more. But who knows, maybe a good reminder of why you swore off is in order.
>>I trying to remember that ultimately drinking is the monster and that I can see past the seduction and say no.
**That's a great analogy about the beautiful woman. It is like that, so seductive, so elegant and pleasurable. Have you read "Rational Recovery" by Jack Trimpey? That book helped me alot and describes that whole alluring thing so well and how to recognize it as the Addictive Voice, a.k.a., The Beast. Another book that has been helping is "Sober for Good" by Anne Fletcher. She interviewed a bunch of people who have been sober for over 5 years about what worked for them. Some now drink moderately. Both books have been my no-drink Bibles. But I do crave it still and over-indulging is the best way I know to fan that fire.
Good for you for being so strong, especially with the temptations at work. Do you remember how very difficult it was for you at first and how you were going to beg your doc for antabuse? Once you start feeling better physically and then mentally you'll want to involve yourself in things (dust off the bellydance togs?) and the need won't be so overwhelming.
I'm not going to kid myself and pretend I'm not going to drink over the Holidays, but I'll nurse that puppy and will not get drunk again. I've controlled myself just fine the last few times even though the thought always comes the next day 'hey there, kiddo, why don't we try that 'control' thing one more time - just to see'. Then, I'm looking forward to the new year when I can put it aside, maybe for good. - Barbara
Posted by fluffy on November 6, 2003, at 10:39:32
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 6, 2003, at 1:24:21
Hi again you guys--
You know, I just ended up having a "blah" day yesterday. Sometimes I have just a bad attitude about all of this...like, "why did I get dealt this hand...it's just not fair." I was thinking last night, and I just came to the conclusion that what we have is something like an immune disorder of the mind. Try as we may, we just have to avoid the things that can put us at risk for getting sick, just like someone with H.I.V. has to avoid places and people who have colds or the flu, etc. I was feeling a little guilty last night for complaining as I do. But hey--I just had a bad day. And all in all, i am feeling WAAAAAY more stable than I did a month ago. So as much as I would like to continue living my life in a carefree manner--staying up late to work in my studio, going out and partying, having good sex with men I don't care about--it's just not worth it anymore. I guess I'm just in the process of "mourning the loss of my healthy self." But the truth is, that it wasn't my healthy self...it was my UNHEALTHY, moody unstable self.
Anyway--even though my mood as of late has been on the dysthymic side, I can at least deal, and try to exercise and get good sleep now. Complain, complain, complain. It's hard not to be riddled with fear about the future.
And I think I'm opting to get the contraption removed from my uterus. If anything, it would be nice to not have HORRIBLE, stabbing cramps, and a period that lasts for TWO WEEKS!
I'm making an appt. with my gyno today, and I'll see about the hormone tests. As for the thyroid business...I guess I was hoping in a weird way that it was off, b/c I know it can cause rapid cycling, and synthroid can be a mood stabilizer. Also, my mom has thyroid problems, and it's always seemed like a more palatable solution to my mood problems than the dreaded Bipolar label.
Anyway--I'll keep in touch. Gals...I hope you feel better soon! Barb-cat and Katia, I can't thank you enough for your understanding. And I also really wish we could get together and have a nice, long talk face to face.
hugs,
Katy
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 6, 2003, at 13:24:47
In reply to Re: Hello gals..., posted by fluffy on November 6, 2003, at 10:39:32
Hi Katy,
Real words of wisdom there, my friend. These mood disorders are the pits when we're in them but afterwards I don't think any of us can deny that we're stronger and more 'grown up' once we've survived them - what doesn't kill us, and so on...In the indigineous cultures potential shamans may have the gifts, but unless they've gone through a very dark night of the soul, even insanity, they're not considered wise enough to understand and heal. I try to think of that when I'm really suffering with it and try to imagine I'm going through some kind of intiation for something I'm not aware of yet. My sick mind goes 'yeah, yeah, wishful thinking, you f&cking failure' but I think the initiation part is the greater truth.
You're so right about the 'just bad days'. As opposed to the BAAAAAAAAADDDDD days. I was thinking back on life before lithium and lam and the goooooooooddddddddd days as well. Whew, I sure was on the edge at times. When I wasn't in a psychotic bleak hell I was running around in a frenzy of visions, plans, unfinished projects, boundless energy. They were GOOD plans, visions, and projects too. But they came as if out of the blue, I couldn't sustain the energy or the train of thought for long. My house and garage are still under seige from all the stuff from those days.
Now, my days are much more peaceful, if a bit uneventful. But that's OK. I'm not ready yet to immerse myself back in life, and really, I don't want to. I look at the insanity out there, the emptyness, the unconsciousness, and we wonder why there's so much pain and the disowning and avoidance of that pain. I spend alot of my time now finally doing those things I frenzied my way through with alot more care. Playing piano, getting back to yoga, photography - getting rid of stuff (God, that's hard!). For a while it was hard to know what to do with myself once I dropped out of the work world, how to fill up the hours. I had to build up the patience and discipline to build a life, maybe for the first time in my 52 years.
