Home     Contact Us    
Main Board Job Seeker's Board Job Wanted Board Resume Bank Company Board Word Help Medquist New MTs Classifieds Offshore Concerns VR/Speech Recognition Tech Help Coding/Medical Billing
Gab Board Politics Comedy Stop Health Issues
ADVERTISEMENT




Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

weight gain and depression!!! nm

Posted By: Amanda on 2009-01-30
In Reply to: what peculiarities go with being an MT? - sm

x


Complete Discussion Below: marks the location of current message within thread

The messages you are viewing are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select the boards given in left menu


Other related messages found in our database

It depends. The side effects can go either way - weight gain, weight *loss*... sm
Or no weight change at all, but maybe some other unpleasant side effect. Or you might have only mild side effects, or none at all and it's like a miracle cure for you. ;o) Everyone is so different, you never know until you try a med. for yourself.
I can tell you, 75% GAIN weight. But you might need them for a while anyway.
x
Does hormone replacement (specifically low dose Prempro) cause you to gain weight? nm
nm
What type of doctor specializes in helping people gain weight?

I'm kind of baffled on what my mother should do, and I'm hoping that someone out there has typed a report on something like this. 


My mom weighs 78 pounds and cannot gain weight through diet.  She has seen several doctors, and they are not sure what she should do.  Is there a type of doctor that specializes in this? 


Her history is that she had a severe H. pylori infection.  When I was a kid it was so severe that her stomach ulcers hemorrhaged and she went into a coma for a while.  By the time H. pylori became an actual diagnosable condition, the infection had eaten away most of her stomach.  She went on antibiotics finally, but by that time she had to have the majority of her stomach, some of her intestines, and her gallbladder removed. 


She now eats quite a bit, but everything runs right through her.  She can't gain weight no matter how much she consumes.  She has tried all the protein drinks and even tried eating large quantities of trail mix with no results.  She can't gain weight no matter what she tries. 


She has seen several doctors and a dietician.  None have have offered any real solutions and all have questioned whether she is anorexic and just hiding it. 


Does anyone know of a clinic or hospital that specializes in this?  Are there any types of treatment for this? 


Lost the extra weight and have maintained a good weight and size just by walking him twice a day. n
x
Gain knowledge sm
I think I addressed this before, you cannot get enough knowledge to put in your bank. If they are willing to pay you, soak it in like a sponge. It's hard, I wanted to quit so many times but I went from "duh" to "diva" by blood, sweat and tears. It's worth it, hang in!! Knowledge is power.
Do it, you have nothing to lose and lots to gain -sm
Years ago I started a Paralegal certificate program in Annapolis, was 4 or so courses into it, then we moved to Richmond, VA and I started to go to University of Richmond for their Paralegal program....I took 4 classes there but then "dropped out" right after my second child was born....that was 6 years ago. I had every intention to go back 2 years ago but then my mom got sick and life when down hill from there. Things are finally normalizing now and I (again) plan to go back in the Fall, have to budget it in as it is over $900 for 1 class, I have 18 more classes to take, this will be one expensive certificate but it is an excellent school (private hence the high cost). I have extensive office administration experience so this can only enhance my current abilities and I look forward to working in the law field one day. So IF I keep at it at 3 classes a year, I will finally be done in 6 years. At that point my kids will be 12 and 14, and I will be 47. I plan on doing it though I will be an old lady (LOL), so age is relative. I do not feel old even though I am 40, remember "Life is a state of mind".....quote from "Being There" (I think I am remembering that correctly).
time to get gain control again
Hayseed, I feel for you.  It's not worth it, no matter what you are paid or the benefits.  Sounds like THEY are in control of your life, not you and you resent it, as you should.  My advice would be to get control of the situation again if you are able to (work something out with them) or move on.  This is just not worth it.  It really isn't.  Not worth your health, the sacrifice of your peace of mind.  Your body and emotions are rebelling big time.  You deserve better.  You know it and that's probably part of the anger you are feeling.  You're no newbie who must endure just to get experience.  Think about a change for the sake of your own health. 
Gain 100 pounds! That's pretty sad that anyone
would want to LET themselves go like that!

