A not so good day yesterday
#195953 - 07/15/05 07:57 AM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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I had a good long talk with my bp doctor yesterday, and he basically told me he thinks I'm not doing as well as I could be.
He said he's pretty much done all he can do for me. So he recommended I see a specialist at one of the major teaching hospitals (out of town.)
I was surprised to hear him say this, but I guess I should be thankful he's being honest with me. He's tried me on so many different medicines, and I've had to discontinue each one because of the side effects. It seems like if there is a RARE side effect of a drug, I always get it! He says he's never seen anyone so sensitive to medication.
I left feeling very down. I don't want to switch doctors. I have been seeing this one for the past 3 years.
He wants me to think about it and come back to see him in 4 weeks. Now I am just going to worry about it for the next month!
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Aw, sorry to hear that! At least you'll only be seeing an out-of-town doc for this specific problem. I don't know what's it like with you, but over here our regular doc's keep track of what's happening with the specialists.
{{{hugs}}} Side effects SUCK!
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I had a terrible cough for months and it turned out to be my BP meds. It took a LONG time and a lot of different med combinations, but it finally got straightened out. This a.m. I was 120/80.
Hang in there.
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Carol
nós somos o que nós somos e o descanso é merda
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Yeah, but, sometimes a second opinion is a better opinion!! I have found that my GI- who is affiliated with a teaching hospital is more in tuned with new drugs, therapies, etc. I know about the side effect deal- if there's a side effect- I get it!!!! I also would not wait 4 weeks to let him know- call him and say you'll go- it may take you that long to get an appt there- you can always cancel if you change your mind- that way it will be there if you want it! Look up!!!
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I know it's hard to switch docs when you get so used to someone, I don't like doing that either.
Maybe someone else will give you some great advice though, you never know.
Good luck, I hope your day goes better today!
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~Cara~
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*HUGS* I have side effect reactions to lots of meds too, for instance, all of the ADs my GI tried to put me on 
Don't worry too much, don't want to set your tummy off!
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Melissa
Friendship is thicker than blood. ~Rent
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I was referring to bipolar disorder. Sorry for the confusion! I've talked about it so much on this board I assumed everyone knew what I was talking about.
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Sorry, I always think of blood pressure when I hear BP.
4 weeks seems way too long. I would try to get something sooner. You can usually get fast attention if you go to an ER with the problem. I had to do that when my family refused to see that I was having problems. My sister-in-law even told the counselor that she thought I was faking panic attacks. WHY would anyone fake that?
Any way ... good luck.
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Carol
nós somos o que nós somos e o descanso é merda
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People are just insensitive when it comes to illnesses they can't understand. My ex-roommate swore that I wasn't really sick and that I was faking it (this was all because I need my sleep with my IBS, it's one of my worst triggers, so I always told her no whenever she wanted to have lots of people over late). There are times I still think she thinks that.
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Melissa
Friendship is thicker than blood. ~Rent
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I'm sorry to hear that...but it's nice to have a doctor that doesn't want to just get all the money they can out of you. At least he's looking out for your best interests. What other options do you think are available?
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Re: So sorry!
#196000 - 07/15/05 09:18 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Switching dr's does suck but maybe this new dr will be the one to get it straightened out! I wouldn't wait for weeks either, your just going to stew about it the whole time! Call him up and get the refferal, no sense in waiting! 
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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I know it can be scarry... but at least he is honest and telling you HE needs help treating you...I admire that. Plus, as a referal... I think he will still get reports on your progress...I think. And you will still see him for everything else right?
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www.facebook.com/shell.marr
www.myspace.com/shellmarr
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Sorry BL. I've been given the same speech by a former GI doc. Told me to go to Mayo in Minnesota. Well, who can afford to go out of insurance coverage let alone travel and hotels.
I felt like a total lost cause.
I don't know what advice to give you...maybe look up some experts in your area, other than this long distance doctor. I got a book out of the library on the best doctors in the Chicagoland area...and you could look up psychiatrist and then see who list Bipolar as their interest. They might have a book like that for your City.
Also, tell him your concerns. Maybe he could consult with some other doctors and still treat you himself, but with some help.
