Depression hurts

[chrischris]

Got thru 3 stellate ganglion blocks, which provided very short lived pain and actually caused more spasms and emotional distress. On follow up after #3 last week, Pain Doctor wants to try a Spinal Cord Stimulator. However, he wrote a letter to my Primary Treater saying he wants my "Depression" under control before he goes any further with my treatment.

Catch 22! My Primary Treater "can't" or "won't" acknowledge my depression issues or I/C would have to admit that depression is a component of RSD, and they would have to treat it.

So, I went to my Family Doctor and he sent me back to Psychiatrist for medication evaluation because he said my depression is not being controlled adequately, and he also referred me to a Rheumotologist to be evaluated for Fibromyalgia. I've already been dx'd with this about a year ago, but have been in denial. Now I'm with a different Family Doctor and have decided to listen to him. He's a very good man.

Today, Psychiatrist put me on "Cymbalta" to replace the anti-depressant I was taking. He also gave me samples to last 3 weeks. And he wants to see me regularly again. Ugh! I hate sitting in the psychiatrist office. It's always packed and the wait is long.

Anyone here tried Cymbalta? How did it work for you?

Thanks for letting me rant on........

[jayne]

I have had the best luck with Zoloft myself.....but everyone is different.....Rebecca has been thru 3 different ones so far with no relief so if it doesnt work dont be afraid to go to the next one...like pain relief it is different with each one of us......once your depression is under control you will find it takes less pain meds.......but even when you find your match you are still gonna have bad days just not near as many...if I remember correctly you love the beach and ocean any chance you can go and just chill at the beach?if not maybe a mood CD of beach sounds and a cool dark room....or if it makes you feel better I will let you scream at me about cats..........anything that relieves your stress a bit will help....I love the sound of broken glass as long as its me thats doing the breaking(and thats a whole different thread)

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

CC, each one of these medications effect each person in a very different way. It is trail and error. You need to accept things first to help yourself better. The samples they gave is done, because they know it is trail and error also. You take these neds, and please check yourself on how it's working. If you think something isn't right, it mostly isn't right, and you need to make a call to the doctor right away then. You also should have your family informed to tell you what changes they notice, because while on these medications, you may not notice these changes. Don't worry, just keep yourself informed, your family informed and all your doctors informed.

[snowbear]

Hi CC. I am on Cymbalta. Have been taking it for just over a year now. I started on 30 mg and was boosted up to 60 mg. I still have some sad days but for the most part I'm not a blubbering idiot anymore. It's the first antidepressant that's worked for me. I've been on Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, and several others. I hope you have good results!!! It took about 3 weeks for me to notice a change.

[capricorn]

CC...I am also on Cymbalta for my Depression and fibro. Works like a charm for me. I started this past November at 20 mg. and have never had to raise it. I have taken most SSRI's with horrible side effects. This is the only SNRI that I can take. I also take Klonopin 5mg 2xs daily and Neurontin 100mg. 3xs daily. The neurontin is very low but due to the fibro I am med sensitive. If I don't take it I can't stand the pain and yet this little dosage helps with nerve pain AND anxiety. Best of luck.

[Netta]

Sorry to hear that you are suffering from depression. In the past I too, tried prozac, and zoloth. I hated the way those meds made me feel. Now I manage my depression by exercise, no meds at all. When I feel the depression coming down, I immediately start some form of exercise, my favorite is bike riding. I have a place that I go that is quiet near a church, and ride in their parking lot. I get off my bike and sit on the ground and stretch, and meditate. I also cry, if I need to. Sometimes it takes me a couple hours to get it in control. I will stay in my favorite quiet place until I feel the sadness has passed. Then I get back on my bike and go home, and I feel great the rest of the day. If the depression starts again the next day, I get right back on my bike and do the same routine all over again and if it starts raining, I lift weights or walk, run do jumping jacks, swim anything to release the stress that is causing the depression. Just wanted to share how I handle depression, everyone has their own method. I just refused to take any more medication for depression in my life time.

Netta

[capricorn]

Nice post, Netta. Thank you. I also try to move more when down in the dumps BUT because of so many broken body parts can't. I do a series of stretches everyday before I even leave my bedroom that I found really helps and am joining the Y for some aquatic PT. To add to what you said I have to say that I live a very stressful life as most ofyou do. I have eliminated what stress I could and that has helped immensely. We all have so much stress in out lives that most can't be removed so we have to learn how to relax and compensate for it. Not easy. As Limbo said in another post some are to be ashamed of and that doesn't help that there is so much meaness and rudeness in the world right now.

[Netta]

capricorn Wrote:Nice post, Netta. Thank you. I also try to move more when down in the dumps BUT because of so many broken body parts can't. I do a series of stretches everyday before I even leave my bedroom that I found really helps and am joining the Y for some aquatic PT. To add to what you said I have to say that I live a very stressful life as most ofyou do. I have eliminated what stress I could and that has helped immensely. We all have so much stress in out lives that most can't be removed so we have to learn how to relax and compensate for it. Not easy. As Limbo said in another post some are to be ashamed of and that doesn't help that there is so much meaness and rudeness in the world right now.

Thank you capricorn, I agree with everything you said 100 %. Good for you regarding joining the Y for some equatic PT, I wish I could afford to join, but I can't so I jump on the old fashion bike and let the wind blow in my face. When I come across rude and mean people, I say a little prayer for them, and keep on going with my day. I refuse to let anyone steal my joy. There is no excuse for meaness and rudeness, avoid people that have negative attitudes if you can, and again don't forget to pray for them. Take care

[sparkey]

I also took cymbalta and I had no luck with it . I gave it many months trial. It was prescibed to me for nerve pain and depression. It did not even help with the nerve pain. I also was just told from the pain clinic that they have tried everything possible for me and setting me up for a stimulator also. I too need to see a therapist first. I have been diagnosed by 5 doctors now with RSD in my dominant hand from having surgery for carpel tunnel 10 yrs. ago that has now returned with pain and all doctors refuse to repeat the surgery.

Every person is different and my oldest daughter takes cymbalta and it is the best thing that ever happened to her. She has fibro. and has ulcerative colitis and lost her whole large intestine at the young age of 18 due to medical malpractice to which she was never compensated for. So give it a chance. WC insurance stopped paying for my script because they claim I was depressed before my injury.... Haaa.

[capricorn]

CC...Netta 's post says alot. Took Bill this morning to have his coumadin level checked. He 's still on it since the total hip replacement and the blood tech calle dhim before another man sitting there who was first. I told the tech he was first and what amazed me was that the man didn't even say thank you. I did as Netta suggested and said a prayer for him and felt better. People depress me. Those who are mean, rude, ill mannered, self-centered and think the whole world revolved around them. It brings me down because I always felt that the difference in people is what was interesting but it still takes manners and some kindness to get along. I wish you the best with the Cymbalta. It has abeen a miracle drug for me.

Netta...I just stopped counseling so instead of paying $120 a month for co-pays it will only cost me $40 for the Y and all programs are free after that. SO I have taken care of my mind , now it's the body 's turn and I'll save $$$$ doing it. I couldn't ride a bike if someone paid me. God bless you.