Depression

[Guest guest]

yep I have learned the hard way!!! and the OA in my knees is most

likely due to adrenal fatigue untreated which we know causes early OA

destruction!!!! it's amazing the connection to everything--but you

have to do the digging to find it all!!!

Plus last time I

> > checked depression was considered a " real " illness,

> > > lol..people die every day because of it...

> > >

> > >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

also Hertoghe says the most effective med for depression is cortisol.

Gracia

> Regarding the earlier thread about depression, something that might be

worth looking into that may be helpful is the amino acid tyrosine

(l-tyrosine). Not only is it necessary for thyroid function, but it also

seems to be useful in helping depression.... here are a couple of links...

>

>

>

>

> http://www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsSupplements/Tyrosinecs.html

>

>

http://exchange.healthwell.com/nutritionsciencenews/NSN_backs/feb_99/depression.\

cfm?path=ex

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> jef, I wasn't sure what I was to be looking for on

> that page you sent for maharishi.

> as far as Eft goes, is there anything you can

> recommend

> for depression.

> thanks, jackie

>

Hi Jackie,

Sorry for the confusion regarding the link. Dayu, this groups owner,

doesn't allow links to be posted to this board so she created the

One_Cre8ivExpressions group to handle them. I know for a newcomer it

can get to be a bit confusing. Oh, and I see what you mean about it's

relation to EFT. I think I'll start screening the links a little

closer. My bad, sorry for that (

With that said, the key to getting a handle on depression is to

determine just what it is that's depressing you. You see, depression

is a general term. What may depress me may not necessarily depress you

-- it's very individualized. What I'd recommend is to sit down and

think about all of the things that has you bugged. Write them down.

Then, to use the forest metaphor, with each problem being a tree,

select the tallest tree in this metaphorical forest and use EFT to

chop it down. It may take a few whacks (rounds of EFT) to drop it but

eventually, with persistance, it will fall. The key to seeing rapid

success is to be specific as possible with each and every problem.

A side effect to all this is, as you chop down each tree in your

metephorical depression forest, the tapping tends to take on a

generalizing effect. What that means is that other trees in your

forest tend to simply fall over when you take out the tallest ones.

It's really quite nifty )

Once you take out the tallest tree, go on to the next tallest tree and

repeat. In time you'll see, in your minds eye, that this nasty and

dark forest magically transforms itself into a beautiful green pasture.

Anyway, I hope this helps in getting you started down the path to a

glorious future )

-Jef

[Guest guest]

>

> I'm new to this, so I'm just gonna play it by ear. I have boyfriend

> problems, and I need someone to talk to. I hope there is someone out

> there that feels me.

>

Hi , welcome to the group )

So are you familiar with EFT and have you been using it? I know that

depression is running rampent in our society today and EFT is a very

effective tool to combat it.

So what is it that has you depressed? We are here to help in anyway we

can.

-Jef

[Guest guest]

>

> how do you continue with your life when there seems to be no end.

In a word, tapping. Do you have Craig's free EFT manual? Are you

tapping on a regular basis? I know that it seems overwhelming at the

moment, but EFT can help you to get some balance back into your life.

> a husband who is house bound and diabled and just plain nasty at times

I get the distinct impression that your husband is taking out all of

his frustrations on you. What is the nature of his disabilities? Was

it something that he caused himself or was it something that happened

to him through no fault of his own?

> a 2 year old son who thinks he was put on this earth just for me to

> take care of and his dad refuses to let thay change.

Well, two year olds are that way. Given the other situations going on

in your life right now, I do understand where you're coming from. Keep

in mind that it's not your son's fault. He probably senses the tension

going on and is trying to find some security in you.

> What if anything is out there for me? I have disappeared and been

> replaced.I feel like i am in a scene in invasion of the body

> snatchers.

