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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 16 to 40 of 65. Go back in thread:
Posted by Tomatheus on December 2, 2010, at 12:53:15
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin » Tomatheus, posted by Phillipa on December 2, 2010, at 0:16:46
> Thanks so you think this lexapro can work or wasting my time and money?
Phillipa,
I think that there's a chance that the Lexapro could work. If I were taking it, I would probably give it a full trial as long as I could tolerate the medication and then work with your doctor from there. And again, I would also remain very skeptical of what your pharmacist told you. I'm certainly no medical professional or neuroscientist, but it's hard to see how he (or she) could have reached the conclusion that your brain is irreversibly damaged just from listening to you talk about your treatment history. I agree with the other posts that have been made here.
Tomatheus
Posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 13:31:50
In reply to Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin, posted by Phillipa on December 1, 2010, at 20:56:40
PJ, people say anything. Every second person is an expert. You get in a plumber and in 5 minutes he's an expert on your plumbing. This pharmacist has made himself an expert on the state of your brain. At our age most people's brains are damaged. Certainly yours and mine. It is (shall we say) a no brainer. Hope for us? Hope for what? I don't think there is hope for anything. Maybe there is. I wouldn't know.
I'm interested in the fact that you are frightened of being alone. I'm not nearly as frightened of being alone as I sometimes am of people.
Posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 13:34:45
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin » Phillipa, posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 13:31:50
>Hope for what?
Hope for relief?
I don't have a lot of that.
Not from the pharmacy these days.
Couldn't you tell him you've given up hope because people like him do not sell any decent drugs anymore?
Posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 13:36:40
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin, posted by Hombre on December 2, 2010, at 3:58:44
>Ugh...the first thing I thought was that the pharmacist has no basis for saying that.
That never stops them.
Posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 13:43:40
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin » gardenergirl, posted by Phillipa on December 1, 2010, at 21:52:46
>gg seriously you feel he could be wrong?
Come on, PJ. You need to be more sceptical. How could he be right, beyond the probably right assumption that anyone our age with our med history is f*ck*d. People make it up as they go along so often.
Posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 13:48:35
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin, posted by bleauberry on December 2, 2010, at 11:31:56
>There is not a single person on the planet that can claim what the pharmacist claimed.
That sounds about right.
Posted by Phillipa on December 2, 2010, at 18:38:08
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin » bleauberry, posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 13:48:35
Thanks again will continue on the lexapro, try to cut down further on benzos, and see what happens if I give up the bioidenticals. Probably wasting my money. Sigi we can't be old can we? PJxx
Posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 19:38:51
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin, posted by Phillipa on December 2, 2010, at 18:38:08
>see what happens if I give up the bioidenticals. Probably wasting my money.
I don't know. I take bio-identicals. Wasting your money? It depends how much you have to spare. I think bio-identical hormones in people our age make sense.
>Sigi we can't be old can we?People our age are not supposed to say they are old, so I get great pleasure from saying I am.
Even better is to have loud conversations in public places about how old and ugly I am.
Posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 19:40:57
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin » Phillipa, posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 19:38:51
>People our age are not supposed to say they are old, so I get great pleasure from saying I am.
>Even better is to have loud conversations in public places about how old and ugly I am.I'm going to have a field day in the nursing home.
No party hats for me.
Posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 19:44:06
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin, posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 19:40:57
>I'm going to have a field day in the nursing home.
>No party hats for me.
That's what you need in life. Something to look forward to.
Posted by Phillipa on December 2, 2010, at 20:10:49
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin, posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 19:44:06
Sigi you take bioidentical hormones? Somehow find that hard to believe. Not estrogen, progesterone, testosterone. And you are younger than me. And quite handsome as still have your pic. Sigi very handsome. The ladies in the nursing home will chase you about. Your body could be in danger!!!!! Love PJxxx
Posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 20:32:31
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin » sigismund, posted by Phillipa on December 2, 2010, at 20:10:49
Yes, I take testosterone. I already have very high levels of DHEA for some reason, so no need for that.
In 20 years time the me I am then will think that the me I am now is very handsome.
It just never happens when you want it to.
Posted by Phillipa on December 2, 2010, at 21:22:13
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin » Phillipa, posted by sigismund on December 2, 2010, at 20:32:31
Sigi isn't it funny how for instance at age 31 wouldn't cut hair short as said I had wrinkles. Got a time machine? Love PJxxx
Posted by ed_uk2010 on December 3, 2010, at 9:14:00
In reply to Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin, posted by Phillipa on December 1, 2010, at 20:56:40
>Today in all seriousness was told by pharmacist that my brain is damaged beyond repair.
Is that what s/he actually said or was that your interpretation?
It would be an extremely unusual thing to say. I have never heard anything like it.
Posted by glydin50 on December 3, 2010, at 10:53:24
In reply to Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin, posted by Phillipa on December 1, 2010, at 20:56:40
Maybe the bigger thing to explore is the susceptibility to accept willingly without critical consideration and to consider the type of opinions, suggestions, etc being accepted.
I have had my issues with just that - that willingness for believability is generally a part of my being mentally and emotionally unwell and in NOT a good place. Illness makes for a lack of confidence in my own convictions and what, "normally", would make or not make good sense to me.
Theres nothing wrong with hearing/thinking about opinions and suggestions. Info is just info. Opinions are just opinions. Wisdom comes from the ability to process and apply. When we only accept negative suggestions and are dismissive of any positive suggestions, I think looking at why that is is important or, at least it was for me.
