Kitty--love and prayers

Makes me happy to see your name, Blessings.

That PBA (psuedobulbar affect: Pseudobulbar affect - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic) is a real thing, Kitty. "The primary sign of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is frequent, involuntary and uncontrollable outbursts of crying or laughing that are exaggerated or not connected to your emotional state. Laughter often turns to tears. Your mood will appear normal between episodes, which can occur at any time. Crying appears to be a more common sign of PBA than laughing."

This is what I experienced early on in my MS journey. Crying for no reason. One day I was on my way to work and got delayed by, of all things, the Santa Claus Parade and burst into tears. It wasn't that I was worried about being late, either. Simply the fact that is was such an inappropriate response.

I was working as a grocery cashier. Before getting on meds I would feel the tears coming and have to close my register to sit out of the public eye for maybe 10 or 15 minutes. Thankfully my bosses were very accommodating. Started with Zoloft, then Elavil, finally staying with Lexapro for over 5 years.

I hope you find something to help, Kitty! Either time, or a med, whatever works.

Thanks, Sparky! I had not thought of PBA but it sounds just like what I do.

But the only difference is that I see or hear something that reminds me of something in the past (like a pet that has passed away or a song that reminds me of a family member that has passed on) and the waterworks start. This is most of the time.....but some times I just cry for no particular reason (now this made me laugh because it reminded me of Forest Gump LOL).

It's frustrating and I need to go see me Neurologist but haven't made an appointment yet. Procrastinating..........

I know exactly what you mean about the Humane Society commercials. I also find myself fighting back tears from those darned sweet Hallmark Card commercials and if course, sad movies.

There is one commercial about a big dog (golden retriever or some type of setter) that has to wear a lions mane in order to keep a little baby girl from crying when she sees him. She has a toy lion with a big mane that she loves. The Dad buys a lions mane and puts it on this dog and the little girl isn't afraid anymore. I think it's the music that gets me more than anything but this commercial does me in every time. I'm bracing myself for all the Christmas and Thanksgiving commercials that are due any day. Lord help us all........

I'm so sorry that you're feeling sad Kitty. I have dealt with depression for a good part of my life so I can relate. It got worse with the MS diagnosis. I take generic Lexapro for my depression. It doesn't change my personality but takes away the constant sadness.

I have had PBA in the past after I'd had a bad MS attack years ago. I would cry over the mere mention of a sad event and sometimes I laughed uncontrollably at inopportune times.

It might be worth it to try an antidepressant to see if it helps. I hope things will be better soon.

Thanks Wiz. It's good to hear from you. I've got to make an appointment with my neuro and request something.

I'm getting worried because DS's wedding is on Saturday and I just get the feeling I'm going to be a sobbing mess. And I'm getting my makeup done for the event! Can't mess it up! I'll have to request water proof makeup.....especially the eye makeup.

This, yes! Didn't change my personality, just stopped the crying. Over the years I'd try to go without to see if I still needed it, I'd be crying again within days. Eventually I went without and haven't had the problem since - been 10 years maybe.

I'll tell you what, though. When my beloved Sparky dog died, I couldn't cry. The emotions were there just very few brief tears.

I was taking Fluoxitine for a while several years ago but stopped for whatever reason I cannot remember. I guess I didn't feel like I needed it back then. But when my beloved cats all passed away I cried for day....and still do if I think about it.