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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by simus on June 8, 2004, at 22:43:42
In reply to Mystic, posted by jlynne on June 8, 2004, at 22:15:11
jlynne,
Hey, we missed you so much, girl. I am sorry to hear that you are having problems. You will be in my prayers.
Don't expect too much from yourself right now. These plans and goals will come to pass in time.
God bless,
Simus
Posted by simus on June 8, 2004, at 22:45:35
In reply to Mystic, posted by jlynne on June 8, 2004, at 22:15:11
Mystic,
How was today?
How is that sweet little boy doing? I bet he is really growing fast!
Still praying...
Simus
Posted by simus on June 9, 2004, at 0:43:25
In reply to RE:: simus, posted by LynneDa on June 8, 2004, at 14:10:05
> If you have time, I'd love to know what natural remedies you've tried and how you feel they compare to the pharmaceuticals. I've tried 5-htp & Sam-E plus a bunch of herbal combos. I don't think I gave any of them a good enough go to assess whether they would've worked. Thanks!
> ~ LynneLynne,
I have been struggling for over an hour now on a good response to your post. I wish I had a blanket answer for you, but there are so many, many factors to be considered. First of all, I would like to recommend the books "Depression Free, Naturally" and "The Mood Cure". They are both excellent. They talk of the brain chemicals and how to determine if or which we are deficient in. They also talk of other possible causes of depression/anxiety such as hormones, thyroid, and adrenal exhaustion, just to name a few. The books cover supplements that would be helpful, as well as those that should be avoided. They cover vitamins, minerals, amino acids, Omega oils, herbs, etc. They also cover diet and lifestyle. They have references for what testing can be done and who can do it. These books are such a wealth of information. The one thing I have found out is that our situations are each so unique, and that our bodies can be out of balance for so many reasons.
As far as taking 5htp on a SSRI, you have to be careful because the 5htp is the precursor to serotonin production and you could be in danger of serotonin syndrome (worst case is coma or death). But I don't think it is a problem for those not on any psychiatric meds - not sure. I think SAM-e should be taken with caution while on a SSRI also.
In my own situation, from information in the books I have learned of and have tested positive for a genetic blood disorder that causes a depletion of vitamin B6 and zinc, both critical to proper brain function. This disorder also causes adrenal exhaustion, and I do fit the profile. So I am not only adding extra B6 and zinc to my standard supplements, but I am also treating the adrenal exhaustion. I have come a LONG way, but I am still trying to get the right balance of supplements and proper lifestyle changes to treat the adrenal exhaustion. The books are clear that although there is some immediate improvement, recovery may take up to a year. Since it is a genetic disorder, I will probably have to treat it to some degree my whole life. But it sure beats facing a lifetime of drugs or sickness.
There are some things that I think I could safely recommend to everyone though. Gingko biloba is a great herb. It improves blood flow to the brain, elevates the mood in people prone to depression, and is a powerful anti-oxidant. Ginger root (I use it in tea form) is an adaptogen, which means it helps normalize many body functions. Green tea (in tea form), even though it has a small amount of caffeine, it contains anti-oxidants and other nutrients. Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha Root) and Siberian ginseng root are excellent for many, many reasons. Indian ginseng is an adaptogen (like ginger). Siberian ginseng has the unique quality of both increasing energy levels and calming anxiety (do not use though if your blood pressure is very high). Of course, all of these should be taken in moderation. I make a cup of tea every day that has one green tea bag, one ginger tea bag, and one ginseng tea bag. It clears my mind, lifts my mood, calms anxiety, and just makes me "feel good".Some things that should definitely be avoided are street drugs (needless to say), alcohol, tobacco, coffee/black tea, sugar, white flour, "bad fats" and highly processed foods. Well, I think everybody knows these things, but actually cutting them all out does make a huge difference.
Gee, I sure hope this helped some.
God bless.
Simus
Posted by simus on June 9, 2004, at 1:15:22
In reply to RE:: simus, posted by mystic on June 8, 2004, at 15:17:27
Mystic,
I am so sorry for taking so long to answer, but I have been doing research for you. Could you answer a few other questions? There are 6 primary causes of anxiety, and 5 of the 6 lean toward one treatment and 1 of the 6 has a unique treatment. I just want to make sure I don't recommend the wrong thing. (In the mean time, if you don't have high blood pressure, try some Siberian Ginseng Root (or Eleutherococus senticosus) tea. You can get it at the grocery store - it is very common. It has a very odd quality of both energizing and calming at the same time. And in tea form, you have more control (for your med phobia). Take a few sips, then wait to see how you react, then take a few more sips...
