[Angie B]

Does anyone else struggle with depression? I have never had any struggles like this prior to the MG diagnosis, but now am struggling. My internst put me on Celexa, xanex and busbar, but I seem to be still not able to move out of it. I would imagine dealing with a chronic disease has something to do with it, but just wondering if anyone else has anything they would be willing to share about this subject. I know its kind of touchy

[loisba]

I've never had to deal with depression, but I can understand how someone could easily get depressed, coping with this rotten disease of ours. And I suppose some of the medication we take might have an effect on mood, too. Fortunately, all I'm on is my good old friend Mestinon. What I would do without it, I do not know!!

[nancylee]

Hi Angie-

Yes, I have had to deal w/ some mini bouts of depression. Like you, I did not have this issue until the MG came along. Please hang in there & do WHATEVER you need to so that you get through it. I have found meditation to be a useful tool. There are some grest cds on the subject out ther. Peace.
Nancylee

[Angie B]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I made an appt with my internst and she put me on Celexa, which hopefully will help. I am also going to see a counsler who deals with people who have chronic illnesses. Hopefully that will help. I also think that some of the neuro drugs may be causing some of this and will ask neuro on Tuesday. Thanks again for all the encouragement- this site is great!
Angie

[bluestone]

Hi Angie B
I have recurrent depression and MG came after many years coping with depression. The decision to see someone who deals with chronic disease is great: I think that psychoterapy is a strong tool to deal with MG, maily if the therapeut is used to chronic illness. In my oppinion, all the things related to a chronic disease like MG (lack of confidence or support, the impact of new limits or frustrations on self-esteem, social isolation, colateral effects of the drugs, lack of knowledge of the disease from friends or family, loneliness, big changes in life caused by the disease, among many) can cause depression. Besides all these, to be unable to make a plan for anything is terrible!
I hope you will be better soon with the new med.
Bluestone

[Maxwell'sMom]

I was originally given Anti depressants to help treat Dysautonomia, but it is such a blessing to have them availible. Depression is very common among people whose lives are halted because of illness. I know, sometimes, I just want to go for a walk with out thinking,...how much energy will is sap, or I really want to clean this or that, but I have an appt tomorrow, so I can't. It gets really frustrating.
I think it's almost abnormal not to feel depressed. We've had our lives and dreams altered dramatically.
Love Lizzie

[The Canadian]

Hi AngieB,

There certainly is a connection btw chronic illness and depression. Just as bluestone wrote, avoiding depression after an MG diagnosis (or any other chronic illness) would be tough.

I've been dealing with depression since I was a kid (parent's divorce) ). Add my MG diagnosis at the age of 15 to the death of 2 immediate family members within a year apart around age 20-21, and you have the makings of depression! I think it's a very easy recipe....

I've been on prozac for awhile now, especially since the relapse of my MG. While I agree the meds are needed, it was the psychotherapy that really helped out.

Take care and let me know how your body is handling the reboot. Dr. Drachman decided against the reboot for me at this point as we're going to try prograf first.

take care,
Jennifer in St. Catharines, ON

[Angie B]

Jennifer,
Good to hear from you. I am looking at another dose of cytoxan followed by doses of immunosuppressents. Dr. Drackman has been called in by my neurologist (she was his resident while in school). He feeels that this would be the best course for me at this time. The other "re-boot" worked really well- 7 months of working full time and working out at the gym...then strep throat happened and I ended up on a vent. The problem was that the cytoxan was not followed up by immunosuppresent at all...this hopefully will be helpful.. I am hoping to start the Cytoxan before November so I can be somewhat healthy for Christmas. I KNOW it will work this time, but since July I have been stuck at home working. I also have a factor iV issue which makes me clot with every line they place (which outrules the one treatment that works - A-pheresis). Ahhh such is life. I am breathing, its fall in MN and the leaves are beautiful! All things considering I have not complaints, still breathing and raising my kids. Hang in there Jennifer. I appreciate your comments on the migranes...I have been chewing percocet and need to find something different. She just started me on Zonisamide, no improvement yet, but I am on my first week on it. Will keep you updated.

Take care.

Angie: