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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by babs on January 13, 2003, at 20:17:29
I'm on meds and they are working well but my mom was just diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer and given 6 months to live. as you can imagine it's been quite stressful and I am becoming very rundown- I've had stomach flu and now a cold that won't end. When I am chronically stressed, I first get physically sick and then depression sets in. Although my meds were working fine before this, I think the physical symptoms are trying to warn me. Does anyone have suggestions on hopw to handle a stress like this. I'm in therapy- that helps. I'm thinking more along the lines of nutritional supplements like fish oil to augment the meds but am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks
Posted by mikhail99 on January 13, 2003, at 21:24:34
In reply to need help for chronic stress in addition to meds, posted by babs on January 13, 2003, at 20:17:29
> I'm on meds and they are working well but my mom was just diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer and given 6 months to live. as you can imagine it's been quite stressful and I am becoming very rundown- I've had stomach flu and now a cold that won't end. When I am chronically stressed, I first get physically sick and then depression sets in. Although my meds were working fine before this, I think the physical symptoms are trying to warn me. Does anyone have suggestions on hopw to handle a stress like this. I'm in therapy- that helps. I'm thinking more along the lines of nutritional supplements like fish oil to augment the meds but am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks
>
>Hi Babs,
I'm so sorry about your Mom, that's such awful news. It's really important that you try and take good care of yourself during these times, particularly since your health is so impacted by stress. I'm no expert of supplements and I'm reluctant to suggest any but perhaps scheduling a massage once or twice a month would help. It probably seems awfully decadent but don't think of it that way, consider it health maintenance. Also, some meditation programs on tape or CD would probably help you. Deepak Chopra (if you're into that sort of thing) has some good ones.
Please take care of yourself and know I'm sending good thoughts for you and your mom.
Take care,
Mik
Posted by babs on January 13, 2003, at 21:28:40
In reply to Re: need help for chronic stress in addition to meds » babs, posted by mikhail99 on January 13, 2003, at 21:24:34
Posted by medlib on January 13, 2003, at 23:21:58
In reply to need help for chronic stress in addition to meds, posted by babs on January 13, 2003, at 20:17:29
Hi Babs--
I'm so very sorry to hear about your mother--for you *and* for her. I'm afraid that you're in for a rough time; it's very wise of you to rally your resources at the onset.
As far as your own health goes, I'm not big on multiple supplements; as 1 who takes 7 rxs at least once/day, the thought of handfuls of still more pills makes me slightly ill. I *can* recommend (and do take) a multivitamin/mineral (Centrum Silver is the most complete) a.m. and a stress tab (vit Bs+C) about 7 hrs. later in p.m. The herb Echinacea is somewhat helpful in treating colds and flu, but better in prevention; it boosts the immune system. I take 1 a.m. Keep in mind that natural substances tend to be lower in potency than rx meds, so one takes them for a boost, not a cure. Herbs can interact w. rx drugs just as drugs can w. other drugs. Echinacea inhibits the isoenzyme P-450 CYP3A4, an enzyme which metabolizes many psych meds. Grapefruit juice inhibits this same enzyme, so steer clear of that combination. If you post a list of your rxs, I can tell you if any affect/are affected by this enzyme. Potential interaction isn't a big drawback--all it means is that med might stay in your circulation a little longer, potentially enhancing its potency (which might not be a bad thing if your depression worsens. Medscape has a nice, succinct section on 19 natural supplements and their potential rx interactions at
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/429776_2
(You might have to register to read it, but I've no evidence that they check anything, so feel free to confabulate.)
One other precaution you might want to discuss w. your doc is keeping a small amt. of the rx amantadine on hand. If taken within 48 hrs. of the onset of influenza or other viral infection, it can decrease the severity and duration of symptoms. I find that these things *always* hit on Fri. afternoon or Sat. morn, so that by the time I get hold of my doc Mon. afternoon, it's too late. If you do talk w. her/him, it's best if you're straight-forward about your high stress level and increased susceptability, and direct in your request.
