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@netter9064
Hi again, netter9064! Well, do you know why some doctors and some psychiatrists do not mention that these medicines can cause a big weight gain? Sad to say, I believe it is because 1) they (or their dear ones) are NOT the ones taking these medicines. 2) Often, because of pure negligence or ignorance, they are not even aware of the side effects. 3) They (I know this is hard to take, but still) simply DO NOT care. - The reason for me saying this, is that I have noticed (on more occasions) that they give up on us patients, even before listening carefully to what we are about to say. I have experienced saying to more than one doctor that I am so sick many months in a row in the course of any given year since I, unfortunately, suffer tremendously because of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (to the extent that sometimes even making a simple phone call is a cause of huge stress and feels like having to climb Mount Everest). They listen somewhat, but after I have explained how my days are (miserable), they either say nothing or tell me that I am depressed (I bet I am! How would they be if they were so weak every single day for 6-7-8 months and they were not living but only merely surviving?) A few of these doctors have had the guts to tell me that they have never heard of these symptoms before (which is really bad :<( since I have just told them.) If they only had been a little more interested in learning something new, that they don't know or at least had owned a little curiosity (if not empathy!), they surely should have made the effort of trying listening more carefully (and afterward perhaps do some research (?) - which, of course, also would require some extra time - and time is money, so why bother?). I have even met a couple of doctors who (instead of just admitting that they know nothing about CFS) say "You know, there are many doctors who do not believe in CFS" (and obviously they themselves belong to the incompetent & arrogant category). This respectless behavior on their part makes me feel as if I was some sort of a charlatan who is inventing things just for the heck of it.
Sorry, netter9064, this is longer than I intended. I hope I haven't taken up too much of your time.
Replies to "@netter9064 Hi again, netter9064! Well, do you know why some doctors and some psychiatrists do not..."
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Hey, well I don't know for sure why.. like you I can only speculate:
1) They think (hope) that the benefits outweigh the negative.
2) They hope that it will be a side effect that we won't get.
3) They are so "taxed" with patients that they don't have time to read about all of the potential side effects of medication.
4) Giving them the benefit of the doubt, they are prescribing what they feel would work the best irregardless of the side effects.
I have really had to be proactive about treatments and medications in recent years. However, with depression and insomnia I have let things like researching medication slide. It's hard to be motivated to research stuff, but then it comes back to bite me in the butt.. like the weight gain. Mental health and other invisible illnesses can be very challenging because we don't have a broken bone to show or "prove" our illnesses. As a Christian, I'm at the point that I'm just looking forward to heaven where there will be no more pain, sickness or sorrow. I am just trying to stay focused on Jesus and get through each day. I know He can heal me instantly but for whatever reason He has chosen not to so far. I try to be grateful for the health that I do have as it can always be worse. A close friend of mine has had Complex Regional Pain Syndrome for 20 years now. She is in off the chart pain 24x7.. and she can't take pain meds. A lot of people in her state are on morphine drips because of the pain or they die by suicide as the pain is so horrific. There's not a cure either. So, I'm very grateful that I'm not in pain, I don't hear or see things that aren't there, I'm not homicidal. So, even though my situation is severe.. I've been on SSDI for several years, I have plenty to be thankful for. I'm not trying to minimize the pain or seriousness of our situation. It's just if it weren't for Jesus I would have been gone a long time ago. I keep reminding myself that this life is temporary, but heaven is for eternity. I will be praying for you.. restored health, peace and joy. I will also pray that in every moment, good days or bad that you would reach out to Jesus. He does love and care for you. The Bible says that He is very close to the brokenhearted. Once you feel and sense His presence.. there's nothing else like it. I don't mean to preach at you. Just wanted to share how I cope with severe depression and insomnia. I certainly understand fatigue.. though I don't have your diagnosis. It's super challenging for me to function with the little sleep I get. You're so right.. the smallest task seems impossible. Keep moving forward.. one breath at a time 🙏🥰🙏