Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1096493

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Re: Not fun. That's okay, though.

Posted by PeterMartin on January 7, 2018, at 3:48:47

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by baseball55 on January 4, 2018, at 18:23:22

Wow that's crazy! Definitely noticed you weren't around / missed your posts. As bad as how what you're going through sounds like I'm glad it wasn't mental health related (final).

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » PeterMartin

Posted by SLS on January 7, 2018, at 13:02:46

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by PeterMartin on January 7, 2018, at 3:48:47

> Wow that's crazy! Definitely noticed you weren't around / missed your posts. As bad as how what you're going through sounds like I'm glad it wasn't mental health related (final).

Thanks. I'm still working towards remission of bipolar depression. I haven't given up. Unfortunately, the disruption of my treatment regime resulted in a partial relapse. I was getting so close!


- Scott

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though.

Posted by Hugh on January 7, 2018, at 15:44:46

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » PeterMartin, posted by SLS on January 7, 2018, at 13:02:46

I'm sorry to hear that, Scott. What a close call!

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though.

Posted by Lamdage22 on January 8, 2018, at 9:02:13

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by PeterMartin on January 7, 2018, at 3:48:47

I have my meds listed in my wallet in the hopes that this wont happen to me. I need to update it though. I am changing dosages regularly.

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though.

Posted by Lamdage22 on January 8, 2018, at 9:30:35

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by Lamdage22 on January 8, 2018, at 9:02:13

I wonder what they will do with odd dosages. Right now i am even though. So when will you be able to go home?

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » Lamdage22

Posted by SLS on January 8, 2018, at 10:14:31

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by Lamdage22 on January 8, 2018, at 9:30:35

> I wonder what they will do with odd dosages. Right now i am even though. So when will you be able to go home?

Tentatively, we are looking at this Thursday. I think that's pushing it a bit, though. I am making gains with balance and walking. My legs are weak, but I think they are strong enough for me to climb the stairs necessary to go home. I can't complain. I am grateful to be alive and have four functional limbs.

Thanks for asking.


- Scott

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » SLS

Posted by Phillipa on January 8, 2018, at 10:39:16

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » Lamdage22, posted by SLS on January 8, 2018, at 10:14:31

Pt at home to keep working with the strength in your legs. Do you have someone to help you at home?Phillipa

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though.

Posted by Lamdage22 on January 8, 2018, at 11:29:00

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » Lamdage22, posted by SLS on January 8, 2018, at 10:14:31

It is good that you are grateful and it accentuates your will to live. Keep it up:)

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though.

Posted by SLS on January 9, 2018, at 19:51:31

In reply to Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by SLS on January 4, 2018, at 12:55:07

> My appendix ruptured and I went into septic shock. The pain was intense. Emergency surgery took 3.5 hours. Afterwards, I spent several days on a ventilator in critical condition. Not fun. It was not clear whether or not I would survive. I am happy to still be here. Unfortunately, my psych meds got screwed up. This is a big setback. I am still not taking the minimum effective dosage of Parnate, which, for me, is 80 mg/day. The depression is not crushing, thank God, but I look forward to having the dosage of Parnate increased as of tomorrow. I am currently in a rehab facility. I am recovering strength and stamina, but I still have to learn how to balance and walk. I can't believe how debilitated I am. Still, they think that I should fully recover. :-)

After two weeks of physical therapy at the rehab center, I'm just about ready to be discharged. I will be having a team meeting tomorrow afternoon to discuss my progress and readiness to go home and return to my usual activities. I have some trepidations, but the physical therapists assure me that I am ready to leave. I have been asking to do extra "stand ups" that I perform more like a squat. This one exercise has probably helped me more than any other in preparing me to climb up and down the flight of stairs leading to my apartment.

I have suffered a set-back in my treatment of bipolar depression. I was taken off of Parnate at the hospital, and I began to relapse. It took quite a bit of convincing the doctors at the hospital and rehab center to consult with my psychiatrist and agree to bring the dosage of Parnate back up to 80 mg/day using a gradual titration schedule. I have been at 80 mg/day for only 5 days, but I am experiencing a mild improvement. Despite this, I have begun to lose my optimism. I hope I still have some fight left in me. I would like to return to work and feel like I have rejoined mainstream society. It would be nice to meet new people and have some fun.


