![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 20:37:56
I finally spoke to my pdoc this evening. It turns out my thyroid tests were normal, but he sees room in the numbers to tweak a bit, and has recommended I increase the synthroid from one 25 microgram tablet to 1 1/2 tablets, and then later, possibly up to 2 tablets (50 micrograms). He also told me my lithium level had gone down from .8 in January to .6 this time, so he wants me to add another 300 mg, for a total of 1500/day.
I forgot to ask him if it makes a difference whether the extra 300 mg capsule is taken in the am or pm. Anyone here know?
So, let's see if this helps.
My mood has been a tad better than last week, possibly because I came to another level of acceptance of my depression: this recent slump made me realize I need to pull in and narrow my focus, that I can't multi-task very well right now. I get overwhelmed so easily trying to do the mental juggling of different responsibilities. There is enough multi-tasking in life as it is, these days. this means giving up some professional endeavors, which I wasn't developing adequately anyway, just feeling badly that I wasn't able to. So now, I am trying to focus on just the basics, and leave the other stuff for somewhere down the road, if I am up for it then. It makes me really sad, it is a loss, but I feel relieved to have come to this decision. This is one of the ways this wretched illness has dampened my quality of life, and it makes me mad, too. But it is right for me right now to recognize that I have to stick to only the most basic stuff.
Posted by Brenda on February 23, 2000, at 20:53:55
In reply to Update , posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 20:37:56
> I finally spoke to my pdoc this evening. It turns out my thyroid tests were normal, but he sees room in the numbers to tweak a bit, and has recommended I increase the synthroid from one 25 microgram tablet to 1 1/2 tablets, and then later, possibly up to 2 tablets (50 micrograms). He also told me my lithium level had gone down from .8 in January to .6 this time, so he wants me to add another 300 mg, for a total of 1500/day.
>
> I forgot to ask him if it makes a difference whether the extra 300 mg capsule is taken in the am or pm. Anyone here know?
>
> So, let's see if this helps.
>
> My mood has been a tad better than last week, possibly because I came to another level of acceptance of my depression: this recent slump made me realize I need to pull in and narrow my focus, that I can't multi-task very well right now. I get overwhelmed so easily trying to do the mental juggling of different responsibilities. There is enough multi-tasking in life as it is, these days. this means giving up some professional endeavors, which I wasn't developing adequately anyway, just feeling badly that I wasn't able to. So now, I am trying to focus on just the basics, and leave the other stuff for somewhere down the road, if I am up for it then. It makes me really sad, it is a loss, but I feel relieved to have come to this decision. This is one of the ways this wretched illness has dampened my quality of life, and it makes me mad, too. But it is right for me right now to recognize that I have to stick to only the most basic stuff.Wow Noa - I just stumbled into this room and internet page the other day - Now, I'm not alone. You read my mind about having to give some things up for another day. Some days it's so hard to have acceptance of something that really sucks. It was easier for me to accept being an alcoholic than my depression. Sounds to me like you've got a full plate right now. We always feel we SHOULD do more, don't we. When my depression is bad I miss being in my rose garden, my dogs, my art, and my at-home business suffers. Those days the best I can hope for is to get into another room. If I can get to my garden or to the pool, that's a success. Luckily I have work at home and have some leeway there. My clients don't know I'm hiding under the covers. Anyway, you sound like you have a lot happening period. Be encouraged. You'll get to all those things in time.
Brenda
Posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 21:03:44
In reply to Re: Update , posted by Brenda on February 23, 2000, at 20:53:55
Thanks, Brenda. I'm impressed you can run a business. It takes a lot of juggling and multitasking.
Posted by saint james on February 23, 2000, at 21:25:45
In reply to Update , posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 20:37:56
> I finally spoke to my pdoc this evening. It turns out my thyroid tests were normal, but he sees room in the numbers to tweak a bit,
James here....
From what I remember about this augmentation strat. the idea is to keep the levels in the high part of normal, so this is in keeping in what your doc says. It also means you may just be getting to the level where you will see results... we are all pulling for you Noa !
