![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Noa on May 17, 2000, at 10:53:13
Is it my imagination, or have you been scarce lately? I miss you.
Posted by dove on May 17, 2000, at 11:57:29
In reply to Janice?, posted by Noa on May 17, 2000, at 10:53:13
So do I... Sending my bestest vibes out your way Janice :-) Let us know how you're doing in the midst of life and its child named chaos.
dove
Posted by Cam W. on May 17, 2000, at 19:03:59
In reply to Re: Janice? Miss ya!, posted by dove on May 17, 2000, at 11:57:29
Janice - Report in. We want to know how you survived the verbal onslaught. I really don't think it was meant to be directed at you, but you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. The varbal barrage you withstood could have happened to any of us.Hope to hear from you soon - Cam
Posted by Greg on May 18, 2000, at 9:46:18
In reply to Re: Where are ya, cowgirl?, posted by Cam W. on May 17, 2000, at 19:03:59
Janice,
I really hope that the recent *unpleasantness* hasn't pushed you away from us.We miss you and hope you return soon.
Hugs,
Greg
Posted by Janice on May 18, 2000, at 10:37:12
In reply to Re: Where in the world is Janice Sandiego?, posted by Greg on May 18, 2000, at 9:50:05
Hello Noa, Dove, Cam, Greg and everyone,
I've been mostly lurking lately, and practising and strengthening my impulse control by not replying to posts. I was afraid of inciting more anger, and as all of my opinions were expressed by various people, I didn't see the need of posting and potentially exciting things more. I like psychobabble as a place to learn, help and interact with other people.I do plan to read the threads more thoroughly before posting.
I am like so good… that I can barely believe how good I am. I don't know if any of you remember about 2 months back I was having troubles with the Pdoc I was seeing--he took me off Dexedrine, which I had been on so successful for an entire year. I've just started with a new pdoc who I like very much. As I suspected, that old pdoc was slanting the truth around to fit his own particular beliefs. This new Pdoc has me back on Dexedrine regularly, and most importantly, I'm being productive again. I can do everything in my life without the Dexedrine except for things I don't want to do (I find that weird, I can't do what I don't want to do!)--look for a job, cook, grocery shop.If I hadn't been hanging around psychobabble during the time of old pdoc, I probably would have just accepted what he had to say as the truth. thanks psychobabble.
Now as for my moods, I really think the rapid cycling and all the other cycles are, if not gone, almost gone. I cannot really put into words the incredible relief I feel, it's nothing short of a miracle for me. Not only has the cycling almost stopped but many, many things seem different. The movement of time, the speed of the world, and the speed of my brain have all slowed down and rearranged and readjusted themselves inside my brain. For the first time since puberty, I feel okay in my skin, I can relax, the unrelenting anger, anguish and pain are gone. It's all feels completely bizarre and foreign and wonderful and fantastic. And to think all my brain needed this whole time, was a little bit of salt! 1200mg of lithium to be exact!Just this week I got a job working in design for 2 1/2 days a week, I like the part-time as a way to ease back into the workforce again. Right now, I'm living with my brother who supports me, as I've only been able to hold down a job for about 50% of my adult life.
Ha, I just realized, this is the first time in my adult life that I've been able to respond to 'how are you' honestly and happily. Anyway, of course, I'll still be hanging out at psychobabble, but if I am not as active at psychobabble as I was it's because I'm out-there trying to find myself a life. I have always learnt alot here and enjoy it, as I'm sure you all know.
Thanks again for your concern, Janice
ps Cam, some of your posting are pretty funny lately. I especially liked your couch potato versus couch slug theory.
Posted by Chris A. on May 18, 2000, at 11:17:02
In reply to Finally sane, after all these years and drugs, posted by Janice on May 18, 2000, at 10:37:12
Janice,
I am relieved and happy for you. Lithium is amazing when it what is needed.Blessings,
Chris
Posted by tina on May 18, 2000, at 11:46:29
In reply to Finally sane, after all these years and drugs, posted by Janice on May 18, 2000, at 10:37:12
Way to go Janice. I wish you luck, health and all good things. Please keep in touch tho'
> Hello Noa, Dove, Cam, Greg and everyone,
>
> I've been mostly lurking lately, and practising and strengthening my impulse control by not replying to posts. I was afraid of inciting more anger, and as all of my opinions were expressed by various people, I didn't see the need of posting and potentially exciting things more. I like psychobabble as a place to learn, help and interact with other people.I do plan to read the threads more thoroughly before posting.