Questions:
Has hyperthyroidism been ruled out?
Do you sunburn easily, or have fair skin?
Does your face look swollen when under a lot of stress?
Do you belong to an all girl family, or have you miscarried a boy? (You don't have to answer that.)
Do you have stretchmarks?
Do you eat/drink a lot of sugar?
Do you drink a lot of caffeine?
I sure hope I can find something to help you sweetie.God bless,
Simus
Posted by LynneDa on June 9, 2004, at 9:55:45
In reply to RE:: simus » LynneDa, posted by simus on June 9, 2004, at 0:43:25
Simus - THANK YOU! I really appreciate you taking the time to summarize some of your knowledge and thoughts . . . and I'm sure many others reading this will learn something too! I love the tea idea. I know I need to take more supplements, vitamins, etc. I wouldn't take the 5-htp or sam-e with my AD, I used to take them before I went on Lex. I've recently stopped drinking coffee (well, almost completely - I really love it!) and started just drinking green tea either hot or iced.
I will read those books. I think I'm finally feeling good enough again to do some other things for myself that will help overall. It all takes so much energy, doesn't it?!?! I have an appt with my general med doc next week. I can't get thru the fatigue so I want to have everything checked out.
THANK YOU - you are a wonderful support and fountain of wisdom :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by simus on June 9, 2004, at 11:39:19
In reply to RE:: simus, posted by LynneDa on June 9, 2004, at 9:55:45
Lynne,
I felt bad that I couldn't offer more specific help. But I didn't know enough about you and I didn't want to take the chance of something actually making you worse instead of better.
> I think I'm finally feeling good enough again to do some other things for myself that will help overall. It all takes so much energy, doesn't it?!?!
It sure does. I couldn't help myself more for years until I had enough clarity of mind to sort through the mountain of info out there to find something to help me.
> I have an appt with my general med doc next week. I can't get thru the fatigue so I want to have everything checked out.
The fatigue could be the Lexapro. Did you have fatigue before Lex? If it was me, depending on insurance coverage and cost of course, I would definite get a thyroid panel and possibly a hormone panel depending on age, as well as the basic testing. There is so much more testing that I could recommend, but traditional doctors usually scoff at it. So if you don't get a satisfactory answer from your doctor's tests, there are always alternative medical centers that can run tests for vitamin/mineral levels in the blood, etc.
Good luck, and God bless.
Simus
Posted by Gator on June 9, 2004, at 12:34:21
In reply to RE:: simus, posted by mystic on June 8, 2004, at 13:24:24
Mystic,
I am on Lex for depression but as a result of being on Lex I have calmed some of the anxiety that I had but never realized it was controlable(sp?) (LOL). I always knew I was very sad, but there were things that I would constantly worry about. I started at 10mgs. After awhile I was getting sad again. My Dr. said to go up to 20mgs. I took 15mgs for about a month and felt kinda in limbo during that month. Since I have been on 20mgs I have been feeling really good. I really feel like my old self is coming back. I am getting happy with my self and standing up for my self. There was alot of self examination that has helped this happiness but I think the Lex has helped me be able to make some life changes. I guess what I am trying to say (the long way) is try the increase to 20mgs when you get the strength and don't expect instant results - just try to wake up every morning thinking that things are going to be good today!! I hope the best for you because are a very special person and deserve to be happy.
Sorry to be so long. Take care of yourself and I will continue to pray for your happiness!
Gator
Posted by simus on June 9, 2004, at 13:40:25
In reply to RE:: simus » mystic, posted by Gator on June 9, 2004, at 12:34:21
Gator,
Thanks for the encouragement for Mystic. She needs something hopeful to hold on to right now.
I am so glad you are doing well! It is a tough battle, but worth the fight.
God bless.
Posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 18:18:37
In reply to RE:: simus » mystic, posted by simus on June 9, 2004, at 1:15:22
Hey simus...thanks for the post....
Has hyperthyroidism been ruled out?
I have bloodwork done every year at my annual and they have never said anything...My sister has hypoglycemia (sp) and thinks that I should watch the things I eat...I looooveeee chocolate and sweets but I'm not really too bad mostly at work and I only work 4 days a week...
Do you sunburn easily, or have fair skin?
No i'm not fair skinned more oliveish..
Does your face look swollen when under a lot of stress?
Never noticed dont think so...