Sorry...I can answer your other ?.james
Posted by Brenda on February 23, 2000, at 22:15:33
In reply to Re: Update , posted by Brenda on February 23, 2000, at 20:53:55
> > I finally spoke to my pdoc this evening. It turns out my thyroid tests were normal, but he sees room in the numbers to tweak a bit, and has recommended I increase the synthroid from one 25 microgram tablet to 1 1/2 tablets, and then later, possibly up to 2 tablets (50 micrograms). He also told me my lithium level had gone down from .8 in January to .6 this time, so he wants me to add another 300 mg, for a total of 1500/day.
> >
> > I forgot to ask him if it makes a difference whether the extra 300 mg capsule is taken in the am or pm. Anyone here know?
> >
> > So, let's see if this helps.
> >
> > My mood has been a tad better than last week, possibly because I came to another level of acceptance of my depression: this recent slump made me realize I need to pull in and narrow my focus, that I can't multi-task very well right now. I get overwhelmed so easily trying to do the mental juggling of different responsibilities. There is enough multi-tasking in life as it is, these days. this means giving up some professional endeavors, which I wasn't developing adequately anyway, just feeling badly that I wasn't able to. So now, I am trying to focus on just the basics, and leave the other stuff for somewhere down the road, if I am up for it then. It makes me really sad, it is a loss, but I feel relieved to have come to this decision. This is one of the ways this wretched illness has dampened my quality of life, and it makes me mad, too. But it is right for me right now to recognize that I have to stick to only the most basic stuff.
>
> Wow Noa - I just stumbled into this room and internet page the other day - Now, I'm not alone. You read my mind about having to give some things up for another day. Some days it's so hard to have acceptance of something that really sucks. It was easier for me to accept being an alcoholic than my depression. Sounds to me like you've got a full plate right now. We always feel we SHOULD do more, don't we. When my depression is bad I miss being in my rose garden, my dogs, my art, and my at-home business suffers. Those days the best I can hope for is to get into another room. If I can get to my garden or to the pool, that's a success. Luckily I have work at home and have some leeway there. My clients don't know I'm hiding under the covers. Anyway, you sound like you have a lot happening period. Be encouraged. You'll get to all those things in time.
> BrendaNoa - Don't get too excited. I try to only work about 4 hours a day - 6 or 7 days a week. Thing is that four hours can take me about eight or ten some days. Husband in law school full-time and working part-time, and all the rest - home, family, 4 dogs, etc., is multitasking (multi-stressing really). Until two years ago I was a corporate "team training facilitator/instructor." That was multitasking (multi-b.s.)really. I have to keep my priority list real short or else I can spiral about all the things I didn't accomplish that day. Multitasking should really be about how many family members, friends we can hug at one time.
Posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 22:53:49
In reply to Re: Update , posted by Brenda on February 23, 2000, at 22:15:33
I wonder if we are entering a new evolutionary era, a total environmental shift, or at least an acceleration of one, in which people who don't mutlitask well are not well suited to the environment.
Anyone catch "Judging Amy" last night? Tyne Daly plays a social worker who investigated a sleepwalking kid found asleep in a parking lot far from home. What she ended up finding was that the ill fit between the exuberant family--very hyper, "happy happy joy joy" family--and a more demure little boy was causing him severe anxiety, hence the sleepwalking, and hence his tendency to hide under his bed for hours. They were trying to make him more outgoing, by bombarding him with all the playfulness, including tickling, which we all know can be torture disguised as laughing. Anyway, this is a bit off the topic of multitasking, but my point is that the rest of the family was very comfortable in an overstimulating environment, and this one child in the family was not.
I don't know what my comfort zone is when not depressed--I have forgotten already. But I know that I have been having a hard time accepting the level of stimulation/responsibility/multitasking, etc. that is tolerable for me, because I feel like I am not keeping up with what I should be doing. I think I have always had this struggle, even when not/less depressed. In college, wondering why I couldn't go for a job as a teaching assistant in biology, which was "the thing to do" among people who were successful in the course. At work, wondering why it is so hard for me to even think about preparing a presentation for a professional meeting, while my peers all around me are whipping things up and can get up and speak confidently. And so on and so forth. I am sure there are many of you who can relate to such things.
