![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 15:09:57
Can depression be a completely PHSYICAL thing?
My symptoms for years have been FATIGUE, heaviness, lethargy, feelings of "depletion", dragging myself through the day, etc. Obviously it's difficult to feel good emotionally when you feel so horrible physically. When I get emotionally down, I often think it's due to the fact that I feel so physically down.I've been tested out the wazoo (where did that saying come from?? And how do you spell "wazoo?") for blood sugar, thyroid, anemia, hormones, chronic fatigue, Epstien Barr, etc. etc. and it all comes out normal.
And it seems that I feel horrible whether I'm on a med or not. The only times I've had some lift from this heaviness are the first two months on a low dose of Prozac. But after 2 months the lift is gone and I feel even worse than before.
I've even gone the alternative med route, getting "muscle tested," then going on high protein, low sugar diets with lots of Vitamin B. No result.
SO, that leads me back to my first question. Is it the depression (that I don't even really feel emotionally) making me so tired? Can you feel physically depressed and not emotionally depressed?
Is this making any sense?
Thanks for listening and responding to this blabber.
By the way, my next med try is Lamictal. I'll start Wednesday. We'll see...
cindy
Posted by Janelle on October 7, 2001, at 15:32:52
In reply to Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 15:09:57
Hi,
First, I'm sorry to hear how lousy you've been feeling and that you have not gotten relief from any of the numerous things you have tried.
In my humble opinion (and all I can do is hazard a somewhat *educated* guess!) depression is such a broad spectrum condition that it probably wouldn't be completely (100%) PHSYICAL thing - I would think there's some kind of PSYCHOLOGICAL component going on although the symptoms of the overall depression may be more physical than emotional.
When you stop to think about it the mind and body are connected, so a biochemical depression IS both a physical ailment and an emotional one, despite the stigma of *mental illness," it's all-in-your-head, etc. That's a bunch of bull. Anyone who has been depressed *knows* it has a physical manifestation as well as an emotional one!
Your symptoms sound like mine, and I was definitively diagnosed (quite some time ago) with depression (I also have anxiety but that's a whole 'nother can of worms).
When not on the right combo of meds, my symptoms have also included fatigue, lack of energy or drive, heaviness, lethargy, feelings of "depletion", dragging myself through the day, no interest in things I used to love to do, etc.
I agree that when a person gets emotionally down, it can often be due to the fact that they are feeling physically down. I think the reverse is true also (when a person is physically run down, they can also feel emotionally down).
Since you have had so many tests which have all come back *normal* and you have felt horrible either on or off a med, I'm guessing that you have just not found the *right* med(s) for your situation.
The fact that there *was* a time when you had some relief a "lift" from the heaviness, and it was during the first 2 months on a low dose of Prozac (then it pooped out on you) indicates to me that an SRI a-d (but probably not Prozac) could help you. There are soooooo many others to try (for example, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, EffexorXR ...)
The diet and vitamin support is important, but from what I've heard, vitamins and minerals do not cross the "blood-brain barrier" the same way that pharmaceutical meds do, so it could take longer to feel any benefit from vitamin supplements or they might not even give a noticeable benefit.
So, winding up back at your first question. I would say (and this is just one person's thoughts!) that it is very likely that the depression (that you feel mostly in a physical sense - the symptoms you describe are on the *official* list for depression) IS indeed making you feel so tired.
I think that a person can feel can feel physically depressed but it would not be clearly separate from emotionally depressed, meaning a person could feel let's say 75% physical/25% emotional depression (and these are just random numbers).
By the way, I am on Lamictal, have worked up to 100 mg (50 mg twice a day) and it *is* helping A LOT, but either I haven't reached the right dosage for me or I need to augment it by going back on an SSRI a-d. My pdoc took me off the SSRI because she feels that Lamictal should work for me without an SSRI, but I myself have started to feel cruddy again after 3 weeks off the SSRI, so I'm confused myself!
I hope that some of what I've said will be helpful. Good luck and please keep us/me updated on how you are feeling and your reaction to the Lamictal (you have to go low and slow with this one because of a dangerous rash - I did not get it because I have gone up verrrrrrrrry slowly on it)
Take care,
Janelle
Posted by phillybob on October 7, 2001, at 22:45:16
In reply to Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 15:09:57
You are suffering from Mitro Valve Prolapse Syndrome, purely physical.
