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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Snowie on April 30, 2000, at 18:32:48
My pdoc of 5 years has recently decided that along with GAD, an occasional panic attack, and agoraphobia (all controlled with Xanax, although I'm considering switching to Klonopin in the future), I have OCD, but without the C. In other words, he thinks I have uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts, but without being compulsive. Needless to say, I was quite shocked to hear that for the first time in 5 years!
Since I live alone, I don't have anyone to talk to or to get feedback about things that bother or worry me, so I often express these thoughts to my friends and family members, but I don't think they rise to the level of obsessiveness. However, I'm not ruling it out just yet. My pdoc sees me for 5-10 minutes every other month or so, and believes that the information I have gleaned from the Internet has made me ambivalent, and that my only source of information should come from him. I personally think that's poppycock, but I've decided to go with this new assessment for the moment. He has given me a starter pack of 10 mg. of Prozac for the first two weeks, and 20 mg. of Prozac for the two weeks after that. I also take about 3 mg. of Xanax per day. What exactly are obsessive thoughts? Can you have OCD without the C? If his assessment is correct, what can I expect from Prozac?
Also, according to the link below, I don't have OCD. I have an appointment with a new pdoc this Thursday, and hopefully he'll be able to give me some new insight.
http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1070a.htm
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Snowie
Posted by Cindy W on April 30, 2000, at 20:24:54
In reply to OCD without the C, posted by Snowie on April 30, 2000, at 18:32:48
> My pdoc of 5 years has recently decided that along with GAD, an occasional panic attack, and agoraphobia (all controlled with Xanax, although I'm considering switching to Klonopin in the future), I have OCD, but without the C. In other words, he thinks I have uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts, but without being compulsive. Needless to say, I was quite shocked to hear that for the first time in 5 years!
>
> Since I live alone, I don't have anyone to talk to or to get feedback about things that bother or worry me, so I often express these thoughts to my friends and family members, but I don't think they rise to the level of obsessiveness. However, I'm not ruling it out just yet. My pdoc sees me for 5-10 minutes every other month or so, and believes that the information I have gleaned from the Internet has made me ambivalent, and that my only source of information should come from him. I personally think that's poppycock, but I've decided to go with this new assessment for the moment. He has given me a starter pack of 10 mg. of Prozac for the first two weeks, and 20 mg. of Prozac for the two weeks after that. I also take about 3 mg. of Xanax per day. What exactly are obsessive thoughts? Can you have OCD without the C? If his assessment is correct, what can I expect from Prozac?
>
> Also, according to the link below, I don't have OCD. I have an appointment with a new pdoc this Thursday, and hopefully he'll be able to give me some new insight.
>
> http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1070a.htm
>
> Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
>
> SnowieHi, Snowie! I have OCD (both the obsessions, and compulsions). I worry constantly and cannot control my thoughts, which make me count over and over, hum songs for hours and hours, repeat stupid activities like checking things, and I also have a feeling of overresponsibility (so I hoard worthless things and also "collect" living things; right now, it's treefrogs). I don't know if your thoughts qualify as "obsessions." People can have just the obsessions without the compulsions. Frequently, the thoughts have aggressive, religious, or sexual content, as you probably noticed from the OCFoundation site. What matters is whether they are time-consuming, cause you distress, and/or interfere with your daily life greatly (social life, work, etc). SSRI's are often used for both OCD and for depression. Many pdocs unfortunately don't know too much about OCD yet (at least yours has heard of it, which is a step!). Prozac is often used to decrease obsessive thoughts; if it's the right med, the thoughts don't keep going around in your head and your brain gets "quiet" (this is what Effexor-XR does for me; I've tried Prozac, Luvox, Serzone, and Zoloft). Usually the dose of the AD has to be higher than for depression, however; they don't know why. Keep reading and see if it seems to fit for you or not. Hang in there!
