Posted by medlib on January 13, 2003, at 23:21:58
In reply to need help for chronic stress in addition to meds, posted by babs on January 13, 2003, at 20:17:29
Hi Babs--
I'm so very sorry to hear about your mother--for you *and* for her. I'm afraid that you're in for a rough time; it's very wise of you to rally your resources at the onset.
As far as your own health goes, I'm not big on multiple supplements; as 1 who takes 7 rxs at least once/day, the thought of handfuls of still more pills makes me slightly ill. I *can* recommend (and do take) a multivitamin/mineral (Centrum Silver is the most complete) a.m. and a stress tab (vit Bs+C) about 7 hrs. later in p.m. The herb Echinacea is somewhat helpful in treating colds and flu, but better in prevention; it boosts the immune system. I take 1 a.m. Keep in mind that natural substances tend to be lower in potency than rx meds, so one takes them for a boost, not a cure. Herbs can interact w. rx drugs just as drugs can w. other drugs. Echinacea inhibits the isoenzyme P-450 CYP3A4, an enzyme which metabolizes many psych meds. Grapefruit juice inhibits this same enzyme, so steer clear of that combination. If you post a list of your rxs, I can tell you if any affect/are affected by this enzyme. Potential interaction isn't a big drawback--all it means is that med might stay in your circulation a little longer, potentially enhancing its potency (which might not be a bad thing if your depression worsens. Medscape has a nice, succinct section on 19 natural supplements and their potential rx interactions at
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/429776_2
(You might have to register to read it, but I've no evidence that they check anything, so feel free to confabulate.)
One other precaution you might want to discuss w. your doc is keeping a small amt. of the rx amantadine on hand. If taken within 48 hrs. of the onset of influenza or other viral infection, it can decrease the severity and duration of symptoms. I find that these things *always* hit on Fri. afternoon or Sat. morn, so that by the time I get hold of my doc Mon. afternoon, it's too late. If you do talk w. her/him, it's best if you're straight-forward about your high stress level and increased susceptability, and direct in your request.
I don't know where you live, but if it's in the US and in/near a medium/big city, the single best stress reducer I know of for someone in your situation is what saved my life/sanity when I was in your shoes w. my mother 3+ yrs. ago. It's called the VNA (Visiting Nurses Association) Hospice program. My mother's heartfelt last wish was to spend her remaining time in her own home (which she and my father built in 1939). She said repeatedly that the only way she wanted to leave it was "feet first". It wasn't easy, but VNA made it possible. They have a whole team of people to help the patient *and* the primary caregiver; and they bill Medicare directly for all their services. I will be glad to tell you more if it's relevant for you and you're interested.
Try to hang in; there's more help available than you imagine, and you are capable of more than you think. You've already taken a good first step, asking for help. I and other babblers will be happy to answer questions, share experiences and solutions, and offer advice--so ask for what you need, *please*!
Hope that this helps a little.---medlib
poster:medlib
thread:2216
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20021230/msgs/2219.html