- Scott

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » SLS

Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2018, at 22:15:17

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by SLS on January 9, 2018, at 19:51:31

Scott congrats on being discharged tomorrow to home. You have a lot of fight left in you. Set small goals and go slow and you will achieve your dreams Phillipa

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » Phillipa

Posted by SLS on January 10, 2018, at 19:59:49

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » SLS, posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2018, at 22:15:17

> Scott congrats on being discharged tomorrow to home. You have a lot of fight left in you. Set small goals and go slow and you will achieve your dreams Phillipa

That's the best of advice. Thank you.


- Scott

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » SLS

Posted by baseball55 on January 10, 2018, at 20:49:14

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » Phillipa, posted by SLS on January 10, 2018, at 19:59:49

Keep us posted on what's happening, Scott. It's hard, but you are one tough hombre.

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though.

Posted by Mogger on January 11, 2018, at 12:11:20

In reply to Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by SLS on January 4, 2018, at 12:55:07

Scott I am so shocked to read your post but so glad you are feeling better! Hang in there the rehab will get easier.

 

feel better friend

Posted by Jeroen on January 16, 2018, at 3:32:51

In reply to Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by SLS on January 4, 2018, at 12:55:07

feel better soon my friend!

yes i know such a pain too i had an infection around my apendix or some sort almost died

 

Re: feel better friend » Jeroen

Posted by SLS on January 16, 2018, at 7:40:35

In reply to feel better friend, posted by Jeroen on January 16, 2018, at 3:32:51

> feel better soon my friend!
>
> yes i know such a pain too i had an infection around my apendix or some sort almost died

I'm glad that we are both still alive.


- Scott

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » SLS

Posted by Tony P on January 17, 2018, at 20:14:50

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by SLS on January 9, 2018, at 19:51:31

Just saw this hope you are doing well, and I appreciate even more your answers to my recent posts when you are dealing with both physical and emotional pain yourself.

I had appendicitis as a teenager,and both my mother, who was a doctor, and my GP thought it was probably nothing serious, gastritis or "schoolitis", but luckily the surgeon said "I have a hunch" and went in. My appendix was curled back so far the surgeon had trouble locating it, but when he did, it was very close to rupturing. We are both lucky and you have my best wishes.

Tony

 

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Scott! (nm)

Posted by porkpiehat on January 19, 2018, at 21:02:33

In reply to Re: Not fun. That's okay, though. » SLS, posted by Tony P on January 17, 2018, at 20:14:50

 

Re: Wishing you a speedy recovery, Scott!

Posted by SLS on January 25, 2018, at 19:32:10

In reply to Wishing you a speedy recovery, Scott! (nm), posted by porkpiehat on January 19, 2018, at 21:02:33

FINAL DIAGNOSES:

1. Perforated appendicitis with generalized peritonitis.
2. Septic shock.
3. Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia.
4. Pneumonia.
5. Acute kidney failure.
6. Bipolar disorder.
7. Dehydration.
8. Kidney stone.
9. Anemia.

 

Re: Wishing you a speedy recovery, Scott! » SLS

Posted by Phillipa on January 25, 2018, at 20:22:05

In reply to Re: Wishing you a speedy recovery, Scott!, posted by SLS on January 25, 2018, at 19:32:10

Scott you are so lucky to be alive. There is a reason for that. How is the Physical Theraphy going? Getting stronger so glad you are still with us Phillipa

 

Re: Not fun. That's okay, though.

Posted by Roslynn on February 20, 2018, at 10:24:49

In reply to Not fun. That's okay, though., posted by SLS on January 4, 2018, at 12:55:07

Hi Scott,

I just got back on PB and saw your post. Just wanted to say I hope you are doing better and fully recovered :)

-R

 

Re: feel better friend » SLS

Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 1, 2018, at 14:02:51

In reply to Re: feel better friend » Jeroen, posted by SLS on January 16, 2018, at 7:40:35

So sorry to hear how ill you've been. Were you able to go home from the rehabilitation centre?

Ed

 

Re: feel better friend » ed_uk2010

Posted by SLS on March 1, 2018, at 20:42:34

In reply to Re: feel better friend » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on March 1, 2018, at 14:02:51

Hi, Ed.

> So sorry to hear how ill you've been.

Thanks. I've always appreciated your kindness and civility.

> Were you able to go home from the rehabilitation centre?

I was able to walk pretty well after being in physical therapy for two weeks. I have been home for several weeks. I am lucky to be alive, of course, but I am sad to see how much muscle mass I've lost.

