HI Ladies! I have found so many of you to be a personal help to me. Not just responding to my questions but reading your response to others. I do have a question I hope I can get some ideas from you. I had sinus surgery a few months ago and I am feeling better meaning no pain from that. I just don't feel like my old self before I got real sick now after the surgery. I've noticed I feel kinda depressed and wonder if it's getting older, perimeno or from having surgery. I have went to my sinus doctor but not my general pract for a while since before the discovery of the tumors and then surgery.
The kids are in school and the youngest is in kindergarten so I should feel a bit of the pressure lifted from prek. Everyone is off and on the Bus in the early a.m.. I was wondering if you all think I should see a counselor first or see my general doc first?
OH, yes problems are lack of energy, kinda depressed, problems sleeping (wake every hour or two) don't want to deal with anyone, longing for the energy I sued to have one year ago before I got sick and didn't get better...better now but not the same person.
Ok I hope that helps with some input. My husband says must be depression skip the general doctor and see someone for depression. I say I don't know and just getting to the doctor or anyone seems like a task.
Thanks for your ideas and taking the time to answer this. Many blessings to you.
Thank you all for your advise, opinions and shared experiences. I knew I could count on some wonderful folks at this website to help me. I am checking into many of the different options that have been shared with me. I think I will first go and see my general doctor (I have to anyway) my script for high blood pressure medication is running out and it's been months. I am asking her she's actually a nurse pract to do her usualy blood work and add a few things to it. I am also going to check into some vit's like B, B12, D etc and some test (blood). I am going to cover permeno with her and feeling so down. I'd like her to help me rule out it being something from being put to sleep and a few other things before I cover up any problem with an anti-depressant (I want that to be last result). You see for some time now other doctors had just treated my sinus's never taking an xray. She did take the xray when I wasn't getting better to discover the tumors and referred me to an ENT that then took it a step further and then surgery. Had she never taken those xray's I may still be taking meds and not getting better with doctors telling me it's allergies. I've let go of my body so much from being so ill for such a long time I want a tune up and I want to get things back on track or else I will loose some great time with my kids. Let's face it when they get a few years older they won't want to play with me and hang out with me (at least for their peers to see)lol. Thanks again and I will let you know the out some in a few weeks.
I agree with ruling the other things out with a PCP -BUT if it comes down to needing treatment for any type of depression PLEASE seek a psychiatrist. They are much more in tune with the medications/regimens and better at identifying symptoms than a PCP. You don't keep going to a PCP for an orthopedic issue or heart condition, neither should you for depression.
I am no expert, but it sounds like you have been through a lot that would overload your system. With the discovery, the waiting, then removal of the tumors, that can put a TON of stress on someone. You probably hit a normal "manic" phase during that time period that went un-noticed because of everything else that was going on. Most people get a rush of emotions when something like this happens and their body responds by putting you in a manic phase (this is what I was told awhile back for something similar). However, you are so stressed and depressed that the manic phase seems to be canceled out. You are now done with everything, the manic phase has ended and you are just showing the signs of being depressed. It is completely normal for someone in your situation to feel depressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, etc. I would personally talk to your doctor first. This sounds exactly like what happened to me a few years ago. I was given the option to talk to someone and/or take some medication temporarily. However, everyone is different so that is really for you to decide. I hope I don't offend your husband here, but my husband told me the same thing, that I should just go see a psycologist (I can't spell sorry LOL). I ignored him and I think you should ignore what he says at this time because it is not his body and only you can decide what is right for you. I have been with my husband for over 10 years and married almost 8 and he understood afterward when I explained why I ignored his opinion and just went to my dr.
I know this is long and I am sorry about that, I hope you understand why I went into so much detail with you. I just want you to know that what you are going through is normal and the decision of who to talk to is up to you.
Of course you should see your personal doctor first IF he/she knows you. Your entire body has been through a great deal of stress AND anesthesia. Some people/families have extreme reactions to anesthesia including depression, memory loss that is permanent, readjustment of several hormones, for example. Also when you are unconscious you can be mishandled (while moving you from gurney to table and such) and you could have an upper cervical subluxation (misalignment of one of the vertebrae in your neck that is interfering with your body functions) which can be treated very simply and painlessly by an upper cervical chiropractor. There are several in your area - check www.upcspine.com to locate one or come see mine. You will be amazed how you will be educated in that practice. Also a GOOD M.D. will check for things seemingly unrelated - to discover bacteria that could have entered the surgical site and other things YOU won't think about until questioned. Depression always should be checked out because it is a SYMPTOM, not a disease. In my opinion, psychiatry is not a science. I know that's bold but I have 30 years of professional experience to back my opinion. Contact me privately if you want more information. Getting back to normal is essential for your sake and your family's well-being. If it turns out to be a need for supplementation, you'll want some more info from me that your doctor will probably not know - latest research. I welcome a follow-up with no pressure to share some necessary info since you have had tumors.
Please go to your PCP for blood work and a complete check up. There are many medications to help with depression but Iwould never say "depression" without a complete physical to rule out other things. V.
Get thy booty to the doctor! Tell your doc all of this and let her rule out any physical issue it might be. if your physical comes back clean, then discuss perimeno and depression. You may simply have "empty house" syndrome or having depressive issues. Time on an antidepressant such as paxil (sp?) or celexa is nothing to be ashamed of or even done forever. With some talk therapy and pharmacuetical help, you will likely find your new and improved self.
Keep an open mind and continue your search for optimal health. Oh, and get some exercise! That's a wonder for the body and soul!
