![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 36. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by iris2 on September 25, 2004, at 22:27:43
I have not been able to work for over two years now. Even then I worked a small part-time job because of my depression that hired people that have problems I had a severe bout with a bladder disease that caused me to have to quit. Not working has only added to my depression. Working seems like a pipe dream to me now.
I have felt a little better in the past two months and thought that perhaps I should try to look for a job like dog walking or something like tht skill level. I am very anxious and have has trouble with office jobs in the past even though I have some knowledge and experience with them. Also I have had a lot of sales experience mostly n woman’s clothing but my social abilities are so bad now I cannot even consider this, I had problems even when I was feeling quite well dealing with authority figures in this type of environment. I know it sounds like I am making excuses but extreme anxiety, to be noticed by coworkers and crying every day after work and sometimes during will tell you some of the problems I am dealing with. I also got fired from two jobs because of my inability to remember things from day to day due to the anxiety and depression. I never used to have these problems at least not to any great extent.I never finished college or trade school so essentially I am without skills.
Looking through the paper today has made me feel worthless and meaningless and hopeless. If I felt better and more confident I would try to go back to school and take a year or two year program that would provide me with a career. I even have one picked out. I wish I felt more confident about it all.
Has anyone had similar experiences? What can I do for a part time job that I can learn on the job?
I never in my life expected not to work for any length of time no matter how sick I became. I need the money but perhaps in my situation I need to feel a sense of accomplishment that a job gives me. It makes me feel like I am an important contributing human being.
I know there are a lot of us out there who are not able to work. How do you deal with it?
I am not much of a self-motivator so when I am not working I generally get nothing done in and around my home. Nor do I go out and do much. This had become partly because I have developed some social phobia and partly because I have an old habit of not allowing myself to have fun if I did not accomplish things (like cleaning) that I know I should have done.
Yes I am rambling on and on. The whole topic had me crying and generally upset the whole afternoon.
How do other people deal with this?
I would more than appreciate a response. Perhaps someone has some ideas or their personal stories might help me. Either way thanks for listening,
irene
Posted by octopusprime on September 26, 2004, at 1:06:30
In reply to Problems dealing with not working, posted by iris2 on September 25, 2004, at 22:27:43
hi irene (iris)
your post is very touching. you are certainly very brave in your recovery from what must have been a very difficult ride.
i've always had a job that required some training in advance. when i was a lifeguard, for example, i needed $600 worth of lessons/certification tests before i could start working. i think if you are quick you can do crash courses (almost literally)
of course, i was required to teach swimming lessons to children, this may be a problem if you have social anxiety. if your social anxiety is limited to adults, however, it can be quite rewarding to watch a child master a skill you taught her.
i worked at a coffee and donut shop at the university. it was ok. if you're going to get a service job, go work at your nearest institute of higher education. they pay living wages (generally) and if you are full time you get tuition credits to upgrade your education.
good luck :)
Posted by verne on September 26, 2004, at 9:38:34
In reply to Problems dealing with not working, posted by iris2 on September 25, 2004, at 22:27:43
Irene,
I'm in the same boat. I haven't worked in years but would like a part-time job. I've just been floundering. I, too, have few skills. I dropped out of college and never really learned how to do anything - mainly because I didn't enjoy doing anything.
I don't go out except to the doctor and grocery store. I don't drive. I live in isolation. Even telemarketers don't call. Every day I ask myself, how can I go on like this?
I'm not suicidal but I find life meaningless and mostly unenjoyable. Meditating and having more of a "spiritual" life has helped. Lately I've gone into the direction of self indulgence and I'm miserable. I've been experimenting with herbs and botanicals not meant for human consumption - just to experience something different. On the bright side I haven't drank in over ten days - mainly due to access, the person, (friend and enabler) who used to deliver alcohol, died, and the combination of cymbalta and inderal really takes the desire to drink away.
I have to invent reasons to get out of bed in the morning. I have a couple projects that involve research and writing that I hope to one day get to. But instead the house is a mess and I never feel like doing much.