My depression is still severe enough such that I plan on changing my treatment regime. I will be coming off of Parnate and switching to vortioxetine first and then on to venlafaxine if necessary. At the very least, I expect to experience a partial response to high dosages of venlafaxine > 300 mg/day. I have done so in the past, but not in combination with the other drugs that I am taking.

Parnate 80 mg/day
nortriptyline 100 mg/day
Lamictal 300 mg/day
lithium 300 mg/day
aripiprazole 15 mg/day
prazosin 20 mg/day

You are always generous with your time and energy.

So...

How are you?


- Scott

 

Re: feel better friend » SLS

Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 1, 2018, at 21:31:27

In reply to Re: feel better friend » ed_uk2010, posted by SLS on March 1, 2018, at 20:42:34

Well thank you Scott... although I haven't been that generous with my time or energy lately - I've hardly been here! :) It is actually really good to see your name, but sad to hear you've been so sick.

That's good news that you're home now. I hope you can regain the lost muscle mass as quickly as it disappeared while you were sick.

>Parnate 80 mg/day
>nortriptyline 100 mg/day
>Lamictal 300 mg/day
>lithium 300 mg/day
>aripiprazole 15 mg/day
>prazosin 20 mg/day

Same as before but an extra 5mg aripiprazole? I can't remember if you used to be on 300mg Lamictal or 200mg.

I think vortioxetine makes sense, as something you've not tried (I think?). Then venlafaxine is like a fall back if it doesn't work out. Is that the plan?

 

Re: feel better friend » ed_uk2010

Posted by SLS on March 2, 2018, at 8:28:04

In reply to Re: feel better friend » SLS, posted by ed_uk2010 on March 1, 2018, at 21:31:27

> Well thank you Scott... although I haven't been that generous with my time or energy lately - I've hardly been here! :) It is actually really good to see your name, but sad to hear you've been so sick.
>
> That's good news that you're home now. I hope you can regain the lost muscle mass as quickly as it disappeared while you were sick.

> >Parnate 80 mg/day
> >nortriptyline 100 mg/day
> >Lamictal 300 mg/day
> >lithium 300 mg/day
> >aripiprazole 15 mg/day
> >prazosin 20 mg/day

> Same as before but an extra 5mg aripiprazole? I can't remember if you used to be on 300mg Lamictal or 200mg.

Your memory of my treatment history is remarkable. I found that going up in aripiprazole was helpful. However, I actually deteriorated when I tried going to 20 mg/day. I did several rechallenges to confirm this. For me, a therapeutic window exists for aripiprazole. I have not heard this from anyone else here. I do find Lamictal at 300 mg/day significantly more helpful than 200 mg/day, and with no additional side effects.

> I think vortioxetine makes sense, as something you've not tried (I think?). Then venlafaxine is like a fall back if it doesn't work out. Is that the plan?

That is exactly the plan. It would be nice to respond to vortioxetine. In addition to exerting an antidepressant effect, the drug is capable of improving - and even enhancing - memory and cognition in people with and without depression. I could really use that.

So...

How are YOU doing?

You cannot escape this question!


- Scott

 

Re: feel better friend » SLS

Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 2, 2018, at 17:36:28

In reply to Re: feel better friend » ed_uk2010, posted by SLS on March 2, 2018, at 8:28:04

Hi,

>Your memory of my treatment history is remarkable.

It's just because you always made it clear what you took, whereas most people don't.

>I found that going up in aripiprazole was helpful. However, I actually deteriorated when I tried going to 20 mg/day. I did several rechallenges to confirm this. For me, a therapeutic window exists for aripiprazole. I have not heard this from anyone else here.

I don't think that's too surprising. Looking at psychosis, there is a tendency for high doses of aripiprazole to have minimal or no additional effectiveness compared with standard doses in the long run, and to cause more adverse effects. Antipsychotics can readily become dysphoric if too much is taken, so a therapeutic window in depression does make sense. I imagine it's not been reported on here because most users don't get prescribed high doses for depression without psychosis... and those suffering from depression with psychosis may be less likely to report the dose-response relationship.

>In addition to exerting an antidepressant effect, the drug is capable of improving - and even enhancing - memory and cognition in people with and without depression.

That would be great. What is the plan with the Parnate to vortioxetine switch?

>You cannot escape this question!

I'm actually kind of OK. Not amazing, but nothing particularly remarkable to report. I suppose I'd talk more about myself if I had something interesting to say! What I need at the moment is a holiday.

ed


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