Donna1963

Open Depression

Treatments

Cymbalta Working / Worked

Seroquel Working / Worked

Support from Friends & Family Working / Worked

Looking for groups and just found this site.

Wellbutrin Not Working

Took it for over 3 yrs. Now trying different meds.

Open Diabetes Type 2

Treatments

Metformin Working / Worked

Open Bipolar Disorder

I was originally diagnosed with depression and severe depression. Recently, I changed doctors and I was re-diagnosed and now on Effexor XR and still taking Seroquel. It's all preliminary and I have hope that this will work. :)

Treatments

Depakote Not Working

Hated it! I gained over 10 lbs of water weight and was miserable! I couldn't figure out what was going on. My body did not tolerate this medicine at all.

Seroquel Working / Worked

I've taken this for a few years and it helps to relax me so I can fall asleep. I take only 100mg and understand that some people can tolerate extremely high dosages of it. It's part of my regimen in managing my mood and it's helped me.

Wellbutrin Working / Worked

I took this for a few yrs with Seroquel and Cymbalta. But it just seemed to stop working or it just wasn't the right medication for me. I now take Effexor XR and it seems to be working, so far.

Open Back Pain

I injured my back over 10 yrs ago. It was the combination of 3 separate injuries that I still live with today. 1. I slipped on an ice patch and had obvious discomfort. 2. I lifted my dog in his carrier, he shifted and so did my low back. Tylenol helped. 3. Less than a week later, I lifted the floor door to my basement and I've never been the same. There was an immediate ripping sound and I was in bed for almost a month. Honestly, childbirth was easier.

Treatments

Bedrest Working / Worked

Only thing I could do for a month. My sick leave ran out and I had to go back to work. I lay in bed and cried like a baby. I went to a chiropractor who could only give me herbal remedies and my family practitioner used microwave heat lamps, but it was only temporary relief.

Chiropractic Adjustment Not Working

I went to a chiropractor after I injured my back over 10 years ago. I think he did more damage by manipulating my spine. My pain is primarily muscular and is a daily problem. Although, my experience wasn't good, others may benefit from these procedures.

Cortisone (Injection) Somewhat Helpful

It was WONDERFUL! After the soreness subsides from the needle and manipulation, I felt almost as good as I did before my injuries. It didn't last long, but it sure made a difference for me. I now take prescription pain med and it only takes the edge off of my pain. I think I'm going to ask for another 'stab' at getting those injections again!

Darvon Working / Worked

I took this med briefly and then switched over to hydrocodone. My doctor decided it was best for me to make the change, but I don't remember his exact reason.

Heat Somewhat Helpful

Works only when applied. Unfortunately, I can't stay tethered to an outlet and the heat packs don't stay warm long enough for my needs.

Hydrocodone Somewhat Helpful

The doctor that did my cortisone injections prescribed this along with tizanidine 3x's a day. I've found that 2x's a day to be helpful and take the 3rd only when I have extreme flareups. It's been very helpful and takes away the edge from my pain.

Ibuprofen Somewhat Helpful

Recommended dosages of OTC didn't help. I took more than advised on bottle to get any relief. It wasn't safe to take that much and still didn't help me, but I did it for almost 3 years before my doctor would prescribe me prescription pain medication.

Physical Therapy Somewhat Helpful

I went to therapy, both physical and aqua, to learn techniques and exercises. My problem is motivation to continue the exercises. I just have to press myself more or find a group to help motivate me. Aqua therapy was helpful, but my fibromyalgia kept me out of the pool. The water temps were just not warm enough for my needs and I ached horribly from the cool water temps. If the water temps were warmer, I suppose aqua therapy could have been my saving grace.

Relaxation Working / Worked

Pacing myself? Not easy with kids, housework and life, in general.

Stretching Working / Worked

I learned techniques when I went to physical therapy for my low back pain. It helps considerably when I get off my recliner and do it. It's tough to stick with and stay motivated. I need to find a free (or very low cost) and local place to go and work with other people. It's no fun doing it all on my own, but it's helpful.

TENS Somewhat Helpful

I borrowed one from a co-worker after I injured my low back just over 10 years ago. It helped, but I had to return it. Of course, it can't be used for extended periods of time. It's only a temporary fix. I still struggle with pain.

Open Obesity

I've gained, at least, 100 pounds since I went on disability about 10 yrs ago. Honestly. I'm lazy. Then, take a look at the spt grps I've joined! Am I a mess or what??? Anyway, diabetes is what brings me to this group.

Treatments

Avoid Certain Foods / Chemicals Working / Worked

Ice Cream Chocolate Need I say more??? ;)

Cycling Not Working

Seat exacerbates my low back pain. I bought a used stationery bike and try to use pillows on the seat.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Considering

Lap Band. I've mentioned it to my doctor. He's hesitant. Plus, I don't have money for the procedure anyway.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) Somewhat Helpful

I went to a few meetings, My fibromyalgia and chronic pain dragged me down. I need to go back.

Physical Exercise Somewhat Helpful

Walking. I need motivation and more 'good' days with my fibro. I do try to walk around place I live and the mailboxes are a good distance for a quick walk.

Swimming Not Working

Water temps too cold. Flare ups from fibromyalgia were excruciating.

Weight Watchers Somewhat Helpful

I tried it several years ago, but lost interest.

Open Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

My cycles literally incapacitate me for days before, during and after. Cramps, loose stools, heavy flow, my chronic fatigue is magnified and so is my fibromyalgia. I take a baby aspirin everyday to prevent heart problems. Unfortunately, the side effect of a baby aspirin is thinning blood. It's good for my heart, but makes my flow very heavy for 3 to 4 days.

Treatments

Black Cohosh Not Working

I tried it. Wasn't for me.

Midol Working / Worked

I buy a new bottle every month. It works and I can tell, immediately, when it wears off.

Oral Contraceptives Not Working

Tried the 'fewer periods' thing, but I couldn't get past the constant spotting. I know it was only temporary, but it was too inconvenient for me at the time. I may try it again, if my OBGYN thinks it's for me.

Open Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

I was diagnosed 9 years ago. It's a constant struggle and frustration. It ruins my plans and incapacitates me. Fortunately, my kids, now 17 & 19 yrs old, understand, but had to learn not to expect much from me. Basically, FMS and CFS suck.

Treatments

Cymbalta Somewhat Helpful

I took it for about 2 years to curb the side effects of FMS and CFS. I recently changed doctors, got a new diagnosis and complete change in my prescription 'cocktail' for depression, which may be bipolar... Anyway, I took it and it helped. I adjusted it when life got crazy and it helped then, too. I may go back on it... So, I've kept the prescriptions I paid for, just in case. I'll pitch them if and when they expire, though.

Klonopin Working / Worked

Wow! The doctor who prescribed this to me started me out on 1 pill 3x's a day, as needed... I learned fast that 1/4 a pill was plenty! I got a new doctor that is more conservative with dosages and that works for me. I take it sparingly.

Pain Management Clinic Considering

I've heard of these places, but haven't done research. Yet.

Paxil Somewhat Helpful

I took this medication about 10 years ago, but it wasn't right for my needs.