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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tamar on September 20, 2005, at 7:22:48
I hope it goes well.
Tamar
Posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 18:40:50
In reply to Deneb, is today the day of your appointment?, posted by Tamar on September 20, 2005, at 7:22:48
I wasn't really ready to see this p-doc today. I didn't have enough time to compose myself and make that list I had wanted.
I was going to make that list of things to say while eating "lunch" (breakfast really), but I ran into a friend on the bus and we decided to sit together while I ate.
I didn't have time to compose myself. I think I waited like half an hour to be seen and it was just pure torture! The more I waited, the more anxious I got! I almost had a freaking panic attack! Needless to say, I don't think this helped me compose myself during the visit.
He seemed like a pretty jolly guy, he didn't seem to make a big deal of anything I was saying. I don't think I did very well though...I was kind of all over the place...a little incoherent, rambling at times. :-(
I think he thinks things are more serious than they really are because he heard a lot of negative things in a short period of time. My other p-doc was given a lot of time to take in this negative information over a longer period of time and she was able to get used to it and not be alarmed.
I'm kind of a little upset/annoyed/dazed. I don't think he's like my p-doc at all. My p-doc used to teach me things. This p-doc, get this...gave me a script for 0.5 mg RISPERDAL!!! Aaaah! I think maybe I made a very bad impression by not being composed and coherent enough and now he thinks I'm nuts. :-(
I seriously don't know what to do...
I don't know whether or not I should try this risperdal.
I think maybe I'm kind of afraid that if it works that means that I really am crazy. :-(I think I don't really believe there can be anything wrong with me.
Deneb
Posted by lynn970 on September 20, 2005, at 19:04:33
In reply to Re: My appointment *poss. trigger??*, posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 18:40:50
Deneb, your latest posts have been jolly. When is your next appointment? Is there any way you can see your old pdoc?
Posted by Dinah on September 20, 2005, at 19:16:01
In reply to Re: My appointment *poss. trigger??*, posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 18:40:50
I take Risperdal as needed, .25 mg I think. My pdoc doesn't think I'm nuts.
It's been a really good antianxiety drug for me and calms me down when I get distressed.
Don't let the name fool you. Antipsychotics are just major tranqulizers, as opposed to the minor ones.
Posted by alexandra_k on September 20, 2005, at 19:24:15
In reply to Re: My appointment *poss. trigger??*, posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 18:40:50
> I didn't have time to compose myself. I think I waited like half an hour to be seen and it was just pure torture! The more I waited, the more anxious I got! I almost had a freaking panic attack!
Yeah. I get that most times I go... But it is always worse when you are meeting someone for the first time.
> He seemed like a pretty jolly guy, he didn't seem to make a big deal of anything I was saying.
Jolly is good :-)
> I don't think I did very well though...I was kind of all over the place...a little incoherent, rambling at times. :-(
Thats okay. I'm sure he would have noticed that you were nervous and I'm sure he is used to people feeling pretty nervous.
> I think he thinks things are more serious than they really are because he heard a lot of negative things in a short period of time. My other p-doc was given a lot of time to take in this negative information over a longer period of time and she was able to get used to it and not be alarmed.Did he seem alarmed?
What I'm thinking...
When you are in a good place you tend to think people over-react to you
When you are in a bad place you tend to think people don't take your distress seriously enough
So it is hard...
And somewhere in the middle is probably around the best place for them to be...
> I don't think he's like my p-doc at all. My p-doc used to teach me things.You have only seen him once! Give him a chance. There will never be anyone precisely like your old p-doc... But then there isn't anyone else precisely like Deneb either :-)
>This p-doc, get this...gave me a script for 0.5 mg RISPERDAL!!!
Thats probably a good thing. I think the thought is... That it can help just take a slight edge off the anxiety and reactivity of mood. It won't be a magic cure. But it it helps just a little tiny bit... If it helps take the edge off it so you don't get into bad places so often... So you recover faster... So they aren't as intense when they occur... And (probably most likely of all) so that you don't get paranoid when you are in a bad place... Then it could help you out. Especially given that things are going to get fairly stressful as the semester goes on with assessment / exams etc.
