Re: PCP Says I May Be Suffering From Depression

[Guest guest]

LOL!-- or is it SOL--screaming out loud! Yep, is SOL..

Are you suffering from depression-- nope, depression is not the issue. Yep, you're sad that you have been given an illness that has no answers, and docs that have no time to learn about what you are going thru.

So they'll run the mri--- and more than likely it'll not show any granulomas. Most neurosarcs don't have plaques or granulomas-- we deal with vasculitis more often- and that is the reason that many of the signs and symptoms wax and wane. If the area that is being impinged today by blood vessel swelling, is still effected tomorrow, you may have the same symptoms for several days (weeks, months) in a row, then it's gone. The inflammation to that spot is lessened, and the problems associated with it have also lessened.

Many of us do need antidepressants-- more to normalize the effects of disrupted sleep cycles caused by constant pain. They help to balance the norephrinephrine and seratonin levels. That helps the pain and helps you sleep, and you're no where near as "depressed" after a decent nights sleep.

Does this disease effect our interpersonal relationships-- ahh, let me count the ways. Hmm, we've lost our jobs, our careers, our friendships (they all find that since they can't help us, it's better to move on, than to deal with their own issues around life and chronic illness and lord knows, we're all gonna be there someday.....) Finacially, our medications and months of seeing 3-5 "specialists" that have no answers runs afoul of the ultimate financial nightmare. So the answer must be in adding "another" medication to the mix..

One thing that we all need to be aware of -- and you all have heard my song on this one-- is that ALL the medications they put us on wipe out our B vitamins.

B's, Folic Acid, all help control our emotions. Glucophage, anti-psychotics, anti=inflammatories antibiotics, immunosuppressants-- all have that the B vitamins will be effected. So, you're not getting hit with this issue one time-- I was on 8 meds simultaneously that ALL wiped out the B's.

Now, B's are essential for helping build healthy red blood cells-- the ones that carry oxygen. So if you have a slight problem with low B's-- then you may have "mild" anemia-- so mild it may only show as a low red blood cell count- (not deficient, but "low") and you will be fatigued-- or short of breath, or confused, or exhausted and feeling "blah."

Next, if the red blood cell count is "low"-- you're not getting the oxygen you should have-- out to your body. In order to heal anything-- you have to have oxygen. (This is why hyperbaric chambers work-- kindof.)

I did a post on Methylation Cycle just a couple of weeks back, and it explains this issue in simple terms. I have methylation cycle depletion. We are working on "priming" my body's system to restart this important process. Without it, my body can't begin to utilize the B's-- in the way they should.

Please, print out these articles, and share them with your docs--

You will have to educate them-- and insist that they become "part of your team" as you learn about your illness. Tell them you are counting on them NOT to dismiss you as simply depressed. Instead of addressing symptoms- ask them to help you find out why there is "xx" problem. What is behind the symptom.

Symptoms are just signals that something is array. For me, it was the years (20+) of antibiotics, steroids (50+), antiinflamatories--(30+) immunosuppressants (30+) that tore me down. We have a few answers, and the recovery is not goign to be fast-- but it is possible.

My heart goes out to all of us, it's alot of work to be this ill--

Sincerely,

Tracie

NS C-owner/moderator

To: Neurosarcoidosis Cc: Kierra Maye ; Tonya Maye-McSwain Sent: Wed, June 9, 2010 2:27:46 PMSubject: PCP Says I May Be Suffering From Depression

