Posted by Survivor on August 5, 2001, at 3:08:32
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Survivor, posted by SalArmy4me on August 4, 2001, at 14:09:42
Wow, I didn't really expect anyone to answer me at all, much less receive three helpful and relevant replies so quickly. Thank you, Annabelle, dove,and SalArmy4me.
Your comments were reassuring and supportive as well as informative, and I have put aside many of my concerns about Neurontin after reading the posts. I got good information and instructions on the use of the drug, apparently, since much of it is echoed in your writings and references.
I too have spent most of my life mucking about the in swill of useless or harmful psychoactive drugs in search of help for depression, anxiety & panic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, severe sleep disorders, and most recently, the psychological and physical aftermath of treatment for metastatic cancer. I have cursed the gene pool that spawned me and I've watched every member of my small family work through manic-depression, unipolar depression, and the rest of the problems I've already listed that are present in each of us in different combinations. I never lived in any atmosphere other than one dominated by mental illness and mood disorders until I met my husband, when I was in my late 30s. It is first, not second, nature to me to live with demons and I've made my peace with this genetic cast of the dice.
The one fear I can't put aside about trying Neurontin is its well-documented links to tumor development in lab rats and among human users of the drug. Trying one more pill that will alter my psychic landscape - ok, I can cope with that, it's not news. But I cannot get past my concern about ingesting any substance with a significant link to potential tumor development. I could survive any psychological suffering of my past again if I had to, but facing cancer again is something I tailor my entire lifestyle to trying to avoid.
Because I can't put away this concern and it is not one likely to come up for discussion anywhere, I've decided to write to my doctor and hand deliver an explanation of my remaining fears about this matter. He can read it at his convenience - and he's fast to respond to his patients - and consider my points. I don't have to worry about sounding like a hypochondriac or hysteric in a disjointed and time-pressured phone conversation. Then, hopefully, we will talk about our personal points of view on this matter and determine the best way to procede. I hope he has a Plan B in mind in case I can't be reassured about the Neurontin.
Dove, my heart goes out to your mother and your family at this time. Cancer is a family disease; everyone suffers when it strikes. If your mother would like to talk to someone who has survived what she is going through now - if only to be reassured that we're out here - please let her know I would be very glad to write to or hear from her anytime. If she seems interested, post me a note and I'll give you an email address where she can reach me. At the very least, I wish your family the best of luck through this ordeal.
Thank you all again for your time and input. It is very much appreciated.
poster:Survivor
thread:1356
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/73636.html