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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Green Hornet on August 14, 2004, at 15:16:45
I have not posted here in quite sometime, but I am back and let me tell you why -- I realize that everyone reacts differently to medication and I am not preaching here, BUT PLEASE READ AND KNOW THAT THIS IS A TRUE STORY.
I was first diagnosed with "depression" in 1985 at the age of 44. This was exacerbated by the fact that I was abusing alcohol. Since that time I have had seventeen hospitalizations and I attended 12 step groups. I have been on just about every medication known -- at least almost every one -- (about twenty one at last count) constantly for the past nineteen years. Anti-depressants, antipsychotics, antianxiety the whole gamet.
I had seen seven or eight psychiatrists, four psychologists and heaven-only-knows-who else!
About a year and a half ago I switched to my family physician to manage my medications. She had a really unique idea -- stopping all of these meds! ( I was on four at the time). I had come off EffexorXR three years ago on a VERY slow taper with few problems, so I figured what the heck, let's give it a go. Now this doc has known me for most of my life both personally and professionally, and she and I agreed -- just maybe it was time to see who the real me is!
Well, all of the meds ended about eight weeks ago after slowly tapering each one. Today I am perhaps the happiest person alive!! At sixty three years of age I am alive for the first time in years! My doctor and I feel that often, I was medicating a side effect or withdrawal reaction, not a true psychiatric difficulty.
Lest you think this uninformed foolishness I will "come out of the closet" a bit. I am a mental health professional myself -- my master's/ nurse practioner degree is in adult mental health, and I have been in the field for over twenty years.
I am NOT recommending this for everyone, but ask yourself. 1) How did all of this begin?
2) Am I taking a new medication for each new "feeling"? 4) Have a serious sitdown with a reliable, trusted doctor (other than the current psychiatrist -- ie. second opinion). 5) Develop a strong spiritual life if you do not already have one.
Thank you all for all of your opinions in the past -- I will connect now and then to see haw all of you are doing -- thanks to you too Dr. Bob for providing this forum. Margaret J. (aka The Green Hornet)
PS I also stopped going to 12 step groups, that was ten years ago and today I do not drink or abuse drugs -- I have not for nearly twenty years.
Posted by crazychickuk on August 14, 2004, at 19:13:33
In reply to Free at last, free at last !, posted by Green Hornet on August 14, 2004, at 15:16:45
Excellant, i started the no meds approach 3 weeks ago..... fingers crossed.. :-)
Posted by Green Hornet on August 14, 2004, at 21:14:53
In reply to Re: Free at last, free at last !, posted by crazychickuk on August 14, 2004, at 19:13:33
> Excellant, i started the no meds approach 3 weeks ago..... fingers crossed.. :-)
Good for you !!! You have my prayers. I hope yours was a VERY GRADUAL taper too. Greenhornet
Posted by alesta on August 14, 2004, at 23:12:38
In reply to Free at last, free at last !, posted by Green Hornet on August 14, 2004, at 15:16:45
hello, green hornet,
I really am glad that you’re off medications and doing well!! I personally waited as long as I possibly could before trying an antidepressant (we’re talking years here), researched the whole spectrum of nutrition and vitamin supplementation, convinced the answer had to lie in a vitamin or nutritional deficiency of some kind. I’ve tried numerous natural remedies for depression and anxiety as well (and am still trying them). I wanted so badly to find the answer. I have worked endlessly on being a better person, etc., etc. I have tested and tested and tested this….only to come to the conclusion that I need medication. Bummer.Actually, as a side note, when I was younger I was instinctively open to medications. I do remember begging my mother to *please* get me a psychiatrist so I could go on an antidepressant for the depression and anxiety. She refused, saying I needed to “buck up.” (My mother has Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and is not the most compassionate person on the planet, to say the least.) sorry this is so long. thanks for listening.
-amy
Posted by alesta on August 14, 2004, at 23:40:23
In reply to Re: Free at last, free at last !, posted by alesta on August 14, 2004, at 23:12:38
i just wanted to quickly add that while some people's mental disorders may be alleviated through nutrition or vitamin supplementation *alone*, mine were not. although they did help me a bit and i do still take quality vitamins, as they are important. (you gotta cover every angle around here, margaret!:))
Posted by Green Hornet on August 15, 2004, at 8:22:41
In reply to Re: Free at last, free at last !, posted by alesta on August 14, 2004, at 23:40:23
> i just wanted to quickly add that while some people's mental disorders may be alleviated through nutrition or vitamin supplementation *alone*, mine were not. although they did help me a bit and i do still take quality vitamins, as they are important. (you gotta cover every angle around here, margaret!:))
Alesa,
I am glad to hear that you are doing so much better. I have read your posts above too and your story sounds much like mine was in the beginning. I too had a mother with many problems and had to work through this in therapy. (faith based-Cognitive behaviorial) Blessedly, my mother and I were able to talk when I was better and before she died. Ther key here? FORGIVNESS! Learning to let go and really forgive is what really turned my life around. You most likely will not need the medication forever -- just don't fall into the trap that I did and letting the med thing "snowball" Find yourself a GOOD therapist and a spiritual director, and meet me on the "Faith" Board at some point. Keep on keepin on"
Marg - aka the green hornet
Posted by alesta on August 15, 2004, at 8:50:06
In reply to Re: Free at last, free at last !, posted by Green Hornet on August 15, 2004, at 8:22:41
thanks, marg! Oh, by the way, I'm Alesta (my real name is Amy), NOT Alesa. Alesa is somebody *totally* different. I hope people aren't confusing the two of us for each other; think i'll point this out in the subject line. take care!:)
-amy
Posted by Green Hornet on August 15, 2004, at 10:03:20
In reply to I'm Alesta, NOT Alesa............................., posted by alesta on August 15, 2004, at 8:50:06
> thanks, marg! Oh, by the way, I'm Alesta (my real name is Amy), NOT Alesa. Alesa is somebody *totally* different. I hope people aren't confusing the two of us for each other; think i'll point this out in the subject line. take care!:)
>
> -amySorry, I apologize for the confusion! Marg (GH)
Posted by Waki on August 16, 2004, at 1:09:08
In reply to Free at last, free at last !, posted by Green Hornet on August 14, 2004, at 15:16:45
I know some other patients in a different depression research treatment group then mine who are ina federal funded trial that you describe.
