Posted by TomV on November 8, 2000, at 11:47:10
In reply to Maybe a differn't diagnosis, posted by Lexie on November 7, 2000, at 18:43:06
> Although I believe the pain of losing your father is very real, the possibility that you could be suffering from something other than major depression could be very real. People with treatment resistant depression are often times misdiagnosed. I was originally diagnosed with major depression and not getting better my doctor retired when I went to another doctor I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder. When I was treated with the proper medications I began to respond and I am feeling well today. I take topamax for the moods and Lamictal for the depression. I am like you financialy secure a spouse of 17 years and a healthy child everything anyone could want. Although I occasionly have to dig my way out of a very dark place. Now that I have been diagnosed with bipolar those days are becoming fewer and fewer. I lost a 42 year old brother to cancer just 2 years ago so I to know grief, but know where near the extent to which you have felt and I feel for you. I wish you the best. Don't think you can never be helped. There is someone out there that can help you. I finally found a doctor and therapist that has helped me. This year at Thanksgiving I have something to truely be thankful for. Lexie
Lexie,
I did fail to mention that I do have a coexisting diagnosis (anxiety/dissociative disorder), but that is in remission. The trade off of being released from that condition is major depression. Nice trade, huh? I'd rather trade some of my old baseball cards instead.
Its funny you mentioned some of those meds (topamax, lamictal, etc). My newest Pdoc has put me on neurontin with the possibility that I can try both of the meds you mentioned later on. I can say with certainty that I'm not bipolar, but when I mentioned trying lamictal to my last Pdoc, he refused, and I will never forget what he said..."Thou are not bipolar"... I guess we were going to stick with medical science only.
Anyway, its not that I'm not seeking help (I also see a therapist), its just that in some twisted way I'm getting this feeling that I can't be helped by anyone else but myself. But that doesn't mean I've given up trying.
Thanks,
Tom
poster:TomV
thread:2240
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20001031/msgs/2304.html