[tinaanne]

Wow - I thought I had beaten the depression part of this! But honestly throw in a few disappointments and a then a move - topped off with having to cancel a vacation to see my new grandchild and the three other grandchildren in Seattle due to a real flare up and struggling with constipation at a new level. (read other post if you have any ideas) and I really am having a hard time - and the tears keep coming. I have had small fiber PN for 12 years and have run from this depression with everything I had - as my husband has suffered from depression and that is the last thing I wanted. I did everything in my power to think positive and to do things for others, and stayed busy. (all those things have really helped)But as I mentioned one by one I have felt so overwhelmed and discouraged.

I'm not afraid of doctors (even though I think most of them never really listen) but I really feel I might need something. Any suggestions on what you guys take. I was on Elavil years ago when I lost a child - and that helped, but when I first got sick with PN they tried all sorts of SSRI's because it helps with nerve pain and nothing helped the pain, and gave me so many side effects.

We moved away from the desert of Phoenix because the heat really aggravated my PN and I found that I couldn't even function in the summer -- so we moved to the mountains and I LOVE it here - but making new friends takes time - and mostly I'm away from my family and that is really hard. Some decisions are made for the right reasons but still have consequences.

Have any of you gotten help from counseling - to me it seems like if I talk it makes things worse I try to stay positive and maybe I'm asking too much of myself
Any ideas?
Tina

[Stacy2012]

My heart and prayers go out to you.

I think everyone deals with depression at some point in their life. I know this is not a religious forum, but my honest answer would be without my faith I would be so lost.

Don't give up. Faith, drugs, therapy, everyone is different and there is no magic cure. But you can't give up or get discouraged. If one thing does not work then try another.

Hugs and prayers for you.

[Sallysblooms]

Do you have an integrative MD? They can do tests for neurotransmitters and safely help with supplements when hormones and neurotransmitters are out of balance.

Have you had your Vit B12 and Vit. D tested?

[tinaanne]

Originally Posted by Sallysblooms

Do you have an integrative MD? They can do tests for neurotransmitters and safely help with supplements when hormones and neurotransmitters are out of balance.

Have you had your Vit B12 and Vit. D tested?

What is an Integrative MD. I have gone through menopause and have thought of taking natural hormones - but I have never heard of that test. Is it a blood test?

As for the B12 and Vit D - yes they have been tested by blood and also at the cell level. My Vit D was really low, which is crazy because I live in Arizona. The B's were ok - on the low end of normal - but I take a B shot nearly every week for the past couple of years, and I can say that helps me sooo much! I feel more energetic and helps my PN also
Thanks for the advice - look forward to your reply.
Tina

[Aussie99]

Originally Posted by Tinaanne56

Wow - I thought I had beaten the depression part of this! But honestly throw in a few disappointments and a then a move - topped off with having to cancel a vacation to see my new grandchild and the three other grandchildren in Seattle due to a real flare up and struggling with constipation at a new level. (read other post if you have any ideas) and I really am having a hard time - and the tears keep coming. I have had small fiber PN for 12 years and have run from this depression with everything I had - as my husband has suffered from depression and that is the last thing I wanted. I did everything in my power to think positive and to do things for others, and stayed busy. (all those things have really helped)But as I mentioned one by one I have felt so overwhelmed and discouraged.

I'm not afraid of doctors (even though I think most of them never really listen) but I really feel I might need something. Any suggestions on what you guys take. I was on Elavil years ago when I lost a child - and that helped, but when I first got sick with PN they tried all sorts of SSRI's because it helps with nerve pain and nothing helped the pain, and gave me so many side effects.

We moved away from the desert of Phoenix because the heat really aggravated my PN and I found that I couldn't even function in the summer -- so we moved to the mountains and I LOVE it here - but making new friends takes time - and mostly I'm away from my family and that is really hard. Some decisions are made for the right reasons but still have consequences.

