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Post by politelypink on Mar 15, 2009 10:52:17 GMT -5
How do others know they needed to take an anti depressant. A few months ago I wouldn't consider it, but I'm starting to feel like I'm really getting worn out by the pain. I just can't handle the pain, and everything else anymore.
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Post by Karen on Mar 15, 2009 11:11:35 GMT -5
I hear you about getting worn out by the pain - I'm in the same boat. I just keep thinking life would be so much better if I weren't in constant pain all the time.
As for when to start taking something, I'm not so sure myself. (See my rant about friends that keep suggesting I need them) For me, I reached my breaking point a few weeks after my surgery when I found I still wasn't feeling better. I went to a therapist that a good friend recommended and have been seeing her for a bit now. I feel like she's been my advocate through all of this and keeps reminding me that I haven't exhausted all my options. She doesn't think I'm ready for an anti-depressant yet but reminds me to take care of my body with diet/exercise so I can have a chance at beating the depression that goes with it all.
Could you talk about this with one of your doctors and see what his/her thoughts are? Do whatever it is you feel will be best for you and your body, but know that there are people out there that care about you and want you to get better!
On another note, have you checked around the pain thread for ideas? I'm still grasping at straws on how to deal with it all, but I haven't given up totally yet!
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Post by politelypink on Mar 15, 2009 11:23:00 GMT -5
I've found the only meds that seem to work at narcotics. It is really frustrating!! I'm worried about talking to my family doc about it. When I first started getting endo pain, he pretty much told me I was crazy and that there was no reason for my pain. I just get worried seeing him again, because he might feel he is right if I start asking for those drugs.
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Post by ouchy on Mar 15, 2009 11:32:22 GMT -5
Have you tried a TENS?
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Post by Karen on Mar 15, 2009 11:51:10 GMT -5
What else besides narcotics have you tried?
(I myself LOVE the vicodin but can't STAND the constipation. Some days I felt like I was packing things in so tight that I should have crapped out diamonds!)
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Post by ouchy on Mar 15, 2009 12:13:36 GMT -5
^Nice simile, there! LOL!
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Post by anneny on Mar 15, 2009 12:22:44 GMT -5
I know I need an anti-depressant, or more therapy, or both, when I'm cranky all the time. My husband is also an astute observer and is good at noticing when a few days of irritability starts to become a pattern of depression. If it does, he gently suggests getting some more help.
The trouble with depression is that it skews your perspective on everything--even your own state of mind. It's been really helpful for me to have someone who loves me and knows me very well be on guard for me. If it weren't for my husband and my mom, it would be nearly impossible for me to know when the pain, the sleeplessness, the fatigue and the frustration have worn me down so much that I need more help.
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Post by politelypink on Mar 15, 2009 14:18:29 GMT -5
I used a TENS when I was doing physio, but it seems to be very temporary. The effect usually wears off within a half hour, then just comes back as bad as it was before.
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Post by Karen on Mar 15, 2009 14:18:59 GMT -5
The trouble with depression is that it skews your perspective on everything--even your own state of mind. I 100% agree. Very well put.
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Post by politelypink on Mar 15, 2009 14:33:46 GMT -5
That is a good point. I'm just starting to feel like there in no end in sight, and things arn't going to get better. Endo has caused so much stress in my life, and I hate it! It just makes everything seem so much more unbearable!
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Post by Karen on Mar 15, 2009 15:52:34 GMT -5
You can get your very own personal TENS to take with you. I believe Cherry uses hers all the time for some relief. I'm looking into one myself.
Whether you need help with pain or depression or both, please know that there are lots of options out there. If you're taking the time to post about it, perhaps you know deep down that you need to do something. Know that you're not alone in feeling this way and that there are women here that are in the exact same situation.
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Post by KSA on Mar 23, 2009 18:05:11 GMT -5
I have been taking Lexapro a very low dose as I am allergic to many medicines including all narcotics. My pain never stops but I keep going with the help of that little white pill. .10 mg is a good dose to start with it is low but start out small if you need more of anything the Dr can up it. Becareful with antidepressants many side effects with some of them and with everything else that goes on with your body with this disease side effects is the last thing you want. Goodluck!
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Post by jjuls22 on Mar 23, 2009 21:19:46 GMT -5
im on celexa and ive been on it for about 6 months. I knew i needed to go on it when i cried all the time, i felt completely hopeless and like nothing was ever going to change, i was doomed to live the rest of my life in pain and "unloved" which is what i thought. i love being on celexa, it helps me to not drown in sadness.
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Post by anneny on Apr 2, 2009 12:37:31 GMT -5
How does a TENS help depression? I know a lot of ladies here have had success with it lessening their endo pain, so is the idea that when you are in less pain you're less depressed?
Really curious about this because it would be great to find a non-medical treatment. (That said, there are a lot of times when medication is the best answer.)
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Post by Karen on Apr 2, 2009 12:59:23 GMT -5
Tens helps with pain. Less pain = ability to cope better (at least for me!)
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