Robin Williams dead

[dazzler]

Depression in general can be controlled and talking and medication can help wonders.

Chronic Major Depression, particularly if combined with major anxiety, is far far far more difficult to treat as you are trying to reconnect the damaged neurotransmitters in the brain and no amount of talking about it will help.

I have a loved one with this diagnosis and their life is extremely difficult.  Trees are scary, people are scary, noises are scary.  Often you will go shopping and find the person hiding in the corner of a store too scared to move and not knowing where they are.  These behaviours compound and major depression then kicks in and life is doubly hard.  Even electro convulsive therapy to the brain did more damage than good.

Robin is at peace.  Though its sad I understand why he went where he did. 

[SteveandViv]

Very sad. Depression doesn't discriminate whoever you are

Swannie

No it doesn't, and that is the very sad part. Almost as though he used all of his powers to make others happy and forget about him self. It is interesting to read how many comedians are troubled by this type of disease, what can we do

There is nothing we can say to make this better - RIP Robin Williams. You were simply brilliant.

[lino6]

RIP Robin Williams.

Some of the funniest stuff was his interviews that would go so far off topic you would think he would fit right in on this forum!

He will be missed. Thoughts go out to his family, especially his kids.

[KeithB]

With the loss of Robyn Williams, the world became a sadder place this morning.

It was heartening to read some of the enlightened posts here today about mental illness in general and depression and biplar  in particular. I have suffered from Bipolar II for a long time. It's the little brother to full blown bipolar disorder and, after a bit of therapy, I now manage to deal with it without medication.

On a bad day, I refuse to make any big decisions and just make it a special day to be kind to myself. I'd tell my staff that I'm having a bad day and won't be in for work and they understand. The reason that they understand is that I told them about the problem a long time ago.

I think mental disease is a disease that actually tells you that you haven't got it - if that makes sense. And talking about it is the hardest thing of all. For many people, hearing about it is even harder.

Keith

[achjimmy]

No it doesn't, and that is the very sad part. Almost as though he used all of his powers to make others happy and forget about him self. It is interesting to read how many comedians are troubled by this type of disease, what can we do

There is nothing we can say to make this better - RIP Robin Williams. You were simply brilliant.

It seems Genius's often comes at this price,  or substance abuse.

Often reminded by the saying "everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about" so be kind.

RIP Robin Williams.

Some of the funniest stuff was his interviews that would go so far off topic you would think he would fit right in on this forum!

He will be missed. Thoughts go out to his family, especially his kids.

Oh the interviews, watched one tonight were he told the story of Aussie troops in Afghanistan watching his concert sitting on a fuel tanker smoking!

[Marschy]

I understand Robin Williams had open heart surgery a few years ago. His wife has also come out this morning and advised that he had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years ago and had a heart attack 6 years ago after which I was prescribed Lipitor (atorvastatin). Lipitor is the 'goto' drug for cardiologists as is has proved very beneficial to people who have had open heart by-pass surgery, coronary stents inserted to alleviate angina pectoris (like myself) and other associated cardio-vascular diseases.

Now here is some interesting stuff for you. Since I've been on Lipitor, I have suffered from slowly increasing severe pain at the base of my brain where the back of the neck and head join which is apparently where the part of the brain is that produces dopamine, the lack of which causes Parkinson's Disease. I have no history of Parkinson's in my family, not that that matters, Parkinson's is not genetically transferred from parent to offspring apparently, but what is uncommon is early onset Parkinson's, as I am only 49 years old.

In my case, the pain was getting worse and worse, regardless of following instructions for a better lifestyle, quitting smoking, improving my diet, exercising, medication, but the pain in my head at the base of my skull persisted to the point where it was making a huge impact on my life and that of my family.

I have taken it upon myself to stop taking Lipitor for the last 4 months, against my doctor's orders. The pain in the base of my neck has gone, completely, no trace of it. My Parkinson's symptoms are improving, but I am under no illusions that I now have Parkinson's and to what extent this has been caused by Lipitor, I can only speculate.

Lipitor is the largest seller drug in the world. A study was undertaken to see if there was a link between it and Parkinson's disease. In the last year or so, the number of 'so called studies' of this link have been hijacked by the pharmaceutical industry to the extent where the industry is suggesting that if you stop taking the biggest selling drug in the world, the chances are that your likelihood of developing Parkinson's Disease will increase if you stop taking it. Only one study that I have so far read by a doctor suggests that he is alarmed when the pharmaceutical industry starts defending a drug in the face of growing speculation about its side affects.