I just ordered "Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder" by Marsha Linehan and hope to just focus on doing the course. I have the teacher's manual to this book which I had ordered by mistake years ago and hope I do better with the actual course book.
Although I have little going on in my life I feel overwhelmed. I'm hoping if I concentrate on one "job", the borderline course, I can crawl out of this rut.
I don't have much in the way of answers but just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.
verne
Posted by fallsfall on September 26, 2004, at 12:10:46
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » iris2, posted by verne on September 26, 2004, at 9:38:34
Consider volunteering.
I was out of work for 4 years and started volunteering at my local library 2 hours a week. Volunteers are so appreciated! It works wonders for your self-esteem. I increased my volunteer hours and when they were looking to hire a Children's Librarian (10 hours a week) - I got the job! This helped me work to where I could go back to my 40 hour/week Software Engineering job (it took 2 years at the library...) I worked there for 2 years, but crashed again. A couple of years after that crash I was back volunteering at the library (and feeling *so* loved!). I now work 10 hours a week there - I could work 4 more if I wanted to, but right now I can't handle it.
When you volunteer, they are thrilled to see you walk through the door (and they don't hate you if you can't show up). If you accomplish anything you are their hero. If you can get important things done, their appreciation shows no bounds.
It is a great way to get a little structure in your week (start with 2 hours a week). Choose something you like (Library, Animal Shelter, Hospital, Nursing Home, your Church, Girl Scouts). Most organizations have lots of different kinds of tasks (some with lots of people contact, some with no people contact). And you aren't making a committment for forever.
It really helps everyone.
Posted by verne on September 26, 2004, at 14:57:53
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » verne, posted by fallsfall on September 26, 2004, at 12:10:46
Thanks for the suggestions. I worked at a library for six months. I'm currently in a small town in the midwest and there's a waiting list for most volunteer jobs. You practically need a resume' or to know someone.
When I'm back on my feet (rough few weeks) I'll try the library. I live within walking distance.
Verne
Posted by iris2 on September 26, 2004, at 15:37:16
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working, posted by octopusprime on September 26, 2004, at 1:06:30
Thanks,
That gives me a wonderfull idea. Since I eventually wouold like to take some courses there is a Community College near me. Perhaps if a job becomes available there I should look into it.
Thanks for the response.
irene
Posted by iris2 on September 26, 2004, at 15:51:27
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » iris2, posted by verne on September 26, 2004, at 9:38:34
> I just ordered "Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder" by Marsha Linehan and hope to just focus on doing the course. I have the teacher's manual to this book which I had ordered by mistake years ago and hope I do better with the actual course book.
>
Verne,I feel like you just described me! I think I remember that i have the teacher's manual to that book somewhere. In my house that meens it is packed up somewhere never to be found.
I hope you start doing better as I hope I do. Having a reason to get up in the morning makes a big difference. Yesturday I had planned to go on an easy Sierra walk. Of course I never got up in time. Today I was to get up to go to church. I would have to get up at around 9:30 and I got up around 2:30. Obviously I did not make it. Next week I am going to make plans so that someone will take me. When I am obligated to someone else I will get up and go.It is strange, but the very same things I want to do and cannot motivate myself to do I will easily occomplish if someone else is involved.
I do not really have much more to add.
Thanks for letting me know I am not alone. Especially that I have read some of your posts and you seem quite inteligent. It makes me think maybe I am not so dumb.
irene
Posted by iris2 on September 26, 2004, at 15:58:25
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » verne, posted by fallsfall on September 26, 2004, at 12:10:46
I volunteered almost my entire life until the past five or six years. I cannot figure out why I did not think of it since it has been part of my life since age 15.
Thanks for the reminder. It really is uplifting. Everyone is so grateful to you for being there. I found that I had almost none of the negative stuff that I had at a regular job.
irene
Posted by iris2 on September 26, 2004, at 16:04:33
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » iris2, posted by verne on September 26, 2004, at 9:38:34
Verne,
I checked out the book site. It looks like from memory what I ordered was "Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder". I do not how to post it so that you can link to it?
