Frustrated

[Guest guest]

Amy,

Do not be afraid to check with another doctor. Don't be afraid of offending the

doctor that you no longer feel confindent is doing the best for your child. Our

first rheumy is supposed to be one of the very best there is. She has published

so many different things, she goes to the JRA Conference and speaks and people

love her. But she was not personable and we were not happy with her. Our first

rheumy took care of us ok in the begining, and then when Jaye was feeling

better and had only a little inflamation she dismissed us and told us to see our

pediatrician for future care.? I was ticked off to say the least. Our ped was

also frustrated because although he is an awesome pediatrician he only has a few

of his patients with JRA and does not feel qualified to treat us for that.? So

we consulted a second ped rheumy and we love him.?We get the time with him that

we need.? Jaye is still doing pretty good, she has struggles now and then

but each time we go in for the appointment he asks most of the same questions

that his nurse?already asked us and he listens to us.? He?takes time to address

each?issue we need to?discuss. ?Just because you consult a second opinion does

not mean that you have to change doctors either, you may realize that the first

one is the one you like best. I just pray that you will be comfortable with the

care you get for your child.?

Veri & Jaye 15 poly

Re: frustrated

Our rheumy spends as much time as we need with him. We always fill out a

questionnaire on how Grant is feeling while we are waiting. Then during the

appt. the rheumy goes through it all with us. After that, the rheumy checks

every joint in Grants body for inflammation and then we discuss what he found.

We are usually with the rheumy for 30 minutes or more. That would be a good idea

to try another rheumy at that practice.

& Grant (12, PsA/Uveitis)

> > >

> > > We went and saw the rheumy yesterday. Lucy has been on Enbrel for 4 weeks

now and he says that all of the swelling in her wrist is gone. That's the good

news. The reason I am frustrated is because he said that he wants to take her

off of the Enbrel in a few months and see if she goes into remission. This sets

off a major warning signal to me. He said that since only one joint is affected,

she is more likely to go into remission. I have told him that her fingers hurt

too bad to make it through a day of writing at school. I showed him the pictures

of her swollen, red hands, and he said it was a vascular reaction. I have told

him that she can't make it through a Wal-Mart trip because her ankles hurt too

bad. She gets up in the mornings, and not every morning, but more often than

not, she feels like every joint in her body hurts. Her jaw hurts to chew. Her

neck and back hurts.

> > >

> > > I feel like he is not listening to me. My uncle's grandaughter has jra and

he said that they gave up on this particular doctor because they didn't have any

confidence in him. But he's supposed to be the local expert. I am just so

frustrated.

> > >

> > > Amy and Lucy, 7, poly (I think)

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

amy, GO with your gut on this one.

osh

[Guest guest]

I think that sounds like it is too soon. I would look for answers. Aubrey only

had one joint and it did flare again. Listen to your gut. Terri and Aubrey.

frustrated

We went and saw the rheumy yesterday. Lucy has been on Enbrel for 4 weeks now

and he says that all of the swelling in her wrist is gone. That's the good news.

The reason I am frustrated is because he said that he wants to take her off of

the Enbrel in a few months and see if she goes into remission. This sets off a

major warning signal to me. He said that since only one joint is affected, she

is more likely to go into remission. I have told him that her fingers hurt too

bad to make it through a day of writing at school. I showed him the pictures of

her swollen, red hands, and he said it was a vascular reaction. I have told him

that she can't make it through a Wal-Mart trip because her ankles hurt too bad.

She gets up in the mornings, and not every morning, but more often than not, she

feels like every joint in her body hurts. Her jaw hurts to chew. Her neck and

back hurts.

I feel like he is not listening to me. My uncle's grandaughter has jra and he

said that they gave up on this particular doctor because they didn't have any

confidence in him. But he's supposed to be the local expert. I am just so

frustrated.

Amy and Lucy, 7, poly (I think)

[Guest guest]

Dear Vipin,

First of all THANK YOU for your displayed appreciation of the site, my

work/tutorials and the time that the Texperts put into the site as well.

Secondly Congrats on becoming a CPhT!

Thirdly: I hear you loud and clear! I 'waited' to answer this hoping someone

from Nevada would respond. That not being the case allow me to review what is

going on in many states:

1. While many states do not require education, many or most employers

'contract' with local pharm tech schools or programs to allow their students to

do externships. In order to do anexternship you usually have to have a special

type of 'mal practice' on the student which is 'covered' ($) by the school via

student tuition.