>
> I am like so good… that I can barely believe how good I am. I don't know if any of you remember about 2 months back I was having troubles with the Pdoc I was seeing--he took me off Dexedrine, which I had been on so successful for an entire year. I've just started with a new pdoc who I like very much. As I suspected, that old pdoc was slanting the truth around to fit his own particular beliefs. This new Pdoc has me back on Dexedrine regularly, and most importantly, I'm being productive again. I can do everything in my life without the Dexedrine except for things I don't want to do (I find that weird, I can't do what I don't want to do!)--look for a job, cook, grocery shop.If I hadn't been hanging around psychobabble during the time of old pdoc, I probably would have just accepted what he had to say as the truth. thanks psychobabble.
>
> Now as for my moods, I really think the rapid cycling and all the other cycles are, if not gone, almost gone. I cannot really put into words the incredible relief I feel, it's nothing short of a miracle for me. Not only has the cycling almost stopped but many, many things seem different. The movement of time, the speed of the world, and the speed of my brain have all slowed down and rearranged and readjusted themselves inside my brain. For the first time since puberty, I feel okay in my skin, I can relax, the unrelenting anger, anguish and pain are gone. It's all feels completely bizarre and foreign and wonderful and fantastic. And to think all my brain needed this whole time, was a little bit of salt! 1200mg of lithium to be exact!
>
> Just this week I got a job working in design for 2 1/2 days a week, I like the part-time as a way to ease back into the workforce again. Right now, I'm living with my brother who supports me, as I've only been able to hold down a job for about 50% of my adult life.
>
> Ha, I just realized, this is the first time in my adult life that I've been able to respond to 'how are you' honestly and happily. Anyway, of course, I'll still be hanging out at psychobabble, but if I am not as active at psychobabble as I was it's because I'm out-there trying to find myself a life. I have always learnt alot here and enjoy it, as I'm sure you all know.
>
> Thanks again for your concern, Janice
>
> ps Cam, some of your posting are pretty funny lately. I especially liked your couch potato versus couch slug theory.
Posted by dove on May 18, 2000, at 11:59:59
In reply to Re: Finally sane, after all these years and drugs, posted by Chris A. on May 18, 2000, at 11:17:02
I want some of that!!! It is so exciting to hear the improvement in your voice. It is so awesome to read your thoughts and discoveries and the transformation of your existence. I am totally cheering for you from the sidelines :-)
I know what that transformation feels like, I had it once for two months (verapamil for migraines) and I'm still waiting and searching for another. I am so incredibly happy for you Janice, I am just thrilled!
Not to ask you for a recital of your med history, but what was the last med-combo you were on before the Lithium only approach? And, when did you start the Dex again?
I'm really trying to keep a "record" of the different approaches especially in relation to bipolar and ADHD, as those are my two biggies. I've kept a vague record of my own trials (as in: June-started amitriptyline... Very nondescript to say the least), and am trying to better detail time spent on, off, or whatever.
I hope you're able to stay where you're at Janice, it is so good to hear. You have fought long and hard and it is so great to see you with the trophy in your hands :-) Take care sweety!
dove
Posted by Greg on May 18, 2000, at 12:43:12
In reply to Finally sane, after all these years and drugs, posted by Janice on May 18, 2000, at 10:37:12
Janice,
You give me a sense of hope that someday I can return to some semblance of a "normal" life. I can't put into words how happy I am for you! You go, girl!
I hope your travels bring you nothing but peace, love and happiness.
....and don't be a stranger!
