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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 7:52:08
I searched the archives here with little result. There is so much fear around brain damage and medication, I hesitate to post this and add anything to anyone's fear or agenda.
Well, I am having a CT scan of my head in a few days. There are some odd, unhappy symptoms that came on during the double Emsam Xanax withdrawal that have not remitted yet. My doctor reccomends this is as wise and conservative.
You can imagine I feel just peachy about this. I had to go home afterwards and google CT scans.
If anyone has had one, and you'd like to share your experience, I be interested.
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 2, 2011, at 9:49:04
In reply to CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 7:52:08
I've had one at a mental hospital. All it can do is help you, I think. In my case, there was significant brain damage (I'd also been hit on the head right before admission during a botched mugging). Despite the damage, my thinking skills and ability to go batsh!t crazy were largely intact. My shrink called it "transcendent intelligence."
Anyway, enough about me--just don't worry. I guess that's my main point. I think its good that your doctor is getting a peek at your brain--I mean, that's what these drugs are designed to affect. When you think about it, its kind of odd that psychiatry claims to be a science, but they rarely catch a glimpse of the organ they're working on (and they sometimes destroy the brain to save the mind).
If there is a problem, this will help guide medication selection. Either way, I think you should focus more on your well-being and level of functioning than on what a CT scan might reveal.
Good luck.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 10:43:20
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by Christ_empowered on August 2, 2011, at 9:49:04
Thanks CE. It's difficult to shelve right now, my concerns, you know. But what you say makes sense. Maybe it will just help me bide my time. What a bunch of stuff life gives everyone to deal with, huh?
It's kinda' ironic the way things go. If I hadn't had a mental health history prior to this, I probably would have been given some sort of scan weeks ago. Everyone is very stroke conscious it seems. That's pretty big in the news.
What a helpful post, CE. You are sounding pretty good. I am hoping you are doing well enough these days.
fb
Posted by Roslynn on August 2, 2011, at 10:44:01
In reply to CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 7:52:08
Hi FB,
I think it will be okay. It's not as scary as it sounds and you may get some helpful data as it relates to med selection.
Best,
Roslynn
Posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 11:05:14
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by Roslynn on August 2, 2011, at 10:44:01
Roslynn, I was just searching the board to see if you updated anything.
I'm wondering how it's going.
(Thanks for the encouragement.)
fb
Posted by Phillipa on August 2, 2011, at 11:06:21
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by Roslynn on August 2, 2011, at 10:44:01
I was only told that brain normal for age. And same with MRI's of brain just had one in last year was normal. So does that mean no damage? Phillipa
Posted by Roslynn on August 2, 2011, at 16:19:48
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues » Roslynn, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 11:05:14
Hi FB,
I'm doing okay. Slowly increasing the dose of Savella. I don't know what it is, but I feel a little "revved" up on this med. Not anything bad, slight insomnia only.
When is your CT scan?
Best,
Roslynn
> Roslynn, I was just searching the board to see if you updated anything.
>
> I'm wondering how it's going.
>
> (Thanks for the encouragement.)
>
> fb
Posted by rculater on August 2, 2011, at 16:50:50
In reply to CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 7:52:08
I had a MRI last week. Ive been on and off anti depressants for 15 years, took lots of recreational drugs in my 20s drank laods and sometimes all 3.
I have an increase in perivascular spaces whatever that means but everything looks normal (no tumors) however I doubt this can tell if my neurotransmitters are dead/alive/working
Posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 17:08:42
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by rculater on August 2, 2011, at 16:50:50
> I had a MRI last week. Ive been on and off anti depressants for 15 years, took lots of recreational drugs in my 20s drank laods and sometimes all 3.
>
> I have an increase in perivascular spaces whatever that means but everything looks normal (no tumors) however I doubt this can tell if my neurotransmitters are dead/alive/workingMay I ask what the purpose of the MRI was, like what was
being looked for?I don't know what perivascular spaces are either.
I think they're just (*just*) looking for lesions or stroke stuff with me.
Jeez, did you have to go in the full body MRI for that :-/. ?
Posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 17:12:38
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by Roslynn on August 2, 2011, at 16:19:48
Is slightly revved desirable for you, as in if you have fatigue or other physical symptoms? Good luck with this.