Well, I went to see my PCP today after already being seen by my neurosurgeon, OB-GYN, ENT, pulmonologist and urologist this past month. My PCP's determination is that I may be suffering from depression (because of family, health and/or financial problems) and prescribed antidepressants. He also referred me to a neurologist (my former one, Dr. Yannakakis, retired) and is ordering an MRI of the brain to look for any brain sarc. Apparently, these were ordered because of my memory deficits and confusion. Of course, he asked if I have been depressed lately by a family member or if I had been feeling like I didn't want to live because of my health problems; and I told him I didn't feel depressed about my illness because I belonged to a support group and found that they are having similar problems. He did a mini-mental test in which I passed ... except for subtraction in my head. What next? I have explained all of my problems with all the docs and

even kept a record of pains and what sort of pains in what areas of the body I have been experiencing. I expressed to them that the pain is not "all the time" but comes on at any given time. I must say, I'm getting frustrated with them telling me that what I feel is not happening!!Just thought I'd let you guys know about my visit today!! Thank God you guys know what I'm going through -- otherwise, I WOULD think I'm coo-coo. Have a blessed evening and stay well.Always, L. -Maye (Baltimore)

[Guest guest]

When I was having Neuro problems, my doc asked me to do one thing, close my eyes and touch my nose, I couldn't, still can't. I then Made him do it, as I thought that's crazy no one can do it:)  He did no problem.  then he sent me to the Neurologist.  So give that a try.

Marla

 

Well, I went to see my PCP today after already being seen by my neurosurgeon, OB-GYN, ENT, pulmonologist and urologist this past month. My PCP's determination is that I may be suffering from depression (because of family, health and/or financial problems) and prescribed antidepressants. He also referred me to a neurologist (my former one, Dr. Yannakakis, retired) and is ordering an MRI of the brain to look for any brain sarc. Apparently, these were ordered because of my memory deficits and confusion. Of course, he asked if I have been depressed lately by a family member or if I had been feeling like I didn't want to live because of my health problems; and I told him I didn't feel depressed about my illness because I belonged to a support group and found that they are having

similar problems. He did a mini-mental test in which I passed ... except for subtraction in my head. What next? I have explained all of my problems with all the docs and even kept a record of pains and what sort of pains in what areas of the body I have been experiencing. I expressed to them that the pain is not " all the time " but comes on at any given time. I must say, I'm getting frustrated with them telling me that what I feel is not happening!!

Just thought I'd let you guys know about my visit today!! Thank God you guys know what I'm going through -- otherwise, I WOULD think I'm coo-coo. Have a blessed evening and stay well.Always, L. -Maye (Baltimore)

[Guest guest]

Tracie, I thank God for you! Truly this must be your ministry, as you have mentioned everything that has been occurring with me -- even the high blood pressure and then low blood pressure as well as pain today and gone tomorrow, etc. I most assuredly will print this out and take to Dr. Narayannen on my next visit. I had a feeling that he was just becoming frustrated and was grasping for straws. But after hearing what you said and everything correlating with my medical issues, I am more sure now that you know just what you're talking about. Do you suggest then that I wait on the antidepressant? I know you're not a physician, but I would like your layman's opinion!Have a very blessed day and again, thank you so much!!Always love, L. -MayeTo: Neurosarcoidosis Sent: Wed, June 9, 2010 7:08:57 PMSubject: Re: PCP Says I May Be Suffering From Depression

LOL!-- or is it SOL--screaming out loud! Yep, is SOL..

Are you suffering from depression-- nope, depression is not the issue. Yep, you're sad that you have been given an illness that has no answers, and docs that have no time to learn about what you are going thru.

So they'll run the mri--- and more than likely it'll not show any granulomas. Most neurosarcs don't have plaques or granulomas-- we deal with vasculitis more often- and that is the reason that many of the signs and symptoms wax and wane. If the area that is being impinged today by blood vessel swelling, is still effected tomorrow, you may have the same symptoms for several days (weeks, months) in a row, then it's gone. The inflammation to that spot is lessened, and the problems associated with it have also lessened.

Many of us do need antidepressants- - more to normalize the effects of disrupted sleep cycles caused by constant pain. They help to balance the norephrinephrine and seratonin levels. That helps the pain and helps you sleep, and you're no where near as "depressed" after a decent nights sleep.

