Posted by proud mary on January 23, 2003, at 15:52:48
In reply to my typical atypical spouse, posted by Theresa Rae on January 21, 2003, at 12:56:03
Theresa,
I'm not sure if this is the "correct" thing to do, but I found this posting for you from last year. It seemed to relate to your situation and I thought you might think it helpful.
I also wanted to tell you that when I went to my first pdoc appt., they did an initial interview that was VERY in-depth. It took about two hours and they covered everything, such as my childhood and teenage years, my parents, etc. They also had me have a complete blood work up done, which I would imagine your husband has already had done.
I would suggest you write down any and all that might be a clue or helpful to the pdoc. Rainbow is absolutely right and one of the things that will probably help your husband right away (ESPECIALLY as a man) is to find out there are people and doctors out there that don't view him as strange or unique or freaked out--just ill. And, I hope that your pdoc stresses to your husband that there IS going to be something that will help. I know many may disagree with me on this, but my pdoc stresses to me that they are ALWAYS working on new psych meds. It's lucrative for pharm. co. and that is to all of our benefit's, since it will keep them doing the research and trying to get better and better meds. One reason I included the posting below is that I have read of people who found relief with MAOIs after trying everything else. From what I understand, they are not easy to deal with (restrictions, etc.) but as many of us know, dealing with side-effects and restrictions can be a breeze compared to depression! Plus, keep in mind that in the past, before SSRIs and all the more modern meds, MAOIs SAVED LIVES.
I wish you all the luck in the world. He's lucky to have you and I know what it is like to live with a difficult person or to deal with some one you love being in pain...good luck! Mary
OH I just thought of something...be sure and try to do a family history of his side with your husband before the appt. The pdoc might be able to tell something from that, such as what, if any meds worked for that relative. Also, even if relatives didn't have diagnosed depression or other mental illness, sometimes the pdoc can glean something if you tell him about wacky aunt jeanie or sad uncle ben or in my case, my dad's late-in-life depression that made him stay in bed until about 5 p.m. most days (he was finally put on prozac which helped him alot). And the chances are that if one of his relatives got relief from a certain med, they will try that out to see if it works for him. But, since I'm already getting a rep (probably) for being a postings hog, I'll go now....This is the posting I was refering to:
Posted by M in Boston on April 2, 2002, at 12:24:54I have treatment resistant depression that has been defined as atypical and reactive with a high degree of rejection sensitivity. Over many years I have tried more than 10 anti-depressants (including a range of SSRIs and Tricyclics - none with any significant success. My condition has worsened lately, due to a number of circumstances and reaction to an ended relationship, etc. My psychiatrist has reccommended for some time that I try an MAOI, but, having high blood pressure, I have been afraid of the apparently unpredictable and sometimes deadly potential for a hypertensive crisis, and the anxiety produced as a result. Another alternative that was suggested was to try lithium (about which I know little, particularly its efficacy in atypical reactive depression. Does anyone have any thoughts on the pros and cons of each, or which order of trial between the two makes sense?
Thanks so very much for your help.
poster:proud mary
thread:136888
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030119/msgs/137212.html