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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 6:55:07
Hi I'm the little sister. I wanted to let you know that Gabbi's 'okay' but in the hospital.
She's had a particularly rough go of it lately and will probably be there for a while.I know your support has been a life line and that she wouldn't want you to worry if you didn't here from her.
You can still write though, I'll try and get her mail to her.
Thanks Everyone.
Posted by Ginjoint on October 8, 2002, at 7:20:20
In reply to to Gabbi's friends, posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 6:55:07
Hi Gabbi!
Take as much time as you need...we'll be here for you when you get back. Please know that in the middle of the night, I will be thinking of you and sending comforting thoughts your way.
Your friend,
Ginjoint
Posted by tina on October 8, 2002, at 7:35:18
In reply to Re: to Gabbi's friends, posted by Ginjoint on October 8, 2002, at 7:20:20
Send gabbi my good thoughts and lots of hugs.
thanks for letting us know
tina
Posted by Dinah on October 8, 2002, at 8:53:35
In reply to Thanks little sister, posted by tina on October 8, 2002, at 7:35:18
Thanks for telling us about Gabbi. I sent her an email, but since I'm not sure which messages she will get more easily, could you pass on a few messages from me?
Gabbi, it wasn't too long ago that super-pdoc showed you that big book of medications and reminded you of how many there were to try (especially including combinations). That was only two medications ago, and there are plenty left to try. The hospital is a great place to try them, too. They can monitor your reactions, so that you won't be sent spinning again.
Gabbi, I'm sending you eleventy-seven warm wishes and good thoughts (maybe even more). And I'm sending them with enormous fondness, from Dinah. Take care of yourself.
Posted by Medusa on October 8, 2002, at 9:25:43
In reply to to Gabbi's friends, posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 6:55:07
> Hi I'm the little sister. I wanted to let you know that Gabbi's 'okay' but in the hospital.
>Hey, thanks for updating us. I'm glad to know Gabbi's getting help. I've been concerned about her.
> You can still write though, I'll try and get her mail to her.
>Is she interested in reading mail? are you checking her e-mail as well?
Best to Gabbi,
M.
Posted by Roo on October 8, 2002, at 10:10:46
In reply to pretty worried, whether or not I hear from her, posted by Medusa on October 8, 2002, at 9:25:43
Gabbi--
I love you! I hope you feel better soon! Sent you
an email. You are good.
Posted by Ted on October 8, 2002, at 12:38:52
In reply to to Gabbi's friends, posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 6:55:07
Give her a ((((((((big hug)))))))) for me. Tell her I miss her.
Ted
Posted by Tabßitha on October 8, 2002, at 14:22:24
In reply to to Gabbi's friends, posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 6:55:07
Thanks, little sister. I'll try emailing. Please keep us posted if you can.
Posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 14:31:34
In reply to Re: to Gabbi's friends » GabbiX2, posted by Ted on October 8, 2002, at 12:38:52
Yes I will be checking her e-mail as much as I can and I'll print out a few and bring them, she's certainly into reading them.
You guys really do care! It wonderful you know cause we just don't know what to say to her anymore, its been so long and its hard for us too. Its reassuring that you can see her personality too. She is the coolest I'm her sister and I think that! She's got so much and it makes no difference.
Its helped somehow to know that there are other people as smart and funny going through the same stuff as awful and sad as it is too.
I've actually heard quite a bit about a lot of you I remember now that I see the names.
Ted you are the one who thought the Austrolopithicus joke was funny right? Now there are three of us.
Dinah you're the woman who signs with "enormous fondness"
Thanks you guys. Its helped us the family I meanto know there are people who understand and really do care.
Posted by Robin David John on October 8, 2002, at 16:06:14
In reply to Re: to Gabbi's friends, posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 14:31:34
> Yes I will be checking her e-mail as much as I can and I'll print out a few and bring them, she's certainly into reading them.
>
> You guys really do care! It wonderful you know cause we just don't know what to say to her anymore, its been so long and its hard for us too. Its reassuring that you can see her personality too. She is the coolest I'm her sister and I think that! She's got so much and it makes no difference.
> Its helped somehow to know that there are other people as smart and funny going through the same stuff as awful and sad as it is too.
> I've actually heard quite a bit about a lot of you I remember now that I see the names.
> Ted you are the one who thought the Austrolopithicus joke was funny right? Now there are three of us.
