Pain and Depression

[desertgirl]

Hello to all, I have been posting on the site for drugs, you see I got very depressed over the last year and started taking my pain meds more than I should have. The people on that site were great and really helped me thru it. Now, however it's been long enough for me to see if I really do have chronic pain. And yes, I feel that I do. I have been taking Effexor and Trazadone for over 10 years, for anxiety, panic disorder and for depression. I started taking pain meds for chronic pain last year. My question is can you really have pain throughout your whole body because you are so depressed?
DesertGirl

[amythist2779]

To answer your question hun, yes depression can cause pain. Physically and mentally. Trust me I have been there, and I dont want you to think I am stalking you, but I belong to many of the forums on this site :) and like I said on the other one. I am here if you need someone to talk to. All you have to do is leave me an offline or something and I will get back to ya. Take care, I know it may not feel like it right now but things can get better. Just try to take baby steps and one day at a time ok?

[idesofmarch]

What does your pain feel like? where in your body do you feel it? Do you have any other ailments that may or may not be connected? What happened right before your chronic pain started? Any physical or emotional trama? The answers to these questions are very important.  You may have more going on than just depression and  anxiety.

[desertgirl]

Thanks for the responses. Before all of this started I had a hysterectomy and then two months later I had to have a repair surgery. I have not felt the same since. And the pain is always in my legs and feet. Does this help?

[goodfortune]

I too have had lots, I mean lots of pain associated with depression.  My back hurts all the time, I have headaches 4 bad ones a week, for the last 6 months or so I have a strange problem with my lower ribs, both sides, hurting to the point that I must sleep on my back.  All of this I associate to depression. I wish I could elaborate and I may in time but to answer your question, Yes depression can cause physical pain.

[idesofmarch]

2 surgeries in the same area in 2 short months could be the cause of your legs hurting I think.  Are you having any menapausal symptoms? Are you taking any meds that have side effect of leg pain? Are you doing any walking for exercise? Did you mention your pain at your follow up dr. appt.? What does the pain feel like? Burning, aching, pins & needles, sharp pain, constant or come & go pain? Is it after excercise or at rest? The more you tell the easier it is to make suggestions. Do you take vitamin B complex, Magnesium, Vit D and Calcium? Those will help with muscle pain and if you are going into menapause you should have extra Calcium anyway i.e. 1200 mg.

[idesofmarch]

Have you been doing allot of lifting and stretching lately?(BACKACHE) Have you had a cough?(PLURESY)(sp?)  Do you take any meds that have headache as a side effect? Do you suspect food allergies? Chocolate,soy,sweeteners & caffine, could cause headaches after digested. Stress could cause all three problems. Can you add any more to your post?

[dallas123]

hi sweety! i too have a great deal of pain and depression. i take effexor xr now and it works soo well. ( i have tried almost everyone out there.)when your depressed you hurt.they seem to go hand in hand. i talk to a counselor to get things off my chest occasionally and i too take pain meds, norco 3x a day. i have osteoarthritis in my neck. its a whacky rollercoaster ride daily. some days good some awful. i wish i had some words of wisdom however i don't. i would keep completely honest and open to your doc. and 1st off keep your pain in check. when i'm not in pain i feel almost human. i soooo feel for you i wish i could jump right through  and give you a big hug. please keep lines of communication open there are sooo many wonderful people out here to help you!!! hugs~dallas