Depression after surgery
Posted By: Just Curious on 2007-01-13
In Reply to: Anybody's hubby went through Open Heart Surgery and can't get out of depression? - Getting older
My Daddy went through the same thing after he had heart surgery. He would not go to a psychiatrist or counselor. We spoke with his primary care physician who put him on Paxil which helped tremendously. Ask your PCP or cardiologist if it would be possible to start him on an antidepressant to see if that may make a diffence.
Good luck and take care.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
Anybody's hubby went through Open Heart Surgery and can't get out of depression?
I seem to be having a big problem with mine. He wasn't too bad after surgery, but since then, there have been a lot of house problems. i.e., water , septic system problems, roof leaking, my car not passing inspection so down to 1 vehicle, etc., etc.
He feels he cannot handle it anymore. He'll sit in our garage for hours on end doing nothing, but knowing he should be doing something. Yet, everything he does lately, does not solve a problem and he winds up doing something else for the same problem. It never bothered him before except ot get him mad he didn't do it right the first time (does anybody understand what I'm saying here?). He's feeling very "old" and incompetent but nothing I do or say is getting him out of this depression.
I'm afraid for him but don't tell me to make an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist...he would never go. He's losing interest in eating, too, and even fixing his favorite foods depresses him because he thinks it's not made the same.
Anybody have any suggestions? I don't know what else to do lately. Thanks fo the help.
IMO definitely depression
I think people get freaked when you say depression because they think of Grapes of Wrath or what our grandparents talk about what they went through. They say "Oh that'll never happen here" - "Gas at $3.00 your nuts, that'll never happen to us". I think that as long as they don't cancel American Idol people don't care. I talk to siblings they have no idea of what's going on in the economy but they know the statistics of all American Idols or Survivors. It's sad. I definitely see a depression coming. First, gas prices are soaring. People can't afford it. If they can't afford it they can't get themselves to work, or they work OT just to pay for gas to get to work (when OT is available). Food prices rising. Reports of food shortages in areas, jobs being shipped overseas. Then the wierd weather patterns I also believe somehow affect the economy. To me I see a major depression hitting us. Also I do read a lot of websites (the kind that my family thinks I'm into conspiracies - that is until they start hearing the same news I'm telling them about, they just hear about it months later and pretend I never told them anything).
depression?
Okay so they say, finally, that we are in a recession. I am thinking that we may be going into another Great Depression. Call me doom and gloom but come on now, look at life. So, my question is to those of you who stock up on stuff. What do you stock up on and how do u do it? I mean, do you go out one day when you grocery shop and just spend a fortune on extra stuff or do you spread it out. Also, those of you that mentioned being stocked up, obvious it limits grocery trips and probably saves some money here and there but if we face a depression, do you think that there will be a huge shortage of food in our grocery stores?
depression
Ladies, help me out. What physical conditions can cause depression or mood swings? For the past few months I have been experiencing bouts of depression that seem to come out of nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks. Within the span of 5 minutes I go from feeling normal and content to feeling like life is completely meaningless and hopeless. This is completely out character for me. I have always had a positive outlook, very even-tempered, and don't even get emotional around my period. The year 2008 was one of the most stressful years of my life and there is still a lot of stress going on so I realize it could indeed be that I have reached my emotional limit, but if there could be a physical cause, I am willing to entertain that as well. Thanks for any insight.
Do you think he could be going through depression maybe? sm
Depression is an illness and it can definitely make you lose motivation or desire for anything. Just a thought.
I wonder if he has depression & if
depression meds would help pull him out of his funk so he could be at least motivated enough to get out & work? I fight depression & don't feel like working, but of course I do it because I have to support myself, but maybe he has a greater degree of depression?
On the other hand, I had a relative like this, and as long as anyone would hand him money, he wouldn't do anything to help himself. When people would cut him off, he'd work a while... My husband & I decided after a while of that that we would feed him when he came over to eat because we always have leftovers anyway, that we would quit handing him money but would never let him go hungry & he was welcome to eat with us anytime he wanted, but that would be the extent of it.
If he already owns a dump truck, he should be able to at least do a job here & there & get by though. I know men who would love to own their own dump truck!