"Heh, heh," he posts, not so sure if he is serious or not about what he proposed as the cause of the malaise.
You sound like me, and I am at a loss myself.
Have you tried Adderall? If I could tolerate it for long, it would be my savior. That, and rock and roll, of course.
Posted by Cindylou on October 8, 2001, at 6:49:48
In reply to Re: Which comes first - fatigue or depression? » Cindylou, posted by phillybob on October 7, 2001, at 22:45:16
Hi phillybob,
Thanks for the response! Yes, I've tried Adderall. It's a bummer, because if I take it one day, I'll feel great -- I'll have energy throughout the day just from taking a small (2.5 mg) dose in the morning.But if I take it 2 or 3 days in a row, I "crash" and get the opposite effect -- overly fatigued, exhausted, etc.
What a tease, that Adderall! Thanks though.
cindy.> You are suffering from Mitro Valve Prolapse Syndrome, purely physical.
>
> "Heh, heh," he posts, not so sure if he is serious or not about what he proposed as the cause of the malaise.
>
> You sound like me, and I am at a loss myself.
>
> Have you tried Adderall? If I could tolerate it for long, it would be my savior. That, and rock and roll, of course.
Posted by Cindylou on October 8, 2001, at 7:04:42
In reply to Re: Which comes first - fatigue or depression? » Cindylou, posted by Janelle on October 7, 2001, at 15:32:52
Hi Janelle,
Thanks so much for your response -- your support and information was very helpful. I'm so sorry that you have to feel this way too -- I wouldn't wish it on anyone.Glad to hear the Lamictal is helping -- at what dose did you start it? I am concerned about that rash! And since I'm so med-sensitive, I need to be overly cautious.
I wish I could try more SSRIs. I have been on Zoloft, Effexor, Prozac (three separate times), and Paxil. All cause me HORRIBLE fatigue (worse than I have without them! Like a "medicated, zombie-ish fatigue). All three times, this medicated fatigue on the Prozac was horrible after the initial 2-month honeymoon -- I just keep trying, thinking it may be different with each try. But after 3 times, I'm convinced two months is my limit with Prozac. Anyway, my pdoc and I are avoiding Celexa, Serzone, Remeron, etc. because of this medicated-zombie-fatigue side effect I get.
The problem is, these SSRIs DO help my mood, but I feel physically worse. It's like I have to suffer physically in order to feel emotionally better. Several years ago I tolerated the physical exhaustion better than I do now that I have a 2-year-old. Now I can't call in sick to work, nap on my lunch hour, or take a 2-hour nap when I get home from work. (Since she is my "work" -- the best job I've ever had :)
I've also tried adding Wellbutrin, Adderall, Ritilin, Provigil, Risperdal, and Zyprexa to the SSRIs (not all at once, of course :) All give me side effects I can't tolerate -- but I won't bore you with the details of each one! I've tried them each separately as well.
I have anxiety too -- and like you said, that's a whole other ball of wax. Feeling exhausted and anxious at the same time -- what an unfortunate paradox.
Thank you again for your kind response! Keep me posted on what SSRI you try with the Lamictal (if you decide to go that route.) I'll let you know how the Lamictal works for me.
take care,
cindy> Hi,
>
> First, I'm sorry to hear how lousy you've been feeling and that you have not gotten relief from any of the numerous things you have tried.
>
> In my humble opinion (and all I can do is hazard a somewhat *educated* guess!) depression is such a broad spectrum condition that it probably wouldn't be completely (100%) PHSYICAL thing - I would think there's some kind of PSYCHOLOGICAL component going on although the symptoms of the overall depression may be more physical than emotional.
>
> When you stop to think about it the mind and body are connected, so a biochemical depression IS both a physical ailment and an emotional one, despite the stigma of *mental illness," it's all-in-your-head, etc. That's a bunch of bull. Anyone who has been depressed *knows* it has a physical manifestation as well as an emotional one!
>
> Your symptoms sound like mine, and I was definitively diagnosed (quite some time ago) with depression (I also have anxiety but that's a whole 'nother can of worms).
