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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bipolarspectrum on April 5, 2005, at 23:25:17
Hi,
I've been trying to get in with the deep brain sitmulation research crew in Toronto for a couple weeks.. I finally have an appointment this friday with the overseeing pdoc in the group! I will keep everyone updated..
bps
Posted by Maxime on April 5, 2005, at 23:32:10
In reply to Deep brain stimulation NEWS!, posted by bipolarspectrum on April 5, 2005, at 23:25:17
That is GREAT! God, I wish they would call me. My doctor sent a fax several weeks ago. They never received it and so he had to resend it. Sigh.
Keep us posted!
Maxime
Posted by bipolarspectrum on April 6, 2005, at 0:35:00
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS! » bipolarspectrum, posted by Maxime on April 5, 2005, at 23:32:10
> That is GREAT! God, I wish they would call me. My doctor sent a fax several weeks ago. They never received it and so he had to resend it. Sigh.
>
> Keep us posted!
>
> MaximeHey Maxime,
I think the first person in the big line of people is a research coordinator.. Im sorry but I dont remember her name but she is at the Toronto General Hospital... Once I got my foot in the door, i had an appointment that week, so be persistent maxime! Get your pdoc to keep sendin those faxes and making those calls!
bps
Posted by Maxime on April 6, 2005, at 13:00:38
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS!, posted by bipolarspectrum on April 6, 2005, at 0:35:00
Her name is Kari Fulton.
I am going to call her again.
Cheers!
Maxime
Posted by ed_uk on April 6, 2005, at 14:42:34
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS! » bipolarspectrum, posted by Maxime on April 6, 2005, at 13:00:38
>I am going to call her again.
Go for it Maxi!!!!!!!
Ed xxxx
Posted by Maxime on April 6, 2005, at 16:23:28
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS! » Maxime, posted by ed_uk on April 6, 2005, at 14:42:34
> >I am going to call her again.
>
> Go for it Maxi!!!!!!!
>
> Ed xxxxI did call her and she DID receive the fax this time. She says she might call me in a couple of weeks because one of the doctors is going to be away for a bit.
Even I do not get chosen for the study, I hope I at least get to have a consultation. Maybe they can recommend some other treatment ....
Maxi (not as in the Maxi-pad)
Posted by ed_uk on April 6, 2005, at 16:31:21
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS!, posted by Maxime on April 6, 2005, at 16:23:28
Hi Maxi (not as in the Maxi-pad!)
>I did call her and she DID receive the fax this time.........
Excellent :-)
>Even I do not get chosen for the study, I hope I at least get to have a consultation. Maybe they can recommend some other treatment ....
Yes, it would be great if you could see some new pdocs!
Ed xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by SadDoggie on April 6, 2005, at 21:22:39
In reply to Deep brain stimulation NEWS!, posted by bipolarspectrum on April 5, 2005, at 23:25:17
> Hi,
> I've been trying to get in with the deep brain sitmulation research crew in Toronto for a couple weeks.. I finally have an appointment this friday with the overseeing pdoc in the group! I will keep everyone updated..
> bpsEh, not to rain on your parade or anything but you do know they open your skull and place electrodes on your brain for this right? It just seems a little invasive or extreme to me. Sort of like right next to a lobotomy. Of course if you go through with this, good luck!
SadDoggie
Posted by bipolarspectrum on April 6, 2005, at 21:35:24
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS!, posted by SadDoggie on April 6, 2005, at 21:22:39
> Eh, not to rain on your parade or anything but you do know they open your skull and place electrodes on your brain for this right? It just seems a little invasive or extreme to me. Sort of like right next to a lobotomy. Of course if you go through with this, good luck!
>
>
> SadDoggieHi,
Yes it is very evasive... but i understand the surgery itself is benign as they just place the electrodes in, they dont alter any of the tissue.. plus, the treatment has the advantage of being precise, relatively free of adverse effects and potentially very powerful... but i can only hope for the best..
bps
Posted by MidnightBlue on April 6, 2005, at 21:57:24
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS!, posted by Maxime on April 6, 2005, at 16:23:28
Maxime,
I felt the same way when I tried for the rTMS study here. I was so proud I made it through the screening rounds and at least actually got to give my psych history to a pdoc that does research. I "flunked" my EKG--I had never had one before-- and found out I had frequent early ventricular beats. They wanted me to check that out before we proceeded at my expense and I couldn't afford to do that. But I still feel like I got some good advice and it was definitely worth my while.The center I went to was one of the ones that participated in the VNS (is that right?) studies.
Good luck! I am really pulling for you!
Posted by Maxime on April 7, 2005, at 14:27:13
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS! » Maxime, posted by MidnightBlue on April 6, 2005, at 21:57:24
I'm sorry to hear about that. What can cause frequent early ventricular beats? Are you in any danger?
Maxime
> Maxime,
> I felt the same way when I tried for the rTMS study here. I was so proud I made it through the screening rounds and at least actually got to give my psych history to a pdoc that does research. I "flunked" my EKG--I had never had one before-- and found out I had frequent early ventricular beats. They wanted me to check that out before we proceeded at my expense and I couldn't afford to do that. But I still feel like I got some good advice and it was definitely worth my while.