So I really am working on just accepting that, at least for now, I need to just work on being a working stiff, and cover the basics--getting up in the morning, going to work, trying to do a decent job, being appreciative that I have a good job, etc. etc. And maybe I can even start to work on those other basics, like making my apartment more livable, and maybe if I am really on a roll, I might work up to the other category of basics, like eating healthfully and doing some regular exercise.
I almost want to start a club entitled, "Proud Underachievers". I just have to work on the pride part.
Posted by Janice on February 23, 2000, at 23:39:08
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 22:53:49
Well I certainly don't have those answers for you Noa. I definately feel for you. All I could think of when I read the above is how much you remind me of my cousin who has the hypo-active ADD. You may be sick to death of labels by now.
What I want to suggest, and I hope offers a bit of hope, is if you would like to contact a very gifted pyschic lady I know. My sister loved to see pyschics, and this pyschic lady started talking to my sister about my nervous system. She was saying things that were undeniably true and impossible for her to know.
Since then, I have seen her for pyschic readings and for counselling. She has helped me tremendously in my life, both with my physical and emotional health. And she seems to love the psychiatric profession. This lady is not going to tell you it's because of some past life, some karmic debt or other nonsense - she will try to figure out which practical steps would be the best to take. She helped me as much as my psychiatrist has. Of course, you know, I'm not quite there yet - whereever THERE is.
Let me know if you are interested. Janice
What the hell is multitasking anyway - doing more than one thing at a time?
Posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 23:48:33
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Janice on February 23, 2000, at 23:39:08
> What the hell is multitasking anyway - doing more than one thing at a time?
Yes, that's what it is, as far as I know. I would guess it is of technobabble origin, ie, computers that can do more than one thing at a time, but has been generalized to us human types (jump in here anytime William Safire or Not-Doctor-Bob). I am not exactly fond of the word, but it seems to fit in this case, since it is the hyper, increasingly techno-, overstimulating, multi-tasked world that I am reacting to.
Geez, I'm starting to sound like the uni-you-know-who! (and you know what environment he chose to live in--that would be a bit much in the other direction for me).And thanks for the offer of the psychic referral. Not interested but appreciate the thought.
Posted by medlib on February 24, 2000, at 4:36:30
In reply to Update , posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 20:37:56
Noa-
So glad to hear that your blood tests showed that you have some "maneuvering room" in your meds--hope the adjustments make things better for you. Re lithium dosing:
A colleague in Dr. Bob's Tips section said he preferred giving lithium at bedtime because that lessened its polyuria and tremor side effects. Others said that once-a-day dosing was easier on the kidneys?! Might be worth a call back to your hard-to-reach pdoc?Re multitasking and attitude adjustments: Sometimes I wonder if people aren't unconsciously competing with computers--trying to do more and more faster and faster. Hopefully, the tide will turn when at least some realize the absurdity of such imitation. Most things are cyclical, because objects caught in positive feedback loops self-destruct. Maybe movements such as the "simplify your life" and the "healing power of community" represent baby steps in a more human direction.
Being competitive at multitasking isn't an option for me--I have always shifted gears with the greatest of difficulty and at snail speed. I find change exciting, but the ever-increasing RATE of change somewhat intimidating. I try to cope by thinking of it as a clothing store; I try on several likely-looking selections, choose what fits, and leave the rest for others. (This analogy doesn't always work well--I hate shopping.)
BTW, whose expectations define your "shoulds"? Whoever they are, they have neither your troubles nor your talents. They would be no more successful at living your life than you feel trying to live theirs. Remember, Einstein said THE most important question is, "Is the universe a kind place?" Yours is!
medlib
> I finally spoke to my pdoc this evening. It turns out my thyroid tests were normal, but he sees room in the numbers to tweak a bit, and has recommended I increase the synthroid from one 25 microgram tablet to 1 1/2 tablets, and then later, possibly up to 2 tablets (50 micrograms). He also told me my lithium level had gone down from .8 in January to .6 this time, so he wants me to add another 300 mg, for a total of 1500/day.
>
> I forgot to ask him if it makes a difference whether the extra 300 mg capsule is taken in the am or pm. Anyone here know?
>
> So, let's see if this helps.