Posted by Alex F on April 30, 2000, at 21:40:18
In reply to Re: OCD without the C, posted by Cindy W on April 30, 2000, at 20:24:54
> Hi, Snowie! I have OCD (both the obsessions, and compulsions). I worry constantly and cannot control my thoughts, which make me count over and over, hum songs for hours and hours, repeat stupid activities like checking things, and I also have a feeling of overresponsibility (so I hoard worthless things and also "collect" living things; right now, it's treefrogs). I don't know if your thoughts qualify as "obsessions." People can have just the obsessions without the compulsions. Frequently, the thoughts have aggressive, religious, or sexual content, as you probably noticed from the OCFoundation site. What matters is whether they are time-consuming, cause you distress, and/or interfere with your daily life greatly (social life, work, etc). SSRI's are often used for both OCD and for depression. Many pdocs unfortunately don't know too much about OCD yet (at least yours has heard of it, which is a step!). Prozac is often used to decrease obsessive thoughts; if it's the right med, the thoughts don't keep going around in your head and your brain gets "quiet" (this is what Effexor-XR does for me; I've tried Prozac, Luvox, Serzone, and Zoloft). Usually the dose of the AD has to be higher than for depression, however; they don't know why. Keep reading and see if it seems to fit for you or not. Hang in there!Hi Cindy,
Do you find Effexor-XR, better than the other SSRI's for OCD and depression?I've tried Prozac, which did nothing, Paxil, improved the OCD and depression a bit, but caused sexual side effects and I was always tired.
Serzone, I felt really giggy, Celexa is OK, but I still feel tired.
Posted by Boom on April 30, 2000, at 22:18:42
In reply to Re: OCD without the C, posted by Alex F on April 30, 2000, at 21:40:18
>
> > Hi, Snowie! I have OCD (both the obsessions, and compulsions). I worry constantly and cannot control my thoughts, which make me count over and over, hum songs for hours and hours, repeat stupid activities like checking things, and I also have a feeling of overresponsibility (so I hoard worthless things and also "collect" living things; right now, it's treefrogs). I don't know if your thoughts qualify as "obsessions." People can have just the obsessions without the compulsions. Frequently, the thoughts have aggressive, religious, or sexual content, as you probably noticed from the OCFoundation site. What matters is whether they are time-consuming, cause you distress, and/or interfere with your daily life greatly (social life, work, etc). SSRI's are often used for both OCD and for depression. Many pdocs unfortunately don't know too much about OCD yet (at least yours has heard of it, which is a step!). Prozac is often used to decrease obsessive thoughts; if it's the right med, the thoughts don't keep going around in your head and your brain gets "quiet" (this is what Effexor-XR does for me; I've tried Prozac, Luvox, Serzone, and Zoloft). Usually the dose of the AD has to be higher than for depression, however; they don't know why. Keep reading and see if it seems to fit for you or not. Hang in there!
>
> Hi Cindy,
> Do you find Effexor-XR, better than the other SSRI's for OCD and depression?
>
> I've tried Prozac, which did nothing, Paxil, improved the OCD and depression a bit, but caused sexual side effects and I was always tired.
> Serzone, I felt really giggy, Celexa is OK, but I still feel tired.Some docs are now using low dose anti psychotics to treat OCD. Maybe one the newer ones like Zyprexa or especially Risperdal might work without causing the ssri side effects.
Posted by Snowie on May 1, 2000, at 21:39:56
In reply to OCD without the C, posted by Snowie on April 30, 2000, at 18:32:48
Cindy,
I read your info, but I don't recognize in myself the type of obsessions and compulsions that you mentioned. I do worry occasionally, but they seem to be the type of things that "normal" people worry about, and after a period of time I don't continue to dwell on them. For the most part, Xanax takes care of the GAD, panic, and agoraphobia. My sister was recently diagnosed with OCD since she can't use a public restroom, which has severely restricted her life. Luckily I don't have that problem. My brother-in-law hasn't sought professional help for OCD, but he apparently has a fear of germs since he washes his hands so often that they are usually red and irritated. I don't have that problem either. For the life of me, I can't think of anything that would cause my pdoc to believe I have obsessive thoughts. I research the Internet, but does that in and of itself make one have obsessive thoughts? I'm only online a couple of hours a day; sometimes more, sometimes less. Hmmm ... I now feel like I'm obsessing about being labeled obsessive. I can't win for losing.