So, slowly it's working. Sometimes I'll have a mini hypomanic swing (I'm on a very low dose of lithium) and it's alot of fun. I know I'm there when I start with the visions and multiple projects. It's kind of like in 'A Beautiful Mind' when John Nash/Russel Crowe stops taking his pills and starts up with the Mr. Parcher/Ed Harris hallucinations again. Lack of sleep can bring them on. My husband then brings me down and I go to bed earlier. I guess I can ration them out for when I need an extra bit of zip, but it really is hard on the bod and I pay for those zips with a mini depression. Buddha talks about 'The Middle Path' and I'm learning that lesson big time.
Yeah, bad days indeed, or blah days, or pissy days. I rarely have grrrrrrrrreaaat days. The best they get now is a quiet joy kind of day. I'll take those, they're my favorites. I'll take the pissy days too. Just as long as those BAAAAAADDDDD days leave me the Hell alone. I've earned my Shaman wings for 40 lifetimes. Yes, getting together one of these days would be a gas. After the intial self consciousness wore off, we'd sure all have alot to talk about! Love ya and so glad you're feeling better, Barbara
> Hi again you guys--
>
> You know, I just ended up having a "blah" day yesterday. Sometimes I have just a bad attitude about all of this...like, "why did I get dealt this hand...it's just not fair." I was thinking last night, and I just came to the conclusion that what we have is something like an immune disorder of the mind. Try as we may, we just have to avoid the things that can put us at risk for getting sick, just like someone with H.I.V. has to avoid places and people who have colds or the flu, etc. I was feeling a little guilty last night for complaining as I do. But hey--I just had a bad day. And all in all, i am feeling WAAAAAY more stable than I did a month ago. So as much as I would like to continue living my life in a carefree manner--staying up late to work in my studio, going out and partying, having good sex with men I don't care about--it's just not worth it anymore. I guess I'm just in the process of "mourning the loss of my healthy self." But the truth is, that it wasn't my healthy self...it was my UNHEALTHY, moody unstable self.
>
> Anyway--even though my mood as of late has been on the dysthymic side, I can at least deal, and try to exercise and get good sleep now. Complain, complain, complain. It's hard not to be riddled with fear about the future.
>
> And I think I'm opting to get the contraption removed from my uterus. If anything, it would be nice to not have HORRIBLE, stabbing cramps, and a period that lasts for TWO WEEKS!
>
> I'm making an appt. with my gyno today, and I'll see about the hormone tests. As for the thyroid business...I guess I was hoping in a weird way that it was off, b/c I know it can cause rapid cycling, and synthroid can be a mood stabilizer. Also, my mom has thyroid problems, and it's always seemed like a more palatable solution to my mood problems than the dreaded Bipolar label.
>
> Anyway--I'll keep in touch. Gals...I hope you feel better soon! Barb-cat and Katia, I can't thank you enough for your understanding. And I also really wish we could get together and have a nice, long talk face to face.
>
> hugs,
> Katy
Posted by katia on November 6, 2003, at 14:39:03
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 6, 2003, at 1:24:21
**Hiya,
A long time ago I read "How Alcoholics Anonymous Failed Me". It was also a good support.>Voice, a.k.a., The Beast. Another book that has been helping is "Sober for Good" by Anne Fletcher. She interviewed a bunch of people who have been sober for over 5 years about what worked for them. Some now drink moderately. Both books have been my no-drink Bibles. But I do crave it still and over-indulging is the best way I know to fan that fire.
>
> Good for you for being so strong, especially with the temptations at work. Do you remember how very difficult it was for you at first and how you were going to beg your doc for antabuse? Once you start feeling better physically and then mentally you'll want to involve yourself in things (dust off the bellydance togs?) and the need won't be so overwhelming.
** The horrible thing is, I don't feel better; I feel worse. I'm in a mild-mod depression now. I'm not having ANY high days AT ALL. It seems to have stopped my rapid cycling, but increased the depression. There could be various elements to that too. For instance, when I was still on Depakote AND Lamictal (decreasing the Dep.) and I wasn't drinking I felt quite good. It was also when the weather was good and daylight savings time hadn't passed. I'm just down now.
But there's something telling me "just get through the next two months not drinking and you'll have made your dark night of the soul". I can feel there's a lot changing in me subtley and majorly and drinking will just put me back to square one. It's too an important place in my life to not listen to the messages. and that's why I'm not drinking - I feel i've got support on a spiritual realm.
I was just going to drink thru' the holidays too, but (and this is my reasoning) I feel I have to break out entirely from all those excuses - there WILL always be an excuse. I just want to relearn entirely and stop playing these games. It's the worst of it now (and during the holidays) but I think I can get thru' it.
