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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bridgey1128 on January 29, 2005, at 16:22:23
In reply to Re:Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by rainy on January 22, 2005, at 20:47:24
Has anyone noticed any change in their fingernails taking Topomax? My index finger nails have started turning downward in the center and now my ring finger on my left hand is doing the same thing. I have noticed this because my fingernails lie in the bed pointing up at an angle and for them to suddenly start growing downward is really odd. I was just wondering...
Posted by stresser on January 29, 2005, at 18:51:27
In reply to Re:Topamax and weight gain, posted by bridgey1128 on January 29, 2005, at 16:22:23
No, nothing yet, but I haven't been on it too long. I have noticed that I'm not biting off the heads of people at drive-thru windows.....and that's a good thing. Does it make anyone tired? It's either that or Zoloft, and I'm not liking that part of the treatment at all. I'm not bipolar, but the doctor is keeping me on it because I am showing signs of anxiety/depression/anger (over what I don't know on the MMPI). My face is breaking out...hummmmm? What do you think about that one?-L
Posted by stresser on January 29, 2005, at 18:53:32
In reply to Re:Topamax and weight gain, posted by bridgey1128 on January 29, 2005, at 16:22:23
Bridgey - Oh, I forgot..... Nice to hear from you!
Posted by bridgey1128 on January 30, 2005, at 11:13:24
In reply to Re: Bridgey :Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on January 29, 2005, at 18:53:32
Thanks, needless to say, I have been REEEEEEEALLY busy. The show is going really well, but exhausting. I really feel like I need to go up on my meds but there is no way I am doing that in the middle of a show. I have so far managed to stay well and, for the most part, so has everyone else. I think when I go in for my physical I will ask about going up after the show. I haven't noticed my skin acting up other than the regular times during "that time" of the month. I have to admit the fingernail thing is weirding me out.
Posted by stresser on January 30, 2005, at 14:47:44
In reply to Re: Bridgey :Topamax and weight gain, posted by bridgey1128 on January 30, 2005, at 11:13:24
Why do you think you need to increase your dosage? Does the topamax make you tired? Something is making me really sluggish and not wanting to do anything at all. -L
Posted by headachequeen on January 31, 2005, at 10:17:31
In reply to Re: Bridgey :Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on January 29, 2005, at 18:53:32
Oh, dear... so much rsuhing through my head as I try to catch up on all the posts I have missed and there have been soooo many...
I have missed posts and missed all of you and this is sort of a flying visit...
But I had to break the rules and am typing with the left hand only... stop laughing L and L, I am laughing enough for both of us!
However, be careful going off Topomax... any loss of weight will then be regained... it gives back what it takes away...
that is one of it's nasty little tricks...
the tech who worked on the weight loss protocol told me that one... this after I had been off it and tegretol for almost three weeks for one of the tests... and it has taken a while to get back the ground I lost as a result of that time...
Someone had been started at a RIDICULOUSLY high dose and is having problems.. this infuriates me...
of course there will be problems at these high starts... like starting your stalled car by driving it off a high building.... when will these doctors learn???
25 mg until your body adjusts.... and never increase until your body says okay.... and always start in the evening... when half the total dosage is reached in the evening, then start the morning at 25 and do it the same way...
off soapbox now...for those with hair problems, ask the hair stylist about the Joico shampoo for people with hair loss problems... it is not expensive and is designed for people who have diseases for lack of better term that cause loss of hair and it really will help...
I am presently on three AEDs that cause hair loss as well as an antibiotic with that propensity as a side effect... have noticed a little more hair coming out when I brush... of course it could be the wax and the putty and stuff too????... tried this stuff and got back on the vitamins and am having a better hair day experience...
and my hair is a real thing with me... as most of you know...
and now I forget what else hit me as I read...
I am thinking of all of you as we adjust to a new grandchild and the loss of her twin, and I get ready to have them attack my camera hand with knives and scissors later this week...
meanwhile, that Redhead Thang has struck again and the tangle of bone chips and nerves in my wrist that the surgeon said he would not touch because it is above an artery opened of its own accord a couple of weeks ago and of course I developed cellulitis...
enter the antibiotics and these weird dressings and all the rest of it..
so much for a quiet year....
in the midst of it all, the new medications are about as much help as the water I use to take them, the seizures are still my closest companion...
and my dearest uncle who had the same birth injury and the same weird epilepsy died of surgical complications the day before the baby was born...
he went into statis, the same mess I got into before Christmas and they could not bring him out of it... apparently a reaction to the anaesthetic and shock of the surgery they think...
can't wait to see what happens in February...
in the meantime...
stick to small doses to begin and small increments but only when your body is ready and Stresser I hope all goes well with your daughter...
