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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Newbfhcards on November 24, 2004, at 15:43:03
Hello all, This is my first post.
I have had problems with depression for many years but never deal with it. I have done many things in life but have troulbe completing almost anything. I have recently started counceling and medication. I dont know how to evaluate my doctors or the care they are giving me due to a lack of experience. I don't have anyone to talk to about what I am going through or idea of whats out there. I am on Lamictal and Celexa. I have never been on any medication for mental illness in my life. The doctors have not given me an diagnosis on my problem but from what I pick up from them, its seems to be some form of fast cycling bi polard disorder. My question is I have been on the meds for three months. I started with 10 of clexa and 25 of lamicatal I am now up to 40 of celexa and 100 of lamictal, I have not noticed any real changes and just a few side effects which seem to be increasing. In addition I have not had a physical or blood work prior to being medicated. Does this seem normal? What should I do? I am growing more and more hopless and there seems to rarly be anything that I like doing or I get enjoyment from. I am 25 and fear that ny life is passing me by and have missed countless opportunites do to this. What can I do?
Posted by HappyGirl on November 25, 2004, at 8:23:28
In reply to Rapid Cycle Bi Polar, posted by Newbfhcards on November 24, 2004, at 15:43:03
Hi:
I wonder why your pdoc. did NOT give/label for the mental problem about which you've concerned. Most of the pdocs. do LABEL/give the diagnose after first/second visit, at least few more visits i.e., major depression or Bipolar Disorder, one of which seems to fit to your descrpition. Otherwise, there must have some problems to rx the right med./med. combo. for your mental problem.In my personal opinion, if you're REALLY sufferring from 'rapid cycler,' you need meds., such as Depakote(first line med. for rapid cycler) or AP, such as Zyprexa, Geodon and Risperdal, due to the nature of this form of Bp illness. Rapdic cyler is also regarded as one of 'manic/hypo-manic' symptoms that is often hard to get tx appropriately.
In my suggestion, if your current pdoc. does NOT offer the name/label for your mental illness, then you might need to find another pdoc. who is capable to diagnose your mental illness properly along with appropriate medication for your mental problem. Bipolar and Shizo. are both complex mental illnesses. Then, you may need some 'good' homework to find a right pdoc.
In regard to your 'last' question as to 'Blood work,' it does NOT need unless you're going to take meds., Depakote or Lithium.
H.G.
Posted by prodgirl on November 26, 2004, at 0:09:52
In reply to Re: Rapid Cycle Bi Polar, posted by HappyGirl on November 25, 2004, at 8:23:28
Yes, it can become frustrating, but realizing you are doing something to help you. Meds, as well as pdocs, are not perfect. It may take a bit of time until you and your pdoc find the right cocktail. It's been almost two years and I am struggling, but remember, this is all to get better.
Good luck!
Posted by Minnie-Haha on November 26, 2004, at 13:52:50
In reply to Rapid Cycle Bi Polar, posted by Newbfhcards on November 24, 2004, at 15:43:03
Have you asked the pdoc outright what his DX is? If you're using insurance, he/she most likely had to give some kind of DX to continue treatment.
Also, I think you should most definitely have gotten some lab work done... at the very least your thyroid should be checked. And if you are approaching middle age -- even as young as late 30s or early 40s -- it wouldn't hurt to have your female hormones checked (have you had any change recently in your periods?). If your pdoc won't do this, ask your primary care doctor and/or OBGYN.
This is the end of the thread.
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