Finally, it seems like there are a lot of us who get every side effect listed, and not listed, from any drug. I know I have been on about 8 different ADs because I couldn't tolerate any of them. I wonder if this is common with IBS folks in general. Maybe we have super hypersensitivity to food, pain, drugs, and emotional battles? 
Lot of love, sweetie.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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just wants to know just how bad it would be if I took nothing.
I'm terrified of taking anything new since this last new med I tried really screwed me up! (While on it, I felt like I was going to pass out several times, my hair started falling out, and it prolonged my period. I had menstrual cramps for weeks and had to take progestrone to restart it.)
Last night I reduced my usual med a little---and this morning I did the same. Probably not a good thing to do since we are leaving in the morning to go to the mountain inn.
I guess before I subject myself to more side effects, I want to convince myself that any med is necessary.
I know I'm probably not making any sense. Does anyone understand?
I'll probably make it 24-48 hours and then I'll get scared and up the dose again. I really would like to have a good cry, and I can't while on this med. I feel so sad, but I just can't cry!!!
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I was on Sarafem, low does prozac for YEARS! I went off everything this March which means it was still in my bod through April. NOW I am a MESS. If only we'd known something chemical was wrong...no doc would have let me off those meds.
I BEG you DO NOT GO OFF YOUR MEDS! PLEASE! I will call you on the phone and share with you how AWFUL I feel right now if that is what it takes!
Part of the illness is to go off the meds cause we think we can make it without em'. You DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS TO YOURSELF!
Seriously...I will e-mail you my # if you want to hear from me and I can tell you all about it. I'm not joking. I do NOT want you to be where I am right now. I almost checked myself into a hospital last night cause I can't do this without HELP!
I love you...
Ruch
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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It will be ok - It can be scary or disappointed that there still hasn't be a conclusion to the cure but it's much better that he is getting help instead of stringing you along for the next year not giving you straight answers.
And he never said he didn't want to see you anymore - he just said he needs someone else to help him. Sounds like you have a great doctor who isn't afraid to get your the proper help you need without dragging it out!
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Lana_Marie
Proud Mommy to Bentley Taylor
Born May 12, 2004 9lbs, 3oz
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Hey BL,
So sorry to hear you're going through this. I totally hear where you're coming from with medications, I'm super-sensitive to psychiatric medications and have had a heck of a time find something that works for me...I also seem to get the rare side effects and/or every possible side effect! It's really frustrating
Try and hang in there, maybe this new doc will really help. You have bi-polar right? So it would probably be bad to go off your meds altogether alothough I certainly understand the desire to. I'm currently being evaluated by a psychiatrist for the first time for what my GP thought was just generalized anxiety disorder, but now it looks like it could potentially be borderline personality disorder and/or somatization disorder and I'm worried about having to go on meds again.
Just a suggestion, I found a really good site for psychiatric medication info and support. I really like it, it's frank and the people really seem to know what they're talking about it. If you want to check it out it's www.crazymeds.org I remember reading a post where you said you didn't like people to refer to BP as "crazy" and I totally understand that...I think the title of the website is entirely in jest...I think it's actually run by someone with BP. Anyways, you may want to check it out...they also have a message board which is www.crazyboards.org with a specific forum for BP.
Feel better soon,
Kelly
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I too am sensative to every med out there!!! Part of why I'm so scared of meds *hugs*
I'm glad your doc was so honest...but I'm sorry that he isn't the one who will be helping you witht his particular aspect of your well being from now on. It is SO HARD to find a good doc. BUT if he is giving you a referal...hopefully it will be for ANOTHER good doc and then you'll have TWO trustworthy docs on your side!
Please take care of my friend BL for me?
Love,
Ruch
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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--------------------
Formerly known as Ruchie
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Yes, I have to agree BL, don't stop the meds. You know I consider you a friend and we have "talked" via email many times over the last year or so and if you remember, you have stopped or decreased your meds a couple of times since I've "known" you and each time, it isn't good.
Please, especially with a FUN weekend planned, stay on your meds. Don't change anything until you meet this new doctor! Hugs and have fun this weekend!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Because I wanted to see if my constipation got any less severe by stopping my meds (I have thought that my meds (LEXAPRO and KLONOPIN) are contributing to my C). And I had a breakdown. Didn't even realize why I was so emotionally a wreck until Casey asked me if I had cut my med cold turkey or had weaned myself off them. Gulp. That was a bad idea. I started back on them and will continue on them until I see my doctor in August.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Melissa
#196120 - 07/15/05 12:53 PM
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Augie
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 5807
Loc: Illinois
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Did you ever find one that you could tolerate?