It will take a little while to build up in your system. Sounds like he has given you a fairly low dose. It might sedate you slightly to start with (Friday evening can be the best time to start those kinds of meds so you are up to what you have to do on Monday). But you do need to take it regularly.
If you do take it regularly... For maybe 3 or 4 months it would be interesting to see whether things have improved for you. It won't be a magic cure but it might take the edge off it so you are in a better place to receive support and are better able to help yourself out of it.
Posted by Tamar on September 20, 2005, at 19:24:42
In reply to Re: My appointment *poss. trigger??*, posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 18:40:50
Hi Deneb,
Thanks for the update.
I’m sorry you didn’t feel composed. But on the other hand, perhaps the p-doc got to see something of you when you’re not composed, and that can be important. However, I can imagine that having to wait half an hour didn’t help :(
I don’t think you need to worry about rambling or being incoherent. I think it goes with the territory. We see ‘men in white coats’; we ramble. It’s the nature of these things.
If the p-doc thinks things are serious, then I’d have to say I’m inclined to agree with him. I hope it’s OK to say that; I don’t want to say the wrong thing. I guess I’m really trying to say that I care about you because I see the posts where you talk about death and then a little while later you say you feel fine, but the death thing comes back eventually. To my mind, that’s serious.
I’m sure your p-doc doesn’t think you’re nuts. And I’m sure no one else thinks you’re nuts (I know I don’t). But I think it’s a good idea to take the risperdal and see how it goes. If you decide it’s no good for you then I imagine you can go back to the p-doc who prescribed it and ask him to rethink it. I think it can take a few weeks before it starts to work, so give it a chance. With any luck, it should help you to feel OK more of the time.
If the risperdal works, it doesn’t mean you’re crazy. It just means you need a little help to feel better. That’s all.
Hang in there!
Tamar
Posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 19:47:48
In reply to Re: My appointment *poss. trigger??*, posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 18:40:50
I just re-read my posts and I realized that I don't think that people who take meds are crazy or anything. I wouldn't think that about other people. I wouldn't think less of a person just because they need meds to be stable.
I guess I just tend not see myself the same way as I see the rest of the world. I think, maybe I am a little ashamed that I can't pull myself together at times and that I might need meds or something.
Deneb
Posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 19:50:45
In reply to Re: My appointment *poss. trigger??*, posted by lynn970 on September 20, 2005, at 19:04:33
> When is your next appointment?
My next appointment is in 2 weeks and a day (and a day because I can't fit him into *my* schedule lol). I was pretty surprised that he wanted to see me in 2 weeks...I used to see my p-doc every 3,4 or 5 weeks.
> Is there any way you can see your old pdoc?
Yes, when she comes back from maternity leave in Jan.
Deneb
Posted by alexandra_k on September 20, 2005, at 19:55:16
In reply to Re: My appointment » lynn970, posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 19:50:45
> My next appointment is in 2 weeks and a day (and a day because I can't fit him into *my* schedule lol). I was pretty surprised that he wanted to see me in 2 weeks...I used to see my p-doc every 3,4 or 5 weeks.
That sounds great :-)
And maybe...
You will have a choice in Jan...
Posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 19:59:28
In reply to Re: My appointment *poss. trigger??* » Deneb, posted by Dinah on September 20, 2005, at 19:16:01
> I take Risperdal as needed, .25 mg I think.
Is 0.5 mg a low dose? Your dose sounds really low if it is. Does that mean that I'm on a medium dose then? Kind of scared...don't know what to expect. Will I get as drowsy as being on Benadryl?
The p-doc told me to take it every night. Eeeek...every night! He said it wasn't a good idea for me to take it as needed. He also only gave me enough for 2 weeks. :-( Does that mean something??
Also, am I going to get fat now if I take it for more than 2 weeks? I really don't want to gain weight, but the pdoc basically told me that my instability is by far a greater danger to myself than gaining weight.
Deneb
Posted by Dinah on September 20, 2005, at 20:22:00
In reply to Re: Risperdal » Dinah, posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 19:59:28
.5 isn't a high dose at all.
I didn't find it overly sedating. It just seems to quiet the internal storms. I didn't eat any more on Risperdal either. Actually, the only week I took it daily, I ate less than usual.