Just a suggestion (Smile)
Posted by Phillipa on December 3, 2010, at 21:22:39
In reply to Re: » Phillipa, posted by glydin50 on December 3, 2010, at 10:53:24
Actually was looking for good resons to continue with both hormones and that an ad would work for me as the prozac working so well for my Daughter. But he replied her brain hasn't suffered the damage yours has from all the years of prescribed benzos. And as for the hormones he also compounds and said when asked if he felt they were safe for older women he said "the jury is out". So was just asking questions and he answered to the best of his knowlege. Phillipa
Posted by Glydin50 on December 3, 2010, at 21:57:08
In reply to Re: » glydin50, posted by Phillipa on December 3, 2010, at 21:22:39
Didn't intend to offend.
Posted by orbital on December 4, 2010, at 5:05:41
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin, posted by Phillipa on December 2, 2010, at 10:37:17
Phillipa, I don't know what's going on but wanted to lend you my support. How are you feeling now?
I'm getting the impression that you're suffering from GAD.
Something caught my eye: Valium. It's a tricky drug for the "elderly" (I don't think that you're old at 65 btw! ;) ). Valium tends to build up *extremely* quickly in certain patients who are over 60 (check the insert or prescribing info).
I once took care of an elderly relative (78) who was taking Valium. She was slightly "off", which I gathered was due to her age/slight senility. Eventually a new doc saw her and he immediately whisked her off Valium and replaced it with a shorter acting benzo. It helped.
You're on a low dose of Valium, but maybe you could consider trying a different benzo? Just a thought.
One thing at a time :) Hug.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on December 4, 2010, at 9:01:52
In reply to Re: Pharmacist today said my brain damaged no repairin » Phillipa, posted by orbital on December 4, 2010, at 5:05:41
>Valium tends to build up *extremely* quickly in certain patients who are over 60
It can do, but it reaches a steady blood level after a few weeks. Phillipa has been taking it for many years. Switching to a short-acting benzo would make it more difficult to reduce her dose, if that's what she wants to do.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on December 4, 2010, at 9:05:04
In reply to Re: » glydin50, posted by Phillipa on December 3, 2010, at 21:22:39
>But he replied her brain hasn't suffered the damage yours has from all the years of prescribed benzos.
Hmm, well that could have been said in a nicer way. Daily use of benzos for many years is certainly not ideal. You've said many times over recent months that you think the benzos are making you feel tired. Diazepam is the standard benzo used for tapering off, so why not try to stop the benzos over the next few months?
Posted by linkadge on December 4, 2010, at 11:51:34
In reply to Re:, posted by ed_uk2010 on December 4, 2010, at 9:05:04
I have noticed that a lot of pharmacists seem to be anti-med. They probably see a lot of the patterns of medication use, for side effects etc.
I think the biggest think that eeks the pharmacists is that they cann't prescribe the meds. They deal in meds all day long, but really have no control over medication recomendations.
As such, I think many of them tend to develop a negative view of medications.
Linkadge
Posted by merpmerp on December 4, 2010, at 12:40:25
In reply to A lot of pharmacists seem to be anti-med, posted by linkadge on December 4, 2010, at 11:51:34
Some academic musing on the subject... I wonder if pharmacists (aka chemists) have the same skeptical tendencies in Europe, where historically I believe they have been able to prescribe meds?
I believe they probably also have anti-med tendencies because they have to deal sometimes with people who are hooked on incorrectly prescribed meds. My mom, an alcoholic, is addicted to multiple benzos and she's never been challenged on it by a doctor, but has been challenged by pharmacists when she goes to get a refill.
(I do believe benzos have their place in treatment, and can be used without being abused, but trust me when I say my mom really is addicted and does abuse them. I am not being benzophobic here.)
> I think the biggest think that eeks the pharmacists is that they cann't prescribe the meds. They deal in meds all day long, but really have no control over medication recomendations.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on December 4, 2010, at 12:44:51
In reply to A lot of pharmacists seem to be anti-med, posted by linkadge on December 4, 2010, at 11:51:34
>I have noticed that a lot of pharmacists seem to be anti-med.
I don't know about other countries, but pharmacists in the UK see a large number of heroin addicts on methadone, who are also often on benzos and other psych medications. Some pharmacies have more than 100 patients on methadone - often daily supervised pick up. I suspect that their view of benzos and other potentially addictive drugs is tarnished by their clientele ;)
Pharmacists also tend to be cautious, and are not generally well trained in psychiatry. Their views on the risks versus benefits of psych drugs are often not favourable........so I guess you would agree on many issues Link! They may hear more complaints about adverse effects than about the original condition that people were being treated for.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on December 4, 2010, at 12:47:59
In reply to Re: A lot of pharmacists seem to be anti-med » linkadge, posted by merpmerp on December 4, 2010, at 12:40:25
>...where historically I believe they have been able to prescribe meds?
There are pharmacist prescribers in the UK, but they only represent a minority of pharmacists.
>I believe they probably also have anti-med tendencies because they have to deal sometimes with people who are hooked on incorrectly prescribed meds.
Yes, you are right.
Posted by merpmerp on December 4, 2010, at 12:51:37
In reply to Re: A lot of pharmacists seem to be anti-med » merpmerp, posted by ed_uk2010 on December 4, 2010, at 12:47:59
Thanks for the info :)
> >...where historically I believe they have been able to prescribe meds?
>
> There are pharmacist prescribers in the UK, but they only represent a minority of pharmacists.
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