I want that so much....
our daughters deserve happiness and so do we...
kat
it has been such a fun couple of weeks
Posted by stresser on January 31, 2005, at 12:02:57
In reply to Re: Bridgey :Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by headachequeen on January 31, 2005, at 10:17:31
If someone doesn't lose weight on topamax, will they gain after they quit taking it? Did you lost the weight you started to gain back when you started taking the topamax again, and at what dosage did you start back on again when you resumed after the three weeks? (if I follow correctly, and most of the time, I do not). I also can't remember if you lost any hair taking it. M, wasn't on 400mg any longer than one week, so we don't know if that dosage was going to make a difference in mood swings or her weight loss. She really didn't notice much of a weight loss at a lower dosage. I'm taking it for mood swings, and I really don't notice it affecting my appetite much either...but I take 175mg. That's not much, and I don't think I will be taking more than 200mg to top it out. It has really helped me with my mood elevations, not Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hyde these days. I'm not frieghtend of myself anymore, and my family can live with me! Nice to have you back on the board, even if you are using your left hand! Good luck with surgery on Thurs. -L
Posted by stresser on February 14, 2005, at 19:23:23
In reply to Re: Bridgey :Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by headachequeen on January 31, 2005, at 10:17:31
Kat,
Where are you? How is your wrist? Your health?
We miss you -L
Posted by stresser on February 14, 2005, at 19:27:12
In reply to Re: Bridgey :Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 14, 2005, at 19:23:23
Sorry
I'm such a blonde ditz! There's no Re: Bridgey.....I don't know what I did. You all should know me by now!!! -L
Posted by nicki on February 18, 2005, at 18:06:07
In reply to Re:oops /Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 14, 2005, at 19:27:12
My doc told me to start at 25mg at night and 25mg in am for a few weeks then 50 at night and 50 in am. Sound logical? I'm scared to death of it but very hopeful!
Posted by headachequeen on February 18, 2005, at 20:23:38
In reply to Re:oops /Topamax and weight gain, posted by nicki on February 18, 2005, at 18:06:07
> My doc told me to start at 25mg at night and 25mg in am for a few weeks then 50 at night and 50 in am. Sound logical? I'm scared to death of it but very hopeful!
Well, here I am... the hand healed like a dream despite the surgeon's (and my and my doctor's fears... but the back of my hand and part of my wrist as of this evening ARRRGGGHHH are seriously infected... that redhead thing and the cellulitis telling me that it is here and could have done worse had it wanted to... on 2000 mg a day of Keflex for two weeks... if that doesn't blast it out nothing will...)
now for nicki ---
the best and most successful way to start topomax is to start at 25 mg at night... puppy cookies for the doctor... for two weeks or more, until your system accepts it and feels comfortable....
then on the same time frame work up to half the total daily dosage...
at half the dosage, start adding the other half in the morning in 25 mg increments, the same way, at two week increments...
works well and safely...
if you have a problem then go back to the previous dose for a while until your body adjusts...and Stresser, I am thinking of you...
none of you is forgotten...
but typing opens the lesions on my hand that are slowly closing and we hope healing...
kat
Posted by stresser on February 23, 2005, at 11:08:17
In reply to Topamax and weight gain » nicki, posted by headachequeen on February 18, 2005, at 20:23:38
Kat,
So nice to hear from you...happy that your hand is healing and not to worry about the typing. We will wait until you are ready for your hand to heal.
Nicki-
Topamax isn't bad at all! I haven't had trouble with it, it helps greatly with mood stablization and can decrease appetite for the lucky ones!
Let us know how it works for you -L
Posted by headachequeen on February 23, 2005, at 22:43:17
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 23, 2005, at 11:08:17
> Kat,
>
> So nice to hear from you...happy that your hand is healing and not to worry about the typing. We will wait until you are ready for your hand to heal.
