The whole story

[wendyzski]

When we last left our intrepid heroine: after a day of shivers/sweating, nausea, dizziness, panic attacks, crying jags, and the occasional auditory hallucination, s

However, it turns out that when I called that number and asked "how late are you open", they were apparently already closed and their phones were being forwarded to Bridgeview! So here I was, after a half-mile walk through some rather sketchy neighborhoods, shivering in front of a closed clinic.

I was able to find a sign for another location about a mile away, and called to confirm that they were indeed open and that I was talking to the actual people at that address. So I decided I'd walk to the nearest large-ish intersection and get a cab. I started walking.

That's when the tornado sirens went off.

I took shelter in a Starbucks and called ashtalet to have him check the weather radar on his computer. He reported that the worst of it was passing to the south of where I was, so I waited until the rain and wind died down a bit and then got a cab over to the other clinic.

They were very nice, as it was clear that I was not well. They gave me a quick physical and neuro workup and said "Yep - don't take that again. It IS safe to take your old dose of your old med when you get home, so do so. Also, you're feverish and dehydrated." They gave me a small script for Xanax to cushion things until my old meds can get my brain chemicals back in balance, and told me to see my doc in the next few days.

I got home around midnight, and found I couldn't get online - apparently ripco is down, because I can't get on from webmail either. I'd guess storm damage. Had some bad moments waiting for the xanax to kick in (I only took 1/2 tablet because I know i'm a bit sensitive to it), but kept reminding myself that not being able to check online didn't mean my friends weren't there, and that I could call them if I really needed to, but let's see if we can not need to.

Woke a little groggy and still not feeling at all well, but made it into work. I've already explained matters to HR (I'm actually ill - here's the slip - the last thing I need right now is people thinking I'm faking this, or to worry about my job). My doctor is in at 1:30, and I've requested a call this afternoon and have an appointment Thursday afternoon.

My guess is that I'll be back on the paxil for a while. I'd still like to look at a different med eventually, but certainly not THIS one. Also, given what happened this time, I think I'd rather do that under the care of a psychologist who is more familiar with the meds and their effects. I love my GP, but in this case I want a specialist.

Comments

[faireraven.livejournal.com]

At least you were able to see them... *HUGS*

I hope things get better soon.

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

if they were worse, I'd be in the ER.

[capi.livejournal.com]

Oh Wendy, what a nightmarish Monday! Like Mondays aren't bad enuf just by being Monday. Woman! (((( fierce protective hugs and pets )))) I'm so sorry you went thru all that, and that you have to live with the come-down now for a bit... *whimper of frustration*

~prayers for SPEEDY recovery~ me LOVES you!!

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I still feel pretty fragile, but I'm working on it, and mostly have to wait for the bad drugs to finish leaving my system and the okay ones to get things topped off properly. I'm guessing a week or so.

[capi.livejournal.com]

I know from experience that that kind of waiting in those kind of circumstances.... a week suddenly becomes on mammothly HUGE thing.

((( hug ))) I will be here resting double. One for me, one for you. *smile* Want to borrow some of these here beautiful spoons?

[raven-ap-morgan.livejournal.com]

Wait a minute...

Did I understand you to say that you were prescribed the Lexapro through a GP?

Rule 1: GPs do not know psychiatric meds. Go to a psychiatrist (psychologists aren't licensed to prescribe drugs) to deal with this issue. I'd recommend mine, except he's booked solid.

I'm sorry to hear that the Lexapro did work out. There are lots of options yet, but obviously, this wasn't the one. You'll be okay...

Raven

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

That's my plan now (though I forgot whether it was the ologist or iatrist that did meds)

I'll stay on the Paxil through faire season and begin a relationship with a psych, and THEN try another med under their supervision and support.

I'm going to see my GP on Thursday to make sure this is all in my file and see if there is anyone she recommends. I'd also like a script for a few more xanax just in case - i'll try not to need them but may need the option.

[train-gamer.livejournal.com]

I'll second this recommendation (I'd have firsted it if Raven hadn't put it up already). And don't be afraid to fire one if you're uncomfortable with them for any reason -- a good relationship with your psychiatrist is not just a pearl beyond price; it's a necessity if you want to get stabilized long term.

Rule 1 is a good general standard. While they may be familiar with psych meds in isolation, they are almost always not familiar with the interactions with other meds. And as I remember, you're on a pharmacopoeia casserole for your other stuff. 'Nuff said.

Plus, a good psych, when side effects like yours crop up, will be a lot more supportive than 'Whoops, sorry'. It'll still be a whoops, as psychiatric pharmacology is still much more of an art than a science, but s/he will have a much better understanding of and empathy for what you're going through.

{{{{HUGS}}}} I hope that you stabilize soon!

[ladyniniane.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

I've been really worried about you these past few days. May things finally settle down a bit for you, both on the health front and on the moving front...

[woody-whistler.livejournal.com]

Zounds, what a night! Glad things are starting to simmer down!

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

yeah - i've had more fun before....

I still feel VERY fragile after all of this, and worry about getting through the next few nights. Scared. But hopefully my doc can help out some

[justphoenix.livejournal.com]

Eep! I was thinking last night "Man, I hope wendyzski didn't get caught in this. I'm sure she made it to urgent care." Oops.

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

I did. Eventually.

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Crap - that's rough :( And yeah - a specialist would be good [hugs]

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

Not that I don't like my GP. But clearly she isn't as familiar with this as I'd like. When I finally got a hold of her this afternoon, her reaction was basically "Whoops! Sorry." Um - no.

[caitriona27.livejournal.com]

My Effexor reaction was when my GP prescribed it to me. She was also the one that gave me Prozac that I reacted to as well.

I love my psychiatrist and if I wasn't in the philly burbs I'd give you her name.