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Posted 12/31/2015 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
I was finally coming off predsione and was down to 5mg when some symptoms of my ulcerative coltic were coming back so the specialist put me back to 20mg for a couple days. But I always everyday don't feel like talking or doing anything, I'm always just thinking what I was like before all this happened. It just feel like I'm in my own world and I don't feel like the same person anymore.im not social anymore and don't feel like seeing anyone anymore. I feel like I'm in a fog or something.Is it the predsione causing me to be depressed or am I just depressed for the tough year I have had ??

Post Edited (poppyy) : 12/30/2015 6:06:11 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/31/2015 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
I understand what you're saying completely

There are anti depressants you could be prescribed

I hope your disease gets better
Posted 12/31/2015 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
It's normal to grieve what life was like was life before UC. We've all done it. Don't be so hard on yourself. You will get better; lots of us have long term remission. This is all so new to you and it sucks being sick.

Did you contact your local IBd chapter? Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling emotionally? It may take some time to feel like your normal self after prednisone, but you will. You will! Be gentle with yourself.
Posted 12/31/2015 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hey poppyy,

I know how you feel, because the same thing is happening to me right now as I taper off the prednisone. I feel lonely, depressed, and bored as the symptoms come towering back.

I think the depression could be a mixture of the medication and the big life change you're facing. It's hard to go through this and not many people understand what we face.

I hope you feel better soon! Try to stay positive -- easier said than done of course :)
Posted 12/31/2015 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the replies, my specialist knows that I'm not coping mentally
Posted 12/31/2015 5:09 AM (GMT 0)
i think its the pred inducing it but you will have to make the conscious effort to eradicate it or you could get lost in the depression

try speaking to a therapist, your GI might be able to recommend one who specializes in chronic conditions

sometimes taking meds will help but therapy will help you get out of it instead of masking the symptoms

good luck i def. went thru some really tough patches with accepting my diagnosis
Posted 12/31/2015 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Disneygirl12 thanks for the reply at least we know that we're not alone, what does your depression feel like ??
Posted 12/31/2015 1:06 PM (GMT 0)

poppyy said...
I feel like I'm in a fog or something.Is it the predsione causing me to be depressed or am I just depressed for the tough year I have had ??

Yes, Prednisone makes many of us very emotional, gives us wild mood swings, clouds/fogs our thoughts, and it amplifies any minor psychiatric issues we might have (if prone to depression, anxiety, etc.). Infact, one forum member here bought their spouse a Frankenstein cake once off of prednisone that read: sorry I've been such a monster lately.

It takes us all time to come to terms with being chronically ill. We all go through the standard phases, denial, anger (not fair I got this I don't deserve it) and finally acceptance. You just gotta put a smile on your face, pull up your pants each morning, and go about your life with the new uc reality. Once uc gets under control (that is remission) we live mostly normal lives.
Posted 12/31/2015 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
hey poppy y =

this will help us help you >

from:
Red_34
Forum Moderator


This is not mandatory but please create a signature to let us know the meds you are on, what you have tried and the extent of your UC. This can help us help YOU to expedite answers to your questions or concerns.

To creat a signature, go to the upper dark blue bar on the upper left side and click "My Profile" then click "Edit Profile".

Thank you! :)
SHERRY
Posted 12/31/2015 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Pred always made me feel like I had punched too many holes in my crazy card. Then once I was off of it (completely) I went back to feeling totally normal.

Have you lost a lot of blood? Anemia can also cause brain fog and depression.
Posted 1/1/2016 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies everyone!! It's good to know I'm not alone and I'm not the only one feeling this way. I made a signature now thanks justud for telling me about it. I hope I can feel like myself again because I'm getting worried
Posted 1/1/2016 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
I was on two rounds of prednisone and my doctor cautioned me that may have some problems tapering down at doses around 15mg. Apparently this is quite common. I don't recall having issues.

I had a complex tapering sequence that involved cutting pills in half to decrease the "steps" when tapering. Mary
Posted 1/1/2016 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
It's up and down for me. Sometimes I just feel very lonely and tired of not living a "normal" life. I wish I could go grab a slice of pizza and a beer with friends, but instead, I'm on the couch eating probiotics. Some days are better than others!

What is yours like? And how are you doing today?

poppyy said...
Hey Disneygirl12 thanks for the reply at least we know that we're not alone, what does your depression feel like ??

Posted 1/1/2016 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Disneygirl

What you're feeling is very normal, especially considering you're flaring right now. Most of the feel good chemicals (like serotonin) are actually produced in the gut so when that's out of whack, so is your brain chemistry! Plus, with 6-7 months of this under your belt, you'll naturally be coming to the realisation about how such a condition can affect your life. And initially, that feels like crap.

The good news is, most of us can find a strategy that keeps us in remission most of the time through experimentation. In the meantime, something you can try is Kratom, a (legal in the UK) herb that acts like an opiate. 3g in cold water first thing the morning before breakfast will give you your feel-good chemicals back and put you in a sociable mood.

Another herb, Ashwagandha, is also very effective in eliminating brain fog and keeping you in good spirits. It takes a few days for that to really kick in but worth it.

Hope you feel much better real soon.
Posted 1/2/2016 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you! I'm glad I'm not alone with the depression, and it's interesting to know that there's legit chemistry to explain part of the cause. I hate to be a baby about it, because it could be so much worse for me! But, as you know, it would be nice to enjoy a few pieces of dark chocolate and a glass of wine without running to the bathroom :) Hopefully this happens soon for me!

Take care! :)



Kevin Watson said...
Hey Disneygirl

What you're feeling is very normal, especially considering you're flaring right now. Most of the feel good chemicals (like serotonin) are actually produced in the gut so when that's out of whack, so is your brain chemistry! Plus, with 6-7 months of this under your belt, you'll naturally be coming to the realisation about how such a condition can affect your life. And initially, that feels like crap.

The good news is, most of us can find a strategy that keeps us in remission most of the time through experimentation. In the meantime, something you can try is Kratom, a (legal in the UK) herb that acts like an opiate. 3g in cold water first thing the morning before breakfast will give you your feel-good chemicals back and put you in a sociable mood.

Another herb, Ashwagandha, is also very effective in eliminating brain fog and keeping you in good spirits. It takes a few days for that to really kick in but worth it.

Hope you feel much better real soon.

Posted 1/2/2016 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Oh you're not being a baby. UC is tough... but you're tougher. You might have to give up wine altogether. I found spirits like Whiksey sat well with my system but not beer or wine.

I like dark chocolate too but I have it with a brew because I'm a Brit! Look out for any additives in your dark chocolate - Lindt or Green & Blacks are usually perfect.
Posted 1/2/2016 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
i don't have depression but i know it's typical when you're taking prednisone. Fecal transplant is often a cure for depression too.
Posted 1/2/2016 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Just like to say that I feel just the same. I suffer from depression even without the steroids. I take antidepressants and these do seem to help a little. Lets hope when we get off them that things will be better in all ways.
Posted 1/2/2016 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Poppy

Different medications can play havoc with your IBD. After trying a few different medications I have found that Amitriptyline helps me although I still am not 100% mentally or physically.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could also be useful to you although I did not find it much help.

Just like the disease itself everyone reacts differently to different meds/therapies
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