[paceman]

interesting that you have been talking about lipitor.

i also was prescribed lipitor for potential heart issues (my father and uncle have both had 5-way bypasses).

i have since stopped taking this medication and have tried to go back to more natural ways of getting a healthier cardiovascular system.

[Marschy]

I just want to add, don't stop taking your Lipitor if you have been prescribed it. I have specific reasons for suspecting that Lipitor is causing me problems, which includes decreased liver function, a known side effect of Lipitor.

My cholesterol was only 1.7, and again there is a lot of anecdotal evidence on the internet that suggests having too low an LDL-C level of cholesterol in your body increases the chances of getting Parkinson's.

I have just had a cholesterol blood test on Wednesday, and my GP wants me to see him on Saturday morning to discuss my cholesterol level which has obviously risen. In the face of being told to go back on to Lipitor, I will be asking my GP for a referral to a cardiologist to discuss my concerns with him and talk about other strategies to control my cholesterol.

My advise to anyone who is prescribed Lipitor is to talk to a cardiologist, not your GP. Lipitor is a cardiovascular drug and in my opinion is over prescribed by GP's and should be under tighter control.

[Bird]

Lipitor is the largest seller drug in the world. A study was undertaken to see if there was a link between it and Parkinson's disease. In the last year or so, the number of 'so called studies' of this link have been hijacked by the pharmaceutical industry to the extent where the industry is suggesting that if you stop taking the biggest selling drug in the world, the chances are that your likelihood of developing Parkinson's Disease will increase if you stop taking it. Only one study that I have so far read by a doctor suggests that he is alarmed when the pharmaceutical industry starts defending a drug in the face of growing speculation about its side affects.

Its bullShit how $$ is worth more than lives to these people... I've been bouncing around on AD's for years of different forms, different Dr's seem to have their favorites they prescribe, I think it all has to do with backhanders from the pharmaceutical industry

[Marschy]

I think it all has to do with backhanders from the pharmaceutical industry

I have no doubt about that. The number of bullsh!t pharmaceutical industry sponsored studies in the last year defending Lipitor in the face of increasing numbers of people reporting PD symptoms whilst taking this drug is unbelievable. Just search for 'Atorvastatin Parkinsons Disease' on google and you'll see what I mean.

The studies by universities and doctors typically explore the link between increased incidences of Parkinson's Disease and consumption of atorvastatin, whereas the studies by pharmaceutical companies explores the link between not taking atorvastatin at all and the increased likelihood of Parkinson's Disease if you don't take it or cease taking it.

Who do you believe?

[paceman]

I just want to add, don't stop taking your Lipitor if you have been prescribed it. I have specific reasons for suspecting that Lipitor is causing me problems, which includes decreased liver function, a known side effect of Lipitor.

My cholesterol was only 1.7, and again there is a lot of anecdotal evidence on the internet that suggests having too low an LDL-C level of cholesterol in your body increases the chances of getting Parkinson's.

I have just had a cholesterol blood test on Wednesday, and my GP wants me to see him on Saturday morning to discuss my cholesterol level which has obviously risen. In the face of being told to go back on to Lipitor, I will be asking my GP for a referral to a cardiologist to discuss my concerns with him and talk about other strategies to control my cholesterol.

My advise to anyone who is prescribed Lipitor is to talk to a cardiologist, not your GP. Lipitor is a cardiovascular drug and in my opinion is over prescribed by GP's and should be under tighter control.

i stopped with advice and a plan from my GP, so not just off my own bat...

[gclan]

That's a bit scary Marschy. Thanks for the heads up.

I hope you get it all sorted and best of luck.

[Foo]

One of the side effects of Lipitor is muscle pain. I was on that and blood pressure medication + anxiety chit but stopped taking everything cold turkey without telling my Dr. My blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety problems are under control but I put this down to getting back onto my treadly and trying to get fitter + also watching what I shove down my throat! Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar coupled with the pressures of finding out you also have Parkinsons, would just be a hell of a kick in the guts to try and live with.

