Question:
I 'm one year post op RYN and 7 weeks post op Tummy Tuck. I 'm so depressed.
I don't understand why I'm so depressed. I 'm only 10 lbs from goal. I want to cry all the time. I don't feel like doing anything. I feel such un happiness. Has anyone gone through this? I have been taking Prozac for years because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my Dr. said it helps the pain. I just turned 45 Oct. 10. Please someone help me I feel so alone. I have had 3 major surgeries this year I don't know if that could be a part of it. I have never felt like this before I don't know how to handle this. — Kathy H. (posted on October 11, 2002)
October 11, 2002
Hi, the surgeons (cardiac, cancer, gastric, plasics) I know all say that
when you have a major surgery, it doesn't matter what type, depression is a
highly likely side effect. You have been through a lot this last year.
Also, prozac in and of iself can cause some to be more depressed. Maybe
you should ask your doctor to try another medication, one for depression
and another for your arthritis. Are you exercising at all? Excercise
releases good edorfines (sp?) and can make us feel better. I am concerned
about you and would like to know how things turn out. You can e-mail me a
[email protected].
— Tracey W.
October 11, 2002
Hi, Kathy. I'm sorry you are having such a hard time with this. As
someone who has suffered from depression for years, I know how you feel.
Have you tried therapy? Are you seeing a psychiatrist? Sometimes the
medication that is supposed to cure depression makes it worse. I took
Lithium for a month, and was more depressed than when I wasn't on it.
Effexor XR seems to work for me, but like the previous poster stated, no
pill is a "magic bullet". I know from experience. I would
suggest a support group or therapy. Let me know how you do. Feel free to
email me anytime. Keep your chin up, and try to stay positive. : )
— J. W.
October 11, 2002
Kathy, talk to your PCP. I have taken Prozac for 12 years, and know it has
saved my life. Ask your doctor if increasing the Prozac might help with
your depression. Also I am thinking that 3 major surgeries might be
playing a part in your depression, that is alot to go thru. I would call
my PCP office today, he has to be on call or have someone covering for him
during the weekend and tell them how you are feeling. There is no reason
to "feel so alone". Email me if you have questions. Barbara
— barbara A.
October 11, 2002
I am almost 2 years post op and the same age as you. At about 18 months
post op, I experienced similar symptoms. In my case, it was a hormonal
problem. My OB/GYN diagnosed me as "peri-menopausal" and
prescribed Yasmin (a low dose BC pill) for hormone replacement therapy. It
has helped tremendously. Good luck in finding the problem and fixing it!
Hope you feel better soon.
— Lynn T.
October 12, 2002
I am so sorry you are not feeling up to the celebration of your new life. I
know alot about depression both personally and professionally. Sounds like
you have it sweetie. Go to your Dr and to a therapist for help but...aside
from that I noticed something when I went to read your profile. Throughout
the profile you were using it as a sounding board and a complaint pad. I
can think of a few things that can help you feel etter anytime you want to
feel good! As many people on this site have done, make a list of things you
couldn't do before surgery that you can now. read this list often. before
you go to sleep at night mentally list 3 things you have to be thankful
for. (sometimes depressed people have to dig deep for these it could even
be"thanks for the car not breaking down today!") try
smiling...you would be amazed at how the muscles in your face that cause a
smile actually release endorfins that do make you feel better! I do not
mean to make light of your depression, and my excercises will not
"cure" you but you have a great sounding family, a great new
healthy body, a flat new tummy! and a lot to look forward to. It takes work
to crawl out of depression...good luck to you I know you can do it!
— robyn R.
October 12, 2002
I had/have depression but haven't taken medication for a long while. I
would have to guess that three major surgeries are a contributing factor.
Yes, get a check up on medication. My biggest suggestion would be to get
some talk therapy. You may need to have someone to help you think through
all the changes in your life. It really does help. Consider
this...perhaps for many years you used being overweight as a way to explain
away some of your troubles. Now that you are losing weight the problems
can not be directed at being overweight. The problems must be addressed
and that can cause depression. This is why I would suggest some talk
therapy. I know I often would think, "if only I wasn't so fat, I
wouldn't have this problem" and as I lose weight I have to stare my
problems in the face and deal with them. Good luck to you! You will feel
better.
— Scott L.
October 12, 2002
I am responding to the neg. response that was written about me by Robin.
She said my profile was used a complaining sounding board and that I should
be more thankful. I am going through a hard time right now but that does
not mean I am not thankful. I thank the Lord everyday for my family and
friends and for the things He has blessed me with, and on my web page I
thank the Lord openly. I was just wanting to know if anyone had experience
this. I didn't want to be judged!!! I really appreciate all the positive
answers I received. You have helped more then you'll ever know. Thank
you!!! (((HUGS)))
— Kathy H.
October 12, 2002
Kathy dear: you are going through such a low time, that it made it
difficult to see that Robins post was sent in support. It was not
negative. When I am depressed I also find the negative in what others say
to me. Please know that we all care for you and are there for you.
— faybay
October 13, 2002
Hi Kathy, I'm sorry to hear about your depression. All I can say is that if
you don't seek treatment--not from your Primary Care Physician but from a
doctor who specializes in Mental Health, your depths will only go deeper.
With the fall quickly approaching, there is ALWAYS an upswing of people who
become deeper depressed, (Called Seasonal Affective Disorder or
"SAD" Please read my journal as it has served many people on this
forum as an inspiration. Another thing, Prozac is an old, old
antidepressant, usually prescibed by our Primary. On the back of your
insurance card ther should be a number for something like Behavioral Health
or something like that. That would be your first step towards treatment.
They have crisis counselros answering the phone and will set you up with a
Psychiatrist (for medication depensing) and a Therapists for Coping issues.
I also know that now that we have had the surgery, medication does not
work the same (ie. Prozac may need fat to metabolize in the
bloodstream--and since we malabsorb fat, you're not getting any in) There
are so many newer, more effect meds on the market that have fewer side
effects and make you feel better quicker and for longer episodes. I'm
virtually med free after a yearlong bout with major depression, I was
prescribed everything from Zoloft (didn't work for me) Wellbutrin (made me
manic), Remeron (gained weight, so that was out), Celexa (sexual side
effects and weird dreams), Paxil (made me mean) and finally the wonder drug
for me was Effexor XR twice a day. I'd be so happy to keep up the dialogue
with you, just get help. God who knows it may be just mother nature
wreaking havoc on your hormones. Plus my mother had Rheumatoid Arthritis
and the biggest side effect was depression (the Methotrexate and the
Steroids are contributing factors to depression-not to mention the pain).
Anyway, please seek help, there IS light at the end of the tunnel....
Adrienne 20 months post op RNY
— corpdiva2005
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