Thanks!!!! and I am glad to know that Topomax works to stabilise moods....
have been on antibiotics for 15 days to deal with the cellulitis that broke out on my hand (incision totally healed and ready for the next round but the back of my hand is a disaster) and Monday they call to tell me that the antibiotic is the wrong one...
I told them that it was not the right one when they gave it to me...
so now we are on two weeks or more of a new one...
and I am dealing with more outbreaks including an involvement with the area in front of my right ear...
I am not a very stable person right now...
nurses still coming to change dressings and clean wounds and ooh and ahh about the incision...
but that does not make me feel any happier...
still I shot two rolls of film yesterday and got some good shots...
I can close my fingers on the right hand and bend them properly... all things I thought were connected with the original wound years ago that started the cellulitis...
turns out it had to do with this tendon problem...
when the swelling in my hand goes down from this nonsense I will be able to wear rings again and be a real person again...
until then they had better up my topomax...
my moods are almost dangerous at the moment....
but working on new ideas... will not let this thing control me... any more than I intend to let the epilepsy control me...
starting new business despite seizures and meds and all the rest of it...
my new approach to life is going to be that I shall simply trample the epilepsy into the ground...
neurologist or no neurologist... rules or no rules...
rules are meant to be adapted...
and life is to be lived...
only one chance at it...
and as the surgeon said, it is not a dress rehearsal...
have to do it the first time and do it all and do it right...
fasten your seatbelts... it may get interesting or it may be a real mess...
especially with this mood <GG>
film at eleven
kat
Posted by stresser on February 24, 2005, at 7:12:12
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by headachequeen on February 23, 2005, at 22:43:17
Yes, I should say they had better increase the topamax or the ride will be rough. Why don't the doctors listen to us when we say we know the meds aren't correct? You are right, life is not a dress rehearsal, and maybe you should tell the other doctors that one also? Haaa, how would that go over? Now THAT would be the film to see at eleven!
-L
Posted by headachequeen on February 24, 2005, at 23:45:29
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 24, 2005, at 7:12:12
> Yes, I should say they had better increase the topamax or the ride will be rough. Why don't the doctors listen to us when we say we know the meds aren't correct? You are right, life is not a dress rehearsal, and maybe you should tell the other doctors that one also? Haaa, how would that go over? Now THAT would be the film to see at eleven!
> -LThe film is going to be a trilogy...
spent the afternoon at the hospital with my doctor... called for an appointment and was told to get to his office at once...
seems the infection has moved through my system and is now in the area in front of my right ear, lymph nodes are involved and I am in intense pain... there is not enough topomax in the world to control my mood ...
however, when I walked into the office one of the patients just leaving saw my bandaged hand and wrist and was so upset that my surgery had not gone well. The receptionist chirped up, oh no, it healed beautifully, not even a scar... the back of her hand and her wrist are infected and now her face but we never expect her to do anything the normal way... she wouldn't be kat if she did and I started to laugh...
laughing hurts so much....
tonight I am taking pain killers... my face and neck hurt more than my hand ever did..
Why cannot I not get anything right and I don't want to hear about the redhead thing...
but the good news is that my doctor and the neuro have been talking... the neuro says that last time he saw me I was having great success with the meds...
and I want to know who it was he saw?????
It wasn't I, other than the topomax...
we are now two full years and a month with no migraine and the weight loss is holding...
now if I could kick these seizures we would be laughing... no on second thought... a quiet smile...
kat
Posted by stresser on February 25, 2005, at 7:21:12
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by headachequeen on February 24, 2005, at 23:45:29
AHHHH, I forgot about the red hair! That explains everything, and I can see where this is going now. Do they clear out the waiting room at the doctors office when they see you coming?
I'm sorry, it's my mood today and your post was quite humorous....but I expect that from you.
You must be in extreme pain, what medication are you taking for that? Are you still having the seizures as of now? How are you taking care of the dogs?
It's no wonder you haven't gained any weight, you don't have the time, and energy (it seems) to do it. I will probably gain some for you......you can count on me, anyway! -L
Posted by headachequeen on February 26, 2005, at 22:31:42
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 25, 2005, at 7:21:12
> AHHHH, I forgot about the red hair! That explains everything, and I can see where this is going now. Do they clear out the waiting room at the doctors office when they see you coming?
> I'm sorry, it's my mood today and your post was quite humorous....but I expect that from you.
> You must be in extreme pain, what medication are you taking for that? Are you still having the seizures as of now? How are you taking care of the dogs?
