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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pretty_paints on April 26, 2006, at 11:18:18
Hi guys
A little update. Things have been the same for about the last 9 months. I went into hospital and came out on Clozapine. A while after I was dx with schizophrenia. I fell in love with two of my docs and thought they were in love with me. It was horrible horrible and I was passed from doc to doc, getting exhausted with everything because with every doc I had to start from scratch. There is major reshuffling going on with the mental health services where I live. New hospital built, etc etc. I finally saw an Italian doc and together we decided I should come off Remeron (well not really him, he was kinda against it actually). I wanted to see if 1) I could go without it (seeing as though I don't have depression anymore) and 2) I could loose weight off it. The doc said he could prescribe a non-weight-gaining antidepressant instead.
Anyway I have been off for about a month now and feel miserable. I feel low, but moreso than that my "thoughts" feel much worse. I am much more paranoid and my thoughts feel dangerous and strong. I'm being tormented by my thoughts, they drive me insane (ha ha). It's difficult to do anything and feel joy from it. I don't just want to give in and go back on Remeron coz I have lost a bit of weight and am maybe a bit clearer-headed off it (less zombie-like). My dad thinks I am not well at all and is concerned. He says I am vacant all the time, as if I were in another world.
I am really struggling but if I go see my doc he will simply say "well what do you want to do about it?", when the point is I don't KNOW what I want to do. Also, I haven't gone into all my thoughts with him as they are too extensive and complicated (although other people involved in my care know about them). It's just coz I was getting passed on to so many docs, I gave up trying to explain everything to each one. I am seeing a "new" doctor next tuesday, but I am so tired of trying to work everything out. I want the doctor to do that!
Also physically I am a mess. I am really constipated from whoknowswhat, maybe the drugs, don't know. I have used laxatives, but then I end up with horrible diahorea. I can only go to the toilet if I've had laxatives, and laxatives don't help in the long term. Grrrr, I am so stressed.
Also I'm starting a load of clubs this week, watercolours, creative textiles and jewellery making. I have to start this week as they are a 10-week course, but i don't feel ready to do them at this moment. Dealing with groups/clubs OUTSIDE the mental health clique makes me a little scared. INSIDE was alright, you didn't have to bother being polite, chatting, etc. People understood that you were ill and didn't judge you if you fancied a bit of quiet time, or whatever.
Oh well at least it is sunny today.
Posted by blueberry on April 26, 2006, at 18:25:48
In reply to An update on Clozapine, posted by pretty_paints on April 26, 2006, at 11:18:18
Why not go back on the remeron? I mean, it's a trade...have a hard existence or have some extra weight. Right? Besides, in addition to watching what you eat and keeping meals small, you could take a medication that causes weight loss or lack of appetite to counteract the remeron. Maybe?
I like it when you said you weren't depressed and didn't have scary thoughts. I think you should get back to that place. Worry about the weight later. Just an opinion though.
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 19:21:18
In reply to Re: An update on Clozapine » pretty_paints, posted by blueberry on April 26, 2006, at 18:25:48
Hi Katie sorry about the doc shuffling. Sounds like you have been doing very well since you were posting a lot last winter. Why not just one group at a time? And I agree with Blueberry about the remeron at least until next week when you see the new pdoc. At which time open up to him and explain all that you have been through and it's been a lot. And you yourself said you were skinny and wanted to gain a few pounds a while back. Good luck sweetie missing you. Love phillipa
Posted by TomG on April 26, 2006, at 23:22:20
In reply to An update on Clozapine, posted by pretty_paints on April 26, 2006, at 11:18:18
I have found a cure all for constipation that even psych meds cringe in fear of. Nothing can stop it from working. Three teaspoons a day is all it takes maybe even less you'll have to play with the dose you take. You ready to find out what it is?
It's psyllium husk. Psyllium is a soluble fiber that comes from a plant most commonly grown in India. You can find it at your local health food store. I buy it at GNC here in the states. Don't know if they have those in the U.K. And, man does it work consistently for constipation. Just be sure to take it two hours before or after medicines. Its probably a good idea to discuss it with the doctor thats giving you the Clozaril. Just thought I'd chime in on helping you with that particular problem. Here are some links too of stuff that I'm considering for a complete digestive system clense. Good luck!
www.drnatura.com
www.oxypowder.com
Tom
Posted by Tom Twilight on April 27, 2006, at 6:19:00
In reply to An update on Clozapine, posted by pretty_paints on April 26, 2006, at 11:18:18
Hey Katie
Just thought I'd say hello!
Sorry your not doing so good, haven't got much advice to offer, at least its good to know your still around!
I was thinking that perhapse you suffer from Iritable Bowl Syndrome?
Don't know just a thought........Ed is out there somewhere, perhapse he'll have more advice.
Posted by ed_uk on April 27, 2006, at 16:02:04
In reply to Re: An update on Clozapine » pretty_paints, posted by TomG on April 26, 2006, at 23:22:20
>psyllium husk
We do, it's called ispaghula husk here. The brand name is Fybogel. Doctors prescribe it A LOT! You can get different flavours: orange, lemon, lemon/lime and natural/unflavoured.
Ed
Posted by ed_uk on April 27, 2006, at 16:08:25
In reply to An update on Clozapine, posted by pretty_paints on April 26, 2006, at 11:18:18
Hi Pretty
I think you should go back on mirtazapine. It seems that it was helping quite a lot.
Have you tried amisulpride (Solian) yet? It's an atypical AP. Some pdocs combine it with clozapine in the treatment of schizophrenia. You might find it helpful.
> I am really constipated from whoknowswhat, maybe the drugs, don't know. I have used laxatives, but then I end up with horrible diahorea. I can only go to the toilet if I've had laxatives, and laxatives don't help in the long term. Grrrr, I am so stressed.
There are many different treatments for the constipation which might help. Which laxatives have you tried so far?
Love
Ed
Posted by Sobriquet Style on April 27, 2006, at 17:05:58
In reply to Re: An update on Clozapine » pretty_paints, posted by ed_uk on April 27, 2006, at 16:08:25
>There are many different treatments for the constipation which might help.
I wonder if theres any specific treatments for Neurontin induced constipation?
~
Posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2006, at 18:14:34
In reply to Re: An update on Clozapine » TomG, posted by ed_uk on April 27, 2006, at 16:02:04
Metamucil even sold in the grocery store. Love PJ O
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