>
> When not on the right combo of meds, my symptoms have also included fatigue, lack of energy or drive, heaviness, lethargy, feelings of "depletion", dragging myself through the day, no interest in things I used to love to do, etc.
>
> I agree that when a person gets emotionally down, it can often be due to the fact that they are feeling physically down. I think the reverse is true also (when a person is physically run down, they can also feel emotionally down).
>
> Since you have had so many tests which have all come back *normal* and you have felt horrible either on or off a med, I'm guessing that you have just not found the *right* med(s) for your situation.
>
> The fact that there *was* a time when you had some relief a "lift" from the heaviness, and it was during the first 2 months on a low dose of Prozac (then it pooped out on you) indicates to me that an SRI a-d (but probably not Prozac) could help you. There are soooooo many others to try (for example, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, EffexorXR ...)
>
> The diet and vitamin support is important, but from what I've heard, vitamins and minerals do not cross the "blood-brain barrier" the same way that pharmaceutical meds do, so it could take longer to feel any benefit from vitamin supplements or they might not even give a noticeable benefit.
>
> So, winding up back at your first question. I would say (and this is just one person's thoughts!) that it is very likely that the depression (that you feel mostly in a physical sense - the symptoms you describe are on the *official* list for depression) IS indeed making you feel so tired.
>
> I think that a person can feel can feel physically depressed but it would not be clearly separate from emotionally depressed, meaning a person could feel let's say 75% physical/25% emotional depression (and these are just random numbers).
>
> By the way, I am on Lamictal, have worked up to 100 mg (50 mg twice a day) and it *is* helping A LOT, but either I haven't reached the right dosage for me or I need to augment it by going back on an SSRI a-d. My pdoc took me off the SSRI because she feels that Lamictal should work for me without an SSRI, but I myself have started to feel cruddy again after 3 weeks off the SSRI, so I'm confused myself!
>
> I hope that some of what I've said will be helpful. Good luck and please keep us/me updated on how you are feeling and your reaction to the Lamictal (you have to go low and slow with this one because of a dangerous rash - I did not get it because I have gone up verrrrrrrrry slowly on it)
> Take care,
> Janelle
Posted by Krazy Kat on October 8, 2001, at 9:16:03
In reply to Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 15:09:57
> Cindylou:
It's a good question. My sister and I discuss this a lot - she feels depression can be caused by many things, i.e. rhematoid arthritis, ms, and I tend to focus on it in relation to the brain.
Regardless, I see it as a physical disorder, though I know what you mean.
For me, though I'm diagnosed BPII, the meds have helped me be healthier. I can "think straighter" - just couldn't do it "on my own", so to speak. I'm far from perfect now, but I'm better. And, of course, if you're leading a healthier lifestyle, you're going to feel better (ignore any posts of mine you see which note I've started smoking again - that's just some sort of rebellious thing I'm going through, and is very minimal.;) ).
I take Depakote (a stabilizer like Lamictal), and Prozac. The stabilizers have been my "savior" - it's as if my brain was all clamped up, and it can finally breath.
I would give Lamictal a try. It does have to be started Slowly. And keep working on the health aspects as well. I don't think we're going to know any time soon what's really going on - it seems like these "plagues", depression and manic-depression, just don't warrant the attention they deserve.
Good Luck.
- K.
Posted by susan C on October 8, 2001, at 12:56:08
In reply to Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 15:09:57
AHHHHH, a TWO year old...as in child of the human variety.....that says a lot right there, to me. Do you make time for you? It was very hard for me to do that, my children are my life...and when they were little I could not imagine not spending all my time with them. but now I look back and see, hmmm, it would have been good if I had taken more time for me, say the regular nap, the regular creative time, regular food and water, the demand for time for me....oh, well, who knows. Also, it is established that seizures can develop in women after, before, during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts (estrogen is proconvulsant, progesterone anticonvulsant) therefore resulting in mood changes...my bipolar 2 may be as a result of hormonal shifts, but otherwise undetectable except perhaps through observation and mood charting...
Also an a side: my husband (and I) have been sick with the flu. My Rock, My Up steady as he goes, Rock...reflected, he wondered, if he just got depressed when he got sick, or whether he just noticed he was depressed when he got sick...my comment was all men act like babies when they are sick...
