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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Noa on February 15, 2000, at 20:37:37
I am still dragging with my low energy, low mood, etc. But I managed to get to work today.
I spoke to my pdoc last night and he said he would fax the lab work order to the lab, but it still wasn't there by the end of the day today. This is frustrating. I tried calling him several times today, and the lab said they tried, too. I want to get this blood test done and find out if it is a thyroid problem that is causing my current woes.
I have been feeling like I need to simplify everything, pull in from the different places that my energy goes. I feel like I can no longer multi-task. I get too confused and disorganized. I just can't keep up with the basics of my primary job, and certainly have trouble keeping up with the basics of living and maintaining an apartment. But I think I need to begin cutting out the secondary work.
It's almost the 16th of the month and I still haven't sent in my rent check--simply out of organizational ineptitude.
Posted by Phil on February 15, 2000, at 21:36:10
In reply to Still Dragging, posted by Noa on February 15, 2000, at 20:37:37
Noa, Hope you get it squared away soon. I'm beginning to think there's something in the air!
Seems like a lot of us are having problems now.
I've just tapered to 25mg on Desipramine so I could augment w/ Prozac, which I started today.
If that doesn't get me off my arse I'm going to drop Desip and try Rebox with Prozac. It's really hard finding a job when you look like you just lost your best friend.
Good luck with it. Depression seems to be a disease that comes hissing straight out of Hell.Phil
Posted by Cam W. on February 15, 2000, at 22:28:13
In reply to Re: Still Dragging, posted by Phil on February 15, 2000, at 21:36:10
> Noa, Hope you get it squared away soon. I'm beginning to think there's something in the air!
> Seems like a lot of us are having problems now.
> I've just tapered to 25mg on Desipramine so I could augment w/ Prozac, which I started today.
> If that doesn't get me off my arse I'm going to drop Desip and try Rebox with Prozac. It's really hard finding a job when you look like you just lost your best friend.
> Good luck with it. Depression seems to be a disease that comes hissing straight out of Hell.
>
> PhilNoa - Hang in there girl. We're cheering for you and thinking of you. Give your doc some time. This too shall pass. Good luck - Cam W.
Posted by torchgrl on February 15, 2000, at 22:49:47
In reply to Still Dragging, posted by Noa on February 15, 2000, at 20:37:37
> I am still dragging with my low energy, low mood, etc. But I managed to get to work today.
>
> I spoke to my pdoc last night and he said he would fax the lab work order to the lab, but it still wasn't there by the end of the day today. This is frustrating. I tried calling him several times today, and the lab said they tried, too. I want to get this blood test done and find out if it is a thyroid problem that is causing my current woes.
>
> I have been feeling like I need to simplify everything, pull in from the different places that my energy goes. I feel like I can no longer multi-task. I get too confused and disorganized. I just can't keep up with the basics of my primary job, and certainly have trouble keeping up with the basics of living and maintaining an apartment. But I think I need to begin cutting out the secondary work.
>
> It's almost the 16th of the month and I still haven't sent in my rent check--simply out of organizational ineptitude.Noa, here's the link to the post on another board with more info about the thyroid/lithium link.
http://webmd.lycos.com/roundtable_message/508880
Hang in there!
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 16, 2000, at 2:05:12
In reply to Still Dragging, posted by Noa on February 15, 2000, at 20:37:37
> I want to get this blood test done and find out if it is a thyroid problem that is causing my current woes.
Are you going to get a lithium level and maybe electrolytes while you're at it?
Bob
Posted by Noa on February 16, 2000, at 5:48:21
In reply to Re: blood tests, posted by Dr. Bob on February 16, 2000, at 2:05:12
> Are you going to get a lithium level and maybe electrolytes while you're at it?
>
> BobI wasn't but maybe I should. The last time I got a lithium level it was good (.8). What are electolytes? Are thy affected by lithium? Thanks.
Posted by Cam W. on February 16, 2000, at 7:02:18
In reply to Re: blood tests, posted by Noa on February 16, 2000, at 5:48:21
> > Are you going to get a lithium level and maybe electrolytes while you're at it?