Snowie
Posted by Alex F on May 1, 2000, at 23:17:44
In reply to Re: OCD without the C, posted by Snowie on May 1, 2000, at 21:39:56
Snowie,
Have you tried any of the SSRI's ?
They do diminish obssesive thoughts.
OCD has genetic factors.
My brothers have a little of it, I have it fairy extensively
Posted by Kathie on May 3, 2000, at 15:10:30
In reply to OCD without the C, posted by Snowie on April 30, 2000, at 18:32:48
Snowie:
I am a great believer in educating oneself about conditions you "supposedly" have. I myself was diagnosed with depression by my parents, using the internet as their guide, and they were correct. I use Paxil..one of the SSRI's and other than some weight gain and loss of interest in sex...I feel 1000% better than I did before I was medicating.
If you have read up on OCD and you don't think you have it, you very likely do not. I don't have it myself. I have, however, suffered from a fear of leaving town...now isn't that silly. But often when I travel I end up sick, with diahearra or constipation, dizzyness and general blah feeling. I don't know why I get that way when I travel but it happened so often that I started to hate going away. Since being on the medication I have been away on a week long vacation and did just fine and have been on 4 or 5 weekend trips, all of which were fine so apparently the medication has helped in that area as well. I get tired if I take Paxil in the morning, for me it has to be at night, so I sleep off the worst of the sedating effects of the drug. I wake up feeling great and continue to feel great all day. Like all people, medicated or not, I get the lull in the middle of the day, with the Paxil in the morning the lull meant a nap! with the Paxil at night the lull is nothing a cup of coffee won't cure!!! Good luck and keep educating yourself!!
Kathie
Posted by Kimberly on May 3, 2000, at 16:06:38
In reply to OCD without the C, posted by Snowie on April 30, 2000, at 18:32:48
Snowie,
I too was diagnosed with OCD without the C as part of my overall diagnosis. A touch of OCD so to speak. It made sense to me in that I do have obsessive thoughts, it is hard to explain but for example, i get to worrying about something and i cant get it out of my head, to the point where if someone tries to talk to me while i am obsessing (worrying) about it, it annoys me because it feels like such an interruption to my thoughts. does this make any sense? i also have the obsessive problem in that i think about my weight 24 hrs a day, weigh myself 5-6 times a day, think about what i ate, what i will eat, etc etc etc. does any of this help?
> My pdoc of 5 years has recently decided that along with GAD, an occasional panic attack, and agoraphobia (all controlled with Xanax, although I'm considering switching to Klonopin in the future), I have OCD, but without the C. In other words, he thinks I have uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts, but without being compulsive. Needless to say, I was quite shocked to hear that for the first time in 5 years!
>
> Since I live alone, I don't have anyone to talk to or to get feedback about things that bother or worry me, so I often express these thoughts to my friends and family members, but I don't think they rise to the level of obsessiveness. However, I'm not ruling it out just yet. My pdoc sees me for 5-10 minutes every other month or so, and believes that the information I have gleaned from the Internet has made me ambivalent, and that my only source of information should come from him. I personally think that's poppycock, but I've decided to go with this new assessment for the moment. He has given me a starter pack of 10 mg. of Prozac for the first two weeks, and 20 mg. of Prozac for the two weeks after that. I also take about 3 mg. of Xanax per day. What exactly are obsessive thoughts? Can you have OCD without the C? If his assessment is correct, what can I expect from Prozac?
>
> Also, according to the link below, I don't have OCD. I have an appointment with a new pdoc this Thursday, and hopefully he'll be able to give me some new insight.
>
> http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1070a.htm
>
> Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
>
> Snowie
Posted by Kimberly on May 3, 2000, at 16:09:33
In reply to Re: OCD without the C, posted by Alex F on April 30, 2000, at 21:40:18
> Hi Cindy, just curious what you mean when you say you felt 'giggy' on serzone? did you have any success with it at all?
