Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 Hi Gale- you are depressed you say. Have you spoken to your doctor about what's happening? I would do that first but, counseling is great too whether or not you need meds. This is a viscious disease and it is hard to cope with it and all the things that are happening...Are you on oxygen? Medication? How were you diagnosed? Do you have family? If so, are they close? Have you talked to anyone about being sick? Where do you live? Joyce Rudy AZ birds Newby Hi all, I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 Gale, Welcome to the group. I am sorry to have to welcome you. I wish with all my heart that none of us had any use for a group like this but since you had reason to look for us, I'm glad you found us. To answer your question...it's difficult to say as we are all so different but it's likely a combination of physical and emotional factors that are making your life so very difficult. Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating diagnosis. It affects one of our bodies most basic functions, breathing. Of course you are more easily stressed. I'm 50 years old and I have not been able to work since I was diagnosed at age 46. The struggle to get enough oxygen can affect your level of fatigue and your mood. You are likely much more easily frustrated than you used to be. I know I am. I have less patience, my short term memory is affected and at times I feel very depressed. If you are on any medications they can affect your mood and overall outlook also. Most of us here in the group either currently take anti-depressants or have taken them in the past. Many of us see counselors to help us cope with all that is on our plates. Even if your issues are "merely emotional" as you say, that does not make them any less real. Your life has been turned upside down and inside out by this disease. Don't hesitate to seek help and try to find ways to reduce your levels of stress. There are lots of us here with many different family situations and we've all found or are in the process of finding ways of coping. We help each other, make suggestions and just listen and offer support. I'm glad you are here Gale. Feel free to ask anything you want. Beth Moderator Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08 To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 6:57:01 PMSubject: Newby Hi all, I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 Gale - Most of us have been through these beginning stages, some of us more traumatically than others. We are hear to listen and advise. Feel free to tap ito us whenever you need. Many of the people on this board have helped me through some really schizophrenic episodes. The voice of reason comes through loud and clear, with no judgement. I need this board because my family has accepted the diagnosis, but just doesn't want to hear about it. I have petty gripes about doctors and " dumb " questions. They have always been there for me and continue to be a beacon for me. They remind me that I do not have an expiration date. I am responsible for my own quality of life and I have to in many cases demand same from my doctors and other prividers. Do not hesitate to seek professional help with the depression. Know that some medications can also cause depression. Stay on top of it and take control. This board is open 24/7 and you will usually get a response within 6-10 hours. Hang in there and know that many of us are with you through all of your trials. I was originally diagnosed in 2006 with Interstitial Lung Disease and kinda let out to dry by a pulmonologist. This board has been very helpful in finding out exactly what I have by recommending 'centers of excellence'. The doctors at the center of excellence that I went to also reaffirmed everything I have learned here about life expectancy (not known for sure), quality of life (pulmonary rehab and some drug treatments can be helpful) as well as a positive attitude. Stefani 61 year old Utahn NSIP (fibrotic) 10/2009, Diabetes II 2/2006, Sleep Apnea 4/2009 > > Hi Gale- you are depressed you say. Have you spoken to your doctor about what's happening? I would do that first but, counseling is great too whether or not you need meds. This is a viscious disease and it is hard to cope with it and all the things that are happening...Are you on oxygen? Medication? How were you diagnosed? Do you have family? If so, are they close? Have you talked to anyone about being sick? Where do you live? Joyce Rudy AZ birds > Newby > > > > > Hi all, > > I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 Gale There are physical aspects of it that would lead to depression and anxiety. When you're out of breath you get anxious. When you are fatigued physically you get depressed more easily and have fewer coping skills. You may not be sleeping well, which sure impacts emotional well being. My counselor has a theory, although unsubstantiated at this point but it seems sound, that for many of us depression and/or anxiety may precede the diagnosis. I certainly think for those of us diagnosed later than we should have been that is true. I know I just couldn't do things I had been able to before. My mental health counselor insisted for quite a while that there was a physical