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Posted by Maxime on February 16, 2005, at 21:22:24
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless » linkadge, posted by TamaraJ on February 16, 2005, at 16:31:03
I am so angry. I hate our health care. I hate that we have to wait so long to see a specialist. The only way Link is going to be able to see a new pdoc is to go to an ER and then he will be admitted which may actually be a good thing. He needs to get away from the daily stress of life. To see a new pdoc will he need another referal from his GP?
Tamara, you are such a good person to offer to help. I live in Montreal. Things are worse here than in Ontario.
Sigh.
Maxime
Posted by TamaraJ on February 16, 2005, at 21:33:22
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by Maxime on February 16, 2005, at 21:22:24
There is no doubt that the health care system in Canada can be beyond a pain in the *ss to navigate. And, in spite of that, all we seem to continue to get is political rhetoric and partisan sniping when it comes to what best for Canadians in terms of a health care system. Just fix it already!
I have had to see 3 specialists during the past year, and I have been fortunate that the longest I have had to wait is a few weeks. But, my family doctor can be a bit of a squeaky wheel, and for that I am grateful. I got in to see a pdoc (a relatively good one, although a bit conservative), within 2 weeks I think only because my gp was good, personal friends with him and he took me on out of respect for her.
And, I know what you mean about the situation in Quebec. I have friends that live on the Quebec side, and it sickens me to see what they have to go through to get good, not to mention compassionate, care.
Sorry for the rant. Nobody needed to hear that.
Tamara
> I am so angry. I hate our health care. I hate that we have to wait so long to see a specialist. The only way Link is going to be able to see a new pdoc is to go to an ER and then he will be admitted which may actually be a good thing. He needs to get away from the daily stress of life. To see a new pdoc will he need another referal from his GP?
>
> Tamara, you are such a good person to offer to help. I live in Montreal. Things are worse here than in Ontario.
>
> Sigh.
>
> Maxime
Posted by mike13 on February 16, 2005, at 22:08:43
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless » Maxime, posted by TamaraJ on February 16, 2005, at 21:33:22
I think you're giving up on this P-doc to easily.. I mean isn't it usually protocoll..at least in my experience to acquire as much info from the patient in the first session... then begin the actual therapy after he reviews it?? This has happened to me both with my therapists and p-doc who are both great.. Nothing was really accomplished the first visit.. just more or less him getting to know me and my situation..
What's up with canada..In illinois there are plenty of good p-docs
Posted by Phillipa on February 16, 2005, at 22:17:00
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by mike13 on February 16, 2005, at 22:08:43
It varies with the region. I believe there is better medical in the Eastern USA, and probably out in California. Here in NC, you have to be in one of the larger cities like Raleigh, or Charlotte. Then, also up North they are not as conservative. I'm an old Connecticut Yankee! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by linkadge on February 16, 2005, at 22:50:35
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by mike13 on February 16, 2005, at 22:08:43
I understand that it can take time. I know they need to gather information, but I feel so helpless when they ask so few important questions.
They don't seem to understand the suffering.
If a person is in a car accident, and they are writhing in phsical pain, the first thing the doctors do is give them morphine no questions asked. They don't sit there for days, weeks, months, years and ask them questions like. Hmm "how long before you noticed the car was going off the road" or what do you think was the main cause of the accident".
They don't do that because they can see the pain that the person is in. They know that every second of that pain is pure hell.
I'm in the same pain. It doesn't end. I just can't sit around while they ask me questions and don't even offer the slightest glimmer of hope.
Pain and waiting just don't mix.
Thanks for your help Tamera, but I can't put you through that. I've got to wait longer. Wait to see this guy again. No doctor will see me if I don't give this one a fair chance.
I'm just so depressed. I can't understand why God even permitted this kind of experience. I don't think I could ever have restored faith after all of this.
Its a nightmare. Nothing else can explain it. The pain I have is unbelievable.
Sometimes I think I am in hell already. I just don't know why there isn't somebody who wanted to see me better. Somebody who said to me "I am not going to leave you untill you feel better". God hasn't been that person. He has left me. That is why people kill themselves, because dispite their pain their creator does nothing.
This is terrable. I've never felt so much pain. I cry so hard. But it doesn't help. Its the futility I feel. Why can't god be more merciful?
Why is it every man for himself in this cruel world? Why must hope be so fleeting. Why was I born? Why can't I just die?