Does this disease effect our interpersonal relationships- - ahh, let me count the ways. Hmm, we've lost our jobs, our careers, our friendships (they all find that since they can't help us, it's better to move on, than to deal with their own issues around life and chronic illness and lord knows, we're all gonna be there someday..... ) Finacially, our medications and months of seeing 3-5 "specialists" that have no answers runs afoul of the ultimate financial nightmare. So the answer must be in adding "another" medication to the mix..

One thing that we all need to be aware of -- and you all have heard my song on this one-- is that ALL the medications they put us on wipe out our B vitamins.

B's, Folic Acid, all help control our emotions. Glucophage, anti-psychotics, anti=inflammatories antibiotics, immunosuppressants- - all have that the B vitamins will be effected. So, you're not getting hit with this issue one time-- I was on 8 meds simultaneously that ALL wiped out the B's.

Now, B's are essential for helping build healthy red blood cells-- the ones that carry oxygen. So if you have a slight problem with low B's-- then you may have "mild" anemia-- so mild it may only show as a low red blood cell count- (not deficient, but "low") and you will be fatigued-- or short of breath, or confused, or exhausted and feeling "blah."

Next, if the red blood cell count is "low"-- you're not getting the oxygen you should have-- out to your body. In order to heal anything-- you have to have oxygen. (This is why hyperbaric chambers work-- kindof.)

I did a post on Methylation Cycle just a couple of weeks back, and it explains this issue in simple terms. I have methylation cycle depletion. We are working on "priming" my body's system to restart this important process. Without it, my body can't begin to utilize the B's-- in the way they should.

Please, print out these articles, and share them with your docs--

You will have to educate them-- and insist that they become "part of your team" as you learn about your illness. Tell them you are counting on them NOT to dismiss you as simply depressed. Instead of addressing symptoms- ask them to help you find out why there is "xx" problem. What is behind the symptom.

Symptoms are just signals that something is array. For me, it was the years (20+) of antibiotics, steroids (50+), antiinflamatories- -(30+) immunosuppressants (30+) that tore me down. We have a few answers, and the recovery is not goign to be fast-- but it is possible.

My heart goes out to all of us, it's alot of work to be this ill--

Sincerely,

Tracie

NS C-owner/moderator

From: Maye <specialk2002ac@ yahoo.com>To: Neurosarcoidosis@ yahoogroups. comCc: Kierra Maye <kiki3d39 (AT) hotmail (DOT) com>; Tonya Maye-McSwain <im2blessed2@ yahoo.com>Sent: Wed, June 9, 2010 2:27:46 PMSubject: PCP Says I May Be Suffering From Depression

Well, I went to see my PCP today after already being seen by my neurosurgeon, OB-GYN, ENT, pulmonologist and urologist this past month. My PCP's determination is that I may be suffering from depression (because of family, health and/or financial problems) and prescribed antidepressants. He also referred me to a neurologist (my former one, Dr. Yannakakis, retired) and is ordering an MRI of the brain to look for any brain sarc. Apparently, these were ordered because of my memory deficits and confusion. Of course, he asked if I have been depressed lately by a family member or if I had been feeling like I didn't want to live because of my health problems; and I told him I didn't feel depressed about my illness because I belonged to a support group and found that they are having similar problems. He did a mini-mental test in which I passed ... except for subtraction in my head. What next? I have explained all of my problems with all the docs and

even kept a record of pains and what sort of pains in what areas of the body I have been experiencing. I expressed to them that the pain is not "all the time" but comes on at any given time. I must say, I'm getting frustrated with them telling me that what I feel is not happening!!Just thought I'd let you guys know about my visit today!! Thank God you guys know what I'm going through -- otherwise, I WOULD think I'm coo-coo. Have a blessed evening and stay well.Always, L. -Maye (Baltimore)

