Posted by Racer on August 7, 2004, at 17:38:45
In reply to Re: Meds or not? » capricorn, posted by SLS on August 7, 2004, at 14:45:15
Aside from saying that SLS knows his stuff, and I'd listen carefully to his advice, I just wanted to add one thing to this discussion -- that the diagnosis isn't as important as the treatment outcome.
I've recently been through a Diagnostic Nightmare, which thoroughly demoralized me, and has left me unmedicated for months now. At this point, I don't care if they decide I'm suffering from black spot and feline leukemia -- as long as they prescribe something that will address the depression.
I guess what I want to say is that it's not worth getting tied up in knots about what your Officially Sanctioned Diagnosis is, if the treatment outcome is satisfactory. It sounds as if you're resisting compliance with your meds because of the diagnostic folderol, which isn't worth it. Having been on and off these dang things for years myself, I recommend that you decide one way or the other -- either comply, if the meds are helping and you feel relief from them, or stop them entirely if you are absolutely, positively sure that you don't need them. If you do stop, though, be prepared for a relapse. (Again, been there, done that -- and because of side effect issues, at that.)
If I were in any state to offer advice, though -- and I'm not, so I won't -- it would be to work with your doctor to find a medication routine that works and is as free from adverse effects as possible. That's my goal, at least. It's very unfortunate that these drugs, which can be lifesavers, come with such a high price at times. It does make compliance difficult.
poster:Racer
thread:374989
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040805/msgs/375131.html