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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 12 to 36 of 45. Go back in thread:
Posted by morganpmiller on August 1, 2009, at 22:29:36
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 1, 2009, at 22:05:42
Find the right kind of pillow for back and side sleeping. I think it might make a difference.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 1, 2009, at 22:46:31
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 1, 2009, at 21:33:15
> I'm bipolar and I took Zoloft for seven years. I would have benefitted from staying on it and maybe adding a low dose of depakote and lithium or both. Or, I should have just stayed at my 100mg dose, kept taking fish oil(btw, take your fish oil!!!), kept exercising, and kept up with therapy. Instead I got off it and opened up pandora's box.
>
> Give SJW a try, maybe it helps, maybe not.
>
> You might get mood stabilizing effects and some protection from a low dose of depakote and lithium(take extended release forms of both). I'm not crazy about Lamictal but many have success with it.
>
> The key for you, if you are bipolar, is protection. You want to do whatever it takes to never ever have a major episode.i'll give SJW a shot, possibly in combination with lithium orotate - a combo i saw someone on another board using successfully for mood issues. i think part of the problem is i spent too much time ruminating over the 'right' option; my thinking's very B&W in that way. i guess if i were being logical, then SJW should be the first thing i try, because if that works it would save me a lot of hassle w/meds! are there many s/e's with low doses of mood stabilizers?
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 1, 2009, at 22:48:59
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 1, 2009, at 21:36:09
> Why not go somewhere and see a doctor that could maybe give you a good solid diagnosis?
>
> And, of course, find out if you have some type of sleep disorder, like you said you are going to do(i think??).i would love to, but i'm so broke at the moment - i'm reckless with my money (not in the sense that i buy luxury stuff, but spend it on health stuff .. sigh). i'm looking for another job at the moment so i can start seeing a psych; unfortunately, my family's health insurance doesn't cover mental health stuff.
ditto with the sleep study .. you can only get one through the public system if you're falling asleep at the wheel! going private's gonna cost me a lot.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 1, 2009, at 23:52:00
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 1, 2009, at 19:05:58
Hi ggg,
I didn't know that sleep disorders can mimic bipolar symptoms. Interesting. May I ask you what your previous Dx was for? It sounds like you've tried numerous meds.... If you're feeling like you're safe and somewhat stable, I don't see why you should rush into a drug trial. And it sounds like a sleep study might be nessesary to get a more definitive diagnosis. However, mood changes can be a rough ride, esp on a daily level--I know. It's a tough call. I'd like to hear from some of the other babblers here.
Do you have babble mail? You can e-mail someone whose name shows up in blue on the left hand top of the post. I forget how one signs up for babble mail. Maybe on the babble mail page?
fb
Posted by morganpmiller on August 1, 2009, at 23:53:23
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 1, 2009, at 22:46:31
It appears that some have had success with low doses of lithium orotate.
Make sure you get the right brand of SJW. Some take pure hyperforin for depression. Just do your research. It may help to see a naturopath.
When it comes to your mental health, some hassle is worth it in the end.
Posted by morganpmiller on August 1, 2009, at 23:59:17
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 1, 2009, at 22:48:59
It really sounds like you may be bipolar. There is a fairly large umbrella for diagnosis and it is not uncommon these days for people with symptoms like yours to fall under it. Bipolar is not an easy diagnosis to make.
I would get a hold of some lithium orotate if you can. Take 2 or 3 tablets a day.
Try SJW and give it at leas 4 to 6 weeks. Give it time to work and to find the right dose.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 2, 2009, at 0:26:37
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't » g_g_g_unit, posted by floatingbridge on August 1, 2009, at 23:52:00
> Hi ggg,
>
> I didn't know that sleep disorders can mimic bipolar symptoms. Interesting. May I ask you what your previous Dx was for? It sounds like you've tried numerous meds.... If you're feeling like you're safe and somewhat stable, I don't see why you should rush into a drug trial. And it sounds like a sleep study might be nessesary to get a more definitive diagnosis. However, mood changes can be a rough ride, esp on a daily level--I know. It's a tough call. I'd like to hear from some of the other babblers here.
>
> Do you have babble mail? You can e-mail someone whose name shows up in blue on the left hand top of the post. I forget how one signs up for babble mail. Maybe on the babble mail page?
>
> fbmy original Dx was GAD comorbid with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder.
i do have babblemail i believe .. were you wanting to contact me privately?
