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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 blueboy on May 20, 2008, at 16:08:22
I had quite an experience this morning. I'm so relieved at the outcome, that I just have to tell the complete story to someone.
A few of you might recognize me from previous, irregular posts. I've had terrible problems with depression my entire life and finally had to quit work five years ago. I'm in my late 50's.
I have a pretty good pdoc. I have tried something like 15-20 medications in my life, ranging from the everyday (tricyclics, SSRI's) to several antipsychotics and even Neurontin. The only thing that helped me was Nardil, which I had to stop taking after 1.5 or 2 years.
My pdoc, who is pretty good, started pressuring me to see another doctor -- this guy does mostly research, but sees a couple of patients per week, for diagnosis (and potential enrollment in studies) only. It took me about 4 months to get an appointment, and I had to talk to several screening people and fill out paperwork. Plus, it was $400 and a guarantee that he would not treat me, LOL.
Best money I ever spent. After a written and then and oral lifetime history (this took over an hour and was done in part by a 4th year psychiatry resident at Emory Hospital), he told me, flatly, that I was bipolar(2). He didn't even say anything like "I am 100% certain", he just said it like someone would say "it's raining". And I have been symptomatic since I was ten years old, or possibly younger.
So: His first recommendation was Lamactil, and he had a couple of other drugs that I can't remember if that didn't work out. And if I try three or four drugs and they don't pan out, he thinks there should be a study for deep-brain stimulation for bipolar patients in the next two years.
He also said that there is current investigation into certain Parkinson's/Restless Leg Syndrome drugs (mirapex, Requip), for use at higher dosage for bipolar depression.
I hate to say I'm almost in tears of joy, being told I'm bipolar, but my very strange life and bizarre depression is (according to him) completely typical of bipolar (2) patients.
I'm just pissed off to have such a faddish disease. Maybe I'll buy a Prius to celebrate.
I am very optimistic about my future for the first time in quite a few years. How different my life might have been if I'd heard this a long time ago. But -- better late than never. I'm suddenly hoping that I could have a number of fully productive years left.
If you have or might have a mental problem, I very strongly advise you, as a #1 priority in your life, to save your money and do whatever it takes to get to a major clinical center and get a complete workup and diagnosis.
Posted by elbee on May 20, 2008, at 16:16:54
In reply to My Trip to See the 'Diagnostic Specialist', posted by blueboy on May 20, 2008, at 16:08:22
That's great news. It sounds like such a relief. I hope lamictal works well for you. Just wanted to let you know it's been a godsend for me and really helped with depression and overall stability (I'm bipolar).
Best wishes!
Posted by obsidian on May 20, 2008, at 17:43:36
In reply to My Trip to See the 'Diagnostic Specialist', posted by blueboy on May 20, 2008, at 16:08:22
> I'm just pissed off to have such a faddish disease. Maybe I'll buy a Prius to celebrate.
it's nice to see you still have a sense of humor :-)
good luck and congrats??
-sid
Posted by Phillipa on May 20, 2008, at 19:33:27
In reply to Re: My Trip to See the 'Diagnostic Specialist' » blueboy, posted by obsidian on May 20, 2008, at 17:43:36
Sounds like money well spent. Congrats to you Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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