I can understand your frustration and sense of overwhelm. You've got a

lot of responsibilities to shoulder. This is where tapping can come to

your rescue. Here's some suggestions on what to tap on:

----------

" Even though I feel totally overwhelmed, I deeply and completely love

and accept myself. "

" This overwhelm. "

----------

" Even though [insert husbands name] demands more than I can give, I

deeply and completely love and accept myself. "

" [husbands name] overwhelming demands. "

----------

" Even though [insert sons name] demands more than I can give, I deeply

and completely love and accept myself. "

" [sons name] overwhelming demands. "

----------

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Feel free to

change them as need to better suit your situation. Also, listen to

what your inner voice brings up and tap on those as well. Hopefully,

this will help to bring your stress level down out of the stratosphere

and into a managable level.

I'm curious, have you entertained the thought of using EFT on your

husband also. You may find that by dealing with his emotional issues,

it would go a long way in making your life a lot better. I know for

me, personally, I hate to be layed up for even one day. I can't

imagine what it'd be like to have to face that for the rest of my

life. Suffice it to say, 'cranky' would be a gross understatement and

not something I'd wish for anyone around me to be exposed to.

I hope that these tips will help to bring you some relief. Please let

us know how it goes and don't hesitate to ask for more help -- that's

what we're here for.

-Jef

[Guest guest]

Steph,

I have had deep depression too. Don't take your life! You need to address

the adrenals, liver, and thyroid. Plus, cast all of your cares upon the

Messiah! He is our comforter!

Blessings!

stephsnotes2003 <stephsnotes2003@...> wrote:

Hi, I am struggling today with deep depression. Last year I tried to

take my life because I could not take it anymore. Does anyone else

struggle with this? Does thyroid meds help with this? I am sure I have

asked this before or maybe not I dont have the best memory. Thanks

Steph

[Guest guest]

Steph I'm sure I've mentioned this before ( a thousand times probably)

but for depression you need T3 and you need enough of it.

Don't play around with this if you have had suicidal thoughts - you have

heard the advice so now please go and get more thyroid hormone and

particularly T3.

That's it - I tried everything else for depression for 4 years -

nothing worked until T3.

K

depression

Hi, I am struggling today with deep depression. Last year I tried to

take my life because I could not take it anymore. Does anyone else

struggle with this? Does thyroid meds help with this? I am sure I have

asked this before or maybe not I dont have the best memory. Thanks

Steph

[Guest guest]

Steph,

I was incredibly depressed until I went on Armour (T3+T4 combination

drug). I was crying every whipstitch, for NO REASON AT ALL. It

confounded me. I didn't take any joy in living, nor even in my

precious and supportive husband and adorable children. Mostly I just

wanted to " graduate " to heaven and get out of this existence here on

earth, I was so miserable. Despite my faith in God! I sought help

from a therapist and it didn't do me much good.

Even when I was on Armour for the first 3 years, I remained

depressed. It wasn't until I went onto a thyroid self-treatment

board that I realized I was probably being under-treated for thyroid

and needed to increase my dose. As soon as I hit 2.5 grains, WOW,

complete turnaround, no more crying, no more flat mood, no more

despairing of ever enjoying life again.

I agree with Kerry, you need to get some T3 into your system, and

ENOUGH OF IT. Some doctors who do use Armour, will undermedicate

you. What I did was to self-treat, and when arriving upon my best

dose, found a new thyroid doctor who does prescribe Armour, and she

kept me on the same dose as I had myself on!

However you manage it, I wish you all kinds of good things and

recovery and hope for the future. Don't worry, it will come back

again!

Of course, depression can always stem from things other than

thyroid, but if you are hypothyroid there is a pretty good chance it

is merely your thyroid " speaking. "

Let us know how it goes, OK? We care!

Cherwyn

[Guest guest]

Hang in there. Depression is often mentioned here. I actually don't

know whether most of the depression is directly caused by a chemical

imbalance from hypothyroidism or from the major health problems those

who cannot get effective relief face.

I understand there are medicines that can have a major effect in

correcting any brain chemical imbalance that might exist, but I don't

know if they are effective if the imbalance is caused by an uncorrected

hormone imbalance. Here are a few things that sometimes may help.

Try to get enough sleep if you don't. This may seem funny to you if

you have the symptom where you already sleep 12 to 15 hours per day, but

I don't know your situation. I have found that taking 3 mg of

melatonin, going to bed about 9:30, getting up about 5:30, avoiding

caffeine, and getting significant exercise during the day makes a world

of difference. Personally my depression tends to be worse early in the

morning, and the earlier I can get involved in something that takes my

mind off my problems the better I fare.