I actually did start belly dancing again. I think i'll change teachers tho'.I'll probably order that test.
take lots of care,
katia
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 6, 2003, at 19:54:33
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 6, 2003, at 14:39:03
Hi Katia,
You're not on Depakote anymore? Have you considered Tegretol? Katy seems to be having good luck with it. If you're solo-ing it with lamictal and you're not up to a therapeutic dose, that could have alot to do with how you're feeling.As for the rest, that's saying alot, girlfriend. I went through a euphoria at first, how clear I felt, how much more energy w/o alcohol. Then the real sadness started creeping in, the stuff I'd been keeping at bay with alcohol. There isn't any easy way to deal with it. I had a few slides, enough to know that I can't do it anymore. Which leaves one in a quandary because there you are without much comfort. I know I'll imbibe over the holidays and with my husband as watchdog I know I won't tip over the edge. I also know I'll feel it and I won't feel so good about myself because I'll know it's not for my best. So why will I do it? I really don't know.
Yes, it sure seems like starting back at square one by giving in to The Beast. I don't think it's that fatal though - you just pick yourself up and start again, hopefully wiser and humbler. The feeling of utter failure and letting ourselves down that comes with giving in is a good excuse for saying screw it, I'm hopeless. And then you really feel bad.
Y'know, this life, this existence is REAL HARD. I guess there are plenty of folks who feel good about their lives, have enough of what they need and don't feel a sense of futility and pain most of the time that they have to mask with alcohol or drugs. I even know a few like that but they really are in the minority. What to do about it? Some kind of hopeless cosmic joke? We don't have the user's manual.
I'm with you all the way on the spiritual guidance. I guess that's probably the best reason to keep a clear channel - the guidance eventually gets clearer and more true. Oh, I've had some spectacular visions while under the influence of many different substances. But I usually question them afterwards or don't quite remember. The messages I get when clear, even tho fewer and less vivid, are more real and precious. One I got a few years back still sustains me. In answer to 'Why is all this happening? I'm ready to give up, I can't go on', I got a very clear voice 'We are not given to know the answers. We can only do our best, but that is enough. Take heart, it will become known. You are loved.' Ahhhhh, just to remember that Voice...
For me, I know what doing my best means and it includes staying away from things that are deadening and poisonous. If I can just get past this limbo stage and immerse myself in health and vitality and life once again! I know it's out there and in here but my God, this society sucks. What a barren thing this country has become. I seriously consider moving away from this sterile depressed country that's starting to resemble Mordor. But I won't kid myself. This black dog will follow me wherever I go. But at least he can do his business in a warmer, sunnier and more colorful back yard. Love and hugs to you, my friend. I'm glad you're there. - Barbara
Posted by katia on November 6, 2003, at 20:50:07
In reply to Re: Hello gals..., posted by fluffy on November 6, 2003, at 10:39:32
Hi Katy,
We have such similar experiences and histories and timing of things.
I miss the carefree life too, but ultimately it wasn't a carefree life for me (but it was fun at times!). It was a cyclical life - one thing leading into the next and feeding off each other. It is rather boring to have to be so vigilant about what I do. I too am mourning a loss of an unhealthy self. I feel I'm in limbo at the moment and sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm female and I have to say my name. I feel a bit like I"m disintegrating and it's scary. My identity is going. I sometimes don't know what I like, want or desire. In fact nothing. I just feel empty. I think it's hard to get past this to get through this part - the in between unhealthy and healthy self.I too am on the dsythmic side. For the first time today in over a week however, I had a mixed state. It only lasted a few hours; now I'm exhausted again. I'm just sooo soooo tired. Is it depression? probably. Hypthyroid? who the hell knows. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Never really thought about that one....
Glad your bad day didn't spiral further.
BTW, I'm curious about my sleeping patterns. I do work nights, but that shouldn't be that big of an influence especially since I only work two - three nights per week. I can't fall asleep until around 1-2 and then I can't wake up until 11/12. I just CANNOT change it. I've tried. Like today, I was late for a 1:00 appt. because I slept too late. This has been going on since I've been on medication about a year ago. Previously, I was an insomniac. But then again previously, I had a job where I HAD to wake up earlier. I feel so caught in a zombified rut.
What's your sleep pattern like?
take good care,
Katia>>>WAAAAAY more stable than I did a month ago. So as much as I would like to continue living my life in a carefree manner--staying up late to work in my studio, going out and partying, having good sex with men I don't care about--it's just not worth it anymore. I guess I'm just in the process of "mourning the loss of my healthy self." But the truth is, that it wasn't my healthy self...it was my UNHEALTHY, moody unstable self.
Posted by katia on November 6, 2003, at 21:00:09
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 6, 2003, at 19:54:33
Hi Barb,
No, I stopped Depakote right around Daylight Saving's end and right when this depression seemed to set in. It's wierd but sometimes I need a contrasting mood in order to understand where I was before. Where I was before in the past couple months was better than this. And it wasn't depression. it was mixed and hypo and normal; I was cycling rapidly. Yes, that's what it was. I'd forgotten how blahhhhhhh depression is. How foggy the brain is. how heavy the limbs and bones are, how exhausted I become. and that sallow thing.....I up the Lamictal tomorrow to 100mg. Hopefully that will add a zing to my days. Nothing makes a dent now. Coffee doesn't get me high; I've given up alcohol (still thinking of that Stag's leap....). Things have to improve soon or I will take the matter into my own hands and forget taking a leap of faith and head for the leap of Stag! really. if the meds ain't working, then something has to help. I've still got some strength and patience however.
