New treatment plan........

[Mars]

Hi all,

I called the doctor and was only able to see the nurse practitioner today - there is a waiting list to see the doctor. I was highly impressed with her and spent about 45 minutes discussing my history and current issues. We decided that along with the seasonal depression, there are many signs of depression going on - triggered by stress and being sick all the time - which in turn is a vicious cycle - one triggers the other. I thought I was NOT depressed (she pointed out the trigger signs) but she explained that I had just learned to handle things in a different manner instead of outward signs.

I have agreed to the following treatment on a trial basis:

Antidepressant: Lexapro 10mg - to take 1/2 tablet at bedtime for 1-2 weeks unless there are no noticable side effects and then I can increase the dose to the full 10mg's.

increase my activity beginning with 10 minutes more a day and increase as I am able/willing. (this is also a vicious cycle - no energy/tired = not willing to exercise. This will help to increase my energy level.

Suppliments/Vitamins - The following were suggested to help with the low energy level, colitis and overall health:

Iron - Chewable iron 27mg: (1 tablet daily) (grape flavored???)

B Complex 50 mg: covers B1, B2, B6 and B12 (1Tablet daily w/meals)

Superzymes which supports digestive enzymatic activity: (2 tablets after each meal.)

Multi-Vitamin and minerals - vegetarian tablets which include a ton of things: (3 Tablets daily)
Vit A, C, D, E
B1,2,6 and 12
Folic Acid
Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
zinc
Copper
Manganese
Chromium
Potassium
Garlic
Bee Pollen
Bromelain
Apple Pectin
Dandelion Root
Barberry
Ginger Root
Gentian oot
Cayenne
L. Acidophilus
(and a bunch of other things - I just mentioned the things I recognized! haha)

Ok everyone - INPUT?????

Love,
Mars

[barbaranoela]

Margie sounds like a good road to follow--

I take Lexapro---just 1/2 ---which I find *OK*

A big plus with the Xercizers too---and I truly UNDERSTAND that vicious cycle----energyless---tired-----that was/is/sometimes me---

I can be very lazy---if it werent for Carmen---pushing me to do Yogo and Sit and be Fit---I think I would be in bed all day!!!

Thats why I wish I had an EXERCIZE BUDDY @ home----
But I force myself to go to classes and after I am there/finished I feel TERRIFIC!!!--Its amazing what your body can do----and how PROUD U feel when U see what U CAN DO~~~

Cayenne is another *killer* for me----
And of course no Iron meds.---and I do take a vit. WITHOUT IRON and Culturelle-

I know U CAN do it-----

luve Barbara

PS. I really cant comment on all the other stuff---

[Momster]

Hi Mars:

Wishing you the best of luck with the new treatment plan. I can't give any advice on the supplements because I'm not an expert, but certainly can give you support for incentive to get moving and I know you'll feel better taking some positive action.
I fell off the wagon over the holidays and have to get back up on it again. I was having some good success with calorie counting, but slipped into old habits and have to get back to it. I wish I could find an exercise plan that would work for me, but with the types of health challenges I have it's very hard. I've tried so many that just put me in bed. When I exercise my legs and back it wears on the bones because the cartilage is so worn down it's bone grinding against bone. I just have to do what I can with diet and try other exercises that might work for me without putting myself in bed for three days after.
My Dr. wants me to go to a physiotherapist, but I've been that route so many times - at one point I was going for two hours every weekday and John talked me into quitting because I would come home, soak in a tub and go to bed and I did that for three months and just kept getting more and more pain. Well, will give it one more try to see if I can find a physiotherapist who can help me.

Anyway, best of luck, Mars - I'm rooting for you.

Love - Momster

[Dee]

Hi Margie!
Glad to hear that your appt. went well.
Stress can really do a number on your body!!
I know that the Lexapro is prescibed, but did she have you go and pick out all of the other supplements???? Did they do any blood work???
Just curious!!!!
I know that adding a little exercise is important and very good for depression and stress. At times I wish I had a pal to walk or go workout with me. And I know you are tired after working 8 hours and it's hard to even think about exercise..
It will take a while to see if all is making a difference so don't get discouraged...
Love

Dee~~~~

[kate_ce1995]

Hi Mars,

I just started on Lexapro right before Christmas. It has certainly helped me. My worst day this week was as good as my good days last week. I had no appetite and had headaches the first couple of days on 1/2 dose (5 mg). Then I upped to 10 mg, but got the stomach flu that was going around so was headachy for about 2 days and very no-appetite, but then I think a lot of that was the bug.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Katy

[JJ]

Hi...Lexapro really has helped me... I started last spring and still take one pill in the PM....I too need to be more active....hope you feel better soon kiddo...JJ

[artteacher]

YAY! Margie!!

I hope this helps. Watch out for iron and B vitamins - they both give a lot of us D.

Love, Marsha

[annie oakley]

Good Luck with the meds, I know how hard that depression is, I have started to see a difference with my meds. I didn't think I was deptressed then wham-o knew I was. Hope things get better for you soon. Love Oma

[CAMary]

Margie-

Good ideas and solutions always start with a *plan* - and it sounds like you have one!! I'm glad you found such a supportive NP!

Let us know how the regimen is going!

Mary