1. < Depression & Anxiety

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.

petangelkat1 | @petangelkat1 | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @stulerner "Everyone is different. Never heard of anyone/or directions to "take only when needed". I take CBD..." + (show)
@stulerner

Everyone is different. Never heard of anyone/or directions to "take only when needed". I take CBD oil (from marijuana, not hemp) every day. So far zero benefit for my peripheral neuropathy. Most CBD for sale is derived from hemp, which is cheaper than from marijuana

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Which state are you? Where do you purchase the oil?
What is the cost?

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karen00 | @karen00 | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @petangelkat1 "I can relate in so many ways. I have fibromyalgia, suffered a neck and back injury..." + (show)
@petangelkat1

I can relate in so many ways. I have fibromyalgia, suffered a neck and back injury from a car accident in 1990 and had gastric bypass surgery in 2007. I lost 120 pounds and gained weight back when I took lomatrogine and Abilify for depression and anxiety. I gained anout 20 pounds back as a side effect from the meds. I tried Lyrica for the fibromyalgia and gained 15 pounds so stopped taking it. The same happens when I take Abilify, but my depression, anxiety and irritability are enough to encourage me to go back in Abilify.
I do know that my pain is always worse during very cold and very hot weather. It’s worse when there is a sudden change in weather, and rain adds a lot more pain to the mix. Stress heightens pain levels. I’m going to get Tumeric because it has s a natural anti inflammatory.
What are you experiencing?

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Hi @petangelkat1, I tried Lyrica for the fibro and got an “altered mental status”. In other words, I was acting crazy and couldn’t form sentences or remember my dog’s name. I tried Abilify for the depression, but don’t think I was on enough to do any good. You’re right in that rain definitely makes pain worse and a cold rain is a double whammy. I actually bought turmeric and then found out I had a clot in my lung and couldn’t take anti inflammatories. Seems like we’re walking down the same path!........Karen

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1 reply
Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @karen00 "Hi @petangelkat1, I tried Lyrica for the fibro and got an “altered mental status”. In other..." + (show)
@karen00

Hi @petangelkat1, I tried Lyrica for the fibro and got an “altered mental status”. In other words, I was acting crazy and couldn’t form sentences or remember my dog’s name. I tried Abilify for the depression, but don’t think I was on enough to do any good. You’re right in that rain definitely makes pain worse and a cold rain is a double whammy. I actually bought turmeric and then found out I had a clot in my lung and couldn’t take anti inflammatories. Seems like we’re walking down the same path!........Karen

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@karen00, I tried Lyrics and it worked great for me with one exception: I had difficulty fulfilling my responsibilities as a wife, mother, church member, friend, and employee. My thinking was foggy and I would forget really important dates or events. It really took the pain of Fibromyalgia away, but for now, I will just do the best I can without it. As for Abilify, a close family member was on it and was like a zombie for over a year. Everyone is different, and maybe it works for a lot of people. Just not for my person. It is so important to look for reactions to any medication and especially to let your PCP know about every single herb or vitamin you put in your mouth. I'm hoping and praying for all of us that we get the answers we need to live as healthy as we can!
Mamacita

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rucyrious | @rucyrious | Jan 19, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@rucyrious - Welcome to Mayo Connect depression and anxiety discussion. I respectfully disagree with your neurologist..." + (show)
@merpreb

@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.

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I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD or DO I would love to hear your findings how you feel these products work for anxiety. Proof, case studies etc. people who have PTSD do not need medication to overcome this. They need tools. Medications are a temporary fix that works hand in hand with therapy.
Not only do neurologist say this, Primary care, psychiatrist, physiologists all say the same thing. I deal with people who have REAL diseases. Autoimmune diseases who suffer from pain, physical pain, mental pain, life threatening diseases and this stuff does not touch pain. Cancer patients, does not help pain. It may calm them for a short bit, it’s actually called being stoned. No proof, evidence from people with chronic illness that this helps. Everyone suffers from some sort of stress, PTSD is way to over used. Sorry but I can’t deal with chronic complainers of illnesses that do not exists. Or try and abuse our system looking for drugs to take rather than try and cope a healthy way. While others who are dying in pain and from chronic illnesses.

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3 replies
Mentor
Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 19, 2019
In reply to @petangelkat1 "I have smoked a strand of marijuana called Blue Dream and got total pain relief as..." + (show)
@petangelkat1

I have smoked a strand of marijuana called Blue Dream and got total pain relief as long as the THC kept me high. I didn’t particularly like that feeling, but you do what you have to do to get relief at times. I live in Georgia so the chance of getting medical strength CBD oil is near to nothing! I’m ready to fly to Colorado for a little vacation. I feel like marijuana is less harmful with its potential side effects than most of the antidepressants. What other experiences have others had?