I hope you're kidding, but in some ways, I do know that transcriptionists sure do gain A TON OF WEIGHT!
not out to stir the pot or gain brownie points
Okay, I'll tell. I work for an MTSO that is known for its standard of hiring only the best of the best MTs. The only feedback I get is for the exceptionally good work I do and the raises it earns.

I just think the OP is conflicted...trying to "set" us all straight while s/he studies to move out of this profession and still projects that the rest of us should care about it - as if anyone who has been in this business has not kept up with the changes; where it used to be, where it is now and where it is heading.

I do my part through the work I produce. My work ethic would hold true whether I produce reports or greet people at Wal-Mart. I have nothing to prove or need the attention as it seems the OP does.

Again, this is a waste of bandwidth.
What percentage productivity gain do you get with InstanText?

Am thinking of switching.  I currently get 400% productivity with SH8 (it types 3 characters for every 1 I type).  Can anyone out there get similar figures with InstanText? 


Not many. A lot of Indians use Canada as a crutch to gain US business and
for processing.  You'd probably do better at MTGab since it is a Canadian MT site.
I started MT to gain skills to eventually work....sm

outside my home. I was working another small business from home too and had been home for 13 years total. My MT skills got me a job as a secretary for the Army. My first position didn't pay a lot, but it was still about $3.50 more an hour than I could find anywhere else locally. In August 2006, with promotions etc., I will have had total increases in salary of 45% in two years. My next move is to start taking some college courses (which my employer will pay for) and applying for positions with a more defined career field. Having a hard time figuring out which field, as I have a lot of options/opportunity.


Working from home served a huge purpose, but since DH is also self-employed, my current job adds a lot of security to our family in terms of health/life insurance, retirement, paid vacations, etc. I added up the cost of all my paid benefits vs. paying out of pocket as an independent contractor, and they were worth another 35 - 40% of my salary, which will increase once I start taking college classes.


If you are not looking in the medical field, gear your resume towards your other skills. MTs have a myriad of skills (research, computer, organizational, listening, following instructions, bookkeeping). If you are an independent contractor, you are more than an MT, you are a small business owner, which puts a host of additional skills on your plate. Get creative and look at some on-line resumes in different fields, you will probably be surprised how many skills you have. 


When I decided to look for a job, I researched all the highest paying companies/opportunities within the distance I was willing to travel and only applied to those companies. It took about a year and a few interviews, but I eventually got exactly what I was looking for. I still get calls from some of the places I interviewed/applied offering jobs.  


No, the problem was HER and then don’t use the kids as a crutch to gain sympathy.
Some of us are not into the reasons she listed for her plight or lack of as we heard from her. I have no sympathy to her, for her, towards her, nothing. I am sure others feel exactly the same as I do. This person trying to get over on you, me and any others she can. What a deadbeat.
Dx Manic Depression
My best friend of the past 16 years is manic depressive. She comes from a family who many have either manic depression or bipolar disorder. She is a great person and a truly wonderful friend. Her depression is part of her. At times it can be hard, but not for me... for her. Being there for a friend when they need it is all they you need to do. Regardless of anything. Be supportive. Be all of the things you would be with ANY friend that you have. This is no different.
I certainly don't think transcription causes the depression..

I think that maybe in-home Transcriptionist need to get out more and be part of other things, and the lack of then might bring on the depression.  I could see where social anxiety could come into a factor in this lifestyle.  That why it is important to join groups and clubs and have interests and friends away from this computer.  As for transcription, I enjoying doing what I do and have done for the past 12 years.  Yeah, it has it bad points, but do does every job.  I probably make more than anywhere else I could around my town, I don't get paid vacations or even a paid sick day, but when I worked in an office It would take an act of congress to get a vacation day approved, so go-figure....


