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Author Topic: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0  (Read 8339 times)

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Offline odyssey

  • Member
  • Posts: 784
  • Mutiny of the neurons!
I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« on: December 22, 2011, 09:50:00 pm »
Yes dear friends, I am writing you from the glorious keyboard of the same research hospital I wrote you from about a month ago. I spent the last nine days at my local hospital in their mental health care unit just waiting to get a bed here. Why? Because my depression has reached a point where it is either it or me.

Here I can receive ECT (electroconvulsive therapy for you noobs out there). If I get approved for it I'll have a good chance to shed water weight, look more toned and defined.... oh wait, that's something else. I'll have a good chance to see drastic improvement in the depression I've been dealing with since I was ten years old (I'm 25 now).

Sorry I haven't been present on the forums much. I'll hopefully keep you updated as things go along. The earliest I'd go under the electrodes would be Tuesday. They need to taper me off some of the meds I'm on now because apparently they prevent seizures (d'oh). So its Christmas in the hospital for me.

I'll probably be here for a few weeks if I get the okay for ECT. Fun fun. Behold, instant budget deficit!

Love ya all peeps, and happy holidays!
odyssey
01/09/09- diagnosed HIV+
01/16/09   CD4-425    22%  VL- 32,415
11/09- started Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada
03/10- stopped R/N/T
10/18/11   CD4- 328   20%  VL- 84,000
10/25/11   CD4- 386   22%
10/28/11- start Truvada/Reyetaz/Norvir
12/30/11  CD4- 523  29%
03/08/12  CD4- 503  31%  VL 57
07/02/12  CD4- 897  43%
08/31/12  CD4- 745  39%
12/27/12  CD4- 884  40%
03/28/13  CD4- 819  39%
07/19/13  CD4- 739  40%
10/17/13  CD4- 535  36%
01/16/14  CD4- 743  43%

02/14- switched from R/N/T to Tivicay/Epzicom because of CKD 3 suspected from tenofovir.

03/14- switched back to R/N/T due to severe nausea and inability to eat on T/E.
 
04/01/14 CD4- 898  42%   VL-

Offline wolfter

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  • Posts: 5,470
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2011, 10:00:21 pm »
I won't even pretend to completely understand all you're dealing with, but I am thinking about you and sending strength your way.  There are a lot of people here who have dealt with these types of issues and I'm sure they'll be around shortly to offer their individual support.

Take care and holler out if you need a "lay person's" support.

Wolfie
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline denb45

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  • "1987 Classic Old School POZ+"
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #2 on: December 22, 2011, 10:06:10 pm »
I hope you get a handle on all of this soon, depression really sucks ....I stopped taking my doxipine it's just not working for me anymore  :-[
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline odyssey

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  • Posts: 784
  • Mutiny of the neurons!
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2011, 10:10:32 pm »
denb45-

Have you tried everything in the SSRI class yet? What about some of the SNRIs? Wellbutrin is supposedly pretty awesome, although I had an allergic reaction to it. Effexor is pretty decent too, my mom has had great success with it. Sometimes boosting an anti-depressant with the newer drug Abilify has good results. Hopefully you'll not end up like me and have to try everything before turning to good 'ol AC/DC!

Hugs!
01/09/09- diagnosed HIV+
01/16/09   CD4-425    22%  VL- 32,415
11/09- started Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada
03/10- stopped R/N/T
10/18/11   CD4- 328   20%  VL- 84,000
10/25/11   CD4- 386   22%
10/28/11- start Truvada/Reyetaz/Norvir
12/30/11  CD4- 523  29%
03/08/12  CD4- 503  31%  VL 57
07/02/12  CD4- 897  43%
08/31/12  CD4- 745  39%
12/27/12  CD4- 884  40%
03/28/13  CD4- 819  39%
07/19/13  CD4- 739  40%
10/17/13  CD4- 535  36%
01/16/14  CD4- 743  43%

02/14- switched from R/N/T to Tivicay/Epzicom because of CKD 3 suspected from tenofovir.