> > Hi, Snowie! I have OCD (both the obsessions, and compulsions). I worry constantly and cannot control my thoughts, which make me count over and over, hum songs for hours and hours, repeat stupid activities like checking things, and I also have a feeling of overresponsibility (so I hoard worthless things and also "collect" living things; right now, it's treefrogs). I don't know if your thoughts qualify as "obsessions." People can have just the obsessions without the compulsions. Frequently, the thoughts have aggressive, religious, or sexual content, as you probably noticed from the OCFoundation site. What matters is whether they are time-consuming, cause you distress, and/or interfere with your daily life greatly (social life, work, etc). SSRI's are often used for both OCD and for depression. Many pdocs unfortunately don't know too much about OCD yet (at least yours has heard of it, which is a step!). Prozac is often used to decrease obsessive thoughts; if it's the right med, the thoughts don't keep going around in your head and your brain gets "quiet" (this is what Effexor-XR does for me; I've tried Prozac, Luvox, Serzone, and Zoloft). Usually the dose of the AD has to be higher than for depression, however; they don't know why. Keep reading and see if it seems to fit for you or not. Hang in there!
>
> Hi Cindy,
> Do you find Effexor-XR, better than the other SSRI's for OCD and depression?
>
> I've tried Prozac, which did nothing, Paxil, improved the OCD and depression a bit, but caused sexual side effects and I was always tired.
> Serzone, I felt really giggy, Celexa is OK, but I still feel tired.
Posted by Cindy W on May 3, 2000, at 20:21:20
In reply to Re: OCD without the C- Question for Cindy, posted by Kimberly on May 3, 2000, at 16:09:33
> > Hi Cindy, just curious what you mean when you say you felt 'giggy' on serzone? did you have any success with it at all?
>
>
> > > Hi, Snowie! I have OCD (both the obsessions, and compulsions). I worry constantly and cannot control my thoughts, which make me count over and over, hum songs for hours and hours, repeat stupid activities like checking things, and I also have a feeling of overresponsibility (so I hoard worthless things and also "collect" living things; right now, it's treefrogs). I don't know if your thoughts qualify as "obsessions." People can have just the obsessions without the compulsions. Frequently, the thoughts have aggressive, religious, or sexual content, as you probably noticed from the OCFoundation site. What matters is whether they are time-consuming, cause you distress, and/or interfere with your daily life greatly (social life, work, etc). SSRI's are often used for both OCD and for depression. Many pdocs unfortunately don't know too much about OCD yet (at least yours has heard of it, which is a step!). Prozac is often used to decrease obsessive thoughts; if it's the right med, the thoughts don't keep going around in your head and your brain gets "quiet" (this is what Effexor-XR does for me; I've tried Prozac, Luvox, Serzone, and Zoloft). Usually the dose of the AD has to be higher than for depression, however; they don't know why. Keep reading and see if it seems to fit for you or not. Hang in there!
> >
> > Hi Cindy,
> > Do you find Effexor-XR, better than the other SSRI's for OCD and depression?
> >
> > I've tried Prozac, which did nothing, Paxil, improved the OCD and depression a bit, but caused sexual side effects and I was always tired.
> > Serzone, I felt really giggy, Celexa is OK, but I still feel tired.Kimberly, I think that's what Alex posted! On Serzone, I felt really strange for about two weeks (dizzy, tired, angry for no reason, moody). After two weeks, I just felt GREAT. I'd still be taking it if it helped with OCD, because it made me feel less depressed and much less socially anxious, and it made me sleep much better.
Posted by allisonm on May 3, 2000, at 21:19:39
In reply to OCD without the C, posted by Snowie on April 30, 2000, at 18:32:48
Snowie,
Good luck with the new doctor tomorrow. Is this the one from the university? I hope it goes well. Keep in touch.
