Posted by susan C on June 22, 2001, at 18:30:34
In reply to GENERAL QUESTION - TO EVERYONE, posted by sweetmarie on June 22, 2001, at 14:42:54
> Can you get better? Do you need to accept what is happening? I still struggle with the fact that what I have is a life long illness. In a small way, it is like diabetes, something that you may be able to control to a certain point, but it will be with you always. I am applying for SSDI and finally told my husband I could no longer fill out any forms they sent me, I got so depressed. Then I had the evaluation appointment. He said...this is like asking a person who has two crushed legs to walk two miles to an appointment. My friend, you and I have one of the most difficult illnesses. But I remind you and I remind myself, "it" is just that, an illness. It is not your fault. And there is always something else to investigate. don't give up.
> Anna here,
>
> You may have read my postings before, but if not I`ve got a bad case of treatment resistant depression.
>
> Without going into a tedious list of all the meds I`ve been on, I`ll just say that I have been on LOTS. Also ECT. With the exception of Dothiepin (100% effective whilst I was on it, but failed to have any effect when I came off it and went back on ), I have had limited success in the meds I have tried. Over the past 3 years I have been very severely depressed with virtually no respite.
>
> Currently I am hospitalised in a unit that specialises in treatment resistant depression, where I have been for 9 weeks now. I have been on a combination of Mirtazapine and Venlafaxine for 6 weeks now. This is actually irrelevant to my question, though.
>
> Yesterday, I was speaking with the charge nurse, who told me that there was the `real possibility` that I wouldn`t get better than I am now (v. depressed). He actually said that 3 things were equally as likely to happen: 1) I would get better, 2) I would remain as ill as I am now (for the rest of my life), and 3) I would get worse.
>
> I had actually managed to talk myself round to thinking that there WAS light at the end of the tunnel, but this has really kicked me in the teeth. I can`t stand the thought that there is no hope and that I may have to `adjust` my life according to my illness. I don`t mean that I want 100% happiness - I`d settle for continual mild depression. He seemed to be saying that even this may be outside the realms of possibility.
>
> Has anyone got any thoughts? Should I throw in the towel now? CAN I get better? (note - I don`t say `will` I get better. I`ve learned not to ask that question.)
>
> Dr Bob, if you`re reading this, do you have any thoughts on the matter?
>
> Basically, this question is for anyone. Thoughts/remarks urgently required.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Anna.
poster:susan C
thread:67494
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010618/msgs/67519.html