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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mxrider on September 16, 2004, at 10:38:00
Hello all
Some people expressed interest in my visit to the Amen clinic so I thought I'd post a report. I just received my final evaluation yesterday with one of their Pych docs after going through the 3-day process. Day 1 is a 2 hour interview w/ a historian to review your whole life history, in detail, then it was on to a "concentration" SPECT brain scan. (the details on the process are available on the website...amenclinic.com). Day two is the "at rest" scan, and Day 3 is your final 2 hour consultation with the doctor.
Now, I should say right now that, one of the reasons I chose to do this is that, I don't think I've had a TOTAL of 2 hours of time w/ my new HMO pdoc, in the 4 MONTHS, I've been seeing him!! In fact, at my last app. when the doctor came out to get me, one of his pharmacy reps(who was repeatedly told that the doctor was too busy to see him) walked in front of me and used up most of my time...this was the last straw, so to speak.But, I digress, my scans cleary show that I have overactivity in my deep limbic system causing depression (no suprise there!), overactive basal ganglia (anxiety, knew that one too), obvious damage to the temporal lobe functioning causing mood instability, i.e. BPII (maybe, told my other doc I'd long suspected this, he replied that the hypomania I described was just me in my "normal" state...I don't think so!), and finally, decreased activity in the PFC during concentration...possible ADD.
So, I now have a recommendation for treatment as follows...Start w/ a mood stabilizer (starting w/ Neurontin, but I may ask to switch to Depakote later), followed by the additon of an AD(effexor), and later, if I still have problems w/ concentration(I do), add a low dose of Adderall.
OK, this is a pretty run of the mill treatment program, right? And we still don't know for sure if these meds are going to be the "ideal combination" right? Well, yes and yes, however, at the rate I was proceeding with the other doc it would have taken 6 months minimum of torture to get to this. By "torture" I mean, "here, take this Lexapro and see me in a month", "oh, that didn't work? here, take this Remeron and see me in a month"...etc.
So, was it worth the $3,000 bucks you ask? Well, for me it was. Number 1, I now have some affirmation to what I have suspected, and suffered from for over 20 years, and, number 2, if it gets me well and back to work even a month sooner (I have been having a major depressive episode for the last 6 months and haven't been able to work) it will pay for itself and then some.
I hope I haven't bored anyone too much:)
Chris
Posted by dazed on September 16, 2004, at 10:56:53
In reply to AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by mxrider on September 16, 2004, at 10:38:00
So glad you are well on your way to a new lease on life. Sometimes taking matters into your own hands is all it takes to turn your life around.
Best of Luck!!
Posted by mxrider on September 16, 2004, at 11:06:28
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by dazed on September 16, 2004, at 10:56:53
> So glad you are well on your way to a new lease on life. Sometimes taking matters into your own hands is all it takes to turn your life around.
>
> Best of Luck!!Thanks for the support:)
Posted by mattw84 on September 16, 2004, at 12:26:47
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by dazed on September 16, 2004, at 10:56:53
Great rprt mx! Lemme know how the actual dx play out for you (ie if the meds help much...). I would love to go the AC, only restraint is $$$. I might just do it if it is *REALLY* worth it. Keep us updated and give a final verdict! Thanks MX
Posted by mxrider on September 16, 2004, at 12:37:18
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by mattw84 on September 16, 2004, at 12:26:47
> Great rprt mx! Lemme know how the actual dx play out for you (ie if the meds help much...). I would love to go the AC, only restraint is $$$. I might just do it if it is *REALLY* worth it. Keep us updated and give a final verdict! Thanks MX
Thanks Matt, will keep you posted.
How's the SP going?
Posted by boomarang on September 16, 2004, at 12:55:40
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » mattw84, posted by mxrider on September 16, 2004, at 12:37:18
thanks for the update! i've been waiting to hear how that went. sounds like they adhere to the schedule i've read about for the first sessions. when do you go back? how many visits do you get for your $3000? do they work with you until they get the meds right if the first batch doesn't work?
a friend of a friend went there and they put him on vitamins along with meds. did they recommend that to you as well?
will be interesting to see how the meds work for you. keep us informed!