I wonder if we all got together, I wonder if it'd be triple trouble or a healing supportive environment. I wonder if we'd activate the highs and the corking open of skunk blood and rancid swamp juice or would we all be good.
hmmmm.
take care and I'm glad you're there to.
Katia
Posted by katia on November 6, 2003, at 21:04:15
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » fluffy, posted by BarbaraCat on November 6, 2003, at 13:24:47
oh,
I forgot to say I got that book "Why Your Depression isn't getting better". It's great. I wish I'd found it ten years ago! But then again, sometimes you have to go through hell in order to realize you need help.
The whole thing with the substance abuse clinics not working b/c they don't look at the underlying issue. It's totally me. I've made so many attempts to stop drinking and what always brought me back was either a high, low, or mixed state for their own self-medicating reasons. AND b/c I wasn't addressing the mood disorder. It has always been a "reaction to" what was happening with me when I reached for the wine.
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 6, 2003, at 22:09:03
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 6, 2003, at 21:00:09
Hmmmm, I think we'd eventually break open the skunk blood and swamp juice, but I don't think we'd regret it one bit.
Posted by fluffy on November 7, 2003, at 11:55:44
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » fluffy, posted by katia on November 6, 2003, at 20:50:07
> Hi Katy,
> We have such similar experiences and histories and timing of things.
> I miss the carefree life too, but ultimately it wasn't a carefree life for me (but it was fun at times!). It was a cyclical life - one thing leading into the next and feeding off each other. It is rather boring to have to be so vigilant about what I do. I too am mourning a loss of an unhealthy self. I feel I'm in limbo at the moment and sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm female and I have to say my name. I feel a bit like I"m disintegrating and it's scary. My identity is going. I sometimes don't know what I like, want or desire. In fact nothing. I just feel empty. I think it's hard to get past this to get through this part - the in between unhealthy and healthy self.***I'm so glad to hear from you. I've been thinking about you for the past couple of days. I feel the connection too. About the identity...yes...it's totally weird and disconcerting to regret your past and try to think of the good days ahead. I "overidentified" with my diagnosis for a LONG time. And I still do it when I feel depressed. But you are still YOU! If anything, I've realized that those feelings and thoughts I had when I was cycling were still MY FEELINGs, just that they were an extreme part of my ego, or lack thereof. When I was first diagnosed, I posted on this board with the question "is there ever a normal after a BP diagnosis?" It's taken me a year, but I think I've discovered that "normal", even if it's still more extreme than most. Someone gave me some great advice on that thread that's never left me...I believe she said, "don't compare other peoples' outsides with your insides." Pretty profound, eh?
>
> I too am on the dsythmic side. For the first time today in over a week however, I had a mixed state. It only lasted a few hours; now I'm exhausted again. I'm just sooo soooo tired. Is it depression? probably. Hypthyroid? who the hell knows. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Never really thought about that one...***Hmmm. I wouldn't worry too much about the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. That's another can of worms, and you are dealing with one diagnosis that's quite enough for now. And you are definitely not hopeless, dear Katia. The Dep worked a bit for you, so let that be your guide. I will second Barb's suggestion that maybe Tegretol or Trileptal would be a good add-on to your combo. Both have similar mechanisms as Depakote (I think calcium channel blockers??). I've read that Teg or Tri have less "punch" but can definitely treat rapid cycling and even depression. I can attest to that.
***You posted somewhere about not "feeling" coffee. That's a definite sign of being depressed for me. What is that about? Maybe something to do with dopamine...it's bummer, b/c I LOVE coffee buzz.
> Glad your bad day didn't spiral further.
> BTW, I'm curious about my sleeping patterns. I do work nights, but that shouldn't be that big of an influence especially since I only work two - three nights per week. I can't fall asleep until around 1-2 and then I can't wake up until 11/12. I just CANNOT change it. I've tried. Like today, I was late for a 1:00 appt. because I slept too late. This has been going on since I've been on medication about a year ago. Previously, I was an insomniac. But then again previously, I had a job where I HAD to wake up earlier. I feel so caught in a zombified rut.***Just try to have a regular schedule that works FOR YOU. If that means sleeping late to have enough rest for your night job, then just go with it. If you can keep it consistent, then good. Make your appointments later in the afternoon if you need to.
***My sleeping pattern usually involves going to bed around 12:30 or 1:00 am and waking at 8:00. I'm working on it gradually this week to get it down. I'm now participating in a social rhythm and psychoeducation study at the mood disorders clinic, so I have a "coach" therapist to help me do this. If my pattern is off, I usually get to sleep at like 3 or 4:00 in the morning and sleep for 5 hours, tossing and turning. When I'm depressed, I'll feel heavy and can't keep my eyes open at 10:00, and I'll sleep until 10:00, unable to get going very well.