>
> My mood has been a tad better than last week, possibly because I came to another level of acceptance of my depression: this recent slump made me realize I need to pull in and narrow my focus, that I can't multi-task very well right now. I get overwhelmed so easily trying to do the mental juggling of different responsibilities. There is enough multi-tasking in life as it is, these days. this means giving up some professional endeavors, which I wasn't developing adequately anyway, just feeling badly that I wasn't able to. So now, I am trying to focus on just the basics, and leave the other stuff for somewhere down the road, if I am up for it then. It makes me really sad, it is a loss, but I feel relieved to have come to this decision. This is one of the ways this wretched illness has dampened my quality of life, and it makes me mad, too. But it is right for me right now to recognize that I have to stick to only the most basic stuff.
Posted by S. Suggs on February 24, 2000, at 4:40:48
In reply to Update , posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 20:37:56
Noa, at what times do you take your lithium now? In your case, with the urination factor being such a problem, I'd be tempted to take it with my first dose. You are at 1200? Do 600 at breakfast? Just a suggestion. Blessings,
S. Suggs
Posted by Phil on February 24, 2000, at 7:02:24
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Noa on February 23, 2000, at 22:53:49
Noa, I did see Judging Amy and that tickling thing hit home with me!! I used to be tortured by my older brothers with it. I never really thought about it from the powerlessness aspect but I would be so gd angry I wanted to just kick their asses. But they were bigger and older.
Sounds like pulling back at work is not a bad idea. Have you ever read the book titled Your Money or Your Life?
Phil
Posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 7:42:56
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Phil on February 24, 2000, at 7:02:24
Thanks, all.
I ended up giving the higher dose of lithium at bedtime a try--I guess I was eager to start the additional 300. So I took 900 last night and 600 this morning. I actually only had one bathroom trip during the night, although it was only a 4 hour night (up late on Babble!) I took the extra .0125 of synthroid this am, on top of the usual dose.
The "Shoulds": at this point, a large share of the "shoulds" are my own, although I am sure I am still trying to achieve some unattainable emotional acceptance from my internalized parents. Relatively speaking, I am not a particularly driven person at all, but I do want to improve my skills and develop my career in a way that makes me feel some satisfaction. Also, when not depressed, I find a lot of things interesting, and want to pursue them, but haven't had the ability to follow through consistently either because I overextend myself, or because I get depressed. This may be my "manic" side, using the term loosely. I find so much interesting, and have ideas for projects to pursue, etc. In contrast, when I am depressed, not much interests me at all. Often I am around people who can do things with ease that are hard for me, and to them I can SEEM like someone who can also do them with ease. I can get caught up in the interest thing and find myself wanting to be a person who can do those things, rather than accepting myself as I am.
Money or Life: sounds like an interesting book--I'll look for it at the library (trying oh so hard to use the public library more, and Barnes and Noble less, because even when I just go to read at B&N, I run the risk of an impulse buy). But I do want to say, for me, the career thing has and probably never will be about having more money, because I don't ever actually HAVE money, it just passes through. My job is decent and pays somewhat adequately, relative to some other comparable jobs I see in the papers. But barely adequate to the high cost of living around here (including all my medical/psychiatric costs)and not adequate to cost of living plus debts. Cutting back professionally might mean losing out on a potential small increase in income (potential is the key word, because my depression squashed much of the effort that could have put me in a position to have this additional income), but it wouldn't have been a big difference. The difference would have been more in skill development, career development, interesting work to do, etc.
Posted by dove on February 24, 2000, at 10:46:43
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 7:42:56
Hi Noa,
I didn't totally relate to your difficulties with multitasking, until I read your last post. All of a sudden, I had a very clear picture of what you've been talking about. And the over-extension being like a loosely dubbed mania. This is very much how my manic episodes have been for the last five years. I'm depressed, can't do anything, unmotivated; until I get suicidal and am really motivated to get everything in order. But, because I'm still completely disorganized, depressed and apathetic, I never finish the organizing job to finish my life (which is a good thing under these circumstances.)
Moving on to mania, I have *so* many things I want to do, and start to do. Little novelettes, sketches, prose, kiddie projects, decorating, on and on it goes. Totally over-extended, overwhelmed, mad because there's not enough time in the day to do all these fun things. Then sad, because the anger gets directed back at myself and I don't like what I see.
