Re: anxiety and depression after operations?

[Guest guest]

Hi Barbara,

What you said about your depression being less immediately after surgery,

then coming back actually makes sense to me.

When you have surgery your body goes through a huge assault. Your body

naturally increases the amount of cortisone in your body to help with

everything. Once you stop producing this cortisone your body has to cope on

its own plus you are still dealing with huge stresses. The other thing is

that cortisone can produce depression.

I'm over 2 years post op and haven't been able to throw the depression this

time. I've also had 5 injections of cortisone during that time.

I have started taking St 's Wort and people (especially hubby) say I am

much better. I plan on taking it for a year, because my doctor says that is

how long she thinks I should take it to give my body time to get back to a

good state.

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

anxiety and depression after operations?

| Has anyone developed an anxiety/depressive disorder after years of

| arthritis pain? I have had arthritis for years, five operations in the

| past five years, and both knees recently replaced. About 2 1/2 years

| ago I developed a morning anxiety disorder and mild depressive disorder

| that I can't get rid of. I take xanax and prozac but still am troubled

| by it and couldn't get through it without the meds? Has anyone had a

| similar experience? I'm thinking the pain, operations, meds etc.

| combine to change one's chemical or metabolic balance but would love

| to know if it ever goes away. Strangly with both replacements the

| anxiety disappeared for about a month after each operation, slowly

| returning to the same level as before the operations.....it seems as if

| it would be the reverse.

| Thanks for listening.

| Barbara

|

Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

Hi Barbara I haven't posted much yet because there's not much happening in my life I have had arthritis for years too - I am waiting for TRKR - had a date set for last Jun but had it cancelled due to an infection I still have from a past surgery. I have been on OA meds plus pain meds for years now and I am suffering from a mild depression, I think because of just having to wait for surgery - almost having it then having it cancelled til who knows when!!! I haven't been able to work for the past year & a half, so our income went down to one....my hubby is the most patient and wonderful man God ever made - I am very lucky to have him - don't know where I'd be without him - back to my depression - haven't talk to my Dr. about it because I think it will go away after surgery or at least I hope it does....maybe I should try St. 's Wart too...... anyways, not sure if any of this helps, but it helps me to

talk about it...so thanks, hope you start feeling like your old self soon, take care regards, Margaret <zztinau@...> wrote: Hi Barbara,What you said about your depression being less immediately after surgery, then coming back actually makes sense to me.When you have surgery your body goes through a huge assault. Your body naturally increases the amount of cortisone in your body to help with everything. Once you stop producing this cortisone your body has to cope on its own plus you are still dealing with huge stresses. The other thing is that cortisone can produce depression.I'm over 2 years post op and haven't been able to throw the depression this time. I've also had 5 injections of cortisone during that time.I have started taking St

's Wort and people (especially hubby) say I am much better. I plan on taking it for a year, because my doctor says that is how long she thinks I should take it to give my body time to get back to a good state.Aussie MargaretRTHR 1990 revised 2004 anxiety and depression after operations?| Has anyone developed an anxiety/depressive disorder after years of| arthritis pain? I have had arthritis for years, five operations in the| past five years, and both knees recently replaced. About 2 1/2 years| ago I developed a morning anxiety disorder and mild depressive disorder| that I can't get rid of. I take xanax and prozac but still am troubled| by it and couldn't get through it without the meds? Has anyone had a|

similar experience? I'm thinking the pain, operations, meds etc.| combine to change one's chemical or metabolic balance but would love| to know if it ever goes away. Strangly with both replacements the| anxiety disappeared for about a month after each operation, slowly| returning to the same level as before the operations.....it seems as if| it would be the reverse.| Thanks for listening.| Barbara| Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

I sure don't know, but maybe your mind told you that

the operation would relieve all of your pain forever

and when after a few months post op the pain still

hangs around your mind gets discouraged and the

lingering pain becomes a huge depressing

disappointment.

My experience is that when I had the hip replacement 2

years ago I got rid of the sharp pain with every step

and even during the night. I have a dull pain from

arthritis which increases during day and I deal with

it using Tylenol and half a vicidin when it prevents

me from sleep. Sometimes I can switch my pain

thoughts to counting my blessings and that helps, too.

I wish you well. LOVE RUTH

--- Barbara <jzzlvr13@...> wrote:

> Has anyone developed an anxiety/depressive disorder

> after years of

> arthritis pain? I have had arthritis for years, five

> operations in the

> past five years, and both knees recently replaced.

> About 2 1/2 years

> ago I developed a morning anxiety disorder and mild

> depressive disorder

> that I can't get rid of. I take xanax and prozac but

> still am troubled

> by it and couldn't get through it without the meds?

> Has anyone had a

> similar experience? I'm thinking the pain,

> operations, meds etc.

> combine to change one's chemical or metabolic

> balance but would love

> to know if it ever goes away. Strangly with both

> replacements the

> anxiety disappeared for about a month after each

> operation, slowly

> returning to the same level as before the

> operations.....it seems as if

> it would be the reverse.