For women, I don't know...I know I tried harder to help him, cause he needed it, but my 'spells' came anyway. We talked about how, unfortunately, for him, getting the flu was unpredictable, whereas, my illness is now predictable, I can, most days, almost, time it. Or, just plan on feeling off balance.
So, I would vote, Yes, I think depression can be an entirely physical thing causing effect on your emotions. And, unfortunately, this can 'pop up' with out warning and learning coping skills and self defense is part of dealing with it, along with taking meds regularly, eating well, exercising, surrounding yourself with positive people and, for me, accepting, this will be with me all of my life, and i need to cherish the good days and have patience with the bad.
mouse looking up wazoo (i do know it is nickname for Washington State University in Pullman Washington, in eastern Washington State and also a reference to a certain part of the anatomy...)
susan c
> Can depression be a completely PHSYICAL thing?
> My symptoms for years have been FATIGUE, heaviness, lethargy, feelings of "depletion", dragging myself through the day, etc. Obviously it's difficult to feel good emotionally when you feel so horrible physically. When I get emotionally down, I often think it's due to the fact that I feel so physically down.
>
> I've been tested out the wazoo (where did that saying come from?? And how do you spell "wazoo?") for blood sugar, thyroid, anemia, hormones, chronic fatigue, Epstien Barr, etc. etc. and it all comes out normal.
>
> And it seems that I feel horrible whether I'm on a med or not. The only times I've had some lift from this heaviness are the first two months on a low dose of Prozac. But after 2 months the lift is gone and I feel even worse than before.
>
> I've even gone the alternative med route, getting "muscle tested," then going on high protein, low sugar diets with lots of Vitamin B. No result.
>
> SO, that leads me back to my first question. Is it the depression (that I don't even really feel emotionally) making me so tired? Can you feel physically depressed and not emotionally depressed?
>
> Is this making any sense?
>
> Thanks for listening and responding to this blabber.
>
> By the way, my next med try is Lamictal. I'll start Wednesday. We'll see...
>
> cindy
>
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by Cindylou on October 8, 2001, at 13:34:26
In reply to Re: Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by susan C on October 8, 2001, at 12:56:08
Thanks Susan!
I always appreciate your candor and thoughtful responses!Yes, having a 2-year-old definitely adds to the exhaustion! Especially on days like today where EVERYTHING is a struggle. You would have thought I was killing her just trying to get a booger out of her nose. (There we go again with the semantics -- "booger?" Where did that word come from??)
And then, the anxiety kicks in -- is she now going to be ruined for life?? Did I just permanently scar her emotionally by having to hold her head to clean her nose while she screamed and cried and kicked and writhed ...
Oh boy, just writing it is bringing on a panic attack. Better close now!
But thanks again for your response!
-cindy
> AHHHHH, a TWO year old...as in child of the human variety.....that says a lot right there, to me. Do you make time for you? It was very hard for me to do that, my children are my life...and when they were little I could not imagine not spending all my time with them. but now I look back and see, hmmm, it would have been good if I had taken more time for me, say the regular nap, the regular creative time, regular food and water, the demand for time for me....oh, well, who knows. Also, it is established that seizures can develop in women after, before, during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts (estrogen is proconvulsant, progesterone anticonvulsant) therefore resulting in mood changes...my bipolar 2 may be as a result of hormonal shifts, but otherwise undetectable except perhaps through observation and mood charting...
>
> Also an a side: my husband (and I) have been sick with the flu. My Rock, My Up steady as he goes, Rock...reflected, he wondered, if he just got depressed when he got sick, or whether he just noticed he was depressed when he got sick...my comment was all men act like babies when they are sick...
>
> For women, I don't know...I know I tried harder to help him, cause he needed it, but my 'spells' came anyway. We talked about how, unfortunately, for him, getting the flu was unpredictable, whereas, my illness is now predictable, I can, most days, almost, time it. Or, just plan on feeling off balance.
>
> So, I would vote, Yes, I think depression can be an entirely physical thing causing effect on your emotions. And, unfortunately, this can 'pop up' with out warning and learning coping skills and self defense is part of dealing with it, along with taking meds regularly, eating well, exercising, surrounding yourself with positive people and, for me, accepting, this will be with me all of my life, and i need to cherish the good days and have patience with the bad.
