Okay.

[shadesong]

So. Some of you may know that I was pondering participating in a study about PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). And I've decided to do it.

It's a hard decision, and I really don't yet know how I feel about it. I've gone years spending massive amounts of energy attempting to convince myself and everyone around me that I'm fine and that I don't need any help, but maybe I do.

So it's a ten-week-long double-blind study involving the use of Zoloft, Effexor, or a placebo. Yeah, I know I hate meds, but they seem to work for some people, and I've never tried these. So maybe they actually would help. I don't know.

I think the three main reasons are that
1) The results will go to help other people like me.
2)It's only ten weeks. It's finite. Whenever I've been on meds before, it was always, "We'll keep making you take them until you feel better. We'll keep upping the dosage." With this? Ten weeks. That's it. Then over.
3) Money. Yes, my opposition to treatment has a price tag, and it's $250.

Seriously, though... I discovered the study when I was looking at the Emory Women's Center website, it's not far below the Clothesline Project info... and seeing it there at this time when I'm having a lot of issues makes me think that maybe this is a hint from the universe, that I ought to give things a try.

Comments

::hugs::

[m0usegrrl.livejournal.com]

i'm really glad you're gonna give the study a go! given all the shit you've been through with meds, that's so very brave of you... =)

Re: ::hugs::

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

Like I said, man, I'm a brave little toaster. :) Hell, it might help - and if it doesn't, they'll have more information to better help other people like me. And it's only 10 weeks.

[kellinator.livejournal.com]

Hey, you... for what it's worth, I'm proud of you.

And we'll all be here for you if you need us.

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

Thanks.. *hugs* It does mean a lot.

We're going to walk through the exhibit at the DUC one last time around 4:30... wanna join us?

Re:

[kellinator.livejournal.com]

I'd like to, but I'm at work till 6... You mean today is the last day? Damn!

[edie22.livejournal.com]

So what if the meds make you feel better? If you're one of the ones that's getting a med and not a placebo, will they let you continue to take it? And are those meds the ones that make you go thru withdrawls if you stop? Like my mom takes some mood thing, that starts with a P I can't think of right now, and if she goes off of it, she gets all moody.

Not in anyway saying you shouldn't do it, and you've probably asked these questions, I'm just curious.

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

They're probably not anything that'd cause withdrawal... if so, they'd have a contingency for that, like using the last few weeks to phase me out with lower dosages. I don't know if they'll let me keep taking it if it works - I'd have to pay for it then, of course. I'll be asking a lot of questions at my appointment on Tuesday. :)

[m0usegrrl.livejournal.com]

from what i know of Zoloft and Effexor, they're of the New Generation of meds -- they neither have the lead time before they take effect nor the withdrawal symptoms of Prozac or Paxil. they seem to combine the best results of the old MAO inhibitors (like the shit you were on before) and the serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac, and add some new stuff.

you'd think i've done some research on this, wouldn't you? =)

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

If I'd known you were an expert on this, I'd've consulted you long before now! :)

[dustyskinandall.livejournal.com]

*HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGZ*
Thinking of you!

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Thanks! When will you be back in Atlanta?

[bellacrow.livejournal.com]

*hugs* good for you!!!

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

*hugs* back; it's a huggy day! Thanks. I'm starting to feel pretty positive about this.