I can't get it together

[Tinker]

This has got to be depression.  I've lost my interest in almost everything and just lay around.  It seems that I will rush to get a few things done and then rest.  I try to multi-task and get the most out of every movement, if that makes sense.  Not sleeping much, just feel lousy.

I just feel terrible in the am especially, have brain fog, and feel like I get obsessed with one thing for a while, then move on to something else.  Weird.

Does anyone have any experience with anti-depressants that helped?  I won't take anything that will make me gain wt. cause I'm already pudgy.  Priorities....I know it doesn't make sense.

Help if you can.

[Ark mom]

Hey Tinker.  I hate to hear that you are suffering from depression.  I have been there in a huge way!

Recently I took Wellbutrin, which helped a lot with my depression and greatly improved my fatigue.  I never felt better while taking it.  I had two side effects that made me quit: insomnia and an uncomfortable increase in heart rate.  A lot of people do really well on it.  I have also had good success with most of the SSRIs (Prozac, etc.), but I took those years before I knew I had Sjogren's.  Wellbutrin has a reputation for being less drying than the SSRIs.  I lost five pounds taking it for only one month.  It works like an appetite suppressant! 

I find that when I am feeling depressed, I force myself to do light exercise, at the minimum, every day, even if it is just 10 minutes of stretching.  That helps quite a bit.  Counseling helps, too.  Just don't wait.  I let my depression get so bad that I needed hospitalization.  Good luck!

[P.Trish]

Dear Tinker, Dang it, your description does sound like depression for I have been there too often.  For me, anti-depressants have too many side effects. Daily exercise (no matter how minimal) does help. Choosing one task (like cleaning out a drawer, closet, or any type of organizing) can be hard for me motivationally, but I find that when I finish, my spirits are lifted -  and let us not forget music. Also, I have not seen a counselor, but I am considering it.

Remember, you are not alone in this daily struggle. If I were near, I would invite myself over for a cuppa' warm tea.

[Reanne]

It does sound like depression to me, but I don't have any medical training, just personal experience.  Get moving when you can.  If you have sunshine, get out in it 20 minutes a day if you can tolerate sun.  My vitamin D level is low.  My dr said it could cause the symptoms I have been having.  I thought I was going crazy (and still am not sure I'm not already there).  II took low dose Pamelor for awhile.  It certainly helped me sleep.  I took it at night.   do hope you can find something that helps. 

[Myshkin]

Yes. You need to see a doctor asap!

Celexa and Lexapro has helped me in the past and I have read somewhere that they are the least drying. No weight gain here from Lexapro.

Stay clear of Remeron and mianserin. Made me gain 40 kilos - almost gone now, thank good. Never been so hungry.

And get some counseling too.

[MaryBee7]

Tinker & all, 
I am more convinced that Sjogren's must "dry out" our brains, too...of course, that's my version but you all know what I mean...and that means affecting brain chemistry...doesn't mean each of us will develop depression...but when our lives are so greatly affected and altered drastically, whether we have a history of mood issues or not, are more prone to develop them with this illness. 

I've struggled with bouts of depression throughout life but have such a resurgence as this has progressed.  Agree that we MUST make ourselves get up and move...I use the phrase (often aloud) "Move my body through space"  because even at this simple level, movement is a positive force....oxygen flowing, etc. 

Most of the SSRIs I've taken cause what has been described by others:  fast heart rate, insomnia  (God knows many of use have enough insomnia already).  Cymbalta hasn't helped with pain as it claims to but does seem to "even out" my tendency now to be tearful and drained-feeling. 

A trial antidepressant isn't a bad idea. 

[Myshkin]

@MaryBee ofcourse it does. That's why we have all the neurological problems also - and there is of course also a correlation to psychiatric issues.

I have Temporal Lope Epilepsy, which became far worse and got diagnosed during the same time my Sjogren's erupted. I also have migraines and neuropathys. That is neurological problems, but psychiatric problems in the end also stem from malfunctions in the brain. So it would be strange if we didn't also have that problem.

Interestingly - I have had antianxiety treatment with antidepressants for a long time. When I got my epilepsy treated, the need for antidepressants disappeared.

