Depression and Anxiety at an older age

Posted by pjss48 @pjss48, Sep 14, 2018

I am a 70 year old woman who has had depression and anxiety for a long time. It got worse 3 years ago when my husband lost one of his jobs. I panicked and my anxiety increased. I was afraid to do things. like driving. I have arthritis pretty bad and foot problems. I'm a Christian and my faith has helped me. My husband was a pastor and our church closed 3 months ago. We've had continual stress. Sometimes I don't know what to do with myself during the day. I've gotten help from several doctors, including a psychiatrist. I also have IBS. I am better. I'm taking trazadone duloxetine, remeron and xanax. Also on osteo biflex, probiotic , bentyl and celebrex. I want to get on Sam e but it may interact with one of my meds. Thanks for listening.

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@lilypaws

@lioness I had a tens unit a long time ago. I don't know if it would work with my brace on, but I have been in less pain and only take the Oxycodone at night. I will be off of it soon. The surgeon also wanted me off of Tramadol. I'm going to see how that goes. Thank you for you letting me know about the tens. I appreciate it and may be something I can get after I'm off of Tramadol. I hardly take the Flexeril.
Blessings to you. Jeanie

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@lilypaws Goodmorning . You know then how the tens helps with tight muscles. I don't know how you can go without pain meds Jeanie . I'm down to 1 Tramadol and have been for years now I someday don't need it at all then others I do so for me I control it when I take it . My Dr is o.k. with that in fact she told me to take when needed . I'm glad you are doing so well . With the faith you have I knew you would be o.k. God is good . All the time Stay safe

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I'm 61 years old and I've had OCD and severe depression all my life. I also have Colitis,IBS, and foot problems. I'm obsessing terribly about my bunions. Five different foot Doctors have given me five different opinions regarding inserts or surgery! I don't know who to trust anymore. Maria.

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@colleenyoung

@juliette39, can you tell me more about your experience with Wellbutrin? Did you switch to it at a later age? I'm curious to learn more from your experience.

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I’ve been taking Wellbutrin for about 35 years. It helped me greatly. When I first took it I felt a relief from the anxiety within 2 hrs of taking my first pill and it helped my depression greatly. I had severe depression before that.

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@mariajean03

I'm 61 years old and I've had OCD and severe depression all my life. I also have Colitis,IBS, and foot problems. I'm obsessing terribly about my bunions. Five different foot Doctors have given me five different opinions regarding inserts or surgery! I don't know who to trust anymore. Maria.

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I feel for you. I am 65 and have severe arthritis and plantar fasciitis in both feet. I tried everything and they still hurt terribly. I can barely walk or stand anymore. I tried orthopedic custom made inserts and good feet inserts but helped for awhile and then pain again. I wish something could help your bunions. My friend uses bunion covers on his feet to help. I also have IBS and terrible Incontinence. I started taking probiotics for the IBS which seems to help. I also started Azo for the incontinence.

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@mariajean03

I'm 61 years old and I've had OCD and severe depression all my life. I also have Colitis,IBS, and foot problems. I'm obsessing terribly about my bunions. Five different foot Doctors have given me five different opinions regarding inserts or surgery! I don't know who to trust anymore. Maria.

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@marieajean03 Welcome toconnect I had a bunion removal The surgery went well and I was home the same day . It was a simple procedure at a outpatient clinic l Dr did a great job and the follow up care was also good . Make sure someone is with you to drive going and back

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@mp54chi

I feel for you. I am 65 and have severe arthritis and plantar fasciitis in both feet. I tried everything and they still hurt terribly. I can barely walk or stand anymore. I tried orthopedic custom made inserts and good feet inserts but helped for awhile and then pain again. I wish something could help your bunions. My friend uses bunion covers on his feet to help. I also have IBS and terrible Incontinence. I started taking probiotics for the IBS which seems to help. I also started Azo for the incontinence.

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Idon't if you are familiar with the Orthfoot brand but last year I bought what was a new innovation biofit shoes they accommodate custom orthotics and ha three adjustments for plantar fasciitis and diabetic feet. They look like fancy athletic shoes. On each side at the top of the laces is a piece that allows the shoe to expand to insert foot with out pain and a strap at the back is Velcro and allows the heel to expand also. I have arthritis and multiple structural repairs besides hammertoes etc. I've been wearing them for over a year. My only complaint their is no sandal version for this extreme heat . I paid $130. Medicare only pays for orthopedic shoes if you have diabetes. I don't and I've paid alot more. I'm going to check out if the place that made my orthotics is still in business. Way less. .Hope this info is of use to you

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@parus

Seems anxiety and depression have become more of a challenge in these sage years. I try not to flog myself for who I am. It is these qualities that form the person I am and for me there are no "magic medications" to treat my illnesses. I am my strongest advocate. Trying with the skills I have to live out the rest of my life accepting the person I am and this person is still struggling and it is okay enough.

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I agree. I'm in a really boring non-sexual marriage but have no other support. He's 81 and don't know where I'll end up when he passes. In the meantime I'm accepting who I am. I'm a good Christian with severe OCD and depression all my life. I'm just really lonely and bored with no sibling support. But I no longer see myself as a failure. My biggest OCD thought now is if I can survive bunion surgery without a breakdown. Has anyone had it done @ Mayo with any success?

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@lioness

@marieajean03 Welcome toconnect I had a bunion removal The surgery went well and I was home the same day . It was a simple procedure at a outpatient clinic l Dr did a great job and the follow up care was also good . Make sure someone is with you to drive going and back

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Can I ask you Who did your bunion surgery and where?

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@mariajean03

I agree. I'm in a really boring non-sexual marriage but have no other support. He's 81 and don't know where I'll end up when he passes. In the meantime I'm accepting who I am. I'm a good Christian with severe OCD and depression all my life. I'm just really lonely and bored with no sibling support. But I no longer see myself as a failure. My biggest OCD thought now is if I can survive bunion surgery without a breakdown. Has anyone had it done @ Mayo with any success?

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@mariajean23 I am a Christian too. What is OCD? I also fight depression and anxiety, it runs in our family. My son has Bipoler 1, which is very difficult. He is a professor, but can't teach because of his mental illness. His wife is good to take care of him, but I feel she's to controlling. We have no contact with them and I have a 9 year old granddaughter who was born on my birthday.
I'm glad you no see yourself as a failure. We have to think positive. I was positive about my 9 hour surgery, but afterwards it was hard. Mayo is so good, they are rated #1. That's where I had my surgery with an excellent surgeon. That's were I would go for your bunion surgery, although there are many good podiatrist around our area. I don't know where you live. God Bless you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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What do you do when you are taking Eliquis for A-Fib episode? You can't take SSRI's and tricyclic antidepressants are said to cause dementia. SSRI's are said to also work as anticoagulants.

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