>
> mouse looking up wazoo (i do know it is nickname for Washington State University in Pullman Washington, in eastern Washington State and also a reference to a certain part of the anatomy...)
> susan c
>
>
> > Can depression be a completely PHSYICAL thing?
> > My symptoms for years have been FATIGUE, heaviness, lethargy, feelings of "depletion", dragging myself through the day, etc. Obviously it's difficult to feel good emotionally when you feel so horrible physically. When I get emotionally down, I often think it's due to the fact that I feel so physically down.
> >
> > I've been tested out the wazoo (where did that saying come from?? And how do you spell "wazoo?") for blood sugar, thyroid, anemia, hormones, chronic fatigue, Epstien Barr, etc. etc. and it all comes out normal.
> >
> > And it seems that I feel horrible whether I'm on a med or not. The only times I've had some lift from this heaviness are the first two months on a low dose of Prozac. But after 2 months the lift is gone and I feel even worse than before.
> >
> > I've even gone the alternative med route, getting "muscle tested," then going on high protein, low sugar diets with lots of Vitamin B. No result.
> >
> > SO, that leads me back to my first question. Is it the depression (that I don't even really feel emotionally) making me so tired? Can you feel physically depressed and not emotionally depressed?
> >
> > Is this making any sense?
> >
> > Thanks for listening and responding to this blabber.
> >
> > By the way, my next med try is Lamictal. I'll start Wednesday. We'll see...
> >
> > cindy
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
Posted by Janelle on October 8, 2001, at 18:02:51
In reply to Re: Which comes first - fatigue or depression? » Janelle, posted by Cindylou on October 8, 2001, at 7:04:42
Hi - to answer your question, believe it or not, my pdoc had me start at a "pediatric" dose of Lamictal - a mere 4mg/day! I'm now up to 125mg/day, but I'm feel like I'm going DOWN hill and I think it's due to no longer being on an SSRI. The reason my doc started me at such a low dose of Lamictal was due to the possibility of the rash (apparently the rash seems to occur at if you start at 25mg/day or higher, but she started me very low and has had me titrate slowly up just to be on the safe side -- I think her goal is for me to be in the 200-300 range, which I hope and pray will work because each day since last week, I'm feeling sooooooooo cruddy.
Posted by Cindylou on October 8, 2001, at 19:49:09
In reply to CINDY LOU: answer to your question, more..., posted by Janelle on October 8, 2001, at 18:02:51
Janelle,
Thanks, I'll pass that info. along to my pdoc.
I'm so sorry you're feeling so awful. I hope things pick up for you soon!
-cindy
> Hi - to answer your question, believe it or not, my pdoc had me start at a "pediatric" dose of Lamictal - a mere 4mg/day! I'm now up to 125mg/day, but I'm feel like I'm going DOWN hill and I think it's due to no longer being on an SSRI. The reason my doc started me at such a low dose of Lamictal was due to the possibility of the rash (apparently the rash seems to occur at if you start at 25mg/day or higher, but she started me very low and has had me titrate slowly up just to be on the safe side -- I think her goal is for me to be in the 200-300 range, which I hope and pray will work because each day since last week, I'm feeling sooooooooo cruddy.
Posted by Katey on October 8, 2001, at 21:19:50
In reply to Re: CINDY LOU: answer to your question, more... » Janelle, posted by Cindylou on October 8, 2001, at 19:49:09
Posted by Cindylou on October 9, 2001, at 6:30:54
In reply to isnt this like the chicken and the egg question? (nm), posted by Katey on October 8, 2001, at 21:19:50
Posted by cjay on October 9, 2001, at 14:27:51
In reply to Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 15:09:57
>I feel like I could of written this!!
You discribe my symptoms to a 'T'
I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety a year ago. What sent me to the DR in the first place was the EXTREME FATIGUE.
I have been on effexor xr, celexa and just 5 weeks ago started prozac and xanax.
I was thinking maybe this is the right combo, but after reading how the prozac pooped out for you after 2 months, I'm getting worried!
