Help Needed Please

[Jan]

Hi Everyone.

Forgive me please before I start this, but I was hoping someone could help:D.

I am 37 years old and have both Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, which is controlled by a VP shunt (left side).

For the last month or maybe more (it feels like forever), I feel permanently tired and very weepy, and little interest/patience in doing anything. I am on Mirtazipine anti-depressants, which usually help and control my anxiety problems, and my GP has checked for anaemia, all of which came back "normal", I feel so "cross" inside with myself when I know there are other people much worse off than I am, but I just feel like screaming.

I'm also in pain most of the time with arthritis in my right knee, which my orthopaedic consultant has said is inoperable (too much damage).

Is it me being selfish, having a "why me" phase? or can anyone suggest anything please.

Sorry for the rant.

Take care.

Jan x

[LisaJoy]

Hi, Jan. Sorry you are feeling so blue. Has your doctor tried adjusting the dosage of your medication or considered trying something different? Also, perhaps you should inquire about access to counseling/psychotherapy. It can really be helpful when used in conjunction with medication. One other thing -- how much contact do you have with other people? Do you live alone? Do you work? I find that I get depressed when I'm isolated. Interaction with other people (even superficial interaction) can work wonders. If you don't work (or even if you do), perhaps you could find a place to volunteer? Or perhaps take a class in something you enjoy. Anything to distract yourself.

About your knee -- why wouldn't you be a candidate for knee replacement surgery? It seems like a situation like yours is exactly what joint replacement is for.

Sorry if I'm not very helpful!
Take care

Lisa

[Jan]

Hi Lisa.

I've had numerous counselling sessions, and tried loads of different medication.

I live with my Dad (my Mum passed away just over 5 years ago).

I retired last year on Ill Health Grounds, and do quite a bit of voluntary work.

My knee is too badly damaged for them even to consider operating.

Thanks for your support, sorry to sound so negative.

Take care.

Jan x

[Liskell]

All I can say Jan, is we are all allowed, some "why me" days.

We deal with a lot, pain is also an awful thing to live with.

I don't have them very often, but DO have them! As I am sure all people do, about lots of things, not just health.
I don't think you should give yourself a hard time, I think this is a normal release mechanism, otherwise the fustration would drive us completely mad!

If it goes on too long, then maybe you just need some gentle help with coping, no shame in that what so ever.

I am hoping to see someone about coping with my pain, nothing I can take for it, so going have to learn to cope, I know I can't do that on my own.
I am open to trying anything, meditation is my next trial, apparently amazing for relaxation & controlling pain.
My problem is finding a way of doing it!! LOL can't sit/stand still for long, so hoping I can do it lying down!

Chatting with others with similar issues is always good I think.
The ASBAH forum is good, have you been on? I am always ranting on there! LOL

If you ever want to chat more, PM me, always up for a chat!

Take care

Lisa x (((HUGS)))

[Jan]

Hi Lisa.

Thankyou so much for your lovely reply.

Because I'm so stressed out emotionally, my tummy has now decided it's going to join in too - :-(

Take care.

Hugs.

Jan x

[HelenCate]

Hi Jan, I know you said you had to quit your job, but is there some way to get back to working, even if it's in a different area....the change in perspective might be a good mood lifter.

Have you tried alternative therapies for pain management, or things like glucosamine supplements? I wouls imagine my arthritic shoulder is not comparable to your knee, but I certainly can feel a difference when I don't take my supplement for a few days.

[Jan]

Hi Helen.

There's no way I'll be able to work again, both physically and mentally, no-one will insure me, as I fall quite regularly too.

I've tried various supplements too, nothing helps, I guess it's just a case of having to put up with it all.

[LisaJoy]

Helen,

There is a book by Martin Seligman called "Learned Optimism." It is all about how, even though you can't change circumstances, you can change the way you think about your circumstances by retraining yourself to use the language of optimism. It is a very practical book -- gives you written exercises to work through. This isn't a Norman Vincent Peale "power of positive thinking" kind of book. I believe Seligman is a psychiatrist, who discovered through years of clinical practice and research that much of our outlook on the world is shaped by the way we talk to ourselves. He theorizes that you can unlearn habits of negative self-talk and replace it with optimistic language and that the very use of that language will alter the way your mind works.

Anyway, it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

Lisa

[Jan]

Thanks Lisa.

I'll look out for it x