> >
> > Bob
>
> I wasn't but maybe I should. The last time I got a lithium level it was good (.8). What are electolytes? Are thy affected by lithium? Thanks.Noa - Electrolytes are the body's salt balance (sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) that maintain your heartbeat and/or nerve cell firing. Many times they are routinuely done when someone is experiencing medical problems (eg sluggishness, fatigue, etc.) to rule out a psychologically-based or neurochemically-based problem. Dr.B is right, these should be checked. Maybe someone else has a little more info on this; its kinda out of my scope. Take Care - Cam W.
Posted by Noa on February 16, 2000, at 17:39:50
In reply to Re: blood tests, posted by Cam W. on February 16, 2000, at 7:02:18
I finally went for my blood tests. It was a frustrating chase, to get my doc to fax in the orders. Each time I spoke with him he said he would, but then they never arrived. Finally, I had the lab page him and he gave the orders verbaly over the phone, this afternoon. So, right after work, I went. I did ask my doc for the electrolytes, and lithium. The lithium, he was going to include anyway. He wasn't enthusiastic about the electrolytes, but said ok. I think they ended up in the orders because they took three vials from me, although I don't know what the norm is for different tests.
The results will be in in two days, which takes us to late Friday, meaning it will probably be Tuesday, because of the holiday weekend. It'll certainly be next Tuesday by the time I get to discuss them with my pdoc. I hate waiting, but what can you do.
I did go to work, and actually got a few things done. But my energy level is stll low. By the end of the day I was exhausted. You should see me. I seem to need to rest between every little action.
More than a month ago I agreed to help out a relative who will be in town this weekend (take care of two kids while parents and older kid go to a museum). I was excited about it, looking forward to it. Then, with all this poopiness lately, I forgot about it. I really can't remember if we confirmed or what. But she called and they are coming. I really would like to to it, but I am afraid I won't have the stamina to spend an afternoon with two energetic little kids. If I don't do it, I will feel lousy, too. Thing is, sometimes little kids jazz me up. Last week, a coworker's almost 2 year old grandson came into the office and I had a great time with him. For about half an hour, I got this surge of energy and we played together and I had fun. So maybe I will get some energy with these other kids.
Thanks for letting me ramble/think out loud.
Posted by torchgrl on February 16, 2000, at 23:58:21
In reply to Re: blood tests-Finally!, posted by Noa on February 16, 2000, at 17:39:50
Noa, I just ran across something mentioning that hypothyroid is associated with sleep apnea, so if the lithium HAS affected thyroid levels, this may also explain increased problems with that. Just a thought. Glad you made it to work today; at least you'll know fairly soon whether this is something you can easily address.
Posted by saint james on February 17, 2000, at 0:02:43
In reply to Re: blood tests-Finally!, posted by Noa on February 16, 2000, at 17:39:50
> I finally went for my blood tests.
James here....
Keep in mind that there are several tests that need to be done to rule out thyroid problems.
TSH ie thyroid stimulating harmone, something called "ultra sensitine" and a measure of actual
thyroid (there are at least 2 named T-2 and T-3 and maybe t-4) and all of these have to be tested
to get a meanful picture. These are from a fualty memory but the important thing is that you need a panel of tests and not just one indice measured to really get any meanful results.james
Posted by Noa on February 17, 2000, at 0:41:53
In reply to Re: blood tests-Finally!, posted by saint james on February 17, 2000, at 0:02:43
James, thanks. My pdoc is up on all that and includes about 4 different tests when I get my thyroid checked.
Torchgirl, thanks. I hope it is something "simple" like just needing to tweak my thyroid meds a bit.
Posted by medlib on February 17, 2000, at 1:10:57
In reply to Re: blood tests-Finally!, posted by Noa on February 16, 2000, at 17:39:50
> I finally went for my blood tests. It was a frustrating chase, to get my doc to fax in the orders. Each time I spoke with him he said he would, but then they never arrived. Finally, I had the lab page him and he gave the orders verbaly over the phone, this afternoon. So, right after work, I went. I did ask my doc for the electrolytes, and lithium. The lithium, he was going to include anyway. He wasn't enthusiastic about the electrolytes, but said ok. I think they ended up in the orders because they took three vials from me, although I don't know what the norm is for different tests.
