Can I get your feedback on this doctor's appointment?

[Anonymous]

OP, as someone on SSRI Zoloft, let me advise you, that nothing zaps away your energy more than going on this. Your Dr. sounds like a true "Quack." Seriously. And you are right...These pills make you gain a ton of weight. I used to have a cute little figure...Not so much anymore.

You know your post got me thinking, all the M.D.s that I have seen during my lifetime have all had the same attitude of yours. I just wonder if there is something going on between Dr.'s and the Pharmaceutical Co.'s that make these drugs because it seems that physicians act like used car salesmen when it comes to prescribing these meds...Like they get all giddy from it. As if they are in cahoots w/the drug companies and are getting some type of commission off of them.

[Anonymous]

I am 2 years PP as well with very low energy. My B12 was next to nothing. Definitely double check that.

And I would be looking for another care provider.

[Anonymous]

Also check your thyroid numbers. Some labs label tsh up to 5.5 as "normal", but current thinking is 3.0 is the upper limit of normal. Years ago mine was 5.7 and my GP said I was borderline and just to watch it. Ended up dealing with infertility and got it treated to under 2.0. And got pregnant .

[Anonymous]

SSRIs often cause or worsen sleep problems.

[Anonymous]

Just to add to the advice you are getting here: Have you tried upping your exercise? I have two little kids and a job and I get incredibly low-energy if I don't force myself to get vigorous exercise almost every day. It also really helps with sleep.

[Anonymous]

First, I would get a second opinion.
When she did your bloodwork, did she check your ANA level? That would tell if there is an presence of an autoimmune disorder in your body. It won't tell you which one but it is a start. Autoimmune disorders can pop up after pregnancy. It happened to me and I am now living with Lupus etc.

[Anonymous]

OP--WEre able to pick up your bloodwork and check the results?

[Anonymous]

It may very well be that your levels of something or other are off, but depression is also a possibility. I have it, but it's mild, and it took me a long time to realize something was off. (In hindsight though, it was very clear.)

I took SAM-e, to treat depression, and it gave me tons of energy and I felt amazing. Now I'm on Zoloft. I don't have that rush of energy, but I feel pretty good. Side effects (lowered sex drive, feeling tired) resolved in about a month. My mom also takes zoloft, and I think it gives her tons of energy. Wellbutrin is also a high energy drug. I don't think it would hurt to give it a try and see how you feel.

[Anonymous]

Taking b12 supplements, or Emergen-c, really boosts my energy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, as someone on SSRI Zoloft, let me advise you, that nothing zaps away your energy more than going on this. Your Dr. sounds like a true "Quack." Seriously. And you are right...These pills make you gain a ton of weight. I used to have a cute little figure...Not so much anymore.

You know your post got me thinking, all the M.D.s that I have seen during my lifetime have all had the same attitude of yours. I just wonder if there is something going on between Dr.'s and the Pharmaceutical Co.'s that make these drugs because it seems that physicians act like used car salesmen when it comes to prescribing these meds...Like they get all giddy from it. As if they are in cahoots w/the drug companies and are getting some type of commission off of them.

This is common knowledge. Duh.

Neither can exist without the other. They are alliances.

Or partners in crime. However you want to word it. Your choice.

But yes, the pharmaceutical companies do pay the medical doctors and give them rewards for prescribing their medicines. That's why these Dr's get to fly across the country to speak at those conferences. Why do you think they get to do that and who did you think paid for it?

[Anonymous]

OP are you taking. Folic Acid ? Large amounts of that can hide a B12 deficiency. Btw, you can take mega doses of B12 but you body will only use what you can convert so it may be a waste of money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP--WEre able to pick up your bloodwork and check the results?

Hi,
Just got the blood work.
B12 is a lot higher than I expected given her comment - 490
Hemoglobin is 12.2 with 11.7-15.5 being the normal range
Hemocrit is 36.2 with 35-45 being the normal range.

So both seem a little low? but still normal.

I was tested for lyme disease and reacted positively to only one burgdorferi (23) - the CDC says you have to react to at least 5 or 2/3 specific ones.

Vitamin D is high at 91 with normal range being 18-72.

I am not taking folic acid but have started B12 (as it seems my level could still stand to be higher). I took melatonin the past 2 nights and had no problems falling asleep or waking up, so not sure if its working, or unrelated, or placebo but i'll take it.

Thanks to all who offered comments, suggestions, and insight. I am going to take these results to another GP and if he still supports the SSRI theory then I'm happy to do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also check your thyroid numbers. Some labs label tsh up to 5.5 as "normal", but current thinking is 3.0 is the upper limit of normal. Years ago mine was 5.7 and my GP said I was borderline and just to watch it. Ended up dealing with infertility and got it treated to under 2.0. And got pregnant .

TSH was .89 with .4-4.5 listed as the normal range

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First, I would get a second opinion.
When she did your bloodwork, did she check your ANA level? That would tell if there is an presence of an autoimmune disorder in your body. It won't tell you which one but it is a start. Autoimmune disorders can pop up after pregnancy. It happened to me and I am now living with Lupus etc.

Hi,
I don't see ANA listed, but I do see a test for Rheumatoid and Cyclic Citrulline Peptide - both came back negative. I will mention to this to the next GP to make sure nothing was missed.