Get involved in something for absolutely no other reason than that you

enjoy it. I've gotten into learning to playing the bass guitar over the

past several years, and I play at jams usually 3 or more times per

week. At age 65 I played professionally for the first two times Friday

and Saturday nights. Not much money, but something that's a blast...

Please don't even consider taking your life. If you are here for a

purpose then that purpose has not been fulfilled yet.

I don't know your religious background , but consider this: According

to the best evidence it took [God, nature, whatever] about 13 billion

years to transform elemental hydrogen into you. You are literally made

of the elements created within stars long dead. Is that an accident of

utterly no consequence? You decide...

2a.

depression

<hypothyroidism/message/25484;_ylc=X3oDMTJxOG5tNjg\

wBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE1BGdycElkAzE0NTY2NARncnBzcElkAzE2MDQyNTEwODIEbXNnSWQDMjU0ODQEc2V\

jA2Rtc2cEc2xrA3Ztc2cEc3RpbWUDMTE1NDkyNTg1NA-->

Posted by: " stephsnotes2003 " stephsnotes2003@...

<mailto:stephsnotes2003@...?Subject=Re:%20depression>

stephsnotes2003 <stephsnotes2003>

Sun Aug 6, 2006 4:42 pm (PST)

Hi, I am struggling today with deep depression. Last year I tried to

take my life because I could not take it anymore. Does anyone else

struggle with this? Does thyroid meds help with this? I am sure I have

asked this before or maybe not I dont have the best memory. Thanks

Steph

[Guest guest]

Hi Steph:

How are you doing today? You've been where only a few of us have--it's a long

way from there to where you are now. That's huge!!

I have also experienced depression. My two sons have it as well.

I have used acupuntcure, vitamins, excersize, 20 minutes of sunshine daily

whenever possible and a regular sleep schedule and have experienced many

benefits. renting funny dvd's, being with good friends and family also help.

Spend alone time being as productive as you can--these are probably things you

have heard before. They do help. Spiritual reading, meditation, church meetings,

prayer. Journal writing. All help.

I have really benefitted from these vitamins and supplements:

phosphatidyl serine

phosphatidyl choline

rhodiola

flax and primrose oils

consuming a potato (preferably red) with or after dinner--must be three hours

before bedtime--at least--refer to the book Potatoes Not Prozac

A healthy diet can suppport all of your efforts, as well.

Singing can lift your spirits, or listening to light, cheerful, music.

Depression sucks. You're not alone. Keep the faith.

Steph SJO :0)

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " stephsnotes2003 " <stephsnotes2003@...>

Hi, I am struggling today with deep depression. Last year I tried to

take my life because I could not take it anymore. Does anyone else

struggle with this? Does thyroid meds help with this? I am sure I have

asked this before or maybe not I dont have the best memory. Thanks

Steph

[Guest guest]

And--yes, the correct dosage of thyroid medication can and does help with

depression.

take care

SJO :0)

-------------- Original message --------------

From: nmsjoy@...

Hi Steph:

How are you doing today? You've been where only a few of us have--it's a long

way from there to where you are now. That's huge!!

I have also experienced depression. My two sons have it as well.

I have used acupuntcure, vitamins, excersize, 20 minutes of sunshine daily

whenever possible and a regular sleep schedule and have experienced many

benefits. renting funny dvd's, being with good friends and family also help.

Spend alone time being as productive as you can--these are probably things you

have heard before. They do help. Spiritual reading, meditation, church meetings,

prayer. Journal writing. All help.

I have really benefitted from these vitamins and supplements:

phosphatidyl serine

phosphatidyl choline

rhodiola

flax and primrose oils

consuming a potato (preferably red) with or after dinner--must be three hours

before bedtime--at least--refer to the book Potatoes Not Prozac

A healthy diet can suppport all of your efforts, as well.

Singing can lift your spirits, or listening to light, cheerful, music.

Depression sucks. You're not alone. Keep the faith.