>
> The center I went to was one of the ones that participated in the VNS (is that right?) studies.
>
> Good luck! I am really pulling for you!
Posted by Maxime on April 7, 2005, at 14:29:53
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS!, posted by bipolarspectrum on April 6, 2005, at 21:35:24
>
> > Eh, not to rain on your parade or anything but you do know they open your skull and place electrodes on your brain for this right? It just seems a little invasive or extreme to me. Sort of like right next to a lobotomy. Of course if you go through with this, good luck!
> >
> >
> > SadDoggie
>
> Hi,
> Yes it is very evasive... but i understand the surgery itself is benign as they just place the electrodes in, they dont alter any of the tissue.. plus, the treatment has the advantage of being precise, relatively free of adverse effects and potentially very powerful... but i can only hope for the best..
> bpsI agree with you Bps. Plus they can tweak the device as well so you are getting the right amount of "stimulation". I'm willing to have holes drilled into my skull if it will free me of this mental pain.
Maxime
Posted by banga on April 7, 2005, at 14:37:05
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS! » bipolarspectrum, posted by Maxime on April 7, 2005, at 14:29:53
> >
> > > Eh, not to rain on your parade or anything but you do know they open your skull and place electrodes on your brain for this right? It just seems a little invasive or extreme to me. Sort of like right next to a lobotomy. Of course if you go through with this, good luck!
> > >
> > >
> > > SadDoggie
> >
> > Hi,
> > Yes it is very evasive... but i understand the surgery itself is benign as they just place the electrodes in, they dont alter any of the tissue.. plus, the treatment has the advantage of being precise, relatively free of adverse effects and potentially very powerful... but i can only hope for the best..
> > bps
>
> I agree with you Bps. Plus they can tweak the device as well so you are getting the right amount of "stimulation". I'm willing to have holes drilled into my skull if it will free me of this mental pain.
>
> Maxime
I am crossing my fingers for you Maxime! For both of you! Noone should have to live in mental torture. It can be a long road, but its worth it!
B.
Posted by Maxime on April 7, 2005, at 19:24:23
In reply to Re: Deep brain stimulation NEWS! » Maxime, posted by banga on April 7, 2005, at 14:37:05
Thanks Banga, I feel the same way.
Maxi
>
> I am crossing my fingers for you Maxime! For both of you! Noone should have to live in mental torture. It can be a long road, but its worth it!
> B.
>
Posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 14:32:49
In reply to Deep brain stimulation NEWS!, posted by bipolarspectrum on April 5, 2005, at 23:25:17
BPS, I am dying to know how it went today. Please post when you can!
Maxime
> Hi,
> I've been trying to get in with the deep brain sitmulation research crew in Toronto for a couple weeks.. I finally have an appointment this friday with the overseeing pdoc in the group! I will keep everyone updated..
> bps
Posted by bipolarspectrum on April 8, 2005, at 16:53:14
In reply to Re: BPS! Tell us how it went! » bipolarspectrum, posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 14:32:49
Hello,
Well I had the DBS consultation today but it was more of an initial consultation with the pdoc who oversees the clincal aspects of the DBS studies.. he told me that they have dont like people with any hints of bipolar.. and i have had antidepressant-induced hypomanic episodes so he said that implies some bipolarity.. but he says that he doesnt know yet and will present my case to the neurosurgeon and neurologist to determine if I am a good candidate.. so, it appears they want 'pure' unipolar depressives... Maxime, any particular questions?
bps
Posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 19:14:30
In reply to Here it is, posted by bipolarspectrum on April 8, 2005, at 16:53:14
No. I just feel ever more depressed because I have been diagnosed both as unipolar and BP Type 2. Well if they do call, I can save my money and not take the train to Toronto.
F*ck.
Thanks for reporting back Bps. I hope you get into the study. :-)
Maxime
> Hello,
> Well I had the DBS consultation today but it was more of an initial consultation with the pdoc who oversees the clincal aspects of the DBS studies.. he told me that they have dont like people with any hints of bipolar.. and i have had antidepressant-induced hypomanic episodes so he said that implies some bipolarity.. but he says that he doesnt know yet and will present my case to the neurosurgeon and neurologist to determine if I am a good candidate.. so, it appears they want 'pure' unipolar depressives... Maxime, any particular questions?
> bps
Posted by MidnightBlue on April 8, 2005, at 23:06:21
In reply to Re: Here it is, posted by Maxime on April 8, 2005, at 19:14:30
Maxine are you REALLY sure you are Bipolar 2? I ask only because I know how much you were counting on this. We had an ad in the paper today for a bipolar clinical trials, but I am far away from Canada. Are there very many clinical trials where you live?
I hate to say it, but maybe you SHOULD move at least temporarily to find better doctors. I know you used to take Adderall and they pulled it in Canada. Is that right? In the USA when you really need a drug that is not available you can sometimes petition to bring it in for compassionate reasons. Can you do that in Canada?
Just as a point of reference, what is the closest American city to you? I'm not giving up on you! Please take care. (I've had a halfway GOOD day today--it was nice for a change.)
Hugs,
MidnightBlue
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