Depression and Anxiety at an older age

@gingerw I told my therapist a few weeks ago that it wasn't that I felt I wasn't good enough as a child, but that I wasn't as good as. As good at playing the piano as my older sister (still true), as good as my brothers at sports...

Depression was a key component of the reason I retired. Then the time came when retirement exacerbated my depression. I guess I don't do things the way most people do.

Jim

Hi Jim, I don't think I have ever sent a message to you. I am also having depression and anxiety, but before my surgery I was not having any depression or anxiety. I was excited and positive about my surgery. My fusion was from T-10 to my pelvis from degeneration that caused a scoliosis. But, I also had severe spinal stenosis in L-4 and L-5. Before surgery I mainly had sciatica on my right side buttock down to my right foot and my right foot was very weak. Since surgery, I started having sharp like pains in my feet.that could have been neuropathy. I can't take Gabapentin or Lyrical. The surgeon said it might be caused from my nerves regenerating. They told me I could start back on my celebrex and anti-inflammatory and my feet got better! I had just a little bit of twinges this morning.
I know depression is the pits. My son is bipolar 1 and we have not contact with him and his family. It's a long story.

I want you to know that I care about you and I know the surgery will help. The pain in your feet could be from the stenosis and who knows what else the surgeon will find. Where are you having the surgery? I had mine done at Mayo at Rochester. 31/2 hours from our home in Iowa. I had the best surgeon and his assistant has been so helpful through this whole process. My surgery was 9 hours long.
I pray you have less pain for it can cause depression and then anxiety can play into it. Take care of yourself. My thoughts will be with you.

@jhmd. Oh God Bless you! You really have a lot of pain to deal with. I don't know what I would do if I had that pain to deal with. Does Cymbalta have a dual side effect for you or do you or do you use it only for pain? I'm just up for the day. Hopefully I won't get dpuble vision signaling a migraine. Then it's time for me to rest.

@lsittll I was trying Cymbalta several years ago, but stopped taking it because it didn't seem to be helping. My neurologist thought it was worth a second try. I'm not going to make any medication changes until I've recovered from surgery next month. I've learned over the past 15 years that I have to do one thing at a time, working with medications. I don't start a new medication if I'm in the process of trying another one because the results get confused. That's what happened with Cymbalta.

@lilypaws My surgery will be in the surgery center at the clinic the neurosurgeon works with. I live in central Oregon, and we knew that there were excellent doctors there when we decided where we wanted to live after retiring. The nearest teaching hospital is in Portland, 150 miles from here. Oregon Health Sciences University is on the level of Mayo, but the medical community here is so good that I've only gone to OHSU twice, for tests that the local doctors couldn't do.

Unless I have issues with pain after surgery, it's supposed to be an outpatient procedure, a much smaller surgery from yours. Interesting that my stenosis is in the same place as yours. I think that after surgery I might stand straighter, and I'll regain the inch I've lost. I'm sorry that you've had such a difficult time after your procedures. I hope you're beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Jim

I am 65 years old and have suffered from treatment-resistant depression and anxiety for most of my life. Of course, the current situation in the country - the pandemic and the rioting - has not helped the situation. My husband and I are fortunate in that we have social security and some small bits of income from here and there. We have lived simply for many years; we downsized when our son left for college so we can support ourselves quite nicely on social security; not desperate, but not hitting the fancy restaurants (when they were open) or the ballet (ha) either. The point is that I was in real trouble until 15 years ago when I found my current team of doctors. I have my primary care physician, a psychiatrist and a psychologist. I am taking four psych meds: Wellbutrin, Lamictal, Neurontin, and Zoloft. It has taken some time to find the combination that works best for me. Psych drugs are so individual to the person being treated. Where one works for this person, it won't work for another person. There are always the side effects to contend with, but if you have a psychiatrist willing to keep working with you, you can find something that works. My psychiatrist is adamant that you also need a psychologist, someone to talk out your problems with. My psychiatrist deals with the big things bothering me, but mostly he is the medicine man. And to his credit, I've never seen a doctor more knowledgeable about psych meds and medicines in general as he is. But the psychologist is someone to listen to you while you work out the nitty gritty of your life; someone you feel safe with so you can cry and say whatever you need to say. My husband goes with me because, actually, we are both in therapy. My husband has helped me deal with my mental health issues for 46 years, so he can provide a lot of confirmation, backup and history for the psychologist. We are lucky in that Medicare pays for almost everything, so my outlay of dollars is not so hard to handle. In closing, I strongly recommend, if your pocket book will allow, to seek out a psychologist, as well as your psychiatrist. And prayer will help you not give up hope. The situation in the country will turn around, and if you work with your doctor, you will find the right combination of drugs to help you cope. You may always have depression and anxiety, but you will be able to live with it. Good luck.

I am 61 years old. I just got back from Mayo Psychiatry Clinic. They diagnosed me with Major Depressive Disorder, Complex PTSD, anxiety and alcohol abuse. I cannot believe this is my life right now. I have been in an emotionally abusive marriage for 38 years. It has been devastating. I am 22 days sober, but still living in the same house as my husband terrifies me. I will be entering the Transitions program at Mayo, joining a women’s Narcissistic Abuse recovery and support group and attend virtual AA meetings. I think these should be a domestic violence..and that includes emotional abuse...on this site. I wish all of you on your journeys the very best. We dont feel strong now but we will get through it!

@laurry Hi, I am glad you reached out. My heart goes out to you. My husband was verbally abusive when my kids were growing up and verbally abusive to me. But, I guess I thought it was normal. He is better now.
You are doing great things by getting help and I hope the husband and you will be able to divorce. You are going to get stronger going through all of what Mayo has to offer. Congratulations on being sober for 22 days. Take one day at a time. I know you will be okay and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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@pjss48 I know it's hard. Mental Illness runs through our family. My mom left us at her age of 69. I just turned 69, but I don't have manic depression/Bipolar 1. My son was the one who got hit the hardest with Bipolar 1. My daughter and I were diagnosed with Bipolar 2 in Seattle and San Diego, but when we moved back to our home state we are just diagnosed with depression and anxiety Complex. I had a big surgery, 9 hours a fusion and stenosis in my back. I was fine before the surgery, even though I was in a lot of pain. Now that the surgery is over about 3 months post surgery I am depressed. I also have trouble doing things, but just make up my mind I'm going to do it. A shower for me next. I'm on Lexapro, Lamictal, and Klonopin. There are some major things going on in our lives that makes me sad.

Klonopin is what really helps me with daily anxiety & depression. I take Effexor now but don't feel like it helps. I live in Florida & it's next to impossible to find a doc who will prescribe Klonopin. I'm 67 & have chronic pain since 1996. The 24/7 pain causes my issues & I know what works for me but no doctors will listen to me. I take Norco for pain management. Benzos aren't recommended for Hydrocodone users, however, whatever time I have left I'd prefer to be comfortable & am willing to to take the chance of the 2 meds causing me issues. I've been on Klonopin & pain meds for 24 years & never had a problem with them. Why won't doctors listen to their patient's wishes?

Vickimurray, you are truly blessed to have found a treatment that works for you. I wish you the best. I'm not as fortunate as you & am about to give up on medical help. We all have to die sometime & I don't fear it. In fact, I've thought about ending my life but, being a Christian, I just can't do that. In any event, I appreciate you sharing your journey.