I don't know where you live, but if it's in the US and in/near a medium/big city, the single best stress reducer I know of for someone in your situation is what saved my life/sanity when I was in your shoes w. my mother 3+ yrs. ago. It's called the VNA (Visiting Nurses Association) Hospice program. My mother's heartfelt last wish was to spend her remaining time in her own home (which she and my father built in 1939). She said repeatedly that the only way she wanted to leave it was "feet first". It wasn't easy, but VNA made it possible. They have a whole team of people to help the patient *and* the primary caregiver; and they bill Medicare directly for all their services. I will be glad to tell you more if it's relevant for you and you're interested.
Try to hang in; there's more help available than you imagine, and you are capable of more than you think. You've already taken a good first step, asking for help. I and other babblers will be happy to answer questions, share experiences and solutions, and offer advice--so ask for what you need, *please*!
Hope that this helps a little.---medlib
Posted by Willow on January 14, 2003, at 7:32:24
In reply to Re: Help with stress » babs, posted by medlib on January 13, 2003, at 23:21:58
Babs
My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Do you have a good social network? Keeping in touch with friends and family is especially important during difficult times. Plus, I find helpful to remind myself that it is normal to feel like "crap" during a cold. Eating chicken noodle soup and toast, plus tea are great old fashion remidies.
Sending a big Cyber Hug your way!
BEST WISHES
Willow
Posted by babs on January 14, 2003, at 7:49:04
In reply to Re: Help with stress, posted by Willow on January 14, 2003, at 7:32:24
Oh Willow and Medlib- Thank you so much for your kind replies. It helps just to know people care. Medlib- I am on 60 mg Celexa, 1.5 mg risperdal and 15 mg adderall (usually once a day, sometimes twice iof I have class that night). I just started taking a multivitamin, 6000 mg of fish oil (aiming for 1000 mg of EPA and DHA)because the results on this board seem so promising and I have been taking echinacea since the onset of the cold. Is there an interaction between any of my meds and echinacea? I've been taking four a day along with my cold medicine. Thanks again you guys, it meant a lot to me to receive your cyber support.
Posted by medlib on January 14, 2003, at 19:35:23
In reply to Re: Help with stresswillow and medlib, posted by babs on January 14, 2003, at 7:49:04
Hi again Babs--
The short answer to your question is yes, but no. Celexa is metabolized by P450 CYP3A4 and 2C19 (and, very weakly, by 2D6). But, Medscape says that there have been no reports of echinacea interactng with drugs metabolized by 3A4. (Citalopram can interact with other rxs, but that's not relevant here.) So, nothing is ever clearcut in medicine; but, if you don't take Celexa and echinacea w. grapefruit juice, you probably won't have a problem. Long-term use of both drugs and natural substances can have buildup effects, but an increase in side effects usually warns you of those. Risperdal and Adderall are metabolized by other mechanisms.
I'm not too talented at expressing support, but I'd be glad to help with any information needs you may have during the coming months. I can run searches and provide links, etc. either here or by email (as can a number of good searchers here on PB).
Take care---medlib
Posted by IsoM on January 15, 2003, at 1:03:39
In reply to need help for chronic stress in addition to meds, posted by babs on January 13, 2003, at 20:17:29
Babs, keep your B complex vitamins high. A good stress formula will help a lot. You won't notice any big difference but it'll help keep your immune system stronger. Increase soy products (soy milk is pretty dilute - maybe soy bars or soy bread from a health food store) if possible - there's strong anti-stress factors that have been found in soy.
I don't know what your schedule is like or if you work at an outside job, but get lots & LOTS of sleep. Sleep is a great healer & helps us cope with stress. Don't stint on sleep at all.
If you can get some gentle exercise in too, like walking, that'll help relieve stress chemicals that build up. Exercise clears them from our system.
And lastly, find time with someone who appreciates your humour. Buy a couple bottle of beer or some wine (just enough to relax a bit, not to get drunk) & make time once a week or so to watch some good funny movies. Laughter is a great stress reliever & healer, & it's always better to have someone else to laugh with.
Too often, we forget the natural methods of cutting down stress & head for something in a bottle instead. I don't know about you, but music & singing with it clears my soul & I feel refreshed afterwards.
This is the end of the thread.
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