[Wild Coyote]

I have spent years cursing the need for meds, cursing med side-effects, etc.
I have a very difficult history with meds -- lots of side-effects, sensitivities, allergies. In addition, I'd stayed away from certain drug classes for many years, some of these meds I now allow (out of desperation), and they've been very helpful.

This summer has been one of my best summers in years, for which I am grateful. I still have many limitations; yet, what an improvement!

I experience complicated conditions and have spent many years looking for answers, trying treatments, participating in major lifestyle changes, diets/supplements, differing modes of treatments, practicing mindfulness, radical compassion, etc. I've still needed the help of medications.

Med changes have been more helpful than ever this summer.

I am grateful to my pdoc (he is also my therapist), my pharmacists and for meds!

Do you feel gratitude for the help of any medication(s)?


WC

[Unrigged64072835]

I'm grateful for meds. Ever since I was diagnosed with depression I have been on one med or another. When I was diagnosed with bipolar and anxiety, the count went up. I've been on a lot of meds. I think the pdocs have found a blend that works now. Between this and DBT I've been feeling a whole lot better. I don't think I'd be here without meds and therapy.

I'm on psych meds and Lipitor. Of all them, I'm actually most grateful for Lipitor.

My cholesterol has been insanely high and I've never been overweight in my entire life. Yet, my cholesterol kept climbing and climbing. Even when I fixed my diet, my LDL still kept increasing. So, now I eat really healthy, but also take Lipitor to prevent heart problems. I think heart problems would be worse than any other problem caused by my BP.

Before Lipitor, my total cholesterol was 314 despite a super low triglyceride level of 37. (Could've had a stroke etc. due to the total cholesterol being so high.) But my low triglycerides and high LDL was how my GP figured out it was mostly genetic.

But in close second comes Lamictal. Lamictal has completely eliminated my anger and aggression, and my anger/aggression was THE reason I sought help in the first place. So I'm really glad I was able to try out Lamictal because it's been a huge success!

[Wild Coyote]

I used to restrict meds, would not take certain classes.

I have suffered a lot because of this; yet, felt I would resort to additional classes if I'd needed them when I was older.

I am "older" now and I was truly in deep despair. It felt like do or die. So I chose "do" and tried some of the meds I which had previously caused concern.
It's not that I don't have any concerns about these meds anymore. I feel there is a potential trade-off and I accept this at this time in my life.

I hope others have found meds helpful, as well.


WC

[Dontspeak]

Ugh, I am a believer in medicine, and take mine, but my mix stop working. Also, I get every. single. side effect. Here's to the next cocktail!

[Coffeee]

I'm grateful to my meds cause without them I've felt off kilter and like a crazy Person. They allow me to function and to pass for a 'normal'.

[xRavenx]

I'm also grateful for the meds. Sleep was extremely difficult before getting on the right combination, and that makes a difference in my ability to cope rather than fall apart, though sometimes my doses need to be changed when I have "break through" symptoms that become debilitating. I see a positive difference in myself compared to before. Plus, I'm healthier. For instance, I do not drink as much.

[MBM17]

Seroquel has been wonderful for me. I didn't realize how intense and incessant my anxiety was until I took seroquel and experienced a calm mind for a little while. I have to take the standard release every 3 hours (5 times a day) because the extended release is too expensive. When my bipolar is bad, I can feel the seroquel wearing off before 3 hours and I can see what a HUGE difference it makes.

Also, seroquel has been wonderful with sleep. I've been sleeping well, able to fall asleep within 20 minutes almost every single night and staying asleep.

I'm so grateful for seroquel! It has made my life much calmer.

[wildflowerchild25]

I'm very greatful for meds. I've been out of the hospital for over a year thanks to finding the right combo. I'm also thankful for ECT. I know a lot of people hate it but it has really turned my life around three times now. I'm not sure where I would be without it.

Meds keep me alive. It's a simple as that. My pdoc, whom I respect very much, thinks I will need meds for the rest of my life (absent some major medical cure, etc.)

I agree with him. It's surreal because I took an occasional Advil now and then before my diagnoses. Times have changed and I accept meds. Great topic.

[raspberrytorte]

I am so grateful for meds.

Right now the med I'm most grateful for is haldol.

I was so anti AP for the longest time because they were all awful and the others made me fat and lethargic and washed me out, so I'd always stopped them, but I think if I wouldn't have done that I'd be in a much different place in life right now.

After haldol the med I'm most grateful for is lamictal.

[raspberrytorte]

I think it's fantastic when people can go med free, but I'm just not one of them.

[OctobersBlackRose]

I feel greatful for my Lamictal, it has evened out my moods quite a big t (though I still have breakthrough episodes mainly depression) but it's still too early to tell.with the Geodon if I'll be greatful for that or not, so far I'm okay on it.

[Wild Coyote]

Echoing "Rainyday," I am alive because of meds, too.

Last night, I spent time with a group of people I have not seen in 15 years due to severe chronic pain, illness and depression. I had a great time! This newer med cocktail is working well for me right now.

Much Love to All,

WC