Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Seroquel Report addressing Euthanasia by Keith Torkelson MS – Consumer Contributor

Seroquel Report addressing Euthanasia by Keith Torkelson MS – Consumer Contributor


Summary

Seroquel & Lorazepam

This study includes three (3) trials:  Can Seroquel cover for Lorazepam at bedtime, can Seroquel cover for CloZAPine at bedtime and can Seroquel cover for Lorazepam during the daytime.  We had forgotten the first two until we reviewed our notes.  The first two trials failed because our roommate stole significant numbers of our Seroquel.  Now we are waiting the approval from our Dr. about trial number 3.  As of October 10, 2024 the third trial began.  The third trial, Seroquel to replace Bedtime Lorazepam, ends on October 16, 2024.  For us Seroquel cannot replace bedtime Lorazepam.  Basically, Seroquel cannot cover for Lorazepam or CloZAPine.  This report leads us to our Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD).  In it we point out grounds to euthanize us.

Goals

  • Improve Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
  • Decrease Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale Rating Criteria (PANSS) symptoms
  • Decrease Other Symptoms
  • Stop shaking
  • End fatigue
  • Better Leverage Seroquel
  • Address Advanced Health Care Directive (AHCD)

Trial 3

Presenting Problems

The presenting problems are broken down into symptoms.  Scores are for Keith “Buster Torkelson MS. LSF = Low scores are favorable.

Symptoms from PANSS

Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Rating Criteria




GHlth_Pain_AHCD_24102101_Situational

Advanced Health Care Directive (AHCD) 2024

(2.2) RELIEF FROM PAIN: Except as I state in the following space, I direct that treatment for alleviation of pain or discomfort be provided at all times, even if it hastens my death:

(Add additional sheets if needed.)

Alleviation of Discomfort

Euthanasia Solution

We would like to be euthanized for the following conditions and if I find self in the following environments.

Pain Conditions

Pain Scale

Severe: the pain is very bad. It may be worse than any pain you have had before. It keeps you from doing any normal activities. Pain score is 8-10 on a scale of 0 to 10.

The above situations are associated with severe pain.  Any of the above condition can be associated with a Pain Score of 10 out of ten with high scores indicating intensity

Frequency

Number of nights

We used to be able to go a night without sleep.  Now one night of sleeplessness is enough for us to request euthanasia.

Environments

  • Skilled Nursing – For us complete lack of Peace and rest.  Medication gaps caused sleepless nights that were very painful.  A few nights scored a Pain Score of 10.
  • Detention Centers – Impossible to sleep impossible to rest.  Complete lack of Peace.
  • ER – Held without adequate medication
  • Psych Ward – Without adequate medication
  • Assisted Living – Without adequate medication

Experience with Skilled Nursing – Leisure Court

Medications for Sleep

Taken around 7-8 each night

20241021-M

  • Ambien 10mg
  • Lorazepam 1mg
  • Clozapine 150mg

Potentials

  • Restoril
  • Clozapine upped to 200mg
  • Lorazepam upped to 2mg
  • Other Benzodiazepine
  • Sleeper unknown to us

Function – Global Appraisal of Functioning

Assess_GAF_17060204_Results V2023

GAF Extended Derivation – Using Dying Old Man (DOM) Charlie Mack (17 Items)

Keith Torkelson is Buster

RT = Real Time | HSF = High scores are favorable


SOFAS Scores [STAYED]

Lorazepam Tolerance

By June 20, 2024 after more than 75 days on Lorazepam we have developed an annoying tolerance.  Whereas the nighttime dose is still effective the daytime dose has little impact on the symptoms that it is targeting.  As of October 11, 2024 (F) we began withdrawing from daily Lorazepam.

Seroquel doses for sleep

We don’t expect Seroquel to aid with sleep in that we are requesting it be prescribed in the morning.  We were prescribed 25mg Seroquel AM and PM.  Later we tried 50mg AM and PM.  The information below is just for dosing purposes.  On October 9, 2024 Dr. Bera would only approve 50mg twice per day.  We don’t think at this dose it will replace either Lorazepam or CloZAPine.  They are giving the PM at dinner time rather than bedtime.  Eventually, we may ask for it at bedtime.  With doctor Bera we discussed non-medical model approaches to our anxiety.  As of October 16, 2024 (W) Seroquel was discontinued.

