Question:

Jeff, Sorry to respond so late.  Of course I remember.  I have also been following your ordel.  I’m sorry to hear it, my friend.  You do know, of course, that plaquenil is ototoxic.  I hope that it isn’t bothering your ears too much. Good to hear from you again. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi mike.  u remember me from a few years ago?  sorry to hear you are not doing very well.  can i offer immunomodulators maybe?  that seems to work for me.  on mtx and plaquenil.  am holding own. jeffy It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address:

Response:

What’s molo-cure?

Mike,     Here is the link for Molocure: http://www.molocure.com for more info.   Like I said, I don’t know if it works, but thats all my daughter is on right now along with other multivitamins.  Now, I’m not endorsing MoloCure nor am I suggesting its working.  All I’m saying is that MoloCure is a product we chose to add to my daughters diet as a natural suppliment under the supervision of her GI.  I’m a skeptic and I attribute her well being to the Prednisone regimine she was just on and the removal of Asacol from her list of meds. We are still considering 6mp, but for now MoloCure is all we are using and she’s symptom free.     We are going back to the GI next Friday. Joe

Response:

hi mike.  u remember me from a few years ago?  sorry to hear you are not doing very well.  can i offer immunomodulators maybe?  that seems to work for me.  on mtx and plaquenil.  am holding own. jeffy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address:

Response:

Hi Jennifer, Regarding prednisone in asthma, I have quite a bit of experience with asthma medications, and it sounds like your asthma is not controlled at times?  I was wondering if you have tried Advair? It contains Flovent and Serevent. Barry

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know this doesn’t pertain to the thread however Joe mentioned Prednisone. Is this a common treatment?  I use prednisone when my asthma flares up and when I’m on that med I can eat all day, to be expected, and have no problems with stools. Jennifer   meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

THANKS to all of you who report problems with the asacol, and the docs refusing to acknowledge it… I flat out refused to take it after problems I was having.  Doc thought I was nuts, but I stuck to my guns. I’m taking Colazal now, which is expensive as hell, but is supposed to be similar to asacol.  No problems, but if it’s keeping the CD in check I have no idea. Robin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Asacol is evil.  I think so many people have been hurt by it, and yet no doc will ever believe it.  What’s molo-cure? Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the (SPAM_BLOCKER) from my email address:   meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

Hi Mike, You mentioned that you have tried everything, so I was wondering if you tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet recommended by Elaine G. Gottschall ? It worked for my wife, and my sister, who was quite severe. Here is a link to some information about her books. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/096927680X/qid%3D1057963139/sr… My sister went on the strict version of the diet, and within 2 weeks was back to normal. At the very least you should consider reading the book "Breaking the Viscious Cycle". It is based on solid scientific principles, and it has worked for many people. Barry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address:

Response:

  meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy!   Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

Asacol is evil.  I think so many people have been hurt by it, and yet no doc will ever believe it.  What’s molo-cure? Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the (SPAM_BLOCKER) from my email address:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

I know this doesn’t pertain to the thread however Joe mentioned Prednisone. Is this a common treatment?  I use prednisone when my asthma flares up and when I’m on that med I can eat all day, to be expected, and have no problems with stools. Jennifer

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for   IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! Mike,     Since my daughter is asacol-intolerant, I’ve added Molo-Cure to her diet with permission of her GI.  She just came off her Prednisone regime due to what we thought was a flare up, but now think it was the Asacol.   So far she is fine.  I can’t attribute her well being to the Molo-cure since she got better just by stopping the Asacol. Right now she is not taking anything, but we are considering 6mp. Our decision is to wait and see for a while…. Joe

Response:

Mike, Maybe you should try a new doctor if your doctor doesn’t seem to think there is a problem… Seems to me if you are having blood in your stools… That’s not good! Hope you feel better soon! Marlena – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike

Response:

It’s been a long time….  You folks probably don’t remember me, but I’m back. Been in denail the past few months, but it is definately back–my colitis/proctitis.whatever it is.  They’ve never really figured it out actually.  For awhile, I’d have days of no symptoms, then a day of blood, and nothing again for days.  Right now, it’s become constant.  So, I’m back. Tried all the alternative stuff like fish oil, flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, etc.  The only one that seemed to do anything was bromelain, and it made my heart race, so can’t keep taking it.  Trying to avoid any real meds, but I think I’m screwed.  Are there supplemetns that are *BAD* for IBD?  Even ginger makes me bleed more!  Crazy! I’m allergic to 5ASA and I hate the cortisone suppositories–make me get all fungusy down there.  DAMN!!!  Wish there was some other alternative. I don’t have diarrhea, and go only once a day (sometimes twice), just blood and mucus (sometimes just blood)—otherwise the stools are generally normal. I need to find a doc.  My current doc says, "You’re bleeding, so what?" Obviously, I’m a mild case.  Go only once a day, big deal.  It still hurts, and sucks! Don’t know what more to say.  Hope you kept a space open for me in the club. Thanks, Mike — To reply via email remove the X’s from my email address:

Response:

Question:

