Hello,

My name is Lance. I need advice from others who have suffered and worked through depression.

I went through several stressful events in my life (one after the other) for a period of six months. The last event delt with putting my beloved dog to sleep. I am not sure what happened to me, but one week later, I lost my appetite and started not feeling like myself. I became exhausted, and had problems concentrating. My stomach felt sour, gurrgled alot, and had at times a bit of nasuea.

I went to the ER 3 times not knowing what was wrong with me. The ER did blood test and listened to my story and determined that I have depression. I wasn't sure what to think since I wasn't at home crying all day (which I associated with depression).

I started to obsess about my physical symptoms. I went to my faimly DR. who did blood test again. The Dr. told me that the stomach and appetite issues are releated to anxiety, depression, obessing about symptoms and worrying.

The Dr. advised that I am healthy and that I need to convice myself of the same.

Today, I still don't have an appetite. I have been on 4 different anti-depressants in the last month. I was changed from one to the other because of various side affects such as not sleeping or being sediated.

I am now on Zoloft (3rd day). I want to believe my Dr. so bad that I am ok. It is hard to do this when physical symptoms tell you otherwise. Has anybody gone thorugh a period of time without an appetite along with upset stomach?

Should I give Zoloft some time to work and stop worrying about the physical symptoms?

Thanks in advance,
Lance

Lancer,

It does sound like you are dealing with depression and anxiety. It's not unusual to have changes in our sleep patterns and eating patterns when depressed or anxious. Also, many people find that their anxiety gives them many physical symptoms and fear that they have a terrible physical illness.

Please give the Zoloft a chance to work. It can take several weeks for an antidepressant to show benefits, but it should help both your depression and anxiety.

Are you also seeing a therapist? If not, it would be a good idea.

KA

Hello,

Yes, I am seeing a thearpist. It is hard to motivate myself to go see the thearpist because I think something is wrong with me. I would be so much better if the physical symptoms would go away. It sounds like I have to work on the mental issues to fix the physical issues. Its hard.

I have a hard time being patient when it comes to going through the number of weeks it takes to see if a drug takes effect; still, it's the only way to really know...as far as I know with basically all medications you have to give them at least 8 weeks to enter your system and to notice any change.

If nothing else, going to see the therapist gives you someone to talk out what you're thinking, which helps you sort this out.

I would say keep up what you're doing now; if you're able to, do some research on possible alternative (which is something I find hard to do, but it's part of our responsibility as partners in treatment) treatments and give the meds the time they need to see if they work or not.

Hi Lance
Depression and anxiety can absolutely cause the symptoms you are experiencing. In addition to that the depression causes you to obsess on them. I think of depression as more a disorder of thought and perception than emotion. I also don't feel sad per se when i am depressed.

All i can suggest is to acknowledge your symptoms but just let them be in the background and try to get on with life with them, don't give the thoughts about them credibility. The zoloft may even cause some increase in nausea in the beginning but will settle.

Hang in there, it does get better

Hi Lance --

Man do I know what you're going through regarding the stomach issues (and by the way I have 2 dogs and the day one goes I will be a mess).

Anyway, first thing about the Zoloft. I was on Zoloft almost 12 years. Between the 2-3 week period I started feeling positive effects from it between week 3-4 I almost felt like my 'old self' again.

After being on Zoloft 12 years (then Celexa 2 years) I went off the anti-depressants because of side effects I developed in the last year I was taking them. The doctor had thought I no longer needed them so the side effects developed as my bodies way to say I didn't need them anymore.

I was off anti-depressants for almost 15 months. I never noticed what you consider depression coming back. Previously before anti-depressants I would feel sad, cry, like there was no point in living. The 15 months I was off them I never had these feelings.

HOWEVER -- during that 15 months I gradually developed stomach issues. For about 6 months it was mostly just acid reflux (which Protonix didn't even help that much) -- toward about 6-9 months I started getting nauseated often and my stomach symptoms worsened. I started getting stomach pain (in my sternum area) and even with taking stomach meds and antacids, I will still getting heartbearn and reflux. I started worrying because I have smoked cigarettes off and on for 20 years, that maybe the problems were due to a hiatal hernia or God forbid, cancer. I had an upper endoscopy done (they said my esophagus and stomach were as healthy as could be -- just minor irritation in the duodenum area) and I did not have a hernia. So they doubled my stomach meds. That didn't do much in helping and so I kept insisting they do other tests as I knew something wasn't right. In the next 2 months I had xrays of my stomach and chest, and an ultra sound on my entire abdomen -- the tests showed absolutely no abnormalities.

After all the tests, the doctor and I discussed what had happened or changed since the problems started -- and it was then I realized all the problems started 3 months after I went off anti-depressants - so it was his diagnosis that I was suffering from physical depression, anxiety, and stress that were manifesting themselves in my digestive track.

I went on Wellbutrin about 7 weeks ago, and within 2 weeks the nausea went away. Within 3 weeks I could stop taking antacids so much. At week 4 I was able to take 1 stomach pill a day instead of 2. Although my stomach still isn't 100%, it is SO MUCH better than it had been the previous months. I no longer have stomach pain, just occasional pressure. I am HOPEFUL that with time the stomach problems will go away completely (man I hope!!!).

So from personal experience I know that the symptoms you have could very well be caused by depression/anxiety/stress. Losing a pet (if you are like me) is just as bad or worse than losing a family member -- they are like your children and the unconditional love you get from them is not like any other you experience in life. So it does not surprise me at all that you've developed the symptoms you have.

It is frustrating at first knowing it can take several weeks for an anti-depressant to work, but hang in there and try to keep positive thoughts about it. If this is your first time on medication for depression/anxiety, there should be a VERY good chance the Zoloft will work for you with time. And if after a month you aren't feeling better, don't give up, ask your doctor to try another anti-depressant. If Zoloft doesn't work (which for me it saved my life when I used to take it), ask for a different type like Wellbutrin or Cymbalta. What other medications has he tried you on?

I know you can't replace your dog, but have you considered adopting another dog? There are so many rescues out there that would love to find a person like you to give them a new life -- and when you have a pet to care for your concerns turn to being a caretaker and it helps get your mind off your own troubles a little. I adopted my first when she was 6 weeks old (she is now 9) and my 2nd I got as a rescue and she had been abused - they are the most important 'people' in my life.

Telling you to stop worrying about your physical symptoms isn't going to work -- but having people share similar circmstances should help you realize you know you are not alone in what you are dealing with - that in itself I hope will make you feel a little better?

I hope my story helps you even if just a little -- and please feel free to email me if you have other questions or just want to share what you are going through.

The best to you Lance!

John

It's not unusual to develop physical ailments when you are depressed. I've had my fair share of ulcers, headaches and the like. They're medically treatable illnesses. You are grieving for your dog. I had the same experience when I had my faithful Lab put down 6 years ago. My body went into a "let's have another ulcer" mode that lasted over 6 months. You don't have to cry, either, when you're depressed (I don't).

A combination of meds and therapy have helped me. I also take Zoloft (150mg) and doing well on it. Is your pdoc doing a step-up program with the dosage? It will take some time to get the full benefits, so be patient. If you are having side effects, they usually go away in a week or so. We have a Zoloft room further down the menu if you'd like more information about it.
Sheepwoman