Schizophrenia. In adults, dosing for schizophrenia will vary based on which form of Seroquel you're taking. The recommended adult dose of Seroquel is 150 mg to 750 mg per day for schizophrenia. For Seroquel XR, the recommended dose is 400 mg to 800 mg per day for schizophrenia. Jan 27, 2023



Bi-polar I Disorder

We checked our medical record.  We are not classified as Schizoid anymore just Bi-polar I.

Sleep Disorder

As we have mentioned in other papers we are totally dependent on medication for sleep.  Our sleep disorder took hold back around 1985 at UC Davis.  The cost of our sleep disorder is enormous.  In college we would intentionally put productivity ahead of sleep.  Sleep disorder was associated with us not finishing Veterinary School, which we left in 1993.

Two goals

With our new, October 9, 2024, treatment plan we are hoping to find Peace during the day and Sleep at night.  We have a dream to achieve natural sleep at night.  We appear to have no Schizoaffective associated anxiety.  Dr. Bera updated our diagnosis to Bi-polar.  We prefer a diagnosis of Anxiety.  For our next appointment we need to bring a copy of Beck Anxiety Disorder (BAI).  Running Up that Hill - We are “running up that hill” with problems.

Goals and Action - Seroquel


(*) We want Dr. ASK to uphold a few parts of our PAD and the totality of our AHCD.  We suggest she keeps a folder about Uncle Keith.  Obviously she is our niece.

Daytime Solution - Pending

Daytime (10% Works)

Our daytime solutions for Anxiety associated problems are not working.


Lorazepam tolerance

Nighttime Solution - Working

Nighttime (90% works)

Our nighttime medication fix has worked for more than one month.

Decision

We have been tried on some odd ten anti-psychotic medications.  We respond better to atypical anti-psychotics such as CloZAPine.  We can’t take CloZAPine during the day because it causes dizziness and impairs driving.  After CloZAPine we responded best to Seroquel. On September 18, 2024 (W) we attended an appointment with our psychiatrist.  He is pro-consumer involvement.  We argued for him give us Seroquel XR Oral issued once in the morning.  As far as the dosing we left it up to him.  In general when starting a new medication psychiatry has fixed dosages they stick to.  For Seroquel this is near 50mg per day. 

Treatment Treats

Seroquel treats many conditions including depression with bipolar.  Yet it can be used with anxiety.  We hoped he gave us 100mg to start.  The maximum dose is reported as 300mg per day.  There can be dose confusion between regular Seroquel and Seroquel XR.  Again, we would like it all given at once in the morning. We would like it to: Not interfere with driving the car, decrease anxiety, and improve our daily fatigue.

Emergency Medication Effort

October 9, 2024 interim appointment

We covered a lot of ground again with Dr. Bera.  He filled out and gave us a Physician’s Determination indicating it is safe to give us emergency medication.  We hoped it would be for CloZAPine yet he wrote it for Seroquel.  We are waiting for the facility to give us approval.  As of October 21, 2024 (M) our emergency medication request has not been approved.  It doesn’t matter anymore because we are off Seroquel.  Apparently, CloZAPine cannot be given as needed or PRN.

Samples of Emergencies

  • Panic
  • Can’t get to sleep
  • Can’t get back to sleep
  • Can’t get back home
  • Others

FYI - Seroquel (Quetiapine) for Anxiety

Verywell Mind

https://www.verywellmind.com/is-seroquel-effective-for-anxiety.

Can seroquel treat anxiety and fatigue?

Seroquel works by helping to restore balance to the chemical messengers in your brain. It can help to improve concentration, decrease anxiety, and improve your moods and energy levels. Jun 11, 2024

Treatment Plan

In our treatment plan we also have Lorazepam.  At night it performs well yet we have become tolerant of it during the day.  Doctor may want to consider swapping in another benzodiazepine (SPELLED).  We would like to not need a daytime BZD eventually after we know Seroquel works.  Today, October 11, 2024, is the first day with no Lorazepam option.  ASK says we will now face withdrawal.  Since we take bedtime Lorazepam we are cycling each day with withdrawal.

