knock on wood

[rudytudy]

I've always been the most ANTI anti-depressant person I know. 
In two years my Mom passed (she was my best friend and I was also her hospice nurse),
my dog of 15 years passed (I have no children so he was like my only child)
and then four weeks later my Dad suddenly passes...
then six months later I'm dx'd with SJS/fibro...  well I just fell apart. 

I'm the kind of person who suffers in silence and pulls myself up by the boot straps.  I've always been the strong one for everyone.  Well, I didn't have any more boot straps and the foundation of my life had crumbled.  No more strength left.   I started reading about serotonin and that extended sadness, stress, anxiety, depression can deplete the body's ability to keep serotonin levels balanced. 

I gave in  : )   and started Lexapro generic two months ago and what an amazing change for me.   I giggle and amuse myself now. 
Everything overwhelmed me before because I didn't have ANYTHING left to handle stress of ANY kind.   Now I feel rested and balanced emotionally.  When SJS challenges me with brain fog it doesn't frighten me anymore... it just is what it is.   I feel balanced like before my Mom was ever diagnosed....

Here's the up side too...it may be all in my head but my inflammation with EVERYTHING seems to have subsided.   The Restasis works well and dark sunglasses are a lifesaver.  But my fatigue has lessened...I know stress makes everything worse with SJS.

So knock on wood...all my inflammation has lessened and my outlook on everything is bright.
It's been such a long road of loss and being lost...to come out the other side is a blessing.   

[Winnie]

I can understand where you are coming from.  I am having the same feelings from starting Zoloft a month and a half ago.  I have less fatigue less crying and I got that "Oh, well" attitude instead of feeling afraid of what may happen to me.  I hope it is not a placebo effect.  ENJOY!!!

Winnie

[quietdynamics]

Good Morning rudytudy...so happy to hear to are finding some relief with the addition of an anti- depressant.

"Here's the up side too...it may be all in my head but my inflammation with EVERYTHING seems to have subsided."

I don't think you mean psychological... but, since you researched, the neurotransmitters (in our brains do respond to degrees of physical and emotion stress, long term, chronic stress.... sets off a series of other responses that are normally short term. The "fight or flight response" is one", extended this lends to physical exhaustion, increased levels of other chemicals is our bodies ----> inflammation,sleep problems, gastro problems, etc.....while our bodies strive to go back to balance, homeostasis...a wonderful place to be).
I take Cybalta for Depression and then I was Dx'd with SJS....then later, fibro....

Deep breathing and music also help with neurotransmitters.....I adopted a 7yr old Siamese Cat (everyone want kittens) and they are talkers...lol. Turns out she weighs 16lbs so I can only carry her in my left arm and I renamed her Buddha...sometimes she sits on her tush and with her fat belly...well.
Again, Happy to hear to the good news.

[gold55]

congratulations Rudytudy!!!
It does make such a big difference in one's outlook and with us SJS sufferers,
our fear of what the future holds!  Every time I mention AI to anyone I know their
immediate response is "stay positive, combating illness has everything to do with
positive thoughts"!!  Now I understand why my Dad lived 8 years longer than he was
supposed to live only his "positivity" was natural!  Too bad I didn't inherit that much of
it from him
Anyway, stay cool and enjoy life
Jill

[Daisy1234]

Hello rudytudy:

I'm so very glad that you were able to find your way home to who you really are after suffering such devestating losses in your life.

Also, it is so good of you to share your renewed hope and wonderment with all of us here, some of which are still struggling to find the balance in their lives.  At times things can become so daunting for many people which can cause the heart to hurt so badly that the body echoes the same message, making tough times even tougher. 

Keep being wonderful and show us all that life is very special and needs to be lived.

Hugs,
Daisy

[Sleepy In Seattle]

So happy to hear good news!!!! Sometimes there really is "better living through chemistry", LOL...why on earth should you suffer when you don't have to?! Sounds like a win-win situation. I would wish the same for everyone!!!!

[Gayle]

YAHOO rudytudy! That is great news! I was on an anti-depressant before I was dx'd. I thought I was depressed. It did nothing. I stopped... no change. I will be calling my Dr though to get something different and will ask for Lexapro!

Keep smiling!
Gayle

[eyeamdry]

Yahoo again to RudyTudy!!!!!  We need all the positive results we can get on this board.  Glad you're doing better.  Lucy

[gold55]

So happy to hear good news!!!! Sometimes there really is "better living through chemistry", LOL...why on earth should you suffer when you don't have to?! Sounds like a win-win situation. I would wish the same for everyone!!!!

Sleepy, LOVE that better living through chemistry!!!!  thanks for making me crack up

[quietdynamics]

So happy to hear good news!!!! Sometimes there really is "better living through chemistry", LOL...why on earth should you suffer when you don't have to?! Sounds like a win-win situation. I would wish the same for everyone!!!!

Sleepy, LOVE that better living through chemistry!!!!  thanks for making me crack up

I'm going to show that to Hubby...he worked in Pharma research (Alzheimer and Cardio ....take that fish oil).....so he will love it....lol

[Patze]

Glad to hear the good news Gold, you sure do need a break!

( ( ( H U G S ) ) ) to you....


Patze

[jazzlover]

Good for you!!!! 

I've been on an anti-dep for years (been sick for years). I've never been on an SSRI though. So glad the Laxapro is a good one for you!!!