03/14- switched back to R/N/T due to severe nausea and inability to eat on T/E.
 
04/01/14 CD4- 898  42%   VL-

Offline denb45

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  • Posts: 5,048
  • "1987 Classic Old School POZ+"
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2011, 10:19:40 pm »
denb45-

Have you tried everything in the SSRI class yet? What about some of the SNRIs? Wellbutrin is supposedly pretty awesome, although I had an allergic reaction to it. Effexor is pretty decent too, my mom has had great success with it. Sometimes boosting an anti-depressant with the newer drug Abilify has good results. Hopefully you'll not end up like me and have to try everything before turning to good 'ol AC/DC!

Hugs!

I have tried just about every kinda anti-depression med that's been out for the last 12 yrs. off & on and none of them work, i was on prozac for about 3 yrs. and when i moved to ABQ, one day I was @ the very end of my rope, so i wanted to jump-off the I-40 freeway and end it all back in 2002, i had a melt-down, and was put into 72 hours mental health hold, I don't recall most of it, but all i recall was Bob crying and telling me, that he loved me, and please tell what we need to do for you to get better  :-[
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline tednlou2

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  • Posts: 5,730
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2011, 01:35:07 am »
I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with all this, but I'm glad you're being proactive and not ignoring it.  Well, ignoring it isn't the right word as I don't think anyone ignores it.  I'm glad you're not just giving up on trying to treat it.  All the best for a better 2012!

Offline Lou-ah-vull

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2011, 01:39:16 am »
Ody,

Sorry to see you back in the hospital and at Christmas.  Nevertheless, rather than succumbing to difficult depression, you continue to put up heroic resistance.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that this upcoming treatment will help you "turn the corner."  We want you to join us in Washington DC next summer!

Gary
Diagnosed Oct. 2005
10/05:  367 (26.2%), 24556 VL
01/06:  344 (24.6%), 86299 VL
04/06:  374 (22.0%), 87657 VL
05/06:  Began HAART 05/15/06, Combivir/Kaletra
07/06:  361 (27.8%), 1299 VL
10/06:  454 (32.4%), 55 VL
01/07:  499 (38.4%), UD
02/07:  Switched to Atripla 2/8/07
04/07:  566 (37.7%), UD
08/07:  761 (42.3%), UD
06/08:  659 (47.1%), UD
01/09:  613 (43.8%), UD
07/09:  616 (47.4%), UD
01/10:  530 (44.2%), UD
07/10:  636 (48.9%), UD
01/11:  627 (48.2%), UD
07/11:  840 (52.5%), UD
01/12:  920 (51.1%), UD
07/12:  857 (50.4%), 40
10/12:  UD
01/13:  710 (47.3%), UD
07/13:  886 (49.2%), UD
01/14:  985 (46.9%), UD
06/14:  823 (47.2%), UD
01/15: 1366 (45.2%), UD
07/15: 1134 (50.7%), UD
02/16: 1043 (55.1%), UD
08/16:  746  (55.4%), UD
08/16:  Switch from Atripla to Genvoya

Offline leatherman

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  • Google and HIV meds are Your Friends
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2011, 02:01:58 am »
Oh, Ody! I'm so sorry to hear you're back in the hospital; but if you need medical help, then you need medical help. ;) I'll keep you in my thoughts during the holidays and hope this latest treatment really helps you.

