![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 74. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 9:01:20
I dumped my unhelpful pdoc and now I'm "shopping." I had my first appointment with a new one last night. After taking an extensive history, he asked if I had questions for him. I asked what his thoughts were on the diagnosis and medications.
He said: "as you've found out, psychiatry now is in the same place that geography was when Columbus discovered America."
He said that these diagnoses/labels--the 'descriptive' psychiatry represented by the DSM-are all well and good to put on insurance forms, but they don't capture people's suffering at all. He seemed to be saying it didn't really matter whether I was Bipolar II or MDD or something else. He said that the meds could relieve some acute distress and we'd work on that, but that with most people, things went deeper, and there was no magic medication that would fix things without deep therapy and other changes as well.
It sounded strange for a pdoc to be saying this stuff, but in a way it's what I suspected about myself all along. I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with this guy (I have other appointments) but I thought Babble posters might be interested in his thoughts.
Posted by Lou Pilder on March 24, 2012, at 9:29:36
In reply to new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 9:01:20
> I dumped my unhelpful pdoc and now I'm "shopping." I had my first appointment with a new one last night. After taking an extensive history, he asked if I had questions for him. I asked what his thoughts were on the diagnosis and medications.
>
> He said: "as you've found out, psychiatry now is in the same place that geography was when Columbus discovered America."
>
> He said that these diagnoses/labels--the 'descriptive' psychiatry represented by the DSM-are all well and good to put on insurance forms, but they don't capture people's suffering at all. He seemed to be saying it didn't really matter whether I was Bipolar II or MDD or something else. He said that the meds could relieve some acute distress and we'd work on that, but that with most people, things went deeper, and there was no magic medication that would fix things without deep therapy and other changes as well.
>
> It sounded strange for a pdoc to be saying this stuff, but in a way it's what I suspected about myself all along. I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with this guy (I have other appointments) but I thought Babble posters might be interested in his thoughts.raisnb,
You wrote the above.
Now I appreciate you taking the effort to post that here. You wrote,[...there is no magic medicine...] Thanks, I think that's good.
Lou
Posted by Phillipa on March 24, 2012, at 10:06:13
In reply to new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 9:01:20
Kind of opposite but same as the new one I have who doesn't want to change a thing. But he said something thought interesting as when asked if needed theraphy he said no and has a therapist who works with him. Also my doses of meds are so low and he's an addictions specialist. So I wondered if because of this his therapist was for those recovering? I have two choices here other one forensic that takes medicaire. So since my neighbor also sees same guess will stick with him. I wonder what the docs know that we don't know reguarding meds? Phillipa
Posted by Raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 11:29:31
In reply to Re: new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by Phillipa on March 24, 2012, at 10:06:13
Unfortunately I think they don't know much that we don't, Philippa. What the good ones have is years of experience with the art of creatively combining meds, knowing when to go forward with a plan, and when to abandon it for something else. At least that seems to be what this one was saying.
Posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 13:21:09
In reply to new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 9:01:20
> I dumped my unhelpful pdoc and now I'm "shopping." I had my first appointment with a new one last night. After taking an extensive history, he asked if I had questions for him. I asked what his thoughts were on the diagnosis and medications.
>
> He said: "as you've found out, psychiatry now is in the same place that geography was when Columbus discovered America."
>
> He said that these diagnoses/labels--the 'descriptive' psychiatry represented by the DSM-are all well and good to put on insurance forms, but they don't capture people's suffering at all. He seemed to be saying it didn't really matter whether I was Bipolar II or MDD or something else. He said that the meds could relieve some acute distress and we'd work on that, but that with most people, things went deeper, and there was no magic medication that would fix things without deep therapy and other changes as well.
>
> It sounded strange for a pdoc to be saying this stuff, but in a way it's what I suspected about myself all along. I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with this guy (I have other appointments) but I thought Babble posters might be interested in his thoughts.
^^^ Exactly! that's the conclusion I came to on my own. It was a painful journey I took through ten years of taking almost every single SSRI on the market (and many combinations of said, "meds") from about 1995 through 2006.I also took many similar "medications" in combination with the SSRI's like Wellbutrin, for example during that time. I was also prescribed the SSNRI's and, honestly can't remember all the combinations of those many chemicals.
The only chemical that lifted my mood noticeably, was Remeron out of all those medications and combinations of medications. The mood lift was minimal but I did notice it.