Steph SJO :0)

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " stephsnotes2003 " <stephsnotes2003@...>

Hi, I am struggling today with deep depression. Last year I tried to

take my life because I could not take it anymore. Does anyone else

struggle with this? Does thyroid meds help with this? I am sure I have

asked this before or maybe not I dont have the best memory. Thanks

Steph

[Guest guest]

yeah, and also I think cortisol/cortef which helps to get T3 into cells.

Hertoghe MD says that cortef is the BEST antiD there is.

Gracia

Steph I'm sure I've mentioned this before ( a thousand times probably)

but for depression you need T3 and you need enough of it.

Don't play around with this if you have had suicidal thoughts - you have

heard the advice so now please go and get more thyroid hormone and

particularly T3.

That's it - I tried everything else for depression for 4 years -

nothing worked until T3.

K

depression

Hi, I am struggling today with deep depression. Last year I tried to

take my life because I could not take it anymore. Does anyone else

struggle with this? Does thyroid meds help with this? I am sure I have

asked this before or maybe not I dont have the best memory. Thanks

Steph

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am struggling today with deep depression. Last year I tried to

take my life because I could not take it anymore. Does anyone else

struggle with this? Does thyroid meds help with this? I am sure I have

asked this before or maybe not I dont have the best memory. Thanks

Steph

I am here to reply for ur question ,,,yes i do suffer with depression up to the

level where i wanted to take my life,,,,,ayurvedic medicines do help in this

case as well as thyroid too.so do try Ramdev in India

His divya yog n medicine had chrismatic

effect'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''love

nikita'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Gracia <circe@...> wrote:

yeah, and also I think cortisol/cortef which helps to get T3 into cells.

Hertoghe MD says that cortef is the BEST antiD there is.

Gracia

Steph I'm sure I've mentioned this before ( a thousand times probably)

but for depression you need T3 and you need enough of it.

Don't play around with this if you have had suicidal thoughts - you have

heard the advice so now please go and get more thyroid hormone and

particularly T3.

That's it - I tried everything else for depression for 4 years -

nothing worked until T3.

K

depression

Hi, I am struggling today with deep depression. Last year I tried to

take my life because I could not take it anymore. Does anyone else

struggle with this? Does thyroid meds help with this? I am sure I have

asked this before or maybe not I dont have the best memory. Thanks

Steph

[Guest guest]

Anita, It's very very normal, and many of us are dealing with

depression. obesity and depression are closely linked - but it isn't

known if depression exacerbates obesity, or if obesity causes more

depression.

One thing is for sure - losing weight releases lots of estrogen, and

that is clearly linked to mood swings and depression. please see your

fmiyl doc, and be evaluated for anti-depressants. They are a miracle

for manty people, but it make take trials of several to find the one

that works best for you.

also, please consider some supportive therapy. Lots of times, there are

issues that ar makign things rough that we are not even aware of. the

support and guidance of a good counsellor can be invaluable.

Know you're not alone and please don't hesitate to ask for help.Many

bandsters are NOT " on top of the world " at all. Banding brings up many

many issues that can be difficult to deal with, since it's about far

more than simply weight loss.

Sandy r

>

> I've become increasingly depressed over the last few weeks. I felt it

> creeping on and did everything in my power to stop it in its tracks to

> no avail. In the last few days, it has been really, really awful. I

> was banded in December of '05 and am down 45 lbs. I'm pleased with my

> progress thus far as I didn't want to lose too fast. Work and social

> life is going great, so there is nothing to which I can attribute the

> depression. I was just wondering if anyone else went through anything

> similar. I'm sure most Bandsters feel on top of the world, but is it

> remotely normal for some people to feel depressed?

>

> You can send your replies directly to me at opasec@... if you

> want to.

>

> Thanks,

> Anita

>

[Guest guest]

Anita,

Have you had all of your levels tested lately? Like thyroid (TSH, FT3, FT4),

Ferritin, B12, and such? Are you sleeping soundly? How is your energy? Lots

of times, when one's thyroid function is low (even mildly) depression kicks in.

Sadly, doc's throw ADs at us, instead of testing possible sources for the

depression.

I was told years ago, that I was depressed and needed ADs. I disagreed, but

took them anyway. They really did *very little* to help me. They just numbed

me to what was going on and I essentially didn't care about a whole lot.