I'm sure you know, but post any ol' time, and I'm glad we can be here for each other...here, here, as for the glass of dopamine we could share together..my preference is a Fuller's ESB...cheers to you.
hugs,
Katy
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 7, 2003, at 12:54:15
In reply to Re: Hello gals..., posted by fluffy on November 7, 2003, at 11:55:44
Hi Katy,
Those are wonderful words to Katia, so kind and full of understanding. We really have to be extra special kind to ourselves (and each other as best we can) during these times. The knee-jerk reaction is to beat ourselves into doing it 'right', but if we could, we would.I try to remember how I would treat a poor sick frightened animal. Would I whip a starving and ill horse into going faster? Would I beat fear into any one of my beloved kitties so that they 'behave'? I don't think so. Yet, I beat myself unmercifully if I don't conform to a sick society's standards or if I can't perform the way I imagine a more energetic and less traumatized version of me might. Yes, I get royally pissed at living half a life. Sometimes I don't know who to get pissed at, I don't have the energy to defuse it, I don't wanna write in my journal or do a damn thing - and yet it has to go somewhere. So back at me it goes, and that's the absolute worst thing I could possibly do. It gets impacted and turns toxic.
I like your suggestion to Katia to just sleep when you need to and not worry about the hours if you don't really have to. Yes, there is sleep disorder syndrome and that has to be addressed, as she is doing in the study. But I think we fear something called 'lazyness' or 'self-indulgence' or 'not measuring up' like it's our dirty little 'if only they knew that about me' secret. The truth is that when we're feeling good, we naturally want to DO things and to LIVE LIFE. It feels good and spontaneous to express our vibrant energy and in fact, it's hard NOT to. It bubbles up and we can't sit still. The other side of that is when there's very little life force and energy it's not a good thing to expect more than we have. The well is dry. It might work for the short run to whip ourselves into shape but not for the long haul. That's a sure road to adrenal burnout. So thanks for that reminder. I'm going through a fibro flare at the moment and it's hard to motivate and I'm verging on 'oh come on, not again you wimp' thoughts. Your words helped me to put things in perspective knowing that when the time is right I'll know it. It helps to remember that no matter how crummy I get to feeling these days it's NOTHING like the hell I've been through in the past and those horrible days are quickly receding and I'm finally trusting they will continue to do so. I'm very very grateful for this. Love ya, Barbara
p.s. Fuller's ESB is a righteous brew!
Posted by katia on November 7, 2003, at 15:00:52
In reply to Re: Hello gals..., posted by fluffy on November 7, 2003, at 11:55:44
Hi Katy, I'll apologize right now for the long post. It just kept going...
So good to hear from you too. I know what you mean about "overidentifying" with the dx. On one hand I think that's normal. For me, for so long I blamed myself and was in such torment for years without an explanation or dx, feeling inadequate and less than; that it's been good for me to throw my hands up in the air and give in to the dx for awhile and lie around like a slug attributing everything to this disorder. I know I'll find a balance. One thing that's been clear in this lastest down swing is that I wasn't really down before; I was mixed and cycling. As I told Barb and you may have read (always welcome to read everything), sometimes I need a contrasting mood in order to define the previous one. I'm definitely down now. Not severly, but that ole' familiar feeling that I used to know as "me". Now I know it as depression. The other thing about being aware of this whole dx is when, like now, I'm in the midst of a pretty hard down swing, I realize that I'm in it (b/c of the contrast) and I'm not so hard on myself. and I can see all the things that "experts" say you feel when you're depressed. In other words, I can see that it is not me and it IS hard to do something "about it" and "snap out of it". It's a strong hold.
I think i experienced mixed yesterday because I was rushing and stressed to the doctor's office and had just woken up. I wasn't even able to have a bowel movement!:-) Just in case you were interested... But I feel like I've got to shelter myself so much. When I used to go to a job that was in the morning, i experienced the mixed state just about all day due to the rushing in the morning. and then I'd get home and deserve a glass of vino due to the stress all day from the mixed state. God, it's amazing to see my life through this different lens now. I wish I'd have had this sight 15 years ago.
**The other thing I'm experiencing is having a hard time being authentic in front of friends and public. I'm the best actress in the world and for so long, I've done the minimum to get by in social settings and the limited encounters I've had with my friends. I put on a face as I melt and disintegrate on the inside. AND drink to get through it. Drinking spins me into hypomania. (maybe hence why i'm depressed now, I don't have the drinking to propel me within minutes to a hypo state. (I normally have hidden away until I have enough energy to face the world again). And then afterwards, I race home exhausted and crumble. The exterior (great quote by the way) of me does nothing to portray what's going on in the interior. One of my friends (of four years) doesn't really get this dx; doesn't really believe in "pathologies" anyway. It hasn't been said, but I can feel her disbelief and distrust with what I"m doing with meds and so forth. And I can understand her confusion to a point....She attributes all those times that I've called her crying and desperate to "life circumstances" and I'm a sensitive soul. But it's almost as if she doesn't have time to pander towards this wallering in a diagnosis as if it's something escapist or "romantic". I feel so unseen and misunderstood by her and don't know how to bring it up. These are all subtle feelings that haven't been talked about. She's just said to me "If you believe it, then that's all that is important". Which is BS, b/c I don't get supported or understood that way.