Posted by sam K on August 2, 2009, at 0:31:03
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 1, 2009, at 2:49:34
you cant get prescribed stimulants? i know how it feels. It makes me sick... The first day I went in the the doctors office I said, Ive taken adderall before and it helped tremendously, and I think amphetamines are the answer for my depression.
He says ill gain "tolerance" over time. So I end up trying every med available, every ssri, abilify, seroquel, all bipolar meds, then after like a year he perscribes adderall. I have been on it for the longest out of any med and its just what i expected and Im not depressed anymore.
it makes me sick that i was right about it and went on this crazy med train when it couldve been avoided.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 2, 2009, at 0:32:14
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 1, 2009, at 23:59:17
> It really sounds like you may be bipolar. There is a fairly large umbrella for diagnosis and it is not uncommon these days for people with symptoms like yours to fall under it. Bipolar is not an easy diagnosis to make.
>
> I would get a hold of some lithium orotate if you can. Take 2 or 3 tablets a day.
>
> Try SJW and give it at leas 4 to 6 weeks. Give it time to work and to find the right dose.
>
>thanks, i'll add lithium and st john's wort to my next iherb order. call me dumb, but i still don't understand the difference between bipolar and plain ol' depression, or even atypical depression.. i mean, when i say mood swings, there might be like a couple hours a day where i feel okay, but i'm not exactly all over the place .. i just feel consistently crappy
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 2, 2009, at 0:33:48
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by sam K on August 2, 2009, at 0:31:03
> you cant get prescribed stimulants? i know how it feels. It makes me sick... The first day I went in the the doctors office I said, Ive taken adderall before and it helped tremendously, and I think amphetamines are the answer for my depression.
> He says ill gain "tolerance" over time. So I end up trying every med available, every ssri, abilify, seroquel, all bipolar meds, then after like a year he perscribes adderall. I have been on it for the longest out of any med and its just what i expected and Im not depressed anymore.
> it makes me sick that i was right about it and went on this crazy med train when it couldve been avoided.
>they are heavily restricted in the southern hemisphere .. reserved for ADHD and narcolepsy. when i asked my psych for ritalin, he almost threw me out his office.
Posted by Phillipa on August 2, 2009, at 18:18:48
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 1, 2009, at 22:05:42
GGG what do you mean by manually take over your breathing? Phillipa
Posted by morganpmiller on August 2, 2009, at 20:33:32
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 2, 2009, at 0:32:14
That's why BP is so tough to diagnose. I was just throwing it out ther as a possibility. Just something to consider.
Hey, I have four unopened bottles of Relentless Improvement lithium orotate, I have no problem sending you one just to get you started. I know you are struggling for some cash right now. It would take a week to get there.
Google Relentless Improvement, they are a legit very reliable supplement company.
If anything, the lithium orotate may help with reversing some damage done to the brain by chronic depression/anxiety. Lithium may increase neurogenesis in the hippocampus, where much of the damage takes place.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 2, 2009, at 22:41:29
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 2, 2009, at 20:33:32
> That's why BP is so tough to diagnose. I was just throwing it out ther as a possibility. Just something to consider.
>
> Hey, I have four unopened bottles of Relentless Improvement lithium orotate, I have no problem sending you one just to get you started. I know you are struggling for some cash right now. It would take a week to get there.
>
> Google Relentless Improvement, they are a legit very reliable supplement company.
>
> If anything, the lithium orotate may help with reversing some damage done to the brain by chronic depression/anxiety. Lithium may increase neurogenesis in the hippocampus, where much of the damage takes place.hey - i would appreciate that so much, but feel guilty at the same time! i mean my parents can technically afford to help me, but i think they have already contributed a lot, and are just running out of patience (which i understand, since there seems to be a generational difference in how depression is comprehended).
i still think B12 is an issue; i started experiencing neurological symptoms, which have cleared a bit since starting methyl-b12. my doctor said my serum b12 and homocysteine levels were fine, but according to an expert on a site i use, the readings were in fact approaching danger level.
if you can honestly afford to spare a bottle, and think it may be of some benefit, then i would hugely appreciate you sending it.