problem not being diagnosed. She was quite right. One of the reasons for her theory on diseases like PF is that there is extensive evidence that many diabetics experience mental health issues in the year before diagnosis. Often we find issues dismissed as being mental and an underlying physical cause not diagnosed as early as it could have been. > > Hi all, > > I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 I have mentioned it to my pulmonologist and he gave me an anti anxiety drug to use prn. I use a C-pap at night as I was diagnosed with sleep apnea after PF. O2 does help at night but I am still very tired and sleep alot. I have a very fast paced job that I am tring to keep up with and therefore, I feel isolated so tired because I need so much rest. I do have a sister that lives in the neighborhood, however, I do not believe she understands the pressures so I try not to mention it anymore. To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 6:45:21 PMSubject: Re: Newby Hi Gale- you are depressed you say. Have you spoken to your doctor about what's happening? I would do that first but, counseling is great too whether or not you need meds. This is a viscious disease and it is hard to cope with it and all the things that are happening... Are you on oxygen? Medication? How were you diagnosed? Do you have family? If so, are they close? Have you talked to anyone about being sick? Where do you live? Joyce Rudy AZ birds Newby Hi all, I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 Hi Gale, Welcome to the group, and I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. When you said that your pulmonologist gave you a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication, that got my attention, as I too suffer from depression. There is a great deal of difference between an anti-anxiety drug and an antidepressant. An antidepressant that is suited to you will help you cope more calmly with your situation, and in short, be yourself. An anti-anxiety medication will, very briefly, ease your mind somewhat, but won't do anything towards relieving the all-day feelings of helplessness you feel. Only an antidepressant and/or counseling can help those of us suffering from depression. Taking an antidepressant (in my case Imipramine) helps me feel normal and takes the edge off of everyday life. You will be surprised at how much better you can feel with adequate help. Take care of yourself. Jerry/;Mississippi/54/IPF/dx April 05Who believes that hard times help us appreciate the good times even more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 Jerry, You are fortunate that you have found an anti-depressant that works for you. With the help of a psychiatrist I have tried 4 different medications and could not physically tolerate any of them. I never got past day 5 with any of them. My intestines were in an uproar or I had nausea...none of that helped my anxiety at all. In fact I've concluded that trying to find an anti- depressant/anti anxiety medication that might work for me has added to my level of anxiety and stress...that's just counterproductive in my non-medical opinion. So, I'll keep going for sessions with the psychologist and work really hard at the relaxation exercises. I don't need more stress! Z fibriotic NSIP/05 Z 65, fibriotic NSIP/05/PA And “mild” PH/10/07 No, NSIP was not self-inflicted…I never smoked! Potter, reader,carousel lover and MomMom to Darah and Sara “I’m gonna be iron like a lion in Zion” Bob Marley Vinca Minor-periwinkle is my flower Jerry Brown wrote: Hi Gale, Welcome to the group, and I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. When you said that your pulmonologist gave you a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication, that got my attention, as I too suffer from depression. There is a great deal of difference between an anti-anxiety drug and an antidepressant. An antidepressant that is suited to you will help you cope more calmly with your situation, and in short, be yourself. An anti-anxiety medication will, very briefly, ease your mind somewhat, but won't do anything towards relieving the all-day feelings of helplessness you feel. Only an antidepressant and/or counseling can help those of us suffering from depression. Taking an antidepressant (in my case Imipramine) helps me feel normal and takes the edge off of everyday life. You will be surprised at how much better you can feel with adequate help. Take care of yourself. Jerry/;Mississippi/54/IPF/dx April 05 Who believes that hard times help us appreciate the good times even more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 I'm medication resistant to most psychiatric meds as well. They fall into groups of strong reactions such as stomach or dizziness or vision or head and others causing the opposite of their intent. > > > > > > Hi Gale, > > Welcome to the group, and I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. When > > you said that your pulmonologist gave you a prescription for an > > anti-anxiety medication, that got my attention, as I too suffer from > > depression. There is a great deal of difference between an > > anti-anxiety drug and an antidepressant. An antidepressant that is > > suited to you will help you cope more calmly with your situation, and > > in short, be yourself. An anti-anxiety medication will, very briefly, > > ease your mind somewhat, but won't do anything towards relieving the > > all-day feelings of helplessness you feel. > > > > Only an antidepressant and/or counseling can help those of us > > suffering from depression. Taking an antidepressant (in my case > > Imipramine) helps me feel normal and takes the edge off of everyday > > life. You will be surprised at how much better you can feel with > > adequate help. Take care of yourself. > > > > Jerry/;Mississippi/54/IPF/dx April 05 > > > > Who believes that hard times help us appreciate the good times even more. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 Bruce,I never knew about the diabetes factor. I was diagnosed w/type 2 it seems like forever ago. I had the cough since late 2006 and had a pulmodude tell me that there was nothing to do about the cough(even though my lung biopsy showed ILD) Thank you for that info, and for this whole groupKathySubject: Re: NewbyTo: Breathe-Support Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009, 5:12 PM Gale There are physical aspects of it that would lead to depression and anxiety. When you're out of breath you get anxious. When you are fatigued physically you get depressed more easily and have fewer coping skills. You may not be sleeping well, which sure impacts emotional well being. My counselor has a theory, although unsubstantiated at this point but it seems sound, that for many of us depression and/or anxiety may precede the diagnosis. I certainly think for those of us diagnosed later than we should have been that is true. I know I just couldn't do things I had been able to before. My mental health counselor insisted for quite a while that there was a physical problem not being diagnosed. She was quite right. One of the reasons for her theory on diseases like PF is that there is extensive evidence that many diabetics experience mental health issues in the year before diagnosis. Often we find issues dismissed as being mental and an underlying physical cause not diagnosed as early as it could have been. > > Hi all, > > I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 Kathy It seems many underestimate the impact in both directions between physicial and mental problems. I'm very fortunate to have a counselor very well versed in many areas such as the impacts on memory and thinking. One thing I think is too common is that once you're found to suffer from depression or anxiety, some doctors tend to blame everything on them rather than looking diligently for any physical cause. > > > > > > Hi all, > > > > > > I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with > > stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, > > particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely > > emotional? > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 Bruce, So, What advice do you have beside what I'm already doing? Most days are fine..it's those very anxious days when nothing seems to work. I do have 2mg Valium that I've been prescribed but I don't like taking it too often. It just zonks me out ..the problems are still there...you know what I mean? My psychologist is open to phone calls and even email which helps and I see her now on a somewhat regular basis. She has given me many relaxation tools but they don't always work. Suggestions? Z fibriotic NSIP/05 Z 65, fibriotic NSIP/05/PA And “mild” PH/10/07 No, NSIP was not self-inflicted…I never smoked! Potter, reader,carousel lover and MomMom to Darah and Sara “I’m gonna be iron like a lion in Zion” Bob Marley Vinca Minor-periwinkle is my flower Bruce wrote: I'm medication resistant to most psychiatric meds as well. They fall into groups of strong reactions such as stomach or dizziness or vision or head and others causing the opposite of their intent. > > > > > > Hi Gale, > > Welcome to the group, and I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. When > > you said that your pulmonologist gave you a prescription for an > > anti-anxiety medication, that got my attention, as I too suffer from > > depression. There is a great deal of difference between an > > anti-anxiety drug and an antidepressant. An antidepressant that is > > suited to you will help you cope more calmly with your situation, and > > in short, be yourself. An anti-anxiety medication will, very briefly, > > ease your mind somewhat, but won't do anything towards relieving the > > all-day feelings of helplessness you feel. > > > > Only an antidepressant and/or counseling can help those of us > > suffering from depression. Taking an antidepressant (in my case > > Imipramine) helps me feel normal and takes the edge off of everyday > > life. You will be surprised at how much better you can feel with > > adequate help. Take care of yourself. > > > > Jerry/;Mississippi/54/IPF/dx April 05 > > > > Who believes that hard times help us appreciate the good times even more. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2009 Report Share Posted November 8, 2009 It's tough when you find you're resistant to the meds. The fact that 2 mg of Valium which is a small psychiatric dosage zonks you out shows that. My similar is that many here take Xanax but it will put me completely out, even the smallest dosage. Typically, psychiatrists will explore different families of meds. For instance, if current anti-anxiety meds haven't worked, they may try some duel depression/anxiety meds or different ones such as Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro. With anti-depressants, if SSRI's have been problematic, they may go to Wellbutrin. The other place they might go is to older families of meds. This would include tricyclides that they've mostly gotten away from prescribing, such as Elavil and Doxepin. There are also distinctly different approaches to counseling. Your psychiatrist might even recommend someone who specializes in a different school of thought. Last, maybe you don't give yourself credit for managing it as well as you do. You seem to turn to your doctor when you need to and you speak of anxious " days " when nothing seems to work. Many of us will continue to have those " days " but what we're succeeding at it not letting them turn into multiple days or weeks. Sometimes concentrating on how one recovers from the down day rather than expecting to be able to avoid it all together helps. I will sometimes just accept it but say to myself, I'm going to get up and out tomorrow and its going to be a good day. When I go to sleep tonight, this day is over. One other thing, since the valium appears to benefit you some, just maybe a bit too much, is to vary the dosage. Maybe even just 1 mg. For me, counseling has been the key. Now, I do take a sleep med, Ambien CR and I also take Wellbutrin XL which we honestly don't even know if its doing anything. It's just the only anti-depressant or anti-anxiety I tolerated out of around 25 tried and at one time did seem to help. Ambien CR was after at least a dozen other sleep meds. The problems I encountered were generally stomach, sometimes vision or dizziness or tremors and quite often a med that would have the exact opposite of the desired benefit. But I've had so many strange reactions to drugs of this nature. I've had them range from one that gave me all the symptoms of Parkinsons to one that made me sweat profusely to one anti-anxiety that was like speed to me, to an anti-anxiety that made me sleep for 23 out of 25 hours, to a sleep med that caused vision problems and a carb craving that could not be satisfied (you think Prednisone causes weight gains, try that one) to sleep meds that would make me sleep every other night but I'd go 40 hours between sleeping to sleep meds that would give me two hours per night. Sleep has long been an issue for me. Last time I tried with no med, I slept one hour in three nights. I've found meds that have typically worked for several years and then stopped. > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Gale, > > > > Welcome to the group, and I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. When > > > > you said that your pulmonologist gave you a prescription for an > > > > anti-anxiety medication, that got my attention, as I too suffer from > > > > depression. There is a great deal of difference between an > > > > anti-anxiety drug and an antidepressant. An antidepressant that is > > > > suited to you will help you cope more calmly with your situation, > > and > > > > in short, be yourself. An anti-anxiety medication will, very > > briefly, > > > > ease your mind somewhat, but won't do anything towards relieving the > > > > all-day feelings of helplessness you feel. > > > > > > > > Only an antidepressant and/or counseling can help those of us > > > > suffering from depression. Taking an antidepressant (in my case > > > > Imipramine) helps me feel normal and takes the edge off of everyday > > > > life. You will be surprised at how much better you can feel with > > > > adequate help. Take care of yourself. > > > > > > > > Jerry/;Mississippi/54/IPF/dx April 05 > > > > > > > > Who believes that hard times help us appreciate the good times even > > more. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2009 Report Share Posted November 8, 2009 Gale...I'll jump in here w/Jerry...I too deal with depression, I think the majority of us here do as well. I use Cymbalta...a life saver for me! I changed meds when I fell into the donut hole with my insurance last year. Couldn't afford the horrific cost anymore. Went on something else, don't remember now, but I began a chilling downward spiral into a dark hole! Long story but did finally go back on Cymbalta ( i remember now, it was a new year, 2009). I began to crawl upwards again and I swore I will never again go without it. I will find someway of paying for it! Take care of you do what you need to do. We here 'get it' when a member needs anti-ANYTHING! btw, WELCOME to our group. You are in the best place you can be as we battle our common disease. MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Re: Newby Hi Gale, Welcome to the group, and I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. When you said that your pulmonologist gave you a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication, that got my attention, as I too suffer from depression. There is a great deal of difference between an anti-anxiety drug and an antidepressant. An antidepressant that is suited to you will help you cope more calmly with your situation, and