Allison
Posted by Snowie on May 3, 2000, at 22:34:43
In reply to Re: OCD without the C, posted by Kathie on May 3, 2000, at 15:10:30
Kathie,
Thanks so much for responding, and I agree with you 100% about educating oneself, and I've done a lot of research about OCD since my pdoc surprised me with that one. I personally don't think I have OCD (with or without the C). I'm not saying I don't worry on occasion, but I think it has more to do with anxiety than OCD, and it doesn't consume me. I have an appointment with a new pdoc tomorrow, and I'm very nervous. However, maybe he'll be able to give me some new insight that my old pdoc (who doesn't spent a lot of time with me) couldn't give me.
Thanks so much for YOUR insight. I'm trying to stay neutral about this for the time being, but my gut instinct is my pdoc is way off base. He's known me for 5 years ... why is he coming to this conclusion after so many years?
Snowie
> Snowie:
>
> I am a great believer in educating oneself about conditions you "supposedly" have. I myself was diagnosed with depression by my parents, using the internet as their guide, and they were correct. I use Paxil..one of the SSRI's and other than some weight gain and loss of interest in sex...I feel 1000% better than I did before I was medicating.
>
> If you have read up on OCD and you don't think you have it, you very likely do not. I don't have it myself. I have, however, suffered from a fear of leaving town...now isn't that silly. But often when I travel I end up sick, with diahearra or constipation, dizzyness and general blah feeling. I don't know why I get that way when I travel but it happened so often that I started to hate going away. Since being on the medication I have been away on a week long vacation and did just fine and have been on 4 or 5 weekend trips, all of which were fine so apparently the medication has helped in that area as well. I get tired if I take Paxil in the morning, for me it has to be at night, so I sleep off the worst of the sedating effects of the drug. I wake up feeling great and continue to feel great all day. Like all people, medicated or not, I get the lull in the middle of the day, with the Paxil in the morning the lull meant a nap! with the Paxil at night the lull is nothing a cup of coffee won't cure!!! Good luck and keep educating yourself!!
>
> Kathie
Posted by Snowie on May 3, 2000, at 22:41:07
In reply to Snowie, posted by allisonm on May 3, 2000, at 21:19:39
Allison,
Yep, sure is. I'm surprised you remembered. His name is Dr. Zak. Thanks ... I'm a nervous wreck, but I hope it goes well. Thanks, and I'll let you know how it turns out.
Snowie
> Snowie,
> Good luck with the new doctor tomorrow. Is this the one from the university? I hope it goes well. Keep in touch.
> Allison
Posted by allisonm on May 4, 2000, at 18:35:26
In reply to Re: Snowie-back to Allison, posted by Snowie on May 3, 2000, at 22:41:07
I remembered 'cause I had to see my doctor today, too. It went pretty well, although this higher dose of Wellbutrin has me wired. I was more nervous and jumpy than usual. I hate that. Am waiting for these side effects to subside. How was your day?
Posted by Phil on May 5, 2000, at 14:48:22
In reply to Snowie, posted by allisonm on May 3, 2000, at 21:19:39
Snowie, How did your appt. go with the new doc?
Posted by Snowie on May 6, 2000, at 14:58:04
In reply to Re: Snowie-appt?, posted by Phil on May 5, 2000, at 14:48:22
Hi, Phil,
Unfortunately, it wasn't what I was hoping for; hence I've been a little down lately. I had the appointment with the USF pdoc Thursday morning. The pdoc had a female student intern with him for the consultation. After it was over, they recommended weekly therapy sessions with the intern in addition to my current medication. I found out that they don't schedule evening therapy sessions (I should have asked that when I made the appointment). Since I (and most people) work regular hours, I assumed they had designated a couple of evenings each week for working patients, so the appointment was an emotional and physical disappointment. The USF pdoc said he would refer me to someone else if I would send him a list of the doctors on my insurance, but I've yet to hear from him. I'm discouraged, but I haven't given up hope just yet. I'm discovering that it's not easy finding a good therapist, especially in the Tampa Bay area.
Thanks for asking, Phil.