Some people say, "Gosh! I don't know how you do that all day", and  my response, Gosh! I don't see how you do what you do all day and you don't make half what I make!!!!!"  To each their own.  It is more than a job, it is a carreer and when you have a carreer you are continually learning.  Knowledge is power no matter what you do.   Where else can you be part of the birth a baby or two or three - with one mother who had been trying to have a child 7 times,  remove a bullet from a spinal cord of a police officer, counsel a battered homeless wife,  help a HIV patient try to find shelter,  have a 16 yo MVA patient come in and go through surgery after surgery and then see that he gets discharged home,  where else could you be a fly on the wall when all these things are going on and just sit back in wonder and sometimes be thankful, that is not my child or that is not my husband and that is not my parent!  And this can all be in one days' work.   Never got dirty, did not have to buy any gas and did not have to get dressed up to go to work to be a part of all this.  But it was my days' work. 


WOW did not mean to get into all that serious stuff there !


 


 


How does this presage depression?
It is a possible indication of future inflationary pressure in some isolated market sectors, not by any stretch of the imagination a prediction of depression. There is no evidence offered here that the emerging economies will not continue to expand. Just because India claims the economies of the developed world are a threat to its own economy does not mean it is so. Their economists consistently pursue an anti-Western agenda for reasons wholly unrelated to economic reality. China's economy can absorb significantly more expansion and their rising wealth will, indeed, stimulate demand for imported goods and services. They will eventually recognize that allowing their currency to find its own level on the world market is in their best economic and political interest. That will go a long way toward rationalizing perceived trade imbalances. No need to panic.
I took it for situational depression.
I was on it for about a week when I became suicidal and became consumed with trying to figure out a way how to do it.  My DH had to call me every hour to make sure I was okay.  Also my libido went to ZERO.   Both are common side effects of this particular drug, though obviously no everyone has them. 
manic depression
I could use some advise. I have much experience with manic depression - my mother was excessively depressed, etc.  My problme is that my fiance has an adult daughter who is also a manic depressant, who is also extremely hypochondriac - she has had as she states - cancer, ovairan cysts, endometriosis, migraines, shoulder rotator cuff tears - you name it she has had it - however when we runn all over to multplie doctors - she goes to several - and they run tests, er visits etc, and noone finds anything, she gets manic and really goes off.  She does use multiple medications, pain and otherwise - and I belive she is addicted to the pain meds.  We now have her going to our family doctor, and she has signed papers for us to have disclosure to information and again - nothing is ever found.  Because they are doctors - when she complains, of course they have to run tests, but this is getting costly - the insurance companies do now want to pay - and it is now depressing my fiance, he does not know what to do.  I have been able to handle her and show her ina round about way that I am aware of what she is doing, so she becomes a bit more honest with me, but not to herself or others. Now she will not talk to me.  That is okay - as a MD I know she will come around soon.  My questions is - how do we get her to a psychiatrist that will get through to her and help her.  She goes to one only rarely and she is not honest with him either.  I believe that she has much more than manic depression and want to get her help.  I need some serious suggestions.  Has anyone gone through this and gotten the help they need.
manic depression
Does she see a psychologist? This would really help her in helping her accept her disease.  Are all the other diseases an excuse to be able to say that she isn't manic depressive.  Also she sounds a little manipulative.  How old is she. Also there are support groups such as NAMI that help people with mental illness
Manic Depression. sm
I have had experience with a family member with bipolar disorder, also. Unfortunately, it's probably one of the most difficult situations I personally have ever experienced. So, let me say first off, good luck to you. (And I mean that in a very sincere way.)

If she is taking pain meds regularly along with her bipolar meds, the bipolar meds don't stand a chance. It's just like drinking alcohol habitually while taking them. No way can they be effective.

You asked for help and I wish I could tell you exactly what to do. I can't. I will say, however, to get her off of the other meds and do it now. She needs serious counseling, not what a psychiatrist provides, but a psychologist or simple counselor. The psychiatrists we saw simply wrote the scripts, made a few suggestions, and stuck out a bill. In-depth professional counseling will do her a world of good.....and this is, once again, only if she's off those other meds.

I do wish you the best of luck. Keep your patience; you're going to need it. Let us know how it goes, okay?
Depression is an illness. (sm)
Believe it or not, I understand your feelings about just doing your job day after day and not being appreciated. I think most of us can relate to it; I know when I clean the house or do the laundry, nobody seems to notice, but let me get behind, and boy, howdy all of a sudden I get some attention.

