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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 sar on September 2, 2001, at 22:43:44
it seems like we're mostly chicks on this board...i don't want to be inappropriate, but what exactly does "sexual dysfunction" mean, specifically? can i tell you the problem i've been having? if you're going to be embarrassed stop reading here.
okay. do AD's reduce lubrication somehow? that's the only dysfunction i've had...
thanks broads,
sar
Posted by Kristi on September 2, 2001, at 22:46:53
In reply to las chicas et al...sexual dysfunction?, posted by sar on September 2, 2001, at 22:43:44
Yes! Exactly! Plus it can make the big o longer to achieve.
A chica
> it seems like we're mostly chicks on this board...i don't want to be inappropriate, but what exactly does "sexual dysfunction" mean, specifically? can i tell you the problem i've been having? if you're going to be embarrassed stop reading here.
>
> okay. do AD's reduce lubrication somehow? that's the only dysfunction i've had...
>
> thanks broads,
> sar
Posted by dreamer on September 3, 2001, at 5:49:33
In reply to las chicas et al...sexual dysfunction?, posted by sar on September 2, 2001, at 22:43:44
>
> okay. do AD's reduce lubrication somehow? that's the only dysfunction i've had...
>
> thanks broads,
> sar
Sar I have niagra falls-it's not the lubrication or losing interest -sexual dysfunction 4 me is libido /interest but difficulty getting orgasm. Some suffer with loss of sensitivity .It aint always the case every time just a recent thing for me.?????????????????
dreamer on the verge....
Posted by dreamer on September 3, 2001, at 5:57:21
In reply to Re: las chicas et al...sexual dysfunction? » sar, posted by dreamer on September 3, 2001, at 5:49:33
I think I'm suffering from priapism which is usually the term used 4 male constant erection.
Suppose women can get female clitorial priapism and I say good god it's frustrating and a little annoying kinda makes me sex obbsessive my only concern is If I get no relief I may get manic so I'm going to be a little late with AD and put myself out of my misery.Dreamer-specialised subject.
Posted by dreamer on September 3, 2001, at 9:18:48
In reply to sex tings just 2 add................, posted by dreamer on September 3, 2001, at 5:57:21
And yes multiple O's do exist.
Phew!
Posted by Wendy B. on September 3, 2001, at 9:35:32
In reply to Re: At last !!!!! :-), posted by dreamer on September 3, 2001, at 9:18:48
> And yes multiple O's do exist.
>
> Phew!*******
Far Out!
(we knew that! silly)
*****Sar: I've read that what you're experiencing does happen on ADs & other meds. What about calling the GYN, and asking what to do. They must see this all the time. If you're not on the pill, maybe a little more estrogen will do the trick? Or if you are on one, one with a higher dose?? I'm just guessing.
love, W.
Posted by Wendy B. on September 3, 2001, at 9:36:43
In reply to las chicas et al...sexual dysfunction?, posted by sar on September 2, 2001, at 22:43:44
Posted by susan C on September 3, 2001, at 10:00:31
In reply to Re: las chicas- Sar, it's an ok question (nm), posted by Wendy B. on September 3, 2001, at 9:36:43
One of first signs of menopauseish time is driness...and estrogen cream or added lubricant is recommended like ky jelly. Did you hear the joke about the lady who commented to the pharmasist that she really didnt like the taste of this new Kentucky Jelly. (KY is abbreviation for Kentucky in US)
Seriously now, I have also found big O helps clear sinuses when having a cold. What odd bits we do get into here..
Susan C
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 3, 2001, at 20:15:26
In reply to Re: las chicas- Sar, it's an ok question, posted by susan C on September 3, 2001, at 10:00:31
would we be upset if any of the guys posted such intimate thoughts...
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 3, 2001, at 20:18:16
In reply to Re: las chicas- Sar, it's an ok question, posted by susan C on September 3, 2001, at 10:00:31
My experience has been:
Serzone - bad
Celexa - bad
Prozac -O.K.
