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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jealibeanz on March 26, 2007, at 19:23:05
In reply to Re: If you were my doc, what would you do? » jealibeanz, posted by FredPotter on March 26, 2007, at 18:39:42
> No I mean some Drs don't know the seizure danger of coming off Xanax too quickly. I do. In hospital they just took me off it suddenly and sure enough I had a seizure
Ohhhh... that is not a situation I want to get in to. Thanks for the reminder that it does actually happen in real life.Were these doctors in the hospital aware that you'd been on Xanax for a while? And did your doctor know they were D/C'ing it?
How much were you taking and how long had you been taking it for, if you don't mind me asking?
Posted by Honore on March 26, 2007, at 21:33:30
In reply to Re: just say what you need, posted by jealibeanz on March 26, 2007, at 19:19:38
Hi, jealibeanz. That does clarify a lot.
I do hope you can get what you need. I certainly think you shouldn't have to deal with so much anxiety. My only concern is the problem I mentioned, but if that's not an issue, and you can maintain the dose without going up, then my concerns are answered.
Maybe you can just ask your GP for what you want; why not just go back to the prior situation? You seemed to think originally that he was looking for a stable solution; maybe what's best is what he was already doing. Can't see why he wouldn't be open to that, really.
Honore
Posted by jealibeanz on March 26, 2007, at 21:45:30
In reply to Re: just say what you need » jealibeanz, posted by Honore on March 26, 2007, at 21:33:30
> Hi, jealibeanz. That does clarify a lot.
>
> I do hope you can get what you need. I certainly think you shouldn't have to deal with so much anxiety. My only concern is the problem I mentioned, but if that's not an issue, and you can maintain the dose without going up, then my concerns are answered.
>
> Maybe you can just ask your GP for what you want; why not just go back to the prior situation? You seemed to think originally that he was looking for a stable solution; maybe what's best is what he was already doing. Can't see why he wouldn't be open to that, really.
>
> HonoreStability is definitely what I'm looking for. Aren't we all?! I'm trying to get there!
Going back to the regular Xanax for right now is most likely my best solution. It'll help me get to a better state, and then I can make reasonable decisions about my future regarding medications and such.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 27, 2007, at 5:30:21
In reply to Re: just say what you need » jealibeanz, posted by Honore on March 26, 2007, at 21:33:30
This is just a random thought/analogy that ran through my head this morning, not entirely related to the topic...
Flonase:
I'm dependent on Flonase. I've taken it for allergies every day (almost) for the last 8 years. It's the only thing that truly relieves my symptoms. I went through years of allergy shots and have been on all the prescription antihistamines, neither helped.
I go on and off Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Clarinex every few years. Sometimes I don't take them because I don't feel I need them because my allergies aren't bad. Or, my allergies are bad, but I know they make no difference with me. Right now I'm taking Clarinex, since I've had more symptoms over the last year and decided to try taking an oral med again. It doesn't help!
My Flonase is the only thing that keeps me breathing, keeps my throat from being itchy and inflammed, and prevents complications. If I don't take it as soon as I wake up, it set me up for a bad day, because I start to have allergic reactions. If I go a day or so without it, I'll get a sinus infection. I've tried to "quit" my Flonase before, because I thought I was addicted, haha, and lasted only 3 days.
I asked my PA about what he thought about me taking it for such a long time and told him I wanted to stop, even though it's the only med that works, because I thought I'd been on it too long. He looked at me like I was crazy. There's no reason to stop it, but many to keep taking it. (He was probably thinking... Flonase?! You're concerned about Flonase?! That is not your biggest problem!)
I asked one of my professors, a D.O., about this a few months ago when she was lecturing about allergic rhinitis. She was saying that she likes to avoid the steroids, and was very clear about it. So, I told her my story and asked what she thought. She told me to stick with what is working! It goes completely against what she holds as her "rule of thumb" for practice and treatment, yet she said that without hesistation. And she said that if I try stopping, I'd have some "rebound" reactions, because my body is used to having the steroids to fight allergens, so it's a bit weakened so to speak.
Anyway...
My point is, Flonase is not considered first line treatment for allergies. Maybe second line in conjunction with oral medication, and its extended use is discouraged, since it is a steroid. I don't think many people with allergies are prescribed this medication by itself for so long, but I am. However, my allergist/pulmonologist, GP and PA all see no problem with me taking it long-term. It helps me!