Anyway, sorry to go on, but just wondering if you (or anyone else) has trouble with letting the actress go and giving myself permission to say "I'm in a depression right now and I can't laugh at all your jokes because YES, I suffer from a mood disorder". OR "Sorry I yelled at the woman in the theatre, I was in a mixed state of INTENSE agitation.". It's like what do I own? and what do I hide because it's really just me "acting out"? It's all so confusing. AM I making any sense????**RE: Trileptal, now my pdoc is set on Lithium. Probably because I was still cycling on Dep. I was better, but not totally. I'm upping the Lam. today to 100mg and hopefully, *pray*, that it will lift me up. I also want to get my thyroid checked pre-Lithium. don't want another set of problems.
"don't compare other peoples' outsides with your
insides." Pretty profound, eh?**GREAT QUOTE. and something to remember. One wise thing my mother did say to me when I was growing up (b/c I'm sooo sensitive) is "just because you see someone you know and they don't look happy, it could be because they are having a bad day and has nothing to do with you". Somewhat different than what you mean above. yes, I know your comparison. The image that comes to mind is lonely ole' me shuffling down an empty street shivering on rainy cold night alone and looking into the steamy windows of the warm houses with the cozy happy content families on the inside sitting by the fire together drinking hot chocolate. And feeling that I'll never have that and I'm such a loser and *uck up!
That's one thing, I've learned too. Everyone has things that they deal with and no one's life is perfect. And on the reverse side, this year I've realized also that not everyone has felt like me and that yes, possibly what I'm feeling isn't healthy or normal - hence me finally reaching out for help.**See this is what I wonder about. You only need 7ish hours of sleep and you do fine right? I crumble and crack if I don't get lots of sleep and then i'm a zombie for the first three hours upon entering the world again and then one hour of living, then bam! darkness again.....
>my preference is a Fuller's ESB...cheers to you.
*Is that a beer?? sorry for the ignorance....but you can tell where my fidelity lies....in skunk and swamp juice.Hugs back to you and I'm so glad you're there.
Katia
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 7, 2003, at 19:03:51
In reply to Redirect: Avro?, posted by Dr. Bob on September 30, 2003, at 18:57:45
> Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect the discussion that doesn't have to do with medication to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030913/msgs/264570.html
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob
Posted by Houston on November 7, 2003, at 22:29:31
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects, posted by Dalilah on August 25, 2003, at 14:05:26
Dalilah:
When they upped my lamictal to 150 from 100 it sent me spiraling into major depression and I cried constantly and for no reason at all. So they lowered to 100 and added 20mg of prozac. Now life seems great!
Thought I would share that with you as you may want to chat with you doctor about and option like this one.
> I'm sorry I don't know about all the side effects and sleep was not one for me, though I'm quite sure it's possible.
>
> I am up to 150mg of Lamictal now. It seemed like it may have been helping to curb some of the depression. My lithium has removed my hypomania (sadly I feel sometimes.) Anyhow, the last 3 days I have sunk back into the deep hell depression that I know so well. Cry Cry Cry death death death. When will this lamictal work? Will it send me back to the hospital? Is it all a cruel joke? Do I have to live like this forever? Do I just have to accept that I'm down most of the time?
>
> Help. Any thoughts? Words of wisdom? Suicide plans? OK, I know that's not funny.
>
> -Dalilah
Posted by katia on November 8, 2003, at 0:41:06
In reply to Dalilah: Lamictal side effects, posted by Houston on November 7, 2003, at 22:29:31
Hi Houston,
What's your DX?
Are you bipolar?
Posted by katia on November 8, 2003, at 15:01:12
In reply to Re: Hello gals..., posted by fluffy on November 7, 2003, at 11:55:44
katy,
You did help very much.You also inspired me with that poem. I wrote two rather long ones today!
I'll write more later too as I'm rushing off TO work.
take care,
katiaHi again,
I guess we got re-directed. Above is what I wrote last night to you. It seems when there is a redirect a few posts get lost; even the place where it's redirected to doesn't have the posts. So I didn't want you to think I didn't respond.I am actually feeling better. I upped the Lam. to 100mg yesterday and I did feel a bit better. As you know I wrote a lot too yesterday. That always helps; but then again is it that helping or was I feeling better already b/c of the Lamictal and then was ABLE to write. Who knows.
I'm having trouble sleeping tho'. (falling asleep). I've had to take seroquel the past few nights, it's all I've got. i guess this happens when I lose Depakote and up Lamictal.
take care katy,
katia
Posted by nmk on November 9, 2003, at 11:37:38
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » fluffy, posted by katia on November 8, 2003, at 15:01:12
> >
>.