Depakote maybe bad, but also going through a lot of "emotional turmoil".
Women are so damned complicated, aren't they? ;)
Posted by Kathleen6674 on September 3, 2001, at 22:00:50
In reply to las chicas et al...sexual dysfunction?, posted by sar on September 2, 2001, at 22:43:44
> it seems like we're mostly chicks on this board...i don't want to be inappropriate, but what exactly does "sexual dysfunction" mean, specifically? can i tell you the problem i've been having? if you're going to be embarrassed stop reading here.
>
> okay. do AD's reduce lubrication somehow? that's the only dysfunction i've had...
>
> thanks broads,
> sar
For me sexual dysfunction usually means not being able to have an orgasm, or taking a really, really long time to reach one that feels like a mere twitch compared to my pre-meds state. My bits 'n pieces have been remarkably numbed by my Celexa (and previously, Prozac, although I'm finding Celexa to be worse in this department).I imagine this is what it feels like to be wearing 15 condoms - it feels like trying to be stimulated through a fairly thick barrier.
Lately, I've had problems getting aroused at all, too, and some lubrication problems. It seems like this med is pretty bad for sex stuff, although philosophically, I'm wondering if perhaps it wasn't actually worse when I felt desire and couldn't pull through than when I don't ever feel desire at all? However, I used to be able to make myself interested if I wasn't already so in a mere heartbeat or so, now I can't get into things (or keep my focus and interest) on the proceedings.
"Sexual dysfunction," I agree, can mean a lot of things, but in my experience, if one part of the system gets out of whack, it wreaks havoc on many, many other things. I've seen two relationships end because my partners at the time were frustrated at my inability to orgasm. All this claptrap about enjoying sex with out the big "O" or having heart-to-heart talks with your partner - I dunno, maybe it works if you've been married to your soulmate for 50 years, but in my experience as a single person, it's basically stopped relationships when they were just starting to get revved up. From what I've seen, men will *say* it doesn't matter and that they know it isn't them, but no matter how much I've tried to explain that it was a med prob, they always either took it personally as a statement of them lacking virility and/or took as a sign that I didn't like them enough.
*sigh*
As far as this stuff goes, I wish doctors and pharmeceutical companies would realize just how serious and common this problem is. For some reason, it seems like docs dismiss this - oh, you'll get used to it, or you're young and probably don't know what you're doing, or that's a residual symptom of the depression you had. (Funny, but my sexual plumbing never conked out even when I was in the pit of despair).
Arrrrrgggghh. This has turned into an extended rant. Sorry. I guess I needed to vent.
Posted by dreamer on September 4, 2001, at 6:15:55
In reply to dreamer-your candor is refreshing ;), posted by Krazy Kat on September 3, 2001, at 20:15:26
> would we be upset if any of the guys posted such intimate thoughts...
I wouldn't I'm kinda interested not in a smutty way.
I am getting concerned about my problem though.
If I manage to fix' it ,it just gets back to horny again.
Maybe I'm getting a sedated manic if thats possible.Without meds I used 2 get this problem but I got angry/irritated lost control etc.On another tangent-been waiting for a phone call from someone thought efexor would stop the insecure yearning to be wanted guess I was wrong.
Felt so good looking forward to something for a change.
Been painting but I need somekind of life with it I am trying but for instance this morning I was crying for no reason a big ego drop.
Painting should turn the switch to a more positive hopeful direction so I am forcing myself.
Appologies for choosing you for my downer day but I feel you wouldn't mind.
You seem well on the stabilizer has it dampened your creativity or are you more secure and motivated?Dreamer.
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 4, 2001, at 13:28:37
In reply to Re refreshing ;) » Krazy Kat , posted by dreamer on September 4, 2001, at 6:15:55
> please choose me always for your downer days.
I'm sorry this is a problem for you. I wish I were hornier. It's not good for a marriage for one of you to be rather disinterested. Especially when starting out, you were interested, even, perhaps, manic...
