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Posted 6/25/2011 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
 even though I'm waiting for surgery  for TOS,its been a struggle useing my arm ,seems the more work Ido the more sore I get the nextday,somedays Ijust stay in bed and dont get up?yes Ifeel guilty ,but seems less Ido, less pain ?I also have troubles with the cool damp weather which causes more pain ,However Iam so unmotivated to do anything ?Just the short time on computer and Im already sore.I do not want to take antidepressent pills,I realize Iam the only one who can make myself get up and out of bed  doing things,but somedays its hard ,any advice  would be helpful ,thanks everyone
Posted 6/25/2011 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hiya sore42long

First of all lovie I want to pass on some gentle ((((((((((hugs))))))))))) as we all need them at times like this. I understand how you feel sweetie and it does get us all down, but we are here for you. I am having the same problems and am finding it hard to carry on a normal routine (well I say normal but not really, if you know what I mean). I now think when I am really bad, if I can do just one or two things that is a bonus. I hope you start to get some relief pain wise soon. I will keep praying that your surgery appointment comes soon, so you can get some relief quickly. Hang in there lovie as you said to me in my post earlier be strong,I know its hard but we seem to find the strength from somewhere and we will be here for you anytime sweetie

xxxxx
Posted 6/26/2011 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
sorry you're feeling so down!  i've been dealing with crohn's disease for over 20 years and the past 2 have been the hardest with extreme pain added to the myraid of other symptoms.  i too have felt the depression creeping in from time to time- get very emptional, cry over nothing (and shhh I'm a 37 year old guy)...and generally feeling like crap.  i try so hard to snap myself out of it for my daughter and wife.  it's hard.  this week i was in OH on biz and met up for dinner with a friend i haven'e seen in close to 15 years.  it made me feel so good!  i decided that no matter how much i hurt or how crappy i feel i'm going to make an effort to be around people that care about me and keep busy doing things- i think emotionally that's what we all need to do...bc i know if i don't and i sit at home doing nothing- just hurting and feeling physically ill then i don't do so well mentally either.  good luck and i hope you feel better both mentally and physically really soon!!!!!

Posted 6/26/2011 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
Depression and chronic pain are familiar partners. I would guess in people with CP that the vast majority deal with depression, but it's often something very hard to talk about. I know from personal experience. I waited about 2 years knowing I needed help, my doctor offered help and I was either 'too proud' or just too stupid to accept the help.

I would encourage you to please talk to any one of your doctors about it. Let them know how you feel especially when you feel like this depression is the worst. Keep a journal of how ti feels and take it with you to your doc appointment.

Warm hugs! and keep in touch, OK?
Chutz
Posted 6/26/2011 8:35 AM (GMT 0)
Very well said, mtgman and paula! Guess all I can add is that I have been where your at. Hang in there and I am thinking of you!

Many hugs!
Posted 6/26/2011 9:25 AM (GMT 0)
Have you considered Tramadol? It's an opiate like medicine, but it also function in some ways that are similar to SSRIs, which is a common antidepressant, which in my experience has been very successful limiting side effects. I read you didn't want antidepressant, but it's a bit different so I thought I'd mention it.

Or talking with someone can always help.
Posted 6/26/2011 11:23 AM (GMT 0)
I to have TOS and other nerve issues. I recieve injections from a PM doctor that help a lot.


Here is a great messege board for people with TOS.


Billy, I believe this is the second time we have asked you not to list this website here at the forum as it is against forum rules. Please take the time to look over the rules here at the forum, thanks for your cooperation.

Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 6/26/2011 8:59:24 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/26/2011 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Sore I too am sorry you are feeling so bad, but as the others have said depression and CP go hand in hand. The thing is not to let the depression get out of hand. Many of us here at the forum suffer with depression as a result of CP and believe me it does not mean that we are weak either. People that suffer with CP are the strongest people around, not just everyone can survive what we do just to get by on a daily basis.

Laying in bed is not good either. I know you say getting up causes more pain but that can be from losing muscle tone from laying around. Try just getting up and walking around in the house a little each day. Maybe over a few days stay up a little longer each time and build yourself up.

Small goals work better for us than trying to build Rhome in one day. Remember take it a day at a time. Take care.
Posted 6/26/2011 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
 

Post Edited (billyf27) : 6/26/2011 9:51:07 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/26/2011 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Sore...

I didn't get a chance to read everyone's responses... so sorry if this is repeat information. 

I, too, suffer from severe depression - a chemical thing in my brain.  On meds - I'm fine (well, on most days).  I'm just curious why you don't want to take an anti-depressant. 

Actually - I just went back and read what the others wrote to you - and I couldn't agree more - especially w/ what Pebbles said to you.  Depression is just like having diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.  You wouldn't leave those things untreated, right?

