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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 27 to 51 of 76. Go back in thread:
Posted by Honore on March 29, 2007, at 8:47:09
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 5:14:57
Hi jeali.
It'll go okay. Maybe you'll just be much more excited than anxious.. And even if you do get anxious, when you have to, you'll be fine. It's tough to have to go through the anxiety, but you;ve done much better than you were afraid you would, in the past.
Good luck. Honore
Posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 9:35:57
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by Honore on March 29, 2007, at 8:47:09
> Hi jeali.
>
> It'll go okay. Maybe you'll just be much more excited than anxious.. And even if you do get anxious, when you have to, you'll be fine. It's tough to have to go through the anxiety, but you;ve done much better than you were afraid you would, in the past.
>
> Good luck. Honore
>
>
>
>
>Thanks. I'll be fine at the interview. I interview well and have gone through plenty enough to know how to act and what to say.
I'm just upset about the doctor's office. I was a little uncomfortable calling in the first place, but I did it. Having to call repeatedly sucks. I feel like I'm begging for my Xanax, Ritalin, and Provigil.
It's like hiii.... can I pleeeease have my controlled drugs. I keep asking and nobody gives them to me..... pleeeease can you ask my doctor???? Can you not ignore me this time because you think I'm a drug addict or that I'm selling them at school? Thanks.
I'm not going to say that there's no bias against patients like me with the LPN's. They just don't like having to deal with it, not that they even have to do much, except relay the message. I'm pretty sure if I were calling for my allergy medication the message would go through, because it always does.
My doctor doesn't make me feel uncomfortable, it's the nurses and staff, who are the "gatekeepers".
Posted by Phillipa on March 29, 2007, at 17:53:36
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 9:35:57
Well at least you get a human voice here all the docs offices have fancy answering machines that you just leave a message on and hope someone does something. Love Phillipa
Posted by elanor roosevelt on March 30, 2007, at 8:17:11
In reply to Re: just say what you need » jealibeanz, posted by Honore on March 27, 2007, at 10:36:32
my kid s 15 and has been on flonase for 2 years
the doctor thinks it's fine
i got a referral to take heto an otolarygologistthe purpose of flonaseis to prime the sinuses in a way that is not hospitable to infections.
i have a great md who sent me to a sinus guy. i stayed on anti-biotics for uite a while, the theory being (and the doc and i were in total agreement) that i had the same sinus infection for years at a time. there are many places to hide in the sinuses. after the anti-biotics, i snorted warm water salt water and baking soda for 2 years
hated it
changed my life
those sinus infections are nasty
good luck
Posted by notfred on March 30, 2007, at 15:51:09
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 9:35:57
FWIW, I fax my doctors with questions or requests.
Seems to be more effective then dealing with reception or nurses. Your question/message gets delivered without any errors. I include a number where I can be reached so they can verify the fax.If it is something I have already taken, I request a refill at the pharmacy. The major ones have a fax system & I seem to get the refills quicker than if I call my doc.
Posted by DStupid on March 30, 2007, at 19:42:28
In reply to flonase, posted by elanor roosevelt on March 30, 2007, at 8:17:11
If you've been on Flonase long enough (and you have), consider having a blood test to measure the level of your adrenal hormones. Maybe, Flonase is now bad for you in the long run. Doctors like NOT to ask questions or order tests when they have to change their treatment plan.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 30, 2007, at 21:52:16
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by notfred on March 30, 2007, at 15:51:09
> FWIW, I fax my doctors with questions or requests.
> Seems to be more effective then dealing with reception or nurses. Your question/message gets delivered without any errors. I include a number where I can be reached so they can verify the fax.
>
> If it is something I have already taken, I request a refill at the pharmacy. The major ones have a fax system & I seem to get the refills quicker than if I call my doc.
We can't fax controlled prescriptions in my state, and they can only be written 1 month at a time. It's a hassle. I'd love to live in one of the states that allows refills and faxes.
Posted by jealibeanz on March 30, 2007, at 21:56:33
In reply to Re: flonase, posted by DStupid on March 30, 2007, at 19:42:28
> If you've been on Flonase long enough (and you have), consider having a blood test to measure the level of your adrenal hormones. Maybe, Flonase is now bad for you in the long run. Doctors like NOT to ask questions or order tests when they have to change their treatment plan.