Posted by mxrider on September 16, 2004, at 13:14:10
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by boomarang on September 16, 2004, at 12:55:40
> thanks for the update! i've been waiting to hear how that went. sounds like they adhere to the schedule i've read about for the first sessions. when do you go back? how many visits do you get for your $3000? do they work with you until they get the meds right if the first batch doesn't work?
>
The $3000 covers the initial 3 days, a full report, and, if you agree to continue to use their doc, they will write you the first scripts.
You don't have to use their docs, you can take the report to your own and take your chances, if he/she is open minded, they might use the info provided. They charge for follow up visits just like any other doc although, because they have a smaller workload, I think you get a more "personalized" treatment. I will probably stick with them, at least until I'm doing well (please god, let that happen).> a friend of a friend went there and they put him on vitamins along with meds. did they recommend that to you as well?
>Yes, they recommend Omega 3's, vitamins, excercise, all the things we should be doing anyway.
> will be interesting to see how the meds work for you. keep us informed!
will do
Posted by mattw84 on September 16, 2004, at 13:39:10
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » mattw84, posted by mxrider on September 16, 2004, at 12:37:18
Thanks mx. The SP, well, it makes it really hard to go out.... :) But the doc has been giving me teaser rx's of xanax and it seems to help a ton, so I think I am just gonna go with it. And hence hopefully go to class, get a life, etc... Did the clinic address the SP for you at all? Are suppose to take the meds you were already on and now these too?
Matt
Posted by karaS on September 17, 2004, at 0:17:15
In reply to AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by mxrider on September 16, 2004, at 10:38:00
Bored? Hardly. Sounds fascinating to me. Wish I could afford it.
Having faith in your doctors is half the battle.
I'm glad you're on the right path now!-Kara
Posted by mxrider on September 17, 2004, at 11:41:11
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by karaS on September 17, 2004, at 0:17:15
> Bored? Hardly. Sounds fascinating to me. Wish I could afford it.
>
> Having faith in your doctors is half the battle.
> I'm glad you're on the right path now!
>
> -Kara
>Glad you enjoyed it. I found it fascinating too...I used to self medicate w/ alcohol for years, and you can actually see some damage from that, (not good!). But, the fact you can actually see this stuff is amazing.
Chris
Posted by theo on September 17, 2004, at 16:32:59
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » karaS, posted by mxrider on September 17, 2004, at 11:41:11
What did they say about damage from alcohol? Can meds and time help the brain heal?
Posted by mxrider on September 17, 2004, at 17:52:09
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » mxrider, posted by theo on September 17, 2004, at 16:32:59
> What did they say about damage from alcohol? Can meds and time help the brain heal?
They just advised vitamins, etc. and, of course, no more alcohol:)
He didn't say anything about the healing process...the scan isn't a "picture" of the brain, but rather a picture of the actual function of it. So, I think it can be improved, with time, meds, and clean living. I hope!
Posted by karaS on September 18, 2004, at 2:17:46
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » karaS, posted by mxrider on September 17, 2004, at 11:41:11
> > Bored? Hardly. Sounds fascinating to me. Wish I could afford it.
> >
> > Having faith in your doctors is half the battle.
> > I'm glad you're on the right path now!
> >
> > -Kara
> >
>
> Glad you enjoyed it. I found it fascinating too...I used to self medicate w/ alcohol for years, and you can actually see some damage from that, (not good!). But, the fact you can actually see this stuff is amazing.
>
> Chris
>
>No kidding? I used to use alcohol a lot to get to sleep. Wonder if that's enough to show damage? Probably so.
K
Posted by theo on September 18, 2004, at 7:27:10
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » theo, posted by mxrider on September 17, 2004, at 17:52:09
Did they suggest a certain Multivitamin strength wise? The reason I ask is because most have the same mixture but different potencies of B12, etc.
Dr. Bob, please don't redirect, this is my only vitamin question to mxrider.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 18, 2004, at 16:17:36
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » mxrider, posted by theo on September 18, 2004, at 7:27:10
> Did they suggest a certain Multivitamin strength wise?