> Dinah you're the woman who signs with "enormous fondness"
> Thanks you guys. Its helped us the family I meanto know there are people who understand and really do care.
>
>
>I GabbiX2 ..I was in the hospital like your sister and stayed for 6 day and 5 night ..I was holding on by my finger nails. Wrong meds ..now 6 weeks later and i'm doing great ..My prayers go out to your family and Gabbi. The hospital really helped me ..I whistle and sing every day now ..hopefuly she will be dancing up a storm when she gets out...Thanks for letting us know how she is doing
>
>
>
Posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 17:58:23
In reply to Re: to Gabbi's friends » GabbiX2, posted by Robin David John on October 8, 2002, at 16:06:14
I've got to work tomorrow, so I won't be at the computer until I get back into town.
Thanks everyone.
I don't know a lot about the medication and stuff but I did find out a few things today and I'm starting to hope that this is something medication related.
I can't say more cause otherwise she's going to be embarassed when she gets back.
Take care of yourselves.
Posted by shar on October 9, 2002, at 12:38:17
In reply to Thanks, posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 17:58:23
Lil Sis: Thanks so much for thinking of us. I know 'mental illness' can be very hard for family members, especially those who want to help, but there really isn't anything to be done. I feel for you, and am thankful for your patience on Big Sis's behalf.
Gabbi: Good deal that you're getting taken care of in a safe place. I'm very happy to hear that. I will await your return, and in the interim, send you (tons of) well wishes and good vibes. And, telepathically send a (((((((hug)))))) or two.
Shar
Posted by GabbiX2 on October 9, 2002, at 16:02:57
In reply to To Lil Sis and Gabbi, posted by shar on October 9, 2002, at 12:38:17
Thank you Shar. I couldn't help but think of you.
You have been spoken of so often.
I was cynical at first. Not anymore.
Dinah. I can see why you are called St.Dinah
I didn't read your entire letter I thought it was the first paragraph.
She told you about Eleventy-seven!
What other family secrets has she revealed?
It was a touching letter. Much appreciated.
You know there are three girls in the family
and my sister (Gabbi) talks the least!!???
Its no surprise my Dad is the silent type.Thanks again.
R
Posted by Dinah on October 9, 2002, at 16:32:13
In reply to Re: Lil Sis and Gabbi and Eleventy-seven, posted by GabbiX2 on October 9, 2002, at 16:02:57
I knew there were three of you, and Gabbi speaks fondly of her two sisters. I am envious as my only sibling and I are not close. But I can tell how much she cares for both of you.
But that she is the quietest of the three of you? Now that I did not know. She has never revealed that secret. :)
I do hope she feels better soon. I have thought since the beginning that the Effexor did not agree with her (it did nasty things to me).
Send her lots of hugs from me.
(Not at all St.)
Dinah
Posted by SandraDee on October 9, 2002, at 16:48:51
In reply to to Gabbi's friends, posted by GabbiX2 on October 8, 2002, at 6:55:07
Gabbi, I'm sorry I didn't get to PSB before now, not that I can do anything. But know that even when I don't check in at PSB, I often think of you and send warm thoughts. My daughter says to get well soon so she can come play "wif" you. Remember she's only 3 :)
I had just made up a halloweeny/fall card to send you two days ago and was thinking I hadn't checked in here for a couple days. See what I miss?! Thanks to lil sis for updating all of us. I know I worry when I don't hear back from you in emails. I'll try to send your card soon, I was waiting for some pictures to add to it - maybe I won't wait for them.
Get well -
Just me
Posted by GABBI X2 on October 9, 2002, at 23:25:52
In reply to My dear Gabbi » GabbiX2, posted by SandraDee on October 9, 2002, at 16:48:51
Hi
Thank-you everyone, I'm back for tonight.
The hospitals here don't do a lot most help is done on an outpatient basis so its not making much difference.I'm absolutely awful. Never worse actually.
Effexor was an absolute nightmare I went absolutely mad. Drove anybody who was left in my life away for good, family excepted.My Psychiatrist and GP are having strong differences of opinion my GP is willing to give me something to ease the immediate agony my Psychiatrist is nixing the idea, he's usually right but he hasn't given a reason yet.
What possible damage could it do at this point?
supposed to start E.C.T> next month.