This is soo similar to my Xanax situation, in my opinion. It's not first line. It's extended use is discuraged. It's not normally taken without a 1st line drug. If you stop taking it, you may experience rebound anxiety. Hmm...
Posted by Honore on March 27, 2007, at 10:36:32
In reply to Re: just say what you need » Honore, posted by jealibeanz on March 27, 2007, at 5:30:21
I take long-term Flonase myself (with MAOIs and chronic low-level sinus infection).
The analogy isn't perfect, of course, because dependency hasn't been a problem with Flonase.
But I agree that we (in this country and elsewhere) have a bit of a fixation on dependence on certain drugs-- and not others. Of course there are reasons and distinctions-- but I do think it's overstated, and that these drugs are useful, if not overused.
My concern stems from a family situation, which was extremely tragic-- which came from needed use, that led to dependence, which led to other things-- and I would just hate to see you get into any of those things.
I don't blame my family member although it was at times agonizing to see his struggles and the problems that developed. I know you can need something like that-- and still, unawares develop more of an addiction-like relationship to it.
I think this can be avoided- but it takes vigilance and a little on-going fear of what could happen-- even when you think you have it under control.
That's why I'm saying the things to you that I am. I think it's fine to take xanax if you are very very aware of the potential for getting into that danger zone--whatever it is for you, personally. But again, I would just hate to see you move into that, and have to cope with the problems that it can cause.
I do think you should ask your GP up-front about giving you the xanax IR, and talk about it more with the PA, who seems more on the ball. You want to protect yourself-- and yet to stay on the dose you need. Both of which are worthy goals, for which there's no reason to hint, without being clear.
If either of them does have concerns, it's best to talk it over, anyway, and see if you can come to a clear agreement, yet have the xanax also. I'm sure they'll do their best to keep the anxiety at manageable levels and work with you.
Honore
Posted by jealibeanz on March 27, 2007, at 11:41:26
In reply to Re: just say what you need » jealibeanz, posted by Honore on March 27, 2007, at 10:36:32
I am very aware that Xanax can be addicting to some-- not all. I certainly do not want to get to that point and won't let myself. I'm a very disciplined person.
Haha, I think my anxiety may work in my favor when it comes to this issue, because I do worry about it! I worry that I take the medication at all, since it's a bit controversial. I worry that the time will come when I'll have to switch doctors, and nobody will continue with my treatment.
I'm young enough that I actually do believe I will benefit from the novel drugs of the future. I try to view Xanax as buying me some time.
I never see my PA anymore, since he can't prescribe all the controlled medications, so my doctor has become my primary provider. I do know however, that he isn't terribly keen on them, but I wouldn't be either if I were him. He's very young, so was taught in school that they are "bad", because that's the current belief being shared with students. He can't really say how much he thinks they help, since he doesn't prescribe them. I'll ask my doc whenever I actually can see him in person, what his future plan is for me.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 27, 2007, at 17:39:55
In reply to Re: just say what you need » Honore, posted by jealibeanz on March 27, 2007, at 11:41:26
I called today and left the message with the nurse, saying that it wasn't helping and asked he'd want me to go back to regular Xanax or try something else. I haven't heard back. Blehh... I hope he calls tomorrow because I don't want to have to call again. They're terrible at relaying messages. Sometimes they don't give them to the doc, especially if he wasn't working. I'm not sure if he was actually in the office today or not.
Posted by Phillipa on March 27, 2007, at 18:36:12
In reply to Re: just say what you need, posted by jealibeanz on March 27, 2007, at 17:39:55
Jelly right now I'm sitting here totally miserble . Cry at the drop of a hat. Dizzy. Scared. Can't sleep as I'm now on ativan. I've become tolerant to benzos it's obvious to me now. Love Phillipa ps I did better on the long lasting xanax. At least I could do things and wanted to now I'm a quivering shaking person.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 5:14:57
In reply to Re: just say what you need » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on March 27, 2007, at 18:36:12
Yeah, so I called 2 days ago, and have not received a response. I'll call again today, yet it won't do me much immediate good since I'm going out of town for a few days and will most likely be gone before a can get a response. I doubt my doctor is working today anyway, which means I wait til Saturday (little chance) or Monday for him to get the message.