Here’s where I am — after 10-plus years of sinus problems (which escalated to about 6 infections in the last 8-9 months), my family physician finally sent me to an ENT.  ENT sent me for CT scan and allergy testing.  CT scans showed cysts (first thought they were polyps, but the report says cysts) filling 2/3 of left maxillary and 1/2 (back half) of the left (largest) sphenoid.  There was also thickening in the sphenoid, bottom of left frontal and at the opening (well, where there’s *supposed* to be an opening) to the right maxillary.  Ethmoids were mostly clear with just a little cloudiness in some small areas.  Dx: chronic sinusitis.  Fortunately, I am not in the midst of an acute attack just now. The allergy testing, about which I briefly posted last week, was negative (except for the histamine control).  In addition, the IgG/A/M bloodwork that the allergist/immunologist sent me in for has, so far, come up negative — but that’s only the ‘M’ part.  The jury is still out on the IgG/A portions — the lab screwed up and forgot to test for these.  Had more blood drawn for this early this past week, and I should have the results this week before my visit to the ENT on this coming Thursday to talk about surgery. At the moment I am ‘managing’ the sinus problems with Claritan D (although the ENT says he may have me try a combo decongestant and mucus thinner instead, since the allergy testing was negative and I may not need the antihistamine part, and certainly don’t need the sleepiness it brings).  I’m also using Singulair and Nasonex and several OTC things — saline spray, Xlear (sp?), nasal irrigation (still working on the head positioning, Dr. Grossan — thanks for your suggestion!), papaya enzymes, etc., etc.  I drink lots of water and actively stay as far from any triggers (to the non-allergenic rhinitis that complicates things) as possible. I do know that when I had to go off the Claritan D before allergy testing that I started with the problems again.  Awful headaches — on the right side, and also in back of my eyes and head.  And even now, with all this care, I still have headaches at various times.  Some days, I still have lots of drainage.  I know that the small-to-almost-nonexistant opening into the right maxillary is definitely part of the problem.  A couple of weeks ago, the whole side of my face was throbbing — finally I heard a long, drawn-out "sqeeeeeeeeak" (loud — like someone had stepped on a dog toy or something — even my husband heard it) and the headache disappeared. So I know at least a portion of this is the dreaded vacuum effect. Unfortunately, all my manipulations cannot quarantee that I can open it at any given time — even after all my various methods are tried. Once the headache starts, I’m out for the count unless I get lucky. Sometimes it lasts for days (even through the night). I am so tired (fatigue has been my middle name for years), and I am about 95-percent decided on surgery sometime in early October.  I’ve done a lot of reading here and other places on the risks and rates of recovery, and I’ve read tons of post-surgery stories (both good and bad) and have spoken with people who have had FESS (and had good outcomes).  I’m putting together a list of questions for the ENT appointment.  I’ll be taking my husband along so that he can ask questions and listen to the answers as well.  I believe that the ENT wants to avoid too much work in the sphenoid since the nerves or arteries or whatever are so close to some of the thickened portion, but at this point he believes that getting rid of the cyst is possible.  He would also remove the cyst in the left maxillary and enlarge the opening to the right.  Fortunately I have a beautifully straight septum which requires no work whatsoever.  Thank heaven for small favors. Is there anything that, in the experience of those here, is important to ask at this meeting to discuss surgery or that you should have asked but didn’t?  Also, any suggestions on building up your body/health before surgery?  I start back to work in September after five years home with my son — but fortunately I’ll be working with my husband, and he’s pretty lenient (if he knows what’s good for him) about the time I need to take off to recover.  I sure would appreciate any input on this.

Response:

On 4 Aug 2001 15:32:52 -0700, studio…@net-magic.net (LSM) wrote:

 ….. Is there anything that, in the experience of those here, is important to ask at this meeting to discuss surgery or that you should have asked but didn’t?  Also, any suggestions on building up your body/health before surgery?  I start back to work in September after five years home with my son — but fortunately I’ll be working with my husband, and he’s pretty lenient (if he knows what’s good for him) about the time I need to take off to recover.  I sure would appreciate any input on this.

I think it is important to evaluate the experience and reputation of the otolaryngologist. I would look for someone whosr primary specialty has been sinus surgery for many years. A University may be one place to look.

Response:

Question:

This ‘lil tidbit from an e-mail newsletter that I get daily, thought it might be of interest to some: —— *** Asthma drugs found for exercise-induced attacks Two new asthma drugs can help prevent attacks after exercising, but one loses its effectiveness over time and the other fails to work for one-in-four sufferers, according to two studies and an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine. Most people with asthma can exercise vigorously, but they risk developing an attack if their workout ends abruptly or if they exercise in cold, dry air. The two drugs, approved earlier this year and sold under the brand names Singulair and Serevert, helped many asthma sufferers breathe easier after a workout. More importantly, the effectiveness of the medicine did not seem to wane over time. See http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2555087115-ffc —– — rls,   <–not really the one– adnohr at usa dot net barenaked in san diego http://www.concentric.net/~adnohr/

Response:

This ‘lil tidbit from an e-mail newsletter that I get daily, thought it might be of interest to some: —— *** Asthma drugs found for exercise-induced attacks

What I find intresting is how long ago this information was known to the members of this newsgroup.  Maybe the newspapers should start following this newsgroup?

Response:

Please do e-mail me one as I was unable to find it on the net when I looked under Chris King. A very popular name I found. Thanks, Eileen Jackson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This ‘lil tidbit from an e-mail newsletter that I get daily, thought it might be of interest to some: —— *** Asthma drugs found for exercise-induced attacks Two new asthma drugs can help prevent attacks after exercising, but one loses its effectiveness over time and the other fails to work for one-in-four sufferers, according to two studies and an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine. Most people with asthma can exercise vigorously, but they risk developing an attack if their workout ends abruptly or if they exercise in cold, dry air. The two drugs, approved earlier this year and sold under the brand names Singulair and Serevert, helped many asthma sufferers breathe easier after a workout. More importantly, the effectiveness of the medicine did not seem to wane over time. See http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2555087115-ffc —– — rls,   <–not really the one– adnohr at usa dot net barenaked in san diego http://www.concentric.net/~adnohr/

Response:

writes Please do e-mail me one as I was unable to find it on the net when I looked under Chris King. A very popular name I found.

