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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by surfergirl on June 4, 2009, at 0:10:33
Hi all,
I have been sick with a a variety of problems--lupus, thyroid cancer, migraines, heart problems, asthma for over 10 years. I had a lot of trauma in my childhood & feel like this may have contributed to me being sick. Until the last 3 years, I pretty much tried to avoid all doctors, and only saw my chiropractor & a naturopath, but I got too sick. I gave in & now have a bunch of doctor's managing my problems. I luckily found some good doctors & decided to add in a PD to the mix.It has been an interesting 5 months & I am on Adderal for adult ADD (which seemed to be the root of my anxiety) and Xyrem for narcolepsy. I like Adderal but am not wholly convinced re Xyrem being right for me.
I did have therapy for 7 years total when I was in my 20's & really benefited. I considered myself graduated from therapy--until now. I am reluctant to bring up old pain & grief, possibly get depressed doing so and not be there for my family. It also takes a lot of time & money.
I am professional (a RN), have a great job working with people with rare diseases, have a husband & 3 teenage children. I think it is kinda crazy that I am taking these meds. It has been hard for me to wrap my head around the diagnosis & treatment. But I feel relaxed & focused on Adderal. I know I need it. I think it has helped me to connect some of the emotional stuff that is still there effecting my body. (ie getting a 10 day headache starting on the 27th anniversary of my mother's death.
thanks for all replies,
Surfergirl
Posted by Dinah on June 4, 2009, at 10:15:25
In reply to considering therapy. mind/body issues, posted by surfergirl on June 4, 2009, at 0:10:33
Hmmmm...
I'm guessing there may be therapists associated with hospitals or full service health clubs that might be trained in mind/body issues. My best nutritionist for diabetes was associated with a health club. I wasn't a member, but they could see others as well. I'm not sure how common that is, since this club is affiliated with a local hospital.
Can you call your local hospitals and see if they've heard of such a thing? Or ask your doctors?
Posted by Dinah on June 4, 2009, at 10:19:37
In reply to considering therapy. mind/body issues, posted by surfergirl on June 4, 2009, at 0:10:33
Or how about biofeedback?
It isn't a delving into past issues, and if you want that you'd have to get a separate therapist.
But I went to one who was associated with my migraine doctor. He specialized in relaxation techniques and was a member of the headache and neurology center of that clinic.
He was very unpleasant, so I only saw him a few times. But I remain convinced that the process would have been very helpful for me if I could find another practitioner. In fact, if I ever have enough time, I may be willing to drive a couple of hours each way to the next nearest practitioner.
I may even look for the handheld thermometer they gave me to practice lowering my temperature at home.
Posted by Phillipa on June 4, 2009, at 23:39:12
In reply to considering therapy. mind/body issues, posted by surfergirl on June 4, 2009, at 0:10:33
Surfergirl how very lucky you are to still be working. I too was an RN but my thyroid and back got me. And to think you've had thyroid cancer and lupus. I'm assuming the thyroid was irradiated? And the lupus is in remission. I empathize with you seriously I do. What type of nursing as stress today in nursing is so bad. Best of luck to you. Love Phillipa
Posted by surfergirl on June 6, 2009, at 1:15:19
In reply to Re: considering therapy. mind/body issues » surfergirl, posted by Dinah on June 4, 2009, at 10:19:37
> Or how about biofeedback?
>
> It isn't a delving into past issues, and if you want that you'd have to get a separate therapist.
>
> But I went to one who was associated with my migraine doctor. He specialized in relaxation techniques and was a member of the headache and neurology center of that clinic.
>
> He was very unpleasant, so I only saw him a few times. But I remain convinced that the process would have been very helpful for me if I could find another practitioner. In fact, if I ever have enough time, I may be willing to drive a couple of hours each way to the next nearest practitioner.
>
> I may even look for the handheld thermometer they gave me to practice lowering my temperature at home.Hi Dinah,
thanks for your replies & suggestions. I did try biofeedback for migraines as part of a study back in 1986. I found it helpful and practiced it for a while. I had about 7-10 sessions. It did help the migraines a lot.I think I am thinking more about root issues/past trauma and how they may be affecting my health. Its like I'm trying to unravel a ball of yarn but I don't know whats inside but know that it needs to come out.