Hugs,
Greg
Posted by Noa on May 18, 2000, at 14:10:42
In reply to Re: Finally sane, after all these years and drugs , posted by Greg on May 18, 2000, at 12:43:12
> Janice,
Sounds great. What a relief, to find a doc who listens to you! Glad the lith is working, too. Keep an eye on that thyroid, too, as the lith can affect it.Hope you chime in here, even tho you are out exploring what comes next. I want to hear what you're up to.
Posted by Abby on May 18, 2000, at 15:36:35
In reply to Re: Finally sane, after all these years and drugs , posted by Noa on May 18, 2000, at 14:10:42
I'm so glad to hear it. Please say hello from time to time to let us know about the real life you're forging for yourself.
This is psychobabble, not just alt.support.morbidlydepressed
I don't know what Dr. Bob's intentions were, but in some ways I'm reminded of Fred Goodwin's "The Infinite Mind" which tries to be about modern neuroscience. I hope that we can include non-pathalogical elements as well.
Since you are a woman and a rapid cycler, take lithium and a stimulant too, I hope you'll keep us informed of your thyroid status.
Abby
Posted by SLS on May 18, 2000, at 16:02:53
In reply to Finally sane, after all these years and drugs, posted by Janice on May 18, 2000, at 10:37:12
:-)
Posted by Noa on May 18, 2000, at 16:45:00
In reply to Glad to hear it Janice, but please keep in touch, posted by Abby on May 18, 2000, at 15:36:35
> This is psychobabble, not just alt.support.morbidlydepressed
> I hope that we can include non-pathalogical elements as well.
Me too.
Posted by Janice on May 18, 2000, at 18:10:38
In reply to Re: Finally sane, after all these years and drugs, posted by dove on May 18, 2000, at 11:59:59
Thank you everyone for your well wishing and all your support over the past year, I appreciate it very much, especially since this is something I barely talk about in my own life & it is the best news of my life so far.
and I'm far from gone, you'll be sick of me yet, Janice
Hello Dove,
you're my psychobuddy--a lady who was posting here a few months ago, named Diane, referred to 2 people with the same set of disorders as this. It is almost amazing that we found each other, we have the same rapid cycling bipolar disorder, ADHD, trichotillomania. I just realized (while typing this) I haven't done any trichotillomania AT ALL since the lithium and Dexedrine. I've practised it almost everyday of my life since I was 6 years old.
Prior to the lithium only approach, I was on:
Effexor 75 mg
Desipramine 50 mg
Manerix can't remember
Trazadone 50 mg
Lithium 600 mg
Ativan 1mg
And then one day, I did something very stupid and extremely impulsive--I stopped taking EVERYTHING, all at once. (Sometimes I wonder if this type of behaviour is not a part of the bipolar disorder). About 5 days later, the bottom of life fell out like it had never fallen out before…and I reached for a handful of pills to swallow. I had no intentions to kill myself I was just DESPERATE to change the way I was feeling. Well I caught myself in time, before the pills were in my mouth (and they would have killed me), and knew immediately and instinctively it had been the lithium that had been keeping the floor of my life in place. So I started back on the lithium (only 600mg) and I knew (beyond a shadow of a doubt) I was far better off without any ADs. This all happened prior to coming to psychobabble--actually it was in April of 1999.As for the Dexedrine, for the 2 month period between pdocs, I just took some I had saved up, as needed. Funny though Dove, once the lithium for the bipolar was working, the ADHD was quite different than what I thought it was. The rapid cycling bipolar really seemed to immitate (by appearances) the ADHD. So once my bipolar was under control, from what I can tell, for me, the ADHD is about impulse control, organization and not being able to do what doesn't interest me. All the hyperness, anxiety, flipping out, and anger all seemed to respond to the lithium.
Thanks for your support over the past, almost year, I think Dove. I'll still be hanging around.
How's your daughter?
Have you tried lithium Dove?
As for transformations, it's like everything I thought I knew was wrong, but the new truth seems to be even better. I feel like a kid at a carnival.
I've never read any lithium pooping-out stories here at psychobabble, so I'm hoping I'll be fine. Until recently, I had no idea lithium could completely get rid of my depression--I thought it was only used to stop the highs of manic-depression.