I remember you saying something about solitaire? I sit and play for hours and hours, don't even like the stupid game, it's so mindless though. You can spend your whole day watching those cards, no thoughts of bettering one's self or situation, no thinking, no doing. Just zeroed in on this thing that keeps one from going over the edge in either direction. But, the drawbacks are the social isolation, the self recriminations that show up later, and the increased apathy.
You really have a talent for seeing the symptoms with clarity, and the many facets and connections of said symptoms. You share so much more than just how you're feeling, do you know what I mean? Your posts really touch me Noa.
Here's hoping the increased Lithium and synthroid help, and quick! Thank you so much for sharing and allowing us to share with you :-)
dove
Posted by Brenda on February 24, 2000, at 11:15:52
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 7:42:56
> Thanks, all.
>
> I ended up giving the higher dose of lithium at bedtime a try--I guess I was eager to start the additional 300. So I took 900 last night and 600 this morning. I actually only had one bathroom trip during the night, although it was only a 4 hour night (up late on Babble!) I took the extra .0125 of synthroid this am, on top of the usual dose.
>
> The "Shoulds": at this point, a large share of the "shoulds" are my own, although I am sure I am still trying to achieve some unattainable emotional acceptance from my internalized parents. Relatively speaking, I am not a particularly driven person at all, but I do want to improve my skills and develop my career in a way that makes me feel some satisfaction. Also, when not depressed, I find a lot of things interesting, and want to pursue them, but haven't had the ability to follow through consistently either because I overextend myself, or because I get depressed. This may be my "manic" side, using the term loosely. I find so much interesting, and have ideas for projects to pursue, etc. In contrast, when I am depressed, not much interests me at all. Often I am around people who can do things with ease that are hard for me, and to them I can SEEM like someone who can also do them with ease. I can get caught up in the interest thing and find myself wanting to be a person who can do those things, rather than accepting myself as I am.
>
> Money or Life: sounds like an interesting book--I'll look for it at the library (trying oh so hard to use the public library more, and Barnes and Noble less, because even when I just go to read at B&N, I run the risk of an impulse buy). But I do want to say, for me, the career thing has and probably never will be about having more money, because I don't ever actually HAVE money, it just passes through. My job is decent and pays somewhat adequately, relative to some other comparable jobs I see in the papers. But barely adequate to the high cost of living around here (including all my medical/psychiatric costs)and not adequate to cost of living plus debts. Cutting back professionally might mean losing out on a potential small increase in income (potential is the key word, because my depression squashed much of the effort that could have put me in a position to have this additional income), but it wouldn't have been a big difference. The difference would have been more in skill development, career development, interesting work to do, etc.Noa - I wonder if you are on the east or west coast re high cost of living in your area. It's a real catch-22 isn't it. Our income dropped by 3/4 when my husband went back to law school full-time and I started a business at home. We are in our early 40's and were living quite comfortably, so I have major empathy with your situation. Dealing with the DIS-ease, the meds and the pressures of life, family, security, professional, etc., is overwhelming at times. We now live in a very small home we own, with 4 dogs, and I share my little home office with my husband. I made this choice - or rather we did - still doesn't make it any easier. Know all to well about the high cost of treating our depression. Our insurance - before out of pocket, meds, etc. is about $400 a month. But we have to stay insured so I can be treated for my depression. Once your meds get stabilized, I imagine some of your desire for an increase in professional development will follow. Do you like the work you do? Sometimes when all else fails I'll use the AA 12-steps for my depression. Takes some of the monkey off my back to turn it over for some help to somebody more powerful than I. Gotta let it go once in a while. Take care. You're in our thoughts.
Posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 11:45:06
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Brenda on February 24, 2000, at 11:15:52
Thanks Brenda, I appreciate the support.
I wonder if you are able to tolerate the discomfort of your current situation because you know it is likely to be time-limited, ie, once your husband graduates, things will look up. Imagine how you would feel right now if you thought it would go on for a much longer, perhaps indefinite time.
BTW--East Coast.
Posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 11:50:42
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by dove on February 24, 2000, at 10:46:43
Dove, for me, solitaire and other computer games are hypnotic. It seems I enter another state of consciousness altogether.
