Hi everyone,


Just an quick update...



So my therapist is now getting stuck too. She feels really bad because all the therapy techniques we have tried have done nothing and do not work. Last appointment she told me she really thinks it is physical. She does think the anxiety is playing a part, and she still wants me to try medication, but she thinks that my symptoms are too strong to be just anxiety alone.



She is working and asking a bunch of other therapists that shes knows about it for advice, and shes trying to get to the bottom of this. She wants me to get a second opinion from another neurologist, because the first one said it was emotional. She really believes that there is a physical issue going on in my brain that is causing my depersonalization.



She also wants me to continue with the supplements as the copper could be the source. The supplements would take around a month or so to start seeing results, so I'm not giving up hope yet. (It's been 2 and a half weeks on them)



This is actually great news to me. This whole time I thought it was physical, and couldn't believe it was just my thoughts and emotions causing this feeling, but now that a psychologist who all she does is study problems with emotions, thinks its physical !



What do you guys think? I would love to hear want you all have to say, as I'm trying so hard to get better any advice truly helps.

Hi Sam,

I am a strong believer in second opinions. Sometimes they are life changing and it never hurts to get information.

It may be helpful if your therapist can let a new neurologist know her concerns. This could be done by phone or letter if you sign a release of information. I personally would be hesitant to go back to one who had already decided what my issue was....

second opinion neurologist sounds like good advice.
keep us posted sam. we care about you.
(((((HUGS)))))
bizi

Could there be a source for the copper toxicity you have not investigated? In my state there is an EPA organization that tests water systems.

Dear Sam
You have my upmost respect
As young as your number age may be
And I wish you get to enjoy some fun when
still in your young age
when there should not be a care in the world
but having fun with friends
It was so hard when I came to this country at the age of five
I am blown away at your openness and vigilance to getting at the ROOT of it all
It just may be as only you know what's going on with your body
and that you are so in tune with it is just awesome

Now can you please hold off
and hang on just a bit longer
I know it is hard
I know
But I also know
You are strong and very brave
not to act on emotions
We all are here LISTENING
We all care about what happens to you
We all have faith in you
We want you to continue to reach out
and a good read might empower you some
Everyone cares
You hang on
As we take this journey with you
Life isn't easy all the time
You go Sam
Don't give up
There is a light at the end of the tunnel
Follow the glimmer
Love
Me

I'm so glad to hear that you have a therapist who is open to the idea that your symptoms may be the result of more than one problem. Most practitioners are unwilling to believe that a patient's issues have more than one root cause (often outside their field). I hope that your therapist has a good neurologist in mind for the second opinion, which is an excellent idea. I am glad that she recognizes your existing mental heath issues and still wants to retain you as a patient. Not only can she treat your anxiety with therapy and medication, but I think that she can also help you coordinate your care. It is so helpful to have a mental health professional tell a medical doctor that they believe a patient has an underlying medical condition… especially since this therapist is familiar with post concussion syndrome.

Sam, you are getting the best care as you are being treated as a whole patient… a whole person... by your therapist, and I am so pleased that all avenues are being explored. I'm glad that you're hopeful again that you're going to get to the bottom of things and see improvement soon. I share that hope.

This is all good news! I look forward to hearing more! Remember we are here for you

Kay

Hi everyone,


It's been a while without an update, and that's just because nothing has been new untill today.


Today I got prescribed 5 mg of Lexapro (Escitalopram, An SSRI anti anxiety medication)


So I had to go to a different doctor to get this prescription, because my therapist is a psychologist and cannot prescribe. The doctor I saw was really mean in my opinion, when I asked him about depersonalization and if this medication can help with it he sorta avoided the question and basically said he doesent know...



He seemed to have SOME (not a lot) knowledge about depersonalization, but the vibe I got from him was that "DP Isn't really that bad, and it will just fade away naturally once you eat healthy"... WRONG.


That's not the case. Depersonalization is a very complex condition that CAN be helped with medications like SSRI's, but hey what do I know?




So I'll let you guys know how the medication does. Just because I don't like the doctor is not gonna stop me from trying it. I'm basically just trying and reporting back to my therapist everything that happens.



Let me know what you think! (All your feedback helps SO much)

oh sam, good luck with the lexapro!
I hope it helps to lessen your anxiety and such.
thanks for the update!
bizi

Great news Sam!

Kudos on your attitude. You handled that really well. Our doctors aren't always the best at bedside manner. We need them to be competent, support and touchy-feely good vibes can come from elsewhere. He does get points for saying he didn't know, not all will admit that.

Give yourself some time on the lexapro. Benefit from antidepressants is not immediate and some positive brain changes that occur from the neurotransmitter boost take time to set in. Side effects can be onerous in the beginning but lessen as you acclimate. If this doesn't work out there are other options.

Keep up the good work,

Good report Sam, you're moving in the right direction! Please keep us posted.