Ultimately, getting the right thyroid med, at the right dosage is what really

made a difference for me.

I hope you are able to figure it out!

agr8nthrngal

landryladybug <opasec@...> wrote:

I've become increasingly depressed over the last few weeks. I felt it

creeping on and did everything in my power to stop it in its tracks to

no avail. In the last few days, it has been really, really awful. I

was banded in December of '05 and am down 45 lbs. I'm pleased with my

progress thus far as I didn't want to lose too fast. Work and social

life is going great, so there is nothing to which I can attribute the

depression. I was just wondering if anyone else went through anything

similar. I'm sure most Bandsters feel on top of the world, but is it

remotely normal for some people to feel depressed?

You can send your replies directly to me at opasec@... if you

want to.

Thanks,

Anita

---------------------------------

All-new - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

[Guest guest]

>

> hi bee i am on day 6 of your plan and i am feeling so depressed and

> worse than before i am now panicing a bit mild depression brain fog

> and headaches were three of my main symtons with low energy. Is this

> just die off or is the diet not working i have read potatoes not

> prozac and that states good carbs are needed for nutriants to transfer

> the blood brain barrier? so if ium not eating potatoes etc how is my

> brain meant to get what it needs sorry but im fed up and confused and

> just want to be well!

>

==>Dear Sylvia. Healing naturally isn't easy my friend. It creates

many symptoms and emotional/mental problems which are not pleasant but

they are part of the healing process. All of the your symptoms are

definitely die-off. Remember that candida puts out so many toxins,

which are mostly alcohol. Alcohol causes depression, brain fog (like

a bad hangover), and it takes a lot of energy for the body to get rid

of the toxins. To increase your energy increase your natural fats,

i.e. butter, coconut oil, etc. per my article.

==>The most important nutrients for the brain are natural saturated

fats I recommend, i.e. butter, coconut oil, lard, and others from

animals, eggs and seafoods, along with oil soluble vitamins A, D & E

and Omega-3, an essential fatty acid, because the brain is over 70%

fat. Ensure you are taking all of the supplements recommended because

they work together with the diet.

==>To understand the emotional aspects of healing read Anxiety &

Depression: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/treat6.php

and also this one on Natural Healing:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/heal6.php

==>Potatoes definitely would not help you, and they are high in starch

and carbs which feeds candida. If you feel you need good carbs please

know that 58% of protein and 10% of fat turns into carbs inside the

body so you could get by without eating carbs of any kind and still be

perfectly healthy.

==>It takes time, patience and persistence on the program to get well.

Hang in there. You will improve like many others on my group. To

give yourself a lift read the Success Stories:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/success/success.php

The best to you, Bee

[Guest guest]

>

> Depression has to do with uptake of seratonin or lack thereof. But

other things can be the cause as well for mental problems.

> I think that diet may not be the reason for that, I sometimes have

problem with mood too, but the last time I did, I wanted to try

Bcomplex for it, and it worked.

==>Diet is definitely a factor when serotonin levels are low or there

is depression or other mental problems. The intestines are also

involved in making it.

Bee

[Guest guest]

--- Ellie Bowron <uffda444@...> wrote:

> Depression has to do with uptake of seratonin or

> lack thereof. But other things can be the cause as

> well for mental problems.

> I think that diet may not be the reason for that,

> I sometimes have problem with mood too, but the last

> time I did, I wanted to try Bcomplex for it, and it

> worked.

I have a mild form of OCD, and I have found that the B

supplements help with it greatly! I believe the

explanation for this, like many other explanations

around this diet, can be found by looking at our

evolutionary past.

Our ancestors when hunting, prized organ meat, things

like hearts, livers and kidneys, which IIRC contain

high levels of B vitamins. However most people today

eat muscle meat primarly.

So because of this we are B vitamin deficient. I have

also found that B vitamin supplements really help me

deal with anxiety and stress in life.

Like pretty much everything else, I also believe that

natural and evolution-correct forms of B vitamins are

the best.

The solution here to cut up liver into tiny pieces,

soak them in lemon juice, freeze them and swallow them

like pills (for those of us who can't abide the taste)

is excellent for this issue.

