Living with Disease

[Fluffball]

((hugs)) Chloe-jasmine, it is harder to comes to terms with an emotional illness when you cannot physically see or feel it. There is no one cause, and depression isnt only related to emotional stress. You seem to have a very great support network, and im so happy that you have someone who can take care of you. After all what are boyfriends for.


Some doctors have suggested to me that it is a result of low levels of certain neurotransmitters (messenger chemicals that carry signals from one nerve cell to the next) in the brain. This is called the 'monoamine theory' of depression - monoamines being the group of chemicals that these neurotransmitters belong to.
The neurotransmitters thought to be involved are serotonin (which helps regulate emotion, sleep and appetite), noradrenaline (which is linked to alertness), and dopamine (which is associated with pleasure and reward). People with depression are known to have lower brain levels of these chemicals, and drugs that elevate them can help lift mood.


The medication replaces these lower level chemicals in the brain. I did take the medication at one stage and it seemed to help, but I hate doctors and the feeling of normal life seemed fake, and only brought on by the medication. Some people like it more then others and continue taking it. I cant say ive improved since I stopped taking the medication, more I went downhill, but its better then feeling the way I did whilst I was on the medication. Medication may be best for you, I dont know, I just feel for your situation because I know what your going through. In a strange way its comforting knowing im not alone. And I do hope you know that im here for you.

Bi polar disorder has one of its symptoms as a rapid change in moods. There are 7 forms of depression each one different. Bi-polar is considered one of the hardest to be diagnosed. I also have mood changes, sometimes I do get angry for no reason and cry for no reason other then I cant hold it in anymore and I dont understand what is wrong. Depression can also be genetic, I dont know anyone else in my family who has it, I seem to be the only one. I hope we can all be here for eachother, and thankyou for sharing your story with me and everyone else here it means alot knowing that we are all here to help eachother.

 

[Fluffball]

Debbie and angelscavies (( hugs)) to both of you. Debbie thankyou so much for yoru card, your always such a thoughtful person and I thankyou from the bottom of my heart.

I am doing okay and thankyou for asking. I do need to start focusing on going back to college, I went back 3 weeks ago and was called ''suicidal'' and ridiculed. I had a break down at college a while ago, and I do not know how I am going to face people who not only dont understand but tease and torment me as well.

I think I will have to deal with it somehow without getting to the point where im so upset I dont know how to handle it anymore.

How are you doing debbie? Sorry that I havent asked sooner. Are you feeling better?

How is everyone else doing?

 

[ScottandDebbie]

Fluffball, and Chloe-jasmine,

First "thank You" Fluff for asking about me. I am doing Ok. I have a bunch of tests coming up. But I am in good spirits and alive and kicking... LOL

I would like to add to Fluffball's post (which was right-on with that information that she gave).

I would like to simply do a P.S.
There are physical disorders that can screw up your brain big time as well, and one of the common symptoms just happens to be depression. Our cookie cutter medical system often seems to want to stamp a label on a symptom before really looking for the *root* of a disorder. (and I am saying this as a nurse, and also as a patient.) I have seen this happen far too often.

Personal Example....
I had a undiagnosed problems with my thyroid. I became severely depressed. It took over a *Year* before a regular GP thought to do thyroid testing on me. My thyroid was so low it was a wonder I was able to think at all.

Hormones play a huge part in the way our brain functions. Which takes me back to Fluffs information on neurotransmitters. When I mention hormones I am not just talking about sex hormones, but almost all ladies can relate too PMS as an example of what hormones can do to our thinking, motor skills, etc..

When we are under a huge amount of stress our bodies put out hormones from the pituitary-adrenal... this can interfere with learning and memory, and did I mention "Panic Attacks", and "Anxiety"?

I am 100% all for seeking out a good shrink. But I think it's also vital to have a complete physical, with tons of lab work done.

Our bodies are a fine tuned bundle of matter, and when something goes wrong, the malfunction might not present its self in a physical form, but rather in a mental disorder. (((( It's not all in your head. ))))

I have a very Strong Opinion.
For me it was *Much* more of a challenge to cope with a mental disorder than the severe physical disorders I have had to endure.
So Fluffball, and Chloe-jasmine you both are in my thoughts and prayers.

I have been there, and I have done that. One of the reasons I can say.
"Nothing Lasts Forever,
This Too Shall Pass"

 

[The Magic Taco]

The doctor said my sweaty hands are from anxiety. I wouldn't think so much sweat came from being anxious. Like my cousin. She had a big bypass thing because she had to have a bucket under her elbow when she played the violin. It's true, she had to give it up.

Anxiety sucks.

 

[Slap Maxwell]

Debbie, how are you doing? Was thinking about you last night and hoping you are okay.

Things are not well for me at all. I feel like my disease is taking over my life. The pain is horrible, both physically and mentally. I am eating less, sleeping 12-17 hours a day. So tired all the time. :ashamed:

 

[ScottandDebbie]

Wow... Slap, I really have to apologize for not reading your posts weeks ago. You must have thought I had forgotten about you all together.

I hadn't been online much, was being a support person for my sister. Marriage devastation.

I read in another thread that you have been re-diagnosed with Lyme's Disease. https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15329

How is the treatment coming along?

My thoughts are really with you Slap.

 

[Slap Maxwell]

I went to go see a specialist at UMass Hospital, they changed my meds around and took some blood. They discovered I had Lyme disease again and that my current doctor was overdosing me. They got things straightened out and I feel much better.

I am so sorry to hear about your sister and the marriage. Is she planning a divorce soon?

 

[ScottandDebbie]

Slap are you taking oral or intravenous antibiotics?
Amoxicillin, doxycycline, ceftriaxone (sp) ?

One of my close friends had Lyme's Disease and had to take the IV antibiotics. Actually, she was given a choice between oral or IV, since it was a flare-up of her initial onset, she opted for the IV route. She is doing well.

I am glad that you are going to a university hospital for treatment.
<Big Sigh>

Keep us updated, K?