So some employers do not want to hire/train newbies that are not in school.

2. If you are applying to pharmacies that donot contract with schools for

externs or are willing to accept newbies to train that do not go to a school,

some of them (I will say most of them) would rather hire an experienced tech

rather than train one.

3. Many hospitals and retail pharmacies are on a hiring freeze right now,

because many people in the US have been laid off /lost jobs and therefore have

lost medical insurance and are not going to doctors etc. While many are not on a

hiring freeze, they can not " afford " to train anyone during the economic crunch

(since it may not work out), so they would rather hire experienced techs.

So what can you do?:

1. You may have to offer to 'train' FREE or Volunteer instead of asking for a

paid training!

2. Go to a community college that offers Pharm Tech and ask if your PTCB is

enough for them to 'sponsor' you to do an externship (training)

3. Bombard the pharmacies with your cover letter, resume and copy of your CPhT

certificate with scores. Make sure you have a descent resume. Have someone spell

check, read, edit your resume.

4. Go to the pharmacies, just don't send your resume TAKE it to them let them

meet you, be prepared for an on the spot interview or to drop off references or

schedule an interview. Be prepared to handle rejection by thanking them for

their time and asking them if they have any suggestion regarding any openings

for entry level techs.

5. Consider a pharmacy technician agency for your first job.

6. Walgreens and CVS have more on the job training programs than other chain

pharmacies.

Keep the Faith! .....

As we hear that the recession actually began in December 2007, but we did not

feel it until September 2008, we also hear that it is ending now August 2009,

and this means we will not feel the positive upswing for a while (6 months to 2

yrs). For YOU this means, barring any other economic negative, that your job

search or search for an on the job training hours may become fruitful in a few

months. While this does not help your current wallet, it is the most positive

response I have for your right now.

I know this is bittersweet, but it is the truth no candy sugar coating.

Hope this helps,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

Pharm Tech Educator

Founder/Owner of this site

>

> Hi , my name is Vipin and Im from Las Vegas, NV. I passed my PTCB exam and got

certified as a CPhT in may.

> Firstly, I'd wanna thank you Jeanetta for this brilliant tutorial group that

has brought good to soo many students ,exam givers and even current

professionals.

>

> Now my problem is in Nevada you are required to have a 500 hour training to

get your state licensce and it seems like any job i look at has a licensce

requirement (except the retail pharmacy where no one hiring)

> Im getting so frustrated. Can anyone suggest anything here.

> Thanks,

> Vipin Mathew.

>

>

> Looking for local information? Find it on Local

http://in.local./

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Vipin and All,

Here are some not well known job search engines for techs that may have what you

are looking for:

http://www.ihirepharmacy.com/t-Pharmacy-Technician-jobs.html

http://pharmacy.technician.jobs.topusajobs.com/

http://www.recruitingnevada.com/jobposting.aspx?ID=BE4A8DE9-4583-45DD-9D21-4BC37\

1538ED0

http://www.collegegrad.com/job/pharmacytechnicianjobopening.shtml

If you decide to try an agency here are some Job Placement or Recruiters:

http://www.staffpointe.com/recruiting_solutions.asp

http://www.rxrecruiters.com/pharmacy-tech-jobs.htm

http://rxinsider.com/pharmacy_staffing_agencies_pharmacist_recruiting_firms.htm#

RxRelief

Career Staff

United Pharmacy Staffing

ASERETH MEDICAL SERVICES

Complete Pharmacy Resources (CPR) is

Cameron and Company, Inc.®,

AdvocateRX SALES

Healthcare Staffing Pages

Hope this helps!

Jeanetta Mastron CPht BS

Founder/Owner

>

> Hi , my name is Vipin and Im from Las Vegas, NV. I passed my PTCB exam and got

certified as a CPhT in may.

> Firstly, I'd wanna thank you Jeanetta for this brilliant tutorial group that

has brought good to soo many students ,exam givers and even current

professionals.

>

> Now my problem is in Nevada you are required to have a 500 hour training to

get your state licensce and it seems like any job i look at has a licensce

requirement (except the retail pharmacy where no one hiring)

> Im getting so frustrated. Can anyone suggest anything here.

> Thanks,

> Vipin Mathew.