I've been meaning to try this for a while as I believe

it will really work well for me, but I keep

forgetting. Off to put a reminder for myself on my

calendar!

Luv,

Debby

San , CA

-------------

" The process of changing a lifestyle is more important than reaching a

goal or measuring a performance. " -- Theodore Isaac Rubin

My son Hunter Hudson (10/11/04) http://debbypadilla.0catch.com/hunter/

[Guest guest]

What is the best B-complex out there? Thanks.

Eileen

Debby Padilla-Hudson <debbypadilla@...> wrote:

--- Ellie Bowron <uffda444@...> wrote:

> Depression has to do with uptake of seratonin or

> lack thereof. But other things can be the cause as

> well for mental problems.

> I think that diet may not be the reason for that,

> I sometimes have problem with mood too, but the last

> time I did, I wanted to try Bcomplex for it, and it

> worked.

I have a mild form of OCD, and I have found that the B

supplements help with it greatly! I believe the

explanation for this, like many other explanations

around this diet, can be found by looking at our

evolutionary past.

Our ancestors when hunting, prized organ meat, things

like hearts, livers and kidneys, which IIRC contain

high levels of B vitamins. However most people today

eat muscle meat primarly.

So because of this we are B vitamin deficient. I have

also found that B vitamin supplements really help me

deal with anxiety and stress in life.

Like pretty much everything else, I also believe that

natural and evolution-correct forms of B vitamins are

the best.

The solution here to cut up liver into tiny pieces,

soak them in lemon juice, freeze them and swallow them

like pills (for those of us who can't abide the taste)

is excellent for this issue.

I've been meaning to try this for a while as I believe

it will really work well for me, but I keep

forgetting. Off to put a reminder for myself on my

calendar!

Luv,

Debby

San , CA

-------------

" The process of changing a lifestyle is more important than reaching a

goal or measuring a performance. " -- Theodore Isaac Rubin

My son Hunter Hudson (10/11/04) http://debbypadilla.0catch.com/hunter/

[Guest guest]

>

> What is the best B-complex out there? Thanks.

>

> Eileen

==>I buy Natural Factors in capsules, but there are other good brands

as well.

Bee

[Guest guest]

I used the head in the sand approach. I only allowed myself to think

about the things that I needed to do before the surgery date. I did

not allow myself to think about the actual surgery or hospitalization

or what came after.

I was surprised that I didn't panic when it came time to be wheeled

to the OR. I was much more panicked by my gyn surgery in November.

I also think that it helped to have a recent surgical experience and

to know that just a few months later, I had all but fogotten the

horribleness of it.

it has also been nice to be stuck in St Louis after getting out of

the hospital. It is just hubby and me, and we are enjoying the time

alone together. We have done a little bit of sightseeing everyday so

I can get my walking in. We have been to the botanical gardens, the

history museum, and the art museum.

I will be glad to back home to air conditioning! I have a feeling

that it will be a little harder to live with the limitations once I

am back home and see things I would like to have done around the

house. I know the yard must need mowing and I hope I haven't

suffocated my banana plants by leaving them covered in mulch even

though it is no longer cold. It will probably not be easy to

supervise the kids working in the garden -- and I was shocked that I

won't be able to sit in my rocking chair on the porch. I will have

to go buy a new chair that doesn't rock.

I only took a couple of my cymbalta pills. The next day after I took

the first one, I ended up with plane tickets to the bahamas. That

went a long way toward giving me something to look forward to! I

only took them once or twice more when I was horribly depressed (but

I also ended up with a couple of more trips to the bahamas).

>

> Hi, I am feeling so depressed lately. I feel I can't get this whole

> thing about surgery out of my mind, of course it doesn't help that

I am

> constantly reminded because of leg.