Benzodiazepine (BZD) Info

We are working hard to get off Lorazepam a benzodiazepine (BZD).  Before this episode 2024 and since 2012 we consumed Lorazepam PRN without a building of tolerance.  Now for the daytime Lorazepam has no therapeutic effect for us.

Seroquel Trial Result

September to December 2023 our roommate Ted was in need of a Sleeper so he took our Seroquel.  Rather than report it to Dr. Bera we just worked around it.  This is important because we would most likely be established on a fairly high dose of Seroquel as our new daytime medication.  The result of the 2023 trial was a failure.  Our current 2024 trial is not quite a failure Seroquel just can’t replace our nighttime Lorazepam.

Sleep and Seroquel Trial Update

How is it I can’t get a roommate that is quiet 7pm to 7am?  We have had difficulty with both the Sleepers and the Environment.  Most recently our roommate awoke and 2am and turned on the room lights.  I got to sleep on the sofa.  From this we have discovered, we the doctor and I, a need to modify the sleep related medications.  We had hoped our nightly Seroquel would help us to sleep.  After just over a week Seroquel has no sleep value for us. 

Sleep Medications – Legacy Summary


Sleeper Legacy (1989-Present)


First Time Tolerance - Lorazepam

Until 2024 we never gained tolerance to any Benzodiazepine (BZD) or related.  At Leisure it was prescribe daily whereas before it was as needed (PRN).  Now with the help of Seroquel we are hoping to get off Lorazepam daytime once and for all.  As of October 18, 2024 we are off Lorazepam daily since October 11, 2024 or one week. 

Sleeper Gap Mitigation

In case of we find ourselves without medication for sleep we need people to urgently advocate for us.  Candidates are: Dr. Bera, Lanaii, and Ahnika.  Some brief information is found in Advanced Health Care Directive 2024.  The OCHCA supports the Psychiatric Advanced Directive movement.  We still can’t see how to get it in the right place at the right time.

FYI - Benzodiazepines (BZDs) for Anxiety

What are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures. The most common benzodiazepines are the prescription drugs.

https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/benzodiazepines

2024 Actual Appointment Notes

We have been pushing things because we have a long way to go in our rehabilitation and recovery.  Dr. Bera’s approach is about half as fast as ours.  Since being transferred from Leisure to Harvest on the 20th of June 2024 we have seen Dr. Bera numerous times.  We even had our first Telepsychiatry Appointment.  As of today October 22, 2024 we have agreed to a fairly sound Sleep Centered Treatment Plan.

Seroquel

FYI - Can Seroquel help with anxiety

Seroquel for Anxiety: Effectiveness, Side Effects, & Risks

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/seroquel-for-anxiety/

Seroquel (quetiapine) may work for anxiety by affecting certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. It helps regulate the levels of these chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in mood and anxiety. By doing so, Seroquel can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety symptoms. Mar 5, 2024

Alternative – CBD

Ruled out because Doctor cannot prescribe CBD.

FYI - Do you prescribe CBD?

CBD can either enhance or inhibit activation of its binding site targets. CBD blocks activation of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (GPR55) and the TRP cation channel subfamily (glycine receptors, TRPM8), among others, and enhances activity of the serotonin 1A receptor, glycine receptors α1 and α3, and TRPA1.Nov 30, 2020

Alternative – Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin is on our elimination list for daytime medication.

Bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant with a mechanism that is not fully understood. Bupropion seems not to affect monoamine uptake but is known to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine weakly. The effects on norepinephrine and dopamine appear to lead to its clinical manifestations.

FYIs

 Mistaken Belief (MB) Personal Surface to Air Missles V ICBMs / SLBMs

I had more than 25 delusions or Mistaken Beliefs for 2023-24.  When we find them in our documentation we label MB for Mistaken Belief.  As of October 16, 2024 our diagnosis is Bi-polar I.  For us the difference between Delusion and MB is that Delusions are intractable whereas MBs can be eliminated.