It seems to have a lot of negative feelings wrapped up in it for you. Frustration and all...
I am fascinated by your painting. My husband has an undergrad degree in painting. It is a talent so very far beyond me...
What's with all the ... ?
I have to run for awhile but will check in later.
The stabilizer has helped thus far, but I have not been placed in any challenges, i.e. starting up a job. I'm still taking everything so slowly. I get spacey - a woman in the sandwich shop just asked me if I was O.K., no Really, she emphasized, because I get this faraway look on my face and move kind of slowly. It's embarrassing.
I'm still too tired to do much. But we'll see. It seems to be the best thing yet. I don't feel any creativity lost - my mind was bouncing around so much before, I couldn't do anything with it anyway.
- K.
Posted by susan C on September 4, 2001, at 14:06:35
In reply to I need to feel needed, too..., posted by Krazy Kat on September 4, 2001, at 13:28:37
Hi, all,
Nice that lady at the counter was observant enough to comment. I felt dulled on depakote to begin with, but i would take being dulled to being agitated. I think too, just an observation here, it takes time to get your bearings after a change off of manic to something else...there is a challenge there, a challenge to to to to brain fart....sorry, I lost the train of thought.
I went out for a walk today, and my disconnection wasnt so bad today as it has been...Maybe, Maybe this keppera is helping.
I heard a mew mew mew just an hour ago and went out and saw a little kitten. Its eyes are all mucky and it is now waiting for the humane society, I hope we find the others...there is a neighbor who doesnt believe in fixing their cats and who doesnt give them away either, one year I must have collected 20 from one female and I fixed two that have their home on my deck, whom I feed...sigh.
I, myself, and I (but not me to spouse am I) have been, are, dull in the sex department, always have been, but, hey, I have other things...
enough of my day...
Susan C
Posted by Greg A. on September 4, 2001, at 17:27:51
In reply to las chicas et al...sexual dysfunction?, posted by sar on September 2, 2001, at 22:43:44
Ladies
Can’t resist your challenge to comment on sexual dysfunction and what it means to us men – well me at least.
The 15 condoms analogy was right on for me. SSRI’s are all bad for loss of sensation and difficulty or impossibility in achieving orgasm. Of course the ability to engage in the act is still there for me, it’s just that the ending is rather dull, albeit somewhat less messy. I think pdocs add wellbutrin to try to reduce this side effect of SSRIs.(Maybe I am using the ADs as a cover for problems associated with my advancing age. I don’t know.)
Dreamer – during my last severe depression I felt horny all the time. I just wanted to be close to someone physically and forget for a moment how lousy I felt. Nothing wrong with that is there?
I think men have a tough time admitting to a woman, especially if it’s someone who is not a regular partner, that there is any sort of problem although I would imagine from the woman’s perspective, delayed male climax would be much preferable to premature. No orgasm gives rise to questions like ‘What’s wrong- don’t you like me?’ or what am I doing wrong? I have just been honest in those cases.
Hope I haven’t intruded, but you guys invited it.Greg
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 4, 2001, at 19:08:45
In reply to Re: I need to feel needed, too..., posted by susan C on September 4, 2001, at 14:06:35
What other things do you have to offer? :) See, now I'm getting all embarrassed...
I sure wish it would straighten itself out - I'm tired of arguing about it.
I'd like to hit those neighbors on the head with a shovel! O.K., well, at least a litter box! Same old, same old - so many unwanted kitties. You were so kind to take two in.
Yeah, I'm O.K. being a little flattened right now, needing to gather my thoughts. I get kind of "off on tangents" in my mind and look dazed, I think.
I hoped the Keppra starts to help. Why did you need to add it? Had the Depakote helped at somepoint, and then "pooped out", or was it not ever quite right?
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 4, 2001, at 19:12:12
In reply to Re: las chicas et al...sexual dysfunction?, posted by Greg A. on September 4, 2001, at 17:27:51
Thanks Greg. I would imagine it's more difficult for a man, for many reasons.
