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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 13:08:49
I have terrible fatigue. It was incapacitating 4 months ago. Now that I have some flu-thing, and am off dexadrine, it's back.
Yesterday my pdoc/therapist counseled strongly against getting an adrenal spit test. I saw my new holistic doctor later that afternoon (to get my spit test), and burst into tears. (She wasn't very helpful.)
I don't know what to do and am feeling pretty desperate and depressed. My son is 5--this is a magic year; it was supposed to be a good summer, and I'm just sick all the time now. I don't know what is wrong with me, and my life is passing by. I don't want to live like this.
My pdoc gave me dexadrine, which I responded well to. He doesn't have a problem giving me some form of stimulant. I feel, in my paradigm, a stimulant is like overdrawing at the bank. He doesn't feel this way. He says it's a symptom of my depression. (BTW, I think he's a good pdoc.) I just don't understand and feel caught between alternative and western.
He's away for the next two weeks. I'm on provigil which seems to be, now that I am so upset, fueling the dysphoria. Too tired to throw myself in front of a car, or run down the street screaming, but just like they are passing thoughts.
In the western paradigm, does this mean I need a stimulant my entire life?
BTW, I've been to two docs because I am running a low grade temp. for more than two weeks now, and they seemed bloody unconcerned. Yesterday I had to insist to the holistic doctor that I get a blood test (white blood cells). The only one who has called and insisted I press the doctors is my pdoc who thinks I may have viral pnemonia. I thought, if you go to an MD and said you were sick, they did something.
I'd love someone address the stimulant/ depression thing.
For those of you who have read his far, thank you for listening.
FB
Posted by Phillipa on June 30, 2009, at 13:24:30
In reply to confused struggling fatigue please read (rant), posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 13:08:49
Other than the stimulant and age difference feel the same caught between two worlds and no one can help. Pdoc gone no more around here, endo retiring, and hormones not working. Whats left? Love Phillipa not a very uplifting post sorry.
Posted by Zana on June 30, 2009, at 13:37:46
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant) » floatingbridge, posted by Phillipa on June 30, 2009, at 13:24:30
I am so sorry to read that you are feeling so badly and glad that I logged on. Do you think that either of the docs you saw would have caught viral pneumonia? That sounds very serious and hard to miss. But if you think it's possible, you should pursue it!
I don't think this is the time to throw out good old western medicine even if it is a blunt instrument. I don't think this is the time to think about what you are goint to do for the rest of your life. I think this is the time to figure out how to get through today and tomorrow. If the amphetamines were helping, why are you going on and off them? And why the switch to provigil? If the amphetamines were working, even somewhat, I think you should stick with them. At least for the time being. What else has your pdoc recommended? It sounds as though your depression is not being treated. What are you taking other than the provigil?
I'm so sorry you are so down and I know what it's like to feel like life is passing by...
Let me know.Zana
Posted by Frustratedmama on June 30, 2009, at 14:21:43
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant), posted by Zana on June 30, 2009, at 13:37:46
Hi FB (and others)
Just wanted to say that I know what you are going through! If the dexedrine was working for you- please go back on it- I still take the adderall and without it I am not able to function anymore- I keep my dose low and don't take more than I need to so it's not a problem for me. The provigil is not (in my opnion) a replacement for dexedrine- remember I am the one who said it was like a placebo pill..... Go back to what works for you and your child. I hate that I have to take a stimulant and understand why you don't want to but if it is working don't mess with it right? I hope you are able to get some releif soon! Whatever we can do- let us know. Take care of yourself and get better.
FM
PS: I have an undiagnosed immune deficiency status and have been to several doctors who are confused as to what to do but was recently referred to an allergist to address the low IgG and IgA numbers- guess they deal with this kind of stuff too- have you seen an allergist?
Posted by Sigismund on June 30, 2009, at 17:54:59
In reply to confused struggling fatigue please read (rant), posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 13:08:49
Are you the person who was on 45mg of Dexedrine?
It seemed rather a lot to me.
Can you not just take less?
Is it worse than useless then?
Posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 20:07:19
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant) » floatingbridge, posted by Phillipa on June 30, 2009, at 13:24:30
Thanks, Phillipa, for your support. Yes, right now, I feel caught between two paradigms. The western doc, who either roll their eyes at my symptoms or view alternative medicine as lacking science (much of it is), and the Alt community that (I feel )judges me for taking meds.
I do think I have a name of a decent endo, tho. I'm sorry there seems to be a lack of resources in your area.
FB
Posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 20:09:53
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant), posted by Sigismund on June 30, 2009, at 17:54:59
Is that alot? Pdoc said for ADD I would be taking even more, calibrated by weight. Like I said, I feel woefully ignorant and lost about the whole stimulant issue.
Thanks for your input.
Posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 20:16:29
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant), posted by Frustratedmama on June 30, 2009, at 14:21:43
FM,
Do you find the lose dose effective? How long have you been on the same dose?
(I have never been to an allergist--are those allergies somehow mood-related?).
thanks!
FB
Posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 20:18:19
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant), posted by Zana on June 30, 2009, at 13:37:46
Zana, thanks, as always. You advised earlier that if it isn't broken, don't fix it--. Sigh.
FB
Posted by Sigismund on June 30, 2009, at 21:05:55
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant) » Sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 20:09:53
I remember that he said his ADHD patients were on even more, though how much I forget. Almost grammes?
45mg is a lot compared to 15, which is what I'd think of as enough for my body to put up with.
Posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 21:23:12
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant) » floatingbridge, posted by Sigismund on June 30, 2009, at 21:05:55
He calculated for my weight and it was almost 70 mgs! I blanched at that. According to him, ADD efficacy remains, 'energy' diminishes. So I'm still trying to connect the dots. Will I eventually return to my bed after a run on Dexedrine? And how long do I have? I guess I should ask him point blank--when he returns in two weeks.
Posted by Frustratedmama on July 1, 2009, at 9:59:03
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant) » Frustratedmama, posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 20:16:29
Low dose is working so far- may go up to 300 3x/day though- wears off quickly..... Not sure if allergies and immune deficiency are related to mood but I would guess they impact how I feel so yeah, probably???? Will let you know :)
Posted by rskontos on July 1, 2009, at 22:48:30
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant) » Sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 21:23:12
FLOATINGBRIDGE,
I am not sure if the meds you are on can cause fatigue. Some anti-depressants causes it.
So first, look up each of your meds for PI information regarding their side effects. If each of them can cause fatigue, you could combine all that with a sluggish thyroid, which could be affected by what you are already taking and increase the level of fatigue.
Does this make sense. So whatever you are on, you need to know all the side effects even those that aren't always the first ones to come out. Look for those that are in the lower range of indication but still have been experienced by some. You could fit in that range especially if your thyroid is having issues already. Then if the thyroid is struggling adrenal fatigue is always a concerned.
Do this test first if you want. Get a small flashlight. Go into the bathroom turn off the light. It doesn't have to been extremely dark just dark some. shine the light directly into your pupils and watch for them to dilated and try to close. If they stay closed while you have the flashlight shining directly into them your adrenals are probåbly ok. If your pupils contract but can't stay contracted then you have some level of adrenal fatigue.
To treat adrenal fatigue best is too increase vitamin c to 500-2000 mg at least. Add in Vitamin E (you need one high in beta-tocopherols), niacin up to 25-50 mgs (this can make you feel flushed at first), The entire B-complex is vital. Then finally add magnesium, magnesium citrate is best appro. 400 mg. And calcium but don't take the calcium with the magnesium try to space them apart. The amount of calcium is 750 -1000 mg.
For those with Hashimoto's disease, where an antibodies blood panel is done to show it or an endocrinologist can do a ultrasound to verify (I had both done, both positive) selenium 200 mg has been shone to reduce the inflammation.
If you need more information on adrenals ask me. There are supplements for the thyroid. But if you have hashimotos you are not suppose to take in extra iodine. This I was told by the endo.
Hope this helps.
rsk
Posted by floatingbridge on July 2, 2009, at 11:18:34
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant) » floatingbridge, posted by rskontos on July 1, 2009, at 22:48:30
Thank you so much for the information. I haven't done the pupil test yet--have just sent in my spit test for adrenals. And the supplement list is great--not too esoteric for me to implement at this point. Tip about iodine is very interesting. I would not have suspected it.
I haven't found a B vit. that does not upset my stomach--still looking--so in the meantime I'm not taking any--I know, not so good!
Thank you so much for your time!
Posted by surfergirl on July 7, 2009, at 11:30:39
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant) » Phillipa, posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 20:07:19
Dear floating bridge,
So sorry to hear of your struggles. Ranting is good sometimes. i have struggled with fatigue for over 10 years...doctors have not seemed to care. I gave up for a long long time. For me it is a complex thing-physical problems plus some mental health related. Finally found some good doctors & got lucky. I also found out that I have a sleep disorder-narcolepsy. That blew me away. Getting treatment for that has been life changing.I spent a lot of time in bed when the kids were growing up & hated myself for missing out on those special times. At least my husband was there for them & involved. Ten years ago, when my kids were 10, 7 & 4 I spent over a year in bed. We read lots of books. I slept off & on. I was weak & extremely tired. Back then the best they could come up with was chronic fatigue. Children are all are pretty ok & still love me anyway.
I hope things look up for you soon & you get some help.
Mary
Posted by floatingbridge on July 7, 2009, at 13:58:33
In reply to Re: confused struggling fatigue please read (rant), posted by surfergirl on July 7, 2009, at 11:30:39
This is the end of the thread.
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