But depression is an ILLNESS, not just a lack of get up and go!!! And a person who suffers from it is hard enough on themselves emotionally without having to hear from people who don't understand it how lazy they are and how undeserving of any support they are.

You need to work on some compassion, and if you can't say anything nice, why say anything at all? If you're feeling underappreciated, for heaven's sake DO something about it. Post on the board that you need some sympathy and you'll get it. We're all in the same boat, really!
Yes it was due to depression and I realize that....

How cruel you are.  I AM not a crack addict - I have NEVER done drugs.  I don't drink.  I don't even smoke.  I do have a child that was involved in this tragedy.  Actually I had two - the one that I lost.  So I am sorry if I was "weak" for the tragedies that I did go through but I am learning to cope with life.  Life is hard and apparently it is sunshiney everyday at your house - and good for you - I don't want to wish anything bad on anyone - even when they have no lack of respect for others.  You should watch what you say - things could turn around on you in your happy life in an instant - and then what would you do.  Would you be considered lazy, worthless or something else that is an undeserving gesture of who you really are?  Maybe someone will say "they are just on crack - they deserve what they are getting.  Maybe that just goes to show what laziness will do to you.  They don't deserve anything better."  I was not asking for sympathy.  I was pointing out how fast things CAN turn around when you are off track.  Merely using my fall to try to prevent someone else's.


I do thank all of the wonderful remarks prior to the rude post.  I am healing but it takes times.  I am actually able to get up and not be sad about what I have lost and I have been able to THANK GOD every day for letting me grow through certain things in my life and that I know they happened for a reason.  The reason will be a brighter future!


Type of depression

Could it be suicidal depression?


Clinical depression
You better believe depression is real! It exists in my family and among my closest friends, and it is a painful and frustrating disease. Diabetes is often used as an analogy to compare to depression. I think it is a good one because a) diabetes is a real illness and no amount of "sucking it up" will help the body produce insulin, b) it can be treated with medication but not usually cured, and c) lifestyle adjustments coupled with medication help most diabetics feel better and function well. The same are true of depression.

Have you checked into a local county/city community services organization? There should be something available that charges fees according to your income. You need not be on welfare or Medicaid to be eligible. Go through the local government pages of your phone book and see. Call any social services type number and they can put you in touch with what you need.

Are you able to consider borrowing money from someone for a short time? Once you are under treatment you will certainly be able to pay it back quickly as you have all kinds of ability to make a living; it is just that your illness has made you disabled currently.

Also, please try to talk to someone sympathetic personally. The human touch of personal contact is so superior to what can be offered on-line. You could tell them what you have said here, or if that seems to be too strenuous, print out your post here and show it to someone, let them read it. It might break the ice and allow you to feel more comfortable speaking to them about it. The person you talk to need not be the one with the answers, right now they need to be the one who will listen and encourage you.

Many of us will continue to listen here as well, but you really need a live person in front of you to open up to at some point. It really will help, if you can do it.

My thoughts and prayers are with you for your success in treating this awful disease.
Depression Is Real
The neighbor has a wireless Internet connection that is not password protected I can pick up on.

And to anyone who thinks depression does not exist or is all just a thought in your head you're dead wrong. I would assume anyone in the medical profession would realize that.

Do you think little kids get depressed and cut themselves because they are not making enough money? Kids don't think or care about that.

I appreciate the warm thoughts and advice from everyone here but please don't say that you don't believe in depression. "Take a shower, get up and go get a job" is easier said than done.
Afraid of another depression in USA

all of the above, and tinnitus, depression. (nm)
.
You are very ignorant about depression and antidepressants...SM
The drugs you list are NOT "happy" pills and are NOT addicting. They correct a chemical imbalance in the brain and (hopefully) allow the depressed person to feel somewhat NORMAL again. They are not uppers as you imply.

Unless you've experienced the living hell that is clinical depression and the wonders these medications can do, keep your mouth shut.


I suffer from seasonal depression
and am using light therapy.  This has been about two or three weeks now, and I cannot believe the difference in my mood.  It is wonderful.  I put in a fluorescent light fixture in my office that takes four 4-foot bulbs  I bought bulbs at Home Depot.  They had a large selection.  I bought ones that say they imitate sunlight.  Now working under them for my regular shift, I have felt a huge difference in my mood.  I thought I was going to have to go on medication, but now I feel so much better. 
what board for support for depression? sm
My job is totally getting to me and I thought there was a support board on here... I could use someone to talk to. TIA for any info.
Depression linked to excessive computer use.