Oh. Tomorrow. I am feeling calmer about it.
> Hi FB,
>
> I'm doing okay. Slowly increasing the dose of Savella. I don't know what it is, but I feel a little "revved" up on this med. Not anything bad, slight insomnia only.
>
> When is your CT scan?
>
> Best,
> Roslynn
>
>
> > Roslynn, I was just searching the board to see if you updated anything.
> >
> > I'm wondering how it's going.
> >
> > (Thanks for the encouragement.)
> >
> > fb
>
>
Posted by SLS on August 2, 2011, at 17:29:50
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues » Christ_empowered, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 10:43:20
Much of modern medicine is still an art for lack of complete understanding or available tools. Lots of cardiologists never view the heart muscle with their own eyes once they enter clinical practice. This makes them no less adept at testing and imaging the heart as they treat it exclusively with drugs. Clinical psychiatrist are trying to keep up with the explosion of information being produced by neuroscientists and investigative biological psychiatrists. Thousands of brains have been examined post mortem. PET, MRI, SPECT, and other imaging techniques can resolve what the unaided eye cannot see. With these facts in mind, I don't believe it is valid to condemn psychiatry as being any less of a science than is cardiology. It is just that neuroscience must deal with an organ (the brain) that is perhaps the most complex structure in the Universe.
- Scott
Posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 18:33:45
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by SLS on August 2, 2011, at 17:29:50
I don't think I was condemning psychiatry; I didn't intend to, as haphazard as some of my treatment may be. I'm concerned about actually being requested for a head scan. I mean, I'm glad someone is going to do at least a cursory look considering the strange symptoms I've had, some related to speech fluency.
I am inferring from your post that a CT scan is not preferred. Is this correct? I only know about MRI. Not the others.
Thanks.
:-/
Worried again.....
> Much of modern medicine is still an art for lack of complete understanding or available tools. Lots of cardiologists never view the heart muscle with their own eyes once they enter clinical practice. This makes them no less adept at testing and imaging the heart as they treat it exclusively with drugs. Clinical psychiatrist are trying to keep up with the explosion of information being produced by neuroscientists and investigative biological psychiatrists. Thousands of brains have been examined post mortem. PET, MRI, SPECT, and other imaging techniques can resolve what the unaided eye cannot see. With these facts in mind, I don't believe it is valid to condemn psychiatry as being any less of a science than is cardiology. It is just that neuroscience must deal with an organ (the brain) that is perhaps the most complex structure in the Universe.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on August 2, 2011, at 19:16:19
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues » SLS, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 18:33:45
Although I posted immediately after you along this thread, it was not my intention to post in response to you specifically.
Sorry for the confusion.
> Worried again.....
About what?
- Scott
> > Much of modern medicine is still an art for lack of complete understanding or available tools. Lots of cardiologists never view the heart muscle with their own eyes once they enter clinical practice. This makes them no less adept at testing and imaging the heart as they treat it exclusively with drugs. Clinical psychiatrist are trying to keep up with the explosion of information being produced by neuroscientists and investigative biological psychiatrists. Thousands of brains have been examined post mortem. PET, MRI, SPECT, and other imaging techniques can resolve what the unaided eye cannot see. With these facts in mind, I don't believe it is valid to condemn psychiatry as being any less of a science than is cardiology. It is just that neuroscience must deal with an organ (the brain) that is perhaps the most complex structure in the Universe.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 19:21:38
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by SLS on August 2, 2011, at 17:29:50
Oh. Maybe you weren't addressing me directly.
I'm sorry. I think I probably need that scan :-/
I'm going to try and distract myself. There is the laundry.
I wish I wasn't such a worrier.
Best,
fb
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 2, 2011, at 19:55:54
In reply to CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 7:52:08
CT Scan is nothing to worry about, you lay on a table for 10 minutes, the scanner moves around your head and its over.
I'd say your doctor isnt doing this because he thinks your brain has been damaged ( a CT scan wont up those sorts of changes ) but more to cover him self, make sure you dont have anything else going on that could cause your symptoms.
Most CT scans of the head are done to cover doctors *ss*s, not because they expect to find anything, they do them incase you're that one patient in a milion who has a tumor etc.