>

>

> Looking for local information? Find it on Local

http://in.local./

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I understand the frustration. Venting here is allowed.? We are in the process of

getting Jaye started on Methotrexate. She goes to the rheumy in a week to

get started. Tonight I called her father to get some information and to ask for

child support which he has not sent since January since he is unemployeed and

only getting unemployment at thistime.? Anyway when I mentioned to him that we

were going to Kansas City again for an appointment and that the rheumy wanted us

there this Monday but I can not go until the following Monday due to not having

$$$ for gas he said " well I could take her, I am not working or anything " . I

informed him that I am going with her that I need to be there since I am the one

that deals with this issue on a daily basis.? I did not mention that he has

never been to one of her appointments so why would I even think that he might

want to go. Or that if asked he would not have a clue even who her doctor is. I

doubt he knows the name of her neurologist either. Probably he would know who

her Ped is because she is one of my best friends but then he might forget her

name as well. She has seen the same neuro for 9 years I think and he has never

met the man. It took me forever to get him past why they don't just try alieve

for her and see if that works.? Hmmmm, grrrr I think we have been there done

that and he has no clue.? Every time I talk to him about this he wants to know

why they can not get things under control for her. He has no clue about life in

general more less what we deal with.? I sometimes wonder how I was ever married

to the man for 18 years.? I know that there are alot of wonderful men out there,

alot of good fathers that take care of their kids and want to be involved in

their lives on a daily basis.? I try to make sure that I do not generalize all

men into the category of my ex husband.? I do not even attempt to deal with his

family. Weve been down that road and they all have solutions for us on how to

fix Jaye also. My family is good and understands that they do n

ot understand but are so supportive of all I try to do. The never second guess

our decisions and that says alot sicne I have four brothers and a sister, there

are alot of my family.? Never appologize for venting here, TRUST ME, we

understand.

Veri & Jaye 15 poly

Frustrated

I am sorry to do this but I must vent for a minute. We took Abby to see the

rheumy yesterday and she wants to increase her MTX injections to .5mL instead of

..4 in the hopes that she will eventually be able to come off of her Celebrex.

She also wants her to be tested for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Celiac

Disease because of her daily stomache pain.

Last night we went to my son's soccer game and my in-laws were there. We told

them about the appointment and the new tests. My mother-in-law says she is very

familiar with IBD because she had IBS. I politely tried to explain that

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is completely different than IBD. She then looks at

Abby and says " she looks fine to me " . I wanted to scream. My MIL always

minimizes the seriousness of this disease and it drives me crazy. Yes Abby

" looks fine " about 80% of the time. It is the other 20% of the time that is hard

to watch. Of course before we went to the game we had to give her her weekly

injection of MTX and her Celebrex and her Zantac and her Singulair. Oh and lets

not forget the cream for her ringworm thatshe has had for 3 weeks and can't seem

to kick it. It is so aggrevating because if Abby's own grandparents refuse to be

informed and concerned about this disease then how can we expect other people

who are not directly impacted by it to be informed and maybe do more research or

develop more resources for these families....

I am sorry to unload but I know that you all will understand and sometimes I

feel like you all are the only ones that can or will

and Abby

[Guest guest]

Hey there ,

I think we have the same in-laws!!! Mine don't believe anything either or that

the meds and treatments cost so much. They were all complaining that we were the

only ones to not come to the reunion---first they are all within 2-5 hours---it

is a 36 hour drive for us---but we just didn't have the money. So, I scanned her

last hospital bill and emailed it to everyone. It was just for her Remicaid and

we owed like $64,000 to the hospital because my husband lost his age and no

insurance --couldn't afford the cobra either. Will it make a difference? I am

sure it won't. But it made me feel better!!! ha ha ha

Come here and vent. I have a journal where I write all my ugly evil

thoughts---if I die first and someone comes across it could be interesting---but

then I won't be around to hear about it either. I know sick sense of humor.

Please come, share, vent. We totally understand.

e, mom to 'joe' 22 poly+

From: C <swcrawford3@...>

Subject: Frustrated

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009, 4:28 PM

 

I am sorry to do this but I must vent for a minute. We took

Abby to see the rheumy yesterday and she wants to increase her MTX injections to

..5mL instead of .4 in the hopes that she will eventually be able to come off of

her Celebrex. She also wants her to be tested for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

and Celiac Disease because of her daily stomache pain.