Anyway maybe I will look into two or three boxes and see if I can find it. Maybe we can read it together. If you ever want to get in touch my email is lacys34c at yahoo.com
irene
Posted by karaS on September 26, 2004, at 16:49:51
In reply to Problems dealing with not working, posted by iris2 on September 25, 2004, at 22:27:43
I am going through the same thing with regard to work. I haven't worked full-time in nearly two years and now I'm completely out of money. It's such a struggle just to get up in the morning, not to mention finding meaning in life. (My mother is constantly hounding me to check the newspaper want-ads as if my not looking in the right place for a job were the only problem. That and my laziness according to her. She's been in denial about my depression for many years now no matter what I tell her so I don't expect that will change anytime soon. Fortunately we live on opposite sides of the country. I also have a couple of "friends" who feel the same way and treat me like I'm a lazy slouch. Unfortunately, they live near me.)
I have been doing some temporary office work but even that is very taxing. I have a master's degree but it has been so hard to concentrate sometimes that I know I've come off as a complete idiot. I can read it in their eyes and it's so painful - particularly as I was always such a good student.
One thing I've noticed a lot recently is that having fancy degrees isn't necessarily a predictor of who is successful or happy in their lives. The people I've noticed who believed in themselves and went after what they wanted were the ones who were the most "successful" in terms of making a living. My point is not to get down on yourself for not having advanced degrees. They are useless unless you can think straight and manage to hold down a full-time job. They certainly don't guarantee that you will feel good about yourself. I think that the thing we all need to focus on is getting our depression, anxiety and concentration under control. The self-esteem will follow and it will be easier to create work opportunities for ourselves. I know - it's easier said than done!
-K
Posted by verne on September 26, 2004, at 18:19:32
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » verne, posted by iris2 on September 26, 2004, at 16:04:33
Irene,
Is there a way you can get the main text? I know it's very expensive. I found the teacher's manual difficult to follow but I will use it in addition to the main text. Perhaps we could take the course together - or get a babble group taking the course.
The way to link a book is use double quotes. Just put two " in front of the book's name and " in back.
Verne
Posted by iris2 on September 26, 2004, at 20:57:58
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working, posted by karaS on September 26, 2004, at 16:49:51
K,
Thanks for the self-esteem boost. Not that I would want you to be having problems. I also always did so well in school and even now when I did work with other people sometimes they were supervising me I would think how stupid something they did or said was or some decision made was. I would think that if they have this degree and/or this great job and I think they are not so bright well what does that say about me who has no job or degree!
In regards to your situation. Have you considered going on Social security disability? I know it sounds so permanent but actually it has all sorts of work incentives built in. It is a pain to try and get onto, but as long as you're not impatient who cares. I do not know what your dx is. It would depend op that of course and what your pdoc was willing to write. It might help you get through this tough spot. Although it will most likely take over a year to begin receiving it.
If you want to try I will help you as much as I can. I have helped several people get their's but they lived in Pittsburgh where I live. I used to do advocacy for people. Maybe it is something I should look into doing again. I enjoyed it.
It's such a struggle just to get up in the morning, not to mention finding meaning in life.
I find that the most dificult of all. It is hard to find a good enough reason to make myself get out of bed. I do not even try to find any real meaning right now.
irene
Posted by iris2 on September 26, 2004, at 21:10:32
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working, posted by verne on September 26, 2004, at 18:19:32
I guess I am committed now. I willl search through my boxes ( it will take a few days) and see which text I already own. I thought it was
"Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder" which I was told was easier to follow than the text itself.It is quite expensive even used so let me see what I have first. Perhaps we can copy chapter by chapter each other to disk and email them. I do not know this might end up being more expensive than buying them. Anyway I need to check first.
irene
Posted by verne on September 26, 2004, at 21:23:56
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » verne, posted by iris2 on September 26, 2004, at 21:10:32
Irene,
I think I heard the same thing about the text being more difficult - might be why I bought the manual the first time.