Though it sucks to be in the hospital for Christmas, what a great Christmas gift this will be when it works!  ;) I'll be celebrating my Christmas gift from 19 yrs ago - learning I was poz - so I'm sure your Christmas gift of better mental health will be a much better present than mine was. LOL

best wishes for a great and swift outcome! Keep us informed as much as you can cause we'll be thinking of you.  :-*
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline spacebarsux

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  • Posts: 1,350
  • Survival of the Fittest
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #8 on: December 23, 2011, 03:58:52 am »
Sorry you're going through all this Odyssey. Hope you feel better real soon!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
(((HUGS)))
Infected-  2005 or early 2006; Diagnosed- Jan 28th, 2011; Feb '11- CD4 754 @34%, VL- 39K; July '11- CD4 907@26%,  VL-81K; Feb '12- CD4 713 @31%, VL- 41K, Nov '12- CD4- 827@31%

Offline Theyer

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,701
  • Current ambition. Walk the Dog .
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #9 on: December 23, 2011, 07:26:01 am »
Odds, your a brave soul and you will be in many peoples thoughts this Christmas .
I hope you keep access to a computer so we can all keep in touch with you. I hope that the Hospital has all that you need and you get your self a good gang to be with.
Although I do not understand the AC/DC approach there is no denying the benefits I have have seen people gain from it.

Now for the last off my 3 hopes for you that is next year is free from the disabling depressions
Take Care
Michael/theyer
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline hope_for_a_cure

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  • Posts: 1,517
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #10 on: December 23, 2011, 07:51:27 am »
Sending you my best !!

Offline odyssey

  • Member
  • Posts: 784
  • Mutiny of the neurons!
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #11 on: December 23, 2011, 08:29:28 am »
Thanks for the support everyone!
01/09/09- diagnosed HIV+
01/16/09   CD4-425    22%  VL- 32,415
11/09- started Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada
03/10- stopped R/N/T
10/18/11   CD4- 328   20%  VL- 84,000
10/25/11   CD4- 386   22%
10/28/11- start Truvada/Reyetaz/Norvir
12/30/11  CD4- 523  29%
03/08/12  CD4- 503  31%  VL 57
07/02/12  CD4- 897  43%
08/31/12  CD4- 745  39%
12/27/12  CD4- 884  40%
03/28/13  CD4- 819  39%
07/19/13  CD4- 739  40%
10/17/13  CD4- 535  36%
01/16/14  CD4- 743  43%

02/14- switched from R/N/T to Tivicay/Epzicom because of CKD 3 suspected from tenofovir.

03/14- switched back to R/N/T due to severe nausea and inability to eat on T/E.
 
04/01/14 CD4- 898  42%   VL-

Offline Joe K

  • Standard
  • Member
  • Posts: 5,821
  • 31 Years Poz
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #12 on: December 23, 2011, 10:36:57 am »
How awful to spend the holidays in the hospital.  Having battled depression for decades I can only imagine what you may be experiencing and I hope you find some relief with whatever treatments you may choose.  Fortunately you still have your sense of humor and the desire to help yourself.

I will keep you in my thoughts and if you ever just need to talk to someone, let me know.

Happy Holidays!

Joe

Offline Jeff G

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  • How am I doing Beren ?
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #13 on: December 23, 2011, 11:36:33 am »
Wishing you the best of luck to get you to a better day .
HIV 101 - Basics
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You can read more about PEP and PrEP here
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Offline Valmont

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  • Posts: 338
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #14 on: December 23, 2011, 12:57:15 pm »
Best wishes, I hope you´ll be better soon. Take care !!!!
Apr 2011: Diagnotized
Jun 2011: CD4: 504  VL: 176.000
Dic 2011: CD4: 714  VL: 95.000
May 2012: CD4: 395 VL: 67.000
Jun 2012: CD4: 367
Agu 2012: Starting Emtricitabine 200 mg / Tenofovir 300 mg and Efavirenz 600 mg (2 pills) different brands or VIRADAY/ATRIPLA/Mylan....
Sep 2012: VL: 138
Dic 2012: CD4: 708 VL: <34  %CD4: 32%
Jan 2013: CD4: 707 VL: <20
May 2013: CD4: 945 VL: <34 %CD4: 33%
Agu 2013: CD4: 636 VL: <34 %CD4: 50%
Dic 2013: Latent TB, started Isoniazid

Offline phildinftlaudy

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  • sweet Ann what you think babe...
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #15 on: December 23, 2011, 01:45:43 pm »
Sending positive thoughts your way Ody -
While it sucks to be in the hospital over the holidays, I am glad that you are committed to getting things taken care of - that goes a long way to getting to better health and feeling better.

