Re: Re: Al and anti-depressant

[Guest guest]

Hi Al:

I too was reluctant to bring up any conversation on

depression until my last doctor's visit and I am very

glad that I finally did talk to her about it. She

prescribed Effexor XR and it has really helped me.

Within the first few days, I could feel a difference

in my energy level, my family has noticed I am getting

less moody and my sense of humor is coming back. I am

sleeping much better and the pain is less because I am

more rested. I know how hard it was for me to admit

to this, I can only imagine it must be harder for a

man who is conditioned by society to be strong and not

to complain about such things as pain and depression,

but you really should do it. Depression and RA and

related immune system diseases seems to go hand in

hand - the chronic pain and fatigue exacerbate the

problem, and the medications we take can also

contribute to our emotional imbalance. The

frustration of never knowing from day to day how we

will feel takes its toll. I think we all have

experienced it to a certain degree and some of us need

more help for it with medication - that does not make

us weak but stronger for asking for help and doing

something about it rather than suffering in silence.

Please talk to your doctor about it and see what he

says.

Kathe in CA

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Al, that's exactly what happens to me! I just want to be left alone.

Dealing with pain at various levels day in and day out gets tiresome. When

I hurt, I shut my husband out (emotionally) and go in the bedroom to be

alone. It's not the best strategy if you want your marriage to thrive.

I'm sorry you're going through this, too. I'll let you know how the low

dose of Trazodone goes.

Hugs,

Carol

[ ] Re: Al and anti-depressant

Hi Kathe,

Thank you very much for the response. I am glad that the Effexor XR

is working so well for you.

For me, I just find myself getting into a funk. Not that I am overly

moody but just start zoning out and becoming very reclusive which, as

you can probably tell from my posts, isn't my normal disposition.

The pain and fatigue are what do me in over time. I can handle it

well most of the time, but there are times I just don't feel up. And,

it's difficult to quickly rebound.

What's great about our group is that you understand what I am saying.

It's hard to explain to someone who doesn't have the disease.

Thanks again Kathe. I hope you're having a great and pain-free day.

Al in IL