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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 31. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Guy on January 12, 2003, at 0:11:48
For the past several years I have been on many meds, most of which only made me feel worse. My current cocktail (Remeron and clonazepam) seems to be OK, but I keep resisting the clonazepam... that is, not taking the full amount prescribed, and as a result, I continue to suffer needlessly. Deep in my heart, I keep hoping that I will somehow magically recover and be able to live as before, without meds. Does anyone else with an anxiety disorder go through this...Im really tired of feeling ill all the time, but afraid of what the future might hold.
Posted by viridis on January 12, 2003, at 0:50:35
In reply to Accepting a life on meds, posted by Guy on January 12, 2003, at 0:11:48
I worried about dependency etc. when I initially started benzos and other psychiatric drugs, but now I just use the meds as appropriate. Life is better with them, and all you're doing is helping your brain work normally. Lots of people take long-term medications for other conditions without a second thought, so why should mental illness be any different?
My advice is to do what makes you feel better and don't stress over it. Constant anxiety is unhealthy, mentally and physically, and you'll probably live longer (and be happier and healthier) with benzos than without.
My psychiatrist encouraged increased clonazepam dosing because he couldn't believe that I was benefiting fom the relatively low dose he initially prescribed. I was fine with the dose, so have stayed there, but he emphasized that benzos are very safe and constant anxiety is not. You're compromising your overall health by resisting appropriate treatment (in my opinion).
Posted by utopizen on January 12, 2003, at 1:08:15
In reply to Re: Accepting a life on meds, posted by viridis on January 12, 2003, at 0:50:35
> My psychiatrist encouraged increased clonazepam dosing because he couldn't believe that I was benefiting fom the relatively low dose he initially prescribed.
>This is like being the kid who only gets health food from his parents, and hearing the kid next door's parents nagging him to "eat more Twinkies." I hope I find one of your doctors one day. =)
Posted by viridis on January 12, 2003, at 1:43:59
In reply to Re: Accepting a life on meds, posted by utopizen on January 12, 2003, at 1:08:15
Well, it only took me 12 years or so to find someone with a clue.
(And I should add, he wasn't pushing benzos, he was just surprised that someone with such severe anxiety could actually achieve remission with such a small amount of K).
Posted by denise528 on January 12, 2003, at 11:50:22
In reply to Accepting a life on meds, posted by Guy on January 12, 2003, at 0:11:48
Guy,
Over the past two years I've tried about 10 different ADs, all of which haven't done much. The only tablet that helps me is 10mg of Zyprexa now and again.
This is probably going to sound irrational but Antidepressants used to work really well for me, now they don't so I think what if the same thing happens with Zyprexa?? So I try and go it alone because I think I have to try and get through without it because one day I may have to.
Denise
Posted by shar30906 on January 13, 2003, at 1:46:40
In reply to Re: Guy, I so know what you mean., posted by denise528 on January 12, 2003, at 11:50:22
having to accept that I have to take as many as 6 different meds to manage my physical and mental illness, has to be the hardest part of being sick at all. To me it is a constant reminder of what lurks around the next corner if i'm not medicated. I have been on so may different meds in the last 10 years I cant count them all. I have tremendous anxiety for the future will I ever be able to function, will I be able ot hold down a job, what will happen when my dr's no longer think I need these meds, and I'm left with d.t.'s side effects, ineractions, I want my life to revolve around ME and my wants and dreams, not my illness or medications. Many men that I have dated never bother to look past the illnesses and meds to see who I am
Posted by utopizen on January 13, 2003, at 10:54:58
In reply to Anybody feel like a Lab Rat, posted by shar30906 on January 13, 2003, at 1:46:40
So what makes you think you deserve more than a lab rat does?
We should work on making lab rats happier first, and hope it trickles down. Folks, giving them anything they can swallow isn't helping us out so far...
Posted by cybercafe on January 13, 2003, at 13:47:40
In reply to Re: Anybody feel like a Lab Rat, posted by utopizen on January 13, 2003, at 10:54:58
sounds good utopizen :)
i feel more like i'm running a clinical trial than a lab rat, but then i have the habit of asking my doc every conceivable question
i think, if need be, we should all take testosterone supplements so we can be more aggressive patients
it worked for me :)
Posted by chad_3 on January 18, 2003, at 12:57:02
In reply to Re: Anybody feel like a Lab Rat, posted by utopizen on January 13, 2003, at 10:54:58
Yes you are a human lab rat for Dr. Bob and me too.
So has your life improved much since spending much of your time here?
Posted by justyourlaugh on January 18, 2003, at 17:27:50
In reply to Re: This site is for human Lab Rats., posted by chad_3 on January 18, 2003, at 12:57:02
wow chad,
one could feel like an experiment on any online site.-ever played swap for hours?.
i need this right now!
this site made me realize i am not all that fuc*ed and alone.
i send peace to you chad-and put the blue fairy in your daily view!
jyl
Posted by M. Lee on January 19, 2003, at 14:21:52
In reply to Re: This site is for human Lab Rats., posted by chad_3 on January 18, 2003, at 12:57:02
> Yes you are a human lab rat for Dr. Bob and me too.
