Depression and Chronic Pain

Posted by sharlynn62 @sharlynn62, Nov 27, 2016

I have been dealing with episodes of major depression and dysthmia since I was a teenager and now I am in my 50's and have moderate to severe arthritis in my lower back and knees along with chronic daily migraines and I am in pain just about every minute of every day. I wake up in the morning disappointed that I am still alive and have to go through another day. I feel that I am a huge burden on my family and am nothing but a "shell" full of negativity. I don't have a decent doctor who will work with me to address all of my problems and help me with other methods since I can't take opiod meds and NSAIDS (I had bariatric surgery) and now my insurance company wants to stop paying for my weekly therapy sessions (they're cutting them back to twice a month.
I feel so hopeless and trapped. I don't want to live like this. I will never end my life, though, because I know what suicide would do to my family and I would never put them through that. I used to be able to work and that was how I coped; I'm no longer able to work and it's killing me. I have no one to talk to that understands and doesn't mind listening to someone who is not Miss Bubbly and full of interesting stories to tell. Insights anyone?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 10, 2019

In reply to @parus "@hopeful33250 Aw shucks. Thank you." + (show)

@parus You are more than welcome!

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 10, 2019

@parus- I always look forward to your posts because they are full of wisdom and great advice. And often you are our cheerleader! I'm very glad that you are on Connect.

rucyrious | @rucyrious | Jan 12, 2019

In reply to @jimhd "Hi, @sharlynn62. I've been treated for depression for around 13 years, though I know now that..." + (show)

@jimhd

Hi, @sharlynn62. I've been treated for depression for around 13 years, though I know now that it was a problem to some degree since I was a child. I'm 66 now, and have been retired for 11 years, on Social Security Disability for mental health issues, including multiple suicide attempts. Around 5 years ago, I found out that I have peripheral neuropathy, usually connected with diabetes, but not in my case. The cause of the nerve damage can't really be determined, but by now, I have constant pain, along with numbness and pins and needles. It's a burning pain in my toes and the balls of my feet and the top part by my toes. The combination of depression and chronic pain is a really tough one. I'm glad you don't consider suicide to be an option. Rationally, I have the same feeling about as you. I wish I could say that the thoughts are never a problem, but I think about it nearly every day. Cognitive therapy has given me tools to deal with the thoughts, but they're still there. For pain, I take morphine sulfate contin, Cymbalta and Oxycodone for breakthrough pain. I put Lidocaine cream on my feet at bedtime, to numb them so I can get to sleep, and at other times when the pain is bad. I recently got some Marijuana from the local dispensary, and made cannabutter, and if I use enough, it does reduce the pain for a couple of hours. The pain specialist told me to get low THC and high CBD. I may apply for a green card, so I can get the stronger medical Marijuana. That process is expensive, so I've put off doing it. I also take Bupropion for depression, and Klonopin to keep me from kicking during the night and injuring my wife. The Klonopin also helps when I'm in a stressful situation that might start a panic attack. Sometimes I take Orphenadrine, a muscle relaxer, when my back is hurting (I fell 12 ft. when my ladder started sliding off to the side, and had 3 compression fractures in my lower back.) Several things have helped me, some of which might resonate with you. I have a psychiatric service dog, who's always with me; I've seen therapists for many years until 2 years ago, when the LCSW left our little town for a better paying job with a VA hospital; my wife is very supportive, though not always understanding; I'm a retired minister, and my faith in God is an important part of my life; we live in the country, on ten acres, where it's peaceful and quiet; I play the piano for the Sunday evening service at our church; and I'm a Hospice volunteer, and visit patients weekly for an hour or so. Time for bed now, so that's a good reason to quit rambling on. I hope you'll find things that will help you with your own pain and depression.

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Hi I was just reading your response and stop dead after reading about you getting your green card for CBD or the other stuff. I’ve learned this by a great doctor in Ohio. A neurologist. He said people who suffer from depression, anxiety or panic disorders too stay far away from that stuff. It worsens all of them. I tried one that was for panic attacks and let me tell you, I ended up at the ER. I thought I was having a heart attack. It was a panic attack. My BP was 189/125 something like that and it scared the heck out of me. Now I see what this doctor meant. If interested I could find his name as he you tubes a lot of stuff.

karen00 | @karen00 | Jan 13, 2019

Hi rucyrious, I have also been doing research on CBD oil. What did you mean when you said you “tried one for panic”? Was it CBD ? I would be interested in knowing the doctor’s name, if you could find out. I really appreciate it! ..........Karen

cdcc | @cdcc | Jan 13, 2019

In reply to @rucyrious "Hi I was just reading your response and stop dead after reading about you getting your..." + (show)

What this doctor said is true, but not for everyone. I can’t use medical marijuana because it does make my panic, anxiety 100 times worse. I’ve tried it several times and each time I was in a fetal position for hours. I do use CBD oil with no THC that you can buy or order and it works great. Even better is the CBD gummy’s

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 13, 2019

In reply to @rucyrious "Hi I was just reading your response and stop dead after reading about you getting your..." + (show)

@rucyrious I am not a doctor, am not giving medical advice, just my opinion. I feel you are painting this with a broad brush. There are many responses to any medication, by many people. What works for some, doesn't work for another. It's a fine line. The mind and body is a complex and miraculous machine. I take CBD oil for anxiety and the anti-inflammatory properties, with no negative side-effects.
Ginger

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 13, 2019

In reply to @rucyrious "Hi I was just reading your response and stop dead after reading about you getting your..." + (show)

@rucyrious - Welcome to Mayo Connect depression and anxiety discussion. I respectfully disagree with your neurologist about CBD oil. It's a new field for sure. I have been depressed for a long time and have PTSD because I've been fighting lung cancer for 21 years. CBD oil calms me down and either reduces or totally eliminates my anxiety, which reduces my anxiety and quiets any pain I have from arthritis and other problems around that location.
Since this is your first post would you mind sharing some of what brought you to Mayo Connect? I hope to hear from you soon.

nanastable | @nanastable | Jan 13, 2019

Thanks Ginger.
I too feel the same way but didn't want to pontificate.
I could write a book about benefits of CBD, understanding the difference with "pot", recreational grass, THC and most importantly Medical Marijuana.
I urge everyone before investing time, money and energy to educate themselves. Seek out the best source which is sometimes not your local physician.

Mayo Clinic should be the first place to begin. They are superior to most others.

Check out newsletter@leafly.com.....a suggested site as there are a few others.

Hope this is helpful.

Jen, Alumna Mentor | @sandytoes14 | Jan 13, 2019

In reply to @merpreb "@rucyrious - Welcome to Mayo Connect depression and anxiety discussion. I respectfully disagree with your neurologist..." + (show)

I recently tried CBD gummys when I was out of pain meds. While I didn't have any relief of pain, I was calmer, less anxious. That was a big plus for me as I have had terrible anxiety all my life.