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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 28. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 10:59:59
Hey all,
My Mom *really* wants me to let her take me to the Mayo Clinic for treatment for my depression. I keep telling her that there is nothing they can offer there that I cannot get here in the Chicago area. I've also told her that, aside from a couple of TCAs, I've tried absolutely every AD available. She doesn't like me being on Ritalin, but I've tried to tell her that the use of stims is incredibly common in trd patients. Lasly, I've told her that if a huge amount of money was to be spent on my depression treatment, I'd rather put it into trying ketamine injections at clinics that seem to be popping up.
Opinions anyone? Does anyone think I should agree with my Mom and go to the Mayo?
Thanks,
Kat
Posted by Phil on January 29, 2013, at 11:41:14
In reply to Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 10:59:59
I know a paramedic, one of the best in Austin, who has taken Ritalin for 30 years. He was the first kid put on it in the Dallas ISD. He's sharp as a tack.
Top rated MI hospitals.
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/psychiatryI don't know how far you are from Mayo but you would be going back all the time. They won't give you a magic pill and you're done. We both know that all too well.
Tell your mother to not interfere with your treatment. That's what I would say.
Posted by rjlockhart37 on January 29, 2013, at 12:05:58
In reply to Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 10:59:59
There's a clinic by me...its in Richardson Tx i used to go there...the minirth clinic...dr neaves was the most compassionate doctor i have seen...and don't get this wrong, but when i was having breakdowns in high school because people made fun of me....he put me on benzos which totally slit it out....there a vary compassionate clinic.
But the mayo....really kat, any doctor you go to...they use the same medications to choose from...a doctor can get you on a good medication, its just difficult to find one that will treat in drastic measures...advanced treatment. Not just the family doc that prescibes prozac and that's it.
Check other clinics because mayo is far off from you right?
r
Posted by Phil on January 29, 2013, at 13:27:10
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by rjlockhart37 on January 29, 2013, at 12:05:58
I think Ivan Goldberg in NY would do phone consultations for $500. Someone said that here if I remember right.
I might call his office someday and ask how much an appointment is. :)
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 13:49:56
In reply to Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 10:59:59
Thanks Phil and rj for your posts. You've kind of echoed what I feel in my heart, that it wouldn't make any difference and it would waste a whole lotta money. Don't know if I mentioned this before, but in an email I told my Mom that if I were to spend a kaboodle of money I'd prefer to pay it on getting Ketamine injections. She's pretty unhappy I'm turning her offer down, and all she wrote back to me was, 'remember Ketamine is a habit-forming drug' um, I'm already on one of those Mom. And that's what dreaded holidays are for. I actually invited her to visit babble to get a better idea of what goes on with people with trd. I thought if she was better educated maybe it would help her understand me better. I doubt she'll visit, I'll just be in the doghouse (again)
Kat
Posted by SLS on January 29, 2013, at 14:15:07
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 13:49:56
> Thanks Phil and rj for your posts. You've kind of echoed what I feel in my heart, that it wouldn't make any difference and it would waste a whole lotta money. Don't know if I mentioned this before, but in an email I told my Mom that if I were to spend a kaboodle of money I'd prefer to pay it on getting Ketamine injections. She's pretty unhappy I'm turning her offer down, and all she wrote back to me was, 'remember Ketamine is a habit-forming drug' um, I'm already on one of those Mom. And that's what dreaded holidays are for. I actually invited her to visit babble to get a better idea of what goes on with people with trd. I thought if she was better educated maybe it would help her understand me better. I doubt she'll visit, I'll just be in the doghouse (again)
> KatI don't know enough about the Mayo Clinic to be able to comment on it. If you live close to Rochester, MN, why not?
I once placed my faith in the NIH that they would be able to cure me if I were to enter their program as a research patient. They failed. You never know where your healing will come from, though. I think the programs at Massachusetts General Hospital and Johns Hopkins are among the better ones. Also worth mentioning are Columbia Presbyterian and Stanford. Maybe Emory.
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/psychiatry
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.psychiatrists.html
- Scott
Posted by B2chica on January 29, 2013, at 15:02:45
In reply to Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 10:59:59
it sounds like your mom's heart is in the right place, but...
i agree with the rest. same docs, same meds, same issues. spend the money on ketamine trials.
and FYI my adderall has been the only things really working since the beginning of my meds, so i'm right there with ya.a lot of times those around us want to find a 'cure', to 'fix us', especially parents and spouses. the problem is...they can't. and they need to realize that help doesn't always mean a cure. it sometimes means holding my hand and letting me cry, or sitting on my bed talking to me when i cant get out. or taking me to doc visits (doctors of YOUR choice). or just sitting on the same couch without any conversation, cuz you just cant.
i would let her know this in gentle terms. remember, she just wants to protect you and sometimes her suggestions are more about 'her', than you.Take care
b2c
Posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2013, at 15:25:57
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 13:49:56
Kat don't you have top rated hospitals there? Scott provided some links for you. I wonder what google also says probably the same Phillipa
Posted by gadchik on January 29, 2013, at 15:45:58
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic? » ChicagoKat, posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2013, at 15:25:57
My mom tried to get me to go to Johns Hopkins. I wouldnt hear of it though. However, as a mom, I would go to the ends of the earth to help my son if he got into a mess like I was in. I sure hope you can find a great place where you live.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 29, 2013, at 16:51:05
In reply to Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 10:59:59
Either the Mayo Clinin or the Menninger Clinic might be good options, but then agaon, trying the ketamine injections might be good as well.