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 4, 2001, at 19:27:09
In reply to Re refreshing ;) » Krazy Kat , posted by dreamer on September 4, 2001, at 6:15:55
dreamer,
it seems like since the med change, your "chemicals" have been bouncing around a lot. what do you think? i don't know, especially the crying thing... that's always a signal for me that something's getting jolted upstairs.
do you think this new combo is helping? it's effexor and prozac, isn't it? could it be causing anxiety? prozac at first really did with me.
i think about wanting to be needed because i take that for granted after nine years of marriage. mostly i just feel trapped lately. but i remember that feeling. if i could put myself in your shoes for a minute, it would be so good, so enlightening. but i got all my guesses about your physical make up wrong (except one) so i guess i don't get to do that. i still see you as maureen o'hara in one of her early movies, such as the hunchback of notre dame. (i mean that as a compliment).;)
do you ever feel like you would prefer to be calmer? like susan had mentioned that she'd prefer to be flattened to agitated (or some such), and that's how i am. of course, i'd rather not fall asleep all the time. but when the energy gets too high for me, there's nothing productive about it.
it seems as if you try to keep up a high energy level, and get things done when you do so. but there can come a point where it starts to backfire on you (remember the meds can mimic mania). maybe the extra sleep will do you some good...:)
- K.
Posted by susan C on September 4, 2001, at 20:16:18
In reply to Re: I need to feel needed, too...--Susan, posted by Krazy Kat on September 4, 2001, at 19:08:45
> What other things do you have to offer? :) See, now I'm getting all embarrassed...
I will draw your portrait, send me a photo, even if it isn't of you, I will get your likeness...
(bold, bravado claim)
>
> I sure wish it would straighten itself out - I'm tired of arguing about it.One time early on, I was so depressed, I said, I am going to go have an icecream sundae, I walked in, it was like a 3pm in the middle of the week, nobodyy there and the counter person took one look at me and said, 'it cant be that bad...'
>
> I'd like to hit those neighbors on the head with a shovel! O.K., well, at least a litter box! Same old, same old - so many unwanted kitties. You were so kind to take two in.This is why they (the cats, not the neighbors)stay outside, no litterbox, tho I am going to have to net the gardens, it gets REALLLY SINKY out there....
>
> Yeah, I'm O.K. being a little flattened right now, needing to gather my thoughts. I get kind of "off on tangents" in my mind and look dazed, I think.
>
> I hoped the Keppra starts to help. Why did you need to add it? Had the Depakote helped at somepoint, and then "pooped out", or was it not ever quite right?Depakote helped but it wasn't didn't compare to prozac...Why did I add Keppra? hub was kind of surprised when I brought it up at the appointment, I dont know why I did, desperation? I have been thinking about this a lot today, as my appointment is with pdoc on the 10th and Saturday I up the Keppra dose to max. Why did I start it, why didn't I just stay the course, as Janelle has said, Do Nothing....It had been eight months on depakote and in the middle of july I expereinced a terrible day, that is why I called doc for early appt, other days too, so maybe it was working better than I thought, think...?
I started to think today, why do ANYTHING if I am still going to feel this way. If I know that when I get depressed, when I get manicy it will pass, why bother my body...why do anything to it? Why not suffer the fool, endure the hotflash (another, try til it works medication tail chasing exercise)? If I am going to just be home, alone, not care, why bother with keeping track of all these meds and wondering and charting, why bother? Sure, I think about ending it all, but I don't. I haven't tried.
a cornered mouse
Susan c.
Posted by dreamer on September 4, 2001, at 21:38:24
In reply to Re: I need to feel needed, too » Krazy Kat , posted by susan C on September 4, 2001, at 20:16:18
Me too analyitical and analyizing about why I'm too analytical.
I've a messy brain.
Susan-get going on your creative stuff girl you have done some good stuff.Like to see more in future. I know about needing privacy and needing to work/live in own creative womb.
