Lived Experience Forum

[april]

Hi,

I'm normally positive and accept my diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder and General Anxiety Disorder.  I take my medications diligently and work very hard to overcome symtoms of my MI.

Last year I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. This resulted from obesity caused by being on antipsychotics for more than twenty years. I never had a problem with my weight until I started taking medications. I now take tablets for the Diabetes and high blood pressure, bringing the number of tablets I take daily to six per day.

This week a routine blood test uncovered that I have a problem with my thyroid, this is a side effect of prolonged use of the mood stablilzer that I take daily. I very much need to stay on this medication, so I will be prescribed an additional thyroid medication.

 I'm only venting because I feel so tired, upset and worried that my physical health is rapidly declining. I feel I'm on some sort of sick medication cycle. Does anyone understand this? Other than doctors, I don't have anyone to talk to about this. 

[Appleblossom]

Hi @april

It is a legitmate point and your experience is valid. I think it is important that the reality of long term meds and side effects be made obvious so that people are in a position to make the best decision.

I have only just started on a mood stabiliser a year after I came off my hypertension tabs, with permission. Unfortunately its a toss up regarding side effects. 

[april]

Thank you for your comment @Appleblossom

I've worried deeply about the people I care about and tried my very best to not let my MI effect their lives. This is the first time I have truly been concerned about my own health. Unfortunately I don't have a choice and must take what I'm prescribed if I'm to keep my mental and physical health.

P.S. I do get over hurdles quickly and I've had quite a restful day today, hope your day was good too.

[Lunar]

Hello @april,

You sound like you are really trying so hard to do what you need to cope with your mental health and remaining positive however that has affected your general health. I am sorry to hear you feel like you are on a continuous medication cycle.

How are you in regards to your health with eating and exercise, has your lack of motivation affected these things? You could look into seeing a dietitician or naturopath if you are wanting some help in that area, I know those options could be costly but it might help alleviate those feelings of being tired, upset and worried.

Please keep trying to do what is best for you and your mental health,

Lunar

[Heart]

@april, @Appleblossom, @Lunar, Would going to your GP and getting a Care plan done for the dietitian and dibetic educator help? This way you may get some of the allied health visits for free.

This is availabe in QLD, not sure of other states.

[april]

Hi

@Heart and @Lunar

Thank you for the advice, I have already a visited a dietician in regards to weight loss and a specialist diabetes educator. I have lost about 7 kg this year by changing my diet and exercising.

I was surprised that the dieticians were totally unaware that antipsychotics can cause incredibale appetite and sedation. The reasons for my weight gain were twofold, hungry all the time and too tired to exercise. I also think the negative symptoms of SAD made me unmotivated.  In addition  GAD has plauged me so much in the past that at times couldn't get out of bed let alone leave the house to exercise.

Although I have made steps to improve my physical health I have a long way to go and the diagnosis of Diabetes won't change. The under active thyroid problem might also be making my weight loss more difficult.

I am having more blood work done early next year. I am hoping that my GP and Psychiatrist might have some alternatives for me.

[Lunar]

Goodmorning @april,

That is incredible, well done losing that weight this year!

I am guessing the underactive thyroid would be playing a role in feeling unmotivated and making the weight loss more difficult, I am not a doctor but my mum also has an underactive thyroid and when she got on top of her thyroid medication it greatly helped her with her weight loss.

Keep working with your GP and Psychiatrist and keeping up your diet and exercising, you should be really proud of yourself for doing all of that and still trying!

Here for you 🙂

Lunar

[Fee1]

Hi, just coming to this thread late. I also find that medication is making me physically sick. I have been on them for 20 years plus and find they seem to have the side effect of suppressing my immune system. I get a lot of viruses and flus and it takes ages to get over things. I have been told by shrinks this is an unusual side effect. Has anyone else had this problem or can anyone recommend a solution?