More coping issues

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I need help coping with my husband's PSC! Lately, I feel like I am

going to fall apart. I make sure his doctor's appointments are

scheduled, his prescriptions are filled, he is prepared balanced

meals, I keep current with updated info on the disease, and whatever

else is necessary to keep him as healthy as possible. The problem

is up to now, he has had relatively little symptoms of the disease

other than a bout with jaundice and feeling a bit tired at times.

However, recently he has become very fatigued and seems to be

suffering from a form of depression. In the past thirteen months,

he has had two cholangitis attacks and apparently has been having

frequent indigestion and stomach upset. He has his regularly

scheduled appointment with his gastrointernist this coming Monday

and I plan to talk with the doctor, even if my husband objects. My

husband is giving the impression that he is giving up and has

accepted the fact that he will never be well again and that he will

die from this disease at an early age. I keep reminding him

that " the cup is half full " considering that he has most likely had

the disease for more than ten years and has been doing considerably

well as opposed to many others with the same disease. He has no

itching, pain or nausea. He does get bloated every now and then and

he has had some issues with swelling in the calves. In addition to

the PSC, he was recently diagnosed with Factor V Leiden Mutation and

a problem with his homocysteine levels in his blood. His fatigue is

the major issue at the present time, which is causing some marital

friction (not by choice). Intimacy has become something of thing of

the past due to his fatigue. Someone suggested he take Welbutrin

for the fatigue and depression. I'm not sure if he would go along

with that considering he hates taking prescription drugs unless

absolutely necessary. He is taking a high dosage of URSO and folic

acid. He also takes a multi vitamin daily. I am interested in

other options, possibly herbal. What is the significance of milk

thistle? Is it a liquid or in pill form? Any suggestions would be

greatly appreciated. I am coping....but I think I may need the

Welbutrin, too!

Sign me " A Desperate Housewife " (lol)

Janice