Posted by surfergirl on June 6, 2009, at 1:49:40
In reply to Re: considering therapy. mind/body issues » surfergirl, posted by Phillipa on June 4, 2009, at 23:39:12
Hi Phillipa,
I am very fortunate to still be able to work. In a way I have no choice since my husband was disabled for about 5 years (better only the last 6 months)& we have 3 kids.I was an ER nurse for 12 years & pretty broken by shift work & back & neck injuries by the end. I am now a home infusion nurse & get to help people with various rare diseases with IV therapy in the home. My job has much less stress than a clinic or hospital. I have great autonomy. I drive a lot. But being alone in the car suits me well. My patients like that I can relate to their struggles & help them to learn to cope. More often, I learn from them.
Ten years ago I was very sick with high fevers, joint pains & rashes for 14 months. I really got the run around from the HMO doctors (in the group that I worked for) & so many insinuated that I might be nuts. I lost confidence in physicians & only saw a chiropractor or naturopath for some time. I also developed asthma & a heart arrhythmia.
3 years ago I found a gyn doc that was so kind, compassionate & accepting. He found my thyroid cancer & also Sjogren's syndrome/arthritis. My surgeon was also amazing. My radiation doc was as cold & unfeeling as they come. Radiation was for me an ordeal. During that time, I was having difficulties with the internist & the endocrynologist & actually fired/was let go by 2 doctors in 4 months. I was feeling like a failure as a patient again. I did not even bother with getting treatment the Sjogren's until last Nov--when I could not walk or do much due to pain & weakness.
I have a really sweet rheumy that has tried lots of immune-suppressive therapies. She has never doubted that I was sick. She added Lupus to the diagnosis list. I went to a major teaching hospital for a 2nd opinion--and accidentally found her mentor. He agreed with her opinions & can be a resource...I feel like I am finally in good hands & getting some control over my health. I have had neuro problems with the lupus--mild optic neuritis & transverse myelitis in January. I also have anxiety at times--maybe from lupus. I am better now. She has not said if I am in "remission" & is treating me aggressively still. It is no small miracle that I can work at all.
Phillipa, thank you for your empathy, I can feel it. Selfishly, I find myself craving empathy as times. I give out so much. If you read this far I will be surprised :) I feel overwhelmed by all this & this is just the surface so I hope I am not overwhelming you with TMI.
thanks & love to you to, Surfergirl
Posted by Phillipa on June 6, 2009, at 20:12:09
In reply to Re: considering therapy. mind/body issues » Phillipa, posted by surfergirl on June 6, 2009, at 1:49:40
Absolutely not as empathize fully with you. Takes special people to be a good nurse. A lot of bad ones out there. I floated for ll years and then went to psych nationally certified. Had to quit long story but pertains to a pdoc that let me ingest alchohol on benzos. So to keep me away from my old job which I loved put me on Disability. Saved his butt as he knew the pdocs I worked with would get him so to speak. Anyway you are definitely an incredible person. Husband is better now? Yes I can see how you could learn from the patients. And the autonomy of home visits takes you away from the hospital stress. I would have thought you would get better care from the docs you knew as I always did when working. They always took care of their own so to speak. I commend you for your dedication. Love Phillipa
Posted by surfergirl on June 7, 2009, at 18:18:24
In reply to Re: considering therapy. mind/body issues » surfergirl, posted by Phillipa on June 6, 2009, at 20:12:09
Hi Phillipa,
Thank you, thank you...for your kind reply.
> Absolutely not as empathize fully with you. Takes special people to be a good nurse.
I can really sense that you are/were a good nurse too. I don't think a good nurse really ever quits/retires/is "disabled" because nursing is a deep part of their nature. Your caring still comes through clearly. thank you!
>A lot of bad ones out there...
You have an interesting story too--thanks for sharing this. It does go to show that doctors are only human & make mistakes & even do harm. Bummer that you got hurt.
>Husband is better now?
Finally. He has had a total of 10 knee surgeries--ACLsx2, torn meniscus, flipped patella, etc & at last a knee replacement a year ago w/intensive, wonderful & costly rehab. He went back to school (respiratory therapy) & works part time installing phone/internet cable. He also suffered from severe depression for a long while. Getting out of pain has done wonders for him. We see the same PD. He is like our family doc. haha.
>I would have thought you would get better care from the docs you knew as I always did when working. They always took care of their own so to speak.I worked for a medical group/hospital that was one of the first fully integrated HMOs. It was bought & sold several times Then hospital closed & later the offices too. The ER docs were fine since I worked right with them but it was the GP's, & rheumatologist that burned me towards docs. The infectious disease doc was pretty cool, believed that I was sick but just could not figure it out. It has taken a lot of time to get over that whole doctor trust thingy. I am finally happy with all of them! It is sad to say but having good/non-HMO insurance has made it easier to find the good ones. Just knowing that I have options has helped me to be bold enough to get care.
well I managed to write a lot again :)
love,
surfergirl
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