Yay... so I still have to take crappy Xanax XR (while at my all day interview w/ 18 other candidates!), and run out of Ritalin LA this weekend and Provigil. Not ideal.
I like my doctor, hate his staff. The nurses have become increasingly rude and angry over the past year and go out of their way not to give messages. It's their passive-aggressive way of relieving stress... very bizarre that they all get away with this.
My doctor is somewhat aware of this, because it became a huge issue when my insurance company was going to drop my prescription coverage for a drug since the office didn't get it approved. It went on for 3 months, so the insurance company just said that if I didn't get the authorization within 24 hours, they would deny it completely. So, my mother and I (after many many phone calls to the office) finally went there in person and complained. We were quickly put in a patient room and explained it all to my doctor, who got on the phone as soon as we left, and called the insurance company. It was a pretty big deal at the time, but maybe I need to go and scream constantly about how the nurses don't give any messages!!! (which I don't actually want to do)
Posted by Honore on March 29, 2007, at 8:47:09
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 5:14:57
Hi jeali.
It'll go okay. Maybe you'll just be much more excited than anxious.. And even if you do get anxious, when you have to, you'll be fine. It's tough to have to go through the anxiety, but you;ve done much better than you were afraid you would, in the past.
Good luck. Honore
Posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 9:35:57
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by Honore on March 29, 2007, at 8:47:09
> Hi jeali.
>
> It'll go okay. Maybe you'll just be much more excited than anxious.. And even if you do get anxious, when you have to, you'll be fine. It's tough to have to go through the anxiety, but you;ve done much better than you were afraid you would, in the past.
>
> Good luck. Honore
>
>
>
>
>Thanks. I'll be fine at the interview. I interview well and have gone through plenty enough to know how to act and what to say.
I'm just upset about the doctor's office. I was a little uncomfortable calling in the first place, but I did it. Having to call repeatedly sucks. I feel like I'm begging for my Xanax, Ritalin, and Provigil.
It's like hiii.... can I pleeeease have my controlled drugs. I keep asking and nobody gives them to me..... pleeeease can you ask my doctor???? Can you not ignore me this time because you think I'm a drug addict or that I'm selling them at school? Thanks.
I'm not going to say that there's no bias against patients like me with the LPN's. They just don't like having to deal with it, not that they even have to do much, except relay the message. I'm pretty sure if I were calling for my allergy medication the message would go through, because it always does.
My doctor doesn't make me feel uncomfortable, it's the nurses and staff, who are the "gatekeepers".
Posted by Phillipa on March 29, 2007, at 17:53:36
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 9:35:57
Well at least you get a human voice here all the docs offices have fancy answering machines that you just leave a message on and hope someone does something. Love Phillipa
Posted by elanor roosevelt on March 30, 2007, at 8:17:11
In reply to Re: just say what you need » jealibeanz, posted by Honore on March 27, 2007, at 10:36:32
my kid s 15 and has been on flonase for 2 years
the doctor thinks it's fine
i got a referral to take heto an otolarygologistthe purpose of flonaseis to prime the sinuses in a way that is not hospitable to infections.
i have a great md who sent me to a sinus guy. i stayed on anti-biotics for uite a while, the theory being (and the doc and i were in total agreement) that i had the same sinus infection for years at a time. there are many places to hide in the sinuses. after the anti-biotics, i snorted warm water salt water and baking soda for 2 years
hated it
changed my life
those sinus infections are nasty
good luck
Posted by notfred on March 30, 2007, at 15:51:09
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 9:35:57
FWIW, I fax my doctors with questions or requests.
Seems to be more effective then dealing with reception or nurses. Your question/message gets delivered without any errors. I include a number where I can be reached so they can verify the fax.If it is something I have already taken, I request a refill at the pharmacy. The major ones have a fax system & I seem to get the refills quicker than if I call my doc.
Posted by DStupid on March 30, 2007, at 19:42:28
In reply to flonase, posted by elanor roosevelt on March 30, 2007, at 8:17:11
If you've been on Flonase long enough (and you have), consider having a blood test to measure the level of your adrenal hormones. Maybe, Flonase is now bad for you in the long run. Doctors like NOT to ask questions or order tests when they have to change their treatment plan.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 30, 2007, at 21:52:16
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by notfred on March 30, 2007, at 15:51:09
> FWIW, I fax my doctors with questions or requests.
