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Fatigue, Inertia, Depression after SVR??? General Question
by DoubleDose, Jun 14, 2005 12:00AM
How many SVR's out there have experienced periodic, or occassional feelings of depression, fatigue, or lack of initiative after becoming SVR. My symptoms seem to flare for a few weeks at a time, and then are repalced by periods of high energy and activity. This has happened numerous times over the past 20 months since finishing successful therapy. I am not sure if it is an after-effect of the interferon, or a symptom of stage 3 fibrosis, or maybe a manifestation of possible 'viral persistence' causing an immune system reaction. It may even be similar to 'Post traumatic stress syndrome' after having endured a long, and anxiety filled period of tx, and waiting. I am not sure, but I do know I am often 'knocked for a loop' by this powerful feeling of physical weakness, and psychological stress.
I often become angry at my spouse, feeling she is allowing me to carry the bulk of the responsibility in our family, while enjoying a very independent, social lifestyle. Resentment that I never fully acknowledged during tx, is now coming to the surface very frequently. That mey also be a factor in my feeling of depression.
Any thoughts?
DoubleDose
I often become angry at my spouse, feeling she is allowing me to carry the bulk of the responsibility in our family, while enjoying a very independent, social lifestyle. Resentment that I never fully acknowledged during tx, is now coming to the surface very frequently. That mey also be a factor in my feeling of depression.
Any thoughts?
DoubleDose
Aging is still ongoing and so are the arthritis like symptoms, I was planning to go back to the rheumatologist for a re-eval now that hcv seems to be gone. My feeling is that the tissue damage from HCV might not be reversible for me. and aging doesn't help.
Why don't you go for an endocrinology eval to rule out hormonal imbalances? I read that males also go through some of those.
Chev,
I prayed you So......:~)
Total heart felt Congratulations
TonyZ
Chev- I knew it would be good news!! It couldn't have happened to a nicer person.
Lauren
When I first did TX, I was married to a guy--to his whole family, in fact--who seemed to be offering support, and yet managed to leave me pretty much on my own during the long health crisis. My husband's cases always came first. I thought I sensed resentment, but that was never directly stated until the divorce came around just a few years later.
It was astounting to me how much easier life became after the divorce: when I felt ill or tired, I could be ill or tired without having to apologize. This time around, cohabiting with a partner who understands how enormous the experience of chronic illness can be, the difference between the two situations is like day and night. He can't offer me material abundance, but the emotional resonance is precious beyond measure.
It's so important that you be able to discuss these matters with your wife. Discuss them heatedly, if you have to, but by all means get them out in the open. Polite silence will get you nowhere.
Given my own experience post-tx a million years ago, it would not surprise me if you were encountering some immunological problems in the aftermath. I wonder if a general workup and then a consult with a good immunologist might not be in order? As would a very long vacation from work and stress and responsibility, if only it were possible. Your wife definitely needs to understand how hard it's been for you and come to appreciate how stalwart you've been through it all. Maybe it's time for her to learn from your example and grow broader shoulders so _she_ can carry a little more weight for the family. There is nothing like illness to test the amount of give and take that exists inside a partnership, and it looks like some changes are long overdue.
DD, I truly hope things work out for you. You have my full sympathy and support.
As far as wives, well, uh, well, I really want to express my feelings, but for once I will keep my yap shut (this time).
Chev: Congrats! That is wonderful news, you can truly put this behind you now.
BTW: just got my 6 months post tx results back-clear!!
Enjoy it!
DD; I just thought about the fact that everyday emotional situations can also cause a lot of physical manifestations, you know, the old "mind over body" thing. try to get a consult with at least three specialists mentioned here; immunology, endcrinology, and mental health provider to cover all bases, in addittion to lingering hcv effects.
GL
Depression can take a life of its own, it creates a mindset and gets control of your thoughts, even though what started it may be long gone. It could be that tx started the depression and now your working your way out it. Try not to give it any traction by getting sucked into its quicksand.
I found that exercise helps a lot, yoga, meditation, music all can help, but most of all try and find those thoughts that lift your spirit.
Don't let the resentment grow within you and destroy your relationship with your wife. I know things don't always work out, but I do know that living with resentment will cause only more pain, suffering and depression. Please deal with this in a way that brings positive results. Be very careful not to add anger on either side of the ocean.
Chevrolet-check your e-mail-the congrats are in the mail.
DD, (I'm not SVR) I'm afraid I can no longer be sure if depression is from hcv,my personal problems, interferon, ribavirin or what. But I strongly suspect that the drugs aggravated a slight condition from pre-treatment. I am one year post-tx and just not quite where I remember being emotionally. That is, I bounced back from difficulty quicker and more positively before. It seems now that I'm kind of like a yo-yo.up and down. I hope this will resolve but am somewhat concerned about the effects of another, longer treatment. I'm hoping a biopsy will give good news. We'll see. I wish you the best in recovering full health and especially in your marriage. frank
Chev -- Well, you are there -- one year post tx and SVR. Hooray for you!! Thanks for all you do for so many preparing to or fighting the fight. Now go celebrate with your friend! SVR is yours!