Sometimes, I get so busy w/ life that I'll skip my anti-depressant (meaning, I forget to take it).  My family can tell within one or two days that I've done this.  My patience is gone; I want to just crawl in  bed and not get out.... and, mostly, I cry at the drop of a hat. 

Point being, I'm so sorry you are feeling this way - but I would really encourage you to treat this aspect of your health.  Like I said, depression is just a chemical imbalance in your brain... and, once that gets corrected - it literally is like night and day.

Many hugs to you, Sore.  I hope you feel better.  And I admire you for reaching out to the board - that's a good step!!  --Tina

Posted 6/27/2011 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Wow ,thanks for the great advice everyone .I had a verybad experience getting off welbutren ,it was horrible !!I manage to get out the house for a few hours today,now Iam ready for a rest.but it feels good to have went outside and tomorrow do a bit more !I agree depression is a chemical imbalance,yet Iam hoping once Ihave surgery and pain s gone ,I will feel better .I have not totaly ruled out taking meds for depression.Sorry I need to cut this short Ihad a huge lightening pain downmy arm. Its rest time now!I thank all you for understanding ,its so nice to have others care and have such good advice. TAKECARE
Posted 6/27/2011 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sore,

Everyone has pretty much said it perfectly, so I just wanted to offer you some support and love and let you know you I am here for you and praying for you. hope you can sort something out soon

x
Posted 6/29/2011 6:34 AM (GMT 0)
sore42long

I know when I was going through my divorce, I was having a hard time with depression, I just felt like I wanted to cry all the time, I talked to my counselor about it and then my PCP. and my PCP put me on really low dose Celexa, it was just enough to take the edge off and it had helped me allot! You know I kind of look at all these meds for pain and meds for depression, as just something that is made and prescribed to treat a condition or symptom, just like medications for high Blood pressure or diabetes or any other medical problem or condition is. If you have something that needs to be treated, then get it is best to get it treated. Depression can be very problemamatic and it can get worse. So it is good to get it treated early if you can.

Anyway just my two cents worth! I do wish you well!

White Beard
Posted 6/29/2011 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Sore-

I can totally relate to your depression. I'm currently taking Wellbutrin but I really don't think it's helping. They had me on Cymbalta at the same time for awhile as well. It was just too much..I had involuntary jerking of my arms and legs. It was awful. I quit the Cymbalta since for me it didn't do anything for the pain. I stayed on the Wellbutrin because it seemed to cause less side effects. I think I may need to go talk to a counselor/psychiatrist soon. I was seeing one...but all she ever did was ask me when I was going to get off my pain meds. I kept telling her if I did that, I would end up being bedridden, but she just kept at it. Obviously, she's never had chronic pain. I finally just quit going to see her. I think a counselor versed in chronic pain issues is where I need to head next.

I hope you feel better soon. I'm so upset for anyone that has to deal with this kind of pain and the associated depression and anxiety.

And I know this is the wrong way to do this..but since you don't have email attached to your profile or anything, is there a way to speak with you about your diagnosis of TOS? I just posted a thread about TOS (it has today's date of 6/29/11 on it). I was just wondering what kind of doctor finally diagnosed you? How long it took to get a diagnosis, etc.

If you don't or can't today, I understand as I'm sure you are having a hard time even typing on these boards (as I sit here with an ice pack on my arm)

Anyway, I hope you feel better soon.

JessupL
Posted 6/29/2011 7:09 PM (GMT 0)
 

       Jessup...you both might try the chat room...and once there you can laso enter private mode there, so that no one can listen in on you're converstaion.

    Hope that helps...and that sore42long will see your post soon.

 SE wink

Posted 6/29/2011 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you!! Wasn't sure how that worked.
Posted 7/1/2011 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
jessup I can only stay a computer a short time ,Iwould like to talk to you about TOS. I'll be on computer friday about 6pm.I hope you get this message.I did get cortizone shots ,did physio ,in the last year it its gotten so bad,my activities are so limited also pain and mobility in past year.Its been almost 3 yrs from when I started getting shooting pains ect .Its a long process and I still have a few more months before surgery .I am in C
Posted 7/1/2011 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry you have to wait so long for surgery. I've been struggling with "whatever this is" for a year and a half. I can't tell you how frustrated I have been going to see specialist after specialist because I know something is wrong. I've been turned away so many times. As stupid as it sounds, sometimes I want to stomp my feet and say "Everyone else gets surgery, why can't I?"  Then I think about it...do I really want surgery? I just want to feel better and get some of my life back. I also really just want a diagnosis so I know what I'm dealing with here. Like I said in an earlier post..I have one doctor I'm seeing that says it's TOS and another doctor that said it wasn't.  ??? 

