Posted by Lia Mason on May 6, 2002, at 23:35:38
In reply to Desperately Need Help...(long), posted by marnie on May 6, 2002, at 14:29:21
Marnie!
I understand. I was treated successfully for depression from age 18-22. Then I was hit with horrible, debilitating fatigue. I could sleep through a weekend, my brain was mush, I fantasized about my bed. I gave up my job and went into a psych hospital. I was terribly debilitated, but I got better. The whole thing, beginning to end, took almost 3 years.
I'm 32 now and fine. I don't know and probably never will if I had chronic fatigue syndrome or depression or what. I believe there was a viral/immune system component because I was an excellent responder to antidepressants and when this fatigue hit NOTHING worked anymore.
I could write a book on this--but I won't. Some advice. Read a book called "Tired All the Time" by Ronald Hoffman. It's about hidden causes of fatigue that doctors often miss.
Find a psychiatrist who does NOT use the phrase "live with it." If you hear that, run. There is plenty you can do. The MAOI's are a great idea (though side effects can be troublesome) and effexor helps people who nothing else has worked for. Nardil sliced through my fatigue, but messed with my blood pressure and made me uncomfortable in a bunch of ways. Parnate is supposedly better. I took Prozac in the hospital and that helped some.
Make sure your thyroid is well-monitored. Some psychiatrists (mine is one) believe that "low normal" scores aren't good enough for people who suffer from depression.
I have no personal experience, but have heard good things about a drug called Provigil. It's stimulant-like, but not a stimulant. I heard of one case where high dose Provigil helped a chronic depressive who had tried everything.
The lousy thing about this is you really do have to be your own advocate. Read a lot and pursue a good doctor. Don't settle for one who is pessimistic or tells you you have no options. I was offered disability when I was at my worst by a doctor who guaranteed I would never get better. Doctors aren't supposed to talk that way unless, I suppose, the patient is terminal. You've got plenty of options, but you do have to look for them and be a bit of a detective. Easy with 2 kids, I know.
You don't mention anything that sounds chronic fatigue-like, but if you have any flu-like symptoms, it might be worth reading up on.
GOOD LUCK. Think of me and have hope.
Lia
poster:Lia Mason
thread:105293
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020503/msgs/105374.html