We do tend to get buried under all the stuff for cycling accessories, amongst other things. Chris (No, I’m not the guy who used to be a BBC camera-man, honest !!!) — Chris King http://www.csking.demon.co.uk

Response:

Question:

I’d recommend a pill box.  Kmart had one for 4/day for the whole week for $5. As the for malingering bit, you just need to be honest with yourself. If everyday you do your best, then you can’t ask any better and you can be at peace with your conscience.  You can let other people think what they want, because you 1) can’t change other people and 2) don’t need their approval.  (If you have a religious bent, you can subsitute god for conscience.) Erik – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As if I didn’t have enough medicines to forget to take every day <S, I was started on Inderal today.  The official purpose of this was to try to counteract the shakes I get from taking Lithium but I understand it is used as a maintenance med for headaches as well.  Has anyone had any luck with it?  I am on 10 mg twice a day.  Will update y’all as time passes. Also, after about two weeks of phone tag between my PCP’s offices and various other doctors’ offices I finally have an appt. with a neurologist on 7/10.  Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.  Of course they think everyone who gets unemployment is that way so who knows?

Response:

Hey Ginnie – Today I decided to sleep all day. I sure understand what you are saying here <sniffle Love, Marty

Response:

Heh! …  That conversation happens with me and my internist, too… Sometimes I need the reality check that I’m not conjuring up some of this crap. He laughs when I ask if I’m a hypochondriac.  Then he’ll say how I’m gonna live to be a *very* old lady (meaning my fundamental health – the core stuff). We’re the same age, so maybe I can hold him to that prediction for a long time.  ;-)   But this day-to-day sh… *stuff* is what’s making the journey slow, and a real PITA at times. But if I start stressing and hating my "list" of physical problems, I need to remember (and sometimes he reminds me) that MY list isn’t gonna kill me anytime soon.  Other people dealing with cancer or wasting diseases or horrible injuries, etc., would gladly trade places with me. Ginnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just went to the Dr. yesterday.  Because I am dealing with a plethora of both problems that have a defined cause.  As well as symptoms for which they can’t see to find a cause for, I flat out asked him if he thought I was a hypochondriac.  This gave him a really good chuckle.  He said that if I was, I have a real good reason to believe.  He said he has never seen anyone be able to fake blood tests, CAT scans, MRIs and X-rays all at the same time. Don’t worry about what others think.  Only what you feel. Hypochondriac’s know they are hypochondriacs deep down in their hearts.

Response:

As if I didn’t have enough medicines to forget to take every day <S, I was started on Inderal today.  The official purpose of this was to try to counteract the shakes I get from taking Lithium but I understand it is used as a maintenance med for headaches as well.  Has anyone had any luck with it?

I was given inderal LA 3 months ago as a migriane preventative. I have only had 1 bad one since when I might have expected about 6 so I am pleased with it. We all react differently though.  I am on 10 mg twice a day.  Will update y’all as time passes. Also, after about two weeks of phone tag between my PCP’s offices and various other doctors’ offices I finally have an appt. with a neurologist on 7/10.  Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.  Of course they think everyone who gets unemployment is that way so who knows?

I am over in UK so don’t know your unemployment system or health system. I gather you have to pay for health care though(can someone enlighten me on how this works?) and would imagine you would not hand money over for health care you do not need?

Response:

Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.  Of course they think everyone who gets unemployment is that way so who knows?

I just went to the Dr. yesterday.  Because I am dealing with a plethora of both problems that have a defined cause.  As well as symptoms for which they can’t see to find a cause for, I flat out asked him if he thought I was a hypochondriac.  This gave him a really good chuckle.  He said that if I was, I have a real good reason to believe.  He said he has never seen anyone be able to fake blood tests, CAT scans, MRIs and X-rays all at the same time. Don’t worry about what others think.  Only what you feel. Hypochondriac’s know they are hypochondriacs deep down in their hearts.

Response:

As if I didn’t have enough medicines to forget to take every day <S, I was started on Inderal today.  The official purpose of this was to try to counteract the shakes I get from taking Lithium but I understand it is used as a maintenance med for headaches as well.  Has anyone had any luck with it?  I am on 10 mg twice a day.  Will update y’all as time passes.

There’s a long-acting formulation called Inderal LA, which is only taken once a day.  That’s a bit more convenient, but some people’s insurance co-pays are higher for the LA version.  Sometimes you want the immediate-release form of a drug to get a more pronounced short-term effect. This may be the case in your case, I don’t know. Inderal LA is a highly highly effective anti-migraine drug for the vast majority of migraine sufferers.  It’s the first preventive medicine I prescribe to migraine patients, and works most of the time.  As the people on this newsgroup are for the most part folks who haven’t gotten easy fixes, it’s probably not got a good track record among the members of this group. Inderal is not just a migraine treatment.  It’s used for lots of other things, among which is "benign essential tremor".  This is not the same as the tremor from Lithium, but I can imagine it working for both.  Yes, please do let us know how it works for you. The usual effective dose for migraine prevention is much higher than the one you’re on.  I don’t know what the usual effective dose is for tremor.  So if you don’t get relief from the tremor at this dose, I’d suggest you not get discouraged.  Your doctor is probably planning to gradually increase the dose, as tolerated. Also, after about two weeks of phone tag between my PCP’s offices and various other doctors’ offices I finally have an appt. with a neurologist on 7/10.

I just saw a neurologist the other day about my headaches.  She was so supportive, and had some excellent suggestions.  I must say, a good bedside manner is everything.  It makes me want to have a better bedside manner myself, in my own practice (I’m a family practitioner).  It’s a truism that being a patient makes one a better doctor. Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.