I tend to agree with your pdoc though. Instability can be a lot more dangerous than a small weight gain.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on September 20, 2005, at 20:39:28
In reply to Re: Risperdal » Deneb, posted by Dinah on September 20, 2005, at 20:22:00
Deneb, you need to be brave right now. I know that you have lots of fears about starting this med, but it sounds like it is worth a try. If you have problems with it, tell pdoc when you see him in 2 weeks and he will try something new. If you have questions or side effects, you know that you can ask us here at babble.
Also, I really think that you should consider getting weekly counseling (i.e. talk therapy). Meeting with a pdoc every month is not enough. If you are a student, it is pretty easy b/c colleges almost always have a counseling ctr with free/low cost counseling. Please, think about it, okay?
Best,
EE
Posted by Annierose on September 20, 2005, at 20:39:40
In reply to Re: Risperdal » Deneb, posted by Dinah on September 20, 2005, at 20:22:00
Deneb -
I don't read the social board too often, so sorry if my remark sounds as if it coming out of left field. A few posts up, you remarked that lately you feel jolly. But a few days ago, I replied to a thread you started about how down and depressed you felt. It is this anxiety the p-doc is hoping to help you with. It isn't a bad thing. It's help. So you won't feel so up and so down.
He wants to see you in 2 weeks so you can let him know how you are doing, how you feel after taking the meds, if there are any side effects, if you feel better ... Sounds like a good p-doc. As with any relationship, it will take some time for you to feel more comfortable, and for him to get to know you as well. I'll bet, he'll probably see the more happy, bubbly Deneb in 2 weeks.
Congratulations for going to the appointment. The first step takes courage.
Posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 20:52:49
In reply to Re: My appointment *poss. trigger??* » Deneb, posted by alexandra_k on September 20, 2005, at 19:24:15
> Thats okay. I'm sure he would have noticed that you were nervous and I'm sure he is used to people feeling pretty nervous.
Eeek...I can't stand the fact that he was observing me.
> Did he seem alarmed?
No, he didn't seem alarmed. I'm not sure what to expect if he was alarmed? Yell?
> You have only seen him once! Give him a chance. There will never be anyone precisely like your old p-doc...
Yes, I will give him a chance...he is just very different is all. He seems to take my "symptoms" very seriously and seems like he wants to treat them with meds. I think my other pdoc cared about me. She didn't think I needed any meds. She wanted me to learn and grow. Maybe she was a little bit maternal...she believed in me...that I could control myself by myself.
> >This p-doc, get this...gave me a script for 0.5 mg RISPERDAL!!!
> If you do take it regularly... For maybe 3 or 4 months it would be interesting to see whether things have improved for you.
He wants me to take it every night. I asked about as needed usage and he said it wasn't right for me. He only gave me a script for a 2 week supply. I dunno if I'm actually going to take it for longer.
Thanks for the info and the encouragement!
Deneb
Posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2005, at 20:58:07
In reply to Re: My appointment » alexandra_k, posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 20:52:49
Deneb, Have you ever posted on the meds board? Why not post there and see what the others say. What Dinah and Alex said were great answers but if it will make you feel better try posting a Thread there. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by sunny10 on September 21, 2005, at 7:39:23
In reply to Re: Risperdal » Dinah, posted by Deneb on September 20, 2005, at 19:59:28
I was having a lot of anxiety- a lot of racing thoughts while trying to get off to sleep.
I was put on 1 mg Risperdal. I took it at night, but it kept me awake (most people don't have this problem, but some do), so I take mine in the morning with my Wellbutrin.
There is definitely less anxiety in my life. Less ups and downs (I still have a normal range of emotions- it's just not as EXTREME as it was before). So far, my combo has been a Godsend...
If you don't believe me, try reading my posts from April... I can't bear to look at them- they were sooooo me. Trying to take care of everyone else, while my own life was going to h*ll in a handbasket...
If you were diabetic, you'd take insulin... It's not a weakness, dear. Just try to think of it a little differently, that's all.
I think you'll find you get better results if you stop judging yourself so harshly.
We happen to like you- whether you need meds or not!