Do you belong to an all girl family, or have you miscarried a boy? (You don't have to answer that.)
no and no
Do you have stretchmarks?
No
Do you eat/drink a lot of sugar?
Well yes and no..I dont really when I'm not at work..but I do have like a cookie..chocolates..sweets at work..people bring them in all the time and I work for a dentist figure that out...I eat a lot of those well should say usually every day those parfaits from mcdonalds it is lowfat yogurt and sugar free strawberries and blueberries....
Do you drink a lot of caffeine?
I stay away from caffeine the only way I would get it would be in chocolate and dont eat tooo much of that..when I do I dont feel so well I notice lately on the lex...
I hope that is helpful Dr. Simus...hahahha...you are the bestest of the best...What do you do for a living...I'm thinking about a lot of different things that you would be good at...A friend is the first that comes to mind a very good one...Thanks for all you do Simus...
My grandson is doing great and my daughter also they are the best I'm glad I'm only 41 and able to be young enough to enjoy..and hope to get to the point that I enjoy it totally when I'm feeling better...Right now I do enjoy the time I spend with him and I see him just about every day...thanks for asking...
This week has been very trying I'm still very discouraged but think that my decision to leave the board which lasted 2 days because i realize how special everyone is ...through good and bad and that is amazing...just amazing...Thank you Simus for all your support...How are you feeling good I hope..I will talk to you later..Luvya Your friend always...Mystic
Posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 18:20:28
In reply to RE:: simus » mystic, posted by Gator on June 9, 2004, at 12:34:21
Gator...thank you so much for your post It was very special and you are very special also..it is amazing how wonderful people are on here when you need them...I really listen to what you say and it helps me in my decisions greatly so I hope that you know that even though you might not think it is much when you post simple words but it is more than that to me...it is encouragement and friendship and sometimes hope..thank you gator and I'm praying for all of you also..Your friend Always luvya ....Mystic
Posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 18:23:10
In reply to RE:: Gator, posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 18:20:28
Lynne I read your posts everyday also thank you so much for hanging in there with us you are a wonderful person...It seems like our group is getting smaller and that makes me sad but there is always someone there to help and I appreciate it sooooo much...Hopefully someday we will all be just better and better...Luvya Your friend Always...Mystic
Posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 18:24:52
In reply to RE:: Lynne » mystic, posted by LynneDa on June 8, 2004, at 15:40:05
Lynne..when you said that you have gained weight since being on the 20mgs...do you work out??.. do you find yourself eating more without having control over it??... just wondering you dont have to answer me but just curious about the weight gain things since when I was on the paxil gained over 45lbs and have gotten down to where I was before and it took time and working out which I wasnt doing before...Thanks girlfriend.>>Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 19:47:43
In reply to Mystic, posted by jlynne on June 8, 2004, at 22:15:11
Jlynne, so good to hear from you again. It was so nice of you to try to help Mystic even though you are struggling yourself. Isn't that what life is about though, taking care of eachother. I hope that things become a little nicer for you soon and that you are able to accomplish of of those wonderful things you spoke of. Love, Mrs.C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 19:57:34
In reply to RE:: simus » mystic, posted by Gator on June 9, 2004, at 12:34:21
Gator, nice to hear from you. Glad that you are doing so well. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 21:10:12
In reply to RE:: simus, posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 19:57:34
Jlynne...so happy to hear from you again..I have missed you soooooo much on the posts...I know that you are in open alot but never when I'm in there and I get booted alot...Thanks for being you and please check in more often we all think of you sooo much and hope that your hard time will get a little easier soon..firsts are always soooo hard but you are a wonderful person and you will find your happiness...you really will...Luvya Your friend Mystic
Posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 22:22:17
In reply to Redirected Lexaproers, posted by jlynne on March 13, 2004, at 1:31:16
Hey Lexy...anxious babe where are you guys this week??..you are missed as always...K..did you disappear...there are so many not around anymore..I cant wait to hear from the 2 brides to see how everything went...Take care everyone..Your friend Mystic...Hey Emily where the heck is emily
Posted by simus on June 9, 2004, at 23:42:53
In reply to RE:: simus, posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 18:18:37
Hey thanks, Mystic. That gave me a lot to go on. Please remember that I am NOT a doctor, just a friend, and you should get your doctor's advice before you try anything.
Hypoglycemia can cause anxiety, but I would guess you have more going on than that.