There's no easy answer & I feel for you.
I don't think the depression meds --sm
should be taken in conjunction with pot. Anger and anxiety issues were already present prior to father's death. He may be grieving on some level, as his own psyche will allow, but sounds more like an excuse to me. I have lived with these types in the past. His lack of ambition is probably due to the pot, as well. Thinking of the child, I feel that separation from the source of this frustration would be the best thing for the boy. Counseling rarely works for the spouse, but it would probably benefit you. Go with your gut reaction on this as to what is best. You live with the man, and you know more about him than what you can post here. Trust your instincts. Good luck to you.
Could you be suffering from a depression?
Maybe go to your doctor and ask for an exam regarding your symptoms of being tired and wanting to always eat. Those are signs of depression. Are you on an antidepressant? They certainly have helped me.
Jan
Even postpartum depression.
I had a friend who was not even the same person after she had her second child. She was afraid to go out in public and would field all her calls through her husband and had never done anything like that before. We tried to go out together one day and she made me turn around and take her back home.
It turned out she had postpartum depression and after some time, therapy, understanding friends and short-term medication, she was fine.
Of course, the added stress of the baby's physical problems could easily account for a reason for the depression.
People have told me that one of the best things they appreciate from a friend is a sincere card or letter expressing empathy and concern. They like being able to read the sentiments again whenever they are down. Just a word of caution, always re-read such a letter before sending it to make sure there is no hint of something that could be taken the wrong way.
Recession/depression
I think we are at a "stuck" point, where it could shoot up or fall down into a rescession. I hope to God, it shoots up. I heard gas isn't coming down til after the first of the year (2009)
recession/depression
I think Michigan is already in a recession. It is just sickening to see all the homes that have been foreclosed. Everytime you watch the news or read a paper it is just more people losing their jobs. I don't know how much more people here can take. Hopefully things pick up soon!
PPMD/depression
I have depression. Right before my time, I get terrible. I am taking sertraline (Zoloft) right now all the time. While I was asking my Dr. about this medication she mentioned to me that some woman only take it for PPMD and/or up the dose during that time. I am actually considering going back to her and asking about this because during my time I get irritable and sad still.  I hear ya!!
Best Description of a Depression
I really think the movie "Cinderella Man" gives a good and accurate portrayal of the Great Depression.
depression era music
jazz age
http://dismuke.org/radio/
It sounds like you might have depression.
Maybe you could see a doctor? Talk therapy could help, especially if you work at home and don't get a chance to talk to *adults* much.
If you can't/don't want to see a doc (and you think it could be depression), you could try a supplement called SAMe (can get it at Target). Do some research about it on Google. It has helped some people. It's not too expensive and supposedly it starts working fast so you'd know if it were going to work for you before you spent too much.
With depression you lose either way -- sm
depression pretty much kills sex drive, but so do antidepressants. Still, I prefer to be on the meds.
Anxiety and depression are two different diagnoses
Sometimes they co-exist, sometimes they don't, sometimes long-term suffering of one will create the other. Some are situational, some are chemical. Family docs now spooning out SSRIs like candy have blurred them into a generic diagnosis with a generic fix, IMO.
While I totally agree re. depression...nm
to poster above who has done a fine job and counsels others on getting money into the bank, the stark reality is that no matter how much $$ one has in the bank, when depression hits - and it will - all that money isn't going to amount to a hill of beans that was covered by the floods in the upper states. The dollar bill has little value now, so when the depression hits none of it will be worth anything. Best stockpile on canned and paper goods (TP will be at a premium, I'm told by financiers) now with that $$ in the bank 'cause that's all you are going to have!
A few suggestions on beating depression.
In the same boat gave good suggestions for the medical care part. I strongly urge you to consider an anti-depressant and/or an anti-anxiety medication. They are not addictive, do not turn you into a zombie and will help you tremendously in every arena, especially work. You could try OTC St John's wort. This did not help my depression (it seems to run in my family and I think mine is hereditary) but I have friends who say it has helped them. It is possible your depression is being aggravated by SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. If you have trouble with insomnia, another really good natural remedy for that is melatonin. You find it in the vitamin section of the drug store. It is inexpensive and is not habit-forming. There is no set dosage. They come in 1 mg and 3 mg tablets that can be split. Start with the 1 mg and increase by 0.5 mg until you reach your ideal without hangover effect in the a.m. 3 mg is what I typically take, but have taken as much as 4.5. Again, insomnia runs in my family and it is likely your dosage would be less.