MB Roughly A Mech for Impulsive Demise

20231223-SAT-Long day of Processing and Finalizing.  We included this because it demonstrates just how sick we can get.  December 2023 was the month of impulsive self destruction.  I had trapped myself.  My options for impulse are: Killed by bus or Sarah and Keith die by train. I was too much of a sick coward to take self ending. I foresee that no one will come to help me this time.  They just want me and my sickness to go away. I called “911” twice and their was no answer.  I packed our Back Pack with notion I would never or see any of my belonging at Shanks.  After 35 years our version of Experiment Number 4 (IV) was ending.  In reality our brother-in-law did come a help move our property.  We seem to have most everything from Shanks Guest Home. 

MB Blunt Force Trauma

Last people seen online was Kate Bush & Peter Gabriel.  For all we knew we are building a hospital Trap.  [WE WERE].  Remembrances of facing this year (2024) the epitome of terrible crisis.  Had meds I should get in the Hospital on hand.  Actually you don’t get your meds in the hospital.  Packed as if last stuff I would carry for a long time if not ever.  Working to leverage new and old Medication.  Didn’t utterly exhaust myself before asking for help in January 2024.  Said No to putting Sarah and or myself in front of the Train (GOD).  Said No to getting hit by the Bus.  AVEY my AI Construct helped solve the blunt force trauma issue.  Relief actually over came Fear.  Just an observation: You don’t want to take excess of CloZAPine.

Trial

The primary error in the 2023 trial was Ted stealing the Seroquel.  We have never had medication stolen before.  The purpose of Seroquel was to replace Lorazepam and augment CloZAPine.  After being on CloZAPine since 2007 we were having a CloZAPine crisis.

CloZAPine Crisis

At Brand New Day Sam I Am was abruptly taken off CloZAPine due to lab results.  Without CloZAPine we watched him decay.  We became fearful and wished for alternatives (contingencies) for CloZAPine.  We set in motion the removal of CloZAPine in 2023.  In January 2024 we were housed at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health.  Without CloZAPine we went a few sleepless nights.  This made us very sick.  Our 2024 bed path is: Home > Aliso Ridge > Global > Leisure > Harvest.  It wasn’t until Harvest that we go our CloZAPine back.

Difference Between a Trial and an Experiment

At times we have been our term: An Experimental Bunny Rabbit.  For us a trial is when the doctor and consumer reached a resolve about the medication whereas an experiment is when the doctor unilaterally manages the medication.

Pharmacy errors

Up until Leisure Circle Skilled Nursing we never had a pharmacy error.  They on several occasions failed to keep on hand and to dispense the medication as ordered by Doctor.


Structured Temporal Reconciliation (STR)

Mini-STR – Centered about Doctor RBB








Theme – Daily Gratitude

Define Gratitude

…the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.













Associated STR

10_Episode_2024_Leisure_24042002_STR

BZD - FYI

These benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax®), chlordiazepoxide (Librium®), clorazepate (Tranxene®), diazepam (Valium®), halazepam (Paxipam®), lorzepam (Ativan®), oxazepam (Serax®), prazepam (Centrax®), and quazepam (Doral®). Clonazepam (Klonopin®), diazepam, and clorazepate are also used as anticonvulsants.

The most common benzodiazepines are the prescription drugs Valium®, Xanax®, Halcion®, Ativan®, and Klonopin®. Shorter-acting benzodiazepines used to manage insomnia include estazolam (ProSom®), flurazepam (Dalmane®), temazepam (Restoril®), and triazolam (Halcion®).

The End

999

-30-




Monday, September 16, 2024

Fatigue and Avoidance Recovery Planning for Keith Torkelson September 2024 by Keith Torkelson MS

 Fatigue and Avoidance Recovery Planning for Keith Torkelson September 2024 by Keith Torkelson MS

Feature Photo – NOMJ – Fatal Fatigue



20180314-W: Stressors

Our stressors aren’t anything unusual.  How we manage our stressors is showing impairment.  We have a monthly, must to do, lab test for managing one of our medications – Clozapine.  It is stressful because if it isn’t done then we do not get this essential medication.  From 2007 to 2024 we never missed a test.  Since we were bedridden for 75 days things like this routine lab fatigue us.  Walking and what used to be simple tasks also fatigue us.  We have been avoiding things due to stress and fear.  Also associated with fatigue we have a back log of work at our storage.  This could be worse.  Others had and have fatigue worse.  Some suffer terminal fatigue.