Anyway..not sure what timezone you are in..I actually work until 6pm and then will be home at 7-ish....will search for you on the chat boards just in case you are still on.

I'm glad you posted about your depression. Doesn't it help to just acknowledge that sometimes? When I start telling someone how depressed I've been it's like someone took a huge weight off me and somehow it's enough to get through another day. I guess there really is something to "talk therapy" even if it's just a friend or a discussion board.

Jessupl

 

Posted 7/2/2011 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
jessup,Iknow its hard to understand ,but TOS has no defined test to prove it and surgery is removal of a rib ,which is 70% chance of working and as my surgon said they need to check everyother possibility?The fact your still able to go to work is fantastic,today just washing my hair was so painful,like I said the pain continues to worsen.The best thing is to go to all the specialist ,never miss an appointment and keep a log book of whats hurting when.I tryed Lyrica ,it works for some people ,not me! I hate taking pain meds ,but its been the only relief,my hand also goes icecold at times ,nothing helps this !Iwas in school last year taking a few courses ,but having shooting pains in my neck and right arm along with the icecold and Imean icecold and blue in color ,was to hard to concentrate.My car is just sitting there and last time Idrove Ihad such a shooting pain I ended up going in other lane,so I stopped driving for now ?The surgeon told my other dr that seems operating is the answer ,yet he has me booked with another specialist ?I live in canada and the health care system is so backed up ,I sure hope the wait is not much longer,as the toll on my lifestyle ,or lack there of do to pain ,sure makes me unhappy!I'm trying to do less physical work as a way to prevent pain ,yet Ihave always been outgoing energetic type , I feel this is why dealing with this been so hard on me .I also think its great to talk with others who can can understand really helps ,Iam so happy Ifound this site and thankful for all the wonderful people on here .Ineed to rest now ,but Iwill be back later.Dont get discourgeaged its a long slow process but Iam going to stay on here and post my surgery resaults ect.Hope everyone is having a lowpain day !take care
Posted 7/3/2011 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Sore, how are you feeling today? I hope your surgery will help you. When do you think it will be?
I see you mentioned you live in Canada. May i ask where? I am in Ottawa, Ontario.

I hope you are resting comfortably.

Hugs
Suzane
Posted 7/4/2011 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
I'm in bc canada,Iam hoping to have surgery in the next 6 months.The system is slow.Till than I think another cortizone shot in shoulder is in order,Yesterday and today I got up went for walks did a bit of chores ,one picking up pinecones in my yard ,only took look outside 2hrs later and see 100 or more had fallen .I over did it and had to use icyhot patches and rest.Iwas having shooting pain in my neck.I also have to realize ,Iam so out of shape,from laying around not doing anything,which can spirell into a depression and lack of motivation, so finding the right balance of what Iam cappable of will take some time ,I just want to make sure I am doing some type of activity .
Posted 7/4/2011 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sore. I know it's hard finding the right balance, so you're not overdoing it.


I would love to have some of those pinecones. I just love the smell of them. I love putting them in a bowl on the table.

I hope your pain is better now.

love and hugs
Loretta
Posted 7/4/2011 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry for the abrupt end to last post,sometimes the pain gets so uncomfortable,I have to stop what Iam doing.I have given up so many physical activities ,like gardening ,working out ,my life seems so boring.Iam going to have to find a project or volunteer work,maybe reading stories at the library to children. As sitting around day after day waiting for surgery makes the wait seem longer and me feel very unproductive.I think exercise like tai chi class also be good,so I hope to find one close to home.I do hope everyone is having a good day !I find with the weather warming up Ifeel better ,as long as I don't overdo things .take care everyone
Posted 7/4/2011 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
I had a doctors appointment today ,I was told my appointment on july 25 ,should be an attempt to block nerve pain with botox shot ?Its seems that if this treatment does not work ,then surgery !Iwas so happy to hear this ,Ireally do not like taking the oxycodone pills ,at times I wonder if they really work,Imean they numb the pain yet its still there.I woke up at 5am so sore took a pill and when Iwoke back up,the pain was not as bad. Ijust can't wait to be back to myself and go back to work .I realize its not a instant cure and still might need surgery ,but seems like some glimmer of hope ,intill then I will continue my walking program,Its amazing how fast you can get out of shape ,when your activities are limited,mind you Iwas into working out ,lifting weights ect . I gained about about 8-10 pounds ,but Iam a tiny women,so its noticable.I am not certin whats going to happen about the icecoldness in the hand.Iam just happy to now somethings going to be done soon .I hope everyone is having a lowpain day ,takecare
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