Myself personally, I don't know how I would react but I'm a stubborn bastard and could go either way, I think! 

Foo

[Marschy]

One of the side effects of Lipitor is muscle pain. I was on that and blood pressure medication + anxiety chit but stopped taking everything cold turkey without telling my Dr. My blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety problems are under control but I put this down to getting back onto my treadly and trying to get fitter + also watching what I shove down my throat! Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar coupled with the pressures of finding out you also have Parkinsons, would just be a hell of a kick in the guts to try and live with.

Myself personally, I don't know how I would react but I'm a stubborn bastard and could go either way, I think! 

Foo

I've had a heart attack, diagnosed with Parkinsons and depression all in the last 5 years. Don't want to top myself though. Depression is a common problem with males who have had heart attacks apparently.

The big thing with depression, in my book, is fessing up to yourself that you have a problem and getting something done about it.

The Parkinson's Association of SA helped me here. They simply said to me, "You have Parkinson's so you take Sinemet dopamine therapy to help control it. You've also had a heart attack. If your not suffering from depression, you are freakin' superman. So why do you think that a bit of serotonin therapy wouldn't help for depression where dopamine therapy does help for Parkinson's?". It was very practical advise.

My issue was that I am taking so much medication for managing my heart condition and Parkinsons, and the problems I have had with my medication, that when you get asked if you want to take more drugs to control your depression you are very reluctant. The thought of taking more medication for controlling depression is in itself depressing.

Ironic, you bet. But once you get some help, things can and do start to turn around.

[KeithB]

The Lipitor family has a huge number of side effects, all of which seem to have slipped past the so-called clinical trials. . For me, it is loss of memory. Some people get full one day blackouts. In fact there is a book called 'Lipitor the Thief of Memory" which is a good read.

It has just occurred to me what a wonderful forum this is for discussing the health issues that accompany TMB (Too Many Birthdays).

Keith

[Marschy]

The Lipitor family has a huge number of side effects, all of which seem to have slipped past the so-called clinical trials. . For me, it is loss of memory. Some people get full one day blackouts. In fact there is a book called 'Lipitor the Thief of Memory" which is a good read.

It has just occurred to me what a wonderful forum this is for discussing the health issues that accompany TMB (Too Many Birthdays).

Keith

But if you search on google for 'atorvastatin' (Lipitor is Phizer's brand of the then patented drug atorvastatin which is now produced by other manufacturers including Sandoz) you will be bamboozled with hundreds of pharmaceutical reports of its benefits and very little mention of its detrimental effects. Delve a bit further and start reading the university and clinical studies and you get a different picture.

What is even more annoying is the fact that the contraindication sheets that are required to accompany drugs by law in the US that divulge side effects are not required by law to accompany them in Australia. This leaves people like me, to either blindly follow the instructions of their GP or specialist handling their condition, or do their own research. The problem with the latter, is your GP, or mine in particular, doesn't like me doing my own research. This is after all what he did all that training for.

Did you know that drugs produced by US pharmaceutical companies that are accompanied by a contraindication sheet are removed by pharmacists in Australia before it is dispensed to the customer. Why? I'd like to know if something has a detrimental effect on me regardless of where I live in the world.

My GP said the cause of all the pain in my neck/head is a direct consequence of Parkinson's and I must keep taking my medication to control cholesterol, so get used to it.

But I know my own body better than my GP and I have been questioning why I have a rare condition (for my age), and you start looking for reasons why something has started occurring in your life and what may be the root cause.

And I know what you mean by blackouts. While I was still taking Lipitor I would quite often be doing something inside the house and I would often go out to the garage to get something I need, only to walk in the garage door and think "What the hell do I need in here again". My cognitive thought processes are improving since getting off atorvastatin as well.

[KeithB]

Marschy,

I'm with you.

I think that the clinical trials show that, although statins reduce the incidence and severity of cardiovascular events, they do not reduce total morbidity. In other words, statins may reduce your chance of heart attack or stroke, but they increase your chances of dying from something else.

Other research indicates that, over age 60, blood cholesterol is irrelevant and, over 75 it is protective. But I think that is research may have been contested.

Years ago I went off to see a new GP about my depression. He had a Zoloft coffee mug and a Zoloft note pad and pen on his desk. Have a guesss what script I came away with?

Keith

[Marschy]

Marschy,

I'm with you.