This has been the best I have felt in a year!
NOW WHAT!
CjayCan depression be a completely PHSYICAL thing?
> My symptoms for years have been FATIGUE, heaviness, lethargy, feelings of "depletion", dragging myself through the day, etc. Obviously it's difficult to feel good emotionally when you feel so horrible physically. When I get emotionally down, I often think it's due to the fact that I feel so physically down.
>
> I've been tested out the wazoo (where did that saying come from?? And how do you spell "wazoo?") for blood sugar, thyroid, anemia, hormones, chronic fatigue, Epstien Barr, etc. etc. and it all comes out normal.
>
> And it seems that I feel horrible whether I'm on a med or not. The only times I've had some lift from this heaviness are the first two months on a low dose of Prozac. But after 2 months the lift is gone and I feel even worse than before.
>
> I've even gone the alternative med route, getting "muscle tested," then going on high protein, low sugar diets with lots of Vitamin B. No result.
>
> SO, that leads me back to my first question. Is it the depression (that I don't even really feel emotionally) making me so tired? Can you feel physically depressed and not emotionally depressed?
>
> Is this making any sense?
>
> Thanks for listening and responding to this blabber.
>
> By the way, my next med try is Lamictal. I'll start Wednesday. We'll see...
>
> cindy
>
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by Mark H. on October 9, 2001, at 18:14:15
In reply to Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 15:09:57
Yes. I didn't have any sad affect for the first three years I was moderately to severely depressed. In fact, I thought I might be experiencing early Alzheimers. Only after studying the effects of depression did I learn that it causes memory loss, a feeling of being stupid, tiredness, early waking, inappropriate feelings of guilt, social phobias and shyness, over or under eating and sleeping, and even constipation. Since I wasn't sad, suicidal or despairing, I had no idea how depressed I was. Still, I could barely function.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
Posted by HenryO on October 10, 2001, at 1:56:15
In reply to Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 15:09:57
I felt just like you. After years of cautious and painful experimenting I take: Prozac, Ritalin, Pindolol and Resperdal. And it works. I'm not suggesting my cocktail for you. I'm just saying that if you keep at it eventually I think you will find something that works. I identify so much with that fatigue it is almost like the depression is a psychological response to the physiological absence of energy. Who knows, who cares? Keep at it with the search for the right med or combination of meds. I believe that if you don't give up looking eventually you will feel the way you believe you are suppossed to be feeling. Trust yourself and persevere. Be aggressive. I hope that helps.
Posted by Cindylou on October 10, 2001, at 6:29:55
In reply to Re: Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by cjay on October 9, 2001, at 14:27:51
Cjay,
Don't fret about Prozac "pooping out" on you! Many people (in fact, I think most people) can take Prozac for years and years without it pooping out on them. I am very treatment resistant and med sensitive; I tend to get hypoglycemic from SSRIs, there are a lot of reasons the Prozac doesn't work for me.Don't worry! Chances are this could be what you've been needing all along and it will last for you. I wish the best to you! And glad you are feeling better!
cindy
> >I feel like I could of written this!!
> You discribe my symptoms to a 'T'
> I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety a year ago. What sent me to the DR in the first place was the EXTREME FATIGUE.
> I have been on effexor xr, celexa and just 5 weeks ago started prozac and xanax.
> I was thinking maybe this is the right combo, but after reading how the prozac pooped out for you after 2 months, I'm getting worried!
> This has been the best I have felt in a year!
> NOW WHAT!
> Cjay
>
>
>
>
>
> Can depression be a completely PHSYICAL thing?
> > My symptoms for years have been FATIGUE, heaviness, lethargy, feelings of "depletion", dragging myself through the day, etc. Obviously it's difficult to feel good emotionally when you feel so horrible physically. When I get emotionally down, I often think it's due to the fact that I feel so physically down.
> >
> > I've been tested out the wazoo (where did that saying come from?? And how do you spell "wazoo?") for blood sugar, thyroid, anemia, hormones, chronic fatigue, Epstien Barr, etc. etc. and it all comes out normal.
> >
> > And it seems that I feel horrible whether I'm on a med or not. The only times I've had some lift from this heaviness are the first two months on a low dose of Prozac. But after 2 months the lift is gone and I feel even worse than before.