These people will be treated for their anxiety some with therapy some without therapy.
After they are well, some will be randomized taken off all meds. The other group will remain on the meds.
The research is regarding can patients be safely taken off all meds after they are well.
You are a example that it can happen.
Posted by alesta on August 16, 2004, at 3:06:42
In reply to Re: Free at last, free at last !, posted by Waki on August 16, 2004, at 1:09:08
i totally agree with you, waki. i was just giving the green hornet the other side of the coin, that some people need meds.
-amy
Posted by alesta on August 16, 2004, at 3:08:52
In reply to Re: I'm Alesta, NOT Alesa............................., posted by Green Hornet on August 15, 2004, at 10:03:20
Posted by waki on August 17, 2004, at 4:05:20
In reply to I'm Alesta, NOT Alesa............................., posted by alesta on August 15, 2004, at 8:50:06
Hi,
To be quite honest I am really confused folowing both of your postings.
I read an Alesta and confuse it with a previous Alesa posting.
They are both pretty names but I guess i'll have to use some type of memory tool to sorth the both of you out
:)
Posted by alesta on August 17, 2004, at 4:22:00
In reply to Re: I'm Alesta, NOT Alesa............................., posted by waki on August 17, 2004, at 4:05:20
hi marge,
if i had even known there would be an alesa, i would've never chosen the name. it is frustrating. i chose it for the very reason that it *wouldn't* be confused with someone else. guess i should've gone with initials.:) maybe if you can remember mine is the lowercase one ("alesta"). it also kind of sounds like a greek goddess to me. so, picture me as a greek goddess and you should have no trouble remembering.:)Amy
Posted by alesta on August 17, 2004, at 4:25:18
In reply to Re: I'm Alesta, NOT Alesa............................., posted by waki on August 17, 2004, at 4:05:20
sorry, waki, i meant to send that to you, not marge. i'm making all kinds of errors today. my apologies.....i need some more sleep....
amy:)
Posted by sobstory on August 17, 2004, at 12:48:03
In reply to Re: I'm Alesta, NOT Alesa............................., posted by alesta on August 17, 2004, at 4:22:00
Since there's been alot of confusion with the names Alesa and alesta, I've changed my name, Alesa, to "sobstory".
Cheers
ss
> hi marge,
> if i had even known there would be an alesa, i would've never chosen the name. it is frustrating. i chose it for the very reason that it *wouldn't* be confused with someone else. guess i should've gone with initials.:) maybe if you can remember mine is the lowercase one ("alesta"). it also kind of sounds like a greek goddess to me. so, picture me as a greek goddess and you should have no trouble remembering.:)
>
> Amy
>
Posted by alesta on August 17, 2004, at 12:57:40
In reply to ALESA is now sobstory » alesta, posted by sobstory on August 17, 2004, at 12:48:03
i hope i didn't offend you....it's not your fault we chose similar names... i was frustrated at the situation, not with you.:)
Posted by sobstory on August 17, 2004, at 13:04:18
In reply to Re: ALESA is now sobstory, posted by alesta on August 17, 2004, at 12:57:40
Oh,no, no worries. You didn't offend me at all. Even I was getting our messages mixed up, thinking that you were me. I was like, "I don't remember saying that!" I just thought this would make things easier for everyone. I didn't mind at all!
Cheers
ss
> i hope i didn't offend you....it's not your fault we chose similar names... i was frustrated at the situation, not with you.:)
Posted by alesta on August 17, 2004, at 13:18:17
In reply to Re: ALESA is now sobstory » alesta, posted by sobstory on August 17, 2004, at 13:04:18
thanks!! that was really sweet of you.
amy :)
Posted by WAKI on August 17, 2004, at 13:21:41
In reply to Re: I'm Alesta, NOT Alesa............................., posted by alesta on August 17, 2004, at 4:25:18
Your a greek godess and allowed to make mistakes :)
Posted by alesta on August 17, 2004, at 13:30:58
In reply to Re: I'm Alesta, NOT Alesa............................., posted by WAKI on August 17, 2004, at 13:21:41
> Your a greek godess and allowed to make mistakes :)
lol, you crack me up, Waki! i'll remember that.
This is the end of the thread.
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