i think i will go through with the psych visit, just be completely honest about my whole history (often i go in with some preconceived idea about treatment which often creates hostility), but i just don't know where that will get me. i hate the SSRI's, SNRI's, TCA's i've tried. Nardil was a trip, but left me feeling airheaded. all signs point to Parnate i guess, unless i could get a way with a low dose of a mood stabilizer. i keep thinking about the quote Hemingway made before he killed himself regarding electroshock treatment and about how the cure was worse than the disease. obviously i don't wanna conflate my talent with his, but the creative question complicates things so much. i feel like i'm way worse off for ever beginning psychotropic treatment, hence the title of this thread
Posted by morganpmiller on August 2, 2009, at 23:23:03
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 2, 2009, at 22:41:29
>i feel like i'm way worse off for ever beginning psychotropic treatment, hence the title of this thread.
Maybe you are, maybe you are not. I would try to give the former too much attention. I mean, you obviously needed some help to begin with, otherwise you would not have tried medication in the first place.
I have no problem sending you a bottle if you are sick of asking your parents for money. Really, it is not a problem at all.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 3, 2009, at 0:23:40
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 2, 2009, at 23:23:03
> Maybe you are, maybe you are not. I would try to give the former too much attention. I mean, you obviously needed some help to begin with, otherwise you would not have tried medication in the first place.
>
> I have no problem sending you a bottle if you are sick of asking your parents for money. Really, it is not a problem at all.
>well i rang the psych today to make an appointment and he is away til september which might be a blessing in disguise, because it gives me time to experiment with other options. i could babblemail you my postal address. i would appreciate it so much, and if there is someway i can repay you, let me know; honestly, i wouldn't feel right if i couldn't in some small way. admittedly, the only way i can think of is if you're a movie fan - i get sent screeners and stuff, so could send you something.
Posted by morganpmiller on August 3, 2009, at 1:45:19
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 3, 2009, at 0:23:40
Just babblemail me your info. and maybe we can work something out.
Posted by morganpmiller on August 3, 2009, at 1:49:45
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 3, 2009, at 1:45:19
Also, if you try SJW, you may want to try a brand similar the one Germans use with both hypericin and hyperforin. It may be wise to do this since both may have mechanisms that work on depression and anxiety.
Posted by morganpmiller on August 3, 2009, at 2:03:59
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 3, 2009, at 1:49:45
> Also, if you try SJW, you may want to try a brand similar the one Germans use with both hypericin and hyperforin. It may be wise to do this since both may have mechanisms that work on depression and anxiety.
I just realized this goes against what i earlier suggested. I would go with this suggestion over the previous one after a fellow babbler brought the Germans' use of it to my attention.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 3, 2009, at 2:04:41
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 3, 2009, at 1:49:45
> Also, if you try SJW, you may want to try a brand similar the one Germans use with both hypericin and hyperforin. It may be wise to do this since both may have mechanisms that work on depression and anxiety.
i was planning on trying Kira, since i heard that's what German doctors prescribe. i have also downloaded a "mood chart" i saw SLS post once, which may be useful to work out if i am indeed 'cycling', and which might help the pdoc out. i always try keep a diary, but then get too depressed and give up, which i know is counter-intuitive; i'll have a couple days a week where i have the motivation to start stuff, but then give up. truth be told, the bipolar Dx makes more and more sense ..
Posted by morganpmiller on August 4, 2009, at 0:45:29
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 3, 2009, at 2:04:41
Hope the Kira works for you.
Just babblemail me your address or a post office address if you want that box of lithium orotate.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 4, 2009, at 4:06:51
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 4, 2009, at 0:45:29
> Hope the Kira works for you.
>
> Just babblemail me your address or a post office address if you want that box of lithium orotate.
>hey, i did yesterday ..? you not get it?
Posted by morganpmiller on August 4, 2009, at 17:26:35
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 4, 2009, at 4:06:51
for some reason I didn't..try again and if i don't get it i will just post my email here
Posted by morganpmiller on August 4, 2009, at 18:43:15
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by g_g_g_unit on August 4, 2009, at 4:06:51
Is your babblemail turned on?
Posted by Phillipa on August 4, 2009, at 20:18:27
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 4, 2009, at 18:43:15
His name is blue so babblemail on. Phillipa hope you two reached each other.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on August 5, 2009, at 5:18:38
In reply to Re: damned if you do, damned if you don't, posted by morganpmiller on August 4, 2009, at 18:43:15
> Is your babblemail turned on?
yup. i sent you my address again. did it come through?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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