That's not a bad idea. It's not out of the question that steroids might be causing some ill-effects.
I used to work at a pharmacy, so I'd ask the pharmacists about long-time use when I got the chance. None of them seemed to think that the amount of steroid in Flonase was significant enough to cause major systemic changes, but of course it was just speculation.
I'm not really sure how I'd breath without Flonase! I'd glady stop taking it if there where alternatives that controlled my allergies. I haven't found any yet.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 16:03:14
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 29, 2007, at 5:14:57
> Yeah, so I called 2 days ago, and have not received a response. I'll call again today, yet it won't do me much immediate good since I'm going out of town for a few days and will most likely be gone before a can get a response. I doubt my doctor is working today anyway, which means I wait til Saturday (little chance) or Monday for him to get the message.
>
> Yay... so I still have to take crappy Xanax XR (while at my all day interview w/ 18 other candidates!), and run out of Ritalin LA this weekend and Provigil. Not ideal.
>
> I like my doctor, hate his staff. The nurses have become increasingly rude and angry over the past year and go out of their way not to give messages. It's their passive-aggressive way of relieving stress... very bizarre that they all get away with this.
>
> My doctor is somewhat aware of this, because it became a huge issue when my insurance company was going to drop my prescription coverage for a drug since the office didn't get it approved. It went on for 3 months, so the insurance company just said that if I didn't get the authorization within 24 hours, they would deny it completely. So, my mother and I (after many many phone calls to the office) finally went there in person and complained. We were quickly put in a patient room and explained it all to my doctor, who got on the phone as soon as we left, and called the insurance company. It was a pretty big deal at the time, but maybe I need to go and scream constantly about how the nurses don't give any messages!!! (which I don't actually want to do)It's been a week since I called my doctor. I knew after the first day that he didn't get the message, because I would have received a call back.
So, I still haven't called again. Pretty stupid. The longer I wait the less likely I am to call. How dumb does that sound that I will be calling and asking if anyone got the message I left a week ago?
Right now I have no more Ritalin LA, which doesn't make a huge difference because I still am taking Provigil.
My main problem is that I'm continuing to take an anxiety medication that does nothing for my anxiety. It's nearly paralyzing at times. Good thing I don't have much to do besides a few classes, but this is not fun.
And of course, I've basically convinced myself that my doctor wants me to take Xanax XR, rather than Xanax, which helps my anxiety. He actually doesn't want me to take Xanax XR either, and would rather that I just suck it up and get off all medications, even if it means a life performing far below my abilities.
So I've been doing just that. My quality of life and productivity certainly has decreased quite a bit in the past 5 weeks since the switch, yet I'm just accepting it. Stupid. I know. I just had to write this down so maybe I see how ridiculous it really is.
I'm not complaining, nor do I want sympathy. I take responsibility for my actions and choices, or lack thereof. Simply venting a bit.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 2, 2007, at 20:07:41
In reply to I should hit myself., posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 16:03:14
JB,
Listen. I can't exactly explain it but I understand where you are at. I have been there many times. Sort of like mentally digging yourself into a hole.Call him tomorrow. Treat this like any other business at hand. Don't think about it any more -just pick up the phone and simply state the problem.
Tell him what is undesirable about this med.
Tell him you would prefer to return to the med that you are familiar with so that you can know what to expect from your self.Tell him right now you cannot afford (school etc)to struggle with this med change and that you will explore other options later if it's necessary when it's not so critical of a time for you.
Say; Hey Dr. I left a message last week-I'm know you must not have gotten it. This is bad timing on this med change. I have no patience with it becuase school is at critical mass right now. I was functioning better with my old med can I please return to that safety zone, at least for a time? In X amount of time things will be calmer and we can explore changes then.
JB-I doubt you will even get this far into the conversation before he says sure.
He sounds kind, reasonable and you two have established trust. You are making a perfectly reasonable request.
Pretend it's your hairdresser who suggested a new hair color. She did a lovely job but it is just not you. You are thankful she is always wanting to improve her work and never want her to stop but this particular time it just didn't suit you.
Put it on your to-do list and do it. No more overthinking.
This is the good advice my best friend gives me.
Complete the task.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 20:59:16
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 2, 2007, at 20:07:41
I know. I should. What I'm doing to myself right now is not healthy in any way. I just sometimes want to give up because these are chronic conditions, more or less, and that seems so daunting to have to think about at a young age. I'd like to be normal. Guess that's not a choice.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 4:01:02
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 20:59:16
No need to give up, JB.
