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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Shirley 2 on May 31, 2001, at 6:44:28
John,
As an FYI, I finally emailed Dr. Jensen about 3 months ago and was disappointed with his response. It sounded like a canned reply and it seemed like he hadn't read any of my questions. I asked about telephone consultations with my psychiatrist and essentially, he said that I had to live in California for about a month and then would have to see him personally. I understand there are rules he has to follow but in my opinion, the response could have been more personable.
But just because I had a bad experience with him and perhaps I caught him during a bad time, doesn't mean I don't doubt his methods. Anyway, I just realized I have a enough samples to do a mini version of what he does. I got really excited but then I realized that he has never explained how he handles situations regarding PMS. Since I have had great success with drugs only for them to worsen my PMS, it would seem like I shouldn't be doing any testing during that period. Am I right or is there another way of compensating for this? Obviously, you haven't experienced the situation:)) but I would be interested in any thoughts you might have. Of course, if any females have had similar experiences, I would love to hear from you.
Shirley
Posted by JohnL on June 1, 2001, at 15:21:42
In reply to Dr. Martin Jensen/John L.-Question about method, posted by Shirley 2 on May 31, 2001, at 6:44:28
> John,
>
> As an FYI, I finally emailed Dr. Jensen about 3 months ago and was disappointed with his response. It sounded like a canned reply and it seemed like he hadn't read any of my questions. I asked about telephone consultations with my psychiatrist and essentially, he said that I had to live in California for about a month and then would have to see him personally. I understand there are rules he has to follow but in my opinion, the response could have been more personable.
>
> But just because I had a bad experience with him and perhaps I caught him during a bad time, doesn't mean I don't doubt his methods. Anyway, I just realized I have a enough samples to do a mini version of what he does. I got really excited but then I realized that he has never explained how he handles situations regarding PMS. Since I have had great success with drugs only for them to worsen my PMS, it would seem like I shouldn't be doing any testing during that period. Am I right or is there another way of compensating for this? Obviously, you haven't experienced the situation:)) but I would be interested in any thoughts you might have. Of course, if any females have had similar experiences, I would love to hear from you.
>
> ShirleyHi Shirley. Since you understand Jensen's methodology and reasoning, there is no need to have him as your doctor. I wouldn't be concerned that he left you with a sour taste. You can take ownership of your own mini trials without his help. Granted, he has a unique ability to figure out what a negative or neutral response means, and what to do next, but you and I can accomplish the same thing.
The PMS is over my head, so I don't have much to offer on that. It seems to me though that the right med(s) will not only work well, but prevent PMS at the same time, not worsen it.
Though Jensen shoots for one week trial comparisons of different meds, I personally prefer to lengthen that to two weeks. It's kind of a decent middle of the road compromise between Jensen and conventional stances.
Hang in there. I wish I could help more.
Posted by Shirley 2 on June 1, 2001, at 19:56:54
In reply to Re: Dr. Martin Jensen/John L.-Question about method, posted by JohnL on June 1, 2001, at 15:21:42
John,
Thanks for responding.
As you may or may not be aware, I started St. John's wort out of desperation and so far so good.
It worked instantly when I wasn't expecting anything. So obviously, I won't be sampling meds for now because why mess with a good thing?It will be interesting to see what happens during PMS. As long as my mood doesn't worsen, I'll be happy. And of course, let's not forget the montly agiation fun I was having on SSRI's which hopefully won't happen on SJW.
Stay tuned.
Shirley
Posted by shelliR on June 1, 2001, at 20:59:16
In reply to Re: Dr. Martin Jensen/John L.-Question about method » JohnL, posted by Shirley 2 on June 1, 2001, at 19:56:54
Shirley--if your mood worsens during PMS, you can try increasing the St. Johns Wort during that time. I've not taken St. John's Wort, but I've always increased my AD premenstrually. It's helped some--never completely for me, but it may work for you.
Shelli
Posted by JohnL on June 1, 2001, at 23:56:08
In reply to Re: Dr. Martin Jensen/John L.-Question about method » JohnL, posted by Shirley 2 on June 1, 2001, at 19:56:54
> John,
>
> Thanks for responding.
>
> As you may or may not be aware, I started St. John's wort out of desperation and so far so good.
> It worked instantly when I wasn't expecting anything. So obviously, I won't be sampling meds for now because why mess with a good thing?