We can use the manual for the joint-group study. My text could be resource material or a paperweight.
I don't want to start the "course" right away. I'm struggling with the cymbalta side effects and need to lower the dose. I thought it was working but after a week of insomnia, I'm not sure.
I see the doc on Friday and will ask for the lowest dose. Meanwhile I try to go longer between my current 30mg doses. I'm also still recovering from all my herbal experiments. Ugh.
My sister is a nurse practioner at a homeless shelter near Pittsburgh. She could get a higher paying job but finds this fulfilling. I would like to get well enough to help others too.
verne
Posted by iris2 on September 27, 2004, at 11:28:21
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » iris2, posted by verne on September 26, 2004, at 21:23:56
Verne,
I cannot start until I find the manual anyway which could take at least a week or two. I will start looking today. This is a big step for me. I have moved with many unopened boxes of books at least four or probably more times. I have not opened most of them in many years so if I do find the manual it might be all molded. We'll see.
I went to school to be a physician’s assistant. Close to the same thing as a nurse practitioner. I never finished.
Do you live in or near Pittsburgh?How long have you been on the Cymbalta? I do not remember seeing a journal that you are doing on the board, perhaps you are not? I am considering taking it as my next drug trial.
What side effects are you having? What problems with herbs did you have? I just tried Milnacipran and am not able to take it because of my interstitial cystitis (I.C.). I started taking the Amineptine that I had left from over a year ago. I am on a small dose of Amisulpride so I thought maybe the combination would work. If it does I do not know if I can even get anymore Amineptine or if I can what absorbant price it might be!
irene
Posted by verne on September 27, 2004, at 12:40:41
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » verne, posted by iris2 on September 27, 2004, at 11:28:21
I'm doing much better this morning after going longer between cymbalta doses. Friday I will have the dose reduced from 30mgs to 20mgs per day.
I'm experiencing insomnia but if I take a smaller dose of cymbalta that should help. Side effects aside this is the only AD I've ever taken that actually did something for my depression. I feel euphoric at times.
I'm in Iowa although I was born and raised in the Northwest. I'm really a fish out of water and miss the mountains, lakes, trees, and ocean. I came here in the mid 80's to learn TM's(transcendental meditation) advanced techniques. I stayed to be near my daughter (now 19) after a divorce. I hope to leave in a few years.
My sister and family live in Upper St. Clair and she works in a tri-county homeless shelter south of Pittsburgh. Her husband works at University of Pitt Medical Center. Lots of kids, most have flown the nest.
I'm not familiar with those meds you mentioned. Some of the "herbs" I was taking aren't really meant for human consumption. I was experimenting with blue lotus, kratom, and some other exotic stuff. I noticed no benefit so have discontinued the "experiments".
verne
Posted by iris2 on September 27, 2004, at 12:45:44
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » iris2, posted by verne on September 27, 2004, at 12:40:41
What a small world. I grew up in a commlunity Mt. Lebanon next to Upper St. Clair. I lived in an apartment in Upper St. Clair for seven years.
Glad to here the Cymbalta is working. I am going to continue for a short time on the Amineptine and if nothing happens start Cymbalta. Of course first I have to squeeze a script out of my pdoc. He is difficult to work with.
irene
Posted by karaS on September 28, 2004, at 1:04:13
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » karaS, posted by iris2 on September 26, 2004, at 20:57:58
> K,
>
> Thanks for the self-esteem boost. Not that I would want you to be having problems. I also always did so well in school and even now when I did work with other people sometimes they were supervising me I would think how stupid something they did or said was or some decision made was. I would think that if they have this degree and/or this great job and I think they are not so bright well what does that say about me who has no job or degree!
>
> In regards to your situation. Have you considered going on Social security disability? I know it sounds so permanent but actually it has all sorts of work incentives built in. It is a pain to try and get onto, but as long as you're not impatient who cares. I do not know what your dx is. It would depend op that of course and what your pdoc was willing to write. It might help you get through this tough spot. Although it will most likely take over a year to begin receiving it.
