[Erin524]

I went to the doctor on Friday. Regular family doctor.

Told him some of what's been going on. He wants to see me in about two weeks to take some blood to check me over for some stuff.

He did give me a Rx. I kind of wanted the Rx but now after reading about it, I'm a little scared to try it. The doctor could tell that my mood was a wee bit depressed. He gave me a Rx for Effexor. I'm going to get it from the pharmacy tomorrow, but I'm scared to take it.

I am having so much trouble with walking right now. I almost think I need ivsm, but my neuro had told me earlier this year "no more steroids". I don't know what to do then. I can barely move my legs. I really do think I'll be in a chair soon. It's no wonder that I'm depressed. I'm about to lose all my independence. All my privacy. I'll probably lose friends.

Hate the ms. Wish this forum allowed swearing like the crochet forum I go to. I want to type out a lot of cuss words right now.

[happycowsfromwyo]

Hey Erin!,

As far as I know, I don't have MS. But I have been on 5 different anti-depressants in the last year. I was diagnosed with Major Depression Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I took Effexor before I took the one I am on now. For me, the Effexor worked great for my anxiety, but it didn't work for my depression. It made my suicidal thoughts a lot worse. You have to know that every medication works differently on different people. It may have not worked for me, but it could work for you. If you're not sure about it, like you said, maybe go ask your doctor to be prescribed on a different one?

Right now, I'm on a natural anti-depressant that's just a bunch a vitamins that they've found helps with depression. It's called Enlyte. It's the best one I've been on. It has a bunch of B vitamins and Folic Acid. It may not work so much for my anxiety, but it's worked wonders for my depression. Just a suggestion to look into. I hope you start feeling better Erin! Remember, you're not alone.

-happycowsfromwyo

[Lynn]

Hi Erin

I'm so sorry that you re feeling so bad - and I don't blame you - you are perfectly entitled.

I just wanted to give you a hug -

As I read your post, lots of those dreaded 'cuss words' went through my mind - so for what it's worth, even if you are not allowed to type them, I think just about everyone who reads this will be thinking them - and thinking of you.

Much love

[ANNagain]

Erin, I noticed that you were quiet in the last few days. I want you to feel better, what ever that takes.

Best to you,
ANN

[NurseNancy]

i'm sorry you're going thru this erin. try the med. give it a couple of wks.
lifting depression can be a life changing experience and may help you to deal with anything in front of you.

i hope you get some answers from your dr. and, stay in touch no matter how you feel.

[msarkie]

Have you ever gone to a psychiatrist? Mine is a Godsend! She knows more about side effects and drug interactions than even my pharmacist husband. I let her handle managing and coordinating my rxs, and I only have to see her every 6-12 months.

[Sparky10]

I'm sorry you're having such problems, Erin. Hopefully this is a passing thing.

Have you looked into IVIG?

[doydie]

Erin, I think you know that I have wondered for awhile if you had some depression going on. And you are right, you have every right to feel depressed over where your life has been taking you lately. If it were me I would try it. Just be very careful on it, especially going off of it. My daughter was on it and it made a world of difference with her.

When I want to say something that I know wouldn't be allowed I just push my caps lock and type in a lot of all the symbols. Makes me feel a lot better. Have you tried just screaming? Alert your parents that you are going to do it.

[Jules A]

I agree that I would give it a try but also consider seeing someone who specializes in mood disorders such as a psychiatrist or psych-NP. Therapy might also be helpful for you to discuss the challenges that stinking MS is bringing your way.

I hate this miserable disease and also wish we could cuss.

[tkrik]

I agree with everyone else...give it a try. Keep in mind that it may take a couple of weeks to start seeing some improvement and 4 to 6 weeks (or something like that) to really start feeling better. Also, remember that each of us react differently to medications and sometimes have to switch AD's to find one that works best for us. If Effexor doesn't seem to work for you, don't give up. Talk to your doctor about trying another medication.

Since you are in chronic pain, you may find that being on an antidepressent actually is helping you deal with your pain better. I agree with Jules that talk therapy will also help you with the emotional aspects of having a chronic illness and a good therapist can teach you coping mechanisms and finding something that will work for you to help you cope.

I wish you the best of luck and I am glad to hear that you took the 1st step in feeling better. Let us know how you are doing.