>
> I am actually feeling better. I upped the Lam. to 100mg yesterday and I did feel a bit better. As you know I wrote a lot too yesterday. That always helps; but then again is it that helping or was I feeling better already b/c of the Lamictal and then was ABLE to write. Who knows.
> I'm having trouble sleeping tho'. (falling asleep). I've had to take seroquel the past few nights, it's all I've got. i guess this happens when I lose Depakote and up Lamictal.
> take care katy,
> katia
>Hi Katia,
I am up to 300 mg of Lamictal and like you, I can't sleep for the life of me. My doc had me on 3 mg of xanax xr and that still didn't do the trick. I tried 50 mg of seroquel last night and it knocked me out for only five hours and then I was wide awake.
How much seroquel do you take at night and does it give you a full 8 hours? I am afraid to decrease the lamictal since it is helping (somewhat) with the depression yet I need some sleep. Any suggestions??
Thanks,
Nicole>
Posted by katia on November 9, 2003, at 14:45:33
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » katia, posted by nmk on November 9, 2003, at 11:37:38
HI Nicole,
Yikes, that's tough. i have yet to have it that rough on Lam. I take between 1/8 and 1/4 of a 25 mg pill of Seroq.!!! and usually within two hours, I'm asleep and sleep for 8-9 hours. BUT however, I wake up groggy and a teensy bit on the depressed side. Is the xanax at 3mg not working? Is that a high dose? maybe raise it some or try something else all together.
good luck.
katia
> Hi Katia,
>
> I am up to 300 mg of Lamictal and like you, I can't sleep for the life of me. My doc had me on 3 mg of xanax xr and that still didn't do the trick. I tried 50 mg of seroquel last night and it knocked me out for only five hours and then I was wide awake.
>
> How much seroquel do you take at night and does it give you a full 8 hours? I am afraid to decrease the lamictal since it is helping (somewhat) with the depression yet I need some sleep. Any suggestions??
>
> Thanks,
>
> Nicole
>
> >
>
>
Posted by Dalilah on November 9, 2003, at 15:21:00
In reply to Dalilah: Lamictal side effects, posted by Houston on November 7, 2003, at 22:29:31
Hey Houston,
Thanks for the info. I've actually upped my Lamictal to 275mg and feel a ton better, though still have struggles. Glad yours is working.
-Dalilah
> Dalilah:
>
> When they upped my lamictal to 150 from 100 it sent me spiraling into major depression and I cried constantly and for no reason at all. So they lowered to 100 and added 20mg of prozac. Now life seems great!
>
> Thought I would share that with you as you may want to chat with you doctor about and option like this one.
>
> > I'm sorry I don't know about all the side effects and sleep was not one for me, though I'm quite sure it's possible.
> >
> > I am up to 150mg of Lamictal now. It seemed like it may have been helping to curb some of the depression. My lithium has removed my hypomania (sadly I feel sometimes.) Anyhow, the last 3 days I have sunk back into the deep hell depression that I know so well. Cry Cry Cry death death death. When will this lamictal work? Will it send me back to the hospital? Is it all a cruel joke? Do I have to live like this forever? Do I just have to accept that I'm down most of the time?
> >
> > Help. Any thoughts? Words of wisdom? Suicide plans? OK, I know that's not funny.
> >
> > -Dalilah
>
>
Posted by katia on November 9, 2003, at 16:02:32
In reply to Re: Dalilah: Lamictal side effects, posted by Dalilah on November 9, 2003, at 15:21:00
Dalilah,
Maybe I missed some of your posts before, but are you also on a combo of Lithium and Lamictal? What did you start first? Glad to hear that 275 is working for you. Do you find when you titrate up on Lam. you get an initial buzz that wears off after a few days? And does this plateau? or does depression come back?
When did you add Lithium? Is your dx BPII?
Do you experience mixed or rapid cycling?
thanks.
Katia
p.s. what is your dose of LI?
Posted by Dalilah on November 9, 2003, at 16:45:06
In reply to Re: Dalilah: Lamictal side effects » Dalilah, posted by katia on November 9, 2003, at 16:02:32
> Dalilah,
> Maybe I missed some of your posts before, but are you also on a combo of Lithium and Lamictal? What did you start first?D: Yes Lithium and Lam. I started Lithium first.
Glad to hear that 275 is working for you. Do you find when you titrate up on Lam. you get an initial buzz that wears off after a few days?
D: Not really a buzz. I get angry and irritated, but it goes away after a few days.
And does this plateau? or does depression come back?
D: Still depression creeps in somedays/weeks...
> When did you add Lithium? Is your dx BPII?
D: Yes.
> Do you experience mixed or rapid cycling?
I don't know anymore. I guess. I was manic my whole life, and a major drug addict. The depression I've experienced since getting sober has been so harsh. I literally did not get out of bed for a year.
> thanks.
> Katia
> p.s. what is your dose of LI?D: 600mg Lithium, though I've been on 900 and 1200 before. Lithium is good. Lamictal is good. Both together have been good.
Posted by katia on November 10, 2003, at 0:54:47
In reply to Re: Dalilah: Lamictal side effects, posted by Dalilah on November 9, 2003, at 16:45:06
> D: Yes Lithium and Lam. I started Lithium first.