About 3 years ago, before deciding on becoming an MT, there was an article--I am currently looking for it now--which stated that people who use a computer for excessive amounts of time are more likely to suffer from depression. Anxiety can also be caused by depression. So, I think all can be correct.


I think the most important thing is to try to stay active. With me, I have to have a second job, so I think that helps keep me in a social situation. I just hope maybe years down the road it doesn't affect me.


 


No clue but try the emotion/depression board

http://www.forumatrix.com/ads/frame.cgi?action=main&target=www.forumatrix.com/Health/b/4.html


Try this board as you may get more of a response from people who may know.


:)


 


 


Please help on depression board. I put the link inside.


tell her if she really does have PP depression, coming home won't fix a thing.
x
Depression? Brings our jobs home
I personally think we are headed for a depression.  I believe in our gung-ho desire to improve our trade partners (invest in our country so we could continue to export our debt) we mistakenly sent our jobs overseas.  Now, facing high unemployment, we need our jobs back.  Therefore, I am asking that you contact your local congresspeople and request that our jobs be brought back from foreign countries, thus increasing domestic production and increasing the number of jobs.  This is the perfect time to do this. In order to come out of a depression, we have to increase production.  We cannot export all production and having to produce.  Believe me, now is the time to request our jobs be brought back to the U.S.  The alternative is extremely bleak, and your elected officials know it.
Left out depression, anxiety, becoming a hermit...
.
Did your mom grow up in the depression? Woman I worked with did the same thing.

party at her home.  Low and behold she had a whole room full of toilet tissue she has spirited away from the office over the 30 years!!!!  She had grown up in the depression and I guess it was a big deal to have toilet tissue.  She sure hoarded it. 


 


Prozac was great! Took for depression for 10 yrs! Saved my life. nm
x
I'm wondering how you came to the conclusion that she has manic depression. Was she diagnosed

with this?  From what I read, it doesn't sound like manic depression to me.  Sure, she has some issues going on there, major depression would be a pretty good guess, but does she have any manic episodes?


My ex-husband and ex-mother-in-law were both bipolar which is the new and improved way to say manic depressive and they were the exact opposite of hypochondria.  During the manic phase, they felt like they ruled the world.  According to them, they had never felt better, thought more clearly, or got more done, but the exact opposite was true.  They never slept.  They never finished anything they started.  They were incoherent at times, basically jumping from one subject to the next so you could not carry on any kind of coherent conversation with them.  Sometimes they were even delusional - my mother-in-law thought she was in love with a televangelist and divorced her husband and moved to be closer to the televangelist.  My ex-husband thought he was the victim racism when he got a speeding ticket.  He claimed the officer had something against Hispanics.  Nevermind that my husband was maybe one-eight Mexican on his mother's side and has a German last name.


Those are just a couple of examples of manic behavior.  It can even be more bizarre.  I could write a book based on what I've seen first hand and it can be very scary.


