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Link from encephalitis, car accident/being unconscious to depression?
Hello every one. I am new here and hoping to find some information. I have suffered from depression and ocd for it seems like for ever I really didn't realize until recently that I think I have suffered from it since I was a teen now 60. My depression has caused me to do things I didn't want to do and has caused me to lose my marriage and have financial difficulty. So this is what I am trying to find out. As a child I had a bad experience with Encephalitis, causing hospitalization, my fever was very high and lasted for several days before the Doctor got it under control, later on when I was 18 I had a car accident which I was ejected from the vehicle and knocked unconscious for about 45 minutes, very dazed and had no idea where I was for sometime even only being a 1/2 mile from home. I have often wondered if those 2 incidents could have caused brain damage hence being a big part of why I developed depression. I am wondering if I should have a brain scan to find out, and if I did and there is some damage if anything could be done.
Thank you for any advice in advance.I hope this rambling makes sense
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@lisalucier Thank you. I would that I could get the dark cloud to stay far from me. I am doing what I can. Even the therapist is at a loss. At least she was honest.
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3 ReactionsWelcome to the forum. Thank you. For sharing. You will find this site to be a place of caring and comfort. Blessings.
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4 ReactionsThings are a little better today. Thankful To not be alone in not knowing what to do. One thing "not" to do is stop trying.
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3 Reactions@lookingforanswers1957
Do you not have insurance? If your doctor orders the MRI, it would be covered. Maybe your doctor doesn't believe you, so doesn't want to bother. Have you seen a neurologist? You may already have answered my questions. My neurologist asked me if I remembered any brain trauma, and I know I have. He's referring me to neuro specialist to look more closely at what all of the tests I've had might mean. I'm thankful for some doctors who listen to my questions and concerns. They don't just look at test results and prescribe another medication, but are caring enough to consider the psychological aspects of my medical issues. Thankfully, doctors are now being taught in medical school to treat the whole person, not just symptoms. Old school doctors were/are all knowing, unconcerned with the psychological and spiritual impact on our physical health.
A few months ago, I told my pcp how much I appreciated the fact that he never walks out of the exam room without asking if there's anything else I want to talk about. I'm working on getting the neurologist to pay attention to what I say. My pain specialist is an excellent listener. He knows how much that means to me.
I've learned that I can indirectly affect the care my doctors give me. I think ahead about what I want to talk about in my appointment, and have a written list in Evernote on my phone. I will let them know, as well, where I am with regard to my mental health. An old school doctor wouldn't be able to get rid of me fast enough if I brought up something like depression or suicidal thoughts. On the other hand, that would make a good doctor drop his/her agenda and sit up and pay attention.
Just sharing what I've observed over the past ten years. Maybe something I've said will be helpful.
I hope that your concerns are addressed satisfactorily. I encourage you to listen to your body and pursue your concerns.
Jim
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4 ReactionsJim,
Thank you for the note. I have Christian Health Ministries health care sharing program. Unfortunately since it is not insurance what I have is considered a pre X so they won't cover an MRI for me and I can't afford to pay for it myself. Stinks but thats the way it is.
Thank you
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2 Reactions@lookingforanswers1957
I agree, not having health insurance is terrible and I'm so sorry that you find yourself in this place. I'm not familiar with :Christian Health Ministries health care sharing program." Could you explain a little about that?
Teresa
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1 ReactionTakes a while to find a team to help us. With some tenacity I now have healthcare in one network. I keep thinking positive. I realize I need to be more proactive and because I can no longer work does not mean I am low-life trash.
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2 Reactions@parus Your words are an encouragement to so many of us!
Teresa
There is nothing about poor health that devalues the individual. I actually have come to believe that one of the main things that devalues an individual is believing that their value is greater than another. Your value to all of us comes through with many posts!
I have been doing research on different scans. I found the SPECT scan is supposed to be able to detect brain damage because it scans blood flow in the brain. The cost is still high around 4000.00 for two scans one resting the other thinking I guess for lack of a better term. I emailed a clinic in Colorado and they returned my call and we discussed it. I am thinking about getting it done if I can find a reasonable reliable facility here in Minnesota.