Last night we went to my son's soccer game and my in-laws were there. We told

them about the appointment and the new tests. My mother-in-law says she is very

familiar with IBD because she had IBS. I politely tried to explain that

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is completely different than IBD. She then looks at

Abby and says " she looks fine to me " . I wanted to scream. My MIL always

minimizes the seriousness of this disease and it drives me crazy. Yes Abby

" looks fine " about 80% of the time. It is the other 20% of the time that is

hard to watch. Of course before we went to the game we had to give her her

weekly injection of MTX and her Celebrex and her Zantac and her Singulair. Oh

and lets not forget the cream for her ringworm thatshe has had for 3 weeks and

can't seem to kick it. It is so aggrevating because if Abby's own grandparents

refuse to be informed and concerned about this disease then how can we expect

other people who are not directly

impacted by it to be informed and maybe do more research or develop more

resources for these families....

I am sorry to unload but I know that you all will understand and sometimes I

feel like you all are the only ones that can or will

and Abby

[Guest guest]

the phrase, " ignorance is bliss " always stays in my mind ~

because it truly is bliss.  can we slight them for their ignorance?

truly?  would you not wish to go back to that same ignorance?

ignorance that if you are not well - you go to the doctor - and

" get better " ?  all of our *knowing* - that life isn't as simple

as we once thought it to be....is so surreal, so mind-boggling...

that we can barely deal with it ourselves.  it took many, many

experiences piled one on top of the other for most of " us " to

*get it*, didn't it?  " they " haven't had the opportunity (for lack

of a better word) for their reality-bubble to be burst.  perhaps

they never will - and will lead long, healthy, happy lives...maybe

dropping their personal health insurance coverage due to

" cost " like so many who have not had a brush with chronic illness

in their lives.  trying to get another human to understand it with

mere words alone would be as difficult as explaining the color

" blue " to a blind man.  unfortunately, asking them to 'help out'

here and there isn't going to enable them to *get it* either.  it

has to be a day-in, day-out experience - but never stop trying.

osh

From: veristroud@... <veristroud@...>

Subject: Re: Frustrated

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009, 8:37 PM

,

I understand the frustration. Venting here is allowed.? We are in the process of

getting Jaye started on Methotrexate. She goes to the rheumy in a week to

get started. Tonight I called her father to get some information and to ask for

child support which he has not sent since January since he is unemployeed and

only getting unemployment at thistime.? Anyway when I mentioned to him that we

were going to Kansas City again for an appointment and that the rheumy wanted us

there this Monday but I can not go until the following Monday due to not having

$$$ for gas he said " well I could take her, I am not working or anything " . I

informed him that I am going with her that I need to be there since I am the one

that deals with this issue on a daily basis.? I did not mention that he has

never been to one of her appointments so why would I even think that he might

want to go. Or that if asked he would not have a clue even who her doctor is. I

doubt he knows

the name of her neurologist either. Probably he would know who her Ped is

because she is one of my best friends but then he might forget her name as well.

She has seen the same neuro for 9 years I think and he has never met the man. It

took me forever to get him past why they don't just try alieve for her and see

if that works.? Hmmmm, grrrr I think we have been there done that and he has no

clue.? Every time I talk to him about this he wants to know why they can not get

things under control for her. He has no clue about life in general more less

what we deal with.? I sometimes wonder how I was ever married to the man for 18

years.? I know that there are alot of wonderful men out there, alot of good

fathers that take care of their kids and want to be involved in their lives on a

daily basis.? I try to make sure that I do not generalize all men into the

category of my ex husband.? I do not even attempt to deal with his family. Weve

been down that road

and they all have solutions for us on how to fix Jaye also. My family is

good and understands that they do n

ot understand but are so supportive of all I try to do. The never second guess

our decisions and that says alot sicne I have four brothers and a sister, there

are alot of my family.? Never appologize for venting here, TRUST ME, we

understand.

Veri & Jaye 15 poly

Frustrated

I am sorry to do this but I must vent for a minute. We took Abby to see the

rheumy yesterday and she wants to increase her MTX injections to .5mL instead of

..4 in the hopes that she will eventually be able to come off of her Celebrex.

She also wants her to be tested for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Celiac

Disease because of her daily stomache pain.