I am also glad to see that you are doing your best to keep your sense of humor - that also goes a long way to feeling better.

Will keep you in my thoughts! Get better soon - and keep us updated.

-Phil
September 13, 2008 - diagnosed +
Labs:
Date    CD4    %   VL     Date  CD4  %   VL
10/08  636    35  510   9/09 473  38 2900  12/4/09 Atripla
12/09  540    30    60   
12/10  740    41  <48   
8/11    667    36  <20  
03/12  1,041  42  <20
05/12  1,241  47  <20
08/12   780    37  <20
11/12   549    35  <20
02/12  1,102  42  <20
11/12   549    35  <20

Offline buginme2

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  • Posts: 3,426
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #16 on: December 23, 2011, 05:46:34 pm »
Wishing you success with this Ody!  Merry Christmas and I hope you have great new year.  Feel better!
Don't be fancy, just get dancey

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #17 on: December 23, 2011, 05:50:54 pm »
Hope you're getting the help  you need to start a better and happier New Year!

Cheers!
Andy Velez

Offline anniebc

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  • Posts: 6,185
  • AM member since 2003
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #18 on: December 23, 2011, 06:35:36 pm »
Thinking of you Oddy and sending you huge hugs, I hope 2012 will be a much better year for you.

Love always
Jan :-*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline Jody

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #19 on: December 23, 2011, 09:08:22 pm »
Sending good vibes your way Ody and I think your strong desire to get better is more than half the battle.  You may be spending Christmas in the hospital but it is to get better for 2012.

Jody
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

Offline Matts

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #20 on: December 23, 2011, 09:16:32 pm »
I widh You a Merry Christmas.
I' ve gone through this some years ago, too.

Have You tried Zyprexa (Olanzapine)? It has helped a lot. Please ask Your Dr.

Good Luck

 
Dovato

Offline Since2005

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #21 on: December 23, 2011, 10:31:14 pm »
Happy Holidays to you!! Hope you get well soon!!

Offline GSOgymrat

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  • HIV+ since 1993. Relentlessly gay.
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #22 on: December 24, 2011, 12:26:24 am »
I hope you feel better soon.

Ford

Offline Billy B

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  • Posts: 392
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #23 on: December 24, 2011, 12:17:40 pm »
Hi odyssey,
I hope you are feeling better today. I also hope that you are considering ECT as your last option. I work in a state facility that is approved to do this procedure but we rarely use it because of the negative effects it can produce. Now, granted it is not as violent of a procedure as depicted in the movies ( Francis Farmer) because you will be sedated but you will still be receiving a rather large amount of electricity racing through your body.
Peace,
Billy
VL 4420 CD4 340 CD4% 24   3/15/10 Started I&T
VL  UD   CD4 340 CD4% 26.5 05/13/10
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.1 08/3/10
VL  UD   CD4 310 CD4% 28.4 11/22/10
VL  UD   CD4 420 CD4% 27.9 02/11/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 26.4 06/08/11
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.7 09/23/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.3 01/20/12
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 28.8 05/11/12
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.1 09/07/12
VL  UD   CD4 390 CD4% 32.3 03/14/13
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 29.8 09/10/13
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 31.0 04/29/14
VL  UD   CD4 520 CD4% 34.8 11/05/15
VL  UD   CD4 440 CD4% 33.5 03/10/15
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 30.5 08/23/16
VL  UD   CD4 510 CD4% 34.0 07/21/20  (Biktarvy)

Offline odyssey

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  • Mutiny of the neurons!
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #24 on: December 24, 2011, 06:57:36 pm »
Hi odyssey,
I hope you are feeling better today. I also hope that you are considering ECT as your last option. I work in a state facility that is approved to do this procedure but we rarely use it because of the negative effects it can produce. Now, granted it is not as violent of a procedure as depicted in the movies ( Francis Farmer) because you will be sedated but you will still be receiving a rather large amount of electricity racing through your body.
Peace,
Billy

Thanks for your input Billy. Yes, I am making this choice as my last stop treatment after attempting to treat my severe, chronic, life threatening depression for the past fifteen years with almost every drug on the market.

