Update on dr. appts./ good idea or not?

[Totie]

Hey guys. Hope everyone is doing well..

Saw my regualr doctor yesterday. Still waiting on tests results from colonscopy/endoscopy and the urologist testing as well. Did more lab work yesterday as well. My symptoms are still the same.

Here is my concern, my doctor has put me on Symbyax for two weeks in hopes of gaining weight, she also has pretty much told me, "I should be depressed and that by me saying I am not depressed is not normal". Yes i have had health issues as we all have, but not everyone gets depressed over them, at least I do not think I am depressed. God handles all my problems, why would i be depressed is my way of thinking (learned from my mother). I am good patient, i do what I am told, and I think that is my problem with doctors, I never question them. I have been misdiagnosed twice so far by them, funny both times i had to get surgery because it took them long to figure out my problem. My eyes protrued because of it..My son once had surgery he did not even need....at the age of 2yrs.

My concern in taking this anti-depressant are the side effects. What do you guys think? Should I take it just to try and gain weight. She has tried prednisone to help me gain weight, that did not work, I did not even retain fluid on those. I do have a strange body, but my theory is that my entire systme was screwed up when they let my graves disease go to long without treatment, but that is just my opinion, or my other argument is that "this is how my body is wired".

[Coco209]

Totie;

Much to the dismay of my family....I am the EXACT same person :).  Even chemical interferance can't recreate me!!!!

You'll make the right decision for yourself but don't let the words "anti-depressant" freak you out.

[mommy2two2008]

I think that the side effects are different from person to person.  I did not have any on the Xanax I took, but then again, I did not take it as prescribed.  They wanted me to take it 3 x a day.  I took it once.  It did help the neck swelling.  I am not sure what the side effects of that drug is.  I took Welbutrin for a time and it was awesome.  I took it in a period in my life where I lost several people I loved back to back.  I was able to cope and function properly and felt great.  My insurance decided it would only cover the generic of the drug and I had side effects on that.  It gave me headaches, so I stopped taking it.  I wish I could take it again now, but, oh well.  I still take the Xanax from time to time if my neck swelling is really bad.  Since I've been out of the hospital (after the staph) my neck swelling is back in check (for the most part) since I am again taking the Armour the way I am supposed to.

Anyway, I say try it *if you are comfortable with it* and if you experience side effects, its time to rethink it.  Gain is an absolute possibility (I think) so, that would be great.  I lost like 5 lbs on Welbutrin but that was a known side effect because of the way the drug works.  Welbutrin is meant to give a person that extra motivation, but others are not that way.  I did take Zoloft once, don't know if it made me gain, I was prego and only took it for a short time.  My OB gave it to me for horrible stress that was putting a strain on the pregnancy, but after the complications in my life went away, I stopped it.  Only took it for about 3 months during a life altering move, pregnancy, etc.

Anyway, don't know if I was much help.... just hoping that you do what you feel is right for you!  

Big snuggles to you!!! :) ~Kim

[Totie]

Thanks for your input.

I will assume anti-depressants are used for a variety of aliments. I just do not want my character/attitude to change any. I like who I am mentally.

[Coco209]

Totie:

I am taking both Lyrica and Cymbalta (anti-depressant) for nerve compression.  I just started the Cymbalta about 1 month ago and I did not pop the pill as soon as the Doctor ordered it.  I have been on and off a variety of meds that all need to be ramped up and down and the side effects have been challenging, to say the least.  I'm usually a couple Tylenol a year person so the "drug thing" is new to me.

Although the anti-depressant was given to me for nerve issues, it has greatly reduced my anxiety and given me more energy to focus on life, rather than..."what the heck is wrong with me?" thoughts.  The side effect for me has been sleeping soundly for 5 hours and then waking up with no hope of going back to sleep for the remainder of the night.  So much for..."may cause drowsiness."  Every person responds differently to each drug.  

I do not feel that I was depressed either as I LOVE my life and I'm a type A person, no curled up in a ball on the couch.  I do know that being shuffled from Doctor to Doctor for one year, scared, confused, anxious, worried and let the list go on has played a toll on me.  I also can't do the things I use to and there is pain.  Whether the anti-depressant is helping my nerve, I'm not sure yet but I do know that it is easing one year of anxiety.

[Totie]

mommy2two2008 -Thanks for the reply.

My mind is the type that does not shut down. Never has. My way of relaxing is music, but even then I am not one to have down time, I usually find something to clean at home.

How you worded it made sense. I know i have become accustomed to my body aliments so to me it is normal, so yes I can deal with it and not complain is what my doctor also said.

I do not mind taking it, especially if I can gain about 15 pounds. I do still crave the salty foods, and meat. My concern were the side effects. I told we could even try the "no thyroid medication" for two weeks, she did not agree with that one.

[mommy2two2008]

Totie---- Hey hun!  Glad to see you posting.

Here are my thoughts.... but you know I am not a pro!  LOL -

Well, I know from my own problematic exeriences lately that depression may come in a number of ways..... if you are not feeling depressed or anxious, the ordeal my still be doing damage to you.... the constant wonder of "what's wrong" or "when are they going to give me an answer" is draining, even if you are not mentally aware and while your brain may not "feel" the stress or depression, it takes a tole on the body.  Think about it like this... do you ever feel tense when trying to nap or sleep?  Does your mind "kick in " when its time to relax?  Those are also signs of depression or unease.  The medication can help with that.  At least that is what I have learned.  I went through a Xanax period as part of my neck swelling treatment.  I would take it when I got home and I could just sit and be me for the evening.  It was a nice feeling.  I had many reservations about it and I refused to take it during the day because it made me terribly sleepy, but it did have a calming effect for evenings.

Anyway, this is just my 2cents on the subject and I think that it is a possibility that if you decided to give it a try, your body could possibly calm enough for you to pick up a little weight.

Anyway, I am very happy they are trying new things.  I wish all the best for you and hope, if you decide to take the med, it is the help you need.

Hugs my dear friend!! ~K