Snowie
> Snowie, How did your appt. go with the new doc?
Posted by Phil on May 6, 2000, at 15:30:28
In reply to Re: Snowie-appt?, posted by Snowie on May 6, 2000, at 14:58:04
I went to Ivan Goldberg's site that lists pdocs specializing in mood disorders and he listed David Sheehan in Tampa. His # is (305) 243-4060. May be worth a shot. He's at USF.
Or, is he the one you've already seen?
Posted by Snowie on May 6, 2000, at 15:45:52
In reply to Re: pdoc in Tampa, posted by Phil on May 6, 2000, at 15:30:28
Phil,
Dr. Sheehan is a very well known USF pdoc, both in Tampa and nationally. Unfortunately, he's not taking new patients. :-(
Snowie
> I went to Ivan Goldberg's site that lists pdocs specializing in mood disorders and he listed David Sheehan in Tampa. His # is (305) 243-4060. May be worth a shot. He's at USF.
> Or, is he the one you've already seen?
Posted by allisonm on May 6, 2000, at 18:02:24
In reply to Re: pdoc in Tampa, posted by Snowie on May 6, 2000, at 15:45:52
Snowie,
Could his office refer you to one of his colleagues?
Posted by Snowie on May 7, 2000, at 20:12:53
In reply to Re: pdoc in Tampa, posted by allisonm on May 6, 2000, at 18:02:24
Allison,
To be honest, I'm not sure what he's going to do. I gave him a list of the pdocs and therapists on my insurance list. Hopefully he'll email me back with a few recommendations. If not, my appointment was a huge waste.
Snowie
Snowie,
> Could his office refer you to one of his colleagues?
Posted by allisonm on May 7, 2000, at 20:17:06
In reply to Re: pdoc in Tampa, posted by Snowie on May 7, 2000, at 20:12:53
Snowie,
Just to clarify, so it was Dr. Sheehan that you saw?
Posted by Snowie on May 8, 2000, at 20:36:58
In reply to Re: pdoc in Tampa, posted by allisonm on May 7, 2000, at 20:17:06
Allison,
No, I met with Dr. Jack Zak since Dr. David Sheehan isn't taking new patients, but Dr. Zak referred me to a USF psychologist who does cognitive-behavioral therapy ("CBT"), so all is not lost. I have an appointment with him on May 15th. Thanks for your email, BTW. I'm still reading it, and will reply shortly.
Snowie
> Snowie,
>
> Just to clarify, so it was Dr. Sheehan that you saw?
Posted by allisonm on May 8, 2000, at 21:37:55
In reply to Re: pdoc in Tampa, posted by Snowie on May 8, 2000, at 20:36:58
Oh good. I'm glad he got back to you. Good luck!
Also, apologies for the long-winded email. I need to edit myself more.
Posted by Angela on May 16, 2000, at 18:44:17
In reply to Re: pdoc in Tampa, posted by allisonm on May 8, 2000, at 21:37:55
snowie,
i've been seeing a pdoc here in tampa for 2 years. he does both my meds and therapy. i saw dr. zak for a second opinion about my meds & the therapy. he really didn't say much and is not returning my or my current pdocs calls.
dr. david sheehan is very well known nationally and locally, but his brother, dr. michael sheehan, is supposed to be very good as well. dr. m. sheehan is taking new patients, whereas dr. d. sheehan isn't. are you doing the split doctors thing where you see one for therapy and one for meds? dr. zak did tell me that its better to see one doc for both, but he works standard office hours of 8 to 5, so how are you supposed to go to therapy when you have to work and can't always take a 2 hour lunch?
another very good pdoc in tampa is dr. eric kaplan. unfortunately, he's not taking new patients either, but if you called they might be able to tell you when he'll be taking new patients.
send me an email and let me know what you've learned from your meetings with the docs. i too have obsessions without the compulsions and it drives me nuts! sometimes i wish i was a hand washer or counter because it seems to me that it would be easier to control that than to control your thoughts. either way, OCD isn't fun or easy.
take care
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