> Seems to be more effective then dealing with reception or nurses. Your question/message gets delivered without any errors. I include a number where I can be reached so they can verify the fax.
>
> If it is something I have already taken, I request a refill at the pharmacy. The major ones have a fax system & I seem to get the refills quicker than if I call my doc.
We can't fax controlled prescriptions in my state, and they can only be written 1 month at a time. It's a hassle. I'd love to live in one of the states that allows refills and faxes.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 30, 2007, at 21:56:33
In reply to Re: flonase, posted by DStupid on March 30, 2007, at 19:42:28
> If you've been on Flonase long enough (and you have), consider having a blood test to measure the level of your adrenal hormones. Maybe, Flonase is now bad for you in the long run. Doctors like NOT to ask questions or order tests when they have to change their treatment plan.
That's not a bad idea. It's not out of the question that steroids might be causing some ill-effects.
I used to work at a pharmacy, so I'd ask the pharmacists about long-time use when I got the chance. None of them seemed to think that the amount of steroid in Flonase was significant enough to cause major systemic changes, but of course it was just speculation.
I'm not really sure how I'd breath without Flonase! I'd glady stop taking it if there where alternatives that controlled my allergies. I haven't found any yet.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 16:03:14
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 5:14:57
> Yeah, so I called 2 days ago, and have not received a response. I'll call again today, yet it won't do me much immediate good since I'm going out of town for a few days and will most likely be gone before a can get a response. I doubt my doctor is working today anyway, which means I wait til Saturday (little chance) or Monday for him to get the message.
>
> Yay... so I still have to take crappy Xanax XR (while at my all day interview w/ 18 other candidates!), and run out of Ritalin LA this weekend and Provigil. Not ideal.
>
> I like my doctor, hate his staff. The nurses have become increasingly rude and angry over the past year and go out of their way not to give messages. It's their passive-aggressive way of relieving stress... very bizarre that they all get away with this.
>
> My doctor is somewhat aware of this, because it became a huge issue when my insurance company was going to drop my prescription coverage for a drug since the office didn't get it approved. It went on for 3 months, so the insurance company just said that if I didn't get the authorization within 24 hours, they would deny it completely. So, my mother and I (after many many phone calls to the office) finally went there in person and complained. We were quickly put in a patient room and explained it all to my doctor, who got on the phone as soon as we left, and called the insurance company. It was a pretty big deal at the time, but maybe I need to go and scream constantly about how the nurses don't give any messages!!! (which I don't actually want to do)It's been a week since I called my doctor. I knew after the first day that he didn't get the message, because I would have received a call back.
So, I still haven't called again. Pretty stupid. The longer I wait the less likely I am to call. How dumb does that sound that I will be calling and asking if anyone got the message I left a week ago?
Right now I have no more Ritalin LA, which doesn't make a huge difference because I still am taking Provigil.
My main problem is that I'm continuing to take an anxiety medication that does nothing for my anxiety. It's nearly paralyzing at times. Good thing I don't have much to do besides a few classes, but this is not fun.
And of course, I've basically convinced myself that my doctor wants me to take Xanax XR, rather than Xanax, which helps my anxiety. He actually doesn't want me to take Xanax XR either, and would rather that I just suck it up and get off all medications, even if it means a life performing far below my abilities.
So I've been doing just that. My quality of life and productivity certainly has decreased quite a bit in the past 5 weeks since the switch, yet I'm just accepting it. Stupid. I know. I just had to write this down so maybe I see how ridiculous it really is.
I'm not complaining, nor do I want sympathy. I take responsibility for my actions and choices, or lack thereof. Simply venting a bit.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 2, 2007, at 20:07:41
In reply to I should hit myself., posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 16:03:14
JB,
Listen. I can't exactly explain it but I understand where you are at. I have been there many times. Sort of like mentally digging yourself into a hole.Call him tomorrow. Treat this like any other business at hand. Don't think about it any more -just pick up the phone and simply state the problem.
Tell him what is undesirable about this med.
Tell him you would prefer to return to the med that you are familiar with so that you can know what to expect from your self.Tell him right now you cannot afford (school etc)to struggle with this med change and that you will explore other options later if it's necessary when it's not so critical of a time for you.