> I just cry at the drop of the hat, I just want to get on with my

> life.......And I am so scared of what my life is going to be like

once

> I do have surgey. Hope did you guys coop with the before? any

> suggestions that can help me not be so dammed depressed. I am

taking

> cymbalta for pain but it helps depression too.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, you're right about how the anticipation consumes you. Besides medication, which you're taking, some things that may help are, prayer if you are a praying person, meditation of various sorts -- (guided imagery recordings can be helpful), lots of preparation activities (such as checking out insurance details and making sure the things you use most at home are at counter height), and throwing yourself into a distracting hobby. For me the greatest distraction was the determination that my garden pond had to be all finished before I entered the hospital. I was on my knees, sweating and grimy schlepping rocks right up to the day before!

These days are tough but you'll get through them and all of a sudden you'll wonder where the time went!

All the best to you, , and I hope you have smooth sailing and a terrific outcome.

Sharon

[ ] Depression

Hi, I am feeling so depressed lately. I feel I can't get this whole thing about surgery out of my mind, of course it doesn't help that I am constantly reminded because of leg. I just cry at the drop of the hat, I just want to get on with my life.......And I am so scared of what my life is going to be like once I do have surgey. Hope did you guys coop with the before? any suggestions that can help me not be so dammed depressed. I am taking cymbalta for pain but it helps depression too.

[Guest guest]

,

I didn't deal with outright depression, but I can tell you in the

months while I was getting my head wrapped around the idea that I

needed a huge surgery, and that my expectations for my life might need

major readjustment, there were many times when I would find myself

driving somewhere with tears running down my cheeks. I was scared and

confused and knew I had a lot riding on figuring out the right course

of action for me.

This is a huge deal in your life. If you had thought you had the scoli-

monster beat and it arises again when you least expect it you feel

blindsided and and, well, I felt duped. I felt like I had undergone the

terrible experience of dealing with this back in my teens and had more

or less been told I was " good to go " . I never anticipated a second

major surgery. I felt trapped between angry and betrayed.

I guess mostly I started focusing on what I could do about my situation

and used that as a distraction from feeling blue about it. In the end I

guess for me the feeling of empowerment from making informed decisions

about my surgery/surgeon, hospital, and then spending a lot of time

physically preparing for surgery in the pool made me feel like I

was " doing something about it " . And of course as the actual surgery

gets close there are lots and lots of things to do to distract ones

self with!

I will say that one thing that did set my mind at ease was getting

together with other folks who had had this surgery in person. The week

I was up in Boston seeing DrRand I met for dinner with Ann and Carolyn

and had a quck meet up with DianneS. I recall thinking that whatever I

had imagined fusion to the sacrum to " look like " , they all looked

fantastic and truth be told, I was sure that they felt a heck of a lot

better than I did. Somehow this helped me put a " face " on what was

ahead and as with all things, my imagination was far worse than my

reality. I am eternally greatful for their presence in my life.

This board and group it great, but most health conditions that have

this many patients have support groups where you can meet face to face

for support. Down in VA there may be a scoliosis support group that

might help. At a minimum, I would recommend you see if you can not

arrange a " meet-up " lunch or dinner for all you gals down in that

area...I would be glad to come up with as many names for our members

and you could try to put it together. See? Distraction and fun all in

one package!

Lastly, I would not keep your feelings of depression from your PCP. In

fact, you probably ought to go to him/her and expain how you are

feeling and see if you can get help with those feelings and also with

sorting out alot of the medical information that is coming your way.

It may or may not be relevant to your current situation, but many

members have struggled with depression on the back side of surgery. It

may, or may not be, post-surgical depression. It seems to come on

somewhere around the 6-8 week post op week. I put an article on it in

the files section and some of the information might help. I know that I

am surprised now that our surgeons don't really say much about it at

our first check up because it seems quite common. You know, they tell

us what to do for our physical healing, but mental health healing is

not their forte...so they don't really address it.

I hope you are seeing a little relief now from the epidural last week

and hope that will brighten your days a little. If you are not getting

adequate pain relief I believe it can worsen a depression, so

again...please be sure to talk this over with your doctors when you see

them.

