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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 37. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 6:49:03
2 hour drive, not sure what to say. Supposed to be taking clomipramine 100mg zoloft 50mg lithium 300mg, but have taken nothing for 2 months.
Really just need something for anxiety. I don't know who all started the antidepressants are good for anxiety school of thought, but it needs some drastic renovations IMHO.Maybe a *low* dose of seroquel. Maybe a *low* dose
of doxepin or amitryptaline.Either way, I know things aren't going to go terrably rosey.
Some days I think that if I prescribed the stuff, I'd be better. Other days I think that if I prescribed the stuff, I'd probably be dead :)
wish me luck
Linkadge
Posted by Glydin on June 24, 2005, at 7:30:46
In reply to Going to the doctor today, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 6:49:03
> Really just need something for anxiety. I don't know who all started the antidepressants are good for anxiety school of thought, but it needs some drastic renovations IMHO.A SSRI has worked wonders for my anxiety, but I know that's not true for everyone.
>
> Maybe a *low* dose of seroquel. Maybe a *low* dose
> of doxepin or amitryptaline.Benzos don't work for you?
> wish me luck
Good Luck, linkadge
Posted by SLS on June 24, 2005, at 7:44:00
In reply to Going to the doctor today, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 6:49:03
> 2 hour drive, not sure what to say.
Make a list.
> Supposed to be taking clomipramine 100mg zoloft 50mg lithium 300mg, but have taken nothing for 2 months.
This is a good thing. The doctor will be able to see you at your unmedicated baseline and have a clean slate to work with.
> Really just need something for anxiety. I don't know who all started the antidepressants are good for anxiety school of thought, but it needs some drastic renovations IMHO.
It depends on how each of us as individuals are wired as to whether an AD is useful to treat anxiety - or anything else for that matter.
> Maybe a *low* dose of seroquel. Maybe a *low* dose of doxepin or amitryptaline.
I think it might be a good idea to begin the session by telling the doctor that you have been difficult to treat and have some ideas of your own. However, let him evaluate you and synthesize his own ideas before offering your own suggestions.
> Either way, I know things aren't going to go terrably rosey.
Don't be such a fortune-teller! You might end up being right based on your prior experiences, but you never really know what you're getting in a new doctor. I hope you are pleasantly surprised.
> Some days I think that if I prescribed the stuff, I'd be better.
Possibly.
> Other days I think that if I prescribed the stuff, I'd probably be dead :)
Perhaps. But you have exercised what I think is a healthy respect for the potency of drugs and the dangers associated with drug interactions.
> wish me luck
Nothing but.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on June 24, 2005, at 7:53:42
In reply to Going to the doctor today, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 6:49:03
I almost forgot.
You MUST ask for the MAGIC pills, not the ones he prescribes for his regular patients. The pharmacy MUST dispense the prescription as written. NO GENERICS! (They haven't been blessed by a rabbi).
By the way, check out metyrapone. I believe you can get it in Canada and England as a treatment for Cushings Disease.
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 8:18:43
In reply to Re: Going to the doctor today » linkadge, posted by SLS on June 24, 2005, at 7:53:42
If only you were my doctor SLS !! Anyhow, I have made a list, but I don't know how to approach the problem.
I don't even know how to tell him I stopped taking my medication. I just don't want him to flip on me.
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on June 24, 2005, at 8:40:15
In reply to Re: Going to the doctor today » SLS, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 8:18:43
> I don't even know how to tell him I stopped taking my medication. I just don't want him to flip on me.I think the best approach is to tell him that the medication you were taking wasn't really helping too much and that you thought it would be easier to start from scratch. He will probably appreciate it.
- Scott
Posted by Jazzed on June 24, 2005, at 9:59:32
In reply to Going to the doctor today, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 6:49:03
Link,
good luck with this. I think Scott is right on the money. Good that you have your list, and as far as being off meds, don't anticipate what the doc will say. Scott was right, tell them what the meds were doing to you! When I told my doc I went off the stuff he Rx'd, and "played around with" the previous meds he'd Rx'd, he just very calmly asked, so what did you come up with, and how did it work for you. They've heard it ALL, you're not going to shock them. In that 2 hr drive get your confidence up, and just spill it in a calm way when you see them.
I agree with telling them what you've figured out, and offering suggestions, IF your p-doc can handle that. Also, it's okay to question what they Rx, and why. What's the point of going all that way only to come home deflated. It's your appt. time, take it! And good luck! Let us know how it goes!