Most people in chronic pain don’t want to go to work.  Go figure.  :-)

Response:

As if I didn’t have enough medicines to forget to take every day <S, I was started on Inderal today.  The official purpose of this was to try to counteract the shakes I get from taking Lithium but I understand it is used as a maintenance med for headaches as well.  Has anyone had any luck with it?  I am on 10 mg twice a day.  Will update y’all as time passes. Also, after about two weeks of phone tag between my PCP’s offices and various other doctors’ offices I finally have an appt. with a neurologist on 7/10.  Hopefully at that time we can figure out for sure whether we’re dealing with migraines, tention headaches, or if I am a hypochondriac mallingering lazy SOB who does not want to work for a living which is what the state unemployment people think I am.  Of course they think everyone who gets unemployment is that way so who knows? — "The only thing Republicans have to fear is the lack of fear itself." E. J. Dionne

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Yup. I get real sick and tired of being sick and tired, too.  And the limitations imposed by both the medical problems AND prescription med *effects* are something my pain shrink I talk about a lot.  There’s only so much a person is willing to give up of the person they *were*, before some big acceptance and coping problems crop up. Losing some of your independence and your freedom is tough to take.  There’s a fair amount of grieving that takes place, whether the person realizes it or not. Part of the person dies, in a sense, and that means going through the stages of grief – denial or disbelief, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance…  I know Kubler-Ross said there were only four stages, but I really think there’s a few more, and that some new incident or setback will send us pin-balling around the other stages, even after we *think* we’ve accepted the loss. And scheduling your life around tests and treatments not only puts constraints on how you live, it actually can force WHERE you live.  I’ve heard of lots of people who’ve had to MOVE to where the best treatment is. And just giving up on some of this stuff?  Yup, I’ve given up – for now – on finding solutions for some things.  Some conditions will just sit there and just BE, without stressing about them.  Another one is just waiting for the technology to improve.  Then I’ll get back to trying to fix that one. And some days?  Some days I just refuse to deal with any of it, and will sleep all day.  Or I’ll cry and cuss out my "list" of crap, and try to get the resentment out of my system, or come here for a rare all-out whiiiiiiiine. Some days, ya just gotta whine. Ginnie

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Question:

Website Hoax on Killer Virus Triggers Hong Kong Panic Tue April 1, 2003 08:55 AM ET

so???? — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian =- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 " If something’s hard to do, then it’s not worth doing. Homer J. Simpson"

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Could it be that "SARS" is just an adverse reaction to the anti-depressant drug Effexor that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is now pushing in China? Similar symptoms: 1: Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2003 Apr 1;167(7):958-61 Drug-induced Pneumonitis and Heart Failure Simultaneously Associated with Venlafaxine. Drent M, Singh S, Gorgels AP, Hansell DM, Bekers O, Nicholson AG, Van Suylen RJ, Du Bois RM. Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Maastricht, Two cases of interstitial pneumonia with cardiac failure developing in patients treated with the new antidepressant venlafaxine are presented. A strong relationship between the development of the patients’ illness and the initiation of venlafaxine treatment was identified.  The cytochrome P (CYP) 450 system is involved in the metabolism of venlafaxine, suggesting that alterations in the drug metabolic clearance might be, at least in part, responsible for the development of drug-induced damage in these cases. This might occur either as a consequence of a genetic factor or concomitant drug therapy with an inhibitor of the related CYP system.  After identifying the causative agent in the first case, withdrawal of the antidepressant together with corticosteroid treatment led to a favorable outcome. In the other case, the multiorgan failure became fatal.  These cases highlight a hitherto undescribed association of an adverse lung reaction and heart failure due to venlafaxine. PMID: 12663337 [PubMed - in process]

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Could it be that "SARS" is just an adverse reaction to the anti-depressant drug Effexor that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is now pushing in China? Similar symptoms:

Yeah, world’s first contagious drug reaction.

Response:

Could it be that "SARS" is just an adverse reaction to the anti-depressant drug Effexor that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is now pushing in China? Similar symptoms: Yeah, world’s first contagious drug reaction.

Is it SARS or is it a reaction to the drug Effexor? Effexor is now being agressively sold in China by Wyeth who claims on its website that it has "superior safety". Yet PubMed shows several reports of severe and fatal Effexor side effects — which at this point mimic symptoms of SARS. Patients taking Effexor need to know.

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Question:

How long did withdrawal symptoms stay with you when you came off Zoloft? I’ve been completely off for over 2 weeks and am still getting the electric shocks in the back of my head. Headaches have gone and most of the faintness has too. But I’m still not through with it, I don’t think. I don’t feel depressed off them, I just feel like hell. HOw long is it gonna last? I’m gonna  try and sit it out rather than go back on to stop the physical symptoms. Thanks in advance

Response:

I had similar symptoms when I went off Celexa.  The doctor on call didn’t even know anything about Celexa withdrawal, but I found proof on the net (so I knew I wasn’t crazy).  Anyway, they lasted a long time for me.  They continued to wane and get better, but it was at least a month before I felt more "normal" again.  And I still had minor lingering effects past that. Don’t give up, it will continue to wear off. Good luck, Jessica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How long did withdrawal symptoms stay with you when you came off Zoloft? I’ve been completely off for over 2 weeks and am still getting the electric shocks in the back of my head. Headaches have gone and most of the faintness has too. But I’m still not through with it, I don’t think. I don’t feel depressed off them, I just feel like hell. HOw long is it gonna last? I’m gonna  try and sit it out rather than go back on to stop the physical symptoms. Thanks in advance

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Question:

