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Walrus Update

Thor2008
Thor2008

Saw the PDoc today.  I call him the Walrus.  Long story.  He was only like 90 min late for the appointment, so I guess I should feel honored.  Being ex-military being late for anything drives me nuts not being early for anything really drives me nuts.  He wants to see me back in two weeks which is twice as fast as everyone else.  Got a chance to listen in to everyone making their next appt while waiting.  One lady can wait till eight weeks to see him again.  She must be one of those "normals" I hear of, but for me, week after next.  We talked a little bit about my PTSD visions and Bipolar, which is me talking and him typing away at the computer.  I think he was playing Candy Crush for part of the time.  Got a new drug to try out, Vraylar.  Has anyone else taken this?  He is a pretty good PDoc.  Not as hairy as my last guy so I guess if I am judging by the lack of facial hair he wins.  Last doc made me come in weekly for about 18 months.  This new Doc, I have only seen him about four times, well then again there was that time I was going complete mania in his waiting room and ended up on the shortlist for the ER that day but that is another story.  The receptionist asks me how I'm doing each time when I check-in.  Guess I made an impression.  


Two questions - has anyone taken Vraylar and has anyone also been prescribed a stimulant with their morning cocktail (Vyvanse 30 mg).  The depression makes it so I can't get out of bed most morning and I guess the stimulant is curative.  

looney1
looney1
Such interesting experiences but I have no insight to offer. I’m just happy you have such intensive help when you need it. Good luck with the new meds.
Thor2008
Thor2008
Thanks. I seem to attract interesting doctors. Good doc. We talked about ECT. The wife said NO. I don't know. The drugs are not working. I am depressed all the time, and I think about suicide a lot. I have a knife at my desk that I keep out. One of the combat knives someone on the teams gave. I feel it and see it, but each time I say not tonight. I need help more than drugs can deliver.
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
I'm in a bind about drugs, too, Thor, because Seroquel combined with diabetes to damage my kidneys. I don't know anything about Vraylar. At the moment, only Prazosin's left for me to take because it's liver processed, not kidney processed. So with all deference to your partner, just speaking for myself and me alone, since almost all drugs are out for me, then by the same token measures like ECT are on the table for me.

Having alternatives to drugs on the table is so that I don't enter into long episodes with persistent thoughts of self harm. They can wear my commitment to my wellness down. In times like that, I keep reminding myself that wanting to end pain doesn't have to be the same as wanting to end life. So I make a habit of looking for any daylight between them to maintain that saving distinction.

Keeping as many treatments beyond drugs that I can turn to helps maintain my commitment to PTSD recovery. Maybe that could work for you, too, right?
Thor2008
Thor2008
I am going to call the electro-doc on Monday. The spousal unit came around and will support me if I want to do it. I am taking ten different drugs each day and once a month shot for the migraines (Amiovig). This can't be good for my kidneys and liver. I guess the drugs are keeping me alive but I am probably slowing killing several major organs. My PDoc is trying to get me off of some of the drugs. I welcome those efforts. Right now I need the drugs. I am just barely hanging on even with the drugs.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
If you're on a stimulant that may be why you're feeling manic Thor..... I've not taken Vraylar…. Let us know how it goes will you

Waiting drives me nuts.... I make all of my appts the first of the afternoon and I'll wait until I can get it..... Big hug......xo
Thor2008
Thor2008
Good point SunCloud (JD=Lawyer?). I took the stimulant on Thursday morning but the half-life I think is pretty short. The doc wanted to give me something to get me out of bed. I am so depressed, I am losing a day a week to depression and have zero initiative to do anything. I am generally considering breakfast a win for the day. How the F did I get this bad? It's been two days now. Called the Walrus's service and left a message. Will see. Not sure what can be done. Just ride the Mania.
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