Very interesting blog, Jean! Maybe I should try to do that with my Librium capsules (after talking with the doctor of course). Unfortunately, my Anti-depressant comes in a tablet.
Thanks for sharing!
Terri
Effexor ER
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Thanks Terri- I'd love for the D to improve but am having second thoughts now that I've read Jean's link. The "depression" is my dilema. I did not go for help because I feel depressed (well of course I do sometimes) but I don't have anxiety or what I feel is depression. I wanted them to consider my thyroid to address all of my complaints and depression is what I ended up with.
Copied from WebMD: "There is no blood test, X-ray, or other laboratory test that can be used to diagnose major depression. However, your doctor may run blood tests to help detect any other medical problems that have symptoms similar to those of depression. For example, hypothyroidism can cause some of the same symptoms as depression, as can alcohol or drug use and abuse, some medications, and stroke"
I am finally good with how I need to eat and keep reminding myself that it's not even been a year yet so I could have a long ways to go with healing. I still struggle with fine tuning the healthy bad foods for me but I'm working at it. It scares me to death to think of having a drug that I can't get off of. My three month thought was blown out of the water when I read post after post of people suffering because they can't taper without horrible symptoms. I already have many of them so I've lost my sense of humor about it. Time and time again, doctors failed to give me the full picture of what to expect with MC, prednisone, birth control pills (eons ago), NSAIDS, migraines and I've suffered for it.
Thanks Jean for giving me another side to the story to consider. It may help me by taking it but I don't think I could handle more issues than I already have. It's frustrating enough trying to taper the entocort but in that I have no choice, this one- I do. I wonder why, if the drug works so well, why do so many want to get off? Maybe I need to make a better effort in finding a GP since I still currently do not have one. I started reading up on St. Johns Wort but haven't done enough research yet to decide if that's an alternative?? I think I'll just wait and think a bit before picking up the meds or canceling it.
Copied from WebMD: "There is no blood test, X-ray, or other laboratory test that can be used to diagnose major depression. However, your doctor may run blood tests to help detect any other medical problems that have symptoms similar to those of depression. For example, hypothyroidism can cause some of the same symptoms as depression, as can alcohol or drug use and abuse, some medications, and stroke"
I am finally good with how I need to eat and keep reminding myself that it's not even been a year yet so I could have a long ways to go with healing. I still struggle with fine tuning the healthy bad foods for me but I'm working at it. It scares me to death to think of having a drug that I can't get off of. My three month thought was blown out of the water when I read post after post of people suffering because they can't taper without horrible symptoms. I already have many of them so I've lost my sense of humor about it. Time and time again, doctors failed to give me the full picture of what to expect with MC, prednisone, birth control pills (eons ago), NSAIDS, migraines and I've suffered for it.
Thanks Jean for giving me another side to the story to consider. It may help me by taking it but I don't think I could handle more issues than I already have. It's frustrating enough trying to taper the entocort but in that I have no choice, this one- I do. I wonder why, if the drug works so well, why do so many want to get off? Maybe I need to make a better effort in finding a GP since I still currently do not have one. I started reading up on St. Johns Wort but haven't done enough research yet to decide if that's an alternative?? I think I'll just wait and think a bit before picking up the meds or canceling it.
Depression is the "IBS" of the neurology world, and it's a bonanza for the drug companies, because once a patient is "hooked", the odds are very good that they will be a customer for life, not only for the drug they start with, but for others, later.
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
DebE, I just want to add that I have dealt with anxiety and probably depression for a long time. They have improved significantly with treating my thyroid. I've had significant stress issues this year and am still feeling better (though the MC has been acting up). If you haven't yet, read www.stopthethyroidmadness.com Deb
DebE, you have a lot of insight and I think you will definitely benefit from that. I often have to remind myself too that healing can take awhile and we just have to be patient.
After reading the above blog, I really, really hate it that I'm taking Amitriptyline but I'm stuck with it. It saved my life though 20 years ago when I had chronic tension/vascular headaches. Those headaches are what caused me to feel depressed. Maybe when I'm stronger I will try to give up the med but too scared right now. My cardio doctor actually wanted to increase my dose but I said "no way".
I have hypothyroidism and since I've been GF, I've found out that my Armour Thyroid med is working too well. Worried about Hyper as the symptoms are worse for me when they get to that level. So I've lowered my dose on my own and will see in February what my levels are at.
Gosh darn....I still take birth control pills. I mentioned getting off them to my Gyn. and he was okay with it but says my pills are such a low dose I could take them forever. However, he doesn't know about birth control pills and HRT having anything to do with triggering MC.
Too bad we just can't all get on a plane and head for a beautiful island beach like Maui. Spa treatments, massages, personal GF chefs, the sound of the ocean and the seagulls and some relaxing yoga and meditation every day. If only!!!
Terri
After reading the above blog, I really, really hate it that I'm taking Amitriptyline but I'm stuck with it. It saved my life though 20 years ago when I had chronic tension/vascular headaches. Those headaches are what caused me to feel depressed. Maybe when I'm stronger I will try to give up the med but too scared right now. My cardio doctor actually wanted to increase my dose but I said "no way".
I have hypothyroidism and since I've been GF, I've found out that my Armour Thyroid med is working too well. Worried about Hyper as the symptoms are worse for me when they get to that level. So I've lowered my dose on my own and will see in February what my levels are at.
Gosh darn....I still take birth control pills. I mentioned getting off them to my Gyn. and he was okay with it but says my pills are such a low dose I could take them forever. However, he doesn't know about birth control pills and HRT having anything to do with triggering MC.
Too bad we just can't all get on a plane and head for a beautiful island beach like Maui. Spa treatments, massages, personal GF chefs, the sound of the ocean and the seagulls and some relaxing yoga and meditation every day. If only!!!
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Deb, I've been on that site and it does give good information. I'm having a problem with finding a doctor who would be willing to explore that area since my bloodtests come back ok.
Terri, It's hard when you don't have a choice but to go on a medication.... that's how I felt with entorcort. But in the Effexor case, I just don't feel it's worth the risk for me right now. I like your idea of the island beach, count me in!!
Tex, I tend to have the same opinion about doctors and drug companies- it's all about he money and not so much about the health of the patient. That is why I'm labeled as a difficult patient. Once again, I just had a phone message giving me the name of the drug they recommend and no dialogue about the big picture. I really trusted that particular PA and still do like her but am stuck with where to go next with this one. I do believe I've finally made up my mind- I can't do it. Back to the drawing board to come up with another plan.
Thanks everyone for your support- you are all what keeps me from going insane. hahaha
Terri, It's hard when you don't have a choice but to go on a medication.... that's how I felt with entorcort. But in the Effexor case, I just don't feel it's worth the risk for me right now. I like your idea of the island beach, count me in!!
Tex, I tend to have the same opinion about doctors and drug companies- it's all about he money and not so much about the health of the patient. That is why I'm labeled as a difficult patient. Once again, I just had a phone message giving me the name of the drug they recommend and no dialogue about the big picture. I really trusted that particular PA and still do like her but am stuck with where to go next with this one. I do believe I've finally made up my mind- I can't do it. Back to the drawing board to come up with another plan.
Thanks everyone for your support- you are all what keeps me from going insane. hahaha