I have tappered down my Effexor dose (with Doctor supervision, over ~ 2 months, from 75 mg XR, once daily) to the lowest I can get, which is 37.5 mg, which I take in the morning.  Suprisinlgy with it’s short half life, I seem to feel no withdrawl effects by the end of the day. However, now my dose is zero, and I think, after 24 hours, I began to feel some withdrawl effects.  It’s best described (by others) as a brain zap (a bit like vertigo).  It seems not an uncommon effect.  I have s light headache, some fatigue, but certianly not incapacitating.  But it does freak me out and I am battling not to take a tablet to make it go away.  I went on AD when I had some health issues.  Freaky things happening to my body don’t help me very much. I have only been Effexor free for 48 h, it does seem to be getting a little worse.  Can anyone suggest how long I need to stick it out  ? One week ?  One month ?  It seems to vary person to person, but a guide would be good. My Doc has no advice on this. Appreciated, RDJ

Response:

You did a good taper-down, but effexor is notoriously hell to wash-out. 10 days to 2 weeks is the norm. This is a stupid suggestion, but I was helped by using Thera-flu (or the generic versions)…you know, those hot lemon-flavored antihistamine thingies? Jim M.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have tappered down my Effexor dose (with Doctor supervision, over ~ 2 months, from 75 mg XR, once daily) to the lowest I can get, which is 37.5 mg, which I take in the morning.  Suprisinlgy with it’s short half life, I seem to feel no withdrawl effects by the end of the day. However, now my dose is zero, and I think, after 24 hours, I began to feel some withdrawl effects.  It’s best described (by others) as a brain zap (a bit like vertigo).  It seems not an uncommon effect.  I have s light headache, some fatigue, but certianly not incapacitating.  But it does freak me out and I am battling not to take a tablet to make it go away.  I went on AD when I had some health issues.  Freaky things happening to my body don’t help me very much. I have only been Effexor free for 48 h, it does seem to be getting a little worse.  Can anyone suggest how long I need to stick it out  ? One week ?  One month ?  It seems to vary person to person, but a guide would be good. My Doc has no advice on this. Appreciated, RDJ

Response:

Thanks for the reply.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t hack the withdrawl and took a tab.  Bad thing is, I felt better within an hour.  I was hoping waht I was feeling was unrelated to withdrawl, maybe juat a vrius or something.  I am now taking 37.5 mg every second day.  By the end of the second day, I start to feel the withdrawl.  I intend to do this for a week or so to get to know what thw withdrawl feels like, so I am less freaked out by it. In Australia, 37.5 mg seems to be the lowest dose available, according to my Doc.  I am not confident of tablet splitting. The lemon things are around.   Do you think it’s the anti-histamnine that does the job ? You did a good taper-down, but effexor is notoriously hell to wash-out. 10 days to 2 weeks is the norm. This is a stupid suggestion, but I was helped by using Thera-flu (or the generic versions)…you know, those hot lemon-flavored antihistamine thingies? Jim M.

[snip]

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6 months or so ago my pdoc tried weaning me off effexor. From 150mg on down…when I hit 37.5 I started withrawal. Dizzy, headache, felt like I was walkin sidewys, brain zaps, nausea. I was put on Wellbuterin. I eventually got  totally off. AAAHHHH I called my pdoc crying just having a fit becase I vomited twice. The depression was awaful. I had forgotten how disgusting depression was. Waves of major depression. I did use some benedryl which did help some. So he put me back on Effexor. I am on lithium, lamictal, effexor, ativan and restoril. In my out of mind state I was crying, "with all the drugs I am on how can this happen??!" just crying a way. First he tried clinical terms….forget it, I barely knew where I was. So he put it to me like this, " You have a car, it has a body, wheels and an engine also a steering wheel. You can have all that but, if you do not have the  key you cannot start the car you aren’t going anywhere. Effexor is one of your keys. If you do not have it with your other meds you do not receive what your brain needs." Good luck with your effexor. When I was put back on I felt so much better. maridee

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Nancy wrote….. I went for my physical today.  I sure am glad to get it over with.  He wants me to have cholestrol test done not for anything other than high c runs in the family.  He’s also booking me for a brain scan because my mother has anuerisms and they can sometimes run in the family.  My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was good.  This suprised me because it was thumping like a wild think while I was in the waiting room! He doubled up my dose of Zoloft to 50mg and gave me some more ativan.  Thank God for ativan it seems to be the only thing that is keeping me sane these days. Oh also I am off work for at least another month.  *Phew*  I was worried about that because I am just not ready to go back there yet. I had a nice surprise visit from my brother tonight (who has only been to my place twice before in the past 8 years).  It was a really pleasant visit.  I really like him but we have never had a close relationship. I told the doctor that I had a good day on Sunday but then relapsed on Monday and ever since.  He saw that as a good sign.  At least I had one good day.  I really like him, he is our new family doctor and I only started seeing him when I got this bought of PA he seems pretty thorough.

Dear Nancy, I`m glad to hear that your doctor visit went well. I agree with your doctor that your good day even though it was followed by a setback, is a good thing. You can`t have a setback unless you had made some progress to begin with. The 50 mg increase in your Zoloft dose is a big increase at one time for a person with an anxiety disorder. Just wanted to point that out in case your anxiety or side-effects increase a bit during the next few days. Make sure to use your Ativan during this period. Take care Jackie ~*~The world breaks us all. Afterward, some are stronger at the broken places.