Last night we went to my son's soccer game and my in-laws were there. We told

them about the appointment and the new tests. My mother-in-law says she is very

familiar with IBD because she had IBS. I politely tried to explain that

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is completely different than IBD. She then looks at

Abby and says " she looks fine to me " . I wanted to scream. My MIL always

minimizes the seriousness of this disease and it drives me crazy. Yes Abby

" looks fine " about 80% of the time. It is the other 20% of the time that is hard

to watch. Of course before we went to the game we had to give her her weekly

injection of MTX and her Celebrex and her Zantac and her Singulair. Oh and lets

not forget the cream for her ringworm thatshe has had for 3 weeks and can't seem

to kick it. It is so aggrevating because if Abby's own grandparents refuse to be

informed and concerned about this disease then how can we expect other people

who are not directly impacted by it

to be informed and maybe do more research or develop more resources for these

families....

I am sorry to unload but I know that you all will understand and sometimes I

feel like you all are the only ones that can or will

and Abby

[Guest guest]

Some people just don't " get " it, and may never understand what you go through on

a daily basis. That is the beauty of this list. We have all been there, done

that in some way or another. This is a great place to vent!

Just a side note, many kids with JA also have some type of gastrointestinal

issue. I hope that Abby's tests come back negative, but it is something to be

aware of.

Michele ( 22, spondy)

________________________________

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

C

Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2009 6:28 PM

Subject: Frustrated

I am sorry to do this but I must vent for a minute. We took Abby to see the

rheumy yesterday and she wants to increase her MTX injections to .5mL instead of

..4 in the hopes that she will eventually be able to come off of her Celebrex.

She also wants her to be tested for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Celiac

Disease because of her daily stomache pain.

Last night we went to my son's soccer game and my in-laws were there. We told

them about the appointment and the new tests. My mother-in-law says she is very

familiar with IBD because she had IBS. I politely tried to explain that

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is completely different than IBD. She then looks at

Abby and says " she looks fine to me " . I wanted to scream. My MIL always

minimizes the seriousness of this disease and it drives me crazy. Yes Abby

" looks fine " about 80% of the time. It is the other 20% of the time that is hard

to watch. Of course before we went to the game we had to give her her weekly

injection of MTX and her Celebrex and her Zantac and her Singulair. Oh and lets

not forget the cream for her ringworm thatshe has had for 3 weeks and can't seem

to kick it. It is so aggrevating because if Abby's own grandparents refuse to be

informed and concerned about this disease then how can we expect other people

who are not directly impacted by it to be informed and maybe do more research or

develop more resources for these families....

I am sorry to unload but I know that you all will understand and sometimes I

feel like you all are the only ones that can or will

and Abby

[Guest guest]

How much spiro are you on?

Val

From: hyperaldosteronism

[mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc

My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the

last three weeks they've been climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday,

but wanted to give me Toprol over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me

wicked mental side effects. My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told

him this drug was making me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he

sent me to the Endo. I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and

daily light exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.

Any advice?

[Guest guest]

Hi, ! Are you taking Spiro ? If so, what is your dose ? Lori

From: mmcandmcc <mmcandmcc@...>hyperaldosteronism Sent: Fri, October 16, 2009 2:35:40 PMSubject: frustrated

My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects. My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo. I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.Any advice?

[Guest guest]

Prob need more spiro.On Oct 16, 2009, at 3:46 PM, Valarie wrote: How much spiro are you on? Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects. My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo. I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed. Any advice?

[Guest guest]

IF YOU RECALL IN MY ARTICLE TOPROL WILL NOT WORK IN PA.CE GRIM MDOn Oct 16, 2009, at 2:35 PM, mmcandmcc wrote: My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects. My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo. I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed. Any advice?

[Guest guest]

Your post reminded me of a question that I've been meaning to ask Dr. Grim for some time. Do our MC receptors sort of build up a tolerance to spiro after we've been on it for a while? When I was first started on it my BP bottomed out on 150 mg per day and the dosage had to be reduced for a while. I currently take 100 mg BID and I've noticed in the past year or so that my BP has gradually been rising. That dose used to keep my BP around 130/75. Last week at the cardiologist it was 152/86 and he (once again) wanted to put me on "a very small dose of HCTZ". And I once again had to tell him why that wasn't a good idea. I don't know of anything else in my that has life has changed, such as diet, weight, exercise, etc.

a

How much spiro are you on?

Val

From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldost eronism@gro ups.com] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc

My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects. My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo. I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.Any advice?