A B vitamin deficiency can cause anxiety. You could consider trying a good-quality B complex. B3 (niacinamide) has a calming effect. Inositol is also a B vitamin - it regulates serotonin and reduces anxiety. If you decide to supplement individual B vitamins, you should also supplement a B complex for balance. I personally have improved by taking B vitamins.
A good quality calcium/magnesium supplement could also help. It usually comes in 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium, or you could take them individually. I was very deficient in magnesium, and I don't know what I would do without it now.
Then there are the amino acids. Be careful with taking individual amino acids unless you know a lot about them. One thing you could try though is GABA. I haven't needed to try it yet so I can't tell you my experience. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a calming brain neurotransmitter, and it has been shown to relieve anxiety.
There has also been a lot of talk about Omega oils. Several people on the Psycho-Babble Alternative board have trouble with fish oil, but I have done good on evening primrose oil or even flax seed oil.
Well, how's that for a start? If you do decide to try natural supplements, it is wise to add only one at a time to see how your body reacts to it. A great place to start would be just a good B complex.
LOL. It's funny how being so sick and wanting so much to be well again can cause a person to pick up this much information. I sure hope if you try any of this that it helps you. Let me know.
God bless.
Simus
P.S. (mechanical engineer) ;-)
Posted by LynneDa on June 10, 2004, at 9:46:59
In reply to RE: PS Lynne, posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 18:24:52
Mystic -
Sadly, I don't work out much anymore and that is part of the problem I am sure. At 40, I know my metabolism is changing on its own without the Lex. I walk on my treadmill 3- 4 times per week and take the steps at work a few times a week (I'm on the 5th floor) - but that's about it! I don't snack a whole lot - maybe a cookie or a couple pieces of chocolate, but I am just always hungry now - didn't used to be like this. If I can decrease my fatigue I'll be able to exercise more. I'm going to my doctor next week to have my thyroid, iron, etc., checked out! You are such a work out person, you should be fine!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lynne..when you said that you have gained weight since being on the 20mgs...do you work out??.. do you find yourself eating more without having control over it??... just wondering you dont have to answer me but just curious about the weight gain things since when I was on the paxil gained over 45lbs and have gotten down to where I was before and it took time and working out which I wasnt doing before...Thanks girlfriend.>>Mystic
Posted by anxious babe on June 10, 2004, at 11:04:16
In reply to RE::: Lexy..anxious babe, posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 22:22:17
Hi all,
I was having trouble with my email this weekend and couldn't get on the boards for some reason - I had to register all over again.
So how are all my friends doing? Mystic you sound much better and I am so happy that you are back - two days without you was lonely enough.
Sexy Lexy - where have you been? I haven't even heard from you on my personal email...I hope your having fun but check in once in a while we miss you.
Mrs. C your quiet but I know that you are so busy wrapping up everything for the end of the school year.
Simus, it's good to hear that your feeling better.
Where has bride been? I know that one is getting married this week and the other one is probably tying up all of her loose ends.So can anyone tell me what OPEN is - I often hear you guys say that you were talking in open but I just can't figure out how to get there - can someone Help me! I tried reading all of the boards and I can't find one that says open.
Thanks yo-yo's - love and blessings to all,
Anxious babe
Posted by sexylexy on June 10, 2004, at 13:41:10
In reply to RE::: Lexy..anxious babe, posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 22:22:17
Hi All!
Sorry to have gone MIA. My best friend got married this past weekend and my liscensure test is next Friday so I have been studying for literally 6 hours a day trying to cover everything. I have not checked the boards or my personal emails in a few days I have been so busy. I have also been interviewing for jobs as the Dr. I was hired by decided to not go though with the private practice. I accepted a job today, I will be working at an outpatient mental health clinic and teaching MD residents a class on something that I am not sure yet. My Mom is moving on Monday and my Dad is going a few weeks later when he finishes up work. Things are CRAZY. I personally am doing ok. Things were a lot easier when my boyfriend was still here but I am glad to know that he will be back in early Aug. I am hanging in there, not getting out as much as I would like but feeling pretty good, with a few down days..no crying spells for a month now so that is good, I also am feeling a lot calmer and less emotional.
Mystic... those tapes the muscle relaxation ones... just type the title in on google and they should come up. I hope you are doing well, sorry to have been such a bad yo yo lately.Anxious Babe... I am sorry, I am just now getting your personal email and plan on writing back this weekend...hope you are doing well.
Simus.. Sounds like your doing well, hope things just get better and better.
Jlynne...How are you doing... I am so out of the loop with everything... last I knew things were going well for you and your posititve attudide was wonderful.