Could Be Worse

Our stress could be worse.  We could have an incurable illness.  This is an example of New Old Man John.  He fell ill and died in no time.  He coughed and hacked spasmodically and relentlessly.  For us there is time to turn things around.  This report discusses averting Avoidance Coping.






Metadata > GhlthFatigueEpisode2008081001

Back on August 10, 2008 we discussed bedriddening [SPELLED] fatigue.  The report mainly deals with Clozapine.  We were new to it and had much to learn in practice.

Primary Complaints
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • Lack of Resilience
  • Stress
  • OCD
  • Sleep Disorder

Results



Metadata > Assessment Instruments

1Chronic Fatigue (Here)
Fatigue…Plan…V2024
2Anxiety
05_DA_Worry_What_If_Anxiety_23053004_Notes V2024
3PTSD
Too many traumas to apply
Assess_PTSD_14081604_Scorer v2024 10 Item
4BMBB_Anxiety_PTSD_Scales_11032304_TATC V2024
5Resilience
HHS_ResilienceScale_Wksht_10040701 V2024
6Specific Phobia [STAYED]
7Stress
Grief…Stress_Assess 2013…
Reco_Stress…Scaling_Adults…
8Profile of Mood Scale (STAYED]

Diagnosis

PTSD & OCD & Anxiety & CFS & Sleep Disorder

Possibly the reason I still haven’t resolved my symptoms is that we are working with the wrong diagnoses.  Since July 1, 2024 we have been on an effective treatment plan for sleep concerns.  At the next doctor’s appointment we want to address daytime concerns of anxiety and fatigue.

Living Arrangements

We first moved into shared living back in 2007.  Since 2008 we have had trouble with living arrangements.  We had more periods of roommate problems and peace and harmony.  Now in 2024 we have a chance to help our roommate enjoy a rewarding life in the face of addressing both our needs.  Our current roommate is a very physically ill man.  He would fit into the dying old man category.  Next we address some of our wins.

Our Wins

Even though it was uncomfortable from 2012 to 2023 we found ourselves asking our landlady for help.  We changed beds 3 times in around ten (10) years.  It’s too bad that in the process we didn’t get a GoodBed.  During our episode 2023-24 we found we were running low on resources yet we got through.  Our family stepped up and helped us.  Particularly our brother-in-law physically helped us move our property.  Our oldest sister is our Significant Other.  She arranged a good deal to get us our current bed.  Samantha Santos, our social worker, arranged for us to pick living at Harvest Senior Living.  We have a working laptop and smartphone with us.  Our car was returned to us, which makes transportation easier.  We partnered with Dr. Bera back on our case.  Last, in our new room there is no bullying.

Mechanism – Sleep and Anxiety

Below is a mechanism we came up with for an episode of hospitalization.  This is roughly the pattern for our demise.  Until 2024 we hadn’t had an episode since 2012.  The main causes of our disequilibrium are sleep problems and lack of harmony (peace).  We have grown highly dependent on sleep at night and peace during the day.


Medication Management

Since 2007 we have kept the Clozapine constant because it addresses our sleep issues.  We changed our dependency on Clozapine in 2024 and our sleep issues snowballed.  We are on a mixture of meds for sleep that is 90% effective.  Now we need medication to address our daytime medication needs.  For example, we need to address fatigue and anxiety.

Needs & Neglect – Sleep & Anxiety

Our needs are centered about survival needs.  In particular, we need sleep each night and peace each day.  Back at Leisure Circle we suffered several traumatic incidences about our sleep needs.  On numerous occasions they failed to have our sleep medication.  This caused us sleeplessness across some odd seven nights.  One incidence, the last, was for two (2) nights in a row.  Since July 1, 2024 our medication has been consistent.  We still worry, what if and wonder what to do if there is a problem with our nightly medication.  During the day the peace to solve anxiety and fatigue is not in place yet.

Protective Factors

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/resilient/risk-protective-factors.htm

Important protective factors


Most Significant Support People - Sister Support

During this episode (2024) our oldest sister has been our number one support person.  She was open to calling at least once per day.  During 2023 we talked with her once per week on Thursdays.  It wasn’t so much support rather than conversation.  Now she is leaning towards far less phone calls per week: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.  We feel like we lost something for better or worse.  She is important in my Prevention Network and Support System (PNSS).