I am aware of the potential risks as well as benefits. What I find interesting is that our society has no problem with the concept of people having their hearts defribrillated when they are in cardiac arrest, but when they are suffering from depression, ECT is treated as such an awful thing. Both are electrical forms of therapy, one for the brain, one for the heart.

Billy, feel free to take a look at my previous 'I'm in the hospital again' thread (see below) and see just how despondant I've been. Have you witnessed the before and after of ECT? I actually have. I was in this same hospital a month ago and saw a certain patient early on in his ECT treatment and frankly the difference is astounding. I'm willing to take the risks if this might change my life. I mean, us pozzies are risking things every day with hardcore meds just to stay alive, right?

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=40733.0

Merry Christmas to pozzies everywhere!
01/09/09- diagnosed HIV+
01/16/09   CD4-425    22%  VL- 32,415
11/09- started Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada
03/10- stopped R/N/T
10/18/11   CD4- 328   20%  VL- 84,000
10/25/11   CD4- 386   22%
10/28/11- start Truvada/Reyetaz/Norvir
12/30/11  CD4- 523  29%
03/08/12  CD4- 503  31%  VL 57
07/02/12  CD4- 897  43%
08/31/12  CD4- 745  39%
12/27/12  CD4- 884  40%
03/28/13  CD4- 819  39%
07/19/13  CD4- 739  40%
10/17/13  CD4- 535  36%
01/16/14  CD4- 743  43%

02/14- switched from R/N/T to Tivicay/Epzicom because of CKD 3 suspected from tenofovir.

03/14- switched back to R/N/T due to severe nausea and inability to eat on T/E.
 
04/01/14 CD4- 898  42%   VL-

Offline leatherman

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #25 on: December 24, 2011, 07:26:52 pm »
Merry Christmas Oddy.  :-* We'll be thinking of you!
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline tednlou2

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #26 on: December 25, 2011, 12:46:14 am »
My partner's grandmother would have ECT done, and they all say she was much better for several months after.  They all said it really worked--at least for her.  I've heard today's treatments are even better.  Wishing ya the best!

Offline Assurbanipal

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  • Taking a forums break, still see PM's
Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #27 on: December 26, 2011, 07:13:36 am »
Hello Odyssey

Just wanted to say I was thinking of you.

A
5/06 VL 1M+, CD4 22, 5% , pneumonia, thrush -- O2 support 2 months, 6/06 +Kaletra/Truvada
9/06 VL 3959 CD4 297 13.5% 12/06 VL <400 CD4 350 15.2% +Pravachol
2007 VL<400, 70, 50 CD4 408-729 16.0% -19.7%
2008 VL UD CD4 468 - 538 16.7% - 24.6% Osteoporosis 11/08 doubled Pravachol, +Calcium/D
02/09 VL 100 CD4 616 23.7% 03/09 VL 130 5/09 VL 100 CD4 540 28.4% +Actonel (osteoporosis) 7/09 VL 130
8/09  new regimen Isentress/Epzicom 9/09 VL UD CD4 621 32.7% 11/09 VL UD CD4 607 26.4% swap Isentress for Prezista/Norvir 12/09 (liver and muscle issues) VL 50
2010 VL UD CD4 573-680 26.1% - 30.9% 12/10 VL 20
2011 VL UD-20 CD4 568-673 24.7%-30.6%
2012 VL UD swap Prezista/Norvir for Reyataz drop statin CD4 768-828 26.7%-30.7%
2014 VL UD - 48
2015 VL 130 Moved to Triumeq

Offline Ann

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #28 on: December 26, 2011, 09:17:07 am »

I am aware of the potential risks as well as benefits. What I find interesting is that our society has no problem with the concept of people having their hearts defribrillated when they are in cardiac arrest, but when they are suffering from depression, ECT is treated as such an awful thing. Both are electrical forms of therapy, one for the brain, one for the heart.