[Guest guest]

What do you mean " making

you crazy? "

Val

From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On

Behalf Of mmcandmcc

My BPs were doing good 135/85 and

now for the last three weeks they've been climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me

Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it

gave me wicked mental side effects. My husband marched me into the PCPs office

and told him this drug was making me crazy and he'd better find another. That's

when he sent me to the Endo. I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000

mg and daily light exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.

Any advice?

[Guest guest]

I'm on Spiro 200 mg / day. I was down to 100 mg / day last summer and my BP

began rising so we went to 150 mg / day and by this past summer I had to go up

to 200 mg / day. I don't think I can go much higher because my menstural cycles

are so long I have about 4 days out of every 28 when I'm not bleeding.

>

> How much spiro are you on?

>

> Val

>

> From: hyperaldosteronism

> [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc

>

> My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been

> climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol

> over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects.

> My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making

> me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo.

> I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light

> exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.

>

> Any advice?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Everything from vivid dreams to hearing voices and anger that I'd never known

before.

>

> What do you mean " making you crazy? "

>

> Val

>

> From: hyperaldosteronism

> [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc

>

> My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been

> climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol

> over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects.

> My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making

> me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo.

> I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light

> exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.

>

> Any advice?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Now let's try convincing my Endo of that.

>

> > My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks

> > they've been climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but

> > wanted to give me Toprol over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it

> > gave me wicked mental side effects. My husband marched me into the

> > PCPs office and told him this drug was making me crazy and he'd

> > better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo. I'd been

> > doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light

> > exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.

> >

> > Any advice?

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I wondered this as well. Spiro is a competitive antagonist. Aldosterone levels

do increase while you're one it. So by rights, with time, the increasing

aldosterone levels due to the drug-induced up-regulation of aldo (i'm assuming

this is the mechanism) and disease progression (big bumps come from small bumps

as discussed previously) could challenge the spiro even more and possibly gain

access to the receptors more frequently with time thereby reducing the efficacy

of the spiro - increased symptoms/BP...

Anyhow, I'm curious as well.

Bath time for toddler

TTFN

oh yeah, I think we have an increased need for potassium (a given) and although

DASHing should by rights supply us with the magnesium-

Perhaps this hyper-aldo states predisposes PA sufferers with malabsorption(

again, K and Mg are needed for various, basic functions, digestive process,

enzyme related ?) of basic nutrients. I started digestive enzymes..

Any thoughts?

>

>  

>

>

>

>

> How much spiro are you on?

>  

>

> Val

>  

> From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldost

eronism@gro ups.com] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc

>  

>

>

>

> My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been

climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol over

the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects. My

husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making me

crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo. I'd been

doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light exercise. I can't

pinpoint anything that would have changed.

>

> Any advice?

>

>

[Guest guest]

How is your potassim ? do you use a supplement? Have you tried Inspira? Did you feel better on 200 mg of Spiro than you do on 100 mg? Lori

From: mmcandmcc <mmcandmcc@...>hyperaldosteronism Sent: Fri, October 16, 2009 5:50:06 PMSubject: Re: frustrated

I'm on Spiro 200 mg / day. I was down to 100 mg / day last summer and my BP began rising so we went to 150 mg / day and by this past summer I had to go up to 200 mg / day. I don't think I can go much higher because my menstural cycles are so long I have about 4 days out of every 28 when I'm not bleeding.>> How much spiro are you on?> > Val> > From: hyperaldosteronism> [mailto:hyperaldosteronism] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc> > My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been> climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol> over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects.> My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making> me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo.> I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light> exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.> > Any advice?> >

[Guest guest]

My potassium had been on the low side of normal, but it's been a long time since

I've had it checked. I really felt a lot better on the lower dose of the spiro.

I think I had more energy.

> >

> > How much spiro are you on?

> >

> > Val

> >

> > From: hyperaldosteronism

> > [mailto:hyperaldosteronism] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc

> >

> > My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been

> > climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol

> > over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects.

> > My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making

> > me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo.

> > I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light

> > exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.

> >

> > Any advice?

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I am not sure what SX low Na has but you may want to have it checked. You say

you take in less then 1000 MG a day.

> > >

> > > How much spiro are you on?

> > >

> > > Val

> > >

> > > From: hyperaldosteronism

> > > [mailto:hyperaldosteronism] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc

> > >

> > > My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've

been

> > > climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me

Toprol

> > > over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side

effects.

