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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 17:11:35
I realize there is no way to explain my situation in one post, however I am going to try.
First of all, here are the dx's my pdoc has suggested:
Mood Disorder, NOS
BP II
Borderline Personality
SchizoaffectiveI am not an easy patient to deal with, because I tend to minimize things. For instance, during another "break down" last night, I wrote a suicide note and took lots of sleeping pills, but when I called my pdoc, I just said I was "down" again.
I can't remember since about age 15, ever not feeling a little depressed, except when drunk. I also have had intermittent major depressions, the kind where you can't get out of bed, can't take a shower, etc.
At about 21, I started seeing the world Very differently at times. I have always been creative, had quite an imagination, and was a little "strange" by normal human standards, but at 21, I became very disassociated at times, at time very high and full of myself, also very short-tempered. At times very low.
Sounds like Bipolar, right? But the other component is "psychosis" - I hear things that aren't there, think that I see ghosts and other imaginary figures. I believe this for awhile, and then "come to my senses." It doesn't seem to be related exclusively to either when I'm high or low.
Last night I had "episode" - these come after a few days of depression, which usually follow a high period (That's what happened this time).
I get despondent, plan my death, and get, well, basically hysterical. This is when I'll hide in the closet for hours, or take too many sleeping pills. Disassociation often increases tremendously, and I view people and objects as threats. Last night Pooh Bear had to be removed because he was freaking me out.
Did I mention I also have OCD problems?
I'm just curious if this sounds familiar to anyone, and, if so, what meds you've found have helped.
Thanks so much.
- KK
Posted by CtrlAlt n Del on March 20, 2002, at 17:49:23
In reply to I need help with a diagnosis/meds, posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 17:11:35
Was written before I saw your post .
Sweet n delight K
If things get freaky email me .
Poo bear eh...freaks me out too...but not as bad as -- disneyland/world , a goddam NIGHTMARE ! scarey stuff...sorry Florida ain't personal.dreamerx
Posted by crepuscular on March 20, 2002, at 17:50:11
In reply to I need help with a diagnosis/meds, posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 17:11:35
Hmm, very curious cluster of symptoms you got going there Krazy Kat.
i seem to be the only poster child for Seroquel here, and there are dangers with any neuroleptic, but it has made a nice difference for me in terms of mood and thinking. have you tried it?
Posted by xjs7 on March 20, 2002, at 18:09:08
In reply to I need help with a diagnosis/meds, posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 17:11:35
Hi Krazy Kat,
First of all I'm sorry you are going through such a tough time. Some of your symptoms sound truly frightening and no one should have to deal with things of that nature.
I also have a big problem with psychotic symptoms--thinking things are different than they actually are, perceiving things oddly, hearing voices, etc. Not to mention paranoia! I can totally relate to your viewing people and objects as threats; when I was having problems, I became paranoid around pictures of people. I thought they were looking at me, spying on me, part of a plot to kill me. I have been helped tremendously by an antipsychotic drug; I would say that 90% of these alarming symptoms are gone for me after I started taking an antipsychotic.
I also had a bit of a suicide obsession--this however went away when the antipsychotic made it so I could think about my life rationally, and respond appropriately to stimulus. Additionally, in my case, the paranoia made it impossible for me to embrace a "life affirming" perspective--everything was suicide, suicide, suicide.
I suspect that you have already tried antipsychotics from looking at your list of diagnoses. This class of drugs is the best thing psychiatry can do for such alarming symptoms. I hope one has worked out for you or you will find an appropriate drug soon.
Once your psychosis is resolved, you may find it easier to interact with the world in a rational manner, and may find yourself behaving normally again. Antipsychotics can be very effective in putting an end to your disturbed thinking processes. Your psychiatrist can then help you with your obsessive-compulsive problems, and any remaining mood problems. Best of luck to you.
xjs7
Posted by fachad on March 20, 2002, at 20:24:22
In reply to I need help with a diagnosis/meds, posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 17:11:35
I read your post and I don't know what to say (and for me, that says a lot).
The only thing I can suggest to you is that it is very important for you to plug-in and stay connected to people and resources that can help you. That could be friends, or family, and local behavioral health resources.
