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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 9:45:56
Noa and Janice - Please refer to a note a sent you two in the Re: Too Late thread, dated 3/1. I didn't want you to miss it, so I thought I'd refer you to it from here. Thanks.
Posted by Noa on March 1, 2000, at 10:25:03
In reply to Noa and Janice, posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 9:45:56
Hi, Brenda. Thanks. I do appreciate the concern. The insomnia? I don't know what is the problem. It isn't insomnia perse, just very disjointed sleep. For a couple of days, it was my preoccupation with this board, so each time I woke to go to the bathroom (thank you, lithium) I would come to the computer to sign on. I guess it is the same with not going to bed at a decent hour. I intend to but then just can't tear myself away. I think I really am addicted.
Even so, the meds do make my sleep kind of disjointed. I wish I could just sleep straight through.
I need to start focusing more on my sleep, which means focusing on late afternoon and evening, too, because when I find myself not having had enough "down" time I am not ready to go to sleep.
I don't know if being somewhat sleep deprived is what is going on for me right now. I am sick and tired of being depressed. The depression is making everything so difficult, even the most simple things. I'm tired of it.
I thought by now, one week after increasing my synthroid and lithium, I'd see some results, but I haven't. For the first month or so at a therapeutic dose of lithium, I noticed steady improvement. Then, bang, I hit some kind of wall. That is when I started feeling exhausted and unable to exert myself enough for everyday stuff. I still feel that way and my mood is bad too. I can't seem to cope with my job, and am embarrassed by how poorly I have been doing it.
I am not suicidal, but I do feel worn out and pessimistic about everything.
Posted by Janice on March 1, 2000, at 11:09:50
In reply to Noa and Janice, posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 9:45:56
thank you Brenda.
You caught on a good couple of weeks. Usually I have more questions than answers. Once nice thing is that when you think about someone else, it takes your mind off yourself. Janice.
Posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 11:48:43
In reply to Re: Noa and Janice, posted by Noa on March 1, 2000, at 10:25:03
> Hi, Brenda. Thanks. I do appreciate the concern. The insomnia? I don't know what is the problem. It isn't insomnia perse, just very disjointed sleep. For a couple of days, it was my preoccupation with this board, so each time I woke to go to the bathroom (thank you, lithium) I would come to the computer to sign on. I guess it is the same with not going to bed at a decent hour. I intend to but then just can't tear myself away. I think I really am addicted.
>
> Even so, the meds do make my sleep kind of disjointed. I wish I could just sleep straight through.
>
> I need to start focusing more on my sleep, which means focusing on late afternoon and evening, too, because when I find myself not having had enough "down" time I am not ready to go to sleep.
>
> I don't know if being somewhat sleep deprived is what is going on for me right now. I am sick and tired of being depressed. The depression is making everything so difficult, even the most simple things. I'm tired of it.
>
> I thought by now, one week after increasing my synthroid and lithium, I'd see some results, but I haven't. For the first month or so at a therapeutic dose of lithium, I noticed steady improvement. Then, bang, I hit some kind of wall. That is when I started feeling exhausted and unable to exert myself enough for everyday stuff. I still feel that way and my mood is bad too. I can't seem to cope with my job, and am embarrassed by how poorly I have been doing it.
>
> I am not suicidal, but I do feel worn out and pessimistic about everything.Noa - I didn't think you were suicidal. Just "worn out and pessimistic" right now. I don't have any advice. I do know what you're talking about though. There's just sooo much of everything - work, our health, family, friends, and we don't want to let anybody down, do we?
Please be well. - Janice - you, too.