Hiya Odds, I hope you had a decent day yesterday, despite being in hospital. You were (and still are) in my thoughts.

I think ECT still has a bad reputation in the general public's mind because of how it used to be used pretty much without a patient's permission and against their wishes. At least that's how it's always been portrayed in popular culture. It was also a much cruder procedure many years ago and there has been much improvement (and understanding of how it works) in more recent years.

I have a cousin-in-law who was treated with ECT when she developed severe, chronic post-partum depression after the birth of her twins. They tried talk-therapy and many different meds, but she ended up hospitalized after putting herself in danger.

Her doctors carefully explained the pros and cons of ECT to her and her husband and she consented to give it a try. The procedure was VERY successful and to this day (about fifteen years later) she has not had a single recurrence of PPD or any other severe type of depression. She gets down or "blue" just like anyone, but it's not debilitating/dangerous depression, it's just the mild type of being blue like we all get from time to time.

Good luck Odds. I hope this works for you too and that 2012 is a much brighter place for you. ((((((Odyssey))))))

Hugs,
Ann
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Offline odyssey

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #29 on: December 26, 2011, 09:32:01 am »
I have a cousin-in-law who was treated with ECT when she developed severe, chronic post-partum depression after the birth of her twins. They tried talk-therapy and many different meds, but she ended up hospitalized after putting herself in danger.

Her doctors carefully explained the pros and cons of ECT to her and her husband and she consented to give it a try. The procedure was VERY successful and to this day (about fifteen years later) she has not had a single recurrence of PPD or any other severe type of depression. She gets down or "blue" just like anyone, but it's not debilitating/dangerous depression, it's just the mild type of being blue like we all get from time to time.

Good luck Odds. I hope this works for you too and that 2012 is a much brighter place for you. ((((((Odyssey))))))

Hugs,
Ann
xxx

Thanks for telling me your family's personal story of ECT treatment. It helps my seemingly endless anxiety to hear about the successes of others under this treatment. I'm hopeful I can have a more full life including finishing college and even grad school when this treatment helps me.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!
odyssey
01/09/09- diagnosed HIV+
01/16/09   CD4-425    22%  VL- 32,415
11/09- started Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada
03/10- stopped R/N/T
10/18/11   CD4- 328   20%  VL- 84,000
10/25/11   CD4- 386   22%
10/28/11- start Truvada/Reyetaz/Norvir
12/30/11  CD4- 523  29%
03/08/12  CD4- 503  31%  VL 57
07/02/12  CD4- 897  43%
08/31/12  CD4- 745  39%
12/27/12  CD4- 884  40%
03/28/13  CD4- 819  39%
07/19/13  CD4- 739  40%
10/17/13  CD4- 535  36%
01/16/14  CD4- 743  43%

02/14- switched from R/N/T to Tivicay/Epzicom because of CKD 3 suspected from tenofovir.

03/14- switched back to R/N/T due to severe nausea and inability to eat on T/E.
 
04/01/14 CD4- 898  42%   VL-

Offline Jeff G

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #30 on: December 26, 2011, 11:18:34 am »
Hi Ody . I have a personal story to share with you also . I have an aunt Sara who had ECT . My aunt has suffered from depression all of her life and this procedure really helped her . She used to sit at family functions all by herself or go into another room to be alone if she was able to make it there to begin with . The last time I saw her was a couple months after ECT and she came up and gave me a hug and asked me to sit with her for dinner , this was the first time in years she spoke to me and it was a wonderful feeling .

