Complications/Depression

Hi, guys.. I'm 5.5 months post-op rny, at 3 months (August) I was hospitalized with a bleeding marginal ulcer (I lost 2.5 liters of blood.) I'm on carafate, protonix, phenergan, and zofran... Just recently things have started to get better but more often than not I still experience pain and nausea when eating. I have an EGD scheduled for November 6 and doctor's appointments out the wazoo for months. I'm dealing with the "clinical" side of it the best way possible but man, let me tell you... things are rough. I've begun to lose hair. I'm always constipated. There are days when I want to give up. I'm tiptoed around by friends/family who know what's going on. Everyday stressors like work and housekeeping are magnified to extreme.

I was diagnosed with depression years ago and have managed it with cognitive therapy and Zoloft (in the winter months) but I feel a strong, strong aversion to taking the Zoloft now. I don't know if I'm just being stubborn (Everything is supposed to be better now!) or principled (I can do this!) but I feel things getting heavier. I've got enough reasons to be at the doctor's office every other week, the thought of one more makes me anxious/stressed. I know I've probably just got to get through this but right now it seems so overbearing.

I am so sorry to hear of the your medical issues-they sound like they'd overwhelm and depress most folks!

Regarding the Zoloft, if you had diabetes, would you say you were strong enough to not take those meds? Or one for a heart condition? I think that mental health deserves just as much care and attention physical health and if the medicine is going to help you in any way, then I think you should seriously consider taking it and having that additional assistance towards being fully healthy.

The decisions is yours, of course, but if you would not eschew diabetic or cardiac meds...why do so for your whole self?

You're absolutely right and I need to view it more black and white than I have been.

You deserve to be happy.I would seek out a good therapist and talk about medication.To live with depression and anxiety is a horrible thing sometimes.

If you had a flat tire, would you try lifting the car by yourself to change it? No, you'd use the jack. So why the hell are you not on anti-depressants???? Use a tool.   Of course every day tasks are overwhelming. You are depressed!!!  Just getting out of bed takes effort when you are seriously depressed. Zoloft may or may not be the answer (you may need something else that works well with your other meds),  so work with a good psychiatrist to get the right med for you. Call and get an appointment today. Tell them you are seriously depressed and this can't wait weeks.

Chronic pain also leads to depression, so you're getting a double whammy. Cymbalta is highly effective for both pain management and for treating the depression which often accompanies it. That may be a good option for your to discuss with your doctor. You don't have to "just get through this".  Get down off that cross!  Someone needs the wood this winter!

This kick in the azz is sent with a cyber hug and many good wishes for your recovery.

Now go get some good anti-depressants, take a stool softener every day and get on with your life!

Excellent response.

Just a note I tried Cymbalta and it killed my pouch.  It is one of the side-affects although it may not happen to Brandi I just wanted to make mention.  I know others that take it without any problems.

Please explain what you mean by "killed my pouch". Do you mean it didn't agree with you or were there some sort of serious complications. We need some perspective. Thanks.

Sorry!  No it hurt within minutes of swallowing it and lasted about 30 minutes.  I've never had an ulcer but I thought that's what it was before we realized the Cymbalta was causing the pain.

Even tried eating something before taking and it didn't help. 

Thanks for the update. Just didn't want to cause any unnecessary worry.  Sorry it didn't work for you.

Please explain what you mean by "killed my pouch". Do you mean it didn't agree with you or were there some sort of serious complications. We need some perspective. Thanks.