-sunny10
Posted by Deneb on September 21, 2005, at 16:57:54
In reply to Re: Risperdal » Deneb, posted by sunny10 on September 21, 2005, at 7:39:23
Hi People
I took some last night cuz I was curious about it's effects. I only took .25mg because I was a little afraid of it. I don't think anything bad happened. I experienced a bit of insomnia, but I'm not sure whether or not it was from the Risperdal.
I noticed that the brown colour on the pills is a coating. Does that mean that it is a bad idea to split the pills?
Deneb
Posted by javableue on September 21, 2005, at 18:10:34
In reply to Re: Risperdal, posted by Deneb on September 21, 2005, at 16:57:54
Hi Deneb,
You should ask your pharmacist about whether you can split the pills. Some you can, some you can't, and some can only be split a certain amount of time before taking the second half.
In an above post, you mentioned wondering why it was that your pdoc only gave you enough for two weeks. Obviously I'm not in a position to know his motivation, but I wanted to let you know it may not "mean" anything at all; I know with my pdoc it is standard procedure to only prescribe enough of a new medication to last until the next appointment for the reason that it may not work out, and then more medication would have been bought (and would have to be disposed of) for nothing.
I hope this medication works out for you; I know it can be unnerving to start on a new one.
jb
Posted by Deneb on September 21, 2005, at 20:14:16
In reply to Re: Risperdal » Deneb, posted by javableue on September 21, 2005, at 18:10:34
It must be because I told him about that rope episode. :-(
I'll like to say that I can't believe it happened, but I can't. I think it might happen again some day. :-(
The day before classes started I cleaned up my room and guess what I found? I found that note I wrote...that very very bad note. :-(
Posted by javableue on September 21, 2005, at 23:04:37
In reply to Re: I think I know why I got Risperdal *poss. trig, posted by Deneb on September 21, 2005, at 20:14:16
((Deneb)) It can be really discouraging to find a note like that after the fact, can't it? :-(
Do you think it would help set your mind at ease about the medication if you asked your pdoc why he prescribed what he did?
jb
Posted by Deneb on September 22, 2005, at 18:27:30
In reply to Re: I think I know why I got Risperdal *poss. trig » Deneb, posted by javableue on September 21, 2005, at 23:04:37
My real p-doc told me that anti-psychotics are not for me.
I don't know how this new p-doc came to the conclusion that I should try Risperdal after only about 30 mins. Anyways, I think he probably made a mistake, but it's OK. I like to experiment with drugs on myself. I'm curious about it's effects. I want to have a whole bunch of drugs lying around.
Deneb
Posted by Deneb on September 22, 2005, at 19:13:29
In reply to Re: I think the p-doc made a mistake, posted by Deneb on September 22, 2005, at 18:27:30
I think I want to take it, even after reading med_empowered's opinion.
I think maybe I'm scared to go to my bad place. I think I don't want to be out of control. I wish it will work and that I won't go crazy with distress in the future. If it works, I don't care what I'm taking.
I think I'll experiment to see if it makes a difference. I think maybe if it works that it is less risky than having me fly into my horrible states. I just want to survive. :-(
Deneb
Posted by Phillipa on September 22, 2005, at 19:44:50
In reply to Re: I want to take it anyways, posted by Deneb on September 22, 2005, at 19:13:29
Deneb, You were very lucky that med read your Thread and responded. He is not always there. But I don't know what he does or how he's learned so much. But he seems to know everything there is to know about a med. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by JenStar on September 22, 2005, at 23:13:02
In reply to Re: I think the p-doc made a mistake, posted by Deneb on September 22, 2005, at 18:27:30
hi Deneb,
you're not a human guinea pig! If you're interested in reading about med reactions, there are plenty of studies and real-life stories to be found on the web, rather than experimenting on yourself. I think you should value your body more than that.If you truly think this med is not right, then you should immediately call the doc and discuss it. But if you think maybe he's right, and you agreed to try this, then you should stick to the proposed dosage. It DOES take several weeks to figure out side effects and response, so you need to give it more than a few days.
Don't worry about labels. So what if a drug is called "anti psychotic?" Who cares? If it helps you, it helps you! I know the title is kind of awful sounding...but I'd rather suffer a bad title than a bad episode! :) Besides, drugs work for many different usages than their FDA label.
I hope you're doing ok!
take care,
JenStar
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