Posted by Sarah on March 1, 2000, at 14:05:24
In reply to Re: Noa and Janice, posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 11:48:43
> >
> > Hey all... Have you considered the possibility of Co Dependence? Very common in depressed ppl. I have been through it myself! You tend to take care of others instead of yourself. Keeps your mind off your own problems. Just a thought! :-)
Posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 16:51:46
In reply to Re: Noa and Janice, posted by Sarah on March 1, 2000, at 14:05:24
> > >
> > > Hey all... Have you considered the possibility of Co Dependence? Very common in depressed ppl. I have been through it myself! You tend to take care of others instead of yourself. Keeps your mind off your own problems. Just a thought! :-)Sarah - Thanks for the thought. I've been through the Co-dependent and Adult Children of Alcoholics, AlAnon programs. I agree - I'd say we're all pretty co-dependent, etc., but I think its probably okay here. It helps to think of others troubles when we're depressed and in pain. Do I think we're all a little co-dependent with Vesper? Yes, probably, but so what. The guy needs us to help him, and most of us probably need to help somebody else when we can't feel too much better ourselves.
So - we'll just look out for the ones who give and give and give - and try to give some back to them.
Posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 16:56:58
In reply to Re: Noa and Janice, posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 16:51:46
> > > >
> > > > Hey all... Have you considered the possibility of Co Dependence? Very common in depressed ppl. I have been through it myself! You tend to take care of others instead of yourself. Keeps your mind off your own problems. Just a thought! :-)
>
> Sarah - Thanks for the thought. I've been through the Co-dependent and Adult Children of Alcoholics, AlAnon programs. I agree - I'd say we're all pretty co-dependent, etc., but I think its probably okay here. It helps to think of others troubles when we're depressed and in pain. Do I think we're all a little co-dependent with Vesper? Yes, probably, but so what. The guy needs us to help him, and most of us probably need to help somebody else when we can't feel too much better ourselves.
> So - we'll just look out for the ones who give and give and give - and try to give some back to them.Noa - I know you've posted what your meds are, but all I can remember is the lithium. My cousin is BipolarI, and is taking Topamax instead of Lithium, and Depakote and a very small amount of Wellbutrin. Have you tried the Topamax? I haven't seen anyone here talk about it. I was on it for awhile. It has a lot less side effects than lithium.
Just curious.
Posted by Sarah on March 1, 2000, at 17:16:28
In reply to Re: Noa med's, posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 16:56:58
Brenda, yes, co dependence isn't all that bad. I tend to be a nurturer, so I fall into it easily. As far as Vesper goes, I hope to goodness she finds the help she needs and gets it soon. It is hard not to take care of her all you can on this board. What could ever bring a person to her state? I shudder to think. I usually don't give advice to her, because I have never been there and really don't know what to do besides encourage her to seek professional help. It will ultimitly have to be her choice. Nothing we say or do will change her mind until she is ready. The encouragement is important for her, it lets her know she is not alone and is an important human being. I hope she starts on her journey to recovery soon. I know when I finally made up my mind to have mine, I became a new person. I still have a ways to go, but I am doing great. I just want everyone to have the wonderful awakening I have experienced. Hopefully, everyone here will get to that place. Life can be so beautiful!
Posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 18:49:26
In reply to Re: Noa med's, posted by Sarah on March 1, 2000, at 17:16:28
> Brenda, yes, co dependence isn't all that bad. I tend to be a nurturer, so I fall into it easily. As far as Vesper goes, I hope to goodness she finds the help she needs and gets it soon. It is hard not to take care of her all you can on this board. What could ever bring a person to her state? I shudder to think. I usually don't give advice to her, because I have never been there and really don't know what to do besides encourage her to seek professional help. It will ultimitly have to be her choice. Nothing we say or do will change her mind until she is ready. The encouragement is important for her, it lets her know she is not alone and is an important human being. I hope she starts on her journey to recovery soon. I know when I finally made up my mind to have mine, I became a new person. I still have a ways to go, but I am doing great. I just want everyone to have the wonderful awakening I have experienced. Hopefully, everyone here will get to that place. Life can be so beautiful!
Sarah - Thanks for the lovely words. My sentiments exactly. Also, thanks for telling me Vesper is a girl. I was kind of confused about that.