> D: Still depression creeps in somedays/weeks...**How long were on Li. before starting Lam?
Was Li. not effective on its own?> I don't know anymore. I guess. I was manic my whole life, and a major drug addict. The depression I've experienced since getting sober has been so harsh. I literally did not get out of bed for a year.
**So you've only just been thru' your first depression? wow! How old are you? When you say manic, do you mean hypomanic? So you were in a constant state of near euphoria for how long? Why then did you finally get help? probably b/c you got sober and depressed and then realized that what you had been experiencing much of your life was mania/hypo? Did the drugs induce your mania, or was it there prior?
I've been depressed all my life, interspersed with little periods of hypomania and lots of mixed states/dysphoric. I'm 33. When I up the Lamictal, I get a buzz. I feel great. I love it - it gives me windows into what it feels like to be normal.
take care,
Katia
Posted by nmk on November 10, 2003, at 10:51:15
In reply to Re: Hello gals... » nmk, posted by katia on November 9, 2003, at 14:45:33
Thanks for the reply Katia. You are SO lucky that the tiny amount of Seroquel you take knocks you out. Last night I didn't even touch the seroquel and ended up taking restoril which I had taken years ago and stashed away. My pdoc is out of town until Thurs. and I have lowered my dose of Lam from 300mg to 250 to see if that helps tonight.
I know that you have to increase sloooowly with Lam. but do you know if you have to decrease just as slowly?
Thanks Katia,
Nicole
Posted by nmk on November 10, 2003, at 11:01:30
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » nmk, posted by BarbaraCat on November 5, 2003, at 14:45:42
Thanks Barbara. I too remember the days of Pergonal and Gonal F injections since it took 7 tries of artificial insemination to conceive my twins. It was an emotional rollercoaster and I shudder to head down that path again. My pdoc said that some women even resort to a hysterectomy and 50% of the time they have no relief from their previous symptoms.
I have tried Vitex and all the other natural hormonal remedies to no avail. So, I will continue with the Lam, despite the SEVERE insomnia I am having. I have decreased it to 250 mg to see if that helps tonight. I told Katia that I had taken 50 mg of seroquel the other night and although it initially knocked me out, I was up after five hours and wide awake. I felt like crap the next day and vowed NEVER to do that to myself again. My pdoc is out of town and I had to try whatever will get me some zzzz's.
I asked Katia this too but do you know if you can decrease the Lam. at a faster rate than when you increase?? I dropped from 300mg to 250 mg today to see if that will help with the insomnia but don't know if I can decrease that quickly by 50 mg.
Let me know how you are feeling and I hope everything is looking up these days.
Nicole:)))
Posted by Dalilah on November 10, 2003, at 11:32:13
In reply to Re: Dalilah: Lamictal side effects, posted by katia on November 10, 2003, at 0:54:47
Hey Katia,
I was on Lithium for about 6 months before the Lam. It helped a lot, but the depression was still pretty harsh. That's where the Lam came in.Oh no, I've been depressed a lot of my life. That was just my first 12-month depression (very scary.) It's so hard to determine my past ups and downs cause I didn't get diagnosed with the bipolar til 32. I'm 35. Now I have to re-examine my whole life in terms of manic/depression, so it's hard to say.
Anyhow, I sure used the drugs to deal with depression. And yes just hypo-mania, and not drug-induced. Of course cocaine made me feel good, but also quite horrible. In my daily life I was incredibly productive, I mean more than the average person. I had several business, completed college with honors, made an endless, amount of art, (all at the same time) and slept very little - in general. I never stopped. It was impressive, but ultimately took it's toll. It's quite possible I experienced a lot of mixed states.
Now I must (when feeling good) force my sleep, not overwork, try to be normal. Cause too much up leads to down (and that's intolerable.)
I too experience good feelings when I up the Lam but it doesn't necessarily go away, maybe just evens out. How much Lam do you take (150?), cause I'm serious, it didn't help me til 200mg.
-Dalilah
> > D: Yes Lithium and Lam. I started Lithium first.
> > D: Still depression creeps in somedays/weeks...
>
> **How long were on Li. before starting Lam?
> Was Li. not effective on its own?
>
> > I don't know anymore. I guess. I was manic my whole life, and a major drug addict. The depression I've experienced since getting sober has been so harsh. I literally did not get out of bed for a year.
>
> **So you've only just been thru' your first depression? wow! How old are you? When you say manic, do you mean hypomanic? So you were in a constant state of near euphoria for how long? Why then did you finally get help? probably b/c you got sober and depressed and then realized that what you had been experiencing much of your life was mania/hypo? Did the drugs induce your mania, or was it there prior?
>
> I've been depressed all my life, interspersed with little periods of hypomania and lots of mixed states/dysphoric. I'm 33. When I up the Lamictal, I get a buzz. I feel great. I love it - it gives me windows into what it feels like to be normal.
>
> take care,
> Katia
>
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.