Are you feeling that you don't really know what to do with yourself staying home without focus? That while you have things to do, the structure of work was a better anchor? Because I get the feeling you are saying something like that, that you kinda wish the doc would send you back on light duty.

Well, why not? If you're feeling physically well, and can physically do your work, maybe that's what you need?

Also, Valium is a real depressant, and can be contributing to your depression. It's not a great muscle relaxant, but is a great cns depressant. So if you're (not anxious, you might want to get off it.

The Zoloft can take a few weeks to really kick in.

(I was back to work in 4 weeks after my fusion in February. I had a comfortable chair, which was the most important part. I'm not sure I would have wanted to stay home longer, not to mention the fact that I need the income. )

LizaJane

Yeah, I think I just need to be around more people, and have a little more of my old lifestyle back. My family thinks I am crazy to think I can go back to work now, but I think a 4 hour day would be do-able. I see my surgeon 9/22, and am so tempted to change the date, and see if he will send me back to work on light duty. I think my boss will be very accommodating, because he is a great man, and he also had back surgery a couple of years ago!
Thanks for the post, and hope your fusion is behaving, and doing what it is supposed to do. I think what they do to us is pretty techy, and amazing!
Carolyn

Hello,
I too was on valium 3x a day after my spinal fusion in june and as soon as they switched me to lyrica the crying stoppd?? I have never taken valium prior to the surgery. Glad to hear your surgery went well, my pain is worse then before (back) and now have severe leg pain in legs....my doctor orfered a nerve coduction study?? The Lyrica helps the leg pain but I feel like I just left the bar at closing time right after I take it

Sorry to hear your feeling blue, Carolyn, but great to hear that your better physically! If the increase in zoloft doesn't help, you might consider changing the valium. Unless you've used it before without this reaction.

Hope it all gets straightened out soon, and you're back to the wonderful life of painfree living!

Take care.

Hi Carolyn,
I had fusion Sept.5 and have some depression according to my family doc.
Mine did start back in July when I lost my husband to cancer. I knew I was needing this surgery then, but I had to wait until I thought I was ready for it. As you know surgery is a big adjustment and I just couldn't handle it for a while. Doc put me on Alprazolam for anxiety. I also took Cymbalta for depression and neuropathy, but had to stop it temporily (sp) because of leg pain and take something else. I don't want to take these meds any longer than necessory.

You have the right idea.Get out all you can and enjoy life. I plan to when things get back to normal. Loosing a husband is hard too and now I am in the process of selling our home and farm. I have a saying: If God brings you to it, He will bring you threw it. It is working for me and you sound like a strong person to me. You will be ok and we will pray for you to keep positive.
Hugs,
Billie

Billie, I have kept you in my thoughts and prayers, also! What you have been through in the last few months, I admire your strength, and don't know how you have handled everything. Especially losing your husband. I hope you are doing ok, and not too lonely. I think that would be the hardest to deal with? How are you feeling physically, since your surgery? Is your church still helping you? What kind of fusion did you have?

I quit taking all of the drugs except my antidepressants. I took alprolozam (SP?) for a few days to help with the anxiety. I found that drug to help the most. I do not think Valium was good for me. It is funny (ha, ha) how some people react differently to different drugs.
I did see my surgeon this week, and he released me to part-time limited duty work for 6 weeks. I have been to work the last 2 days, and I feel so much better, mentally, and am feeling good physically, also. I think I just needed part of my "normal" life back. The depression has gotten much better!

I hope selling your home does not become too difficult, and makes things easier for you.

I am also praying and pulling for you, and hope you get better every day. Keep us posted, and I will look forward to hearing from you!
Carolyn

Carolyn, I woke up this morning with severe back and leg pain. All meds have worn off. I can stand the pain. The slight's move makes it hard to think! People that have never been like this before, ought to get on there knee's and thank God for the blessing. I've got it all iced down now and hopefully time will help pull me threw.I find it very hard to think this is hernia. Whatever it is I must have it fixed, even if it means more surgery.

Yes, it is very difficult to get things done without Bob around. We would have been married 47 years this Sept 26. I dread the holidays most of all. I have been busy though and can't dwell on the past at this time. I have people coming this morning to make another bid on the house & farm. The Bible says He will never give us more than we can do, so I am standing on that promise.
I do hope you get better each day as time goes by so fast. Stop and smell the roses and reflect on all the good days God gives us.
Best Wishes,
Billie