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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Hombre on April 6, 2011, at 23:09:16
The job is stressful for sure, but lucrative. I can handle the stress as long as I stick to my personal antidepressant/energy routine. I only have to work part time, but I make enough to pay living expenses and a little extra for entertainment. That leaves lots of time for exercise, cooking, playing music, writing, etc.
It's been about 16 months since I started researching meds to what could be considered "full remission", but I always knew I was capable of working once I had the energy. It just took ages to find something. It was very difficult not to get discouraged during the job search. There were a few bad days. I just kept trying.
I have more energy and stress resistance than most people I know. If I choose to drink socially, I bounce back quicker the next day. Having lots of energy allows me to consider doing more fun things than most friends, who are generally worn down and tired but considered "normal". There is a cross-over between depression, anxiety and normal health. Most people are undernourished, underconditioned, and have a negative attitude. Can't blame 'em, since I was the same for years if not worse.
Diet, herbs, and exercise make more of a difference regarding depression and anxiety than the meds, in that even if I take the meds daily, those other factors will be more likely to influence mood and energy. I can surely fall into a small depression if I don't take good care of myself, but I bounce back as soon as I do. There is no sitting back and hoping meds or herbs or whatever will work. They are only catalysts for developing a healthy lifestyle.
Much thanks to all who have supported me here, and I hope you stay positive and keep an open mind. I never would have made it to this point if I just took meds. No way.
Posted by BetweenDreams81 on April 7, 2011, at 1:17:14
In reply to I finally got a job, posted by Hombre on April 6, 2011, at 23:09:16
That is FANTASTIC news Hombre! Really happy for you!
Posted by morgan miller on April 7, 2011, at 9:01:54
In reply to I finally got a job, posted by Hombre on April 6, 2011, at 23:09:16
Very very cool Hombre. Happy to hear you have reached such a wonderful place of being able to fully enjoy life again, and from what it sounds, maybe better than ever before.
As I recall, I think you are around my age. If so, you are lucky to be able to opt to drink on occasion, enjoy it, and recover quickly the next day.
If you have any suggestions for TCM herbs that you think have had the greatest impact on wellbeing, strength, and stamina, I would like to hear them. I'm sure you've spoken of them already.
You have contributed so much to this board, thank you!Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on April 7, 2011, at 9:47:38
In reply to I finally got a job, posted by Hombre on April 6, 2011, at 23:09:16
Congratulations!!! That's a big step and a positive one at that. You are right about the meds. They are useful and necessary in certain cases, but there are other factors to consider. Glad you're feeling better and thanks for all the enlightening posts on Chinese medicine. I didn't go that route, but I enjoyed reading your posts about your progress. Again, congratulations!!!
Lao
Posted by Hombre on April 7, 2011, at 12:32:57
In reply to I finally got a job, posted by Hombre on April 6, 2011, at 23:09:16
Thanks for the love, y'all. Just take it easy on yourselves, you're all good people. Take your time and just try stuff. It gives hope to try something new, and even if it doesn't fix everything, you are doing something positive for your health.
morgan: I find ashwagandha, eleuthero, and rhodiola to be good friends. [I also find that something like 600-800mg of magnesium is a must. I can feel it relaxing me and giving me some cushion for dealing with stress. I don't supplement calcium at all, although I eat some dairy.]
I use concentrated extracts from Beyond a Century capped up in 500mg OO caps. They are like $10 or less for what can be something like 100-200 capsules. Purebulk is adding new stuff all the time, but I haven't tried anything other than their niacin and magnesium citrate. 500mg's a good dose, and one cap 1-2x a day seems to work.
As for Chinese herbals, I really like teapills. They are cheap and work if you take maybe 1 - 1.5 the recommended dose depending on your body. I bet the Planetary Herbals are OK if taken as recommended. I think one of their Ginseng products (not straight ginseng) and one of the Rehmannia products would cover the basics for overall energy. One works digestion, the other kidneys and hormones. Digestion represents getting energy from the outside, and the kidneys represent your innate energy, adrenals, deep reserves.
You have to build up your energy reserves to levels that go beyond "not sick". It may take some time, along with early bedtimes and whatnot, but it will actually improve your health. I highly recommend a kidney tonic formula. I played with some tongkat ali and tribulus, but had inconclusive results due to not taking them regularly enough. I plan to do a more serious test of these in the future. Anything that can safely boost the kidneys will give you more energy and vitality.
Oh, I recommend something called "eucommia combination". eucommia helps strengthen the lower back and legs. I tried it, and felt results very quickly.
This is the end of the thread.
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