Thanks for the good wishes, Dove. The feelings are mutual.
Posted by Brenda on February 24, 2000, at 12:22:11
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 11:45:06
> Thanks Brenda, I appreciate the support.
>
> I wonder if you are able to tolerate the discomfort of your current situation because you know it is likely to be time-limited, ie, once your husband graduates, things will look up. Imagine how you would feel right now if you thought it would go on for a much longer, perhaps indefinite time.
>
>
> BTW--East Coast.Noa - BTW West Coast. I can imagine it. I've been with my husband for 10 yrs. This guy is like a hurricane with his mood swings. Won't seek help until after he sits for the Bar. They'll disqualify him if he has psych on his records. So yes, the financial may change in another year or so, but the chaos is likely to continue. I call him the King of Chaos. He changes his routine/schedule all the time. One minute yelling at dogs, etc. next nice as can be. So, yes the finances will likely change again, hopefully for the better. I'm craving a little space. Even have a dog sleeing with us and two cats for God's sake. That's where my hopelessness comes in, not about money - never was. Be well.
Posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 13:45:30
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Brenda on February 24, 2000, at 12:22:11
!?!?!Are you saying a person cannot qualify for the Bar if they have had psychiatric treatment?!?!?
Posted by Brenda on February 24, 2000, at 15:55:06
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 13:45:30
> !?!?!Are you saying a person cannot qualify for the Bar if they have had psychiatric treatment?!?!?
Yes - In that they do a thorough background check - back to teenage years - on every employer you've had, arrest, psych treatment, medical illness, medications, hospitalizations, etc. Law students have to take a separate ethics test in addtion to the Bar, before the can take the bar. There's a case before the judge now - I belive in Chicago - where a law student preparing for the Bar exam, filled out the 30-page questionnaire for the ethics thing, prior to taking the Bar, and she put on her questionnaire she had received Prozac to treat depression. The Moral Turpitude (sic) Committee decided she wasn't fit to sit for the Bar or be a lawyer, as her depression/medication may affect her judgment as a lawyer. She wasn't allowed to sit for the Bar as a result. This type of situation may not be as probablematic for a young student just graduating college and law school. They don't have much history, i.e, job history, illness, etc., but in the case of the woman in Chicago she was in her late 40's, she had a lot of years behind her to check up on. It's similar to an FBI check they do for some government jobs. Needless to say - I really shouldn't have said a word about my husband's situation at this point. Except to say - yes, I get hopeless and helpless too. Thanks for asking about it. Amazing, huh!
Posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 16:31:53
In reply to Re: Multitasking, posted by Brenda on February 24, 2000, at 15:55:06
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR, as I learned to say from our good friend, bob, not dr., GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR indeed!!!
Does this not sound like ABSURDITY and DISCRIMINATION par excellence?
Is this not practically forcing would be lawyers to either LIE or NEVER get help for their problems, which we all know is a much bigger risk to their judgment?OUTRAGE OUTRAGE OUTRAGE !!!
The legal profession, which works to uphold people's rights under ADA seems to be EXEMPTING itself from those very laws!!!!
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Posted by Cam W. on February 24, 2000, at 17:19:05
In reply to Dander is Up, Baby!!!!!!!!, posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 16:31:53
> GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR, as I learned to say from our good friend, bob, not dr., GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR indeed!!!
>
> Does this not sound like ABSURDITY and DISCRIMINATION par excellence?
>
>
> Is this not practically forcing would be lawyers to either LIE or NEVER get help for their problems, which we all know is a much bigger risk to their judgment?
>
> OUTRAGE OUTRAGE OUTRAGE !!!
>
> The legal profession, which works to uphold people's rights under ADA seems to be EXEMPTING itself from those very laws!!!!
>
>
> GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNoa - Down Tiger ;-) - Cam W.
Posted by torchgrl on February 24, 2000, at 18:02:31
In reply to Dander is Up, Baby!!!!!!!!, posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 16:31:53
Boy do I agree! This society is SO screwed up! I was already angry about the insurance industry's approach to things (pre-existing conditions, covering Wellbutrin but not Zyban, not giving me coverage because of my medication history), and this just adds fuel to the flames... Especially since meds like Prozac have become more widespread, and problems like depression are more prevalent than they used to be--so, what, there are going to be 50 people left who qualify to even sit for the bar after this background check?! Please!