If you want to just talk, send me a private email and I will send you

my number.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Cam, I think you said it perfect when you said " You feel blindsighted", that is how I feel, I thought all this was in the past........and nobody other then another scoli can really understand what that means. I feel sometimes like a rock was dropped on my head. Alot of people (outside of the group) have said encouraging words and really feel for me but I have come to the understanding only one scoli to another scoli truley understands what we are facing or have faced. I told my coworkers the other day what I may be facing, to please don't give me any sympathy just keep me in your prayers to make the right decision, I hate to sound so shallow but to listen to what others have gone thru with back operations or their cousin's friend just doesn't make me feel any better, it sometimes makes me angry cause I feel they don't have a clue........... I want to tell them go visit flatback revised group and

then you can see what a real back operation is like............what you guys have been threw and to still sit here and write words of encouragement that just leaves me speechless. I don't have a PCP, but I think I should go find one. I have been very healthy till now. Maybe they can give me something for the emotional nerves... cammaltby <cammaltby@...> wrote: ,I didn't deal with outright depression, but I can tell you in

the months while I was getting my head wrapped around the idea that I needed a huge surgery, and that my expectations for my life might need major readjustment, there were many times when I would find myself driving somewhere with tears running down my cheeks. I was scared and confused and knew I had a lot riding on figuring out the right course of action for me.This is a huge deal in your life. If you had thought you had the scoli-monster beat and it arises again when you least expect it you feel blindsided and and, well, I felt duped. I felt like I had undergone the terrible experience of dealing with this back in my teens and had more or less been told I was "good to go". I never anticipated a second major surgery. I felt trapped between angry and betrayed.I guess mostly I started focusing on what I could do about my situation and used that as a distraction from feeling blue about it. In the end I guess

for me the feeling of empowerment from making informed decisions about my surgery/surgeon, hospital, and then spending a lot of time physically preparing for surgery in the pool made me feel like I was "doing something about it". And of course as the actual surgery gets close there are lots and lots of things to do to distract ones self with!I will say that one thing that did set my mind at ease was getting together with other folks who had had this surgery in person. The week I was up in Boston seeing DrRand I met for dinner with Ann and Carolyn and had a quck meet up with DianneS. I recall thinking that whatever I had imagined fusion to the sacrum to "look like", they all looked fantastic and truth be told, I was sure that they felt a heck of a lot better than I did. Somehow this helped me put a "face" on what was ahead and as with all things, my imagination was far worse than my reality. I am eternally greatful

for their presence in my life.This board and group it great, but most health conditions that have this many patients have support groups where you can meet face to face for support. Down in VA there may be a scoliosis support group that might help. At a minimum, I would recommend you see if you can not arrange a "meet-up" lunch or dinner for all you gals down in that area...I would be glad to come up with as many names for our members and you could try to put it together. See? Distraction and fun all in one package!Lastly, I would not keep your feelings of depression from your PCP. In fact, you probably ought to go to him/her and expain how you are feeling and see if you can get help with those feelings and also with sorting out alot of the medical information that is coming your way.It may or may not be relevant to your current situation, but many members have struggled with depression on the back side of

surgery. It may, or may not be, post-surgical depression. It seems to come on somewhere around the 6-8 week post op week. I put an article on it in the files section and some of the information might help. I know that I am surprised now that our surgeons don't really say much about it at our first check up because it seems quite common. You know, they tell us what to do for our physical healing, but mental health healing is not their forte...so they don't really address it.I hope you are seeing a little relief now from the epidural last week and hope that will brighten your days a little. If you are not getting adequate pain relief I believe it can worsen a depression, so again...please be sure to talk this over with your doctors when you see them.If you want to just talk, send me a private email and I will send you my number.Take Care, Cam

We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love(and love to hate): TV's Guilty Pleasures list.

[Guest guest]

Gee--How can you do all that walking this soon after surgery? I'm

still in so much tailbone/lower back pain that I can only make it

around the inside of the house several times a day!!! Yikes!!!!

Carol V.

> >

> > Hi, I am feeling so depressed lately. I feel I can't get this

whole

> > thing about surgery out of my mind, of course it doesn't help

that

> I am

> > constantly reminded because of leg.

> > I just cry at the drop of the hat, I just want to get on with my

> > life.......And I am so scared of what my life is going to be like

> once

> > I do have surgey. Hope did you guys coop with the before? any

> > suggestions that can help me not be so dammed depressed. I am

> taking

> > cymbalta for pain but it helps depression too.

> >

> >

> >

> >

>