Posted by Noa on March 1, 2000, at 19:15:47
In reply to Re: to Sarah, posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 18:49:26
Vesper is a guy, but if you go back to earlier posts, he explains that one of the major things he struggles with is gender issues.
Posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 19:23:36
In reply to Re: to Sarah, posted by Noa on March 1, 2000, at 19:15:47
> Vesper is a guy, but if you go back to earlier posts, he explains that one of the major things he struggles with is gender issues.
Thanks, I thought he was a guy.
Posted by Noa on March 1, 2000, at 19:23:49
In reply to Re: Noa med's, posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 16:56:58
I have "double depression", ie, a serious case of dysthymia with cycling episodes of major depression superimposed.
My meds are:
Effexor XR, 375
Methylphenidate SR, 20, twice per day
Lithium Carbonate, 600 am, 900 pm (have only been at this dose since last week--was at 600/600 from about xmas until last week; only started lithium in December)
synthroid, .0375 (up from .025 starting a week ago)
cytomel, .0125
Serzone, 225 at night.The lithium really started to make a difference--I was feeling better and better from about end of December until 3 weeks ago or so. With the increase last week, I was hoping by now to start seeing a difference, but I don't, and am feeling discouraged.
Posted by Sarah on March 1, 2000, at 19:30:50
In reply to Re: to Sarah, posted by Noa on March 1, 2000, at 19:15:47
> Vesper is a guy, but if you go back to earlier posts, he explains that one of the major things he struggles with is gender issues.
I'm sorry, I just guess I took it for granted he was a she... I certainly meant no harm. Thanks, Noa!
Posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 19:33:00
In reply to Re: Noa med's, posted by Noa on March 1, 2000, at 19:23:49
> I have "double depression", ie, a serious case of dysthymia with cycling episodes of major depression superimposed.
>
> My meds are:
>
> Effexor XR, 375
> Methylphenidate SR, 20, twice per day
> Lithium Carbonate, 600 am, 900 pm (have only been at this dose since last week--was at 600/600 from about xmas until last week; only started lithium in December)
> synthroid, .0375 (up from .025 starting a week ago)
> cytomel, .0125
> Serzone, 225 at night.
>
> The lithium really started to make a difference--I was feeling better and better from about end of December until 3 weeks ago or so. With the increase last week, I was hoping by now to start seeing a difference, but I don't, and am feeling discouraged.Thanks. If you want, check into Topamax. Actually it's pharm name is Topiramate. It's at http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.topiramate.html. Also located at http:/www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/topiram_cp.html. Maybe this meds only for Bipolar. But it is new and being used as a sub for lithium. It's got a little extra umph to it. In the www.rxlist site, they list all the info about clinical trials, indications, and the chemistry of the drug (which I didn't understand, but I bet you will). If I'm being too much a nibnose - just tell me, okay.
Be well.
Posted by Noa on March 1, 2000, at 19:53:05
In reply to Re: Noa med's, posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 19:33:00
I never heard the term, nibnose before. But no, youre not being one.
I have heard of tomiramate, but know very little about it. My pdoc did say he would try an anticonvulsant if the lithium didn't work. I think he likes depakote, but talked about lamictal and neurontin, too.
Thanks for the web site, I will check it out.
Posted by Janice on March 1, 2000, at 22:38:16
In reply to Re: Noa and Janice, posted by Brenda on March 1, 2000, at 16:51:46
I have no need to help anyone ... never had, never will. All my communications have always been frank and I have always been assertive. I value, sometimes I believe above all else, my independence.
All my problems are bio-chemical in nature. I spent far too many years trying to talk my way out of eating disorders, rationalize my way out of OCD, understand my way out of wild mood swings and attempting to discipline myself out of organizational problems...when all I really needed was medication.
I know you meant well...excuse me if I sound irritable.
Janice
Posted by Brenda on March 2, 2000, at 0:21:44
In reply to most definately NOT co-dependent, posted by Janice on March 1, 2000, at 22:38:16
> I have no need to help anyone ... never had, never will. All my communications have always been frank and I have always been assertive. I value, sometimes I believe above all else, my independence.
