Depression

[dream2live]

I just wanted to know how many out there that have CF have to also deal with depression from having this disease. Basically, the only time I "fall" in a major depression is when I get sick and its time for a "tune up". I am 37 years old and my last "tune up" was in November 2005. The problem this time was I was fighting 2 different strains and one was resistant to the IV antibiotic I was on. What a shock to my mental status. Here it is May 2006 and I feel that I never bounced back from that last "tune up" as I have been sooo tired and worn out the past 2 months on top of dealing with the pollen season. After finally doing a sputum culture and blood tests, I found out why I was soooo tired. My iron levels were extremely low, and the sputum culture came back with 2 strains again, only this time, one of the strains was MRSA. NOW WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A BIG BLOW TO THE MENTAL STATUS. My doctor did not want me on IV antibiotics, as it has not really been even 6 months since the last time I was on IV's. I am currently taking Zyvox, Bactraban, and back on TOBI (CAN ANYBODY SAY...YUK)!!!! Well, that is my current status for now, but I was curious as to who else had/deals with depression associated with CF, and how do you deal with it.

 

[Faust]

Since you seem to already be kind of screwed (we all are to various degrees), and the regular approach doesn't seem to be working, I would look into oil of oregano if I were you. Could try the regular stuff under your tongue, and if that doesn't help, possibly try the water soluble stuff via nebulizer. It's not for everybody, but considering where you are now, it more than likely won't hurt, and just might be able to help you out depending on how bad off you are.

 

[littlemisssilly]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>SeanDavis</b></i>

Since you seem to already be kind of screwed (we all are to various degrees)

Sean, I'm pretty sure that you didn't mean to offend but that's probably not the most helpful thing to say when someone is seeking help for depression.

Dream2live,

I'm sorry to hear that your health has not been good lately. I think you'll find that many people with CF have bouts of depressive symptoms when sick, I know I do. Have you thought about talking to someone about these feelings?

Also, although MRSA is serious, it does not mean that you'll always have it in your sputum, also things may 'level out' so to speak after a while, I know there are many on this site that have had MRSA for a long time. Also, the antibiotic that you are on Zyvox is the appropriate treatment for it nowadays.

Like Sean said, maybe you could look into complimentary medicines? Like OO or anti oxidants.

I know when I'm sick, I force myself to do things that cheer me up even if I don't feel like doing it, just to distract myslef from the stress of being ill. Do you have supportive friends that you could talk to? Are there any hobbies that you like to do? favourite foods? I know these probably sounds silly but you'd be suprised how much of difference to your mental health these things can make, even if it's just for a while.

I'm not sure what your PFTs are like, but exercise is a good mood lifter and great for your lungs. Even if you start with short gentle walks it will encourage your lungs to breathe deeper and help clear mucous.

One of the biggest things that I have learnt from others on this forum and their inspirational stories is that people can and do get better sometimes, their PFTs can can and do improve. If you find that your depression isn't getting any better depsite these things, please go talk to a professional. Depression is a serious illness that needs treatment just like eg diabetes.

I hope you start to feel better soon.

 

[littlemisssilly]

Oops, I only wanted to quote one line from SD. The rest of the writing is from me, I don't how to work these 'quote' and 'reply' functions work.... sorry. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0">

 

[Faust]

No not intending to offend. There is no nice way to acknowlege that someone isn't doing real well, unless "Well looks like you aren't doing really well" is better than what I said, who knows. My point was (regardless how it was said), since the regular stuff doesn't seem to be working for them anymore, try looking into various supplements to try and lessen the CF.

 

[littlemisssilly]

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif" border="0">

 

[LisaV]

In my limited experience, depression goes with progression.
My suggestion is to find a good counselor to work with - one that knows about living with a chronic progressive illness. Ask your CF center for recommendations first. If they don't know anyone, try to find someone who has worked with AIDS folks.

Some folks find antidepressents work. Some don't. Those that don't often also don't need the side effects of the antidpressents on top of the side effects of everything else.

Remember too that if you're on steroids (IV or prednisone) your mood will go all over the place when you're on them and as you taper them. Sometimes just waiting for a month after taper will be all you need to turn your mood around.

 

[Jennie]

SeanDavis,
Can you tell me more about oil of oregano???? I've never heard of it before.
Thanks!

 

[JazzysMom]

I also culture 2 strains of pseudomonas (as of last year) & most currently MRSA. I didnt go into a depressive state as much as said: Damn something else to keep an eye on! I have had depressive moments which are influenced both by my health & the seasons. To this point I havent needed meds or outside help tho it has been mentioned to my Doc when its happening so she is aware.

 

[Renegade]

I to suffer from depression and I always get it during the fall. It's what's known as seasonal depression. My father, brother, grandfather and my two dogs one 16 years old and the other 18 years old all died in the fall and it's the time I'm the most sick and need constant IV treatments so you're not alone. I see A Psychiatrist and a Psychologist to help me through the season. So you're not alone on this topic.