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@petangelkat1- I'm not a stranger to pot, having grown up in the 60's and 70's! It had been many years since then that when my then therapist first recommended pot to help me with PTSD symptoms. She actually sold me some. The feeling of being stoned, that I had loved was a stranger to me this time around. And I really didn't want to be stoned, I wanted relief from anxiety more than anything else. THC made me jittery, which was the opposite of what I wanted to feel. But, CBD oil, the nectar of the Gods, has given me a more peaceful life. CBD oil is legal in every state and if you can find a place that sells it make sure that it has 10 mgs of CBD oil. If that's not enough then increase it. It may not be enough to stop all the pain, or even some of it. It's different for everyone. Good luck!

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Mentor
Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 19, 2019
In reply to @rucyrious "I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD..." + (show)
@rucyrious

I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD or DO I would love to hear your findings how you feel these products work for anxiety. Proof, case studies etc. people who have PTSD do not need medication to overcome this. They need tools. Medications are a temporary fix that works hand in hand with therapy.
Not only do neurologist say this, Primary care, psychiatrist, physiologists all say the same thing. I deal with people who have REAL diseases. Autoimmune diseases who suffer from pain, physical pain, mental pain, life threatening diseases and this stuff does not touch pain. Cancer patients, does not help pain. It may calm them for a short bit, it’s actually called being stoned. No proof, evidence from people with chronic illness that this helps. Everyone suffers from some sort of stress, PTSD is way to over used. Sorry but I can’t deal with chronic complainers of illnesses that do not exists. Or try and abuse our system looking for drugs to take rather than try and cope a healthy way. While others who are dying in pain and from chronic illnesses.

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@rucyrious– I am totally taken back by your criticism.
I have had 4 lung cancers since 1997. All of the suffering that I have had with that is no less real than mine with depression and anxiety or PTSD. And of course tools have to be employed along with chemicals. Mayo Connect is a place for support, comfort and information.

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1 reply
Parus | @parus | Jan 19, 2019

One doctor in Ohio is not enough to convince me that CBD oil is not of any help.

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 19, 2019
In reply to @parus "One doctor in Ohio is not enough to convince me that CBD oil is not of..." + (show)
@parus

One doctor in Ohio is not enough to convince me that CBD oil is not of any help.

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You make a good point, @parus. It is important to be an advocate for our health.

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 19, 2019
In reply to @rucyrious "I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD..." + (show)
@rucyrious

I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD or DO I would love to hear your findings how you feel these products work for anxiety. Proof, case studies etc. people who have PTSD do not need medication to overcome this. They need tools. Medications are a temporary fix that works hand in hand with therapy.
Not only do neurologist say this, Primary care, psychiatrist, physiologists all say the same thing. I deal with people who have REAL diseases. Autoimmune diseases who suffer from pain, physical pain, mental pain, life threatening diseases and this stuff does not touch pain. Cancer patients, does not help pain. It may calm them for a short bit, it’s actually called being stoned. No proof, evidence from people with chronic illness that this helps. Everyone suffers from some sort of stress, PTSD is way to over used. Sorry but I can’t deal with chronic complainers of illnesses that do not exists. Or try and abuse our system looking for drugs to take rather than try and cope a healthy way. While others who are dying in pain and from chronic illnesses.

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@rucyrious Your post smacks of shaming and bullying, from where I sit here at our cyber-table. Each person here on Connect has the right to express their opinion and experience, but no right to trash talk. Please take a moment, or many, to look at your words before you hit "reply", and ask yourself if you would be happy someone said the same thing to you.
Ginger

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 19, 2019
In reply to @rucyrious "I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD..." + (show)
@rucyrious

I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD or DO I would love to hear your findings how you feel these products work for anxiety. Proof, case studies etc. people who have PTSD do not need medication to overcome this. They need tools. Medications are a temporary fix that works hand in hand with therapy.
Not only do neurologist say this, Primary care, psychiatrist, physiologists all say the same thing. I deal with people who have REAL diseases. Autoimmune diseases who suffer from pain, physical pain, mental pain, life threatening diseases and this stuff does not touch pain. Cancer patients, does not help pain. It may calm them for a short bit, it’s actually called being stoned. No proof, evidence from people with chronic illness that this helps. Everyone suffers from some sort of stress, PTSD is way to over used. Sorry but I can’t deal with chronic complainers of illnesses that do not exists. Or try and abuse our system looking for drugs to take rather than try and cope a healthy way. While others who are dying in pain and from chronic illnesses.

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Hi @rucyrious, I see that this is only your second post on Mayo Clinic Connect. I would ask that you please review the Community Guidelines: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/
I point out item number 2 in particular:

2. Remain respectful at all times.
- Exercise tolerance and respect toward other participants whose views may differ from your own. Disagreements are fine, but mutual respect is a must.
- Personal attacks against members or health care providers are not acceptable. Such posts will be removed.

Do not attack members or mentors for their opinions.
As several members have pointed out, Connect is a place to share information and be supportive. They have all underlined that everyone is different. No one is negating your experience with medication or medical cannabis, or what you were advised by your medical professionals. Similarly, I would ask that you not negate the experiences of others and treat members with respect.

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