I want to let people know, especially @tbaxter33, that the PULSE clinic at University of Michigan was amazing! I finally feel listened to and validated, with excellent direction and hope. I saw my (new) PCP today who actually listened and believed my complaints of fatigue and other post sepsis syndrome symptoms which seem classic. I may try antidepressants for a while. I can finally relax about work cuz the MD at U of M said no way.
That’s what I felt but even my infectious disease MD said it’s time to work. I have been so overwhelmed about that. The symptoms are so vague that I see why people don’t get it.
U of M helped me sooooo much. I’m so grateful

Hello @suzmay

I so appreciate you letting us know how your appointment went at the Pulse Clinic. That is just wonderful news! I am glad that you can take the worry about going back to work off your plate for now. It is so good to be understood, isn't it?

Keep in touch. I look forward to hearing from you again and hearing about your progress.

Teresa

Thank you Teresa. They emphasized the need for rest, and self-care. And when I stop pushing myself so much (I have always been very active), I realize how exhausted I am still. Truly this is a long recovery

@suzmay Yes, I'm sure that the road to recovery will take a while. Give yourself all the time you need.

Did your doctor recommend any particular physical or occupational therapies that might help?

Teresa

That really is great news, @suzmay, that most of all, you were heard and validated. So glad to hear that, and that the doctor supports your getting better yet before going back to work.

What antidepressant is the doctor looking at for you?

Thank you so much. It is venfalaxine I think is the spelling. Are you familiar with it? I haven’t started them yet. Am hesitant but probably should

Hi!
The spelling is close "VENLAFAXINE". I know it as EFFEXOR. I've been taking it for year for anxiety, although it is also used for depression. I find it a great help!!! Like so many other meds of its kind, it takes a while for it to work (up to 2 months) and I had a dull headache for a while (which went away).

Several years back, my PCP tried to take me off Effexor because I was doing so well. I was taking 2 pills at a time (can't remember the dosage). I was getting off it slowly. After a very brief time, with one pill cut out, I started having severe anxiety attacks. I attempted to go back on the full dosage I was taking, but it didn't work.

My therapist sent me to a psychiatrist to regulate my meds. It was at that time that I was told that once you start to lower your dose, you can't just build it up again. She took me off the drug and attempt a couple of others. After about 3 or 4 months, I asked her to put me back on them. By then, she said we could try. I've been on it ever since but it never worked quite the same way.

It is many years later and due to 'life', I've had to up the dosage. I am now at the top and I worry what will happen if it stops working. I find it works great for anxiety, but not for depression. I lost 90 pounds over the last 1 1/2 years due to weight loss surgery. Because of the surgery, my body does not absorb the way most people do. I went from extended release to regular release. That does make a difference. I have to make sure I don't have burst of feelings from the meds and that I stay on an even level.

This is probably more than you wanted to know, but I hope it helps.

Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Thank you for your personal story and experience with this med. I am still unsure about starting it, as my symptoms improve if I can just have more relaxing time.
I am hoping I can heal with just a lot of rest, gentle exercise, nutrition. I will
Give it another week before I start the med

I have been in PT which is helping a lot. They recommended SSRI antidepressants which I finally decided to take starting yesterday. I have been very hesitant to start meds for the change in mentation but am finally realizing that my family needs me (I need) to be strong as possible and these can add support for this difficult time. I also see a counselor regularly which is tremendous helpful as well.

Mayo Clinic discharged me with sepsis after my da Vinci robotic surgery last summer. People must advocate for themselves and not trust the doctors. I spent the rest of the summer in icu with a colostomy bag too. There are serious effects like constant fatigue weakness pain lesser cognitive skills. @unplugthe robot