Jazzy
Posted by KayeBaby on June 24, 2005, at 13:45:28
In reply to Re: Going to the doctor today » linkadge, posted by Jazzed on June 24, 2005, at 9:59:32
My Goodness! It's not as if you have been bad or criminal. The meds obviously were not helping or you would have continued. You are just doing what any creature on this earth would-trying to feel and function as well as you can. No reason to feel guilty and no reason for him to be anything less than compassionate.
I have been through the wringer with Dr.s-really no luck at all. I have had nothing but anywhere from traumatic to just plain poor care. I gave up for a long time when I really needed help most and just muddled through as best I could. I tried just goint to one after another hoping that the odds would have me find one decent one at some point. This tactic lasted for two Dr's before I quit.
Finally I just kept my ear to the ground, asked around until I finally saw one that seemed to be a safe bet. Finally at age 36 I found a Dr. that is everything a Dr. should be. He gets that I, more than any, care about my life and health. I am not irresponsible about drugs but absolutely need them to function at any sort of acceptable level. Jeez-the difference is remrkable in me being properly medicated and not.
I am a drug seeker!! I am looking for a drug that will allow me to live my life! I am looking for exactly the medication that will release me from the prison of my mind so that I can get on with it! I am guilty. Fortunately I am also without predjudice..it doesn't matter to me the drug, therapy or whatever it takes. I want it.
My thoughts are with you. Please don't let anyone make you feel guilty for trying as best you can to live. you deserve a medal, my friend.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 14:30:24
In reply to Re: Going to the doctor today, posted by KayeBaby on June 24, 2005, at 13:45:28
I don't even want to talk about it. This was the worst experience of my life.
I drove 2 1/2 hours, spilled the beans, gave him pages and pages of symptoms I was having on the meds. The apointment lasted literally 9 minuates, I timed it.
It really eeks away at you when you go over these apointments for months, loose sleep over them too. Wrack your brain to think of what might help, and you get absolutely no respect, compassion, or sincerity. Any insignt I had into my problem was just an insignifianct manifestation of my anxious persionality in his mind.
I'm still shaking from the anxiety I worked myself into before the appointment.Its useless to even hope about better treatments and better medications, theres not much point to me even being here, on this site, trying to get a better idea of what might help, when in the end I am so darned helpless as to any ability I have any input into my treatment.
Sorry folks, I've got to take another break from the site, hope is just too damn depressing.
Linkadge
Posted by Glydin on June 24, 2005, at 14:46:03
In reply to Its over for me !!!, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 14:30:24
Posted by ed_uk on June 24, 2005, at 15:32:06
In reply to Its over for me !!!, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 14:30:24
Link,
I just sent you a babblemail. Please read :-)
~Ed
Posted by Phillipa on June 24, 2005, at 18:55:17
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!! » linkadge, posted by ed_uk on June 24, 2005, at 15:32:06
Don't go Link, You never know when something new will popup. The excercise will help and your night job. But why won't he believe AD's don't help your anxiety. They didn't help mine. None of the current ones. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 21:33:16
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!!, posted by Phillipa on June 24, 2005, at 18:55:17
He told me to increase the zoloft and get rid of the clomipramine. The zoloft did nill for my physical anxiety. I told him this but he said that was because it was such a low dose. They have such faith in these darn drugs that noting seems to budge their oppinion that sometimes they don't work. I was an absolute zombie on 100mg, no good sleep at night, half asleep during the day.
"Oh well, this will go away with time" he says. NO! it doesn't.
You don't understand the absolute futility I feel, and the feeling of complete powerlessness.There was such a lack of thoroughness, it was just so rushed. He showed no concern when I told him that I was seeing faces on trees when I was taking the meds he wanted. There was just no oportunity to say anything. How can I get an accurate assesmnet when he is just asking the questions in such a way that he gets the answer he wants to hear.
Thats why I am obsessed with all this alternative crap is because it's the only thing I feel that I have any controll over at all.
Linkadge
Posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 21:36:20
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!!, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 21:33:16
Like, does anyone here know the neurological significance of not getting deep sleep for 5 years ? They don't seem to think that is important.
Linkadge
Posted by 4WD on June 24, 2005, at 22:15:17
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!!, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 21:33:16
> He told me to increase the zoloft and get rid of the clomipramine. The zoloft did nill for my physical anxiety. I told him this but he said that was because it was such a low dose. They have such faith in these darn drugs that noting seems to budge their oppinion that sometimes they don't work. I was an absolute zombie on 100mg, no good sleep at night, half asleep during the day.