> >
> > I've even gone the alternative med route, getting "muscle tested," then going on high protein, low sugar diets with lots of Vitamin B. No result.
> >
> > SO, that leads me back to my first question. Is it the depression (that I don't even really feel emotionally) making me so tired? Can you feel physically depressed and not emotionally depressed?
> >
> > Is this making any sense?
> >
> > Thanks for listening and responding to this blabber.
> >
> > By the way, my next med try is Lamictal. I'll start Wednesday. We'll see...
> >
> > cindy
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
Posted by Cindylou on October 10, 2001, at 6:33:44
In reply to Re: Which comes first - fatigue or depression? » cjay, posted by Cindylou on October 10, 2001, at 6:29:55
Thanks, Mark and Henry, for you encouragement and support! I can't tell you how much it helps me out.
I will keep on trudging along ... today I get to start Lamictal ... I've heard good things about it for treatment resistant folks like me.
Thank again, both of you... glad to hear things are going better for you.
-cindy
Posted by vicky on October 13, 2001, at 15:18:40
In reply to Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by Cindylou on October 7, 2001, at 15:09:57
> Can depression be a completely PHSYICAL thing?
> My symptoms for years have been FATIGUE, heaviness, lethargy, feelings of "depletion", dragging myself through the day, etc. Obviously it's difficult to feel good emotionally when you feel so horrible physically. When I get emotionally down, I often think it's due to the fact that I feel so physically down.
>
> I've been tested out the wazoo (where did that saying come from?? And how do you spell "wazoo?") for blood sugar, thyroid, anemia, hormones, chronic fatigue, Epstien Barr, etc. etc. and it all comes out normal.
>
> And it seems that I feel horrible whether I'm on a med or not. The only times I've had some lift from this heaviness are the first two months on a low dose of Prozac. But after 2 months the lift is gone and I feel even worse than before.
>
> I've even gone the alternative med route, getting "muscle tested," then going on high protein, low sugar diets with lots of Vitamin B. No result.
>
> SO, that leads me back to my first question. Is it the depression (that I don't even really feel emotionally) making me so tired? Can you feel physically depressed and not emotionally depressed?
>
> Is this making any sense?
>
> Thanks for listening and responding to this blabber.
>
> By the way, my next med try is Lamictal. I'll start Wednesday. We'll see...
>
> cindy
>
>
> re: I take prozac for depression and also perphenazine (like risperdol) and
buspar. I have been very very tired for many years now
since around age 25. (I"m 43 now) and have
complained about this to my doctor and psychatrist for years
(is taking 2 two hour naps a day, then sleeping 10 hours a night normal????
well finally last week my pdoc prescribed me Provigil 200mg
it worked fantastic for about 8 days, now I'm kinda
tired again, and I'm going to ask him to maybe
up the dose. You may want to ask your pdoc about
Provigil!!!
>
>
>
Posted by Cindylou on October 13, 2001, at 18:15:15
In reply to Re: Which comes first - fatigue or depression?, posted by vicky on October 13, 2001, at 15:18:40
Hi Vicki,
You know, I tried Provigil a couple of times, and both times I felt extremely sick, kind of hungover. Nauseated, headache, and no energy whatsoever. The first time I tried 200 mg. The second time I tried 100 mg. Same result.BUT GOOD NEWS!! My pdoc talked me into trying 50 mg, and i just started a couple days ago. I notice a big difference!
I'm glad to hear it works for you too.
I also started Lamictal a few days ago, and so far so good. It does seem to make me very edgy and irritable though. But that's more manageable than being a zombie.
Thanks!
cindy
> > re: I take prozac for depression and also perphenazine (like risperdol) and
> buspar. I have been very very tired for many years now
> since around age 25. (I"m 43 now) and have
> complained about this to my doctor and psychatrist for years
> (is taking 2 two hour naps a day, then sleeping 10 hours a night normal????
> well finally last week my pdoc prescribed me Provigil 200mg
> it worked fantastic for about 8 days, now I'm kinda
> tired again, and I'm going to ask him to maybe
> up the dose. You may want to ask your pdoc about
> Provigil!!!
> >
> >
> >
This is the end of the thread.
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