You only need a small adjustment for you to carry on with your important work. You will have time for a new stratagy soon.
I hope you make that call so that you can get on with it.
Take Care,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 5:18:44
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 4:01:02
> No need to give up, JB.
>
> You only need a small adjustment for you to carry on with your important work. You will have time for a new stratagy soon.
>
> I hope you make that call so that you can get on with it.
>
> Take Care,
> Kaye
Wow... I thought I was the only super early bird who is online at 6 AM!Yea, I need a small dose adjust, or to drop the XR all together. It's completely worthless to me. I know it's supposed to last all day, but most say it doesn't, and I tend to metabolize meds quickly.
So I'd think there would be breakthrough anxiety at the end of the day or in the morning (Although maybe it's like Valium where one become "saturated". I don't think so though, since it's still alprozolam which has a fairly short half-life. Haha, I don't know. I'm not a pharmacist, I pulled out my pharmacy school applications!).
Nope. Not at all. Because it's constant anxiety! Ahhh!
Oh well, I'll go work out now... the gym opened at 5:30, why am I not there?! Weird, I know... strange biorhythms I guess.
Posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 18:25:37
In reply to Re: I should hit myself. » KayeBaby, posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 5:18:44
LOL.
No early bird. Night Owl.Not usually that late, though.
I quit taking my Wellbutrin yesterday as I suspected it was starting to make me blah. It always does after a couple of months. I was feeling so much better yesterday I just didn't want to go to sleep.
WB is great for pulling me out of a hole but goes south on me fast. It has never been stimulating to me and if I go over 100-150 it can be really bad. 300 caused me the worst depression of my life once. I was emotionally flatlined.
I hope your situation improves very soon.
Keep on, girl. We need folks like you in the medical field.peace,
Kaye
Posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 18:41:51
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 18:25:37
Jelly listen that xanax xr did not cover me at all. And I agree with Kaye. Right now I'm trying to get back on the valium and fear is so high that I'm on an increably high dose and it dosn't hold me why!!!! I should never have changed from the low dose I was on then all the other ones in such a short time. Love Phillipa ps from l5mg of valium to 40mg!!!!!
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 18:54:33
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by KayeBaby on April 3, 2007, at 18:25:37
> LOL.
> No early bird. Night Owl.
>
> Not usually that late, though.
>
> I quit taking my Wellbutrin yesterday as I suspected it was starting to make me blah. It always does after a couple of months. I was feeling so much better yesterday I just didn't want to go to sleep.
>
> WB is great for pulling me out of a hole but goes south on me fast. It has never been stimulating to me and if I go over 100-150 it can be really bad. 300 caused me the worst depression of my life once. I was emotionally flatlined.
>
> I hope your situation improves very soon.
> Keep on, girl. We need folks like you in the medical field.
>
> peace,
> KayeOh ok, I think we must have big time zone differences. I forget we're all in varying locations.
That's how I felt about WB too. Just a bit dull. I didn't notice until I went off and felt more alive. I did however notice a majorrr dulling with Effexor. My quote to my PA was: "My favorite activity is staring at walls." Seriously. I would have been content to stare at walls all day, and would have had I not been packed with a schedule of classes, work, and interning.
Thanks. I'm working my way up to caring enough to call my doc again and continue treatment.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 19:00:38
In reply to Re: I should hit myself., posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 18:41:51
> Jelly listen that xanax xr did not cover me at all. And I agree with Kaye. Right now I'm trying to get back on the valium and fear is so high that I'm on an increably high dose and it dosn't hold me why!!!! I should never have changed from the low dose I was on then all the other ones in such a short time. Love Phillipa ps from l5mg of valium to 40mg!!!!!
Well, it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one who doesn't think the XR is great. But I already knew of this from my other posts. I should just accept it by now and not think of myself as failing on the drug.I'm a bit scared of Valium! I don't know why. I just get the sense that's it's more like Klonopin, than Xanax. I guess I've now tried only 3 benzo's, if you count Xanax and Xanax XR as separate. They're all extremely different in my opinion. I suppose that's why I fear Valium, since I fear the unknown and possible effects. But you do what you need to do. Great if it works for you!
Posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 19:09:01
In reply to Re: I should hit myself. » Phillipa, posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 19:00:38
Jelly the fear now is what is keeping it from working at a much lower dose. Unless the blood drawn today indicates thyroid still not right. I did well for many years on short acting xanax then for some reason it started to make me feel tired. Maybe I converted to depression then? That's when I started valium again but I didn't get the ahhh feeling I got when I took it in my 20's. So I guess tolerance does build. But to change so drastically in a few weeks is so strange and scarey. Love Phillipa ps you done any studying of hasimotos and graves? Lar wrote yesterday basically they are the same which I still don't get. Brain not doing well.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 3, 2007, at 19:24:48
In reply to Re: I should hit myself. » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 19:09:01
> Jelly the fear now is what is keeping it from working at a much lower dose. Unless the blood drawn today indicates thyroid still not right. I did well for many years on short acting xanax then for some reason it started to make me feel tired. Maybe I converted to depression then? That's when I started valium again but I didn't get the ahhh feeling I got when I took it in my 20's. So I guess tolerance does build. But to change so drastically in a few weeks is so strange and scarey. Love Phillipa ps you done any studying of hasimotos and graves? Lar wrote yesterday basically they are the same which I still don't get. Brain not doing well.
I have no idea why I even think about Valium. I don't really expect my GP to say one day, hey you wanna try Valium? Haha, umm no new things!Ohhh... I must break out of my ridiculous behavior and communicate with him again. He'd be surprised to know that I've gone so long with a medication I'm unhappy with and that I'm afraid to tell him. And I'm now completely without one because nobody told him to refill it. That's probably the stupidest part on my side. I needed the new script a week ago and when I didn't get a call back, I should have pursued it.
Posted by notfred on April 4, 2007, at 0:55:26
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on March 30, 2007, at 21:52:16
> We can't fax controlled prescriptions in my state, and they can only be written 1 month at a time. It's a hassle. I'd love to live in one of the states that allows refills and faxes.
>In the states (US) I have lived in this is only a restriction with schedule II, which are all amphetamines and some stims. All other scheduled meds, III-IV (benzos, pain meds(most), sleeping meds) are allowed via fax or phone call. Only schedule II has the restriction of no refills. That is per the federal requirements; state boards of pharmacy can modify this. I get 6 month scripts (five refills) of atavin, lunesta, and provigil. My pdoc will provide postdated scripts for amphetamine.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 4, 2007, at 3:44:25
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by notfred on April 4, 2007, at 0:55:26
>
> > We can't fax controlled prescriptions in my state, and they can only be written 1 month at a time. It's a hassle. I'd love to live in one of the states that allows refills and faxes.
> >
>
> In the states (US) I have lived in this is only a restriction with schedule II, which are all amphetamines and some stims. All other scheduled meds, III-IV (benzos, pain meds(most), sleeping meds) are allowed via fax or phone call. Only schedule II has the restriction of no refills. That is per the federal requirements; state boards of pharmacy can modify this. I get 6 month scripts (five refills) of atavin, lunesta, and provigil. My pdoc will provide postdated scripts for amphetamine.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Hmm... I wonder if I could look up the regulations. I hate trying to read all those bylaws... too wordy. I didn't go to law school!
I'm not sure why, but I can get Provigil faxed and it has refills. Lunesta can't be faxed, but has refill. Stimulants can't be faxed or have refills, and neither can Xanax... which doesn't really make a whole lot of sense.
I know I live in a tough state. Highly regulated!
Posted by KayeBaby on April 4, 2007, at 14:41:52
In reply to Re: I should hit myself. » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 19:09:01
> Jelly the fear now is what is keeping it from working at a much lower dose. Unless the blood drawn today indicates thyroid still not right. I did well for many years on short acting xanax then for some reason it started to make me feel tired. Maybe I converted to depression then? That's when I started valium again but I didn't get the ahhh feeling I got when I took it in my 20's. So I guess tolerance does build. But to change so drastically in a few weeks is so strange and scarey. Love Phillipa ps you done any studying of hasimotos and graves? Lar wrote yesterday basically they are the same which I still don't get. Brain not doing well.
Hey Phillipa,
The way I understand Hashimotos is that antibodies attack the thyroid and the result is eventually so much damage that you become hypothyroid. However, as the thyroid attempts to do its job there is a sort of sputtering effect. Sometimes it will spit out too much hormone (hyperthyroid or graves) then the levels will fall again.This is a frustrating situation. About the time you get somewhat leveled out it will switch.