> "Oh well, this will go away with time" he says. NO! it doesn't.
>
>
> You don't understand the absolute futility I feel, and the feeling of complete powerlessness.
>
> There was such a lack of thoroughness, it was just so rushed. He showed no concern when I told him that I was seeing faces on trees when I was taking the meds he wanted. There was just no oportunity to say anything. How can I get an accurate assesmnet when he is just asking the questions in such a way that he gets the answer he wants to hear.
>
>
> Thats why I am obsessed with all this alternative crap is because it's the only thing I feel that I have any controll over at all.
>
>
> Linkadge
>
>
>Linkadge,
I am so sorry. I understand how you feel. My apptointments make me feel the same way. Rushed, unconcerned, don't really give a crap. Just sit down, listen to him, and get out.
I guess you didn't tell him you had already stopped the clomipramine? Can you start going to a GP, tell him you just can't drive 2 1/2 hours to see a pdoc and ask him to prescribe for you?
Again, I am truly sorry about your experience. I wish I could help.
Marsha
Posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 22:36:32
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!! » linkadge, posted by 4WD on June 24, 2005, at 22:15:17
I could try and see the regular doctor I suppose.
I don't know if he'd have any more time for me though.
Linkadge
Posted by Racer on June 25, 2005, at 0:53:34
In reply to Its over for me !!!, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 14:30:24
Posted by SLS on June 25, 2005, at 7:59:53
In reply to Its over for me !!!, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 14:30:24
> I don't even want to talk about it. This was the worst experience of my life.
>
> I drove 2 1/2 hours, spilled the beans, gave him pages and pages of symptoms I was having on the meds. The apointment lasted literally 9 minuates, I timed it.What led you to choose this doctor in the first place?
Whenever I begin with a new doctor or go for a second opinion / consultation, I send to the doctor, at least a week before hand, a summary of my case that includes vital information, a case history including a list of symptoms and when they first occurred, the current diagnosis, familial history, and a list of previous treatments and what were their results. I include the date of the appointment just as a reminder of when to expect to see me. Keep it organized and brief. Make sure to bring a copy with you in case it was misplaced or never read. My consultant never received it, so he had to read it in front of me. It was still a big timesaver, and allowed him to ask questions along the way.
You might also want to have the doctor pass a litmus test over the phone before you make an appointment. My major litmus test is to know that the doctor is willing to prescribe MAOIs. Have the doctor's secretary ask the doctor. The secretary can then get back to you with an answer before making your initial appointment.
- Scott
Posted by missamor on June 25, 2005, at 11:30:54
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!!, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 21:36:20
i may be wrong here, but i believe lunatics are ppl that go insane from constantly not allowing themselves to fall into deep enough sleep for their brains to perform certain functions. i think my dad is one. and you seem too smart and to well spoken to feel helpless with your pdoc, if he/she wont listen to you, definately go somewhere where you dont feel that way, no reason to. i had a doctor that treated me like a crackhead and i saw her one time. i went through 3 in a month. you have to find one you trust that trusts you and your opinion. now i dont even see one, i get my prescription from gp, therapy is over. no pdoc or therapist, my gp monitors med. maybe go that route. good luck to you.
Posted by willyee on June 25, 2005, at 15:04:43
In reply to Its over for me !!!, posted by linkadge on June 24, 2005, at 14:30:24
> I don't even want to talk about it. This was the worst experience of my life.
>
> I drove 2 1/2 hours, spilled the beans, gave him pages and pages of symptoms I was having on the meds. The apointment lasted literally 9 minuates, I timed it.
>
> It really eeks away at you when you go over these apointments for months, loose sleep over them too. Wrack your brain to think of what might help, and you get absolutely no respect, compassion, or sincerity. Any insignt I had into my problem was just an insignifianct manifestation of my anxious persionality in his mind.
>
>
> I'm still shaking from the anxiety I worked myself into before the appointment.
>
> Its useless to even hope about better treatments and better medications, theres not much point to me even being here, on this site, trying to get a better idea of what might help, when in the end I am so darned helpless as to any ability I have any input into my treatment.
>
>
>
> Sorry folks, I've got to take another break from the site, hope is just too damn depressing.