Trucker... Are you still around and doing well...
Brides... I miss ya'll all this wedding fever going on down south... I am hoping my boyfriend catches a good case of it!
LynneDa...How goes it...did u cut down to 10mg yet? I am down to 5 now and feeling ok..though this is my frist day on 5mg. I am hoping to be off the lex in the next few months and then see if I just need something durining PMS.
Mrs. C, I am sure things are getting crazy finishing school, need any help or recourses?
Em.. Are still around
Mag.. same thing
Has anyone heard from K in forever???? If I left anyone out I am so sorry, my head is going in a 1000000 directions. I love ya'll!!!
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on June 10, 2004, at 13:52:52
In reply to RE::: Hey coco chanel girl, posted by Mrs. C on June 5, 2004, at 19:12:25
Mrs. C,
Sorry this is such a delayed email. I did get the info on Atkins...thanks so much... I am still wondering if I want to do it as high chlosterol runs in my family and I am not sure what the higher fat would do to me. Who knows, it would be nice to get back into a tiny tiny size... we will see.
I have heard good things about oil of olay. I just use Chanel make-up... I am a bit of a make up whore, but the lotions and stuff I cannot put on my face because it is sensitive... I mean I to wash my face with bottled water for a while when I went to collge because the water broke my face out... yes I know I'm weird. I very rarely get like a "pimple" but if my face does not like something Ill get a little fine bumps. Oh well, such is life. We are some hot Yo Yos!!!
Love ya,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on June 10, 2004, at 13:59:10
In reply to RE::: Hey coco chanel girl » sexylexy, posted by simus on June 3, 2004, at 23:05:32
Hey Simus!
Sorry to get back to you so late. Getting my body done is a bunch of different things but in the case of this wedding was getting air brush tanning. If you have never done it I highly reccomend it. I used to tan a lot in college but then worked for a hospital and hospice who had a lot of girls who tanned a lot then got skin cancer which went to the brain. YUCK. So I now use alternative tanning. Airbrush is when a lady litteraly air brushes your skin and makes your really natural even glowing tan.
I have also gotten a body bronzing treatment at at a spa which is where they do all the exfoilation ect for you then "paint" you bronze. It is nice but cost about $80 when air brusing cost about $20.
I have never tried those body wraps that say they take off inches ect but would be willing to try someday when I have the money.
Love ya!
Lexy
Posted by mystic on June 10, 2004, at 18:41:04
In reply to Redirected Lexaproers, posted by jlynne on March 13, 2004, at 1:31:16
Hey everyone...Not a great day for me...Simus I'm thinking that this might have a lot well not a lot but some to do with the way I eat sometimes. My sister has really been getting on me about this hypoglycemia thing and I do eat a lot of sugar at work ie" cookies ..chocolate..brownies.. I'm going to try to cut some of those things out ...and I dont really eat a lot of meat or protein..so have to try to balance things out..I eat a lot of veggies ...salads..yogurt with fruit but dont even it off at all...Will try it and see how it goes..Just a thought..Simus thank you for all the information you gave me ..I hope that I get better soon because I dont know how much longer I can take this..really discouraged..but you guys help me out soooo much...and I thank you...glad to hear from Lexy and the others...welcome welcome welcome...Luvya ALLLL...Your friend...Mystic
Posted by mystic on June 10, 2004, at 19:41:54
In reply to Redirected Lexaproers, posted by jlynne on March 13, 2004, at 1:31:16
Jlynne...Not sure when this anniversary is but I'm thinking about you and hoping that you will be fine and this too shall pass...I know that the firsts for everything are very hard...1st holidays...1st anniversaries...first all kind of things...there is nothing that we can do sometimes but think good thoughts towards someone and hope that they are getting through..You have been there for me many times and I want you to know that I'm thinking about you and hoping that life is a little easy to you at this time...Luvya Your friend..Mystic...PS...I and I'm sure everyone else misses you alot!!!!!!!!!..we are the orginals on this post..!!!!Take good good care of yourself
Posted by sexylexy on June 10, 2004, at 20:53:55
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on June 10, 2004, at 18:41:04
Hey Chicka
I have hypoglycemica as well. It is good to eat a lot of protien, I eat some low fat peanut butter in the morning and then something... As a broke grad student I got very friendly with Taco Bell bean burritos and wendy's chilli. Also I quit taking vitamins... especially calcium was really making me depressed/anxious. Its werid how we all react differently to things but giving up the vitamins helped me 100%.
Good luck!
Lexy
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