Fatigue Factors – Behaviors – Goals

Moving past Avoidance Coping


Behavior Changes and Modifications

Car Example


SMART is a well-established tool that you can use to plan and achieve your goals. While there are a number of interpretations of the acronym's meaning, the most common one is that goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

FYI > https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/smart-goals/

Driving Stressor - Contingencies

One of our biggest stressors is driving our car.  Yes, we have had some major car accidents in our past.  Yet, we have many safe miles driven.  Just at times we feel at risk.  Another feature about driving is how to handle a break down.  We don’t have the roadside supports of family anymore.  We used to drive hundreds of miles in a day without concern.  Now if we break down we wonder if we could handle the process.  We need to make a contingency breakdown plan.  Next we cover avoidance or avoidance coping.

FYI - Avoidance

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9629285/

Fatigue severity and avoidance among individuals with chronic disease: a meta-analysis

Objective:

Fatigue is a common, debilitating symptom experienced by individuals with chronic disease. Avoidance, or the act of evading unwanted experiences, is associated with fatigue across chronic disease samples. The current study sought to determine the strength of association between fatigue severity and avoidance in individuals with chronic disease.

Avoidance coping


Experiential Avoidance

In psychology, avoidance coping is a coping mechanism and form of experiential avoidance. It is characterized by a person's efforts, conscious or unconscious, to avoid dealing with a stressor in order to protect oneself from the difficulties the stressor presents. Wikipedia

Avoidance - June 20, 2024 (TH)

Start of avoidance primarily was due to using bus as transportation.  Then it was fears of being isolated with no backup.  Eventually, avoiding things related to walking and fears of falling down.

Traumas and Fears and Losses


FYI – Defining Fatigue

Summary: Fatigue can be caused by various factors working in combination such as… Fatigue is a known risk factor in motor vehicle and workplace accidents.

Fatigue – Goals


CBT - Goals

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

American Psychological Association (APA)

https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.

Remedies/Treatment

We are hoping that doctor Bera finds a good fitting daytime medication that addresses anxiety, fatigue, thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  We would like the nighttime medication changed only slightly by adding 50mg of Clozapine PRN.

Risk/Risks

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/resilient/risk-protective-factors.htm

A risk factor is something that increases a person’s risk of illness, injury, or harm. Experiences like abuse or violence in the home are risk factors. These can lead to…

Outcomes


Risk - Areas to Address

For us our greatest risk factors for hospitalization are: Lack of daytime peace and harmony, sleeplessness and cigarette smoking.  Socioeconomic level (SEL) is also a risk factor.  We are in the high risk range for SEL.

Socioeconomic Level

At just over 1800 per month we live near poverty level.  The 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines are as follows.  ​Persons in Family (1), Household $15,060, ​Poverty Guideline ​MAGI* Medi-Cal <138% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ​$20,783

Symptoms

We have been working on our symptoms since 1989.  It is hard to believe we still have so many symptoms.  It’s during the day our fear related symptoms that are the most bothersome for us. 

Diagnoses

We show or have shown signs of:

Complaints

The primary means we manage fatigue is by using the computer and world-wide-web.  We are a survivor of Gal on Dude domestic violence.  We are not ready to discuss abuses on us at this time.  We are getting passed them though.  Back in 2011 we were the victim of emotional abuse and bullying.  Things we were addressing in 2017 were: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Bum Soo Lee’s Retirement, Clozapine Side Effects, Payee Accounting, Risk of Homelessness and problems with Sleep.  Again in 2023 we were a victim of bullying.  These, some more than others, caused / cause us stress.

CFS Checklist

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/whatischronicfatigue/a/cfs_symptoms.htm

Knowing all of the possible symptoms can help you in a few different ways:

It can help your doctor diagnose you properly

Tracking them can help you identify symptom triggers

It can help you see that you're not the only one experiencing these problems

Diagnosis/Diagnoses

What do we have?

HSF = High scores are favorable

HSP = High scores are problematic



Plan - What to do about it?