>
> If you want to try I will help you as much as I can. I have helped several people get their's but they lived in Pittsburgh where I live. I used to do advocacy for people. Maybe it is something I should look into doing again. I enjoyed it.
>
> It's such a struggle just to get up in the morning, not to mention finding meaning in life.
>
> I find that the most dificult of all. It is hard to find a good enough reason to make myself get out of bed. I do not even try to find any real meaning right now.
>
>
> ireneIrene,
That's so sweet of you to offer to help me when you're having such a difficult time of it yourself these days. I'm very touched. I don't think I'll apply for social security disability though because I don't have a year to wait. I really have to get a job soon. I can probably find something that isn't too taxing for the short-term (I hope).It does sound like something you should look into for yourself job-wise though. It would be great to do something you're good at and that you find rewarding.
Wishing you all the best,
Kara
Posted by jujube on September 28, 2004, at 10:45:09
In reply to Problems dealing with not working, posted by iris2 on September 25, 2004, at 22:27:43
Iris,
Noboby is without skills. Having skills is not necessarily tied to level of education. I had an employee who had two degrees who could not write a decent note or letter and couldn't grasp things without extensive explanation. You just have to find your niche. Working with people in a retail or office setting is not for everyone.
I read of a woman who found herself unemployed and she decided it was time to work for herself. She thought of the things she could do and starting listing them (things like preparing meals, walking dogs, gardening, babysitting, wordprocessing, painting, etc.). Then she made flyers and distributed them in her neighborhood. She started getting work, albeit slowly. But it sustained her and she was able to start to making a living.
Don't give up hope. You will work again.
Good luck to you, and take good care.
Tamara
> I have not been able to work for over two years now. Even then I worked a small part-time job because of my depression that hired people that have problems I had a severe bout with a bladder disease that caused me to have to quit. Not working has only added to my depression. Working seems like a pipe dream to me now.
> I have felt a little better in the past two months and thought that perhaps I should try to look for a job like dog walking or something like tht skill level. I am very anxious and have has trouble with office jobs in the past even though I have some knowledge and experience with them. Also I have had a lot of sales experience mostly n woman’s clothing but my social abilities are so bad now I cannot even consider this, I had problems even when I was feeling quite well dealing with authority figures in this type of environment. I know it sounds like I am making excuses but extreme anxiety, to be noticed by coworkers and crying every day after work and sometimes during will tell you some of the problems I am dealing with. I also got fired from two jobs because of my inability to remember things from day to day due to the anxiety and depression. I never used to have these problems at least not to any great extent.
>
> I never finished college or trade school so essentially I am without skills.
>
> Looking through the paper today has made me feel worthless and meaningless and hopeless. If I felt better and more confident I would try to go back to school and take a year or two year program that would provide me with a career. I even have one picked out. I wish I felt more confident about it all.
>
> Has anyone had similar experiences? What can I do for a part time job that I can learn on the job?
>
> I never in my life expected not to work for any length of time no matter how sick I became. I need the money but perhaps in my situation I need to feel a sense of accomplishment that a job gives me. It makes me feel like I am an important contributing human being.
>
> I know there are a lot of us out there who are not able to work. How do you deal with it?
>
> I am not much of a self-motivator so when I am not working I generally get nothing done in and around my home. Nor do I go out and do much. This had become partly because I have developed some social phobia and partly because I have an old habit of not allowing myself to have fun if I did not accomplish things (like cleaning) that I know I should have done.
>
> Yes I am rambling on and on. The whole topic had me crying and generally upset the whole afternoon.
>
> How do other people deal with this?
>
> I would more than appreciate a response. Perhaps someone has some ideas or their personal stories might help me. Either way thanks for listening,
>
> irene
>
Posted by iris2 on September 28, 2004, at 14:18:27
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » iris2, posted by karaS on September 28, 2004, at 1:04:13
Kara,
Thanks for being so supportive. I do not think I would want to charge people for helping them get their disability. Perhaps I will call the local chapter of NAMI and inquire.
