Depression and Anxiety at an older age

@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.

@vickimurray I also have treatment resistant major depression, along with anxiety disorder and civilian PTSD. I just turned 70 this month, and was diagnosed with depression 20 years ago. I take Wellbutrin and Mirtazapine for depression, and Klonopin for anxiety.

I have treatment resistant neuropathy, as well. Idiopathic small fiber peripheral polyneuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. I've tried every medication my pcp, neurologist and pain specialist could think of that might reduce the severe pain in my feet. Morphine sulfate contin has taken the edge off the pain for around 7 years. Arthritis doesn't require such high powered meds.

My wife and I raised our 2 children very frugally, and even though I never received what most people would consider a living wage, we own our home with no mortgage and have more money in investments than my well paid siblings. It would be nice to have money for a new car, but God has always provided. We're saving money now to go on a cruise to Alaska for our 50th anniversary in two years.

Living below the poverty level all of my adult life has made early retirement enforced on me because of mental health issues not seem so scary. I think we'll do OK.

Past midnight! Gotta turn my phone off and go to sleep.

Jim

@vickimurray I also have treatment resistant major depression, along with anxiety disorder and civilian PTSD. I just turned 70 this month, and was diagnosed with depression 20 years ago. I take Wellbutrin and Mirtazapine for depression, and Klonopin for anxiety.

I have treatment resistant neuropathy, as well. Idiopathic small fiber peripheral polyneuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. I've tried every medication my pcp, neurologist and pain specialist could think of that might reduce the severe pain in my feet. Morphine sulfate contin has taken the edge off the pain for around 7 years. Arthritis doesn't require such high powered meds.

My wife and I raised our 2 children very frugally, and even though I never received what most people would consider a living wage, we own our home with no mortgage and have more money in investments than my well paid siblings. It would be nice to have money for a new car, but God has always provided. We're saving money now to go on a cruise to Alaska for our 50th anniversary in two years.

Living below the poverty level all of my adult life has made early retirement enforced on me because of mental health issues not seem so scary. I think we'll do OK.

Past midnight! Gotta turn my phone off and go to sleep.

Jim

@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.

Karen thanks for your interest in my post. You have a lot to deal with. I hope knowing we have similar challenges and can talk to each other helps. Have a good night. God bless. Peggy

I have a question concerning the pain in your feet--is it caused by spinal stenosis? I have spinal stenosis. I have pain in my back and it radiates down my right leg into my foot. I take pain pills. I need something for my depression. My doctor doesn't actually know how bad it is. I haven't told her. I take so many pills as it is, I don't know what wouldn't interfere with them. I am up and down. I have read where it is called rapid cycling. I don't know if I need uppers or downers! I am not kidding. If I had all of you depressed people in one room for a group meeting, I guarantee you, I would have you laughing. Then, after everyone leaves, I go home, I am super depressed. I need people. This isolation is really making me anxious. I could write a book. I will close for the moment. Take care--all of you. God bless and be with you. The Bible says laughter is the best medicine. Yes, it is. Also, another question! Does your doctor ever give you epidurals for the pain?

@woogie I know exactly how you feel. When I'm around people I'm happy. When I'm home I'm depressed. I'm on Lexapro, Lamictal, and Klonopin. If I can't sleep I go between Ambien and Melatonin.
Concerning you spinal stenosis, I also had pain down my right leg into my foot before my surgery and my right buttock hurt too. Had stenosis in my L-4 and 5. Have you seen a surgeon? I'm not a doctor but it sounds like you need the surgery I had. I have had some foot pain,since the surgery, but I think it's the shoes I have been wearing when I go for walks.
It also sounds like you need an anti-depressant. Have you seen a psychiatrist? Usually you have to go to a pain clinic to get epidurals. But, they only helped a short time. Are you close to a Mayo Clinic or another major hospital? My doctor referred me to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I send my thoughts and prayers your way. God bless and be with you too. I have to go out today and get some new pads for my brace. If you don't remember me I'm the one who had the 9 hour fusion surgery. I'm getting along well. Just pain below my knee into my foot, but I'm going to wear my better shoes today.

To those of us with civilian PTSD, treatment resistant major depression, anxiety. etc. as well as chronic pain. I oft wonder how much our past plays in these types of disorders (such a distasteful word as I feel freakish enough) were caused by abusive pasts. a lot I would surmise. The reality of this is evidence enough that many here are tenacious as we drag these weights with us. No self pity just my wandering/wondering mind that marvels at the determination in the events of seemingly insurmountable odds. Together we stand strong and we do matter.
Thanks for the input everyone.