Comments on: Sheer Will

By: Barb

Barb — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:02:38 +0000

That’s exactly why I’m reluctant to try new therapies — because I don’t want to see what, if anything, happens even if it’s good. I’m just so tired of taking so many meds. I take about 9 or 10 separate tablets/caplets at night and can gulp all of them with one swallow of water. Kinda sad. Or scary.

By: Noisy Quiet

Noisy Quiet — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:17:56 +0000

Not TMI -This is, of course, JUST a suggestion, because what the heck do I know about all of your specifics… but look into natural progesterone therapy too. I’m sure you can find out tons about it on the web. It helps a lot of people -and of course does nothing or does screwy things for others Dontcha hate that?
Noisy Quiet´s last blog ..I have 3 pairs of scissors

By: Barb

Barb — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:24:39 +0000

Oh, and the hormone thing — I forgot to tell you. When I was diagnosed with a uterine fibroid a couple years ago, which has, unfortunately, increased my PMS symptoms including depression, I went through so many different oral contraceptives. Ugh. We finally found one that eases the emotional symptoms (depression, irritability) somewhat, but at least makes my periods regular. Sorry if that’s TMI.

By: Noisy Quiet

Noisy Quiet — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:54:25 +0000

Those are good reasons. Those are both potential side effects. Of course there’s always the chance you might not get those side effects, but they’d be a real PITA (no pun intended! Lol!) if you did!

By: Barb

Barb — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:23:09 +0000

You know, my pdoc and I had discussed tricyclics years ago, but I can’t remember why the vote was no. Probably the side effects; they include constipation (which I certainly don’t need because of my IBS) and weight gain. I refuse to take anything that will cause me to gain weight because no matter how much better the medication might make you feel, you can work out and diet as much as you wnat but that weight will not go away until you stop taking it. I had an extremely bad experience with Lamictal and do not want to repeat it.

By: Noisy Quiet

Noisy Quiet — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:51:01 +0000

Sorry to hear about all this. I understand not wanting to go the MAOI route if possible, but why not tricyclics? Also, if you haven’t already tried done so, consider seeing someone about balancing out your hormones. -You know… just for kicks For some people, that does wonders for the “out of nowhere” changes. Might not cure everything, but heck, if it even just takes the edge off at times, it’s worth it.

Hope things even out to a more tolerable level for you soon.
Noisy Quiet´s last blog ..Back dated post

By: Barb

Barb — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:13:56 +0000

I just wish I could remember if the last time I was on that patch if I was taking Tegretol. Brian insists that I was, but I could’ve been on Depakote or Lamictal, I really don’t know. Part of me would still rather have the ECT because the effects are instantaneous — no waiting for weeks to see if it works. And no obsessive thoughts about using the patch or worrying about what I eat! Anyway, still waiting to hear from the pdoc about the EMSAM and if it’s OK to use with Tegretol. One of the office managers even left a message with his wife so you’d think he’d call back by now! Or maybe that was a bad idea. LOL

Anyway, I have more energy today than yesterday, so that’s something.

By: crazybeanrider

crazybeanrider — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:54:12 +0000

It is frustrating when you have come to a point where you only have very little option of choosing your treatment. I am at the stage where my doctor recommends the ECT treatments because I have been through every medication.

You are at least doing something, which is better than nothing. When you are that depressed, and you still find the kernel of energy to talk about it on your blog you are helping yourself.

I wish you the best of luck with the patch. It sounds as bad as the Clorazil the doctor wants me to try. I understand your obsessive thinking about it. Sometimes it is so dang scary taking all these medications we really know nothing about.
crazybeanrider´s last blog ..Running Through The Neighborhood Naked

By: Barb

Barb — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:22:09 +0000

Hi, Jane and welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere. My therapist has told me that not everyone, even abled people, shower every day but for me it’s a red flag. Brian thinks it’s because I have this intricate routine but that’s not true. Well, maybe, but I’ve timed myself and I can be completely showered and dressed in under 40 minutes. And that includes using the bathroom, if you know what I mean.

It’s just that when I start that downward slide, dragging myself into the tub becomes more and more of an effort, especially when I’m PMSing. On those days, I can remind myself of that and it becomes easier. Right now it’s a different story.

I’ve actually had ECT. A lot. My big fear is anesthesia, but I’m quirky about that. Anyway, it worked tremendously until I had situational stuff that triggered severe depressive episodes again. And again. The reason I’m hesitant about doing it now is because I don’t want to be hospitalized, which they do for observation for the first set of 6 — to make sure you’re OK medically. If you have maintenance ECT (1 session every 4 – 6 weeks), that can be done outpatient. The other reason is that my short-term memory is finally improving.

Chocolate — I probably could live without it, especially because of its effects on my IBS; what I’m paranoid about is accidentally eating some dish that has cheese or wine in it. What a way to go like, how much would that suck?

Thanks for writing.

By: Barb

Barb — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:11:26 +0000

Yeah, that’s why I asked to stop taking them altogether last spring. I didn’t stop on my own, of course, and my pdoc agreed to try it. I felt immediately better. Last summer was the best I’d done in years, as far as getting out of my apartment and driving places.

Honestly, I have my friend/upstairs neighbor to thank for that. But she’s a single mom and full-time student, and when school started, I didn’t have anyone who could just come down here to kick me in the ass and be like, “Come on! We’re going out for coffee!” I was able to do it on my own up until our trip to Iowa in November.

And you’re right — I did post something. You know how I’ve disappeared from my blog for months when I’m uber-depressed. I’m trying not to do that this time.