Sadly, it was also the only medication that gave me noticeable side effects (besides the chemicals that caused my nervous system disorder.)
The side effects that I experienced from Remeron caused my psychiatrist to discontinue the drug.
I now live with constant spasms in my lower legs. It took me three different visits to neurologists to confirm my suspicion that psychiatric drugs were the cause of my nervous system disorder.
I believe that antipsychotic medications were the primary cause of my disorder.
One neurologist I visited even dismissed my disorder saying "A medication does not cause effects once the medication is discontinued."That, to me, brings to mind many of the commercials seen on TV "pushing" medications to treat "depression." One of the warnings I hear often is, "May cause suicidal thinking in; children, teens, and young adults."
!!!^^^!!! My question to that statement is,"AT WHAT AGE, EXACTLY, DOES THIS MEDICATION NOT CAUSE A PERSON TO POSSIBLY HAVE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS!?!?
That angers me if I have not displayed that yet, *sarcasm*
I finally came to my own conclusion that I am just a very unhappy person (to put it very mildly) and that no magic pill was going to fix all of the truamatic issues and associated negative life experiences from my childhood to the present that affect my present state of being.
I admit that I am presently taking pain medications due to a recent traumatic injury and opiates lift my mood substantially. I am very aware of the dangers associated with opiates.
I'm being honest here about the chemicals affecting my mood.I was also prescribed a medication to treat my neuropathic pain. This medication helps to manage my leg spasms. This is a HUGE factor affecting my mood and present state of being. I have been seeking effective treatment for my leg spasms for years. It has been frustrating and exhaustive to find something to help me, more effectively cope.
My disposition and general state of being display an individual that is generally not happy and generally miserable for the most part.I am often skeptical and suspicious of the public populace in general however, I believe that I am in general, in a better state of well being while not taking psychiatric medications. (The only exception to that is that I am taking a low dose of Clonazepam or Klonopin that helps for me to deal with the anxiety from my leg spasms.
There was a point for me while taking psychiatric medications and I was suicidal. I felt adrenaline flowing through when I knew firearms were available to me. I felt compelled to go through with ending my life.
I have no answers for when I wanted to end my life. I guess it is possible that I may be there again. Right now though, I am in a generally better state of well being than when I was taking psychiatric chemicals to treat my "depression."
A big contributor to my present state of better well being, is that, I have made a conscious decision to be brutally honest with myself and others about my entire being and all that I am.
I have been on a decades long quest to make amends to those that I may have harmed. I no longer feel a need to feel guilty of past actions.
That's part of my story. I have been a lurker here since around 1997 or so. If I would have contributed to this board prior to this, my contributions would have been similar to many that I read here: failure after failure to treat my "depression." Year after year.
I know the seriousness of the terrible "darkness" that many of us have experinced, or are experiencing. We have just shared our own version of it.
I wish all here, release from whatever terrible "illnesses" or "afflictions" that they may be experiencing.
I am not totally free from my own "afflictions."
I just know that, even when I am not under the influence, I have not been suicidal recently.That, in itself, is a significant contributor to my present state of being. So, I may be miserable but, once again, I feel that I am better while not taking psychiatric medications.
My state of being could easily change so I am saying that I don't have the right answers for anybody. My sharing with you now, however, is different than I EVER could have shared with you since I started lurking here to the present.
Posted by Christ_empowered on March 24, 2012, at 15:16:41
In reply to Re: new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 13:21:09
Seriously. I mean, I'm going to be a patient one way or another. Take the meds voluntarily, and I at least get to choose the medication and dosage. Quit them...off to a hospital I go.
I had tics from psych drugs for a couple years. Weirdly enough, a 6-month long psychotic "crack up" fixed the tics, along with the premature aging the drugs had caused.
Now, I try to be careful. Minimal meds, no depakote, no stimulants, lots of antioxidants to minimize damage to what's left of my brain. So far, so good.
Posted by sleepygirl2 on March 24, 2012, at 15:33:16
In reply to new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 9:01:20
Interesting
In a way, I like how he doesn't presume to know all the answers. People are complicated.
I actually would have less difficulty taking meds in this mindset.
You see, I've seen too much of that "it's just their personality" junk said when meds don't fix it all. I grew up with what could be described as PTSD. Who I am developed around that, neither one separate from the other, myself and my nervous system.
but that's me, everyone's different
Posted by linkadge on March 24, 2012, at 16:44:07
In reply to Re: new pdoc says there 'are no answers' » raisinb, posted by sleepygirl2 on March 24, 2012, at 15:33:16
I have to agree with your new psychiatrist.