> It's no wonder you haven't gained any weight, you don't have the time, and energy (it seems) to do it. I will probably gain some for you......you can count on me, anyway! -L
>As I mentioned a while back, my primary care physician and his wife, also a doctor, are leaving the area (my husband says I drove him away )...
until a few weeks ago they had been unable to find anyone to take over the practice, but we recently received a letter telling us that a doctor now completing his residency in family practice and emergency medicine is going to take over the practice in June and is recruiting others to come to the area;
when I was in to see my doctor on Thursday about this latest outbreak of infection (and painful it is!!!!!!!!) he commented that they had not told the man he actually was taking on three practices:
his, hers, and me...The dogs are still with their big brother thank heaven because now no one can tell me that the infection is because I am always handling them...
although one bright and shining star in my life suggested that had they amputated my hand when I first developed cellulitis (I think it was in 97) then I would not be having this problem...
I guess that amputation after the cellulitis is in the bloodstream would stop it from taking hold????I am really getting tired of stupid people.
Wish I could find a way to give them my epilepsy...the 'kids' come home as soon as this is cleared up and then I am going to adjust my work and training schedule to fit the epilepsy rules...
there are ways to do the things I want to do and love to do and still fit inside the rules...
as in, do it without having seizures and breaking my neck...meanwhile, the incision is so healed that I can use the cameras with intense comfort as long as I don't break open the almost healed areas on the back of my hand...
but I cannot wear my glasses now because the temples rub the area that is affected...
laughing, swallowing, chewing...
well, those are out of the question right now...
one antibiotic needs to be taken with food and lots of water...
the other must be taken one hour before eating or three to four hours after eating...
both are four times a day....
and then there are the topomax, tegretol and clobazam, batman to work into the mixture...
one of which is now on three times a day...I am certainly learning to tell time...
but have no interest whatever in food...
both antibiotics have a serious effect on appetite... more so than topomax!!!
if I stay on them long enough it should be a really thin me emerging from all of this...I can't wait to meet the slim new me...
and that will mean a new wardrobe ....
which means the recycling clothes stores...
have learned that when on topomax that is the only way to shop LOLnow all of you...
remember: small increments and only when your body says it is ready...
in case I have not been around often enough to nag you....and L, how is M doing????
I am constantly thinking of and worrying about her...
kat
Posted by stresser on February 28, 2005, at 13:35:28
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by headachequeen on February 26, 2005, at 22:31:42
Maybe I should send you my clothes!! Topamax isn't helping me with staying away from the goodies! Handcuffs... maybe. -L
Posted by TylerTor on March 7, 2005, at 23:25:20
In reply to Re: topomax pain » JPS, posted by headachequeen on April 6, 2004, at 16:00:23
I have 2 herniated discs with neuropathy in right foot and drop foot. I am currently having nerve blocking done where I get injections of marcaine (similar to dentist novocaine) directly into my back and take Topomax and Amytriptyline (an anti-depressant) at night. When the therapy was suggested to me, I researched it and, in Canada anyway, it is quite common. I've been in pain for 7 years, it has become neuropathic so percocets no longer help and the last 6-7 months the pain has been debilitating. Surgery isn't an option because the pain is now neuropathic. It's only been a short time but my pain is definitely reduced. Of course the treatment doesn't fix the problem, so should I decide to discontinue the therapy then I imagine the pain would return but it does work.
Posted by rainy on March 8, 2005, at 6:35:53
In reply to Re: topomax pain » headachequeen, posted by TylerTor on March 7, 2005, at 23:25:20
I have taken tofranil, another tricyclic antidepressant for neuropathic pain in my feet which helped, but not Topamax. That I take as a mood stabilzer. I still have the pain from a peripheral neuropathy, but it's very faint and very old, so I don't think the Top has anything to do with it. This response is out of surprise and interest and a deep wish for your comfort. I certainly hope this treatment continues to soften what I know is merciless pain.
rainy
Posted by ed_uk on March 8, 2005, at 9:42:33
In reply to Re: topomax pain » headachequeen, posted by TylerTor on March 7, 2005, at 23:25:20
Hello,
>I've been in pain for 7 years, it has become neuropathic so percocets no longer help and the last 6-7 months the pain has been debilitating.