>
> All my problems are bio-chemical in nature. I spent far too many years trying to talk my way out of eating disorders, rationalize my way out of OCD, understand my way out of wild mood swings and attempting to discipline myself out of organizational problems...when all I really needed was medication.
>
> I know you meant well...excuse me if I sound irritable.
> JaniceJanice - You don't sound irritable to me.
More power to you!!
Posted by Brenda on March 2, 2000, at 0:31:10
In reply to Re: most definately NOT co-dependent, posted by Brenda on March 2, 2000, at 0:21:44
> > I have no need to help anyone ... never had, never will. All my communications have always been frank and I have always been assertive. I value, sometimes I believe above all else, my independence.
> >
> > All my problems are bio-chemical in nature. I spent far too many years trying to talk my way out of eating disorders, rationalize my way out of OCD, understand my way out of wild mood swings and attempting to discipline myself out of organizational problems...when all I really needed was medication.
> >
> > I know you meant well...excuse me if I sound irritable.
> > Janice
>
> Janice - You don't sound irritable to me.
> More power to you!!
Janice - about the co-dependent thing - I didn't get the impression and certainly didn't mean to assert that you were co-dependent. I thought it was a general observation of Sarah's - not directed to/or about anyone in particular.
I'm glad for you that all your problems are chemical in nature. I wish mine were too.
Posted by Sarah on March 2, 2000, at 10:51:46
In reply to Re: most definately NOT co-dependent, posted by Brenda on March 2, 2000, at 0:31:10
> > > I have no need to help anyone ... never had, never will. All my communications have always been frank and I have always been assertive. I value, sometimes I believe above all else, my independence.
> > >
> > > All my problems are bio-chemical in nature. I spent far too many years trying to talk my way out of eating disorders, rationalize my way out of OCD, understand my way out of wild mood swings and attempting to discipline myself out of organizational problems...when all I really needed was medication.
> > >
> > > I know you meant well...excuse me if I sound irritable.
> > > Janice
> >
> > Janice - You don't sound irritable to me.
> > More power to you!!
> Janice - about the co-dependent thing - I didn't get the impression and certainly didn't mean to assert that you were co-dependent. I thought it was a general observation of Sarah's - not directed to/or about anyone in particular.
> I'm glad for you that all your problems are chemical in nature. I wish mine were tooJanice, I certainly didnt mean it like that. I would never want to make a judgement of anyone on this board. Co dependence is a very common thing, especially with depressed ppl. My depression is also chemical...(great upbringing in a loving but dysfuntional home)(we put the "fun" in dysfuntional!) We are the lucky ones who can easily control our depression with the right meds. Anyway, I'm sorry if I offended you! Sarah
Posted by Janice on March 6, 2000, at 0:15:57
In reply to Re: most definately NOT co-dependent, posted by Sarah on March 2, 2000, at 10:51:46
It felt like I was catching people talk about me behind my back!
Posted by Brenda on March 6, 2000, at 10:02:52
In reply to what can I say?, posted by Janice on March 6, 2000, at 0:15:57
> It felt like I was catching people talk about me behind my back!
Janice - I don't know how many times I can say that is not what I was doing. I felt we were having a general discussion about more self-help stuff. Maybe we'll just forget about that kind of stuff and stick to topics of meds. Not everyone has a purely chemical problem. Most of us have had to deal with difficult issues in conjunction with our depression. I don't understand what you mean about behind your back - this web site is about as open as can be without phone numbers and addresses. Personally - me thinketh you protest too much.
Posted by Janice on March 7, 2000, at 11:12:45
In reply to Re: what can I say?, posted by Brenda on March 6, 2000, at 10:02:52
Posted by Brenda on March 7, 2000, at 12:07:29
In reply to I was joking about my over-reaction, posted by Janice on March 7, 2000, at 11:12:45
>
Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.
Best wishes - B.
This is the end of the thread.
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