I'm thinking of you and wishing you the best for the new year . Jeff .
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Offline odyssey

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #31 on: December 26, 2011, 11:37:08 am »
That's great Jeff! So glad your aunt is doing better. Thank you for sharing too.
01/09/09- diagnosed HIV+
01/16/09   CD4-425    22%  VL- 32,415
11/09- started Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada
03/10- stopped R/N/T
10/18/11   CD4- 328   20%  VL- 84,000
10/25/11   CD4- 386   22%
10/28/11- start Truvada/Reyetaz/Norvir
12/30/11  CD4- 523  29%
03/08/12  CD4- 503  31%  VL 57
07/02/12  CD4- 897  43%
08/31/12  CD4- 745  39%
12/27/12  CD4- 884  40%
03/28/13  CD4- 819  39%
07/19/13  CD4- 739  40%
10/17/13  CD4- 535  36%
01/16/14  CD4- 743  43%

02/14- switched from R/N/T to Tivicay/Epzicom because of CKD 3 suspected from tenofovir.

03/14- switched back to R/N/T due to severe nausea and inability to eat on T/E.
 
04/01/14 CD4- 898  42%   VL-

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #32 on: December 26, 2011, 02:34:08 pm »
Might I recommend the book "shockaholic" by Carrie Fisher?  She speaks extensively about her experiences with ECT - and has had great success. It's also a great read.
"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

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Offline odyssey

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #33 on: December 29, 2011, 07:24:36 am »
Just wanted to update everyone before I go for my second treatment this morning.

I had my first treatment on Tuesday morning and it went just fine. Except maybe for the meltdown I had when I got back to the unit, saw the doctor I would be meeting with was different, and just lost it. Not sure what part the ECT had to do with that and what was just an amalgamation of all the shitty stuff I've been dealing with piling up, but I was crying a ton and yelling and all that.

The actual procedure was easy. Just lay there, go to sleep, and wake up a few minutes later. Given, my muscles were all tense Wedneseday, but it wasn't too awful. I was only in recovery for a little while, mainly because the transportation people took a long time to come and get me. Point being, there wasn't any residual drowsiness like after surgery.

I haven't noticed any improvements to my depression yet really, although my thinking seems a bit clearer... meaning I can read a book without getting lost and have to reread the same sentence five times. Or maybe it just seems this way. Anyhow, it normally takes several treatments to see marked improvements in depression.

Hope everyone here is doing well.
odyssey
01/09/09- diagnosed HIV+
01/16/09   CD4-425    22%  VL- 32,415
11/09- started Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada
03/10- stopped R/N/T
10/18/11   CD4- 328   20%  VL- 84,000
10/25/11   CD4- 386   22%
10/28/11- start Truvada/Reyetaz/Norvir
12/30/11  CD4- 523  29%
03/08/12  CD4- 503  31%  VL 57
07/02/12  CD4- 897  43%
08/31/12  CD4- 745  39%
12/27/12  CD4- 884  40%
03/28/13  CD4- 819  39%
07/19/13  CD4- 739  40%
10/17/13  CD4- 535  36%
01/16/14  CD4- 743  43%

02/14- switched from R/N/T to Tivicay/Epzicom because of CKD 3 suspected from tenofovir.

03/14- switched back to R/N/T due to severe nausea and inability to eat on T/E.
 
04/01/14 CD4- 898  42%   VL-

Offline denb45

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #34 on: December 29, 2011, 03:24:02 pm »
Hey oddy that's great news  :D  I mean you mentioned that your only 25 yrs. old, so that tells me that you still have your whole life ahead of you, you also mentioned that you would like to return to school, I'm glad that your thinking out-side-the-box, and setting some real goals for yourself  GOOD FOR YOU Oddy, I wish only the best for you   :)

HUGS

Dennis in ABQ  ;)
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline wolfter

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #35 on: December 29, 2011, 04:20:25 pm »
Continued success buddy.  Take care and best wishes.