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Hi Nancy! I’m happy that things went well at the doctor’s office.  It’s better to get these tests out of the way and be able to relax afterwards.  It’s great you had such a nice visit with your brother.  I hope you have many more of them. I’m with you about Ativan. Hugs, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I went for my physical today.  I sure am glad to get it over with.  He wants me to have cholestrol test done not for anything other than high c runs in the family.  He’s also booking me for a brain scan because my mother has anuerisms and they can sometimes run in the family.  My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was good.  This suprised me because it was thumping like a wild think while I was in the waiting room! He doubled up my dose of Zoloft to 50mg and gave me some more ativan. Thank God for ativan it seems to be the only thing that is keeping me sane these days. Oh also I am off work for at least another month.  *Phew*  I was worried about that because I am just not ready to go back there yet. I had a nice surprise visit from my brother tonight (who has only been to my place twice before in the past 8 years).  It was a really pleasant visit. I really like him but we have never had a close relationship. I told the doctor that I had a good day on Sunday but then relapsed on Monday and ever since.  He saw that as a good sign.  At least I had one good day.  I really like him, he is our new family doctor and I only started seeing him when I got this bought of PA he seems pretty thorough. Sorry for the length, Nancy Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

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This is good that you are having all of these tests and that so far, they are showing that you are doing well.  This will take a big load off your mind once all the tests come back negative.  Having the next month off will give you a chance to get used to the Zoloft at a higher dose and let everything settle. Take care, Liz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I went for my physical today.  I sure am glad to get it over with.  He wants me to have cholestrol test done not for anything other than high c runs in the family.  He’s also booking me for a brain scan because my mother has anuerisms and they can sometimes run in the family.  My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was good.  This suprised me because it was thumping like a wild think while I was in the waiting room! He doubled up my dose of Zoloft to 50mg and gave me some more ativan.   Thank God for ativan it seems to be the only thing that is keeping me sane these days. Oh also I am off work for at least another month.  *Phew*  I was worried about that because I am just not ready to go back there yet. I had a nice surprise visit from my brother tonight (who has only been to my place twice before in the past 8 years).  It was a really pleasant visit.  I really like him but we have never had a close relationship. I told the doctor that I had a good day on Sunday but then relapsed on Monday and ever since.  He saw that as a good sign.  At least I had one good day.  I really like him, he is our new family doctor and I only started seeing him when I got this bought of PA he seems pretty thorough. Sorry for the length, Nancy Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

– Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.                            –Henry Kaiser

Response:

Hi All, I went for my physical today.  I sure am glad to get it over with.  He wants me to have cholestrol test done not for anything other than high c runs in the family.  He’s also booking me for a brain scan because my mother has anuerisms and they can sometimes run in the family.  My blood pressure was good and my heart rate was good.  This suprised me because it was thumping like a wild think while I was in the waiting room! He doubled up my dose of Zoloft to 50mg and gave me some more ativan.  Thank God for ativan it seems to be the only thing that is keeping me sane these days. Oh also I am off work for at least another month.  *Phew*  I was worried about that because I am just not ready to go back there yet. I had a nice surprise visit from my brother tonight (who has only been to my place twice before in the past 8 years).  It was a really pleasant visit.  I really like him but we have never had a close relationship. I told the doctor that I had a good day on Sunday but then relapsed on Monday and ever since.  He saw that as a good sign.  At least I had one good day.  I really like him, he is our new family doctor and I only started seeing him when I got this bought of PA he seems pretty thorough. Sorry for the length, Nancy Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

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Question:

Does anyone think taking 300 mg wellbutrin and 225 mg effexor per day (as prescribed) then taking handfuls of klonopin on the weekend to calm down (not prescribed) is a problem?  I have felt better that ever on the effexor and the wellbutrin and viagra takes care of the sexual problems for me, but weekends are still rough.  I just want to be alone and be numbed. Can anyone relate? I feel like I should be so very grateful, cause I feel better than I ever have before, but I like to play with pills. I’d just like to know I’m not alone in this. Thanks… — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

Response:

Does anyone think taking 300 mg wellbutrin and 225 mg effexor per day (as prescribed) then taking handfuls of klonopin on the weekend to calm down (not prescribed) is a problem?  I have felt better that ever on the effexor and the wellbutrin and viagra takes care of the sexual problems for me, but weekends are still rough.  I just want to be alone and be numbed. Can anyone relate? I feel like I should be so very grateful, cause I feel better than I ever have before, but I like to play with pills. I’d just like to know I’m not alone in this. Thanks…

When I was taking 300 mg Effexor and 150 mg Wellbutrin, I had to take Klonopin quite often.  I just got so tense and anxious and sometimes I was really irritable or angry.  Lots of Klonopin helped.  I’m not on the Wellbutrin anymore, and I haven’t had to take the Klonopin recently either. No, you’re not alone. Deb

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone think taking 300 mg wellbutrin and 225 mg effexor per day (as prescribed) then taking handfuls of klonopin on the weekend to calm down (not prescribed) is a problem?  I have felt better that ever on the effexor and the wellbutrin and viagra takes care of the sexual problems for me, but weekends are still rough.  I just want to be alone and be numbed. Can anyone relate? I feel like I should be so very grateful, cause I feel better than I ever have before, but I like to play with pills. I’d just like to know I’m not alone in this. Thanks… When I was taking 300 mg Effexor and 150 mg Wellbutrin, I had to take Klonopin quite often.  I just got so tense and anxious and sometimes I was really irritable or angry.  Lots of Klonopin helped.  I’m not on the Wellbutrin anymore, and I haven’t had to take the Klonopin recently either. No, you’re not alone. Deb

I just don’t like benzo’s.  I want to take the whole bottle sometimes. I like the tense and anxious feeling better.  I really do. — I can’t think of a single movie that couldn’t be improved by a lesbian sex scene.

