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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by zonked on June 7, 2014, at 9:59:12
So I think I've mentioned I'm taking care of my Mom, whose memory, dementia, and energy levels continue to worsen.
There isn't much more that can be done for her. I brought up both buprenorphine and medical cannibus with her hospice team, they were familiar and encouraged the latter and they already work with a dispensary here in California. It might help make her happier. (I know, it's selfish, but I want my Mom back. She's fading away from me.)
I have switched doctors and have an appointment I can't bump up. I was thinking of adding something like maybe sam-e to my Nardil since I seem to remember that helping. I think I can afford it for a month, I just don't know dosing.
Yeah, the alcohol cravings are weird. I don't have many in-person friends who can see me the hours I now have off (M-F midday) and she needs 24hr coverage. When I am on a stimulant, and my ADD is treated, I don't want for alcohol and I take my Xanax less.
So what do I do now? Energy drinks during the day, which I know are bad, but I am a sloth without them.
Some of this pills and potions just can't fix, I am really sensitive and I am losing my true best friend. She doesn't remember me living in Seattle now. She's become increasingly cranky and rebellious with things like showers, I think, because she's clinging to what control she has left in her life. She gets frustrated that she's wrong on months and days, and even though her schedule has been the same for months now she thinks it changes all the time.
I've started to grieve my alive Mom (untreatable brain tumor w/ dementia and occasional delirium, fatigue, etc). It's so sad seeing her so sad, and yes, she's been on Zoloft + Xanax for years, any new anti-D trial would be kind of a waste of time. We don't know if it's weeks or months. Sometimes I think, Jeeze, couldn't hospice just keep her on opiates all the time? Problem: Side effects - constipation, perhaps increased fall risk, I don't know, tolerance.
I don't know how I'm going to stay okay, except that I am hoping beyond hope I can stay with my Dad or my Uncle for awhile after the inevitable, or if she gets moved to a nursing home, or can't communicate, or forgets who I am.
I'm usually a patient guy but I find myself snapping at people in public who do outrageous things or tell me not to smoke outside, etc....
So the sam-E, does anyone think that might help increase my energy levels?
I've tried the Vitamin store with other things and I don't remember much success.
Posted by kirkglen on June 7, 2014, at 11:29:17
In reply to Fatigue/alcohol cravings (?!) while waiting for dr, posted by zonked on June 7, 2014, at 9:59:12
I don't know how much Nardil you're taking but I'd be "very careful" with SAM E. Take as little as possible until you see the side effects. It has numerous herbs that don't get along with MAOI's.
Posted by Beckett on June 8, 2014, at 16:54:21
In reply to Fatigue/alcohol cravings (?!) while waiting for dr, posted by zonked on June 7, 2014, at 9:59:12
Hi Zonked,
Opiates help your mom on most fronts? I imagine you have brought this up to hospice. I think hospice prescribed morphine during at least the last month or so of his life and maybe some length longer. Only two family members were authorized to dispense in addition to my dad and hospice. He had mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
Sam-e I always heard was contraindicated with MAOI. However, so is amphetamine, so I guess the dosing would be cautious. Take care though I hear your need to function better at this time. Good luck with your new doc, too.
Have you cross posted the dosing question on the Alternative board? You might get some good guidance there.
Very best wishes.
This is the end of the thread.
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