Depression

May 17, 2002

I've seen many different posts regarding meds, specific injuries,

illnesses, etc., but I'd like to know how many deal with depression.

There is no rhyme or reason to this illness and the age and specifics

differ from person to person.

I am 48 years old, was diagnosed with FM and CFS in 1997, had to quit

work in 99. I'm an empty nester-son - 21 and daughter - 23, moved out

in August of 2000 and I live alone. I find I have bouts of depression,

especially when I'm in pain or when I'm so tired I can barely move off

the sofa. I'm seeing a therapist, but can't see her every week because

of lack of money. Some days I don't even leave the apartment because

I'm too tired. I get depressed about anything and sometimes

everything. I've always wanted to get re-married. I raised my kids

alone from the ages of 2 1/2 and 4 months old. Dating while raising

them was difficult, so I put that on hold until my kids were older.

Well, they got older and I got FM and CFS and don't go out much. I

wasn't able to find a mate when I was younger, thinner and healthy, I

guess I can forget about ever finding someone now. Who would want to

start a relationship knowing he might have to take care of me?

How do you all deal with depression? Do you think you got the

depression after the fibro, because of the fibro or even had depression

before Fibro?

I've been to (far too) many doctors. I was sent to a neurologist about

a year ago. I started having tremors and my PCP said I had

Parkinsonism. Of course, this freaked me out. My rheumatologist was

nice enough to calm my fears and say I should see a neurologist and said

" Parkinsonism " is a term that really isn't used anymore and my PCP

shouldn't have said that. In seeing the neurologist, he assured me that

I didn't have Parkinsons Disease. I told him about my fibromyalgia and

he said that Fibromyalgia is depression manifesting itself in the

muscles. How weird is that? I'm glad I didn't have to go back to him.

I'm curious to know how you all deal with this.

Koala-t hugs,

Cathy

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