Oxycodone frequently does help neuropathic pain provided that the dose is adequate. The amount of oxycodone present in Percocet is rarely adequate to control neuropathic pain. OxyContin can be useful to treat neuropathic pain because it contains oxycodone only ie. no acetaminophen, as is present in Percocet. The absense of acetaminophen allows the dose of oxycodone to be effectively titrated against the pain. Some doctors will tell you that neuropathic pain never responds to opioids, this is a myth- there are studies which support the efficacy of oxycodone in neuropathic pain.
Good luck with the Marcaine,
Ed.
Posted by TylerTor on March 9, 2005, at 2:51:38
In reply to Re: topomax pain » TylerTor, posted by ed_uk on March 8, 2005, at 9:42:33
Thanks Ed. Actually, my GP talked to me about oxycontin and it was my decision not to go that route. I'm involved in every decision concerning my health and in this case, after much research, I didn't see the sense in going off percocets only to go on the more addictive oxycontin. My therapy is working and by posting a message I was only sharing that success. Your last comment "Good luck with the Marcaine" seemed condescending -- I hope that doesn't come from the fact that my therapy is actually working!!
Posted by ed_uk on March 9, 2005, at 7:05:10
In reply to Re: topomax pain » headachequeen, posted by TylerTor on March 7, 2005, at 23:25:20
Hi,
>Your last comment "Good luck with the Marcaine" seemed condescending
Ok fine, well it's a shame that you think that since I was just trying to help. You actually said that your pain was reduced, not that it was well controlled so I thought you might need extra analgesia.
>I didn't see the sense in going off percocets only to go on the more addictive oxycontin.
It isn't more addictive, both contain oxycodone, acetaminophen isn't associated with any risk of dependence. OxyContin will produce physical dependence, yes, but you won't become 'addicted' like a 'drug addict' unless you abuse it.
Ed.
Posted by challenged on March 11, 2005, at 12:14:18
In reply to Re: topomax pain, posted by rainy on March 8, 2005, at 6:35:53
Hi,
Well I am new to this and am so glad to have found this forum. I am now taking topomax after taking the dreaded fat pills prozac and lexapro, welbutrin all the above. You might say I have had a bit of stress and been depressed in my life. Well I did a dumn thing a while back and just quit the damn lexapro when i started jenny Craig and spent 500 bucks and gained a pound I knew that something was wrong. I went off the pills .....cold turkey and well i just kept myself in for a few weeks ..was in between jobs at the time and just told everyone to not call ..and I just delt with it.....I did lose the 20 pounds that I had gained ...ok 15 .....ok 13... Then I get thisa great job that has a manger who was intimidated by the fact that my qulifications had highere ups looking at me to fill the position that she was failing at and I didn't want it.I was just happy selling diamonds and doing my job without the management stuff that I am qualified to do that led me into taking meds in the first place. She made my job a living hell and then fabricated lies that through me over the edge and forced me to have to resign. I loved my job and well the depression is back and my Dr. kept me out of work for 8 days when I returned she just wanted me out so I was pushed to keep my dignity I walked and now on disability and taking topomax which I didn't want to have to do. I trust my Dr. but......I am so afraid of gaining the weight back and started Dieting again because I am so worried that these pills are going to do it to me again, Somebody please tell me that won't happen. i have read and read and my Dr. tells me these are what Renee Zellwigger took after she made that movie and then lost all that weight......I say he is reading the Enquire again! I know I need the pills but I stopped them then I had to start them again because I know I need them. Anybody somebody tell me will I gain weight again.......or is this the breakthrough pill for the stressed without that terrible side effect. I need to know, Thank you so much and I am looking forward to making friends here. Need to connect. I have closed myself up lately really bad. Thanks all....... Nettie
Posted by stresser on March 11, 2005, at 17:15:36
In reply to topomax and weight loss, posted by challenged on March 11, 2005, at 12:14:18
Renee Zellwigger took these to lose weight? Are you taking these to lose weight or taking these for another reason also? I really couldn't understand from your post, so if you did say, I'm sorry. What mg. are you taking right now and did you lose on them the first time you were taking them? I would think if they worked once they will work again. I take 200mg per day, and I have not lost any weight on Topamax. My daughter is bipolar II and also takes it, she hasn't lost any weight either....it must be a genetic thing for us. I do know many people lose taking topamax, and will assure you here on the board. -L
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