Posted by TamaraJ on February 16, 2005, at 23:07:44
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by linkadge on February 16, 2005, at 22:50:35
Whatever you decide Linkadge, but know that my offer stands. I don't know when your next appointment is with the pdoc, but one thing I just wanted to suggest you do, or see if you have already done, is to tell the pdoc's secretary that you want to be called if another patient cancels an appointment so that you have the opportunity to take that appointment and get in for a follow-up visit at the earliest opportunity.
Keep reaching out Linkadge when you are up to it. People care.
Tamara
Posted by ed_uk on February 17, 2005, at 8:28:18
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by linkadge on February 16, 2005, at 22:50:35
Link,
It has to be time to try Nardil, you could combine it with a little Zyprexa. You will need to be demanding of your new pdoc, you will have to ask for the medicines you need.
Best,
Ed.
Posted by Bill LL on February 17, 2005, at 9:40:34
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by linkadge on February 16, 2005, at 22:50:35
I know EXACTLY what you mean when you say that you are so miserable that every second feels like an eternity. That is how I felt for years.
I'm doing great right now on a combination of Cymbalta (60 mg) and Strattera (30 mg).
I get all my meds from a regular family internist. I don't want or need anyone asking about my family or sex life. My problems are clearly a chemical imbalance.
Why don't you just go to your regular doctor instead of a psychiatrist?
Posted by just so sad on February 17, 2005, at 9:46:02
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by linkadge on February 16, 2005, at 22:50:35
Linkadge,
When you do go to your doc, print off what you wrote in your last post and have him/her read it. It is so powerful and really explains the pain you are in to someone who - although they may understand the mechanism of depression - has never experienced it for themselves. I really think it would help your doc understand your pain better. I know when I'm sitting in their office, instead of hiding under the covers at home, it's hard to relate how you feel. Please try this. And know that others care for you and don't want you to die. Please don't hurt yourself - there will be help soon.
Sad
Posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 16:14:23
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by just so sad on February 17, 2005, at 9:46:02
Link; Where are you today? Do you feel any better? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by linkadge on February 17, 2005, at 17:17:53
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 16:14:23
I'm doing a little better I suppose.
I am taking a breif medication holliday from zoloft. Maybe just a day or two. I think I've been in some sort of mixed state. I've been imobalized.
Thanks for the concern.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 17:31:12
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by linkadge on February 17, 2005, at 17:17:53
You're welcome. I'm glad you're feeling better. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by pseudonym on February 17, 2005, at 22:42:19
In reply to Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by linkadge on February 16, 2005, at 13:57:31
I'm not certain where you live (Canada?), but I recollect you built your own TMS device so you'd likely consider this idea.
I know that Vagus Nerve Stimulation was recently approved for those who have treatment resistant depression. Cyberonic estimates the availability of the device by May 2005. If I didn't know otherwise, you are good candidate, agreed?
Surive and then live.
Posted by jerrympls on February 18, 2005, at 0:33:39
In reply to Re: New psychiatrist is hopeless (Try VNS), posted by pseudonym on February 17, 2005, at 22:42:19
> I'm not certain where you live (Canada?), but I recollect you built your own TMS device so you'd likely consider this idea.
>
> I know that Vagus Nerve Stimulation was recently approved for those who have treatment resistant depression. Cyberonic estimates the availability of the device by May 2005. If I didn't know otherwise, you are good candidate, agreed?
>
> Surive and then live.YES - Try for VNS. I was in the d-2 study. It didn't work for me - but I think that was because they were constantly fooling with the settings to find the therapeutic range. I know of many others who were in the study here and VNS changed their lives - and it just might change yours for the better. Hopefully insurance will pay. Goto http://www.cyberonics.com to check it out. Email me or babblemail me for more info. I thought VNS was my last choice - but even tho it didn't work FOR ME - it opened new doors - I got to see top notch psychiattrists.
Jerry
Posted by KaraS on February 18, 2005, at 2:05:03
In reply to Re: New psychiatrist is hopeless (Try VNS), posted by pseudonym on February 17, 2005, at 22:42:19
According to this link I just discovered, VNS was approved in Canada and the European Union back in 2001. It says that:
"The Cyberonics VNSTM is now being implanted in Canada for Treatment Resistant Depression."