>
> Dr. Bob, please don't redirect, this is my only vitamin question to mxrider.Sorry, but one question can lead to lots of replies... Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040901/msgs/392364.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by theo on September 19, 2004, at 8:36:09
In reply to AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by mxrider on September 16, 2004, at 10:38:00
Just curious, for a mood stabilzer for BPII you're taking Neurontin, why not Lamictal?
Did the doc at AMEN clinic suggest Neurontin or Depakote because of anti-anxiety properties?
Posted by mxrider on September 19, 2004, at 15:20:43
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » mxrider, posted by theo on September 19, 2004, at 8:36:09
> Just curious, for a mood stabilzer for BPII you're taking Neurontin, why not Lamictal?
>
> Did the doc at AMEN clinic suggest Neurontin or Depakote because of anti-anxiety properties?I haven't been given a concrete BP diagnosis yet...but the doc is leaning that way. This was our first meeting and Dr. Amen likes to use Neurontin as a first line treatment for temporal lobe problems. (they focus on the areas of the brain scan that show malfunctions rather than a DSM diagnosis). The doctor that I am seeing (not Dr. Amen) would usually use Depakote but is adapting to Dr. Amen's principles. I think they use Neurontin first because it's easy, no blood work, etc. I will try it but am not that confident in Neurontin based on my research. I think I would rather try something with a better track record, like Depakote. I think it might help w/ my strong S.P. although Neurontin is helping w/ that now.
Chris
Posted by dazedandconfused on September 19, 2004, at 23:09:22
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » theo, posted by mxrider on September 19, 2004, at 15:20:43
Thank you so much for posting this!! Please keep us posted on your progress and experience with Amen clinic. I am so encouraged about this technology. I just wonder why it isn't more widely available. BTW, which clinic did you go to? (calif. or d.c?)
Posted by mxrider on September 20, 2004, at 13:26:21
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by dazedandconfused on September 19, 2004, at 23:09:22
> Thank you so much for posting this!! Please keep us posted on your progress and experience with Amen clinic. I am so encouraged about this technology. I just wonder why it isn't more widely available. BTW, which clinic did you go to? (calif. or d.c?)
Newport Beach, Ca
Chris
Posted by mxrider on September 20, 2004, at 16:49:46
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report » dazedandconfused, posted by mxrider on September 20, 2004, at 13:26:21
Does this sound familiar to anyone?
I have been titrating up on Neurontin for the first week, hitting 2000mg t.i.d. Actually feeling a pretty good AD effect and an increase in energy as well, I actually went out and did some activities I haven't wanted to do in months. Two days ago I added 37.5 mg of FXR and took 2 steps back. I don't even want leave the house today. I am beginning to think I can't take any AD's at all. Maybe I just need a mood stabilizer and a stimulant?
Posted by sba on April 7, 2006, at 9:14:22
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by karaS on September 17, 2004, at 0:17:15
Any updates on the clinic? How are you doing now, MXRider. I just found this site while searching for info on the Amen clinics. I am very new to this depression biz, and fear that time wasted in treatment could cost my husband his job....and more. That's why I am inclined to go strait to the clinic (after reading Amen's book. Our local psychiatrist (only one on our ppo plan)only spent 25 mins w/ my spouse before writing a prescription (2 failed attempts now).
Posted by mxrider on April 7, 2006, at 10:00:38
In reply to Re: AMEN! Clinic-report, posted by sba on April 7, 2006, at 9:14:22
> Any updates on the clinic? How are you doing now, MXRider. I just found this site while searching for info on the Amen clinics. I am very new to this depression biz, and fear that time wasted in treatment could cost my husband his job....and more. That's why I am inclined to go strait to the clinic (after reading Amen's book. Our local psychiatrist (only one on our ppo plan)only spent 25 mins w/ my spouse before writing a prescription (2 failed attempts now).
I am doing pretty well now. I don't go to the Amen clinic anymore, but, now see a Dr. Jensen in Laguna Nigel, Ca. I would say, however, that by going through the Amen clinic process, I learned alot about what My brain was doing. It is not cheap, but, neither is losing your job!
Dr. Jensen is also very good... he is very consciencous, and will spend as much time as you need with him. He is also very open to try whatever meds he or you think might work, he will "go outside the box" to get good results.
Best of luck...this is no picnic this stuff, but you can get through it.
This is the end of the thread.
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