Linkadge
Posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 20:28:05
In reply to This just in: psychiatry sucks, posted by Christ_empowered on March 24, 2012, at 15:16:41
> Seriously. I mean, I'm going to be a patient one way or another. Take the meds voluntarily, and I at least get to choose the medication and dosage. Quit them...off to a hospital I go.
>
> I had tics from psych drugs for a couple years. Weirdly enough, a 6-month long psychotic "crack up" fixed the tics, along with the premature aging the drugs had caused.
>
> Now, I try to be careful. Minimal meds, no depakote, no stimulants, lots of antioxidants to minimize damage to what's left of my brain. So far, so good.
>
> The last straw for me, in hindsight, was when while I was in the hospital a lead psychiatrist had told me that ECT would be an option.I was so sick, mentally and spiritually at the time that I was actually considering it. Something deep inside me was telling me that it was not a good idea for me.
Some of the technicians at the hospital were actually laughing at and about me and my condition. I guess that could have been my imagination, so I am told.
Unresolved issues of my upbringing that still anger me. All of the negative experiences that intertwine with that to this day.
There is no way that shocking my brain and causing me to have seizures which, I've never had, is going to make me snap out of it and awake refreshed and anew ready to face the world with happiness and joy. It won't let me awake to become a well adjusted person ready to mesh with society and be a productive member of the community.
I am not any of the above presently, nor was I then. I am disabled. I was awarded disability on my first attempt and without the help of an attorney. There was only one formal interview process.
I am told that is unusual.
*sarcasm "I must be special."
I wish not to disuade or discourage those that may be contemplating going through with that procedure.
For me it was in my best interest to avoid.
I'll keep my absolute misery and self loathing rather than be treated by psychiatry.
Sorry, I kinda' got off track.
Posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 20:37:19
In reply to Re: This just in: psychiatry sucks, posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 20:28:05
Oops! Sorry Christ Empowered.
The last straw for me, in hindsight, was when while I was in the hospital a lead psychiatrist had told me that ECT would be an option.
I was so sick, mentally and spiritually at the time that I was actually considering it. Something deep inside me was telling me that it was not a good idea for me.
Some of the technicians at the hospital were actually laughing at and about me and my condition. I guess that could have been my imagination, so I am told.
Unresolved issues of my upbringing that still anger me. All of the negative experiences that intertwine with that to this day.
There is no way that shocking my brain and causing me to have seizures which, I've never had, is going to make me snap out of it and awake refreshed and anew ready to face the world with happiness and joy. It won't let me awake to become a well adjusted person ready to mesh with society and be a productive member of the community.
I am not any of the above presently, nor was I then. I am disabled. I was awarded disability on my first attempt and without the help of an attorney. There was only one formal interview process.
I am told that is unusual.
*sarcasm "I must be special."
I wish not to disuade or discourage those that may be contemplating going through with that procedure.
For me it was in my best interest to avoid.
I'll keep my absolute misery and self loathing rather than be treated by psychiatry.
Sorry, I kinda' got off track.
Posted by sigismund on March 24, 2012, at 21:35:21
In reply to Re: This just in: psychiatry sucks, posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 20:37:19
>There is no way that shocking my brain and causing me to have seizures which, I've never had, is going to make me snap out of it and awake refreshed and anew ready to face the world with happiness and joy. It won't let me awake to become a well adjusted person ready to mesh with society and be a productive member of the community.
It would probably put an end to your complaints though. Instead of happiness and joy you could face the world with new circumspection.
Posted by Shes_Initforthemoney on March 24, 2012, at 22:33:46
In reply to Re: new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 13:21:09
> > I dumped my unhelpful pdoc and now I'm "shopping." I had my first appointment with a new one last night. After taking an extensive history, he asked if I had questions for him. I asked what his thoughts were on the diagnosis and medications.
> >
> > He said: "as you've found out, psychiatry now is in the same place that geography was when Columbus discovered America."
> >
> > He said that these diagnoses/labels--the 'descriptive' psychiatry represented by the DSM-are all well and good to put on insurance forms, but they don't capture people's suffering at all. He seemed to be saying it didn't really matter whether I was Bipolar II or MDD or something else. He said that the meds could relieve some acute distress and we'd work on that, but that with most people, things went deeper, and there was no magic medication that would fix things without deep therapy and other changes as well.