>
> So has your life improved much since spending much of your time here?
>I've never heard of a Lab Rat signing a consent form. (What do they do? Press their little paw on an inkpad, and stamp it on the line marked with an "X" ??)
Chad, are you disappointed because spending time here has not improved your life? I find it usefull to view participation here as just one approach (of many) to help me cope with my illness and learn how to communicate my feelings better.
In particular, I have a very difficult time expressing my thoughts with people in person. So, I find that exchanging messages on this website helps me overcome that reluctance. I do find that I have been able to talk (in person) about some things that I might not have (before participating here.)
Posted by M. Lee on January 19, 2003, at 14:38:16
In reply to Anybody feel like a Lab Rat, posted by shar30906 on January 13, 2003, at 1:46:40
I felt like a lab experiment during the first year or two of being on medication.
Try one, bad side effect, switch to a different med, nope, doesn't work, try another... Hey, I thought Psychiatry was a SCIENCE! What's with all the trial and error??
I did finally get on a prescription that works well and has limited side effects. I've even gotten to the dosage that works best.
The "experiment" is over. It took a while. It wasn't easy. But I am now at a point where I finally feel like my condition can be brought under control.
I'm still working on some things. Like be able to hold down a job, be in a relationship. Although I have not yet solved those problems, at least I'm more optimstic that they _can_ be solved. I really wish that you can find what works for you and gives you hope.
Posted by snowden on January 20, 2003, at 19:28:06
In reply to Re: This site is for human Lab Rats., posted by chad_3 on January 18, 2003, at 12:57:02
> Yes you are a human lab rat for Dr. Bob and me too.
>
> So has your life improved much since spending much of your time here?
>
> ChadFor someone that seems so disgruntled with this site, you sure seem to spend a lot of time here...
Snow
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 20, 2003, at 23:56:57
In reply to Re: This site is for human Lab Rats. » chad_3, posted by snowden on January 20, 2003, at 19:28:06
> For someone that seems so disgruntled with this site, you sure seem to spend a lot of time here...
If you don't have something supportive to say...
Bob
Posted by jane d on January 21, 2003, at 9:04:27
In reply to Re: Anybody feel like a Lab Rat, posted by cybercafe on January 13, 2003, at 13:47:40
since the alternative is waiting and suffering for years until they figure it all out. It would be nice if my doctor could choose the right drug for me first time out. In the future that will probably be possible. But I need something that works right now and I'm very grateful that my doctor is willing to play guessing games with me. It's not a job I'd like since I hate having to guess about things.
Posted by Micheal on October 8, 2003, at 9:43:33
In reply to Re: This site is for human Lab Rats. » chad_3, posted by snowden on January 20, 2003, at 19:28:06
**i know what all of you are feeling..and i have found a cure.
After years of suffering from panic attacks--(and we know how scary those are) and taking all diffrent sorts of meds..including zoloft--klonopin--prozack ect..i finally decided to try good health. Which--by the way.. was never prescribed to me.
I joined my local gym and began working out 6 days a week--religiously(figuring, -this was war!) --stretching--running..lifting light wieghts..drinking lots of water..breathing deeply..focusing on my health--focusing on my ways of life--my judgment towards others--my impatience--also..i decided to go vegitarian.. cutting meat from my diet.. (mostly for the reason of compassion)..--realizing i couldn't kill an animal myself.
---- ALL this may sound silly..but the effects have been life changing.
I (almost immediatly) began to feel the benifits.. i lost un-wanted wieght! I earned a new confidence! i became physically stronger! More sensitive! More Alert! i began a new relationship with my body! and my mind! **and (most importantly) i am Off those Pills! AND, --- now------- i have begun Yoga..wich..WOW! is even a next step.
----I use to suffer everyday from panic dis-order and i'll tell you MY truth--i don't belive medication is the anwser.
--the anwser lies within ourself.
With Our dificult work stress- our difficult family stresses- along with-ciggeretts-or alcohol--all this..and more--bills--debt--house payments- the cell phone ringing--due dates--geasy fast food--bad diets--sodas ..COFFEE---kids crying--the wife --the husband--past child abuse..? ect.. it's All too much!
ofcouse we feel crazy!
Out of touch!
Overwhelmed!
--with all this
--ofcourse the 2003 human being suffers! ofcourse!
bELIVE iT!
**WE must set time set aside!
**There MUST be some discipline in our life!! We Must take the time to not only relax..but meditate--exersize--stretch--breath--
drink lots of water--challenge ourselves to reach ---mentally--physically--artistically--spritually! Read-Share-Love.. Get out an see the Nature!!
i am convinced--this is the only way!
We will not find any long term anwser in a pill--infact they (The Doctors) remind us..IT'S NOT A CURE!!
so, for what it's worth.. THIS IS a CURE!!
--and is worth a 6 month TRUE Dedication.
try 6 months as an Experiment--for yourself. throw out the television! *Your body/mind-won't let you down! --and when you think it is--your probrably slacking!
*** this life is short--and it is hard work--like a marathon--like a sprint! it's like Climbing a mountain! Carrying heavy weight!
how do you prepare for your journey? Your trial? your competition?
