ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Cognitive/Emotional Issues => Topic started by: clr on August 12, 2009, 04:57:49 am

Title: Depression?
Post by: clr on August 12, 2009, 04:57:49 am

Hello Everyone!

I have told my daughter, Betsy, about this forum and she has posted a few times. I think her user name is Bets. We both have been pretty busy with working and my grandchildren coming over in the evenings. In fact, I am at work right now posting. 

Anyhow, she is suffering from depression. We go down on 8/18 for her 2 month MRI and meet with her neurosurgeon. Do we tell him about her depression? Can he write a perscription for an anti-depressant?  OR do we make an appointment with her family doctor?  The thing about going to the family doctor is that my sister, her aunt, is a nurse there. Betsy really doesn't want her aunt to know. Can the depression gradually go away on it's own?  She could make an appoint with her gyno...can they treat depression?  By the way, Betsy has never had depression before but she sure has it now!

Geez, alot of questions in one post! I have more questions but I will start a new thread for them.

Thanks!!
Cindy

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: ppearl214 on August 12, 2009, 05:52:50 am

Hey Cindy,

I'm sorry to hear about what is going on with Bets..... the ANA recognizes that depression could be part of an AN journey... ..... this Sunday, at the symposium, they are hosting a workshop on this exact issue:  "Treatment of Depression -- Neurocognitive and emotional impact of AN".  I'll be sitting in on that one and can share what was noted during the workshop as we see it occurring, unfortunately, more often with those enduring this road.  Although I am not a trained/licensed clinician, I would believe that any emotional impact from illness (regardless of what kind of illness) should be followed up with a trained specialist who can help guide Bets with coping skills, possible meds to help but I can see... that she also has terrific love and support from those around her :)

Here's hoping Bets hangs tough... cuz she's got you all.. and she's got us here to help the cause. 

Phyl

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: CHD63 on August 12, 2009, 06:32:08 am

Cindy .....

I am not a trained medical person either but depression is a real issue (not just something one can shake off) and from reading posts on this forum, is quite common following AN surgery.  I would certainly mention this to the neurosurgeon next week, although neurosurgeons are best at operating.  He/she may recommend Betsy see someone else.  If so, ask for a referral.  I can understand why she does not want her aunt to know but maybe you can convince Betsy that her depression is a direct result of the adjustments to life after AN surgery and therefore she has a real cause.  (I'm not stating this very well, but hope you can understand between the lines!)

In any event, I hope Betsy can get the help she needs soon.  My thoughts and prayers!

Clarice

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: Kaybo on August 12, 2009, 08:18:05 am

Cindy~
I had surgery a LONG time ago (13.5 years) but even then the books that the ANA put out (I'm sure they have up-dated now) said that an AN patient WOULD need to seek counseling as it is a major life style change - esp. if there is paralysis or other after effects to be dealt with...& sounds like y'all have had your share - just the fact that it keeps going on & on...  Betsy will be in my prayers...

K

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: saralynn143 on August 12, 2009, 11:21:42 am

Any physician can diagnose and treat depression. Asking her neurosurgeon is a good first step. He may have handled all kinds of similar concerns. Her OB/GYN as well. Her family doctor will need to be aware of any changes in medication, however, so keep that in mind. Does your sister work directly for the doctor or just in the same group?

Sara

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: nancyann on August 12, 2009, 04:05:22 pm

Hi Cindy:  In the psychiatric world this would be known as a 'situational depression':  means what it says - the situation (AN surgery: physical changes, not feeling like your old self, etc) is causing the depression (like when someone loses a loved one, etc.).  Major Depression is a chemical imbalance.  As others have said, anyone with MD after their name can prescribe antidepressants.
As time goes on (hopefully), the depression should lift,  but like others have said,  taking an antidepressant may help.
Always good thoughts,  Nancy

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: clr on August 12, 2009, 04:43:53 pm

Thanks everyone for all of your help! It's awesome that we can come here and ask questions!

Sara,
Our family doctor is in a clinic, Family Practice, with about 4 other doctors. My sister usually grabs our chart and shows us to a room.

Thanks again everyone!!!!

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: Desilu on August 12, 2009, 05:25:35 pm

Hi Cindy,

I was told by a clinically trained specialist that anyone with a head trauma (AN's included) could develop depression. With some counseling and sometimes medication she should be fine. I wish you the best. Ann

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: moe on September 01, 2009, 09:25:22 am

Hi Cindy,
I agree with all the posts. There are a lot of safe antidepressants out there that can help her through this hurdle and hopefully her surgeon can write for something.
It is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
Auntie might actually be of help to Betsy-  a medical professional who understands,-  though I understand Betsy's reluctance. Are they close?
How old is Betsty?
As we get older, it's no big deal. Heck, I think everyone (especially women, with children! ) could benefit from antidepressants! It would be a nicer world!!!!!
I have dealt with depression post op, as have many others on the forum.
I also do other things, but the pills sure help :)
Maureen

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: leapyrtwins on September 02, 2009, 06:57:26 am

Hi, Cindy -

I'm wondering what's new with Bets and her depression.  Since she went to the doc a few weeks ago, can you give us an update?

As others have said, depression with ANs is very common.  I hope Bets is open to getting the help she needs.

Jan

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: clr on September 02, 2009, 07:30:14 am

We went to the neurosurgeon on 8/18. He told her if she wasn't depressed he wouldn't find her normal.  We came home and called her family dr. He prescribed her an anti-depressant and she is doing much better already!!

Thanks to everyone here for your support!!!

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: moe on September 02, 2009, 08:59:33 am

So glad to hear! Now wasn't that easy? ;)
(Unlike everything else  ;) )
Maureen

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: yardtick on September 02, 2009, 09:46:44 am

I've been taking Effexor every morning for the last two years.  My dose has been increased when needed and decreased when needed.  For me it has been a lifesaver.  I just wish the first year after surgery I was on the drug, but than again hind sight is 20/20.  I had to ask my GP, because I was not coping with working full time, the headaches and of course all of the family dramas.  I am in a much better place now......for the most part  ::)

Anne Marie

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: leapyrtwins on September 03, 2009, 06:52:09 am

Quote from: clr on September 02, 2009, 07:30:14 am

We went to the neurosurgeon on 8/18. He told her if she wasn't depressed he wouldn't find her normal. 

Now there's a neurosurgeon with a good healthy take on depression  :)

I'm so glad that Betsy pursued this and I'm hopeful her depression will pass very quickly.

Please tell her to visit us on this forum - it's immensely helpful to be part of a community that's "been there, done that" and can relate.  I know from experience.

Jan

Title: Re: Depression?
Post by: Desilu on September 04, 2009, 08:03:23 pm

So glad to hear that Betsy is doing better. It's always nice when a story has a happy ending. Sounds like you have a great doctor, better hang on to that one! Best wishes, Ann