Information and opinions on health from hautbois at HealthCentral.com. HealthCentral.com is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/521061/index http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/521061/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/521061/index http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/142350/effexorxr-brand Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:48:50 -0400 hautbois For the past 2 1/2 years I have taken EffexorXR300mg daily, the name brand drug maker.  My Medicare Part D insurance only pays for the generic.  I have been in the generic and last week hypomania has come for a visit.  I did not sleep for almost 6 days.  I saw my Psych Doc last week when this first started and we thought it was just a visit of hypomania - which I do like as it makes me feel great.  Now I am... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/142350/effexorxr-brand http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/141048/returned Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:17:16 -0400 hautbois I just wanted to say hello to everyone on the site.  I have not been on in over a year.  I am alive (happily) and doing well.  Over the past year I discovered Reiki and Meditation.  Both modalities are my savior.  I am going to write more about my discovery in a few days in the hope that it can help at least one person. My best to all, Frank http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/141048/returned http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/112471/learned-bipolar Tue, 25 May 2010 09:36:25 -0400 hautbois I have not posted in a few weeks.  Over a week ago I learned that the growth on the left pons of my brain stem can not be removed and will eventually take my life.  This growth over the last year has caused me neurological problems with the right side of my body.  I have gone through so much in the last 18 months with my health and this is the topper.  I am somewhat at peace knowing what will kill me - I can move... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/112471/learned-bipolar http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/111353/freaking-time Mon, 10 May 2010 22:16:43 -0400 hautbois Diagnoised with  Bipolar II this year, clinical depression, December 2008 almost died from a MRSA infection and again in February 2009.  May 2009 I admissted my self to psych ward.  Right before admission discovered that I have a lesion on my Left Pons section of the brain, which is part of the brain stem.  Take and see attitude with my Neurologist.  MRI last month reveals that this is actually something major. ... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/111353/freaking-time http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/110755/sleep-tonight Mon, 03 May 2010 02:23:02 -0400 hautbois It is 2:18 a.m. and I can not sleep.  I took all my meds, but just can't seem to calm down enough to fall asleep.  I really do not know what I am anxious about as life right now is pretty good.  Ahh, maybe that is why I am anxious.  At least I am not crawling out of my skin.  The worst part of it is that there is nothing on any of the tv stations worth watching.  I am going now to see if I can use this nervous... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/110755/sleep-tonight http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/107506/proud-today Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:55:54 -0400 hautbois I arrived at the Social Security Office at 10:00 a.m. this morning.  You know the drill, take a number, did that, went to window, did that, then wait for your name to be called.  Well, one hour passed, two hours passed, three hours pased, four hours pased, five hours passed.  Now starting on the sixth hour.  I was finally called in after the Security Guard went inside to ask why I was still out in the waiting... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/107506/proud-today http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/105223/worst-day-life Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:13:36 -0500 hautbois Today is definitely the worst day of my life.  I have jumped through every hoop of fire like a poddle in a tutu, but only to get burned.  I am haning on to the last few strands of the rope.  Once these give way I high doublt that I will be here to answer.  This site has been a blessing but I can not take anymore life has to offer.  The Brooklyn Bridge is looking mighty fine to me rigyht now! http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/105223/worst-day-life http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/102621/mask Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:06:26 -0500 hautbois I have been trying to live without "the mask" since the end of December.  Sometimes I can go a few days without the mask, and then it slips back on like a pair of perfect fitting gloves without notice.  When I finally notice I get extremely frustrated.  I am discovering the mask now slips on when stressful things happen in my life and the people around me.  I think I am going to keep the mask on for now so I do not have to... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/102621/mask http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/100695/eating-sleeping Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:28:40 -0500 hautbois For the past three weeks I have been waking up in the middle of the night, usually between 2-5 a.m.  I am in a trance and I end up eating - cookies, candy and now I have started to eat left overs.  I do not skip meals.  I take Lithium and Seroquel.  I will see my Psychiatrist tomorrow to discuss this problem.  Has anyone else experienced this problem?  How did you solve the problem?  Thanks in advance for any... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/100695/eating-sleeping http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/97174/commercial Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:31:43 -0500 hautbois I am watching Dr. Oz right now and I just saw a commercial for Seroquel.  Just like the depression medication commercials, take a pill and feel better.  I wanted to throw my remote at the TV.  I am on Seroquel along with Lithium and both are working quite well for me along with help from my primary care Doctor, Therapist and Psychiatrist.  Today I actually woke up with Hypomania and I hope it lasts for a long, long... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/521061/97174/commercial