Do you stretch?
Do you eat healthy?
Do you use drugs-drink alcohol?
Do you drink coffee-eat twinkies-western Bacon cheese Burgers?
Red Bull?
Do you complain?
are you drinking lots of water?
I a not saying -that some people are not mentally ill-- but i am asking--
are you?
::::
:::
::
:
:
:::::::Really?
Posted by stjames on October 8, 2003, at 10:03:07
In reply to It's all in OUR HEAD!!!, posted by Micheal on October 8, 2003, at 9:39:05
>
> **i know what all of you are feeling..and i have found a cure.There is no way you know what I am feeling
as we are seperate. Perhaps you should these seperation issues.
Posted by oeps7 on October 8, 2003, at 10:47:27
In reply to It's all in OUR HEAD!!!, posted by Micheal on October 8, 2003, at 9:39:05
Michael,
It's great that you are feeling good. There is a lot to be said for healthy diet and exercise. However there are people who definitely need medication in addition to a healthy lifestyle. You are able to manage your anxiety naturally but everyone has different brain chemistry meds can be lifesaving for some people. I am glad it works for you.
Mary
Posted by Ilene on October 8, 2003, at 11:16:54
In reply to It's all in OUR HEAD!!!, posted by Micheal on October 8, 2003, at 9:43:33
>
> **i know what all of you are feeling..and i have found a cure.> Do you stretch?
Yes
> Do you eat healthy?
Yes
> Do you use drugs-drink alcohol?
I have to remind myself to drink the daily glass of red wine for my heart
> Do you drink coffee-eat twinkies-western Bacon cheese Burgers?
I drink coffee now, don't eat any junk food
> Red Bull?
????
> Do you complain?
Try to keep it to a minimum
> are you drinking lots of water?
Up to a point. Otherwise I have to pee all the time
> I a not saying -that some people are not mentally ill-- but i am asking--
> are you?
> :
>
> :::
>
>
> :::
>
>
> :
>
> :
> :
> :
>
>
> :::::::Really?
>
>
>
>I am mentally ill. Really, really, really. You don't know it all
Ilene
Posted by slinky on October 8, 2003, at 12:30:03
In reply to It's all in OUR HEAD!!!, posted by Micheal on October 8, 2003, at 9:39:05
Thanks
Your post has made me feel a lot better.
Posted by cybercafe on October 8, 2003, at 13:26:32
In reply to Re: It's all in OUR HEAD!!!, posted by stjames on October 8, 2003, at 10:03:07
> >
> > **i know what all of you are feeling..and i have found a cure.
>
> There is no way you know what I am feeling
> as we are seperate. Perhaps you should these seperation issues.i know how you feel bro (feeling the washout of celexa, arrg) but i have friends like this and sometimes i am glad they totally underestimate my depression, as i suspect if anyone knew how really bad i felt they would just give up on me :)
Posted by Harvester of Eyes on October 8, 2003, at 14:03:41
In reply to It's all in OUR HEAD!!!, posted by Micheal on October 8, 2003, at 9:39:05
I agree with most of what you say, and feel that social structures are driving us to the convenience of pills and away from more time consuming treatments.
However, be careful not to overstate your case and discredit the valuable things you have to say. I suggest you continue to speak about the benefits of med alternatives while taking care not to present it in an anti-med context, lest your important points be dismissed.
On a page where the central topic seems to be meds, I found your post heartening if a tad polarizing.
Much of what you say overlaps with Buddhist philosophy. My favorite Buddhist sage is Thicht Naht Hahn. Try "Peace is Every Step" on Amazon and see what others have to say. I am not a Buddhist but his writings have been very helpful to my recovery.
Posted by Susan J on October 8, 2003, at 14:31:45
In reply to It's all in OUR HEAD!!!, posted by Micheal on October 8, 2003, at 9:39:05
>>I a not saying -that some people are not mentally ill-- but i am asking--
are you?
<<Yeah, most definitely, I am. :-)
Posted by katia on October 8, 2003, at 15:26:54
In reply to Yup » Micheal, posted by Susan J on October 8, 2003, at 14:31:45
I also find your post too polarizing and assuming you know what's best for everyone else.
All those things that you are now finally doing, I did for years trying to "heal" myself to no avail. Medication for me is getting me to a place where I can use those things (exercise, diet, yoga, etc.) and actually trully benefit from them in combination. Everyone is individual.
Katia
Posted by omegon on October 8, 2003, at 18:14:32
In reply to It's all in OUR HEAD!!!, posted by Micheal on October 8, 2003, at 9:39:05
<sarcasm> Yeah, you just need some fresh air and exercise, good food, more sleep. You'll be fine! </sarcasm>
Grrrr..... I've heard this kind of facile nonsense far too many times recently. Doesn't make me feel better, strangely enough. Obviously a healthy lifestyle and thought habits are likely to be helpful, but it hardly constitutes a cure. Just because *you're* feeling better doesn't mean that you've discovered the miracle solution. Came after not equals caused by.
Sorry if I sound snappy. I am.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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