I think that the clinical trials show that, although statins reduce the incidence and severity of cardiovascular events, they do not reduce total morbidity. In other words, statins may reduce your chance of heart attack or stroke, but they increase your chances of dying from something else.

Other research indicates that, over age 60, blood cholesterol is irrelevant and, over 75 it is protective. But I think that is research may have been contested.

Years ago I went off to see a new GP about my depression. He had a Zoloft coffee mug and a Zoloft note pad and pen on his desk. Have a guesss what script I came away with?

Keith

When I had my heart attack and I was admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, there was a guy in the ward, about 75 years old. Dr told me reassuringly that look at him, he had a heart attack 30 years ago and here he is today.

He was dying of liver failure caused by medication.

[KeithB]

Marschy,

It is apparent that we are in clear need of a Myswag old farts health string, where we can talk about health and medication and maybe swap experiences, ideas and success stories. Particularly health issues that come up on the road. I am sure that there is a wealth of wisdom and experience among the Myswag community.

I am in Hanoi about to jump on a plane. If you don't start one up, I will when I get back.

Keith

[Bird]

http://media.theage.com.au/featured/robin-williams-mourned-by-koko-5679932.html

This would have been such an AWESOME experience.. I'd love the opportunity to do something like this..

[Marschy]

Marschy,

It is apparent that we are in clear need of a Myswag old farts health string, where we can talk about health and medication and maybe swap experiences, ideas and success stories. Particularly health issues that come up on the road. I am sure that there is a wealth of wisdom and experience among the Myswag community.

I am in Hanoi about to jump on a plane. If you don't start one up, I will when I get back.

Keith

Steady up on the old fart talk buddy, I may have an old fart disease, but I reckon I'm still a young buck at heart LOL.

I've actually been thinking about starting my own web page asking for people's experience with statins to see and hear from other's experiencing similar problems to mine.

I'm a programmer/business analyst by profession with 3 dotnet certifications, so should be able to knock something up I reckon.

I'd like to learn more about cardiovascular disease, statins and their relationship with PD. There is more information out there than I haven't found so far, but the research is being muddied by all of the noise generated by the big drug companies in search engines in my opinion.

[Foo]

http://media.theage.com.au/featured/robin-williams-mourned-by-koko-5679932.html

This would have been such an AWESOME experience.. I'd love the opportunity to do something like this..

Yet when you have a look into his eyes, there is a sadness at different points, but you can also see his joy at what he was experiencing. 

Foo

[raider]

Marschy,

It is apparent that we are in clear need of a Myswag old farts health string, where we can talk about health and medication and maybe swap experiences, ideas and success stories. Particularly health issues that come up on the road. I am sure that there is a wealth of wisdom and experience among the Myswag community.

I am in Hanoi about to jump on a plane. If you don't start one up, I will when I get back.

Keith

A Myswag  "Mens Shed" section may be.

[dazzler]

I've had a heart attack, diagnosed with Parkinsons and depression all in the last 5 years. Don't want to top myself though. Depression is a common problem with males who have had heart attacks apparently.

The big thing with depression, in my book, is fessing up to yourself that you have a problem and getting something done about it.

The Parkinson's Association of SA helped me here. They simply said to me, "You have Parkinson's so you take Sinemet dopamine therapy to help control it. You've also had a heart attack. If your not suffering from depression, you are freakin' superman. So why do you think that a bit of serotonin therapy wouldn't help for depression where dopamine therapy does help for Parkinson's?". It was very practical advise.

My issue was that I am taking so much medication for managing my heart condition and Parkinsons, and the problems I have had with my medication, that when you get asked if you want to take more drugs to control your depression you are very reluctant. The thought of taking more medication for controlling depression is in itself depressing.

Ironic, you bet. But once you get some help, things can and do start to turn around.

Depression yes.

Manic Depression with chronic anxiety - not always.

If your receptors are damaged, no amount of wishful thinking or chatting will join them up again.

My loved one has tried every known treatment.  I mean every known treatment.  One drug keeps them stable for much of the time.  Though the Dr's warn that eventually that too may not work real well.  Cross that bridge one day I expect.

All the best to all.

[Marschy]

Yes your are correct. I cannot and will not comment on manic depression as I don't suffer from this. But the advise is still sound. Get help