>
> It will be interesting to see what happens during PMS. As long as my mood doesn't worsen, I'll be happy. And of course, let's not forget the montly agiation fun I was having on SSRI's which hopefully won't happen on SJW.
>
> Stay tuned.I'm with you all the way. That is, if something is working don't mess with it. SJW can be, and is, a powerful antidepressant for some people. It's funny, my wife wanted to quit smoking and found out that SJW is good to take to avoid the depression and mood swings associated with cessation. She said, "It's just a herb". Well, on SJW she was like a manic speeding bullet. And I said, "Just an herb, huh???" She admitted, that is strong stuff!
I hope it goes well. Keep in mind that in some clinical studies they used doses up to 2700mg a day, which is nine pills per day. I think the standard 3 per day is often too low, and that maybe that's why it doesn't work for as many people as we would hope. Higher doses were used in clinical studies to successfully treat severe depression. Whatever brand you are using seems to be doing the trick, but if you ever want to be sure you are getting the same pharmaceutical grade used in clinical studies, then stick with the brands Kira or Movana.
Best to you!
John
>
> Shirley
Posted by SLS on June 2, 2001, at 10:52:31
In reply to Re: PMS and st. johns wort » Shirley 2, posted by shelliR on June 1, 2001, at 20:59:16
>
>
> Shirley--if your mood worsens during PMS, you can try increasing the St. Johns Wort during that time. I've not taken St. John's Wort, but I've always increased my AD premenstrually. It's helped some--never completely for me, but it may work for you.
>
> Shelli
Hi Shelli.I'm just curious - have you ever tried taking vitamin B-6 megadoses?
- Scott
Posted by Shirley 2 on June 2, 2001, at 11:05:11
In reply to Re: PMS and st. johns wort » Shirley 2, posted by shelliR on June 1, 2001, at 20:59:16
Shelli,
Thanks for the advice.
When I was on Zoloft, I increased the dose with my p-doc's ok during PMS and it sounds like I had the same results as you. I also increased the dosage on Prozac during PMS but once I went back to my regular dose, I kept having problems possibly because of Prozac's tendancy to linger in the body longer. It seemed like no matter what I did, I just couldn't get the right dosage.
Interestingly, Valerie Ruskin, in her book about depression and women (sorry I can't remember the title) suggested that for women who had similar problems to mine, monthly agiatation after my period started, also advised increasing the dosage during PMS. It sounded very sensible to me.
But then somewhere on this board, I saw that three people who were taking Celexa had the same problem as me. It was nice not to feel so alone although I don't wish that on anybody.
Anyway, if I remember correctly, those posters had tried reducing their dosage during PMS. Can't remember how they fared. Gosh, does the phrase, "dammed if you do and dammed if you don't" come to mind?
I think what I will do is stay with my regular St. John Wort dose if I can possibly do it during PMS. I will keep a detailed log to see if anything should be changed for the next go-around.
Gee, Shelli, you were just trying to be helpful and here I go off on a tangent:)) In all seriousness, I greatly appreciate the fact that you took the time to respond. That means alot.
Shirley
Posted by Shirley 2 on June 2, 2001, at 11:08:15
In reply to Re: Dr. Martin Jensen/John L.-Question about method, posted by JohnL on June 1, 2001, at 23:56:08
John,
It sounds like your wife and I have very similar body chemistries. I think if I ever need to go to 300mg, I will switch over to one of the brands you suggest. But still doing well on my 150mg so I am not messing with success.
Thanks for all your help.
Shirley
Posted by shelliR on June 3, 2001, at 22:50:54
In reply to Re: PMS and st. johns wort » shelliR, posted by SLS on June 2, 2001, at 10:52:31
> >
> >
> > Shirley--if your mood worsens during PMS, you can try increasing the St. Johns Wort during that time. I've not taken St. John's Wort, but I've always increased my AD premenstrually. It's helped some--never completely for me, but it may work for you.
> >
> > Shelli
>
>
> Hi Shelli.
>
> I'm just curious - have you ever tried taking vitamin B-6 megadoses?
>
>
> - ScottHey Scott. I did the vitamin B thing several times years ago with no success, but haven't tried recently. The thing that helped physically the most for me is progesterone (in suppository form), but doesn't seem to touch the depression for me.
Now for the first time in my life I am getting migraines and taking nardil is preventing me from being able to take the most recently developed med (can't remember name) that you put under your tongue. Bummer.
Shelli
This is the end of the thread.
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