And add to that the stress of living with a chronic illness like this...

[reesatay]

Have you had your thryoid level tested?  I get tired and depressed when my level is low. 

I also have had to take antidepressant for situational anxiety and depression.  I've had success with Lexapro, Effexor and Cymbalta.  Currently on Lexapro and it is working great.  I agree with a previous poster about Remeron... it made me cazy hungry. 

I suggest you go see your doctor and get checked out.  I would'nt be fearful of taking antidepressants if you need them.     

[MaryBee7]

Almost wish my thyroid would show something, as it would be a quicker fix, of sorts, but never is out of kilter period.  I can't get it together either right now, Tinker, and hope part of it is situational with work issues.  On the other hand, after first rheumy has given me such a ... tail spin of a ride ... don't know if I trust going to another one.  Years go by, we keep searching for answers, start getting them, then the medical support is not there. 
Since reading the medical journal abstract titled "Orphan Rheumatic Disease" when describing Sjogren's, I'm telling folks that's what I have....seriously.  It's much easier of a response and I'm way too weary to explain it anymore.  And I'm one of the Lucky Ones with a positive blood test... ha!

[Tinker]

Hi Ladies,

Ican't thank you enough for your replies and concern.  What a great bunch of ladies /and men we have her to guide us, and show us the way, and give us hope.  For that, I thank you with all my heart.

Yesterday, I was determined to get out.  My daughter and I went out for lunch and did some shopping and errands.  That helped me alot but I really got tired.  After walking the dog, I walked some more shopping and that brings on severe muscle pain in my thighs.  Knee pain from torn meniscus, surgery in april, syn=visc injections a few mos back and that helped....but now it's surfacing again but I can handle it.

I am seeing my cardiologist today as I have congenital lipidemia, so I'm hoping he may give me script for Pamelor as it helped Reanne.  I know it took it waay back when, but I should try again if it helps with sleeping.  I've tried so many things.  Last nite I actually got 5 hrs. of sleep after staying up 2 nights in row.

Thyroid checked and I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune)and take 100 mmg of synthroid.  Just had it re-checked so that's ok.

Mary Bee, I just tell people I have lupus like disease and leave it at that.  They know what that is.

I already take 900 mg of gabapentin (like cymbalta but much cheaper) and it helps with pain and getting drowsy but not enough to get to sleep and stay asleep. 
I feel beter that I got out.  My plan is to try to exercise with dance video, and stregthen my muscles.  The weakness is overwhelming and I am just a shell of my former self.  It's frightening.   What will become of me?  When I took my Christmas tree/decorations down, I wondered if I'd be here next year.  The slide downhill is undeniable ...just hope I can do what I need to do to get a bit stronger.

Thanks again for all your suggestions and help.  I'll  take a cup of that tea, PTrish.  : )

[P.Trish]

Tinker, I have drunk several cups of tea,with you in mind. I am glad you got out & about. It does help, but "oh me" - as my grandma used to say - the fatigue just won't take the hint and leave the party.
I am looking forward to (and at the same time dreading) lunch with a friend.   The 'dread' part is because of the fatigue, which seems to be kicking into high gear. She knows about the 'lupus' - because that is what I call it to most people, if they ask - other than family and a few really close friends.  Anyway, I did start & finish organizing one kirchen drawer and it did lighten my mood. I pulled out the drawer, sat on the living room floor and watched 'General Hospital'. It was amazing how 'stuff' from that little drawer filled one garbage bag.
Meanwhile, I hope you are having a good Wednesday.

[Tinker]

Hi PJ,
I'm still at my pj's at 1:15 pm.  Woke up very early cause of our dog.  So, I did read on the computer, sorted mail, did a few little errands.

I see the doc at 3 so gotta get rollin.  PJ, so nice of you to think about me with your tea drinking.  You've got a sweet heart, I can tell.

I thank you for taking the time to respond. 

I figure I've got about 2-3 good hrs. before the fatigue send me home, so I better get showered. 

Talk to all of you soon.        Tinker

[Tinker]

Let me ask forgiveness for getting your name wrong.  It's PTrish...can I use the brain fog as an excuse?  So sorry.