I'm sure that if you keep asking for help, and get yourself in front of a pdoc (preferably the SAME pdoc) on a regular basis, you will find meds that will relieve your symptoms. I believe there is a HUGE benefit from seeing the same pdoc for a long time, even if it's just for med management appointments.
The other thing I would suggest is that as much as possible you stay away from all mind-altering chemicals. I don't mean to be preachy, I'm not an "anti-drug" person per se, but when you are having so much flux and instability, you do not want to agitate things any more or throw things further off balance by adding any recreational chemicals.
Posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 21:15:47
In reply to Re: I need help with a diagnosis/meds » Krazy Kat , posted by fachad on March 20, 2002, at 20:24:22
Posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 21:27:28
In reply to Re: kk---check yer email » Krazy Kat , posted by CtrlAlt n Del on March 20, 2002, at 17:49:23
I was so excited to get your note but I didn't find anything from you in my box.
Could you resubmit it or send it telepathically? Or we could meet during out-of-body experiences tonight.
- KK
Posted by OldSchool on March 20, 2002, at 21:31:52
In reply to I need help with a diagnosis/meds, posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 17:11:35
> I realize there is no way to explain my situation in one post, however I am going to try.
>
> First of all, here are the dx's my pdoc has suggested:
>
> Mood Disorder, NOS
> BP II
> Borderline Personality
> Schizoaffective
>
> I am not an easy patient to deal with, because I tend to minimize things. For instance, during another "break down" last night, I wrote a suicide note and took lots of sleeping pills, but when I called my pdoc, I just said I was "down" again.
>
> I can't remember since about age 15, ever not feeling a little depressed, except when drunk. I also have had intermittent major depressions, the kind where you can't get out of bed, can't take a shower, etc.
>
> At about 21, I started seeing the world Very differently at times. I have always been creative, had quite an imagination, and was a little "strange" by normal human standards, but at 21, I became very disassociated at times, at time very high and full of myself, also very short-tempered. At times very low.
>
> Sounds like Bipolar, right? But the other component is "psychosis" - I hear things that aren't there, think that I see ghosts and other imaginary figures. I believe this for awhile, and then "come to my senses." It doesn't seem to be related exclusively to either when I'm high or low.
>
> Last night I had "episode" - these come after a few days of depression, which usually follow a high period (That's what happened this time).
>
> I get despondent, plan my death, and get, well, basically hysterical. This is when I'll hide in the closet for hours, or take too many sleeping pills. Disassociation often increases tremendously, and I view people and objects as threats. Last night Pooh Bear had to be removed because he was freaking me out.
>
> Did I mention I also have OCD problems?
>
> I'm just curious if this sounds familiar to anyone, and, if so, what meds you've found have helped.
>
> Thanks so much.
>
> - KKYeah but overall it sounds like a mood disorder to me. The preoccupation with suicide sounds pretty darn strong. You might have psychosis, but thats quite common with bipolar and of course schizoaffective. Keep in mind what the "affective" in the word schizoaffective means. Affective is referring to a mood disorder. Schizoaffective is well, like someone who has qualities of both psychosis and paranoia rolled into some sort of mood disorder. Its a rough dx to have I am sure.
If I had a dx like that, Id be ASKING, no demanding to have bilateral ECT. Lets cut thru the BS. Mood disorders with psychotic features responds best to bilateral ECT.
Old School
Posted by CtrlAlt n Del on March 20, 2002, at 21:43:34
In reply to sweet CtrlAlt n Del , posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 21:27:28
> I was so excited to get your note but I didn't find anything from you in my box.
Jeez who got that then...you are the doghappy email?
Could you resubmit it or send it
What another masterpiece lost in the ether...TIS A CONSPIRACY!..THEY are infiltrating and taking over : )
How to ? sorry-re-direct Mark H...I can't work it out...You sooooo warm n cute in the pic : )
Posted by Ritch on March 21, 2002, at 0:39:28
In reply to I need help with a diagnosis/meds, posted by Krazy Kat on March 20, 2002, at 17:11:35
> ......Sounds like Bipolar, right? But the other component is "psychosis" - I hear things that aren't there, think that I see ghosts and other imaginary figures. I believe this for awhile, and then "come to my senses." It doesn't seem to be related exclusively to either when I'm high or low.