> > > My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was

making

> > > me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo.

> > > I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light

> > > exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.

> > >

> > > Any advice?

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

What does your endo say ? It is very frustrating, I know. I have to K+ ( 40-80 meq daily) to keep me feeling better, not great, but better. Potassium seems to keep my muscle spasm at bay. My potassium would be "low normal" by blood test but I can always tell when it is low so my Dr. gave me an Rx for K+. I even drink 2 low sodium V8's daily ( LOW SODIUM still means it has sodium in it) because each can has 36% of daily potassium in it. It helps me soooooo much. My BP is well controlled on low dose Spiro. From what I gather, you can take up to 400mg a day and it's non threatening. There are people in this forum that take that amount. Maybe you just need potassium and higher Spiro dose. I wish there was an easy fix. I have a 6 cm mass on my right adrenal and I am convinced that little bugger is causing all my symptoms. I am supposed to meet with a new

endo re: removal but they want to do a certain type of CT with contrast that monitors the activity of both adrenals. It is alot cheaper and has less risk than AVS. I am trying to have hope that I will feel better. I have 2 young kids, a husband that works off and work very long, stressful hours in an ER. I NEED to be healthy or semi normal at least. Good luck to you, know there are things changing all the time for the better. Let us know what you find out at your next appt. Lori

From: mmcandmcc <mmcandmcc@...>Subject: Re: frustratedhyperaldosteronism Date: Friday, October 16, 2009, 7:55 PM

My potassium had been on the low side of normal, but it's been a long time since I've had it checked. I really felt a lot better on the lower dose of the spiro. I think I had more energy.> >> > How much spiro are you on?> > > > Val> > > > From: hyperaldosteronism> > [mailto:hyperaldost eronism] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc> > > > My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been> > climbing to 150/100. Endo

will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol> > over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects.> > My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making> > me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo.> > I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light> > exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.> > > > Any advice?> > > >>

[Guest guest]

I agree, perhaps you should look at potassium and see if you can improve some of

your symptoms... If you seem to have lots of weakness, twitching, cramping

perhaps explore your potassium/magnesium esp. if you are limited due to

side-effects with spiro?

Good luck..

Chantal

> > >

> > > How much spiro are you on?

> > >

> > > Val

> > >

> > > From: hyperaldosteronism

> > > [mailto:hyperaldost eronism] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc

> > >

> > > My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've

been

> > > climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me

Toprol

> > > over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side

effects.

> > > My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was

making

> > > me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo.

> > > I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light

> > > exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.

> > >

> > > Any advice?

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Most likely problem is subtle change in sodium intake (increase). Eating out more? I would recommend getting a 24 hr urine for Na and K to check. May your pressure be low!Clarence E. Grim, BS, MS, MDSpecializing in Primary Aldosteronism the most common cause of "Difficult/Drug Resistant High Blood Pressure". Other research interests focus on the interactions of recent evolutionary forces on the body's ability to handle salt and the effect of dietary salt on blood pressure in populations today.Listed in Best Doctors of America 2009. On Oct 16, 2009, at 5:25 PM, a Hall wrote: Your post reminded me of a question that I've been meaning to ask Dr. Grim for some time. Do our MC receptors sort of build up a tolerance to spiro after we've been on it for a while? When I was first started on it my BP bottomed out on 150 mg per day and the dosage had to be reduced for a while. I currently take 100 mg BID and I've noticed in the past year or so that my BP has gradually been rising. That dose used to keep my BP around 130/75. Last week at the cardiologist it was 152/86 and he (once again) wanted to put me on "a very small dose of HCTZ". And I once again had to tell him why that wasn't a good idea. I don't know of anything else in my that has life has changed, such as diet, weight, exercise, etc. a How much spiro are you on? Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldost eronism@gro ups.com] On Behalf Of mmcandmcc My BPs were doing good 135/85 and now for the last three weeks they've been climbing to 150/100. Endo will see me Tuesday, but wanted to give me Toprol over the phone. I've tried Toprol and it gave me wicked mental side effects. My husband marched me into the PCPs office and told him this drug was making me crazy and he'd better find another. That's when he sent me to the Endo. I'd been doing good, keeping Na to less than 1,000 mg and daily light exercise. I can't pinpoint anything that would have changed.Any advice?