>
>
> Linkadge
>
YOU ARE SOOOOOOOO not alone,i remeber waiting weeks for my appointment,to have my doc barly look me in the face,and blow me off so fast my head is spinning,i leave the office with something i dident want,as well as my head spinning.Thats why my parents,and prob many people who read my posts cant understand why i seem to run my own attempts at medication on my own.I tried to get help,i extended my sould out to these doctors and in turn i was almost killed.As bad off as i get self medicating,i have never once since harmed myself or thought it,HOWEVER when was under a docs care i listened and listened and stayed on effexor for weeks and weeks while BEGGING to get off,i remember putting a knife to my neck once,my dog somehow snapped me out of it and i relaised i would never do such a thing,i threw effexor out that day,along with a lot of respect for the docters and industry.I came across parnate on MY OWN DOING,and had to go through tons of docs to get it,now that parnate is telling me its tired and needs a break,i again am in ground zero,i wish very badly i could find a doc with compassion and knowledge,id prob break down in tears in their office due to overwelhming shock.
My primary doctor was so nice and caring,recorded all our sessions,and he feels terrable hes not allowed to fully treat me,something is wrong with our sysytem,linkadge its all of us friend .
Posted by linkadge on June 25, 2005, at 18:05:21
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!!, posted by willyee on June 25, 2005, at 15:04:43
Yeah, I wait a long time for these doctors. If I give up on this guy, then I probably can't see another psychiatrist for the next 6mos - 1 year.
It's not so much that I didn't get what I wanted as it was his complete lack of concern.
Linkage
Posted by Phillipa on June 25, 2005, at 18:15:25
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!! » willyee, posted by linkadge on June 25, 2005, at 18:05:21
Oh NO willee, If you are who I think you are and live where I think you do you are in serious trouble. I know if Dr. Parker is still around he will say "He's been misdiagnosed, he's bipolar, put him on lithium". I know none of the other docs in VA Beach that I know of used it. The one i have in Greenville has one pt still on it so maybe she remembers something that will work from her past. As I said in a previous post contact me. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by willyee on June 25, 2005, at 20:16:09
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!!, posted by Phillipa on June 25, 2005, at 18:15:25
> Oh NO willee, If you are who I think you are and live where I think you do you are in serious trouble. I know if Dr. Parker is still around he will say "He's been misdiagnosed, he's bipolar, put him on lithium". I know none of the other docs in VA Beach that I know of used it. The one i have in Greenville has one pt still on it so maybe she remembers something that will work from her past. As I said in a previous post contact me. Fondly, Phillipa
DR.PARKER ARRRRRRRRR yess buis park dr,i know him well,out of 30 docs hes the first one i seen at age 18,who handed me something called drugs,and told me in 2 weeks id be a "new person".
I never have been myself since,the DRUG in question was effexor,he did not inform me what i was taking,or inform me of anything,yet he got VERY upset when i had him messaged because for some reason i felt very strange and sick.I was kicked out of his office and practice after he snapped at my father for asking a question,i of course returned with my snap,so he refused to see me,,leaving to a effexor withdrawal.
Dr parker is the man who started this mess,i hold him partily responsable,i did not know what drugs were,i went there for talk therapy since i had just gotten insurance,i did not expect any drugs.
Needless to say i went into a effexor withdrawal and almost took my life,dr parker is a very poor docter and his concern for his patients is horrid.
My email is brklyn234@yahoo.com that is how u can get to me btw.
I can NOT believe u mentioned DR PARKER,he passes my mind every day.
Posted by Phillipa on June 25, 2005, at 20:46:45
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!!, posted by willyee on June 25, 2005, at 20:16:09
My husband saw him at VA Beach Psych. That's where I met him. Suuush don't tell anyone it's against the rules. He charged him for 30min each day and saw him for 5min. He was the only one who wasn't put on Lithium. He was put on Paxil. Did you know he had a heartattack? He always came in very early in the am after working out? Always seemed to have so much energy. Found out later he was bipolar. Did you know Dr. King-Jones? Female. She was the one who told me about Dr. Waring when he committed suicide. He was wierd. He specialized in kids. One day I saw him and he was so disorganized I had to tell him to let his secretary put the papers in the charts it wasn't his job that's what he paid her for. But he did it anyway. I should have known something was wrong. The next day they found him dead in his garage. He had been drunk, dancing on the bar, new wife, and passed out with the engine running. It's a small world. Thanks for your E-mail. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by linkadge on June 25, 2005, at 21:07:48
In reply to Re: Its over for me !!! » willyee, posted by Phillipa on June 25, 2005, at 20:46:45
You mentioned that he saw your husband for 5 minautes and charged him for 30. I think this is what my doctor's been doing. Although, it's not me who pays but the gov't.
Linkadge
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