Posted by Brenda on February 24, 2000, at 19:54:15
In reply to Dander is Up, Baby!!!!!!!!, posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 16:31:53
> GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR, as I learned to say from our good friend, bob, not dr., GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR indeed!!!
>
> Does this not sound like ABSURDITY and DISCRIMINATION par excellence?
>
>
> Is this not practically forcing would be lawyers to either LIE or NEVER get help for their problems, which we all know is a much bigger risk to their judgment?
>
> OUTRAGE OUTRAGE OUTRAGE !!!
>
> The legal profession, which works to uphold people's rights under ADA seems to be EXEMPTING itself from those very laws!!!!
>
>
> GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRNoa - I only know about Calif. and the case in Chicago, but yes it's a mess. The Ethics Committee and Board of Examiners are all made up of lawyers. It's very competitive out here. Needless to say, got to weed out as much of the competition as possible. The first time Bar pass rate in our State is about 37%.
Re Torchgirl's comment - If you think this managed care sucks - which it does - think again about the confidentiality issue. I worked for 8 years in Human Resources at a large corp., and I now do contract work for a psychiatrist and surgeon. Trust me - not much is confidential. Especially if you're being treated through a health plan administered through your company. That's why I'm so concerned about being misdiagnosed. I wrote about that somewhere else on this Babble page. Our insurance runs out soon and we have to get another carrier, how do I explain a preexisting condition that doesn't really exist. Oh well - another problem to be solved another day. Try to stay calm about these lawyers - from what I can see most of them are kind've snakey and can take care of themselves. They'll protect your interests if you have an ADA case though, especially if they smell $$$$. Generally speaking they behave the worst towards each other - and not their clients. I'll let you know what happens to the lady in Chicago when the next Law Journal comes out. Stay calm - think of warm sunny beaches, balmy temperatures, warm water and the smell of suntan lotion and an ice cold diet pepsi - Okay that's my relaxation technique. But you get the picture. Be well and calm.
Posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 20:23:19
In reply to Re: Dander is Up, Baby!!!!!!!!, posted by Brenda on February 24, 2000, at 19:54:15
When you say a health care plan administered through your employer, do you mean a self-insuring company? I thought my BCBS plan, paid through the employer, shares no health info about us, only an aggregate total of the costs, for purposes of rating the group on risk. Am I wrong?
Posted by Brenda on February 24, 2000, at 21:30:56
In reply to Re: Calm again, posted by Noa on February 24, 2000, at 20:23:19
> When you say a health care plan administered through your employer, do you mean a self-insuring company? I thought my BCBS plan, paid through the employer, shares no health info about us, only an aggregate total of the costs, for purposes of rating the group on risk. Am I wrong?
I don't know what a BCBS is. The company I worked for offered different HMO-type plans, Kaiser, Aetna, etc. They were self-insured re disability and Workers' Comp. So if you went out on mental disability whether or not related to a Workers' Comp claim, that would show up. Their plans were also administed by a third party. However, when they got the cost breakdowns for the various claims and hospitalizations, that information WAS listed. Our company also had a psych plan (which I wouldn't use) that was administered by a third party. Still - the company can get that information. Only the Mgmnt of the Benefits department was supposed to see that stuff, but as an H/R rep, I got access to it. My point really is the lack of confidentiality. There is definitely an implied confidentiality and outside of your H/R dept. no one should know your medical business. Still, the H/R group I was with was worse than those lawyers we were talking about. The company has about 3,000 employees locally, and still operated like a small family. One of our upper mgr.'s did go out on a stress leave. One evening he rounded up about 60-100 employees, union folks mostly (this is a manufacturing co.)and herded them all into the auditorium for no reason at all, and then started babbling about God knows what. They had to get Security to take him away. Ruined his career - and even though he returned after getting help and meds, they shipped the poor guy off to Tijuana to manage a facility down there. I can tell you - HR is full of stories. Whatever your medical situation is - it most likely is VERY confidential where you work. That's the law. Whatever your company told you is probably reliable. Geez - I hope you're still calm.
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