Exercise helps with depression A LOT. This does not have to be strenuous or extreme. A 20 to 45 minute walk 3 times a week or more will do WONDERS for you. Biking is great also and in the summer, swimming.
Here's something else I strongly suggest. I know it's a hard one, because I am a mom too. Stop trying to take care of everybody else for the time being and put focus on helping yourself. Find things you enjoy doing that do not cost money and then DO THEM. This can be difficult at first. Take baby steps at first. Make a modest plan for a day off, wake up and PRETEND you are not depressed, then put one foot in front of the other. Read books, watch favorite TV shows, surf the net, window shop, light candles and incense and soak in a hot water tub with soothing bath salts, listen to music, pot plants using cuttings, cook a delicious meal, change your hairstyle, experiment with make-up and new clothing styles (go to stores and try them on), start a journal or do a little research on a new hobby. Sometimes even housework can be therapeutic. Whatever you do, be very kind to yourself and do not beat yourself up if you don't get as much done as you would like. The road back takes time and practice.
Get proactive about your job. Look for work at home with a company with insurance. Make up your mind that you are going to kick this depression, not the other way around.
Only if you've never suffered from depression and
Walk a mile or two in my shoes before you go judging me, or anyone else who's been helped by antidepressants.
Can you get him to the PCP? They can handle this type of depression most times -nm
:-)
Our stories are very, very similar. Due to my severe depression sm
something horrible happened which I cannot speak of here. It is the main reason I found God, so you and I are alike in that matter.
As for God rescuing you like that - that is amazing. I guess we can just agree to disagree on this one. He saved you by showing you meds and saying it's okay to take them, and He healed me from my ailment without meds. Who is to say one is better than the other? That is why the saying goes that God works in mysterious ways!
I am happy for you! Continue to do what you are doing. I am not judging you. I only spoke to NCMT through my own experiences. We all have our own experiences.
either postpartum depression or embarrassed/guilt
I have known people to withdraw due to feeling like people are going to make fun of their child, blaming themselves or postpartum depression. Is this their first child? Could be that she is just simply overwhelmed. What does her mother-in-law/mother think? Is she also pulling away from them?
Just let her know that you are there for her even if that means sending her a card.
POLL: Are we headed for a recession/depression?
Do you think we are headed there or already there. Some people have told me they think it is going to get really bad like during the great depression. opinions?
If your mom and dad just divorced this year, have you ever thought of depression? sm
Maybe your dad is going through a real hard adjustment to his new life and could use a little help or boost from you instead of a cold shoulder. Sounds to me like he might just be in some major depression as his life has had a drastic change. Reach out to him and help him in his time of need. Sure he is an adult, but everyone can walk on hard times with major traumatic events going on in their life and he may just lack desire to care due to his depression.
Depression/Menopause/Decreased Sex Drive
I was wondering if any has any suggestions for increasing a woman's sex drive. I have been on Wellbutrin and trazodone for years and now I am going through menopause on hormone replacement. (I am 47 and had an ovary removed last year which caused me to go into menopause.) The last few years my sex drive has decreased to almost nil. Any suggestions/information would be much appreciated.
Haven't you heard? We're in a recession and/or depression?
so, why would there be a raise in benefits if there is no inflation?