Do some research about all three before deciding, The Mayo and menninger both have incredibly good reputations.
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 18:12:39
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic? » ChicagoKat, posted by SLS on January 29, 2013, at 14:15:07
Thanks Scott. Yes, I read that the program at Johns Hopkins is probably the best.
Rochester is about a day's drive from here. My Mom desperately wants to take me there. I just know it won't make a difference though. Maybe I'll have to give in and go with her though, just so I don't lose the last parent I have left, the rest have given up on me.
But so glad you are doing better! That really gives me hope :)
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 18:16:35
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by B2chica on January 29, 2013, at 15:02:45
Thanks b2c...you hit the nail on the head.
How I wish I could share your post with all my parents and my husband. But they are sick of me sending them links to things. In all honesty the only reason I've done it is b/c I want to show them I'm not the only one.
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 18:18:19
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic? » ChicagoKat, posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2013, at 15:25:57
Thanks Phillipa. Yes, we do have some really big medical centers here, some with large psych depts that do a lot of research, etc. But none of them are listed in top 10 or even, i think, top 20 lists.
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 18:20:01
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by gadchik on January 29, 2013, at 15:45:58
Thanks gadchik.
If only I could make my Mom really, truly understand that what I need from her, desperately, is her love and support and caring.
Not just another damn hoospital.
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 18:20:47
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 29, 2013, at 16:51:05
Thanks Jono :)
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 29, 2013, at 20:24:50
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic? » jono_in_adelaide, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 18:20:47
The menninger Clinic has a fairly informative website - take a look at it
if your mom is offering to pay, I'd say go for it, you have nothing to loose.
The Mayo or Menninger might even offer ketamine - send an inquiery?
Posted by Hugh on January 29, 2013, at 21:12:12
In reply to Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 10:59:59
I went to the Mayo Clinic. Not for depression, but for a physical checkup. They were extremely thorough. I'd say it's worthwhile to get thoroughly checked out physically, just in case you have an underlying condition that is exacerbating your condition.
Posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2013, at 21:14:15
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by Hugh on January 29, 2013, at 21:12:12
Hugh that's a great idea. I've heard good things in general about Mayo clinic. I read somewhere that Menninger isn't what it used to be but no idea if true or not. Phillipa
Posted by baseball55 on January 29, 2013, at 21:48:34
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by Hugh on January 29, 2013, at 21:12:12
Hey Kat - You wrote once before that your family weren't there for you the way they would be if you had cancer. Maybe this is your mom's way of trying to be there for you. Everyone wants to do something, when you just want to be cared for. Cancer is easier on loved ones that way -- there are obvious things "to do."
If it's only a days drive, why not let your mom feel helpful? OTOH, I doubt Mayo would offer much that isn't already available in a city the size of Chicago. But, OTOH, I benefited a lot by going to consultant my p-doc recommended and then being admitted to McLean, which is Boston's premier research-psych hospital.
Posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2013, at 22:31:18
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by baseball55 on January 29, 2013, at 21:48:34
McLean is? How do you research this as pretty sure most of major hospitals consider themselves the best in a google search? Phillipa
Posted by johnLA on January 30, 2013, at 0:36:47
In reply to Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by ChicagoKat on January 29, 2013, at 10:59:59
just my opinion...
i stayed a week at ucla. i notice it is tied w/mayo for 7th place on the list for 'best' psych hospitals.
the good; you will get checked from head-to-toe and everywhere in-between for both physical and psychological conditions.
the bad; very, very clinical. i have stayed at other facilities much less well known that were more 'human' in there approach. for me, this was less of a threat and a better fit.
deciding to go in-patient is difficult if you are not actively suicidal. i think scott mentioned that he thought 'they would fix him.' that's what i thought. it didn't happen.
if you can somehow stay stable, get a complete physical, and continue to try meds i say stay away from going in. but, if you are not feeling stable i think going in is a must.
good luck.
john
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 30, 2013, at 9:42:33
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by Hugh on January 29, 2013, at 21:12:12
Thanks Hugh, you make a very good point.
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 30, 2013, at 9:46:19
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by baseball55 on January 29, 2013, at 21:48:34
Thanks baseball, I agree with everything you said. With my loved ones, I pretty much am just hoping for caring and a shoulder to cry on. But you are right; my Mom is more about action, and her offer to do this for me shows how much she cares. And I also agree that the mayo probably can't offer anything more than what is available here in Chicago. But I do think it would be a good idea to see a different pdoc, just for a different opinion, a different approach.
I'm gonna think about it. Thanks again.
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on January 30, 2013, at 9:49:42
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic?, posted by johnLA on January 30, 2013, at 0:36:47
Thanks John. I completely agree with you. Inpt. is a waste of time and money unless you are truly suicidal. Which I am not.
If I do decide to go to the Mayo, I have no intention at all to go inpt. I'm starting to think that maybe I'll compromise with my Mom and not even do outpatient, that I'll just agree to see a pdoc there and get a good work-up and see if they can offer me any fresh advice. I have to think about it. Thanks for your post.
Kat
Posted by baseball55 on January 30, 2013, at 19:38:16
In reply to Re: Worth it to go to the Mayo Clinic? » baseball55, posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2013, at 22:31:18
> McLean is? How do you research this as pretty sure most of major hospitals consider themselves the best in a google search? Phillipa
In Boston it is. I don't know how it would compare with Mayo or Menninger. But in Boston, McLean (which is Mass General's and Harvard's major research/teaching psych facility) is regarded as the best of the best.
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