Say; Hey Dr. I left a message last week-I'm know you must not have gotten it. This is bad timing on this med change. I have no patience with it becuase school is at critical mass right now. I was functioning better with my old med can I please return to that safety zone, at least for a time? In X amount of time things will be calmer and we can explore changes then.
JB-I doubt you will even get this far into the conversation before he says sure.
He sounds kind, reasonable and you two have established trust. You are making a perfectly reasonable request.
Pretend it's your hairdresser who suggested a new hair color. She did a lovely job but it is just not you. You are thankful she is always wanting to improve her work and never want her to stop but this particular time it just didn't suit you.
Put it on your to-do list and do it. No more overthinking.
This is the good advice my best friend gives me.
Complete the task.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 20:59:16
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 2, 2007, at 20:07:41
I know. I should. What I'm doing to myself right now is not healthy in any way. I just sometimes want to give up because these are chronic conditions, more or less, and that seems so daunting to have to think about at a young age. I'd like to be normal. Guess that's not a choice.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 4:01:02
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 20:59:16
No need to give up, JB.
You only need a small adjustment for you to carry on with your important work. You will have time for a new stratagy soon.
I hope you make that call so that you can get on with it.
Take Care,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 5:18:44
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 4:01:02
> No need to give up, JB.
>
> You only need a small adjustment for you to carry on with your important work. You will have time for a new stratagy soon.
>
> I hope you make that call so that you can get on with it.
>
> Take Care,
> Kaye
Wow... I thought I was the only super early bird who is online at 6 AM!Yea, I need a small dose adjust, or to drop the XR all together. It's completely worthless to me. I know it's supposed to last all day, but most say it doesn't, and I tend to metabolize meds quickly.
So I'd think there would be breakthrough anxiety at the end of the day or in the morning (Although maybe it's like Valium where one become "saturated". I don't think so though, since it's still alprozolam which has a fairly short half-life. Haha, I don't know. I'm not a pharmacist, I pulled out my pharmacy school applications!).
Nope. Not at all. Because it's constant anxiety! Ahhh!
Oh well, I'll go work out now... the gym opened at 5:30, why am I not there?! Weird, I know... strange biorhythms I guess.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 18:25:37
In reply to Re: I should hit myself. » KayeBaby, posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 5:18:44
LOL.
No early bird. Night Owl.Not usually that late, though.
I quit taking my Wellbutrin yesterday as I suspected it was starting to make me blah. It always does after a couple of months. I was feeling so much better yesterday I just didn't want to go to sleep.
WB is great for pulling me out of a hole but goes south on me fast. It has never been stimulating to me and if I go over 100-150 it can be really bad. 300 caused me the worst depression of my life once. I was emotionally flatlined.
I hope your situation improves very soon.
Keep on, girl. We need folks like you in the medical field.peace,
Kaye
Posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 18:41:51
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 18:25:37
Jelly listen that xanax xr did not cover me at all. And I agree with Kaye. Right now I'm trying to get back on the valium and fear is so high that I'm on an increably high dose and it dosn't hold me why!!!! I should never have changed from the low dose I was on then all the other ones in such a short time. Love Phillipa ps from l5mg of valium to 40mg!!!!!
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 18:54:33
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 18:25:37
> LOL.
> No early bird. Night Owl.
>
> Not usually that late, though.
>
> I quit taking my Wellbutrin yesterday as I suspected it was starting to make me blah. It always does after a couple of months. I was feeling so much better yesterday I just didn't want to go to sleep.
>
> WB is great for pulling me out of a hole but goes south on me fast. It has never been stimulating to me and if I go over 100-150 it can be really bad. 300 caused me the worst depression of my life once. I was emotionally flatlined.
>
> I hope your situation improves very soon.
> Keep on, girl. We need folks like you in the medical field.
>
> peace,
> KayeOh ok, I think we must have big time zone differences. I forget we're all in varying locations.
That's how I felt about WB too. Just a bit dull. I didn't notice until I went off and felt more alive. I did however notice a majorrr dulling with Effexor. My quote to my PA was: "My favorite activity is staring at walls." Seriously. I would have been content to stare at walls all day, and would have had I not been packed with a schedule of classes, work, and interning.
Thanks. I'm working my way up to caring enough to call my doc again and continue treatment.
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