[wildcovey]

Do many sufferers of SFN that use this board battle depression issues. If so what recommendations or experiences could you share?

[St George 2013]

I'm only 16 months into this SFN journey and I'm right there with you.

My depression is getting worse along with the pain. I am now looking for a pain mgmt. doctor. I would like one that has additional services like mental health.

Maybe we can get some suggestions from the others on here.

Take care.

Debi from Georgia

[glenntaj]

--with chronic illnesses, especially those that produce pain, do have bouts with depression, which, to me, makes perfect sense: if one is told that one's suffering is from unknown cause for which there is no good treatment--just "bearing it"--or, maybe even worse, if one is told one's suffering is "all in one's head", one is bound to get depressed. Bad life circumstances cause depression, although often this lessens with time and adjustment. As Dr. Smith has pointed out, these circumstances mirror those of mourning for the loss of a loved one; in this case one is mourning the loss of one's former life.

There is the unfortunate tendency among some doctors, of course, to think that the depression is the CAUSE, rather then the RESULT, of this suffering. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had to (in my case, rather heatedly) tell certain ignorant health professionals that OF COURSE I was depressed--who wouldn't be with intractable pain that no one seemed able to help with? I'm fortunate that in the most acute part of my neuropathic attack Neurontin worked enough for me that my pain receded to tolerable levels at which I could function, and that with time my condition has considerably ameliorated. But I hear tales all the time of people whose condition was blamed on their depression and not the other way around.

[zkrp01]

Hi wildcovey, The great sense of loss was the worst for me. It felt like I was circling the drain. My old life was gone and I was deep into feeling sorry for myself. All the things that I had planned for my retirement, fishing, golf, motorcycle,the things that were to fill my days were now useless. They are still useless but I guess that I have changed. They say that time heals all wounds, so give yourself time. I suppose it is some small consolation that you can almost always find something to be thankful for as long as you are drawing breaths. It sounds corny but count your blessings.
find someone that you can help and that can help you. If only to ***** and vent. If there is a way to reduce external stressors, that may help. I have to remind myself often to quit sweating the small stuff and it is all small stuff,haha. If you have a lot of physical pain, that needs to be addressed.It is hard to get better when you are in agony. Write back and tell us your symptoms. How much pain are you in? Good luck Ken in Texas.

[wildcovey]

Thanks for the openness and suggestions. I'm not in huge amounts of pain just dealing with bodily changes and crazy symptoms of exhaustion, some pain, numbness, tingling and sleep issues. I'm 41 and in good health but just scared because I want to continue to work and provide for my kids growing up. I have the best wife and great kids. I understand I will make sacrifices and give things I love to do and that is fine. I'm eating good and taking supplements and hoping to slow down the progression or manage the symptoms. My diagnosis so far has been idiopathic SFN. All normal tests so far.

Just a question, are most folks on anti-depressants and do a lot of the people still continue to work and be productive in society?

Tony
Missouri

[Dr. Smith]

I'm going to be trite (again).

Knowledge is power, and understanding what is happening to us (psychogically—if not physically) and being able to recognize it for what it is can be very empowering.

In this case, depression is a part of two phenomena.
The Kübler-Ross Stages of Grief as applied to chronic illness, and
The Vicious Cycle of Pain, Depression, and sometimes other factors.

In both cases, the depression—if secondary to pain/grief and not primary—can often/usually be overcome, thought it's not easy, and like pain and other symptoms, there can be ups & downs, and recurrence.

http://tinyurl.com/2c642oa

Doc

[zkrp01]

Hi wildcovey, If you lurk and read you will evemtually get a picture of how people manage their symptoms. Do you know your B-12 number? 400+ is recommended. This could be associated w/ exhaustion and muscle funtion. Also if i remember right there is a lot of anti-siezure medications used for nerve pain.(Gabapentine). Not so much anti-depressants for depression. I am currently ramping down to see if I can get off Gabapentin as it didn't do me much good initially. If you have tenderness on top of your feet(maybe at night) I can recommend Morton Epsom Salts Lotion. This info is all courtesy of Mrs.D and Dr. Smith and many others that given discoveries, failures and research to all of us here. I used to be unable to step up onto the sidewalk. Now I can without much difficulty(using a walker) so there is progress to be made.One of the hardest things to do is not worry about things that have not yet happened. You will read and learn to exercise to tolerance. You are doing the right things, so try to not worry about your future, What can you do to help yourself today? 'Cause that is the best for your family also. Best of luck Ken in Texas.

[Aussie99]

For me it was anxiety. I suffered bad anxiety and started having panic attacks after I came down with PN. I was also told my symptoms were caused by my anxiety and there wasn't anything wrong with me.

Sometimes I also felt anger and frustration. And I would get angry that I no longer could do the things I wanted to do. Then I would force myself to be happy again by reminding myself that these emotions while perfectly natural are counter productive to my recovery and health.

I would often watch movies mostly comedies. Laughter is good medicine.

[St George 2013]

Originally Posted by wildcovey

Thanks for the openness and suggestions. I'm not in huge amounts of pain just dealing with bodily changes and crazy symptoms of exhaustion, some pain, numbness, tingling and sleep issues. I'm 41 and in good health but just scared because I want to continue to work and provide for my kids growing up. I have the best wife and great kids. I understand I will make sacrifices and give things I love to do and that is fine. I'm eating good and taking supplements and hoping to slow down the progression or manage the symptoms. My diagnosis so far has been idiopathic SFN. All normal tests so far.

Just a question, are most folks on anti-depressants and do a lot of the people still continue to work and be productive in society?

Tony
Missouri

My 2nd post to you and I am in a much better mood

I've taken anti-depressants for a number of years and worked until I was laid off in 2012. I've only had to change once after 7 years on one because it was not helping anymore. I am currently on 40 mg of Paxil, I was on 20 mg until this started last May and my PCP upped me to 40.

I could tell a difference right away when I started taking them (happier, not as quick to react negatively and so on). And the co-workers, employees especially appreciated that I sought help (of course my husband was ecstatic...lol)

Hope this info helps....there are any kinds out there but I was lucky enough to get it right the first time.....7 years was a good run on one I think

Take care and keep us posted.

Debi from Georgia

[hopeful]

I am on Wellbutrin. My doctor said it helps with the pain but I'm not so sure.
I also see a therapist who focuses on pain management. She use to run groups for pain patients. She is really good. I also meditate. The therapist made me tapes. Meditation helps give me piece of mind.

I go in and out of feeling depressed. I think if someone in chronic pain didn't then something would be wrong. I still long for the life I use to have but not as much anymore. Just know the stages do not happen in the format in the book. They can happen different ways for everyone.

I try to thank God for what I do have everyday. I have a lot of good things in my life. Sure the pain sucks but I'm learning to deal.

That being said I've been at this for 6 years. Give yourself time. Cry if you need to. Talk to your family about how you feel. Let them know your fears.

Keep coming here. The people here have helped me tremendously. It's nice to talk to people who understand!