> >
> > It sounded strange for a pdoc to be saying this stuff, but in a way it's what I suspected about myself all along. I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with this guy (I have other appointments) but I thought Babble posters might be interested in his thoughts.
>
>
> ^^^ Exactly! that's the conclusion I came to on my own. It was a painful journey I took through ten years of taking almost every single SSRI on the market (and many combinations of said, "meds") from about 1995 through 2006.
>
> I also took many similar "medications" in combination with the SSRI's like Wellbutrin, for example during that time. I was also prescribed the SSNRI's and, honestly can't remember all the combinations of those many chemicals.
>
> The only chemical that lifted my mood noticeably, was Remeron out of all those medications and combinations of medications. The mood lift was minimal but I did notice it.
>
> Sadly, it was also the only medication that gave me noticeable side effects (besides the chemicals that caused my nervous system disorder.)
>
> The side effects that I experienced from Remeron caused my psychiatrist to discontinue the drug.
>
> I now live with constant spasms in my lower legs. It took me three different visits to neurologists to confirm my suspicion that psychiatric drugs were the cause of my nervous system disorder.
>
> I believe that antipsychotic medications were the primary cause of my disorder.
>
>
> One neurologist I visited even dismissed my disorder saying "A medication does not cause effects once the medication is discontinued."
>
> That, to me, brings to mind many of the commercials seen on TV "pushing" medications to treat "depression." One of the warnings I hear often is, "May cause suicidal thinking in; children, teens, and young adults."
>
> !!!^^^!!! My question to that statement is,"AT WHAT AGE, EXACTLY, DOES THIS MEDICATION NOT CAUSE A PERSON TO POSSIBLY HAVE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS!?!?
>
> That angers me if I have not displayed that yet, *sarcasm*
>
> I finally came to my own conclusion that I am just a very unhappy person (to put it very mildly) and that no magic pill was going to fix all of the truamatic issues and associated negative life experiences from my childhood to the present that affect my present state of being.
>
> I admit that I am presently taking pain medications due to a recent traumatic injury and opiates lift my mood substantially. I am very aware of the dangers associated with opiates.
> I'm being honest here about the chemicals affecting my mood.
>
> I was also prescribed a medication to treat my neuropathic pain. This medication helps to manage my leg spasms. This is a HUGE factor affecting my mood and present state of being. I have been seeking effective treatment for my leg spasms for years. It has been frustrating and exhaustive to find something to help me, more effectively cope.
>
>
> My disposition and general state of being display an individual that is generally not happy and generally miserable for the most part.
>
> I am often skeptical and suspicious of the public populace in general however, I believe that I am in general, in a better state of well being while not taking psychiatric medications. (The only exception to that is that I am taking a low dose of Clonazepam or Klonopin that helps for me to deal with the anxiety from my leg spasms.
>
> There was a point for me while taking psychiatric medications and I was suicidal. I felt adrenaline flowing through when I knew firearms were available to me. I felt compelled to go through with ending my life.
>
> I have no answers for when I wanted to end my life. I guess it is possible that I may be there again. Right now though, I am in a generally better state of well being than when I was taking psychiatric chemicals to treat my "depression."
>
> A big contributor to my present state of better well being, is that, I have made a conscious decision to be brutally honest with myself and others about my entire being and all that I am.
>
> I have been on a decades long quest to make amends to those that I may have harmed. I no longer feel a need to feel guilty of past actions.
>
> That's part of my story. I have been a lurker here since around 1997 or so. If I would have contributed to this board prior to this, my contributions would have been similar to many that I read here: failure after failure to treat my "depression." Year after year.
>
> I know the seriousness of the terrible "darkness" that many of us have experinced, or are experiencing. We have just shared our own version of it.
>
> I wish all here, release from whatever terrible "illnesses" or "afflictions" that they may be experiencing.
>
> I am not totally free from my own "afflictions."
> I just know that, even when I am not under the influence, I have not been suicidal recently.
>
> That, in itself, is a significant contributor to my present state of being. So, I may be miserable but, once again, I feel that I am better while not taking psychiatric medications.
>
> My state of being could easily change so I am saying that I don't have the right answers for anybody. My sharing with you now, however, is different than I EVER could have shared with you since I started lurking here to the present.
---
First, I am sorry for your pain. I personally think this differs from person to person, and I am no way blaming you for anything. Well, for the record, I am a 23 year veteran of almost every psych drug out there. I am not smug about it, but do know there is hope, as I viewed all of my prescriptions as trial and error. Being off psych meds has IT'S side effects as well. Even before meds, I had way worse problems than now. Sometimes, the side effects from psych meds can be dealt with by just going off and on and mixing certain combinations. I know it is NOT easy! I am ALIVE thanks to these meds, and once you try different medications until you find the right ones, I don't think it is fair to write-off medication. There are PLENTY out there, and many combos to try. You can't give up. You have to kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight. I am a BETTER person because of meds, and am so much more loving and understanding. I am actually now (than before meds) hardly working on my university degree, and am doing very well. My days aren't always 'perfect', but when symptoms overwhelm, I know I have a med to take that will fix that. So, I am sorry you had problems with meds.(And yes I stuck out months of horrible side effects to get better.) But, not everyone does. I wish you the best. My prayer is also that you find relief for your pain.Jay (I hope I worded this right..I don't want ANYONE to feel bad.)
Jay
Posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 22:35:38
In reply to Re: This just in: psychiatry sucks » TiredofChemicals, posted by sigismund on March 24, 2012, at 21:35:21
> >There is no way that shocking my brain and causing me to have seizures which, I've never had, is going to make me snap out of it and awake refreshed and anew ready to face the world with happiness and joy. It won't let me awake to become a well adjusted person ready to mesh with society and be a productive member of the community.
>
> It would probably put an end to your complaints though. Instead of happiness and joy you could face the world with new circumspection.
lol, duly noted.
I'll try to be less bothersome. It may not always be easy though.
Thank you.
Posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 22:39:32
In reply to Re: This just in: psychiatry sucks » TiredofChemicals, posted by sigismund on March 24, 2012, at 21:35:21
> >There is no way that shocking my brain and causing me to have seizures which, I've never had, is going to make me snap out of it and awake refreshed and anew ready to face the world with happiness and joy. It won't let me awake to become a well adjusted person ready to mesh with society and be a productive member of the community.
>
> It would probably put an end to your complaints though. Instead of happiness and joy you could face the world with new circumspection.
Then again, with all the memory erasure..... maybe it would make me forget what a miserable person I am!?I'd probably end up being loud and obnoxiou though sharing how truly happy I was. ;)
Posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 22:49:16
In reply to Re: In defence of medications... » TiredofChemicals, posted by Shes_Initforthemoney on March 24, 2012, at 22:33:46
> > > I dumped my unhelpful pdoc and now I'm "shopping." I had my first appointment with a new one last night. After taking an extensive history, he asked if I had questions for him. I asked what his thoughts were on the diagnosis and medications.
> > >
> > > He said: "as you've found out, psychiatry now is in the same place that geography was when Columbus discovered America."
> > >
> > > He said that these diagnoses/labels--the 'descriptive' psychiatry represented by the DSM-are all well and good to put on insurance forms, but they don't capture people's suffering at all. He seemed to be saying it didn't really matter whether I was Bipolar II or MDD or something else. He said that the meds could relieve some acute distress and we'd work on that, but that with most people, things went deeper, and there was no magic medication that would fix things without deep therapy and other changes as well.
> > >
> > > It sounded strange for a pdoc to be saying this stuff, but in a way it's what I suspected about myself all along. I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with this guy (I have other appointments) but I thought Babble posters might be interested in his thoughts.
> >
> >
> > ^^^ Exactly! that's the conclusion I came to on my own. It was a painful journey I took through ten years of taking almost every single SSRI on the market (and many combinations of said, "meds") from about 1995 through 2006.
> >
> > I also took many similar "medications" in combination with the SSRI's like Wellbutrin, for example during that time. I was also prescribed the SSNRI's and, honestly can't remember all the combinations of those many chemicals.
> >
> > The only chemical that lifted my mood noticeably, was Remeron out of all those medications and combinations of medications. The mood lift was minimal but I did notice it.
> >
> > Sadly, it was also the only medication that gave me noticeable side effects (besides the chemicals that caused my nervous system disorder.)
> >
> > The side effects that I experienced from Remeron caused my psychiatrist to discontinue the drug.
> >
> > I now live with constant spasms in my lower legs. It took me three different visits to neurologists to confirm my suspicion that psychiatric drugs were the cause of my nervous system disorder.