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Question:

Sally, beware of drugs touting false promises for BPs. St. John’s Wort, while very  effective in studies overseas, is only effective for MILD DEPRESSION, not for  bipolar. when you’ve got this particular lion banging at the doors, you need  something different. a mood stabilizer (sorry, i’m not a doctor & i dont play  one on tv) will help prevent the manias (what goes up must come down), and  regulate the neurochemicals. having just been diagnosed as BP during the summer (and misdiagnosed for years  before that, living on klonopin, zoloft, xanax, ritalin, whatever i/the docs  thought would work), i can say i’ve been through the litany of drugs. i’m not  physically tiny, but i am very sensitive to medication, and i am on doses that  would not pass in the PDR for therapeutic. (900 mg of neurontin & 250 to 325  mg of depakote and that’s IT). i’ve had my share of cocktails, mixes, dosages,  and unfortunately, it just does take a while to find the right drug or drugs.  i can’t tolerate lithium, and everything else i’ve tried has produced a  variety of side effects, some bearable, others not. i’m lucky because my doctor believes in simplifying the medication regimen as  much as possible, so we started out with the idea that maybe i’d only need a  single drug. it hasn’t worked out that way, but that’s life. what you DO need, IMO, is a doctor you trust. if you’re scared of the meds and  you’re not being listened to (but you do have to listen, too), then you’re  really doing yourself–and your kids–a disservice. Find a doctor you like and  trust, be willing to deal with some side effects (make sure your doctor  understands that you have kids and responsibilities), and try to have patience  (yeah, right). feel free to email. Miz

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i’m really scared of getting prescribed medication – once, before i was diagnosed as bipolar II, a doctor prescribed paxil. it knocked me out, all i did was sleep. then, when i said i thought it was too strong, he said it was all my imagination. so, i quit going to that doctor and months later i have been diagnosed BP II. i only weigh 90 lbs, and i’m 37. just have very small bone structure so it is a natural weight for me. but i can’t tolerate adult dosage, and docs never seem to take that into account.  anyway, i’m rambling, my mind is a mess right now. sorry. the point is… i’m really afraid of taking these cocktails and such that you all describe. i have two children and i’m on my own with them most of the time (my husband’s work takes him away 3 weeks at a time, then home for 3 weeks). i HAVE to function to take care of them. but then, the doctor says she feels i really need them, and probably always will. do these medications always make people so sick? is there anyone out there who can say the meds are really helping them? i don’t think i understand this at all. also, sorry i’m using a fake email address, i have never been involved in a newsgroup and was afraid of getting weird mail or something.

Yeah,  you’d get weird mail all right.   I wish I’d never given my real address.   My box is full of filthy trash mail every day.  I wish I could e-mail you directly because the posts don’t go to everyone. Try using a fake address and put  decoding directions in your signature.  . . .Now to answer your question. Yes,  meds will help you when you get the right one and the right dose.  Sometimes that is not easy.   Some docs won’t listen to you.  I eventually had to take charge of adjusting the dosage myself.   I too am very sensitive to meds of all types and usually half of the prescribed dosage is about right.   Caution:   if you are suicidal, don’t mess around with the dosage until you are stable.   Also try to find a doctor that is willing to try different meds at different doses until you get it right.   Also give it enough time.  It takes a month or more to stabilize you.   I think the longer you have been depressed, the longer it takes.  Paxil however is one of the fastest acting ones and the quickest to wash out of the system.   Depression also makes a person stuporous sometimes.  I had one doctor who always thought I was zombied out by the depression and needed a higher dose, so he’d prescribe more and more and more.  I finally had to dump him because he refused to listen to me and I was only able to function for one hour a day and gained 30 pounds sleeping all the time. Meds affect each person differently.   Prozac puts me to sleep. Others feel great with it.  Paxil makes me feel great, but puts you to sleep. For Bipolar Disorder, and antidepressant alone may not be the right medication.   It works for me, but I’ve been under treatment for years.  You must find a doc who will listen to you and work with you to help you feel better.   Don’t give up on meds –they really do work! Take Care, –Carroll

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i’m feeling better today but i know it’s because i was out to see my daughter’s play and she was so good in it, it was great to see her so happy with her performance and we gave her 2 dozen roses when it was over. she’s 12, and is able to accomplish whatever she sets her mind to without having a downside, self-esteem problems, all those things i have always had. i love my kids, and i’ll never leave them no matter how down i get. this keeps me going day after day. i’m rambling again.

Dear Sally, You are not rambling. You are a human being who wants to live a normal life, stop worrying what others think of you. DO not let let anyone convince you that you are a broken thing, someone who can not think for herself. Use your eyes, ears, brain and a little help from friends, because that is all you need. Good luck with bringing up your child. I have two kids and it is a great experience, they teach me about life everyday. — Joop Kaashoek INSA Limited http://www.insaltd.com (408) 268-9650

Response:

i’m really scared of getting prescribed medication – once, before i was diagnosed as bipolar II, a doctor prescribed paxil. it knocked me out, all i did was sleep. then, when i said i thought it was too strong, he said it was all my imagination. so, i quit going to that doctor and months later i have been diagnosed BP II. i only weigh 90 lbs, and i’m 37. just have very small bone structure so it is a natural weight for me. but i can’t tolerate adult dosage, and docs never seem to take that into account.  anyway, i’m rambling, my mind is a mess right now. sorry. the point is… i’m really afraid of taking these cocktails and such that you all describe. i have two children and i’m on my own with them most of the time (my husband’s work takes him away 3 weeks at a time, then home for 3 weeks). i HAVE to function to take care of them. but then, the doctor says she feels i really need them, and probably always will. do these medications always make people so sick? is there anyone out there who can say the meds are really helping them? i don’t think i understand this at all. also, sorry i’m using a fake email address, i have never been involved in a newsgroup and was afraid of getting weird mail or something.