I'm being told its effective and safe, I don't know though If its all that beneficial and side-effect free why wasn't I given it years ago?Thaks again
I'm tired.
Posted by Ted on October 9, 2002, at 23:41:51
In reply to Ravaged wrecked , posted by GABBI X2 on October 9, 2002, at 23:25:52
No, Gabbi, you didn't drive away everyone except family. You still have all of us, like it or not. I sincerely hope you start feeling better soon. Drop me an email as soon as you feel up to it.
((((((((((Gabbi))))))))))
Take care, eat well, get lots of rest, and do your best to *relax*.
You can count on us if you need to talk.
ted
Posted by Medusa on October 9, 2002, at 23:45:08
In reply to Ravaged wrecked , posted by GABBI X2 on October 9, 2002, at 23:25:52
Girl, glad to hear from you. I've been in that post-Effexor hell. Well, you know all about that.
ECT was the next step the pdocs wanted to take with me, too. Risks include memory loss and I don't know what else, so it's not the first remedy they try. When I found out that it has to be repeated to maintain the effect, there was no way I was going to subject myself to that. I did consider it ... I was in a really, really bad place, and if there was help, I was willing.
I didn't have ECT ... although venlafaxine's half-life is short, it (in my experience) takes a long time for the body to really get rid of it and get back to pre-Effexor state. A few months, even.
I'm no doc, but ... is there any way you can wait this out without adding ECT or anything dramatic? you've just been through hell, you're still in hell, and ... maybe if you need something to calm you down, I dunno. Have you tried "self-hypnosis" exercises? If you can find a therapist who'll teach you how to do this, and if you can get yourself to do it, it might provide a lot of relief while you're riding out the Effexor madness.
Mostly just empathising,
M.
Posted by GABBI X2 on October 10, 2002, at 0:18:27
In reply to Re: Ravaged wrecked , posted by Medusa on October 9, 2002, at 23:45:08
It is not my family who is patient.
No it is I who needs the patience.
The patience to deal with normal people who do not find anything spectacular in my dissertations on the varying qualities of psychiatric hospitals, or my story of the year I just slept..Seriously though Thank-you Shar for the hugs and for letting my sister know that she was doing all she could. Its so important that she hear it from someone besides me, validating.
You are the best. All of you.
Posted by GABBI X2 on October 10, 2002, at 0:37:24
In reply to Re: Ravaged wrecked , posted by Medusa on October 9, 2002, at 23:45:08
Tabitha Sandra Dee Dinah Ginjoint RdJ OH
All of youYeah I'm back sort of.
Medusa thanks again your empathy was music to my ears (or would have been without the Effexor induced tinnutus.
I would like to try to find out where I'm at exactly, without any effexor, before I try anything else.
Most of the pressure to keep meddling before I know whats really going on is that I'm so dependent on everyone else and its scary.
So powerless and scary. And not one small thing to look forward too, nothing even food tastes disgusting.
There's no safe place to go and just be crazy til its over you know. Someone is always watching and concerned, or has expectations I can't meet no matter how basic. I'm wearing everybody out its been 10 years.Some of the added depression I'm sure is simply because of the length of the chemical depression.
It's eaten away at everything.
My needy and helpless hopeless attitude scares people and the more people distance themselves the needier and more hopeless I get.I feel like I'm on some life-support system, where everything is technically running but "me"
If I could even hold down a job. Something so it wouldn't seem as if the world is going on while I'm on pause, I don't even at this point know what I'm trying to get to
Most of its vanished, I'm like bloody Rip-Van-Winkle.Amazingly enough you guys did manage to make me smile, and feel a little warmer.
Ted thanks for reassuring me that I didn't drive everyone away. Its so damn scary.A freak friend of mine did make me laugh by giving me instructions on building a padded room for the home. He said "All you really need is about 100 pillows, some rubber sheets that you can buy at any goth store in the mall, and a staple gun'!
Ah what would we do without that bleak "been there humor"
Posted by Tabßitha on October 10, 2002, at 3:48:37
In reply to Re: Ravaged wrecked and oddly blessed .Medusa » Medusa, posted by GABBI X2 on October 10, 2002, at 0:37:24
Hi Sweetie,
I'm glad you're back in one piece. Ten years is a long time to struggle, I know. Just consider it your lost decade. All the really cool people have one.
What the heck do goths do with rubber sheets? Should I know this?