Wolfie
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline aztecan

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #36 on: December 29, 2011, 11:57:22 pm »
Hey Ody,

Sorry I've been out of pocket recently and I am very sorry for your hospital part 2.

But, I am encouraged that the treatments seem to be going OK and I will keep very positive thoughts headed your way.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Theyer

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #37 on: January 05, 2012, 02:54:37 pm »
Thinking off you Odds
with love
Theyer
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

Offline odyssey

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #38 on: January 05, 2012, 03:45:49 pm »
Awww shucks! Just wanted to let my friends here know I'm home now and will be finishing up my last few treatments as an outpatient.

And in other good news, my VL is down to nearly 400 after two months on meds. My CD4 is back up to 523 as well and 29%.

Happy New Year all!
01/09/09- diagnosed HIV+
01/16/09   CD4-425    22%  VL- 32,415
11/09- started Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada
03/10- stopped R/N/T
10/18/11   CD4- 328   20%  VL- 84,000
10/25/11   CD4- 386   22%
10/28/11- start Truvada/Reyetaz/Norvir
12/30/11  CD4- 523  29%
03/08/12  CD4- 503  31%  VL 57
07/02/12  CD4- 897  43%
08/31/12  CD4- 745  39%
12/27/12  CD4- 884  40%
03/28/13  CD4- 819  39%
07/19/13  CD4- 739  40%
10/17/13  CD4- 535  36%
01/16/14  CD4- 743  43%

02/14- switched from R/N/T to Tivicay/Epzicom because of CKD 3 suspected from tenofovir.

03/14- switched back to R/N/T due to severe nausea and inability to eat on T/E.
 
04/01/14 CD4- 898  42%   VL-

Offline Lou-ah-vull

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #39 on: January 05, 2012, 06:54:11 pm »
Ody,

This is good news indeed!  May 2012 continue to be good for you.

Gary
Diagnosed Oct. 2005
10/05:  367 (26.2%), 24556 VL
01/06:  344 (24.6%), 86299 VL
04/06:  374 (22.0%), 87657 VL
05/06:  Began HAART 05/15/06, Combivir/Kaletra
07/06:  361 (27.8%), 1299 VL
10/06:  454 (32.4%), 55 VL
01/07:  499 (38.4%), UD
02/07:  Switched to Atripla 2/8/07
04/07:  566 (37.7%), UD
08/07:  761 (42.3%), UD
06/08:  659 (47.1%), UD
01/09:  613 (43.8%), UD
07/09:  616 (47.4%), UD
01/10:  530 (44.2%), UD
07/10:  636 (48.9%), UD
01/11:  627 (48.2%), UD
07/11:  840 (52.5%), UD
01/12:  920 (51.1%), UD
07/12:  857 (50.4%), 40
10/12:  UD
01/13:  710 (47.3%), UD
07/13:  886 (49.2%), UD
01/14:  985 (46.9%), UD
06/14:  823 (47.2%), UD
01/15: 1366 (45.2%), UD
07/15: 1134 (50.7%), UD
02/16: 1043 (55.1%), UD
08/16:  746  (55.4%), UD
08/16:  Switch from Atripla to Genvoya

Offline Jody

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #40 on: January 06, 2012, 10:48:55 am »
Good to hear the news Ody.

A healthy New Year to you and all our posters here.

Jody
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

Offline leatherman

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #41 on: January 06, 2012, 04:45:35 pm »
Good to hear that you're back home. Continue to take good care of yourself and best wishes on a good 2012 :-*
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline hope_for_a_cure

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #42 on: January 06, 2012, 04:47:41 pm »
Continue to take good care of yourself and best wishes on a good 2012 :-*

Zackly !! 

Offline Theyer

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Re: I'm in the hospital again, v. 2.0
« Reply #43 on: January 13, 2012, 09:26:18 am »
Thats great Ods , impressive way to start NY
all the Best you brave soul
mhtv
"If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people ."  Tony Benn

 


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