st john's wort

[davgold]

I know that you're not supposed to take St John's Wort with NNRTIs but after being unable to interest any doctors in my mental health (when did the taking and interpreting of blood tests become the only activity of doctors? - I'm not just a virus or two (HIV & HepC)! Maybe there are aspects of my health that aren't detectable by blood tests...) a week ago I decided to treat myself with St John's Wort eventhough I am on Intelence (as well as Truvada).
I have been on and off various anti-depressants for as long as I've been positive (16 years or so) but found it impossible to find a doctor to prescribe them to me. I live in a small city in the arse-end of Australia and there just aren't that many doctors with any experience or willing to take on new patients; there are 2 doctors who can prescribe my HIV meds but these two have shown absolutely scant interest in my mental health so I have been driven to the point of desperation to strive off my depression and suicidal thoughts by taking SJW because it's available without prescription.
So I know it's a calculated risk but what's the point of being physically healthy (my Tcells are back up to 175 or so and my viral load undetectable) if I'm so depressed I feel like stopping my meds so that I can die sooner rather than later?
Any feedback or advice would be welcome - I don't really know any other pos people...

[Fondoo]

   I have had issues with depression myself. The doctor pills only made me sleepy then I took a long break from western medicine and found yoga and SJW extremely effective in combating depression.Then 5 years later came the M.A.C. infection then PCP so it's back on the chemo and no SJW. I do miss it and have thought about experimenting with it after I see what my numbers are like for awhile not using it.
    If you do decide to use it I hope you keep us updated
     Namaste

[Theyer]

Hello Davgold,
Your situation does sound isolated and risking your physical health with this plan seems a very angry reaction to your depression and being ignored by your Docs , my fear is that you will do damage to yourself and be in an even worse situation. As you have said that you have had experience of antidepressants was there one that helped and will not clash with your HIV meds? I have re read your post and ask you whats the point off being depressed and physically ill?

I hope you do not think that I am ignoring or downplaying your difficulties, given the isolation you have are there any related groups that could help----- a bit off side ways thinking ? Having no idea about the rest off circumstances or knowledge off you part off the world I am hesitating in making any other suggestions, as Fondoo writes I hope you keep us updated.
take care Davgold and let us know more
t

[mecch]

Davgold - your writing is very precise about the problem - so I can't imagine why a doctor won't prescribe antidepressants.  What about a letter to your current doctor with just about the same words you write here.  Send it by registered mail. Ask for a response and a justification for the refusal.