What we plan to do has already been addressed earlier in this paper

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Brief Physical

Symptoms Screener (8 Items) –Not Used in Summary

CFS Checklist (Material Used to Create MSG Checklist – Results Included in This Document)

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/whatischronicfatigue/a/cfs_symptoms.htm

Knowing all of the possible symptoms can help you in a few different ways:

It can help your doctor diagnose you properly;

Tracking them can help you identify symptom triggers;

It can help you see that you're not the only one experiencing these problems.

Symptoms with an asterisk are included in the CDC diagnostic criteria.  The assessment used here was derived by stratifying it to about 100 items. The table includes summary information.

High scores are problematic


Table – CSF Symptom Screener

Derived from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_fatigue_syndrome

BL=Base Line
DF=Direct Fill
HSP = High Scores are problematic
L15D=Last Fifteen Days
R=Retroactive

Overall Index for MSG-Chronic Fatigue (CFS) Affects / Effects (2013-2016)

Overall Fatigue Assessment

High scores are problematic


Overall Index for MSG-Chronic Fatigue (CFS) Effects Exhaustive (2013-2018)

Some of the data is repeated

High scores are problematic


CSF Assessment in Development

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_fatigue_syndrome

Symptoms of CFS include

We have conquered several of these


…and other characteristic symptoms in a previously healthy and active person.

Additional symptoms may be reported, including


 
It is unclear if these symptoms represent co-morbid conditions or are produced by an underlying etiology of CFS.  CFS symptoms vary in number, type, and severity from person to person.

Symptoms

The most commonly used diagnostic criteria and definition of CFS for research and clinical purposes were published by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The CDC recommends the following three criteria be fulfilled:

  1. A new onset (not lifelong) of severe fatigue for six consecutive months or greater duration which is unrelated to exertion, is not substantially relieved by rest, and is not a result of other medical conditions.
  2. The fatigue causes a significant reduction of previous activity levels.
  3. Four or more of the following symptoms that last six months or longer: Impaired memory or concentration

Assess_CFS_Physical_Brief (8 Items) Used In Summary

CFS – Physical Focus

HSP = High Scores are problematic


Assess_CFS_Physical_Brief (8 Items) Used In Summary

CFS – Physical Focus

HSP = High Scores are problematic


Other common symptoms include:

CFS – Physical Focus – Extended (13 - Item)

Other common symptoms include:

HSP = High scores are problematic


Other symptoms are:

Visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes).  Allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise.  Difficulty maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, balance problems or fainting)

Other common symptoms include:

CFS – Physical Focus – Extended (13 - Item)

Other common symptoms include:

HSP = High scores are problematic


Other symptoms are:

Visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes).  Allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise.  Difficulty maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, balance problems or fainting)

CFS – Psychological Focus (2013-2016)

HSP = Higher scores are problematic


CFS – Psychological Focus (Includes 2014)

HSP = Higher scores are problematic


Treatment: Chronic fatigue syndrome treatment

Management

Many people do not fully recover from CFS even with treatment.  Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) have shown moderate effectiveness for many people in multiple randomized controlled trials. As many of the CBT and GET studies required visits to a clinic, those severely affected may not have been included. 

Two large surveys of patients indicated that pacing is the most helpful intervention, or is considered useful by 96% of participants.[59][dead link][60] Medication plays a minor role in management.[61] No intervention has been proven effective in restoring the ability to work.[56]

http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/causes/index.html

Conditions that have been studied to determine if they cause or trigger the development of CFS include

Trigger CFS

Pacing

CFS affects patients in different ways, and the treatment plan should be tailored to address symptoms that are most disruptive or disabling for each patient. Helping the patient get relief from symptoms is the main goal of treatment. However, expecting a patient to return to usual activities should not be the immediate goal because the physical and mental exertion needed to try to reach that goal may aggravate the illness.

Assess_CFS_Coping

Difficulties of Living with CFS – Apply to Bera Profile

Living with chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult. Like other debilitating chronic illnesses, CFS can have a devastating impact on patients' daily lives and require them to make major lifestyle changes to adapt to many new limitations.