If you are interested in applying for disability you can do it even if you are working some. I do not remember everything but I do know that being able to work while you are applying does not preclude you from either applying or receiving it. I know that many people think they are terrible for asking for this type of help and feel guilty about it. It is there for the time when you need it. Another reason for getting on it even just for a short time is that in two years you get on Medicare. Getting some type of insurance is really helpful. It is hard if you can only work part time or sometimes even full time and you have no insurance. Sometimes medical bills can eat your whole paycheck and more. (The two year wait is relative; I will explain it to you if you are interested) Once you start getting the insurance you can continue to receive it for a couple of years even if you go completely off the disability. This can be a great benefit. If you have any interest in it or know anyone that needs to know more let me know or ask me.
Since starting Amisulpride I have felt more able to do a little. Unfortunately it compromises my bladder. I do not know if I told you I have a bladder disease which is making it impossible to take any antidepressants. It is interstitial cystitis. When I took 75 to 100mg I did a lot better but I cannot tolerate it. I am still trying to figure out a way to be able to take more without the frequency/urgency/pain.The one job I really wanted became available the other day. It is just dog walking but it will provide a little very much needed money, get me out, make me walk a little and have some reason to get up and a feeling of accomplishment. Another job, 12 hours a week, working as an activities assistant for the elderly I am sending in a resume for. I have done this job as a volunteer many times along with volunteering for other things mostly the elderly. I had done volunteer work since I was 15 years old.
It is always easier to do for others than for myself. That is why even though I do not seem to be able to accomplish much more even now in my home I know from past experience that I would be more capable and accountable to a job.I am not sure I will be able to work at any job but I feel good enough to at least try. I have had to quit or been fired before and at least this time I will know that I had a problem going in so it would not be such a terrible blow if it happens.
I always liked one saying my mother had: "You give when you can and take when you have to."
Good luck finding a job that fits your needs.
Try not to over tax your abilities. Better to start slow and build upon your abilities than bite off more than you can chew and fall flat right away. Do not feel bad if whatever you do does not work out. Remember lots of people that have no "problems" at all end up getting fired or having to quit jobs. People with disabilities are always told or made to believe that it is their disability that makes them fail at a particular job and many times that is just not the case. Everyone gets fired at some point in their life or they just never put themselves out there much!
Again lots of luck. Keep me apprised.With warmth,
irene
Posted by verne on September 28, 2004, at 15:17:52
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working » karaS, posted by iris2 on September 28, 2004, at 14:18:27
Irene,
I think cymbalta might have an impact on the urinary tract and bladder. I've noticed some urine retention and other UI related side effects.
I used to have chronic hematuria which disappeared about eight years ago. AD's with an anticholengeric effect always made it worse. My cure came in two parts: I had all my metal dental fillings replaced and it was about 90% better after that. Then a few years later, I attended a healing service at a church with laying on of hands and the bleeding stopped for good.
Have you tried supplements, herbs, or dietary measures? I really got involved in following an anti-candida diet - well, more like reading about it while washing down the supplements with beer. I've spent tens of thousands over the last 20 years on alternative medicine. Even now my monthly supplement costs are exorbiant.
I live in Fairfield Iowa, home to Maharishi University, so this town is flooded with every imaginable cure, self-help workshop, and healing ritual. Ayurvedic medicine is big here and I've read a lot of books on the subject and spent even more time not following the recommendations.
They divide food into three basic categories: pitta, vata, and kapha. Cystitis, and hematuria in my case, would be "pitta" problems. Pitta is anything - food, activity, emotion - that is heating and to be avoided in this case. Too much sun and anger are pitta aggravating for example. It makes sense - my hematuria got worse when I got too much sun.
I noticed that following a "cooling", pitta-reducing lifestyle helped in my case. Getting the metal out of my mouth - mercury, silver, and copper, to name a few ingredients in amalgam dental fillings, are mostly heating - especially mercury and copper according to ayurveda.