Krazy K-Just hope my pdoc sorts things out -only on efexor, lately been thinking quit and do the drinking at least I was interested in going out .
Can resist , see pdoc in one week.Greg-My problem gets severe that it hurts and I walk funny but seems to be ok at the moment.Feel like I've regressed to school boy humour obbsessed with sex well lack of it.
I think I need to see a few good films and buy some new pc games .
Thanks allDreamer levelled after yet more sleep.
Posted by dreamer on September 4, 2001, at 21:41:30
In reply to Re: I need to feel needed, too..., posted by susan C on September 4, 2001, at 14:06:35
Posted by Wendy B. on September 4, 2001, at 23:35:08
In reply to Re: I need to feel needed, too » Krazy Kat , posted by susan C on September 4, 2001, at 20:16:18
> > I hoped the Keppra starts to help. Why did you need to add it? Had the Depakote helped at somepoint, and then "pooped out", or was it not ever quite right?
>
> Depakote helped but it wasn't didn't compare to prozac...Why did I add Keppra? hub was kind of surprised when I brought it up at the appointment, I dont know why I did, desperation? I have been thinking about this a lot today, as my appointment is with pdoc on the 10th and Saturday I up the Keppra dose to max. Why did I start it, why didn't I just stay the course, as Janelle has said, Do Nothing....It had been eight months on depakote and in the middle of july I expereinced a terrible day, that is why I called doc for early appt, other days too, so maybe it was working better than I thought, think...?
Susan,The 10th is Monday, it's not so long till then, you will sort it out with the pdoc.... Just stay on what you're on right now. Did you have a scrip for Keppra, and just go fill it? I am so sorry, Susan, but I have forgotten your meds history/situation, can you repeat it? I know you are into some alternative methods and hormone therapy...
> I started to think today, why do ANYTHING if I am still going to feel this way. If I know that when I get depressed, when I get manicy it will pass, why bother my body...why do anything to it? Why not suffer the fool, endure the hotflash (another, try til it works medication tail chasing exercise)? If I am going to just be home, alone, not care, why bother with keeping track of all these meds and wondering and charting, why bother? Sure, I think about ending it all, but I don't. I haven't tried.
>
> a cornered mouse
>
> Susan c.Oh, Susan, (*moan*! I feel so bad for you), please don't feel cornered... I send many many good vibes your way... (((((and a hug)))))))) I want the meds situation to work out for you. You know, of course, that the mania is speaking when you say: why bother with the meds. Most bipolars want to shove their meds at certain points in their therapy. I have wanted to. But please don't think about ending it all, we care very much about you, your husband is right there for you...
The reason to *stay on the meds* is to get your brain to handle the mania better, to smooth it out, to stop the circuits from firing off in the same ways as they used to... Are you in talk-therapy? (Again, I forgot...so sorry, neurontin-brain, fuzz head, I don't remember things any more). I still think the meds and therapy combo is the best way to go.
Even though you are at home, and you think it doesn't matter if you go off the meds, and that you'll just deal with the mood swings quietly in your own space, it won't be like that. You've said yourself that you'd rather be a little numbed than back in the manic phase... Krazy Kat confirmed this... that's how she feels too. The Depakote may be too weird for you, you could try prozac with neurontin, or wellbutrin with neurontin or another anti-convulsant, or have you tried them before? If you're having a bad day like the one you had in July, why not get a short-acting med like a benzodiazepine (Xanax, Valium) to soften the anxiety? Sounds like worrying about feeling badly is an 'anxiety' type situation... or how does it feel to you? Please write back...
With love and hope (even),
Wendy
Posted by susan C on September 5, 2001, at 10:46:46
In reply to Re: I need to feel... » susan C, posted by Wendy B. on September 4, 2001, at 23:35:08
will write you later
spinning mouse
susan c
>
> > > I hoped the Keppra starts to help. Why did you need to add it? Had the Depakote helped at somepoint, and then "pooped out", or was it not ever quite right?