> Thanks for listening.

> Barbara

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I've used 5 HTP (a serotonin reuptake)... I started using that when my Fibromyalgia would hurt (along with the arthritis). Google it to find out more. Shouldn't be taken in combo with MAO inhibitors or other anti-depressents, tranqs. Also, believe it or not, lack of Vitamin C also contributes to depression. I swear I also suffer from SAD ... Michigan gets 40% of all available sunlight ... I feel much better in the Summer when I can sit outside and soak up some sun. JackieRHR - 10/24/06LHR - 1/23/07No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding.Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing that Ruth. I guess I, too thought, I could get rid of the pain meds. I still need my LH done, so it's hard to judge exactly what pain has been eliminated. I find right now I am still taking 2 Naproxen/day, and 2-3 arthritis formula Tyelnol on top of my herbs. I tried taking some w/o the other and that doesn't work. Though, when the sunshines... I certainly feel better. I'd love to move to a warmer climate. Anyone on the list can attest that it helped them to move somewhere warmer?In Beauty, JackieNo banners. No pop-ups. No kidding.Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Ruth,

Happy Holidays!

So, even after they cut away the damaged area of your hip and gave you new "cartiledge", you still have arthritis in your hip joint? I'm so sorry you're still in pain. This is something I hadn't thought of occuring after a replacement.

Love and Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

I sure don't know, but maybe your mind told you thatthe operation would relieve all of your pain foreverand when after a few months post op the pain stillhangs around your mind gets discouraged and thelingering pain becomes a huge depressingdisappointment. My experience is that when I had the hip replacement 2years ago I got rid of the sharp pain with every stepand even during the night. I have a dull pain fromarthritis which increases during day and I deal withit using Tylenol and half a vicidin when it preventsme from sleep. Sometimes I can switch my painthoughts to counting my blessings and that helps, too.I wish you well. LOVE RUTH

[Guest guest]

Barbara,

Most definitely pain, meds and surgery, plus changing the way one lives due to that pain, will all have an impact on a person, causing anxiety and depression to develop. I think the depression and anxiety is your body's way of saying: "Whoa, hold on here! Stop! Give Me a Break!" I don't think your body has had the chance in between surgeries to fully recover. Five surgeries in five years -- that is a lot of physical and emotional stress. Even one surgery is a lot for a body to handle and recover from.

I think once your body has had time to totally recover from all it's gone through, your anxiety and depression should lift. If you didn't have a problem with them prior to your arthritis and surgeries, I would think you probably won't after, but I'm not an expert and each person is different, so I can't say for sure. However, in the meanwhile, if the meds you are taking are not helping, talk to your doctor about another combination -- sometimes it takes a few tries to get the right pill and the right dose to treat these ailments sufficiently.

I developed anxiety and depression back in 1972, when I was 23 years old, so I've had it for a long time. I really don't expect mine to get any worse after surgery (I could be wrong). Mine is due to a chemical imbalance in my brain. I don't know whether a chemical imbalance occurs from surgery, stress, or if it's purely a condition someone is born with. I do know an imbalance can develop after a trauma, but I believe this is an actual trauma to the head type injury. Good luck Barbara.

Hugs,

Lindy Lou

Right THR 1/22/2007

Has anyone developed an anxiety/depressive disorder after years of arthritis pain? I have had arthritis for years, five operations in the past five years, and both knees recently replaced. About 2 1/2 years ago I developed a morning anxiety disorder and mild depressive disorder that I can't get rid of. I take xanax and prozac but still am troubled by it and couldn't get through it without the meds? Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm thinking the pain, operations, meds etc. combine to change one's chemical or metabolic balance but would love to know if it ever goes away. Strangly with both replacements the anxiety disappeared for about a month after each operation, slowly returning to the same level as before the operations.....it seems as if it would be the reverse.Thanks for listening.Barbara

[Guest guest]

I been there too this year. I have had 3 surgery's this yr. I also been going to PT for most of the yr. I been using a walker for the most part and just started to use a cane away from home. This past week I have pulled the muscles in the calf and had to use the walker again. It happen last night while at my sister-in-laws. She has a split level house with a lots of steps(I didn't know this). By the time we left I could hardly put any weight on my leg. Didn't think I was going to make it to the car. Once I was in the car I broke down and cried. It just seems that when I start to my progress I take 2 steps backwards. So today my leg has hurt all day. I hope it better tomorrow for PT. 1 week from today I will be 50 it would a nice gift

to get rid of the walker.Shirley Re: anxiety and depression after operations? Barbara, Most definitely pain, meds and surgery, plus changing the way one lives due to that pain, will all have an impact on a person, causing