Good luck, my husband suffers from depression, which he acknowleges, but do something about it,NO-sm
He did actually go the doctor who prescribed Xanax and Lexapro, this was back in March just before my daughter got diagnosed with the Wilm's....to date he has not taken 1 pill.  He does talk about it now and then but he is afraid of how the pills will make him feel and of ED too, plus he hates pills in general, can't even get him to take an aspirin/Advil when he has a headache.  When he is in one of his "moods" it's pretty horrible for about a week or so, though they are getting better.  Had a very long dry spell of 6+ months then wham, he got really bad, and it's been no bed of roses lately with it either but I think we are in a mend phase right now so we will see how it goes.  All I can say is try to get him first acknowledge he has a problem, then off to the doctor of course and hopefully if he is prescribed meds for him to actually take them.  I have tried to think of ways I could "slip him a Mickey" but that is not going to work and he needs to do it on his own anyway.  I hope it works out for you (and me too!)
you can be Sam-E solo and it is great with depression/mood swings. valerian root and/or melatonin b
;
weight
I am hating this cold weather.  I am turning 36 soon and I feel like I am just packing on the pounds and I haven't changed my routine one bit?  I know your metabolism slows as you age, but geez, I am beginning to think it is my profession!  I exercise and watch what I eat, even more so now and still the scale won't budge, it will go up if anything.  I guess I am asking for some advice or tips on what other Transcriptionist do to maintain thier girlish or boyish figure. 
POLL: Productivity gain using your expander and what expander you use.
Guess I need to make it work harder.
I know about the weight training
but thanks for the ice water tip. That's one I haven't heard, but makes sense!
weight loss
I use TrimSpa (baby) it's working o.k. I am making a conscious effort to not fry, not add salt, eliminated cornbread (I'm a Southerner), etc., etc. I work a lot of night hours and this helps me with my snacking between 9 p and mid. I do drink green tea. I think it boosts my metabolism....
I don't need to lose weight, but I definitely need to
x
weight loss
just a general word of encouragement to everyone trying to lose weight that YOU C-A-N DO IT!!!!!   I am very small-boned, 5' 6', and weighed nearly DOUBLE my normal body weight.  Looked like nothing but a big bowl of pudding.  One day I decided to move.  Maybe it was the Nike slogan, but I just did it.  Could barely walk around ONE BLOCK.  But I walked the block.  One day, I could walk two blocks.  One day I walked a mile.  Took me two years to lose the weight, ladies, but I got skinny and toned by EXERCISE (95% walking, a bit at the gym, not much), and sensible eating.  Every single reader here knows what sensible eating is:  Eat healthy, not overprocessed food, and don't eat too much of it  PERIOD.  Deep down, we all know that.  Admit it and change your eating habits -- and walk and/or exercise, and you can do it.  By the way, I am not holier than thou, I did used to take ephedra at half the recommended dosage, every day in the early days, just to take the edge off at dinner time, when I would rip off the cabinet doors cuz i got so hungry for the deadly four: pasta, potatoes, rice and bread.  Couldn't get enough of it.  decreasing (NOT ELIMINATING) these and making myself full with veggies and water did the trick.  I eventually eliminated the ephedra.  GOOD LUCK  TO ALL OF YOU.  Nike:  Just Do It. 
Weight Watchers

Is anyone on Weight Watchers? I have about 10 lbs. I need to lose and I was wondering if anyone has tried it.


Thanks!


losing weight sm
I lost 105.5 pounds total and have kept it off for a year (gained 10 pounds back with this pregnancy, but I am 32 weeks along).  I had to follow a more structured plan to actually lose weight.  I used the Weight Watchers calculator and books to lose weight, but I did not go to meetings.  I went from 235.5 to 130 on a 5 foot 5 frame.  I don't follow the program now, but I have learned how to eat.  I used to eat because I was bored, tired, etc.  Not anymore! 
weight loss sm
I tried the following - a little more walking, no more white bread,(12 grain), flavored non-dairy creamer instead of cream, not water-friendly, so drank a lot of non-caffeine tea (raspberry) and Sweet & Low (don't think this is a good idea). Tried Benefiber chewable to add bulk and fiber; lean beef, 90% lean a few times a week only, sweet potatoes instead of white, only 1 at a time and generally cutting out the obvious (no alcohol, fried foods, rich pastry). Took off 15 lbs. and was able to get into an old Size 10 for my reunion, from a 14, and saved a bunch on new clothes and felt great! Hope I can keep it up. When my son was getting married years ago, I hated the "mother of the groom" puffy chiffons, so I stationery biked from Feb. to May and went from a 14 to a 10 (700 miles total) and wore a lovely silk suit. Unfortunately, I ate my way back because I felt the "empty nest" syndrome. Once you lose, don't snooze, keep it up! You'll like yourself better. This profession can ruin your body, take control by getting up and moving around as much as you can. I did not do that and suffer the consequences with my back, my right thumb is totally painful so that I can't open jars, unlock the babies' safety belts, etc., it comes upon you when the damage is done. Don't let it happen to you, exercise when you can, you're worth it!