> >
> > Depakote helped but it wasn't didn't compare to prozac...Why did I add Keppra? hub was kind of surprised when I brought it up at the appointment, I dont know why I did, desperation? I have been thinking about this a lot today, as my appointment is with pdoc on the 10th and Saturday I up the Keppra dose to max. Why did I start it, why didn't I just stay the course, as Janelle has said, Do Nothing....It had been eight months on depakote and in the middle of july I expereinced a terrible day, that is why I called doc for early appt, other days too, so maybe it was working better than I thought, think...?
>
>
>
>
> Susan,
>
> The 10th is Monday, it's not so long till then, you will sort it out with the pdoc.... Just stay on what you're on right now. Did you have a scrip for Keppra, and just go fill it? I am so sorry, Susan, but I have forgotten your meds history/situation, can you repeat it? I know you are into some alternative methods and hormone therapy...
>
>
>
> > I started to think today, why do ANYTHING if I am still going to feel this way. If I know that when I get depressed, when I get manicy it will pass, why bother my body...why do anything to it? Why not suffer the fool, endure the hotflash (another, try til it works medication tail chasing exercise)? If I am going to just be home, alone, not care, why bother with keeping track of all these meds and wondering and charting, why bother? Sure, I think about ending it all, but I don't. I haven't tried.
> >
> > a cornered mouse
> >
> > Susan c.
>
>
>
> Oh, Susan, (*moan*! I feel so bad for you), please don't feel cornered... I send many many good vibes your way... (((((and a hug)))))))) I want the meds situation to work out for you. You know, of course, that the mania is speaking when you say: why bother with the meds. Most bipolars want to shove their meds at certain points in their therapy. I have wanted to. But please don't think about ending it all, we care very much about you, your husband is right there for you...
>
> The reason to *stay on the meds* is to get your brain to handle the mania better, to smooth it out, to stop the circuits from firing off in the same ways as they used to... Are you in talk-therapy? (Again, I forgot...so sorry, neurontin-brain, fuzz head, I don't remember things any more). I still think the meds and therapy combo is the best way to go.
>
> Even though you are at home, and you think it doesn't matter if you go off the meds, and that you'll just deal with the mood swings quietly in your own space, it won't be like that. You've said yourself that you'd rather be a little numbed than back in the manic phase... Krazy Kat confirmed this... that's how she feels too. The Depakote may be too weird for you, you could try prozac with neurontin, or wellbutrin with neurontin or another anti-convulsant, or have you tried them before? If you're having a bad day like the one you had in July, why not get a short-acting med like a benzodiazepine (Xanax, Valium) to soften the anxiety? Sounds like worrying about feeling badly is an 'anxiety' type situation... or how does it feel to you? Please write back...
>
> With love and hope (even),
>
> Wendy
Posted by Wendy B. on September 5, 2001, at 12:17:05
In reply to too dizzy to figure this out going for lay down, posted by susan C on September 5, 2001, at 10:46:46
> will write you later
>
> spinning mouse
>
> susan c
>susan,
ok, i saw your med and hormone regimen on regular babble, so you don't have to repeat it...i hope you are feeling a little better, monday is not so far away for the appointment... i'm somehow exhausted, too... write when you can...
wendy
Posted by afatchic on September 5, 2001, at 17:15:09
In reply to las chicas et al...sexual dysfunction?, posted by sar on September 2, 2001, at 22:43:44
For me the sexual dysfunction started as an inability to have an orgasm and lack of interest came soon after. I just found out that I'm hypothyroid and lack of libido is one of the many symptoms. Once I get my thyroid straightened out I might get back on track sexually and I can start wearing out my husband again ;-)
> it seems like we're mostly chicks on this board...i don't want to be inappropriate, but what exactly does "sexual dysfunction" mean, specifically? can i tell you the problem i've been having? if you're going to be embarrassed stop reading here.
>
> okay. do AD's reduce lubrication somehow? that's the only dysfunction i've had...
>
> thanks broads,
> sar
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