The risk of suicide is greater in people with depression anyway sm
I personally have suffered from depression for most of my life, and the only time I feel "normal" is when I am on some kind of antidepressant. It takes time and a patient understanding doctor to work with you until you are on the right one at the right dosage, but I strongly feel that it is irresponsible and dangerous to tell someone not to take an antidepressant if they need it. You don't go telling diabetics that they shouldn't take insulin because people taking it are more likely to have high blood sugar do you? Makes about as much sense to me
Regular exercise helps, too, but watch for depression if you're
s
Many meds for depression and mental retardation make people very SM
heavy. My friend has gained probably 75 pounds or more since being on some of the meds. Don't know quite why they contribute to weight loss, but one commercial some years ago said that it does something to the part of the brain that senses when you are full. . . . .
before surgery
i've been made aware of a procedure that may help some avoid such surgery -- nonsurgical spinal decompression. I looked it up for a neighbor, and there's a lot out there -- i read the Kansas City and San Diego data -- some pretty impressive results from what i understand.
try:
www.therunningdoctor.com/back_pain_drx_treatment_2.htm
Probably best surgery I ever did.
I was 41 when I told my physician I wanted to have a hysterectomy. It was in the 80s and I had adenomyosis, terrible pains during the cycle but fine the rest of the month. I put off getting because of work and after I had done, could have kicked myself for a) hurting every month bent over, b) nonstop bleeding, c) not wanting to take time for something I needed to have done. My doctor never approached me on the subject. I retained my ovaries but have never had the first hot flash and that was 20 years ago. Completely liberating for me.
Have the surgery!
The attacks are terrible and my surgery experience wasn't bad. I will admit I hurt pretty bad for several hours afterwards, but they controlled that before I went home. I didn't even have to take any pain medicine after the day of surgery. The incisions weren't bad at all.
anyone have gum surgery?
Has anyone every had gum surgery for receding gums? I grind my teeth and also pick at them (nervous habit I guess, since my teens, now 37yo) and now at the point where I need at least 2 but probably 3 or 4 teeth (gums) done at the upper molars. Had a consult a year ago and he said I should not wait a year to have it done on the 2 teeth, but guess what...and this is over $1000 each tooth - I believe they called it a frenectomy, where they take skin from the roof of your mouth and reattach it at the gumline. My teeth are actually pretty good altohugh I may have developed a tiny shadow (of decay?) on the exposed roots that I recently noticed. My gums and they are starting to bother me. Trying to decide...Behind on utilites always, work part-time, husband does not rake in the big bucks, don't even own a house so I would rather spend a couple thousand on working towards that.. The problem is that it's half up front and the other half can only be spread out into three monthly payments, so it's kind of steep when put that way. If you had it done how was the recovery from it?? Someone give me some fabulous wisdom  I am aiming towards giving my dentist a call this week to schedule a cleaning and then scheduling the procedure in September when the kids go back to school.?????
Surgery
I guess I missed the part about surgery somewhere.....but either way.... you have to do what you feel best for you....regardless of what you have to do to reach your goal....Trust me I am behind you whatever you trying to do regarding the weight factor....if it works for you....it works for me.....just trying to give a moral support....
CTS but no surgery
I had CTS a few years back, went to a neurologist and after doing an EMG, he injected my wrists with steroids. Used a bunny splint for awhile at night but have really not had any problems since. This was probably 10-12 years ago. The EMG and injections hurt, but much better than surgery.
..:) Depression glass, cut crystal, candle sticks, figurines. Strings of twinkie lights
s
Nausea after surgery.
My mother had surgery for a rectocele three weeks ago. Everything went fine during surgery and she was released from the hospital a few days later. A week after her surgery she started to feel nauseous and the feeling has not gone away since. It was two weeks ago yesterday since this started. She has not vomited but feels like she is going to. She can hardly eat anything except soup and crackers. She saw her doctor last week for a two week check up and he presribed Prilosec and another medication (can't remember the name) but they did not work. She has also tried some over the counter medications suggested by her pharmacist such as Dramamine and Cola syrup and nothing is working. Has anyone had this problem or know of someone who has? I heard that sometimes anesthesia can cause this and it's just a matter of time before it goes away. Would appreciate any suggestions.
Nausea after surgery
I would definitely have your mom rechecked again as well. My friend's mom had her gallbladder removed and was feeling nauseous where she could hardly eat. Her surgeon brushed it off as a postoperative symptomtom. It turned out that her small bowel had dropped into her surgical wound bed and caused a major infection. Poor women had to be opened up again.
