shesellsseashells

Harp, it's beautiful. Congratulations.

Exactly. My body temperature seems to go up a couple of degrees, and I sweat from everywhere, not just the usual spots, so topical antiperspirants haven't done the trick. I hate to take another med, too: I already take Propranolol to minimize hand tremors and Metformin to help reverse weight gain, but the Latuda is the one thing I've found to help my mood, so I'm going to try everything I can to combat the excessive sweating. I'll let you know if I have any luck down the road.

Thanks CR, I'll keep that in mind.

I've recently started taking Latuda again, which is one of the few meds that has helped me to feel better in the past. Unfortunately, it makes my entire body sweat like crazy. Last summer I was dripping with sweat, showering a couple of times a day and changing clothes multiple times. Trying to blow dry my hair after I've gotten out of the shower is a joke, and on the rare occasions I try to apply makeup I blast a fan on my face to try to keep it from dripping right off without much success. I've taken Clonidine and Oxybutynin in the past, both of which can treat excessive sweating, without any luck. I'm also currently on a low dose of Propranolol. The sweating is definitely a result of the Latuda and not a hormonal problem. I have an appointment to see a rheumatologist in a couple of weeks about this, but wondered if anyone here on CB had had success treating excessive sweating. I've found it helps for me to go into these types of appointments with as much information as I can gather. Thanks in advance for your help.

Your NP should have checked to see if your insurance covers the GeneSight test first. Since she was the one who suggested the test, it seems logical that she will take care of obtaining the required prior authorization for your insurance company. You shouldn't have to pay any out-of-pocket costs to which you did not explicitly agree. It's probably a good idea to follow up with the clinic again to make sure they're handling the PA for you on the test. Sorry you're having to deal with this hassle.

Thank you both very much.

I received notification yesterday that my SSDI application was approved. I am so relieved and grateful. I'm still waiting to hear about retroactive payment, but the monthly SSDI income will make a huge difference in the quality of my life. Thanks to all for your suggestions in writing my function report.

I'm so sorry to hear about all of the things with which you've been dealing and the loss of your friend. I had ECT in August 2017 that left me with cognitive problems, some of which have resolved themselves, and others that haven't. I had neuropsych testing last fall that identified some weak areas of my brain. The testing was done by a PhD, with whom I only interacted during the testing. My pdoc coordinated with the tester regarding the results (I also received a copy of the results and reviewed them with my pdoc), and the recommendations he made are ones I've been working on with my pdoc and on my own to improve my memory and so forth. The tester was able to identify which parts of my brain were affected by noting which areas show weakness, and drew conclusions as to the likely cause, i.e. either ECT damage or depressive symptoms. As the cognitive changes began occurring during the ECT and had not presented themselves during previous depressive episodes in my life it seemed clear to me that they were the result of ECT, but it was helpful to obtain an impartial expert opinion. The testing took a few hours and was tiring but worthwhile for me. My insurance covered the cost, so my only investment was my time. I wish you well and hope that you are able to find some relief from your symptoms soon.

I'm sensitive to noises, too, and find myself barricading myself away from the din of my family in my house. I hope you've been able to find some relief.

Hi CR, yes, my current pdoc is on board with my disability claim, as is my previous pdoc whom I saw for five years. I appreciate your taking the time to share this useful information with me. Thanks to all for your help!

Thank you for taking the time to share your information with me, aquarian. It was extremely helpful. Keeping a simple job in mind when writing the report makes so much sense. I was having trouble writing for my audience and that helped me add more pertinent specifics. What you said about not being able to get an attorney on board with me at this early stage was what I was thinking, too. I will keep your advice in mind during this process. Thanks so much for your help!

Thanks for that suggestion, notloki. I checked out Citizens Disability's website and answered their brief questionnaire, after which I was told my case isn't one with which they would work. (It looks like I've been out of work for too long.) Thank you for the information, though.

Thanks for the good wishes, Cheese, I appreciate them!

After being out of work for over two years I recently applied for SSDI and received a "function report" by mail that I have to return to the Social Security Administration on Monday. I tried to engage a disability attorney, as recommended by one of my doctors and other Crazyboarders in past posts, but the one recommended to me did not return my telephone calls, and another firm I called was not interested in assisting me. So, I'm going it alone and have put a fair bit of work into it. I had wanted assistance in describing my depressive and agoraphobic symptoms in a way that conveys illness rather than sounding like I'm a no-good lazy bum who can't be bothered to work and sleeps her days away. If anyone has tips regarding writing an effective function report I'd be grateful to hear them. Many thanks in advance.

I don't have any wisdom to share but wanted to say that I'm sorry you're hurting, Cheese, and I'll keep you in my thoughts.