Here's the full link:
Posted by KaraS on February 18, 2005, at 2:06:43
In reply to Re: New psychiatrist is hopeless (Try VNS) » pseudonym, posted by jerrympls on February 18, 2005, at 0:33:39
> > I'm not certain where you live (Canada?), but I recollect you built your own TMS device so you'd likely consider this idea.
> >
> > I know that Vagus Nerve Stimulation was recently approved for those who have treatment resistant depression. Cyberonic estimates the availability of the device by May 2005. If I didn't know otherwise, you are good candidate, agreed?
> >
> > Surive and then live.
>
> YES - Try for VNS. I was in the d-2 study. It didn't work for me - but I think that was because they were constantly fooling with the settings to find the therapeutic range. I know of many others who were in the study here and VNS changed their lives - and it just might change yours for the better. Hopefully insurance will pay. Goto http://www.cyberonics.com to check it out. Email me or babblemail me for more info. I thought VNS was my last choice - but even tho it didn't work FOR ME - it opened new doors - I got to see top notch psychiattrists.
>
> Jerry
>Jerry,
How major is the surgery involved?Kara
Posted by jerrympls on February 18, 2005, at 2:37:59
In reply to Re: New psychiatrist is hopeless (Try VNS) » jerrympls, posted by KaraS on February 18, 2005, at 2:06:43
> > > I'm not certain where you live (Canada?), but I recollect you built your own TMS device so you'd likely consider this idea.
> > >
> > > I know that Vagus Nerve Stimulation was recently approved for those who have treatment resistant depression. Cyberonic estimates the availability of the device by May 2005. If I didn't know otherwise, you are good candidate, agreed?
> > >
> > > Surive and then live.
> >
> > YES - Try for VNS. I was in the d-2 study. It didn't work for me - but I think that was because they were constantly fooling with the settings to find the therapeutic range. I know of many others who were in the study here and VNS changed their lives - and it just might change yours for the better. Hopefully insurance will pay. Goto http://www.cyberonics.com to check it out. Email me or babblemail me for more info. I thought VNS was my last choice - but even tho it didn't work FOR ME - it opened new doors - I got to see top notch psychiattrists.
> >
> > Jerry
> >
>
> Jerry,
> How major is the surgery involved?
>
> KaraThe surgery wasn't so bad. It lasts about an hour. They implant the pocket watch sized implant under your skin right beneath your left collar bone and then tunnel the lead wire up under your skin along the left side of your neck. The other incision is about 2 inches long - usually in a crease on the left side of your neck - they open that up to get at the vegal nerve and connect the lead. I had mine done in the morning and was released in the late afternoon. There was pain of course - stiffness and soreness around the incisions sites. I was able to go back to work in under a week. You don't feel the implant at all because it's so light and small. If it doesn't work out or complications arise from the surgery - it is completely reversable. Some people with asthma have exasterbation of their symptoms when the device goes off (usually set every 5 mins for 30 seconds). Also, depending on the settings of the device, it can effect your voice because the vegal nerve is so close to the vocal chords. At one high setting they had me at, I sounded like I was talking into a fan - like a robot - when the device went off. Other times at different settings my voice would go a bit hoarse. It's hardly noticable to others - but for others the device doesn't have any "side effects." Again- it depends on the settings.
Also - scarring isn't an issue. I have photos of my incisions if anyone is interested in viewing them. Let me know and I'll post a link.
Jerry
Posted by Greenhornet on February 18, 2005, at 9:01:12
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by linkadge on February 16, 2005, at 22:50:35
I am praying for you --dont quit five minutes before the miracle -- And while this is not much help, you have something called MANAGED CARE To thank for much of this situation
Posted by ed_uk on February 18, 2005, at 11:36:51
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by Greenhornet on February 18, 2005, at 9:01:12
Link,
How are you?
Have you tried all the things that have helped you before?
a night of sleep deprivation, coffee and inositol, your TMS etc.
Ed.
Posted by linkadge on February 18, 2005, at 15:19:10
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by ed_uk on February 18, 2005, at 11:36:51
Oh goodness, I'll have to go to plan B.
I know the SSRi's help some aspects of the depression, but they do make me more suicidal.
The akathesia is horrable. I think I have some sort of dopamine problem. Either to begin with or as a result of SSRI use.