> >
> > I believe that antipsychotic medications were the primary cause of my disorder.
> >
> >
> > One neurologist I visited even dismissed my disorder saying "A medication does not cause effects once the medication is discontinued."
> >
> > That, to me, brings to mind many of the commercials seen on TV "pushing" medications to treat "depression." One of the warnings I hear often is, "May cause suicidal thinking in; children, teens, and young adults."
> >
> > !!!^^^!!! My question to that statement is,"AT WHAT AGE, EXACTLY, DOES THIS MEDICATION NOT CAUSE A PERSON TO POSSIBLY HAVE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS!?!?
> >
> > That angers me if I have not displayed that yet, *sarcasm*
> >
> > I finally came to my own conclusion that I am just a very unhappy person (to put it very mildly) and that no magic pill was going to fix all of the truamatic issues and associated negative life experiences from my childhood to the present that affect my present state of being.
> >
> > I admit that I am presently taking pain medications due to a recent traumatic injury and opiates lift my mood substantially. I am very aware of the dangers associated with opiates.
> > I'm being honest here about the chemicals affecting my mood.
> >
> > I was also prescribed a medication to treat my neuropathic pain. This medication helps to manage my leg spasms. This is a HUGE factor affecting my mood and present state of being. I have been seeking effective treatment for my leg spasms for years. It has been frustrating and exhaustive to find something to help me, more effectively cope.
> >
> >
> > My disposition and general state of being display an individual that is generally not happy and generally miserable for the most part.
> >
> > I am often skeptical and suspicious of the public populace in general however, I believe that I am in general, in a better state of well being while not taking psychiatric medications. (The only exception to that is that I am taking a low dose of Clonazepam or Klonopin that helps for me to deal with the anxiety from my leg spasms.
> >
> > There was a point for me while taking psychiatric medications and I was suicidal. I felt adrenaline flowing through when I knew firearms were available to me. I felt compelled to go through with ending my life.
> >
> > I have no answers for when I wanted to end my life. I guess it is possible that I may be there again. Right now though, I am in a generally better state of well being than when I was taking psychiatric chemicals to treat my "depression."
> >
> > A big contributor to my present state of better well being, is that, I have made a conscious decision to be brutally honest with myself and others about my entire being and all that I am.
> >
> > I have been on a decades long quest to make amends to those that I may have harmed. I no longer feel a need to feel guilty of past actions.
> >
> > That's part of my story. I have been a lurker here since around 1997 or so. If I would have contributed to this board prior to this, my contributions would have been similar to many that I read here: failure after failure to treat my "depression." Year after year.
> >
> > I know the seriousness of the terrible "darkness" that many of us have experinced, or are experiencing. We have just shared our own version of it.
> >
> > I wish all here, release from whatever terrible "illnesses" or "afflictions" that they may be experiencing.
> >
> > I am not totally free from my own "afflictions."
> > I just know that, even when I am not under the influence, I have not been suicidal recently.
> >
> > That, in itself, is a significant contributor to my present state of being. So, I may be miserable but, once again, I feel that I am better while not taking psychiatric medications.
> >
> > My state of being could easily change so I am saying that I don't have the right answers for anybody. My sharing with you now, however, is different than I EVER could have shared with you since I started lurking here to the present.
> ---
> First, I am sorry for your pain. I personally think this differs from person to person, and I am no way blaming you for anything. Well, for the record, I am a 23 year veteran of almost every psych drug out there. I am not smug about it, but do know there is hope, as I viewed all of my prescriptions as trial and error. Being off psych meds has IT'S side effects as well. Even before meds, I had way worse problems than now. Sometimes, the side effects from psych meds can be dealt with by just going off and on and mixing certain combinations. I know it is NOT easy! I am ALIVE thanks to these meds, and once you try different medications until you find the right ones, I don't think it is fair to write-off medication. There are PLENTY out there, and many combos to try. You can't give up. You have to kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight. I am a BETTER person because of meds, and am so much more loving and understanding. I am actually now (than before meds) hardly working on my university degree, and am doing very well. My days aren't always 'perfect', but when symptoms overwhelm, I know I have a med to take that will fix that. So, I am sorry you had problems with meds.(And yes I stuck out months of horrible side effects to get better.) But, not everyone does. I wish you the best. My prayer is also that you find relief for your pain.
>
> Jay (I hope I worded this right..I don't want ANYONE to feel bad.)
>
> JayI can tell you read my postings and gave them thought.