Re the withdrawl symptoms, could you try taking a long acting benzo (such as tranxene/chlorazepate) at bedtime, see if that helps you feel beter - that would show wether it was drug withdrawl that was making you feel bad.
Posted by hyperfocus on August 2, 2011, at 23:10:35
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues » SLS, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 19:21:38
Why can't they make a drug that causes you to do laundry and cleaning and mowing and raking as side effects? Or they could have like a pool of manic people that you could rent out to do chores. Manic Squad?
Still rooting for you fb...I hope tomorrow you get some answers. I could use some myself so you're not alone in your wanderings.
Posted by Solstice on August 3, 2011, at 3:55:08
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues » SLS, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 18:33:45
> I mean, I'm glad someone is going to do at least a cursory look considering the strange symptoms I've had, some related to speech fluency.
Hi Fb...
A CT scan will identify most tumors, lesions, and hematomas (a leaking of blood). It will also show any changes to the skull that could put pressure on brain tissue. Your speech symptoms are probably what is prompting the CT. Before they look at less obvious causes, they likely want to rule out there being anything that's putting pressure on the left side of your brain - where your speech center is located.
I had a patient the other day - only 13 yrs old and very, very bright - but she loses speech and experiences right sided weakness for very brief periods, along with alarming visual disturbances and 'altered mental status.' Her symptoms were so similar to stroke that her parents were absolutely terrified. Kiddo was put through every test under the sun, including lumbar puncture - before a diagnosis could be made. It finally boiled down to vascular migraines. The increased vascular pressure on the left side of her brain causes both the right sided weakness and brief loss of speech, visual disturbance, etc. Very treatable - and not at all as serious as her symptoms initially implied.
My point is - that the fact testing has been ordered does not mean there is anything gravely wrong with you.
So a CT scan is harmless... and is just a part of the process in discovering the source of your speech symptoms.
The most important thing for you to know right now - is that worrying won't help you. Save your energy - and remind yourself to not worry until you KNOW there is something to worry about :-) Worrying about things that aren't fact just steals your energy unnecessarily. Until you know differently, have faith that your symptoms are a result of something that will easily be resolved.
Take good care.. and let us know how it goes
Solstice
Posted by floatingbridge on August 3, 2011, at 9:20:33
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues » floatingbridge, posted by SLS on August 2, 2011, at 19:16:19
Scott, I was so twitchy yesterday, I was very reactive. Addition to intermittent anxiety about the CT scan, I drank some Peet's coffee (unusual for me), and then remembered being advised not to mix Emsam and coffee. I know folks do, but I should not count myself among them :-/
> Although I posted immediately after you along this thread, it was not my intention to post in response to you specifically.
>
> Sorry for the confusion.
>
> > Worried again.....
>
> About what?
>
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>
> > > Much of modern medicine is still an art for lack of complete understanding or available tools. Lots of cardiologists never view the heart muscle with their own eyes once they enter clinical practice. This makes them no less adept at testing and imaging the heart as they treat it exclusively with drugs. Clinical psychiatrist are trying to keep up with the explosion of information being produced by neuroscientists and investigative biological psychiatrists. Thousands of brains have been examined post mortem. PET, MRI, SPECT, and other imaging techniques can resolve what the unaided eye cannot see. With these facts in mind, I don't believe it is valid to condemn psychiatry as being any less of a science than is cardiology. It is just that neuroscience must deal with an organ (the brain) that is perhaps the most complex structure in the Universe.
>
Posted by floatingbridge on August 3, 2011, at 9:23:45
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by floatingbridge on August 3, 2011, at 9:20:33
New experiences are difficult. I had an MRI once, and was like, la di da, until I got in. Then there was this sensation. Like, oh. Is that claustrophobia? I also have difficulties with mammograms :-/
Thanks.
Posted by rculater on August 3, 2011, at 11:18:51
In reply to Re: CT scan and withdrawal issues » rculater, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 17:08:42
sent you a babblemail.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 3, 2011, at 17:48:09
In reply to CT scan and withdrawal issues, posted by floatingbridge on August 2, 2011, at 7:52:08
Posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2011, at 20:19:25
In reply to CT normal :-) (nm), posted by floatingbridge on August 3, 2011, at 17:48:09
FB the first normal person I know!!!! Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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