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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cathleen on March 19, 1999, at 18:10:20
New on the internet, surfing, and found psychiatry out of personal interest and general curiosity.
I think I have had a depression for many years. High functioning, insofar as education, career, family, re-education, career, old age. It wasn't until I exprienced burn-out, or losses such as divorce, monetary, career, love, self...or even injury, that I started hitting concrete. For the first year, after walking out of a highly responsible career job, I went to bed for 10 months. I didn't acknowledge my depressions, didn't wany drugs...didn't want to be labeled mentally ill. At one point (via my gp),I had a brief encounter with Prozac, a few years later, after a shocking childhood memory, a psychiatrist ordererd Prozac and I had both a toxic and an allergic reaction. He then gave me by Paxil (same psychiatrist) with (obviously) the response. Results of that bout is permanent tinnitis. I was in school suffering, but, never a quitter, so another psychiatrist, started me on Wellbutrin. I was allergic to that and my lungs shut down in asthma. No doctor believed me so I kept on with the drug, until, I stopped it on my own. Three years later, last year, after another shock, another doctor prescribed Wellbutrin. Same reaction. Then he tried Effexor and I couldn't tolerate it - eventually splitting offf from myself in a drug haze. I am currently home on a temporary disability (w.c.) after a fall on my head, stopped by the edge of an iron gate, and now they are trying Desipramine. I am dumbfounded. Energy drained. Depressed because of real life things (age 57) loss of career, love, you know Masloffs long list of....my question is, "IS IT WORTH IT?" Real is, my life is over as I value it. Drug trials, seem to be nothing more than that, "drug trials." The process in itself is depressing.CAT
Posted by Pat on March 19, 1999, at 19:54:19
In reply to Is It Worth It? , posted by Cathleen on March 19, 1999, at 18:10:20
Cathleen - Please don't give up on yourself and your life. I know exactly what you mean about the "drug trials". I've had plenty and am still looking - just trying a new drug for the first week now. I've been to the point of giving up and going to bed, too. But please try to believe that you never know what can happen in life. You can still have many years of happiness ahead of you. You might want to try acupuncture together with medication and therapy. I hope you can get relief.
Posted by Torrey on March 20, 1999, at 4:34:56
In reply to Is It Worth It? , posted by Cathleen on March 19, 1999, at 18:10:20
Cat,
Sorry you're having such a rough time with the medications. Sounds like you have a very sensitive system - I'm a bit that way, though I have been able to tolerate lower doses of Prozac and Wellbutrin. Paxil I didn't like at all, and the older antidepressants were like poison to me.Have you tried any of the natural supplements? I've had some good results with St. John's Wort and 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan). Not as dramatic an effect as the medications - but no side effects either!
Torrey
Posted by lisa on March 20, 1999, at 19:21:53
In reply to Is It Worth It? , posted by Cathleen on March 19, 1999, at 18:10:20
Dear Cat,
I too have experienced much of the same depression issues and drug trials. Prozac-60 lb weight gain, manic episodes, & lactation!! Paxil-literally slept all the time & zoned out; Zoloft-severe neck ache headache; Luvox-suicidal low; effoxor- heart rate in the 200's; wellbutrin-heart rate in the 200's & hospitalized;and the latest celexa-severe headache & neckache.
However, despite my 11 year battle with depression I have been completely delivered. I started a christian program called the Weigh Down Workshop and it has completely changed my LIFE. I initially joined the program for weight loss but God has transformed my life into something worth living. Since January I have lost 30 pounds and developed a relationship with God. I just want to share this with you because in December I was sitting in my closet ready to slit my wrists and today my heart is filled with joy and life. I know this is about so much more than weight loss but the depression has lifted, I have more energy, and I am grateful for each new day.
I am still on the celexa however I had been on the celexa prior to starting the program.
The lady who developed this program is starting a new program called EXODUS from Strongholds. This is geared for persons with depression, obcessive/ compulsive, panic, alcoholics etc... I am getting ready to start this program in addition to the weight loss. I hope that I have not offended you by introducing spirituality into this but after years of bulemia, depression, hospitalization, psychotherapy, psychiatrists, & a human guinea pig for medications I have HOPE & JOY. And I know I have finally found peace.
There is a 1-800 number for the workshops. There are groups in every city and they can contact you with someone where you live. Let me know if you are interested. Believe me YOU ARE WORTH IT.!!!!
Posted by cait on March 20, 1999, at 20:29:31
In reply to Re: Is It Worth It? , posted by lisa on March 20, 1999, at 19:21:53
to Lisa:
Thanks for leading me to this thread. I am interested. Also, I am truly happy for you. For each one who succeeds, there are many more either crawling up the ladder or just contemplating whether the climb out of the pit is worth it.
cait
Posted by Cat on March 22, 1999, at 10:32:49
In reply to Re: Is It Worth It? to Lisa , posted by cait on March 20, 1999, at 20:29:31
>
> I am interested CAT
Posted by lisa on March 22, 1999, at 12:38:13
In reply to Re: Is It Worth It? to Lisa , posted by Cat on March 22, 1999, at 10:32:49
Cat,
Here is the information. I will pray this is an option for you. Let me know how things are going.The Weigh Down Workshop
Exodus from Strongholds
Exodus from Egypt (weight loss)Gwen Shamblin Founder/Director
1-800-844-5208
www.wdworkshop.com
Another favorite website is http://www.ohiowebsite.com/more/index/html
This is the end of the thread.
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