Have any of you gotten help from counseling - to me it seems like if I talk it makes things worse I try to stay positive and maybe I'm asking too much of myself
Any ideas?
Tina

I for the first time saw a counselor this year and felt heaps better after 2 sessions. I went because I was having issues with my partners adult son. Therapy helps a lot of people regardless of the issue. It gave me perspective to the true nature of my negative emotions, and where they originate from. I also learned not to take myself so seriously because I have worn myself out doing so. In one session I laughed so hard I felt fantastic for like 2 weeks after. Don't be afraid to try therapy. Having a chronic condition is hard to deal with in the best of times for a lot of people. Always leave the door open for yourself to try new things. Best of luck, Aussie

[tinaanne]

Originally Posted by Aussie99

I for the first time saw a counselor this year and felt heaps better after 2 sessions. I went because I was having issues with my partners adult son. Therapy helps a lot of people regardless of the issue. It gave me perspective to the true nature of my negative emotions, and where they originate from. I also learned not to take myself so seriously because I have worn myself out doing so. In one session I laughed so hard I felt fantastic for like 2 weeks after. Don't be afraid to try therapy. Having a chronic condition is hard to deal with in the best of times for a lot of people. Always leave the door open for yourself to try new things. Best of luck, Aussie

Thanks for your advice - I have always thought about going, but as I have said opening up that door usually brings such stress - which brings pain -- so I have tried for so long to do this on my own. But honestly, I am going to try some different things - and this looks like one of them. We lived is OZ years ago down in Melbourne. What a wonderful country you have!

[Sallysblooms]

What is an Integrative MD. I have gone through menopause and have thought of taking natural hormones - but I have never heard of that test. Is it a blood test?

As for the B12 and Vit D - yes they have been tested by blood and also at the cell level. My Vit D was really low, which is crazy because I live in Arizona. The B's were ok - on the low end of normal - but I take a B shot nearly every week for the past couple of years, and I can say that helps me sooo much! I feel more energetic and helps my PN also
Thanks for the advice - look forward to your reply.
Tina

Neurotransmitters can be tested with blood and saliva (all day test, you do it four times during a day) Cortisol, seratonin, etc. It can pinpoint problems and help so much!!!! A safe way, no meds!

Yes, I take bio identical hormones and pregnenalone, 7 Keto DHEA. Amazing for me! I get blood and saliva testing to make sure my levels are all good and balanced. I had migraines for years and all I needed was the right balance of hormones. What a terrible waste of time that was caused by doctors that didn't understand what to do. A real shame. Thankfully, there are wonderful integrative MD's that know so much more.

[Liftyourhands7]

Hi Tina,
For many years I have struggled with depression and having PN has certainly not helped with that situation, I know stress does make this condition worse, so try, as hard as it might be, to be as stress free as possible. Someone else posted here that her faith has helped her, this is true for me as well, I know Jesus loves me and cares about my condition, I suffer from full body SFSN and it is very, very, painful at times, I am never free from it's affects, so I pray and trust Him to get me through, the Bible says to Live One Day at a time, so that's what I try to do, that's all we have anyway so I try not to think about what this PN will be like a year from now, Now don't get me wrong I still get scared sometimes and ask for practical advice, but I try not to stay hung up on what might happen to me in the future, I ask questions from these good people on the forum when I start to get symptoms I don't understand, then I do what I can to move forward. Talking to your Doctor about your depression can be a good start, good diet, exercising, moving those muscles helps circulation, massage can also be very helpful. I hope you start to feel better soon. I will pray for you! Blessings, Jan

Luke 1:37 For Nothing is impossible with God.

[llatucker]

I struggle with depression also. I don't have any advice to offer, but I can offer prayers for you . Best of luck, Laura from Arkansas

[APJH]

Originally Posted by Tinaanne56

Have any of you gotten help from counseling - to me it seems like if I talk it makes things worse I try to stay positive and maybe I'm asking too much of myself
Any ideas?
Tina

Hi Tina. I was diagnosed with SFN one year ago but have suffered from its effects for 2-3 years before diagnosis. I have managed to ward off depression, but have certainly shed some tears over my situation (living in a city where I must walk everywhere and finding it harder and harder to do so).

I found a psychologist who specializes in chronic pain conditions. I see her once a week for 45 min. Knowing what she does about living with chronic pain, she really helps me deal with my frustration and confusion. Sometimes it's just good to talk to a pro.

The website Psychology Today has a section called Therapy Directory, where you can search for therapists by zip code or by state. Each therapist has a "profile" page that lists all their specialties & what insurance they accept. The website also lists group therapy sessions in different cities. Perhaps you'll be able to find someone near you who can help.

http://therapists.psychologytoday.co...rof_search.php

All the best to you!
APJH