I'm kind of tired though right now and will will do the same for you before I reply.Thank you for your; time, input and consideration!
Wishing for you a pleasant night, or whatever time it is for you.
Thank you
Posted by Raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 22:52:45
In reply to Re: new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by TiredofChemicals on March 24, 2012, at 13:21:09
Thanks for sharing all that; I too believe the honesty is the closest thing we will get to a "secret." Carl Jung has a great quote about that.
I am not anti-med myself, and i didn't mean the thread to tend that way. I clearly need something, but every new thing turns out to be a dead end or more trouble than it's worth, and it was helpful to meet a pdoc who understands and gets it, yet slightly unsettling to see that even they admit they have no clothes.
Posted by Raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 22:53:21
In reply to This just in: psychiatry sucks, posted by Christ_empowered on March 24, 2012, at 15:16:41
Posted by Raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 22:54:45
In reply to Re: new pdoc says there 'are no answers' » raisinb, posted by sleepygirl2 on March 24, 2012, at 15:33:16
I Think so too, Sleepygirl. I do want to take meds; I just want the person prescribing them to be honest about the huge limitations of the profession.
Posted by Raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 23:00:43
In reply to Re: In defence of medications... » TiredofChemicals, posted by Shes_Initforthemoney on March 24, 2012, at 22:33:46
I think I'm someone who needs meds. I've just been frustrated by revolving door diagnoses, multiple pdocs who tell me, authoritatively, that I am THIS DISORDER, then the meds that are supposed to fix that disorder don't work or make things worse, then I read and read, and realize that most of the time they're talking out of their butts.
I found it oddly reassuring to meet a pdoc who admitted that they didn't know anything.
Interestingly, my mom had the exact opposite reaction. She was furious. She wants my doctors to relieve my suffering *now* and thinks it's irresponsible and uncaring to tell someone you don't have the answers. She said, "you've been in therapy for eight f****king years!"
Posted by Phillipa on March 25, 2012, at 0:10:01
In reply to Well, I didn't mean it to be an anti med thread., posted by Raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 23:00:43
Now that's a Mom!!!! Phillipa
Posted by sigismund on March 25, 2012, at 3:12:04
In reply to Well, I didn't mean it to be an anti med thread., posted by Raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 23:00:43
>I found it oddly reassuring to meet a pdoc who admitted that they didn't know anything.
Yes.
My psych shared not only his low opinion of psych drugs but his qualified opinion of humanity. We get on very well and I look forward to seeing him. He constantly amuses me, as when I was going to Vietnam and said I might be able to but tandospirone (relative of Buspar) OTC. He said 'Or something really useful like opium'. And 'We live under a Methodist dispensation.'
Posted by SLS on March 25, 2012, at 4:43:50
In reply to new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by raisinb on March 24, 2012, at 9:01:20
What is meant by the word "answer", anyway?
I have been so blessed. My current doctor has always had answers, even though most of them proved ineffective. In other words, my doctor never gave up on the idea that he could get me well. He always strove to come up with an idea for something different for me to try, even if it meant using an old drug in a new way. Sometimes, one of his answers was a simple "yes" when I asked him to try one of my answers.
The question that my doctor did not answer was the one I had learned not to ask.
"Will I ever get well?"
I believe that it is rarely true that there "are no answers". However, it is true that there "are no guarantees".
It is rarely true that one can guarantee that there will be no answers.
It turned out that one of my doctor's "answers" has produced a marked improvement in my condition that has lasted several months. Of course, there is no guarantee that this therapeutic response will continue. The only thing that is certain is that as I write this last sentence, I feel wonderful.
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on March 25, 2012, at 7:23:23
In reply to Re: new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by SLS on March 25, 2012, at 4:43:50
The only problem with them being honest, is that they risk loosing the placebo effect - and hence, most of their buisness.
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on March 25, 2012, at 7:29:53
In reply to Re: new pdoc says there 'are no answers', posted by linkadge on March 25, 2012, at 7:23:23
> The only problem with them being honest, is that they risk loosing the placebo effect - and hence, most of their buisness.
How often has the placebo effect worked for you?If never, then why not?
If so, then why did you not remain well?
- Scott
Posted by raisinb on March 25, 2012, at 12:04:40
In reply to Re: Well, I didn't mean it to be an anti med thread. » Raisinb, posted by Phillipa on March 25, 2012, at 0:10:01
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.