Seriously though, I hope you keep posting during the tough times, for our sake and yours.
Love,
Tabby
Posted by Dinah on October 10, 2002, at 5:56:38
In reply to Re: Ravaged wrecked and oddly blessed .Medusa » Medusa, posted by GABBI X2 on October 10, 2002, at 0:37:24
Ahh Gabbi Gabbi,
While I'm really glad your family is there for you, Ted is right. You haven't driven everyone away. Certainly not us.
I understand how it can be scary to feel dependent, and stifling to feel watched over. But you are precious to many, especially your family, and it's so natural for them to want to protect you until you can protect yourself. Have yourself just a wee rest until you feel better, and let them feel better by fussing over you.
> My needy and helpless hopeless attitude scares people and the more people distance themselves the needier and more hopeless I get.
>Hmmmmm. I'll bet that particular dynamic sounds familiar to a fair number of us here. :) I play it out mainly with my therapist. There are ways to help that you know, although let's get through this particularly nasty bout of effexor withdrawals before worrying about it. One thing at a time.
And you and your family hold your pdoc's feet to the fire on the short term relief. If there's a reason not to offer it, you make him explain why. You've had a rough time of it lately. While I understand that you want to see what you feel like off the effexor, speaking as one who recently went through effexor hell, a bit of soothing along the way can make a lot of difference.
Take care Gabbi Gabbi,
Dinah
Posted by ROO on October 10, 2002, at 8:58:36
In reply to Re: Ravaged wrecked and oddly blessed » GABBI X2, posted by Dinah on October 10, 2002, at 5:56:38
Gabbi...
Don't really know what to say...except that I'm thinking
of you and that I'm wishing you the best. I can't think of
much to say because this damn topomax makes me really stupid
and blank headed which is a blessing and a curse.I can relate, of course, to all your saying. Somehow I don't really
think you've driven away some of these people forever...I think that may
be the depression talking. Sometimes people just don't know what to do. I feel
like I've driven away people too.There's nothing wrong with being needy, we are _all_ needy...and we all
need to be needed too.
I don't know know...I'm probably not being comforting at all...mostly I just
care about you...I think you're the greatest, and I know you're going to be
okay eventually, and that you're going to make it through this. I feel lucky
to know you and for our paths to have crossed. You're going to feel strong and
confident again...you have a lot to give, and you've already given more than you
know.Thinking of you--Roo
Posted by shar on October 11, 2002, at 1:40:54
In reply to Re: Ravaged wrecked and oddly blessed .Medusa » Medusa, posted by GABBI X2 on October 10, 2002, at 0:37:24
>Someone is always watching and concerned, or has expectations I can't meet no matter how basic. I'm wearing everybody out its been 10 years.
...........This is very wearing on the soul. I can understand what you are talking about; and it's hard when people are obviously worried but can't do anything, and YOU (or me, in my case) end up being the one trying to soothe THEM.
Effexor withdrawal knocked me on my ass. It was totally unexpected, and very severe; I'd never had much trouble getting off any meds, but this was completely different. It is probably not a good time to be too evaluative of your life, while going thru all this.
I believe any relief you can get would be worth it. It took me a couple of months to really start feeling ok again. My pdoc said to take .5 klonopin when needed (I was having these huge outbursts of rage and tears), and to up my Wellbutrin by 100 mg for a few weeks. I'm much better now....8-)
>
> Ted thanks for reassuring me that I didn't drive everyone away. Its so damn scary.........I'll ditto that--the reassurance and the scariness. I think most of us have been in similar circumstances, and if that drove us away this would be a very quiet board, probably populated only by students who have to do a paper on abnormal psychology and want someone to talk to them.
>
> A freak friend of mine did make me laugh by giving me instructions on building a padded room for the home. He said "All you really need is about 100 pillows, some rubber sheets that you can buy at any goth store in the mall, and a staple gun'!..........hahaha, that's a good un.
Take good care now, GG. The effexor bs will eventually abate, and you have my sympathy til it does. And, imo, you shouldn't begin ECT until it feels quite right to you. I've heard of side effects from it, but, everything seems to have side effects.
Shar
Posted by GABBI X2 on October 11, 2002, at 14:17:14
In reply to Re: Ravaged wrecked and oddly blessed » GABBI X2, posted by shar on October 11, 2002, at 1:40:54
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