Hello~For a minute I thought I was reading about me, except I have one child and I lost my mother late last year. For the year of dealing with my mother's cancer I was caught up and it kept me going. Then, going thru the emotion part of it, realizing she's gone and still griefing has brought me down as well. Every reason to feel depressed, but I don't want to go on medication if I can control it. I too was feeling tired, sluggish and really just wanted to keep a distance at times. I finally went to my doctor and explained. I had blood work done and specifically requested a Vitamin D test. It is seperate,if you're going to go thru it, do it all.
Turns out my Vitamin D was very low. When you read about it you'll see why there could be cause for depression, tired and feeling sluggish. I am now taking a supplement to make it go up and I will be tested again in 6 months. See what your blood results are and go from there. It may be your hormones. Another thing I've started since my son is off to school is get going and do some type of excercise for 30 minutes. It's hard at first, but it could only help you. If a doctor isn't enough and you need someone to help you in listening see a counselor thru work and/or church. Life brings us ups and downs and sometimes its all overwhelming, but we have resources to pull us through. Take charge and make an appt. today. Good luck and best wishes.
Hi BF,
I am a single mom of 5 children ages(13,9,8,6,4). I am an avid promoter of nutritional supplements, so you may or may not decide to take my advice. Nonetheless, because I am on this site to help people, I am going to share it with you anyway.
To make my response short and sweet, I am going to say I have answers for the symptoms you are describing. Unfortunately, there are so many people that do not know how to address their health. Insufficient essential nutrients progressively cause skin disorders, inflamation, hardening of the arteries and premature health failure and aging. An added disadvantage to this already life depleating scenario is the horrible side effects of anesthesia, antibiotics and prescription drugs. Your body is talking to you and the messages are real. I could write more, but it would become more of a book than just a response. If you really want to help yourself, call me and we will get some things resolved for you.
Sincerely,
L. Hawkins
Stone Soup on Assignment/Community Outreach
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I would check w/the general practioner first and have blood work done. It could be something simple as lack of minerals especially B12. That can drain your energy so much that you would want to stay in bed and not bother with anyone. Also see to it that you're getting enough protein; lack therefore could offset many things. Hope you feel better soon and all the best.
Have you had your thyroid checked?
Gosh, I would think you would want to see your GP first to rule out medical issues first. If it is depression, it could be caused by hormonal or other medical reasons. Your GP can prescribe medication to use in conjunction with counseling. Zoloft (Vitamin Z :-)) or any of the other meds out there are really helpful!
What a total bummer! I hope you find the help you need. Good luck!
Unless you already have someone to see that treats depression, you're general doc is very capable of diagnosing it. Plus your doc might want to check and make sure it's not something like low iron or thyroid problem. Good luck!
Get help now while your symptoms are relatively mild. How you feel impacts your children every day. Depressed parents have trouble meeting the emotional needs of their children. Skip the GP. A good psychiatrist paired with a good psychologist is the best way to go. Work on good diet, exercise at least 30 minutes daily and adequate sleep. We are talking body chemistry here. Give your body what it needs so you can give your family what they need from you. Please keep us posted. This is a really important decision for you and your family.
Hi,
I know it sounds wierd, but anethesia can have this effect. Have you tried much alternative medicine (i.e. Osteopathic, Homeopathic, Chiropractic)? I believe anesthesia had a big effect on me and I was able to reverse it by finding a Classical Homeopath who has been treating me for a year or so. I would recommend that for you only because it has made such a difference to me. Also, you may try natural progesterone (cream) that you can get from a health food or supplement store as the lack of progestrone is big. Adrenal support (find supplements at any health store) which you may take one in the AM and one at noon to see if they make a difference. I take Adren-All by Orthomolecular. When you are overtired, you burn your adrenals and eventually the thyroid takes a hit - then your body gets all out of sorts. I know I am throwing a bunch, but just some ideas. J.
I am so sorry for what you are going through! I wonder if you are struggling with possible depression because of the role change this year. we as stay at home moms are used to being caretakerss 24/7. It defines us. Now that all of your boys are in school, you may struggle with your role during the bulk of the day. do you have any hobbies? anything that defines you outside of great wife and awesome mom? I would probably bypass the general practitioner and see a counselor. If you are struggling with depression, a reputable counselor will see that and be able to guide you to the next best step. Hope this helps(:
I'd go in for a very thorough physical and ask for bloodwork on everything from hormones to thyroid to blood sugar... Having put your body through a surgery may have been the catalyst for your depression. Your body probably needs extra sleep for recuperating from the surgery. Are you getting enough good sleep?
It's not abnormal for people to experience depression symptoms following a surgery. If the depression stays or if it really impacts your life, you need to address it. I found these:
http://www.med.umich.edu/depression/condition.htm
http://surgery.about.com/od/ingandsurgery/qt/SignsDepress...
General practitioners see people for depression all day every day. Just give him/her all the info you can so he/she can make a well informed decision.
I really hope you start feeling good again soon! Life's just too short to go through it feeling sad. (hugs!)
Not wanting to repeat some of what's already been said, I wanted to let you know that IF you are diagnosed with depression (which to me seems highly likely) there is an alternative to medication that works. First, I say it is highly likely particularly from your comment, "just getting to the doctor or anyone seems like a task" that is a classic symptom of depression.
Now, the alternative for medication is one of the alternative therapies I employ, breathwork. The AJC ran an article in Nov. 2008 recommending deep breathing to alleviate stress. What wasn't stated in it, probably due to limited knowledge/experience is that it is an excellent way to regain the emotional balance that is lacking in depression.
I am an ordained inter-faith minister, so I provide the counseling and this technique. It literally was a God send for me when I felt as if nothing mattered and I was simply going through the motions. I would be happy to speak with you further and/or have you come for a complimentary 30 min session if you are interested, or at least curious.
You can reach me through my website: http://alexandrar.com
Whatever you choose to do, I pray that God guides you to full health, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Blessings,
A. R.
