Posted by nolegirl23 on March 2, 2007, at 18:14:22
In reply to Let's hear some medicine success stories, posted by UGottaHaveHope on March 2, 2007, at 14:00:55
> First of all, we all must realize this is not your ordinary crowd taking meds. Chances are, if you have made it to this board, you were unhappy on your current meds, searching for new ones, and/or have been struggling for years.
>
> But somewhere out there, there are success stories. People who have found meds (with or without help from others on this board) and have been able to return to a normal lifestyle, maybe not great but functioning with job and family, etc.
>
> If you meet that criteria, please share your story. Please share your age, your career field, your medicine, anything else, your struggles and how you dealt with them. I know when you feel better, you don't come to this board as often but perhaps you are cruising through and can share some words of encouragement.
>
> NOTHING HELPS MORE THAN HOPE! PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY TO GIVE THE REST OF US HOPE. We need it.
>
> Thanks, MichaelHi Michael,
Although I am new to the world of meds, I have found that I am a much healthier person now that I have gotten help.
I have had anorexia/bulimia since I was 12. My parents had no medical insurance, so all they could do was watch. I also suffered from depression, panic disorder, and OCD. When I was in high school, I was so obviously sick that my school called Child Protective Services; they accused my mother of not feeding me.
At that point, I was appointed a 'social worker' to assist with my issues.
No help at all.
At 18, I left home, went to college, and took my eating disorder, depression, anxiety and OCD with me.
Instead of living the college life, I spent hours in kitchen, organizing canned food. First by size, than by family of food, then by color.. all the while starving.
I got very sick again, and was referred to the college medical team.
Finally, I had a counselor to talk to.
She referred me to a Pdoc who prescribed Paxil. I was on paxil for 2 years. Throughout these 2 years, I turned into a drug addict, than an alcoholic, and so on and so forth.
After I graduated (somehow I graduated), I was blessed with a WONDERFUL career. I was accepted for the Probation/parole academy. THrough my ED, and other afflictions, I made it through.
Long story short, I got a GREAT career with GREAT insurance benefits. I forgot to mention, I got off paxil while in college.
On no meds, I went back to the ED, suffered from severe depression, drank every night, and never EVER slept.
I got very sick again (thin, pale, weak..) and my boss began questioning me. She knew I was sick, and said that I was no longer able to do my job.
(Probation/Parole).
After some visits to the ER, and subsequent overnight stays in the psych ward, I was transferred to a psychiatric hospital here in florida.
I spent a month there, and was prescribed the meds that saved my life.It was trial and error, but I am now on Lexapro, Lamictal, Xanax XR, and Vistaril (for sleep).
I am finally feeling like everybody else must feel, somewhat normal.
I have my good days and my bad days, but all in all, my meds, my therapy, and my self acceptance have changed my life.I am now in a wonderful relationship, and have been given back all of my duties as a parole/probation officer.
I am doing SOOOOO much better at my job, and I am so much more relaxed now that I am medicated. The lack of anxiety is amazing, and I am so thankful that I was finally able to get the help that I needed.I am a 25 year old female, college grad, single, no kids (but an awesome cat), and as stated, work in law enforcement.
Although I have my depression days (when I cut and drink), for the most part, I am stable.
Sorry for 'babbling' (ha ha, get it? Babbling??)
but I thought I would give my full story.~ Shanon ~
Nolegirl23 = I went to Florida State (seminoles, my birthday is on the 23rd, so therefore I am NOLEgirl23)
:-)
poster:nolegirl23
thread:737701
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070302/msgs/737772.html