I read Anna Nicole's autopsy report and it showed she had Hashi's. Poor woman. No wonder her weight was a problem and emotions as well.
I hope they figure this out for you. There are foods you can eat that will help if you are hyper. Cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower are some.
I went too high on my thyroid hormone and I can relate to how you feel. Miserable. Meg/cal supps helped. Taurine and potassium (use lite salt)Also l-theanine.
This will not last much longer so try not to fret and just take it easy.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by KayeBaby on April 4, 2007, at 14:55:13
In reply to Re: ughhh...., posted by jealibeanz on April 4, 2007, at 3:44:25
JB,
If you are out of meds you need to call your Dr.Are you having that 'paralysis of will' thing?
I get that where I just can't seem to move.I have had the sit and stare at the wall effect from meds too. One form of ritalin had me staring at the wall almost to the point of drooling.
Wonder why some supposed stimulants cause us this reaction? I have noticed that in small amounts WB is calming. It reduces my 'overdrive' Makes me not want or need stuff like coffee and cig so much. Too much WB puts me into an extreme state of.....absence of needing, wanting. Many times my inability to be satisfied is what drives me and to remove that too completely renders me inanimate.
I never take for granted that a med will effect me the way it does most people.
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by jealibeanz on April 4, 2007, at 15:23:54
In reply to Re: ughhh.... » jealibeanz, posted by KayeBaby on April 4, 2007, at 14:55:13
> JB,
> If you are out of meds you need to call your Dr.
>
> Are you having that 'paralysis of will' thing?
> I get that where I just can't seem to move.
>
> I have had the sit and stare at the wall effect from meds too. One form of ritalin had me staring at the wall almost to the point of drooling.
>
> Wonder why some supposed stimulants cause us this reaction? I have noticed that in small amounts WB is calming. It reduces my 'overdrive' Makes me not want or need stuff like coffee and cig so much. Too much WB puts me into an extreme state of.....absence of needing, wanting. Many times my inability to be satisfied is what drives me and to remove that too completely renders me inanimate.
>
> I never take for granted that a med will effect me the way it does most people.
>
> Peace,
> KayeWell, I'm fine. I'm going about my life like normal and doing this. But no I haven't called my doc back... so that's my only "paralysis of will" as you call it. Just can't get up the nerve to call.
Posted by jealibeanz on April 9, 2007, at 11:03:48
In reply to I should hit myself., posted by jealibeanz on April 2, 2007, at 16:03:14
So, I finally called my doctor's office and spoke to a nurse. I asked for:
1. A refill on Ritalin LA
2. A refill on Lunesta
3. A refill on Provigil... and could he write it as a 30 day supply, b/c he's accidentally writing it as a 15 day.
4. Xanax XR... I'm due for a refill, but it's not working. Could you ask if I could you back to regular Xanax?I got a call back 20 minutes later. Your prescriptions are all ready to pick up. You're going to stay on the Xanax XR. I'd suggest making an appointment next month if you still don't find that it's helping.
Ooooo... not happy with that one. Xanax XR isn't magically going to start working after 7 weeks. It's pretty safe to say that after a decent trial period, I'm not experiencing more anxiety due to outside circumstances, it's because I switch from Xanax IR to Xanax XR... and reduced the dosage from 4 mg to 3 mg.
I didn't expect this answer. I purposely waited and waited, trying to give the medication a chance. I wanted to let him know that I was willing to accept his new plan and explore new ideas. I didn't want to freak out just after a few days and call up asking for regular Xanax.
So, I made myself suffer through it, thinking that when I finally asked for help, I'd get it. I wouldn't have thought I would call up and say, "This medication is not working." and the response would be, "Keep taking it anyway."
It's pretty aparent now that my doctor is trying to get me off altogether. I wish he'd at least tell me. It's odd. This happened out of nowhere. And it's not like I walked in to his office one day and said, "I feel great! No anxiety whatsoever!"
He knows that's not true and this is not the ideal time in my life to stop anxiety medication. I'd be willing to try to go down to 3 mg of Xanax IR, just to please him, not because I think it will increase my quality of life. It won't. It will decrease.
Hmm... disappointed.
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