anxiety and depression to develop. I think the depression and anxiety is your body's way of saying: "Whoa, hold on here! Stop! Give Me a Break!" I don't think your body has had the chance in between surgeries to fully recover. Five surgeries in five years -- that is a lot of physical and emotional stress. Even one surgery is a lot for a body to handle and recover from. I think once your body has had time to totally recover from all it's gone through, your anxiety and depression should lift. If you didn't have a problem with them prior to your arthritis and surgeries, I would think you probably won't after, but I'm not an expert and each person is different, so I can't say for sure. However, in the meanwhile, if the meds you are taking are not helping, talk to your doctor about another combination -- sometimes it takes a few tries to get

the right pill and the right dose to treat these ailments sufficiently. I developed anxiety and depression back in 1972, when I was 23 years old, so I've had it for a long time. I really don't expect mine to get any worse after surgery (I could be wrong). Mine is due to a chemical imbalance in my brain. I don't know whether a chemical imbalance occurs from surgery, stress, or if it's purely a condition someone is born with. I do know an imbalance can develop after a trauma, but I believe this is an actual trauma to the head type injury. Good luck Barbara. Hugs, Lindy Lou Right THR 1/22/2007 Has anyone developed an anxiety/depressive disorder after years of arthritis pain? I have had arthritis for years, five operations in the past five years, and both knees recently replaced. About 2 1/2 years ago I developed a morning anxiety disorder and mild depressive disorder that I can't get rid of. I take xanax and prozac but still am troubled

by it and couldn't get through it without the meds? Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm thinking the pain, operations, meds etc. combine to change one's chemical or metabolic balance but would love to know if it ever goes away. Strangly with both replacements the anxiety disappeared for about a month after each operation, slowly returning to the same level as before the operations.. ...it seems as if it would be the reverse.Thanks for listening.Barbara __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I know how you feel Shirley. Sometimes it seems that we will never be able to

get rid of our

walkers. You are so much younger than I am and your bouts of depression must be

worse.

I am 67 years old and yesterday at my daughter's house I felt a wave of sadness.

My

husband quickly picked up on it and came over to cheer me as only he can. It

isn't easy,

but I have to think that it could be so much worse.

Arianne

>

> I been there too this year. I have had 3 surgery's this yr. I also been going

to PT for most

of the yr. I been using a walker for the most part and just started to use a

cane away from

home. This past week I have pulled the muscles in the calf and had to use the

walker

again. It happen last night while at my sister-in-laws. She has a split level

house with a

lots of steps(I didn't know this). By the time we left I could hardly put any

weight on my

leg. Didn't think I was going to make it to the car. Once I was in the car I

broke down and

cried. It just seems that when I start to my progress I take 2 steps backwards.

So today my

leg has hurt all day. I hope it better tomorrow for PT. 1 week from today I will

be 50 it

would a nice gift to get rid of the walker.

>

> Shirley

> Re: anxiety and depression after

operations?

>

>

> Barbara,

> Most definitely pain, meds and surgery, plus changing the way one lives due

to that

pain, will all have an impact on a person, causing anxiety and depression to

develop. I

think the depression and anxiety is your body's way of saying: " Whoa, hold on

here!

Stop! Give Me a Break! " I don't think your body has had the chance in between

surgeries

to fully recover. Five surgeries in five years -- that is a lot of physical

and emotional

stress. Even one surgery is a lot for a body to handle and recover from.

> I think once your body has had time to totally recover from all it's gone

through, your

anxiety and depression should lift. If you didn't have a problem with them

prior to your

arthritis and surgeries, I would think you probably won't after, but I'm not an

expert and

each person is different, so I can't say for sure. However, in the meanwhile,

if the meds

you are taking are not helping, talk to your doctor about another combination

--

sometimes it takes a few tries to get the right pill and the right dose to

treat these

ailments sufficiently.

> I developed anxiety and depression back in 1972, when I was 23 years old, so

I've had

it for a long time. I really don't expect mine to get any worse after surgery

(I could be

wrong). Mine is due to a chemical imbalance in my brain. I don't know whether

a

chemical imbalance occurs from surgery, stress, or if it's purely a condition

someone is

born with. I do know an imbalance can develop after a trauma, but I believe

this is an

actual trauma to the head type injury. Good luck Barbara.

> Hugs,

> Lindy Lou

> Right THR 1/22/2007

>

>

>

> Has anyone developed an anxiety/depressive disorder after years of

> arthritis pain? I have had arthritis for years, five operations in the

> past five years, and both knees recently replaced. About 2 1/2 years

> ago I developed a morning anxiety disorder and mild depressive disorder

> that I can't get rid of. I take xanax and prozac but still am troubled

> by it and couldn't get through it without the meds? Has anyone had a

> similar experience? I'm thinking the pain, operations, meds etc.

> combine to change one's chemical or metabolic balance but would love

> to know if it ever goes away. Strangly with both replacements the

> anxiety disappeared for about a month after each operation, slowly

> returning to the same level as before the operations.. ...it seems as if

> it would be the reverse.

> Thanks for listening.

> Barbara

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