Noa-
One place to check out values and interpretations for almost any lab test is the A.D.A.M. medical encyclopedia at:
http://www.netwellness.org/mhc/main.htm
Click on "Tests", then on "C", then "Chem20" 0R "s", then "SMA20" (same test, different names).
It measures levels of 20 different substances found in blood plasma(the clear, non-cellular part of the blood.) A brief description of "electrolytes" is included after "Normal Values."
Your doc should furnish you with a copy of all blood work; ASK! Depending on the lab form, normal values usually are listed and abnormal findings highlighted (and sometimes explained.)I have been reading this board for a couple of months and have found your posts very supportive and helpful. Your description of your dysfunctional home environment had me in stitches; I type this surrounded by more than 60 unopened cartons from a move 9 months ago! The only reason I have a working computer to type on is I bought it after the move. I recently purchased a nice printer (after only 8 months of indecision) and lost the printer cable in my mess before I could get it hooked up (and no, I haven't found it yet--going on two weeks now.) I guess that no matter how bad things are, someone else usually has it worse.
The only places I can reliably find things in my hovel are my purse and the top of the refrigerator--which is where I keep lab test reports and all other things psych.
I hope that your most recent problem IS thyroid--at least it's easier to fix than most others--but my 30+ years'experience with hypothroidism is that onset is seldom sudden--more like a windup clock running down.
Re: the kids. If your energy level is low, you might try the "Tired-Grandmother-Trick". Wear them out at the park, then pop them in front of the TV with a snack and a new videotape. With any luck the combination of exercise and food will make them sleepy.
Sorry this is so long; if I post again I'll try to be more succinct. Good luck!
Posted by bob on February 17, 2000, at 15:59:42
In reply to Re: blood tests-Finally!, posted by medlib on February 17, 2000, at 1:10:57
> Re: the kids. If your energy level is low, you might try the "Tired-Grandmother-Trick". Wear them out at the park, then pop them in front of the TV with a snack and a new videotape. With any luck the combination of exercise and food will make them sleepy.
... and, of course, if the exercise and calories don't put them in a state of sedation, the TV certainly will. ;^)
Posted by Noa on February 17, 2000, at 18:15:09
In reply to Re: wearing out kids, posted by bob on February 17, 2000, at 15:59:42
Thanks, med and Bob.
Med, I laughed about your description of YOUR place. My printer is sitting unused in my office at work. Why? For a while after moving into the office, I didn't have a printer, so I brought mine in from home (rather than doing the save-to-disk-and-run-around-looking-for-another-computer-to-print-on-where-you-probably-have-to-reformat-everything-anyway-and-waste-hours-and-annoy-coworkers dance). But, of course, they long ago have installed a printer there. So, months and months later, the printer is still there looking like clutter, and not here, being useful.
Posted by Janice on February 21, 2000, at 20:47:35
In reply to Re: wearing out kids, posted by Noa on February 17, 2000, at 18:15:09
I play it with my nephew and neice whenever I babysit them. and I think you will like it Noa...
The Cleaning Game
-Buy the kids' favourite candy
-Cut the candy into small pieces
-Make the kids clean (of course, you direct them) to earn the candyMy neice and nephew love the game, and although they are only 2 and 5, they have managed to clean a few fairly large things. They do tend to overuse the Windex.
This game could definately work to your advantage Noa!
Sorry to hear you are feeling bad lately (could SAD be a partial reason????). Make certain to keep us informed as to how you are feeling, and the results of your blood test. Janice
Posted by Noa on February 22, 2000, at 6:44:21
In reply to Noa, In case you still need to wear out those kids, posted by Janice on February 21, 2000, at 20:47:35
Janice, LOL! You are the queen of cleaning ideas. And this one kills two birds with one stone.
Yep, as it turns out, they are coming next weekend, not the one just past. I think I'll take em to a movie, or maybe the children's museum. Or, if the weather is good, maybe just to feed the ducks and geese on the mall.
I hope to get my test results today. Thanks.
This is the end of the thread.
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