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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by eugenia on March 8, 2004, at 17:34:34
Just recently got back an MRI that showed multiple hyperintensities. That combined with some strange and annoying physical problems and my crazy mood swings, led to a diagnosis of MS. Now I have to give myself shots every day--Copaxone. Question is, does anyone else have MS and depression/bipolar and take therapy for it along with meds? And how many people who think they are bipolar might actually have some neurological problem? I also had one really bad thought that maybe the meds I have been taking for all these years has given me MS. But, I must banish that thought because it is too scary, and I need my meds. Thanks in advance for your responses!
Posted by Zenclearer on March 8, 2004, at 23:28:10
In reply to MS and Depression, posted by eugenia on March 8, 2004, at 17:34:34
That's a big piece of news to handle. Hang in there, and follow Doc's orders, as Copaxane can delay progression.
As for your questions, I don't have MS, but I know a little about it. Depression is a common outcome of MS, so it is a good approach to treat the depression as well.
As for your earlier meds possibly causing the MS: since the antidepressants can held stabilize the body (as opposed to encouraging further auto-immune breakdown of your myelin), and I would speculate that they in no way contributed to your MS. So if they help you, by all means continue without fear.
Anything healthy you can do to avoid stress will likely have a positive effect on your MS. And AD meds may be part of that.
Posted by xjs7 on March 9, 2004, at 2:17:05
In reply to MS and Depression, posted by eugenia on March 8, 2004, at 17:34:34
I'm sorry to hear about the MS and bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, I can relate--I have a brain tumor and schizophrenia. In my case, the tumor caused the mental illness.
I once thought I might have MS, so I did a little research on it. I think your meds definitely did not cause MS--rather, you had MS all along, and that caused the mood swings. MS is known to cause bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.
Before I was first diagnosed with the tumor my GP blamed my seizures on my medications. He was of course wrong. As far as I know, psychiatric medications never cause brain lesions like tumors or MS lesions, and most of them do not cause seizures.
I think the majority of bipolar disorder patients do not have an underlying neurological problem. This is why psychiatrists diagnose people often without getting a thorough medical evaluation. I have heard stories of people with all kinds of neurological ailments, such as Lyme disease, being misdiagnosed with bipolar. Sometimes, the delay in getting appropriate treatment is life-threatening.
It is good that you are finally being treated for your underlying condition. That is really the only way to feel better. I had brain surgery and it helped a lot. I hope you achieve significant relief from your symptoms also.
xjs7
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