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Re: Augie
#196125 - 07/15/05 12:59 PM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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FYI, I switched from Wellburtin to Lexapro a few years ago thinking the Wellbutrin was making my C worse. My GI dr said the Lexapro was the least likely to cause C! I didn't find it made any difference in my C and I actually liked how I felt on the Lexapro the best. It was the hardest to stop and start as far as the initial side effects go! I had to swicth to a lower dose of Zoloft when I started trying to get pregnant. I'm sure, after baby, I'll switch back to the Lexapro!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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I thought Lexapro was safe to take during pregnancy...am I wrong? Thanks Michele 8hugs*
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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I was told that it hasn't been tested at all, not that it isn't safe. They are just starting to do testing on the affects of Ad's and pregnancy. I did a LOT of research on it and the general concenous is that Prozac and Zoloft are the two that have been steadied the most and deemed safe enough to take while pregnant.
I don't think I ever came across anything that said if you take Lexapro while pregnant, something bad will happen but I didn't want to chance it. All AD's are a class C drug anyways, which means they should only be taken when the benefit to the mother out weighs any possible harm to the baby. I tried not to take any AD's but I was miserable, down right suicidal. I gave it about 4 months without any medication before I made the decision to take zoloft. A slightly medicated, HAPPY mom is much better than a depressed, suicidal mom anyday! 
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Kelly
#196147 - 07/15/05 02:28 PM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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Thanks for the info. I will check the website out. I appreciate your help!
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Re: Melissa
#196154 - 07/15/05 02:35 PM
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melitami
Reged: 02/23/04
Posts: 1213
Loc: Ewing, NJ, USA (IBS-D, Vegetarian)
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No, I just stopped trying. I got tired of meds making me sicker than I already was, so I stopped going to my GI. My IBS is pretty much under control with this diet, peppermint caps, and with the Acacia I'm gradually increasing, I'm doing much better.
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Melissa
Friendship is thicker than blood. ~Rent
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BL:
Some daze feel like the "Crying Game" in the "laughing room!"
May I inquire re: what you take this drug for?
You're really caught between a hard place, an even harder place and a rock. The "poisons" we take to keep us "NORMAL" or well, "socially acceptable" enough! The taxes our bodies pay! Okay, enough ranting. Hugs. Support. Strength. It's a tough call, but I'd quit the drug.
Kate/Wind.
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I know. But I have gone long periods where I was fine. Then I have a bad spell. I just want some time without med.
Sometimes I feel like I don't know who the real me is. What was I like before this med?
I think it has really changed my personality. I used to get up in the morning at 6 a.m., go for a walk, do several loads of laundry, vacuum the entire house, and go to the grocery store ----all before 8 o'clock! Now I'm lucky if I get out of my pajamas before noon.
This is not me! Maybe it's a better me, but it's not the me I used to know. The one I was for so many years. I miss that person who used to get so much done.
I can't seem to get motivated to do anything. Nothing interests me anymore.
I don't even want to do any freelance writing anymore. I've totally ignored the editor recently.
Sorry, I'm rambling. I'm just trying to figure out what to do. I don't like this apathy I'm feeling.
I feel like I'm hanging on to watch my boys. I do want to see what they will become.
I guess it's a good thing I have kids. When I don't care to go on, I just think of their future---and hang on to that. I do hope to see them graduate from college someday.
Don't know what I'll do in the meantime though. That's a long time off.
I'm ok. I'm just hanging somewhere in the middle---not bad, but not good either.
Lordy, if you can make sense of this message, you're doing better than me. I'm just rambling. Sorry. For a writer, I'm not doing a very good job of organizing my thoughts.
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Woah, BL!
Sorry to interject, here. You'd better be careful with quitting the psych. drug. Often, it's better to wean; sometimes quitting/cold turkey is a REALLY BAD IDEA. See another expert if you can. Also, some drugs do make you feel worse. Some of the bp drugs are also experimental cancer treatments and anti-convulsants, etc. It's one of those bizarre disorders where they use different classes/categories of drugs to try to manage it.
Kate/Wind.