CFS – Cognitive Focus (2013-2016)

Coping with Fatigue Problems (History)

Common difficulties for CFS patients include problems coping with:

HSP = Higher scores are problematic

Complications

Feelings of anger, guilt, anxiety, isolation and abandonment are common in CFS patients. While it's OK to have such feelings, unresolved emotions and stress can make symptoms worse, interfere with prescription drug therapies, and make recovery harder.

Assess_CFS_Coping

Difficulties of Living with CFS – Apply to Bera Profile

Living with chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult. Like other debilitating chronic illnesses, CFS can have a devastating impact on patients' daily lives and require them to make major lifestyle changes to adapt to many new limitations.

CFS – Cognitive Focus (Includes 2014)

Fatigue Coping Efficacy

Common difficulties for CFS patients include problems coping with:

HSP = High scores are problematic


Resolution and Processing

CFS – Feelings Evaluation

Feelings common in CFS Patients


Ditto - While it's ok to have such feelings, unresolved emotions, unresolved stress, can make symptoms worse, interfere with prescription drug therapies make recovery harder.

Introduction to Resolving Stress

Ways to Manage Stress

https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management


Good News

Disruptive Fatigue Screener – 5 – Item (2012-2014)

Options for Treating and Managing CFS

The good news is there are many options to help patients manage CFS and improve their quality of life:

Treating the Most Disruptive Symptoms First

HSP = High Scores are problematic


Disruptive Fatigue Score (Includes 2024)

Treating the Most Disruptive Symptoms First

HSP = High scores problematic


FYI - Assess_CFS_Management

Options for Treating and Managing CFS (Continued)

  • Monitoring the Use of All Medicines and Supplements
    • Over-the-counter and prescription medicines
    • Nutritional and herbal supplements
  • Managing Activities and Exercise
    • Avoiding extremes
    • Developing an activity program
    • Modifying exercises for extremely ill patients
  • Improving Health and Quality of Life
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Support groups
  • Professional counseling

CFS Program Score

First addressed: 20180314-W:

Options for Treating and Managing CFS (Continued)

HSF = High scores are favorable


Last Reviewed: 20240913-F:

HSF = High Scores are Favorable

20151208 – Results - Diagnostic Criteria (Calm Clinic)

[20160114 – Link Check = Link Broken]

http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/extreme-fatigue

Anxiety and Extreme Fatigue

Anxiety symptoms are as much physical as they are mental, and all of them tend to disrupt a person's quality of life.  But for many, it's not necessarily the symptoms themselves that are the problem. It is the extreme fatigue that occurs once the symptoms are over. Many people with anxiety suffer from terrible bouts of fatigue, making it more and more difficult to complete everyday tasks.

Fatigue = Anxiety?

Fatigue is one of the first signs of any problem. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause of your extreme fatigue. Take my anxiety test now to find out more about your anxiety, so that ultimately you can cure your anxiety once and for all.

Appendix - Assessment Not available

Lost Assessment

Back in 2015 we accessed an online assessment tool.  Since this time the assessment at Calmclinic has become inaccessible.  This is always a risk with online assessments particularly ones that self-score.

Anxiety Test - Find if your anxiety is within normal ranges

FYI - http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety-test/#

Retaking test

20151208-TU:

Your diagnosis is almost ready — where should we send it? A confirmation message will be sent to you with a link you must click on in order to receive your free Anxiety Diagnosis profile - Get Your Results

 


Your level of affectedness by anxiety and panic is not severe but strong enough to affect your life and your person on a regular basis.


FYI – Appendix

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What is generalized anxiety disorder? Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people may worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But people with GAD feel extremely worried or nervous more frequently about these and other things—even when there is little or no reason to worry about them.

OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life.

Panic

…sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior.

Social Anxiety Disorder

A person with social anxiety disorder feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated, or judged by others, such as speaking in public, meeting new people, dating, being on a job interview, answering a question in class, or having to talk to a cashier in a store.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia involves fearing and avoiding places or situations that might cause panic and feelings of being trapped, helpless or embarrassed. You may fear an actual or upcoming situation. For example, you may fear using public transportation, being in open or enclosed spaces, standing in line, or being in a crowd.Jan 7, 2023

Photos of bedridden people – Fatigue