in short, be yourself. An anti-anxiety medication will, very briefly, ease your mind somewhat, but won't do anything towards relieving the all-day feelings of helplessness you feel. Only an antidepressant and/or counseling can help those of us suffering from depression. Taking an antidepressant (in my case Imipramine) helps me feel normal and takes the edge off of everyday life. You will be surprised at how much better you can feel with adequate help. Take care of yourself. Jerry/;Mississippi/54/IPF/dx April 05Who believes that hard times help us appreciate the good times even more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2009 Report Share Posted November 8, 2009 Gale... I don't want to overlook your post but I don't think I can give you a pure answer to your question... We are all so different and react differently to the stress we carry. I'm not sure it's easy to separate physical from emotional. Stress is stress. In fact, do you know that the body doesn't know if we are having 'good stress' (anxious about a new job, trip, vacation etc) or bad stress. The body only feels 'stress' from whatever cause or form. Is there someone you can talk to? Have a chat w/your PCP...go see a therapist... then you will most likely get a feeling as to what is going on. You may be dealing with depression. That brings on easy tears and anxiety. Keep on keepin' on Gale and you'll begin to feel what direction (treatment?) you need. God bless you! MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Newby Hi all, I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2009 Report Share Posted November 8, 2009 Thanks Sher, I have decided I needed someone to talk to about this disease. I have located a place I an affod and am on waiting list for the person I would like to see there. There always a problem, she only takes appointments from 8-5 (when I am working). I will see if I an take couple of hours of vacation to make my app. Gale To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 8, 2009 3:02:19 PMSubject: Re: Newby Gale... I don't want to overlook your post but I don't think I can give you a pure answer to your question... We are all so different and react differently to the stress we carry. I'm not sure it's easy to separate physical from emotional. Stress is stress. In fact, do you know that the body doesn't know if we are having 'good stress' (anxious about a new job, trip, vacation etc) or bad stress. The body only feels 'stress' from whatever cause or form. Is there someone you can talk to? Have a chat w/your PCP...go see a therapist... then you will most likely get a feeling as to what is going on. You may be dealing with depression. That brings on easy tears and anxiety. Keep on keepin' on Gale and you'll begin to feel what direction (treatment?) you need. God bless you! MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Newby Hi all, I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Barbara, Welcome to Breathe Support. I'm sorry you had reason to look for a group like this but since you did I'm glad you found us. I think that over time you will find this to be a great group. We have many many members with a variety of different diagnosis. The thing we have in common is pulmonary fibrosis. We share information, support and friendship. Please feel free to ask any questions that come to mind, share your own story to whatever extent you are comfortable and in general just make yourself at home. I hope that you find some of the support and friendship here that I have. Beth Moderator Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08 To: Breathe-Support Sent: Mon, November 9, 2009 4:44:52 PMSubject: Newby Hi All,Just received my notification of acceptance to the group. Thanks. I would like to introduce myself and a little about me. 68yo Widow, cancer free of lymphoma for 5 years. Diagnosed with IPF 1 year ago and had a really rough year physically, emotionally and medically. Being told you have an incurable disease with no real treatments is a tough thing to hear. I will begin the process for Lung Transplant clearance within the next 2-3 weeks. I need all of your support, advise and anything else which may help.Again Thanks,Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2009 Report Share Posted November 20, 2009 Hi Gale, What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. I have had many crying spells from time-to-time. Diagnosis and living with a chronic (and fatal) condition is a huge stress. You are going through a major change in your body, mind and daily life. Having a chronic condition can drain your energy. No matter what disease or diseases you have, whatever you do demands more energy. When a chronic illness is present, the body is less efficient in its use of the energy reserved for every day activities. This is because some of your energy is used to help the body heal itself. I was diagnosed with IPF in May 09 and just this week applied for (part-time) disability from work, just can't handle the stress and energy it takes anymore. Hang in there, you're not alone! C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 3:57:01 PMSubject: Newby Hi all, I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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