Depression?

This is a selfish post and I'm sorry. I usually try to encourage others.

So as you know, this week, I've been struggling with pain from pleurisy and costchronditis. I've had 4 back surgeries and that pain is nothing compared to this. I went to the doctor Monday and she did give me pills for pain and a steroid.

I was doing good until Wednesday. Like an idiot, I over did it. I was feeling good because the pain pills and steroids were working. Since then I have hurt so bad. I've taken all my medicine as the doctor gave me four days worth. She made me feel very guilty by even asking for pain meds- she said it shouldn't hurt that bad.

At the er, they did all sorts of blood work, X-rays and a catscan- all tests were clear which means there isn't something else wrong- it's just the pleurisy and costochondritis.

One major accomplishment each day to battle my depression is getting out of bed and taking a bath.

I've tried to stay very still since Thursday. Hence, I've been in bed. It's the only place I can get some relief.

I've been so emotional since Thursday- laughing one minute, crying the next. Everything seems to make me cry. I know depression is more than crying- at least mine is. I just feel horrible physically and emotionally.

I don't know if it's the pain or depression. What's causing these emotions?

I wish I wasn't going through this. The doctor said it could take weeks to heal. I want to go back to the doctor, but I don't want to be accused of seeking pain meds. I have to get some relief though.

Ideas/suggestions?

I think Rob is right. It's bedside manner to belittle your pain. Pleurisy and chostochondritis can hurt. Have you tried warm, damp cloths? Or even just done heat. It couldn't hurt to try some antiinflammatories, too.

Pain magnifies our depression or it does for me. Pain keeps you from your normal activoties which makes you feel less productive and it's a spiral. The extra emotions could be from pain, exhaustion, or depression.

See the dr again. Some of them need to be forced to see the situation. I finally got through to my dr that 5 mg of flexeril wasn't enough for my back by getting him to touch my back. Have her listen to your chest. Pleurisy changes your lung sounds. Just be blunt. Tell her that's it's interfering with your everyday activities. If she won't help you may need to see the er again. I really hope you feel better soon.

Michele,

I hope that you feel better soon. Remember one day at a time... Slow and steady....

One from me and one of Jamie's from me... lol...

Take care hon.

Hugs, Karen...

Michele,

sometimes when the pain hits, I make worse by fighting it. Then it travels from my head down my neck into my back. Sharp shooting electric awful, just awful.

then the cluster headache hit. All because I worked myself up.

Sometimes.

I have found that I can decrease my pain, by going to bed as you have. BUT, while there, I meditate, I concentrate on the major pain area and turn it into something like, a ball of wax, a large glob or chocalate, then I ease into telling that area to relax, that it is ok, I am lying down and it does not have to work as hard.

Then I think of heat and I watch in my meditation the "thing" melting slowly. THE WHOLE TIME I AM USING SLOW CONTROLLED BREATHING 3 COUNTS IN, 4 COUNTS FOR EXHALE TO RELAX THE BODY.

Michele, most times, I get some form of relief in my pain from this exercise. I do hope you try it. It may take several times before it actually works for you.

Peace and comfort
Trina

Sometimes, steroids can push people's emotions. I wouldn't discount that possibility. Roid rage is very real.