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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sef on February 19, 2000, at 21:46:39
It is becoming increasingly harder for me to hang in there until my pdoc appt on feb 29. That is when (hopefully) my pdoc will augment my prozac with Naltrexone.
I was really losing it today. Feeling really uptight, anxious, & irritable which inturn agravated my back problem and started muscle spasms. My husband is so wonderful...I don't know how he puts up with it all!
I hope Naltrexone will work for me. Becoming more and more agoraphobic again.
Posted by medlib on February 19, 2000, at 23:08:55
In reply to Looooosing it!!, posted by Sef on February 19, 2000, at 21:46:39
> It is becoming increasingly harder for me to hang in there until my pdoc appt on feb 29. That is when (hopefully) my pdoc will augment my prozac with Naltrexone.
>
> I was really losing it today. Feeling really uptight, anxious, & irritable which inturn agravated my back problem and started muscle spasms. My husband is so wonderful...I don't know how he puts up with it all!
>
> I hope Naltrexone will work for me. Becoming more and more agoraphobic again.Sef-
Sure can relate--my prozac "pooped out" too--after 15 years! After extensive research (here and elsewhere), I opted to switch over to Effexor, but, during the transition, I completely "lost it" between appointments. I called, reported that I was "desperate" and got a gratifyingly prompt response from the psych NP. "Desperate" seems to be a trigger word second only to "suicidal" in generating action. My biggest gripe about docs is that they do not seem to grasp the URGENCY of feeling AWFUL. Why not call your pdoc on Monday, tell him you're desperate, can't wait another week, and need help NOW? If he says no, that might be a sign that you need to consider finding a more responsive pdoc. Good luck!
medlib
Posted by Noa on February 19, 2000, at 23:11:44
In reply to Re: Looooosing it!!, posted by medlib on February 19, 2000, at 23:08:55
I can relate, too. It is so discouraging to find oneself losing it. It saps all the energy out of me, the energy I need to keep fighting on.
Hang in there.
Posted by JohnL on February 20, 2000, at 3:41:39
In reply to Looooosing it!!, posted by Sef on February 19, 2000, at 21:46:39
I think it's very important to work with a doc who can somehow someway make an opening for a patient who is unable to wait. At a bare minimum, they should welcome coaching and encouraging you daily for a few minutes on the phone. But in my book, they should always be able to squeeze in the desperate patient quickly. Somehow. Someway. Most of the patients scheduled are on maintenance and can wait. But the desperate ones need attention NOW. I would not even consider staying with a doctor who couldn't somehow squeeze me in during a time of crisis. It's not like I will ALWAYS need immediate attention. Just during those sporadic desperate times.
The best pdoc I ever had could actually see me any Friday morning by coming in at 7:00am. His scheduled arrival was 8:00. But he would come in early just for me (and as I later found out, two or three other desperate cases of the week). That early Firday morning time was reserved for the desperate ones who couldn't wait. I thought that was so cool. I have the highest esteem for this doctor who really cared. If your doc can't squeeze you in, you might be wise to find a new one who can. That is an excellent screening question when considering potential new doctors.
But for the moment, there is one thing you could try that is fast. It might very well get you over the hump very quickly. Go to your local Wal*Mart and get a $20 box of Nature Made SAMe. Take two pills on an empty stomach mid-morning, two more on an empty stomach mid-afternoon. The box will last 5 days. If it works for you, as it has with me on numerous trials, you may find quick relief to get over the hump in as little as 2 or 3 days. I continue to use SAMe sporadically on an as-needed basis to get through those particularly difficult times. It has combined well with my Prozac, and always gets me over the hump reliably and predictably.
But I would also call the doc back and stress that I can't wait, that I need to be squeezed in the schedule immediately. If they say there is no way, tell them you'll have to take your business elsewhere if they don't help. If they still refuse, start looking. I would also demand to speak to the doctor personally, not just the secretary.
This is the end of the thread.
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