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Michele
#196162 - 07/15/05 02:49 PM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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I don't think my doctor has a particular doctor in mind. He just threw this out at me because I don't think he knows what to do with me anymore. That's depressing. I've run out of options in 3 years! It can't be that hard, can it?/
I don't think he's very good at combining meds. My other doctor (in another state) was good at that.
I've been to 2 other doctors here---and didn't like either one of them.
Ok, I can either continue this med, go see someone else, or take nothing. Right now, I want the old me back.
It's just a break, until I figure out what t o do.
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Of COURSE you miss the overly productive days! I had it for a few hours yesterday and I miss it already...
And you told me I would be better with the meds. And you were RIGHT. I will DIE without them...and from the sound of things you won't be much better than that either *hugs*
I love you BL!!!!!!! It might not be the RIGHT meds...but it sounds like they were doing something. If you REALLY feel that they are not the right ones and you need to switch...go to the ER...do SOMETHING proactive...I am BEGGING you. I can't lose you. I know you say you are in the middle...but I was HIGH yesterday and it left in a FLASH. A SECOND. And I know you understand what I'm talking about.
I wanted to see what my life would be like without meds as well. I didn't know I might be chemically imbalanced. Well, I found out. And it is soooo bad I have wanted to die!
Please take care and stay safe....
With love,
Ruch
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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I won't stop it cold turkey. I'm too afraid to do that. I've taken this med for 2 years now, so I'm terrified of what might happen if I did quit it cold turkey. I read somewhere that that can sometimes cause you to have a seizure.
When I stopped that new med recently (cold turkey!), I was watching tv---and I had this horrible feeling, like I was going to black out. As soon as I told my hsuband, the feeling went away. And then it came back twice. I thought I was dying!
It scared me to death! No, I won't do that again.
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I live at a rest home where there a quite a few people with BP and other things. DO NOT stop taking meds on your own. I have seen too many people pretend to take their meds, then spit them out, only to end up in the hospital. A lot of times all they needed was a med change or dose adjustment. One guy was off the walls last week and he had a med change and is fine again.
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Carol
nós somos o que nós somos e o descanso é merda
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Lana Marie
#196167 - 07/15/05 02:56 PM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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Yes, I was impressed that he is seeking help for me elsewhere. A lot of doctors wouldn't do that. It would hurt their ego----and their pocketbook!
I do have great insurance that pays well and fast, so he could easily drag me on for years. This has gone on longer than it should have, but I admire him for saying he can't do anything else---and he thinks someone else might.
And no, he didn't say he wouldn't continue to see me. So maybe I could get a different opinion and then come back to him again.
I've done my share of doctor shopping, but when I find one I'm comfortable with, I hang on like a pit bull! I don't want to have to start completely over!
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Beth (again)
#196172 - 07/15/05 03:06 PM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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The doctor in town who is supposed to be THE BEST in this area is not taking new patients. I saw her several years ago (one time)---and she came across as really bitchy. (excuse my French!) But she rubbed me the wrong way. I left and never went back.
I saw a 2nd one (I told you I doctor shop), and she put me on this med that caused this strange sensation in my legs (a side effect that can be permanent.) When I returned for a second time and told her no way was I going to continue the med, you know what she said? "Fine, if you're not going to do what I say, then find another doctor!" Yikes! Not exactly the type of doctor I like. I want a say in what I put into my body.
So I guess I'll have to see who my doc recommends. Maybe one of the other docs in his office would see me. ????
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Jessica
#196175 - 07/15/05 03:07 PM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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Thanks! I'm just trying to figure out who to go to. I should've made him give me a name while I was in his office. I will call his nurse next week.
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good for you...I'm very proud of you! We all want to be US without any additives! But you are going against your rationalizations and doing whatis ultimately good! I'm glad you are not giving up and you will see another doc...that is SOOO HARD!
You give me a lot of inspiration *hugs*
Ruch
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Shell
#196182 - 07/15/05 03:21 PM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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Thanks. I know what you're saying, but I'm just resisting seeing someone else. With this kind of treatment, it's not easy for a doctor to get a "feel" for how you are. You almost need a long history with a doctor like this to get the correct treatment.
I don't want to have to rehash all of my past and that's what changing doctors will mean. So right now I'm pouting. I'll get over it!
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