Linkadge
Posted by linkadge on February 18, 2005, at 15:22:32
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by ed_uk on February 18, 2005, at 11:36:51
I would liket to try a VNS implant, but the chances of a doctor allowing this are slim to none.
I know for a fact that they won't let me try anything interesting untill I have tried SSRI's at "corkscrew receptor" type doses.
I've been told that I don't know prozac until I've taken 120mg.
Believe me, I know prozac quite well at 20mg thank you very much.
Linkadge
Posted by ed_uk on February 18, 2005, at 15:29:41
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by linkadge on February 18, 2005, at 15:19:10
Link,
What is plan B? Perhaps you should go to the hospital, at least you would be able to try new treatments if you were in hospital.
Ed.
Posted by KaraS on February 18, 2005, at 16:05:58
In reply to Re: New psychiatrist is hopeless (Try VNS) » KaraS, posted by jerrympls on February 18, 2005, at 2:37:59
> > > > I'm not certain where you live (Canada?), but I recollect you built your own TMS device so you'd likely consider this idea.
> > > >
> > > > I know that Vagus Nerve Stimulation was recently approved for those who have treatment resistant depression. Cyberonic estimates the availability of the device by May 2005. If I didn't know otherwise, you are good candidate, agreed?
> > > >
> > > > Surive and then live.
> > >
> > > YES - Try for VNS. I was in the d-2 study. It didn't work for me - but I think that was because they were constantly fooling with the settings to find the therapeutic range. I know of many others who were in the study here and VNS changed their lives - and it just might change yours for the better. Hopefully insurance will pay. Goto http://www.cyberonics.com to check it out. Email me or babblemail me for more info. I thought VNS was my last choice - but even tho it didn't work FOR ME - it opened new doors - I got to see top notch psychiattrists.
> > >
> > > Jerry
> > >
> >
> > Jerry,
> > How major is the surgery involved?
> >
> > Kara
>
> The surgery wasn't so bad. It lasts about an hour. They implant the pocket watch sized implant under your skin right beneath your left collar bone and then tunnel the lead wire up under your skin along the left side of your neck. The other incision is about 2 inches long - usually in a crease on the left side of your neck - they open that up to get at the vegal nerve and connect the lead. I had mine done in the morning and was released in the late afternoon. There was pain of course - stiffness and soreness around the incisions sites. I was able to go back to work in under a week. You don't feel the implant at all because it's so light and small. If it doesn't work out or complications arise from the surgery - it is completely reversable. Some people with asthma have exasterbation of their symptoms when the device goes off (usually set every 5 mins for 30 seconds). Also, depending on the settings of the device, it can effect your voice because the vegal nerve is so close to the vocal chords. At one high setting they had me at, I sounded like I was talking into a fan - like a robot - when the device went off. Other times at different settings my voice would go a bit hoarse. It's hardly noticable to others - but for others the device doesn't have any "side effects." Again- it depends on the settings.
>
> Also - scarring isn't an issue. I have photos of my incisions if anyone is interested in viewing them. Let me know and I'll post a link.
>
> Jerry
Jerry,
Do you feel that you didn't really give it an adequate trial since they weren't sure of what your settings should be? Would you check it out further in the future? Also, you said you did know others in the same study who were helped immensely? It probably costs close to $30k to try this, doesn't it? I think the cost would be prohibitive to most people.k
Posted by KaraS on February 18, 2005, at 16:12:14
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless, posted by linkadge on February 18, 2005, at 15:22:32
Linkadge,
What about CES? There is an interesting thread about this on the board now and you can get your own devices which start as low as $295?
Also, is there any way you could come to the U.S. for treatment? There was a recent post from someone who had a lot of success at Mass General Hospital in Boston - in their treatment resistant depression department.
K
Posted by TamaraJ on February 18, 2005, at 16:27:01
In reply to Re: Its over for me. New psychiatrist is hopeless » linkadge, posted by KaraS on February 18, 2005, at 16:12:14
I had found this website (http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.resistant.html) on treatment resistant depression some time ago, which includes the following listing of psychiatrists experienced in treating individuals with resistant depression (http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.psychiatrists.html).
I have often wondered if a Canadian pdoc would be willing to consult with a U.S. counterpart with specific experience in resistant depression. Or even if a Canadian patient could contact a U.S. pdoc for a phone consultation? I guess never hurts to think about it or give it a try.
Tamara
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