>
> Last night I had "episode" - these come after a few days of depression, which usually follow a high period (That's what happened this time).KK, You contradicted yourself a little bit there. It sounds more cyclical and predictable than you might think. Do you mood chart? If you don't, you might start an agressive very detailed mood chart and keep on it for quite some time. It is difficult to see the patterns because of trait-state dependent memory problems (when you feel a particular emotional "label"-it feels as though that state has existed constantly-you are an emotional prisoner of the moment).
>
> Did I mention I also have OCD problems?OCD is often misdiagnosed as psychotic symptoms.
>
> I'm just curious if this sounds familiar to anyone, and, if so, what meds you've found have helped.
>
> Thanks so much.
>
> - KKHave you ever seen a neurologist and gotten EEG's, etc.? Some of this stuff can be seizure or seizure-like phenomena.
What meds have you responded too in a positive way thus far? What meds have made things much worse for you?
Mitch
Posted by Dinah on March 21, 2002, at 8:46:38
In reply to Re: I need help with a diagnosis/meds » Krazy Kat , posted by Ritch on March 21, 2002, at 0:39:28
>
> OCD is often misdiagnosed as psychotic symptoms.
>
> >
> MitchSorry for butting in, but I just wanted to thank you for that, Mitch. It's what my therapist says, but sometimes I think he's just being polite. It is good to hear it from someone else.
Posted by Zo on March 21, 2002, at 16:02:30
In reply to Re: OCD/ Psychosis » Ritch, posted by Dinah on March 21, 2002, at 8:46:38
Posted by Krazy Kat on March 22, 2002, at 7:40:21
In reply to Re: I need help with a diagnosis/meds » Krazy Kat , posted by Ritch on March 21, 2002, at 0:39:28
Mitch:
Thanks for the OCD observation.
He's put me on a higher dose of Depakote then before (2000 mg), stopped the Prozac and added Provigil for energy.
I have responded badly to Wellbutrin and Prozac, initially, in the past. Also Lamictal.
Celexa, Neurontin and Serzone basically had no effect.
Zyprexa caused muscle spasms.
I can't even remember what else there has been.
I did respond well to Depakote except for energy problems and a flatness.
I'm tired and a little down today.
Thanks for your response.
- KK
Posted by Ritch on March 22, 2002, at 8:56:21
In reply to Re: I need help with a diagnosis/meds » Ritch, posted by Krazy Kat on March 22, 2002, at 7:40:21
> Mitch:
>
> Thanks for the OCD observation.
>
> He's put me on a higher dose of Depakote then before (2000 mg), stopped the Prozac and added Provigil for energy.
>
> I have responded badly to Wellbutrin and Prozac, initially, in the past. Also Lamictal.
>
> Celexa, Neurontin and Serzone basically had no effect.
>
> Zyprexa caused muscle spasms.
>
> I can't even remember what else there has been.
>
> I did respond well to Depakote except for energy problems and a flatness.
>
> I'm tired and a little down today.
>
> Thanks for your response.
>
> - KK
Hi KK,Hope you get to feeling better. Whew 2G! You must be up at the top of the therapeutic blood level then. I read through your list of meds. You didn't mention.. Zoloft. I liked Prozac the best of the SSRI's for focus probs., but the Zoloft seemed to have a good anti-OCD effect and increased *motivation* more than the other SSRI's. You might toss in 12.5mg of that with your Dep. and Provigil and see what happens..?
Mitch
Posted by Dinah on March 22, 2002, at 9:21:47
In reply to what did i tell you about apologizing ;o) (nm) » Dinah, posted by Zo on March 21, 2002, at 16:02:30
I'm not going to stop apologizing, so you can get ready to whack me with your big Zen stick.
Apologizing gives me a reduction in anxiety that I'm just not ready to give up.
Just for you, I won't apologize for that. (This time.)
Posted by IsoM on March 22, 2002, at 13:47:52
In reply to Re: 'Fraid You'll Just Have to Get Used to It. » Zo, posted by Dinah on March 22, 2002, at 9:21:47
Posted by Zo on March 23, 2002, at 5:34:53
In reply to Re: 'Fraid You'll Just Have to Get Used to It. » Zo, posted by Dinah on March 22, 2002, at 9:21:47
This is the end of the thread.
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