Question - Does CP = thin? - Does it = Depression?

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone. Hope this day finds you in good spirits!

I know it sound like a stupid question, but I thought I'd lose weight

the more I hurt and I haven't lost much. However, I that may be

related to my obsession to be skinny having an opposite effect. You

see I have had bulimia in the past, and although I am not a

" practicing " bulimic at the moment, the gorging effect is still a

re-occurrence... with disastrous effects as you can imagine... Is

anyone here in a smiliar situation? Is everybody here thin because of CP?

I know I suffer from depression and anxiety, and it's been worse since

the car accident that caused my CP. I don't mean to be personal, and

no one needs answers this, but I was wondering if it has caused some

people to be depressed, which in turn has made people take even more

medication....

I'm just asking because I have so many pills to take. And it's not

something that I want people around me to know about, it's quite

embarrassing and I'm wondering if I'm alone out here.

Just wondering. Thanks!

Brigitte

[Guest guest]

First of all you are never alone. Not only are we with you but your

higher power is always with you. I have cystic fibrosis and cp. with

many other complications from my CF. Depression, is absolutely great. I

do take medication and wish now that I had never started it. I am trying

to get off the Zoloft now and it is not easy. I had to go on disability

a year ago after 33 years of being a nurse consultant, (a job that I

literally loved). However, God always opens another door. I am able

after a year post cp diagnosis to start my own business and do just what

I want to do and maintain my disability.

I don't know if CP=thin. I am thin only 72 #. As yourself I have

battled an ED for many years. It came back with a vengeance when I got

CP. I think only because it was so hard to deal with another disease for

me. My coping had a little to be desired. You can make it with support

from groups like this and I am praying for you now in my morning prayers.

Take care and write back. Deb

[Guest guest]

Hi Brigitte, My CP had me very depressed, but I talked to my MD about

it and I started to take Paxil. Had some bad side-effects so I tried

Prozac and it works like a dream. When people hear that I have CP and

see my attitude about life is still upbeat, Ijust smile and know its

definetly the Prozac. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I live in

Vermont and my family is spread out in Florida, Connecticut and New

Jersey. I have been in the hospital alone many times, nothing more

depressing than to have a CP attack and get hospitalzed alone. Also,

the side effects of most painkillers include depression, so keep that

in mind also. Good luck and best of health...Jim

[Guest guest]

Brigitte,

Those of us with CP seem to fall into two different weight catagories.

Either there are those of us that suffer from malabsorption and are

too thin, (at one time I was down to 98 lbs. and I'm 5'-8 " ....skeletal

looking), or others, (who also suffer from malabsorption), and are

heavier than they should be, based on height and frame. Strangely

enough, I've seen very few people with CP who aren't on one side or

the other from their " ideal " weight.

A high percentage of us are being treated for depression, and are on

medication to treat our depression. Depression is not uncommon for

individuals who suffer from chronic medical problems, whether it be

chronic pain or a disease like diabetes. Fortunately, most of us have

doctors that understand this, and are compassionate and sympathetic to

our need for some medical assistance to help us overcome the

depression that a chronic illness causes. Personally, I've been on an

antidepressant called Lexapro for the last three and a half years.

So if you feel like an important part of your " diet " is pills for one

thing or another, don't feel alone in this.....most of us are in the

same boat, and no one here will chastize or criticise you because of

your medicinal needs.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/pancreatitis/

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should

not be substituted for professional medical consultation.