I hope this isn't too much information. The two books I use for reference are: "Ayurveda The Science of Self-Healing" by Vasant Lad and "The Yoga of Herbs" by David Frawley and Vasant Lad.
I'm hardly an example of ayurvedic success but I never was disciplined enough to stick with the plan for very long. I did notice improvement though when I did.
Hope that wasn't too big a tangent.
verne
Posted by verne on September 28, 2004, at 15:20:59
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working, posted by verne on September 28, 2004, at 15:17:52
"The Yoga of Herbs" linked to the wrong book at amazon in my previous post. Let me try again.
verne
Posted by Dave001 on September 28, 2004, at 16:41:31
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working, posted by verne on September 28, 2004, at 15:17:52
> Irene,
>
> I think cymbalta might have an impact on the urinary tract and bladder. I've noticed some urine retention and other UI related side effects.Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is also marketed in Europe by Eli Lilly under the trade name of Yentreve for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, so it is not at all surprising that it causes urinary retention as a side-effect. In fact, I think it would be expected.
I am glad to hear that it seems to be working for you. By any chance, had you previously tried Effexor? I'm interested to know how people would compared the two.
Dave
Posted by verne on September 28, 2004, at 17:22:57
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working, posted by Dave001 on September 28, 2004, at 16:41:31
Effexor is one of the few I haven't tried. So far cymbalta has less side effects than many other AD's I've tried. Less agitation, less sedation and about the same UI effect. Best of all though, it actually helps with depression and enhances my ability to concentrate.
verne
Posted by iris2 on September 28, 2004, at 17:48:33
In reply to Re: Problems dealing with not working, posted by verne on September 28, 2004, at 15:17:52
> Irene,
>
> I think cymbalta might have an impact on the urinary tract and bladder. I've noticed some urine retention and other UI related side effects.
>
> I used to have chronic hematuria which disappeared about eight years ago. AD's with an anticholengeric effect always made it worse. My cure came in two parts: I had all my metal dental fillings replaced and it was about 90% better after that. Then a few years later, I attended a healing service at a church with laying on of hands and the bleeding stopped for good.
>
> Have you tried supplements, herbs, or dietary measures? I really got involved in following an anti-candida diet - well, more like reading about it while washing down the supplements with beer. I've spent tens of thousands over the last 20 years on alternative medicine. Even now my monthly supplement costs are exorbiant.
>
> I live in Fairfield Iowa, home to Maharishi University, so this town is flooded with every imaginable cure, self-help workshop, and healing ritual. Ayurvedic medicine is big here and I've read a lot of books on the subject and spent even more time not following the recommendations.
>
> They divide food into three basic categories: pitta, vata, and kapha. Cystitis, and hematuria in my case, would be "pitta" problems. Pitta is anything - food, activity, emotion - that is heating and to be avoided in this case. Too much sun and anger are pitta aggravating for example. It makes sense - my hematuria got worse when I got too much sun.
>
> I noticed that following a "cooling", pitta-reducing lifestyle helped in my case. Getting the metal out of my mouth - mercury, silver, and copper, to name a few ingredients in amalgam dental fillings, are mostly heating - especially mercury and copper according to ayurveda.
>
> I hope this isn't too much information. The two books I use for reference are: "Ayurveda The Science of Self-Healing" by Vasant Lad and "The Yoga of Herbs" by David Frawley and Vasant Lad.
>
> I'm hardly an example of ayurvedic success but I never was disciplined enough to stick with the plan for very long. I did notice improvement though when I did.
>
> Hope that wasn't too big a tangent.
>
> verneVerne,
Thanks, I'll check out the books. I thought the Cymbalta might be good for my bladder since it is advertised for bladder problems too!
The stuff about the food sounds right. I went on a restriction diet for interstitial cystitisI.C.) along with a 6-9 month suppliment rregimene which I stuck to both strickly. All of my symptoms went away. But as soon as I took another antidepressant they all came back to some degree.
What antidepressants have a anticholengeric effect? How do I know which ones they are?
later,
irene
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