[two sons]

Hi everyone,
I still haven't quite figured out how to navigate this sight so we'll see if this post goes through.

I am pretty discouraged about a number of things. I am taking Cymbalta, Seroquel XR, Ambien, Remeron, Imitrex. For a number of years, I have taken sleep aids as a way to block out the world and Seroquel, Ambien and Remeron are all helpful with sleep. My 17-year old son is tired of me taking all the medicine and I know it upsets him when I am comotose at night (I don't remember much that happens after I take my nighttime meds). I just can't get past the need to avoid people - even my own family.

Also, my psychiatrist is leaving his practice in December. I struggle with talking to people about my mental health. I just can't (oops my psychologist tells me not to say "I can't", but to say "I'm afraid" instead) handle starting with a new psychiatrist.

[alone in the world]

two sons,
I understand that need to take the meds and escape, I have been doing it and it is affecting my 13 yo. I had to stop when people began suggesting there was a physical need for the meds building up and that maybe I should consider NA. What I want to share with you is that when we take all those meds to sleep we risk the possibility of our bodies never waking again. So I hope you can take the meds as prescribed and find a better way to deal with what ever you are running from. Your son should be your big concern as he sees a behavior that he may pick up himself. I wish you luck and am willing to support you in any way. about the loss of your psychiatrist, how sad I know connecting with some one new can be hard, but try to find the positive, maybe a new psychiatrist will be able to offer something new, just take your time to interview psychiatrist so you can find one you will be comfortable with. My blessings are with you.

[Miswimmy1]

change can be scary. that is normal. is your psychiatrist going to refer you to a new doc? or are you on your own with interviewing? you already know what medciations you are on, all you need is someone to fill those perscriptions. make sure that you have enough refills to hold you over once your doc is gone, until you can interview a new one. take you time and trust your gut... best of luck!

[Rachel.i]

Hi two sons, I know it isn't easy at all starting with a new psychiatrist. Been there more than once. I don't know if you are considering coming off of all the meds you're on, but if your psychiatrist is leaving in December, might be best to try and line another up soon. It may take time to get an appointment; it may take time to taper off some of the meds; maybe you'll find you want to stay on one or more, I don't know, but I'd be careful of not having a backup doc when yours leaves.

[two sons]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I have an appointment with my (current) psychiatrist this coming Friday. At that appointment, he is to give me his recommendations for continuing treatment. I'm not looking forward to Friday!

[kebsfroggy]

Hi Two Sons
At one time I took a LOT of meds. for psych reasons. But I worked with my pdoc with our mutual objective of reducing my meds. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford them all and medical trials were all for younger patients. My diagnosis was treatment resistant depression.

Here is what I take now: Lunesta 3mg; Valium 10mg; Seroquel 200mg; with Percocet 10-325 mg for occasional back pain at night. In am it's Concerta 54mg.; Welbutrin XL 300mg; MegaRed (krill oil) 300mg; Vitamin B-12 2500mcg.

I needed something to knock me out and shut down my brain otherwise I was 24/7. Thanks to Lunesta I only have to take one tab. I use the Seroquel (a mood stabilizer) and Valium (muscle relaxant & anxiety drug) to help my body relax around 8:30 - 9:00 and depending on the amount of physical activity that day then take the Lunesta to drop off to sleep. Within 1/2 hour I'm out most days.

In AM, the first drug in the morning is Concerta, to wake me up (without this I don't get out of the bed), followed by Wilburton XL, MegaRed, & B-12 with breakfast.

Since my back surgery in May, I no longer take 2 narcotics drugs 4x a day. I was so glad for that.

I can understand your fear at losing your pdoc. I would be lost without mine. Although I know enough now after 12 years for facing new pdocs to 1st. do some research before going to see someone you have never met before. It took forever to find my therapist.

I first searched my health care insurance for dr. within 10 miles of my home zip. Sometimes I have to extend my search range to 15 miles to find a doc I haven't already seen. Then I further research the pdocs I'm interested in on the computer. There is a site that ranks dr. and posts # patients per day, how long in current practice, and rating based on patient reviews. It gives you a heads up before you visit someone new. Helps with the new Dr. syndrome and the shaking in your boots.

If your 17 year old son is concerned about the amount of meds you are taking, he is trying to let you know he's afraid when he can't wake you at night. What should he do in an emergency & he can't wake you? If he can't wake you from a sound sleep what is he to do if he needs you? All questions running through his brain. Consider coming up with a contingency plan for emergency.

You also might consider taking a lower dose of something. Like I can't take the seroquel xl it does me in. However, at one time I was taking 400 mg of seroquel every night. My blood sugar levels started to rise so we have reduced the dosage. Now I'm only taking 200mg, most nights. But 2 200 tablets are needed from time to time. Or consider taking another pill for sleeping. Another drug therapy might be a good change. All changes should be gradual to see if they help or hinder your progress. Good Luck with your friday appointment.

Being comatose all night is not good for two sons.

Wish you the best.
kebs

[two sons]

Thank you Kebsfroggy,
I guess I "want" to be comatose. I know it sounds wierd, but knowing I can block out everyone and everything at night is what keeps me alive.

We live in a rural area and the closest psychiatrist is 1 hour from here. Not much selection. I really don't want to talk to a new one and the thought of it is making me so anxious. We've been through numerous psychiatrists with my oldest son who has Bipolar Disorder, and it has been very frustrating.

[kebsfroggy]

Originally Posted by two sons

Thank you Kebsfroggy,
I guess I "want" to be comatose. I know it sounds wierd, but knowing I can block out everyone and everything at night is what keeps me alive.

We live in a rural area and the closest psychiatrist is 1 hour from here. Not much selection. I really don't want to talk to a new one and the thought of it is making me so anxious. We've been through numerous psychiatrists with my oldest son who has Bipolar Disorder, and it has been very frustrating.

Even as difficult as it is for you to face your family and life, your oldest son needs you. I wish you the best with your new psychiatrist. I sincerely hope you're able to get over the gitters (believe me I know them well).

kebs

[two sons]

Hi everyone,
I had my appointment with my psychiatrist yesterday. I will see him one more time before he leaves on December 26. His current office is hiring 1 or 2 new psychiatrists that will be starting in January and July, 2013. He told me it will be good for me to talk to another person (I also have anxiety and "avoidant personality disorder" and really do not like talking to people - including mental health professionals). He added Buspar to my other meds (Cymbalta, Seroquel XR, Remeron, Ambien).

Last night my youngest son (Senior in HS) was injured in his football game. My husband and I were in the stands and it was very upsetting when he didn't move after the first play of the game and the coaches were motioning for emergency medical personnel. He had a dislocated kneecap and was taken by ambulance to the ER. It was a very upsetting and stressful day yesterday all the way around and we went out on the football field to talk to the coaches and emergency personnel. I was so upset about being out on the field with all the people watching us from the stands, but really had no choice - he is my son.

It was just a traumatizing day.