Chronic Pain & Depression

[Guest guest]

Chronic pain will usually result in depression.

Whether it's thoughts of the pain itself or thoughts of a reduction in

activities we did enjoy and can no longer enjoy. It could be our lack of

mobility in some cases, having to quit working, financial stress, stress in

marriage due to illness, increase in weight leading to a lowered self-image,

boredom or a feeling of aloneness. It can be a direct result of certain

medications.

Dodge just posted about the high level of anxiety before a visit to a pain

doctor. The list goes on and on. I know that I have almost all of the

reasons I listed!

What can we do to help? Talk to your doctor(s). Make sure it is understood

that you feel this way. Maybe an anti-depressant could help. If you are

able, some exercise can help - even if you just walk to the corner mailbox.

If you can't walk, try one of those pedal devices that allow you to

" bicycle " while sitting.

Just sitting outside in the fresh air and sunshine can help. Talk to a

neighbor or friend even if it's just about the weather. Being isolated from

others will make you feel worse.

Most libraries have free programs such as reading groups, craft or hobby

activities. Perhaps you could even volunteer, maybe reading to a children's

group. My library is having a free program - " Preventing Falls for Seniors "

and I'm considering signing up for a bus trip in November to the Culinary

Institute and Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, NY.

Just making an effort to try something new can alleviate depression.

Dorothy

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of savannahhipchick

Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 11:20 PM

Subject: [ ] Re: questions about ra

Hi ,

I think everyone with chronic pain has some depression and anxiety.

Hyperlipidemia is associated with an increased risk of RA.

Hypermobile joints are at higher risk for arthritis but I think osteo.

Asthma and allergies can also fit in the picture, esp. for Psoriatic

Arthritis.

Don't know about the other conditions. Best of luck.

>

> Hey gang! I love this board! I was diagnosed with ra in June of this

> year. When I was filling out my medical history at the rheumy's they

> were asking things like depression, anxiety, mitral valve prolapse and

> a whole list of other disorders. So it got me to wondering are these

> all tied to ra because I noticed the dr making notes as we talked about

> these things. I have depression, anxiety, mvp, hyermobile joint

> syndrome, benign essential tremors, hyperlipidemia, asthma and

> allergies. Does anybody have this host of " disorders " ? Or am I just a

> nut job?

>

> Anyways I just wanted to know if anyone had any opinions or information

> on this. Thanks for the input.

>

> I pray for painfree days for everybody.

>

> wendy