Personally I'd have the surgery
I know it's a scary situation to be in and a big decision to make but I would do everything I could to take away the doubt that it might some day come back. Of course there are no guarantees but I'd put the odds in my favor.
Thank you so much. I am scheduled for surgery on 2/27. sm
Your post hit it right on the head. When I thought about the possibility that I could develop cancer and have it spread elsewhere in the future, that is what really made my decision for me. I did not want the surgery, but I wanted cancer even less. Although I am aware that cancer can develop anywhere at anytime, I also know that I can prevent this particular kind just knowing the potential risk and preventing it before it can happen.
Thanks so much for the support. It really helps to hear from others who have gone through the same thing. I hope I am as lucky as you after it is done as far as symptoms and feeling good, etc. Thanks again.
husband had this surgery and I have CTS...sm
If after the surgery you or anyone continues the same behavior, work patterns - the CTS can very well return. Ya just gotta know this ahead of time. My ex is a chef, had the surgery bilaterally when married, but still remained a chef...hence, he now has the return of CTS.
I need the surgery too but surgeon friend of mine said a long, long time ago, don't operate on your hands or feet until you really have to, as they will never be the same.
I had some hand surgery 25 years ago for removal of things inside the hands and truly, my hands have never been the same...so I believe it is true. Until I give up this biz, I won't have carpal tunnel releases.
I also have a friend who is a chiropractor and he believes chiropractic helps CTS....I'd try that and/or acupuncture first before I would have the surgery.
just my 3 cents is all.........
My surgery went okay but after about 1 year
You have to be emotionally ready. I gained all but about 20 pounds of my weight back.
...hold off on surgery. nm
s
i just had bunion surgery
Anyone have this and how long did it take for you to be able to step on your foot. You ever get back into real shoes?
Thanks!
Anyone who has had LASIK eye surgery
I'm thinking about having it done. I'm nearsighted, in my 30s and have worn glasses regularly since about 24 or 25. My eyesight isn't too bad without them. I generally wear contact lenses and I'm just getting tired of the routine/expense.
So, has anyone out there had LASIK eye surgery and what was your experience? Would you do it again? I'd really appreciate it if you would share the cost of the procedure. My insurance doesn't cover it.
Actually, she didn't have the surgery
She takes hormones to get facial hair and cut her boobs off but she does not have man parts - unless she did have the surgery right after she had the last baby.
She is definitely still 100% woman - not a man by any defintion other than her own.
After I had arthroscopic surgery
The incision in my belly button got infected, but even then there really wasn't an odor. I tried to keep it dry and put neosporin on it. Odd, I think maybe it couldn't hurt to get it looked at. Maybe there is a fungus in there that a cream could treat.
kidney surgery
I am facing kidney surgery in the very near future to cut out a urethral stricture from my single kidney (congenital). My doctor informed me this is a relatively common procedure but that it is not a surgery one can just bounce right back from. I'm just curious if anyone can tell me whether you've had this surgery or know someone who has, and know their recovery rate and prognosis. He also told me there is a 2% to 3% chance this could not take and the surgery might have to be repeated. My doctor told me one month after the surgery I will have to have a second surgery to remove a stent that he will temporarily place. He said I will be in the hospital overnight (for the initial surgery) and then probably won't feel like doing my regular activities for at least two weeks. Thanks for any information.
Oh dear. SD is having surgery Friday. SM
She already has had thyroid cancer with metastatic nodes, which she survived at 18. Very traumatic.
Now I'm nervous, because I was afraid of throat swelling and this surgeon sounds much too cocky.
I'm sure she will be fine. Just worrying. She is very sweet and I think of her as my own daughter.
This is very common for men after this type of surgery....sm
I would see this a lot when I worked for a group of cardiovascular surgeons. Make an appointment for your husband & yourself with his surgeon so that they can first off assure him that this is normal. Some hospitals have post-CABG support groups and if your hospital has this, go as that will help him. Men especially have a hard time post-CABG because the male ego is "I can do anything and won't get sick" and it crushes their ego to have their heart become diseased. Continue to try to get him involved in things without nagging. The doctor may also place him on an antidepressant short-term if they feel it is indicated. Good luck!
|