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Marla, but my PCP did all that today. He asked me to touch his finger and then touch my nose. I stumbled only once but the next two tries, I passed. When he tried to get me to close my eyes and walk a few paces, however, I could not do it without stumbling. He wanted me to walk on my toes but because of chronic pain on my left foot that was impossible; therefore, he had me take two to three steps back which I did successfully. He drew some pics on a piece of paper and asked me to do the same, which I did. He wrote some words on a piece of paper and asked me to look at the words and do what the words suggested --- I passed. These tests show nothing about my cognitive skills -- except for when he asked me what 3 from 36 was and I couldn't answer. I've

never been able to do math in my head though, and his continuing to ask me subtraction questions bothered me and caused my mind to go blank. He did stress that the left side of my body had diminished in sensation to touch, however; but I had told all of them that this happens constantly. Thanks again for your suggestion; and may your evening be a blessing!!Always, L. -MayeTo: Neurosarcoidosis Sent: Wed,

June 9, 2010 7:17:54 PMSubject: Re: PCP Says I May Be Suffering From Depression

When I was having Neuro problems, my doc asked me to do one thing, close my eyes and touch my nose, I couldn't, still can't. I then Made him do it, as I thought that's crazy no one can do it:) He did no problem. then he sent me to the Neurologist. So give that a try.

Marla

On Wed, Jun 9, 2010 at 3:27 PM, Maye <specialk2002ac@ yahoo.com> wrote:

Well, I went to see my PCP today after already being seen by my neurosurgeon, OB-GYN, ENT, pulmonologist and urologist this past month. My PCP's determination is that I may be suffering from depression (because of family, health and/or financial problems) and prescribed antidepressants. He also referred me to a neurologist (my former one, Dr. Yannakakis, retired) and is ordering an MRI of the brain to look for any brain sarc. Apparently, these were ordered because of my memory deficits and confusion. Of course, he asked if I have been depressed lately by a family member or if I had been feeling like I didn't want to live because of my health problems; and I told him I didn't feel depressed about my illness because I belonged to a support group and found that they are having

similar problems. He did a mini-mental test in which I passed ... except for subtraction in my head. What next? I have explained all of my problems with all the docs and even kept a record of pains and what sort of pains in what areas of the body I have been experiencing. I expressed to them that the pain is not "all the time" but comes on at any given time. I must say, I'm getting frustrated with them telling me that what I feel is not happening!!

Just thought I'd let you guys know about my visit today!! Thank God you guys know what I'm going through -- otherwise, I WOULD think I'm coo-coo. Have a blessed evening and stay well.Always, L. -Maye (Baltimore)

[Guest guest]

Snap! I just got told that too. Because apparently my mood was considerably

'down' when I last saw my GP. UM... I " D BEEN VOMITING FOR 6 WEEKS AND STRUGGLING

WITH NAUSEA. If I was down it's because I was trying not to vomit all over his

room, and was also a tad p*s^ed off that none of my doctors will accept it's

probably the cellcept that's doing it to me.

>

> Well, I went to see my PCP today after already being seen by my neurosurgeon,

OB-GYN, ENT, pulmonologist and urologist this past month. My PCP's determination

is that I may be suffering from depression (because of family, health and/or

financial problems) and prescribed antidepressants. He also referred me to a

neurologist (my former one, Dr. Yannakakis, retired) and is ordering an MRI of

the brain to look for any brain sarc. Apparently, these were ordered because of

my memory deficits and confusion. Of course, he asked if I have been depressed

lately by a family member or if I had been feeling like I didn't want to live

because of my health problems; and I told him I didn't feel depressed about my

illness because I belonged to a support group and found that they are having

similar problems. He did a mini-mental test in which I passed ... except for

subtraction in my head.

>

> What next? I have explained all of my problems with all the docs and even kept

a record of pains and what sort of pains in what areas of the body I have been

experiencing. I expressed to them that the pain is not " all the time " but comes

on at any given time. I must say, I'm getting frustrated with them telling me

that what I feel is not happening!!

>

> Just thought I'd let you guys know about my visit today!! Thank God you guys

know what I'm going through -- otherwise, I WOULD think I'm coo-coo. Have a

blessed evening and stay well.

>

> Always,

> L. -Maye (Baltimore)

>