Take very good care of yourself Dove,
I'll be hoping and praying for you (as God seems to have listened to me)Janice
Posted by Phil on May 20, 2000, at 7:39:23
In reply to Finally sane, after all these years and drugs, posted by Janice on May 18, 2000, at 10:37:12
Janice..I am really happy that you and your doc found the right combo. Life IS GOOD. Didn't stay gone long, did I?
Peace..Phil
Posted by Janice on May 21, 2000, at 20:31:17
In reply to Re: Finally sane, after all these years and drugs, posted by Phil on May 20, 2000, at 7:39:23
thanks Phil, well psychobabble is a kind of fun place, and well now that we're all or almost all better, we can like really give people advice.Janice
Posted by dove on May 22, 2000, at 14:09:04
In reply to Sane thankful for your well wishings •• Dove••, posted by Janice on May 18, 2000, at 18:10:38
Hello again Janice :-)
>I just realized (while typing this) I haven't done any trichotillomania AT ALL since the lithium and Dexedrine. I've practised it almost everyday of my life since I was 6 years old.
>**Isn't that amazing, that is one of my hopes for my daughter, which hasn't been realized quite yet.
> How's your daughter?**My daughter has recently quit all her meds, her moodiness became her constant mood, which then mutated into her actual person. So awful, so depressing and frustrating, so ridiculous. Her doc is *very* disappointed in us. He went on at great lengths about the 'effectiveness' of CNS Stimulants, how they enable ADHD kids the opportunity to finish high-school with good grades, and go on to college, acquire and maintain relationships, ect...
He insists that she is not bipolar, although his original diagnoses was just that. We have had her seen by three other peds-p-docs, all of which dx her with anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and atypical depression. SSRI's send her manic, buspar makes her silly, stimulants make her suicidal, and so on. So, we're essentially back where we started, minus a lot of money, and in search of another p-doc.
> Have you tried lithium Dove?
**No I haven't, and yes I would like to at least give it a shot. I was on Tegretol, with very bad results, but I'm more than willing, actually I've been begging and nagging my p-doc to try a mood-stabilizer of any color, just as long as it's not Tegretol :-) My p-doc has left for sunnier skies, UCLA last I heard, so I'll be assigned to a different p-doc, with my next appointment in June. AT which time I'll broach the subject yet again.
> I've never read any lithium pooping-out stories here at psychobabble, so I'm hoping I'll be fine. Until recently, I had no idea lithium could completely get rid of my depression--I thought it was only used to stop the highs of manic-depression.
>**I have never heard of any poop-out stories regarding lithium either, which is a good thing. And I didn't know lithium could *really* effect depression, yes it can smooth but lift real big-time depression? I hope I get a chance to find out for myself :-)
> Take very good care of yourself Dove,
> I'll be hoping and praying for you (as God seems to have listened to me)
>Thank you so very much Janice, your prayers are gladly received and your thoughts so dearly appreciated!!! I hope we will see the sunshine together :-) Take care.
dove
Posted by Noa on May 22, 2000, at 18:22:09
In reply to Re: Thankful for your well wishes, posted by dove on May 22, 2000, at 14:09:04
Dove, sorry things are so rough for your daughter. Even if she is not bipolar perse, trying a mood stabilizer seems like a good idea, since other classes of meds were not right for her.
Posted by Janice on May 24, 2000, at 12:38:48
In reply to Re: Thankful for your well wishes, posted by dove on May 22, 2000, at 14:09:04
how frustrating to have a pdoc that doesn't seem to listen. I remember my pdoc telling me that noncompliance seems to be the most popular with bipolar patients. I don't know why, maybe because the meds don't work. Well, if your daughter is bipolar and was on those meds, no wonder she quit. It must be very difficult for someone so young to have to beware of things like moods and medications, on top of everything else she is learning.
dove, I'm not sure about lithium and big-time depression. My guess would be if lithium is what you need, it eventually would take care of it. At the time of my lithium increase, my depression was moderate.
take care, Janice
This is the end of the thread.
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