Response:

seems like everyone that’s BP has had an awful hell of a time, and it makes me feel like there are finally some people out there who understand in this group. carma – i’m glad you are hanging in there and thanks for the message. going to hang in there myself with the st john’s wort for the 3 weeks the naturopathic doc says it will take for it to begin to have effect. it’s only been a little under 2 weeks but it seems like a lifetime waiting for this change. if this doesn’t work i think i’m forced to go ahead with the prescription meds and from what you say, it is worth the trouble. if there had been help for my mother (who killed herself in ‘67 at my age – 37),  she might have been here today to see her beautiful grandchildren. i miss her every day. by the way, you are an incredibly strong woman with a will to match. thanks for the encouragement. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Once I made that med decision and saw how it did help me I won’t go back. I may trade one non-working med in for new ones but now that I have quit lying about how bad my life really was at times I’ll keep trying until the make the right med combination for me. Carma

Response:

i don’t know what a mood stabilizer is, and don’t know what drugs are considered to be mood stabilizers. so, hopefully i’ll find some sort of alternative (as St. John’s Wort) that will act as a mood stabilizer. as for self education, i’d like to find some resources that will explain how  the brain chemicals are affected when you are BPII. which ones are up, down, etc., so that i can find ways to improve my diet and life (this is optimistic on my part probably, but why not). HarvilleC wrote in article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Bipolar II patients need a mood stabilizer, in addition to an anti-dperessant (usually).  And anti-depressant alone may bring on wider mood swings and mania. It takes a while for meds to work, and it is a gradual process.  The drugs first have to "prod" the brain out of the swings, then establish a new set point.  It can take months. I am grateful for finding the right combination – it took a while, but with a dedicated doctor, and self-education, meds can and do work. Hang in there, and write to me anytime. Smooth sailing, Cathy

Response:

By the way if it had been there in 1964 it could have helped my aunt DeLorice who killed herself at age 37 as well. Good luck with the SJW. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – seems like everyone that’s BP has had an awful hell of a time, and it makes me feel like there are finally some people out there who understand in this group. carma – i’m glad you are hanging in there and thanks for the message. going to hang in there myself with the st john’s wort for the 3 weeks the naturopathic doc says it will take for it to begin to have effect. it’s only been a little under 2 weeks but it seems like a lifetime waiting for this change. if this doesn’t work i think i’m forced to go ahead with the prescription meds and from what you say, it is worth the trouble. if there had been help for my mother (who killed herself in ‘67 at my age – 37),  she might have been here today to see her beautiful grandchildren. i miss her every day. by the way, you are an incredibly strong woman with a will to match. thanks for the encouragement. Carma Winfrey-Hayes wrote in article Once I made that med decision and saw how it did help me I won’t go back. I may trade one non-working med in for new ones but now that I have quit lying about how bad my life really was at times I’ll keep trying until the make the right med combination for me. Carma

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another note about mood stabilizers… i have to learn about this! what can you tell me… when i say i’m new to this diagnosis, i mean REALLY new. like, last Friday. i’m feeling better today but i know it’s because i was out to see my daughter’s play and she was so good in it, it was great to see her so happy with her performance and we gave her 2 dozen roses when it was over. she’s 12, and is able to accomplish whatever she sets her mind to without having a downside, self-esteem problems, all those things i have always had. i love my kids, and i’ll never leave them no matter how down i get. this keeps me going day after day. i’m rambling again. can you tell me about mood stabilizers? SMxMS wrote in article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Are you taking a mood stabilizer as well?  An antidepressant for a bipolar can be activating, and this could be working against your best interests. Please make sure your psychiatrist knows what your naturopath doctor is prescribing for you.  Just make sure everyone is working together. Hang in there–Meds don’t work overnight.  I know it seems forever.  Are you quite sure you’re not supposed to be taking a mood stabilizer? I am NOT a doctor, but I just wanted to clarify this point. Hang in there–we all can sympathize.  We’ve been there.

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but then, the doctor says she feels i really need them, and probably always will. do these medications always make people so sick? is there anyone out there who can say the meds are really helping them? i don’t think i understand this at all. also, sorry i’m using a fake email address, i have never been involved in a newsgroup and was afraid of getting weird mail or something.

Sally, Bipolar II patients need a mood stabilizer, in addition to an anti-dperessant  (usually).  And anti-depressant alone may bring on wider mood swings and  mania. It takes a while for meds to work, and it is a gradual process.  The drugs  first have to "prod" the brain out of the swings, then establish a new set  point.  It can take months. I am grateful for finding the right combination – it took a while, but with a  dedicated doctor, and self-education, meds can and do work.   Hang in there, and write to me anytime. Smooth sailing, Cathy

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They are correct and sorry if I wasn’t explicit earlier. To be stable means you need something for mood cycling like Lithium, Dpakote or Tegretol or one of the more experimental newer meds like Neurotonin that are helping many bipolars. While some BP’s have traded in their anti-depressants for SJW in general this would  probably only work for people whose depressive cycles are milder than average. To be really stable most BP’s need a good mood drug AND a good anti-depressant and some with more difficult to treat BP take multiple combinations of these two med categories. The 2 1/2 years I took only an anti-depressant made no dent on my hypomanic anger or rage. That didn’t happen until after I started the lithium. Like I said the lithium side affects have been a pain in the butt but I’m still willing to hang in there until something better comes along. Carma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i don’t know what a mood stabilizer is, and don’t know what drugs are considered to be mood stabilizers. so, hopefully i’ll find some sort of alternative (as St. John’s Wort) that will act as a mood stabilizer. as for self education, i’d like to find some resources that will explain how  the brain chemicals are affected when you are BPII. which ones are up, down, etc., so that i can find ways to improve my diet and life (this is optimistic on my part probably, but why not). HarvilleC wrote in article Bipolar II patients need a mood stabilizer, in addition to an anti-dperessant (usually).  And anti-depressant alone may bring on wider mood swings and mania. It takes a while for meds to work, and it is a gradual process.  The drugs first have to "prod" the brain out of the swings, then establish a new set point.  It can take months. I am grateful for finding the right combination – it took a while, but with a dedicated doctor, and self-education, meds can and do work. Hang in there, and write to me anytime. Smooth sailing, Cathy

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