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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by icautious on April 2, 2004, at 19:06:57
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by noa on March 17, 2004, at 18:38:01
I also suffer from depreesiion as a result of chronic pain.The longer I have the depression the more I notice what triggers a bad episode.In the spring I have noticed that my depression comes on strong.Things don't feel right and I seem to be insecure.I have strange dreams all night and my sleep is not very restful.My theory is that maybe the sinus pressure on the brain triggers the depression or that pollen is actually causing the imbalance
Posted by snapper on April 2, 2004, at 23:10:44
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by icautious on April 2, 2004, at 19:06:57
icautious, I think your sinus pressure theory makes some sense. I do think there is a correlation but unfortunately I also think it is more involved than that!My head almost constantly feels like its going to explode !(likely chronic anxiety)
snapper
Posted by Jaynee on April 3, 2004, at 1:14:39
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by snapper on April 2, 2004, at 23:10:44
Wow, I can't believe what I am reading because I was feeling pretty good up until a few days ago, and now I feel awful, and I think it is due to some allergy thing. I always feel so fatigued and basically crappy this time of year. I know that last summer during a very big forest fire near us I had the same awful feeling. Extreme fatigue, which brings on depression and anxiety for me. They are doing spring burning and I am wondering if it is something in the smoke that I am allergic to or just some kind of pollen. Don't know what it is but it is definitely making my depression/anxiety kick in again.
I have started taking Claritin today, so I really hope that helps.
Anyone else have any other helpful hints?
Posted by simus on April 3, 2004, at 1:45:51
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by Jaynee on April 3, 2004, at 1:14:39
> Anyone else have any other helpful hints?
I take two benedryl and two advil when I am hit with a reaction to something I ate. Works great for me.
Good luck!
Posted by noa on April 3, 2004, at 19:02:57
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation? » Jaynee, posted by simus on April 3, 2004, at 1:45:51
Who knows? There is this new "Immune Theory of Depression" being floated about. Maybe there is some correlation between worsening symptoms and allergies. I know for myself that when I am sick, it seems like my depressive symptoms do worsen somewhat. Like my body can't fight both at the same time as well as when not sick.
Posted by Fallen4myT on April 3, 2004, at 20:41:39
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by noa on April 3, 2004, at 19:02:57
Its not just floating about there is a lot of reasearch money going into it. They say new meds may come out for pain and emotional issues based on the effects of histamine and our immune system a whole new area opened up with this. Its VERY promising and when you think of the fact that its kind of your immune system run wild fighting off things you need not...it makes a lot of sense it would affect our brains..JUST MY 2 CENTS :)
Posted by snapper on April 3, 2004, at 21:07:56
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation? » noa, posted by Fallen4myT on April 3, 2004, at 20:41:39
> Its not just floating about there is a lot of reasearch money going into it. They say new meds may come out for pain and emotional issues based on the effects of histamine and our immune system a whole new area opened up with this. Its VERY promising and when you think of the fact that its kind of your immune system run wild fighting off things you need not...it makes a lot of sense it would affect our brains..JUST MY 2 CENTS :)> Fallen, your 2 cents plus my two cents equal 10 cents!! In my opinion- I know this response should probably be in alt . treatments but if you do a search for alt. mental health you are likely to find that the Pfieffer Clinic is a strong proponent of different types of depressed people-high histamine , low histamine , high/low copper/ histadelia etc. I mentioned this to my p-doc and he just looked at me and said... why do you continue to search the internet for info that basically( in his opinion) did not really amt to much......I felt like telling him ..... because I am not getting any relief from your #%^&^#$#&^&% drugs!! There is a definite correlation!! I just don't have the $$ "YET" to check it out in full detail!!
snapper
Posted by Fallen4myT on April 4, 2004, at 0:03:43
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by snapper on April 3, 2004, at 21:07:56
lol but will our collective 10 cents get us a pill? Just kidding around but yes even MY T has mentioned these studies and he is all for it. I am stunned by your T's narrow mind on your looking around..Isnt it smart to be informed? I mean THEY DO have to keep current on stuff and go to semiars and get credits every year to I think keep their lisc...so whats wrong with the consumer keeping informed? Ask me, it scares some doc and pdocs because it will cut the perks they get from drug companies, Also if say we all could get well just taking sayyyy Benedryl a cheap OTC med...this is just an example.....who would be out of a job :)
Posted by simus on April 4, 2004, at 0:56:17
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation? » snapper, posted by Fallen4myT on April 4, 2004, at 0:03:43
Posted by Fallen4myT on April 4, 2004, at 23:52:33
In reply to Good point. Hmmm... (nm) » Fallen4myT, posted by simus on April 4, 2004, at 0:56:17
Posted by spoc on April 8, 2004, at 2:20:26
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation? » noa, posted by Fallen4myT on April 3, 2004, at 20:41:39
Fallen, thanks for directing me to this thread. Couldn't be more relevant!
Everyone, I'll represent the *non-allergic* "rhinitian" in the bunch, yet who still has the seasonally-increased depression and fatigue of which you speak. I was told I also have a sinus infection that I've probably had for years to varying degrees. This was just last week, so I too am amazed to see this thread. So anyway maybe the non-allergic part lets me out here, but I'm visualizing the connection in terms of the chronic bacteria and the pressure in the head.
My symptoms weren't totally indicative of a sinus problem, all docs missed it until I saw an allergist and she said my nose and throat tissues look horrible at this point. But beyond the frequent feeling of coming down with a cold and a drippy nose outdoors, most of it is indeed lethargy, depression, vertigo, head under pressure. (Also some stranger things that may just be me -- like extreme skin sensitivity at times, hot and then bone-chilling cold flashes, disorientation, twitchy sensations, sudden and brief erratic heartbeat, blood pressure high sometimes for the first time ever, more. I even lost a lot of the hair on my arms and legs! Those parts may be something else, who knows. I have been tested for connective tissue and thyroid disorders, the latter interpreted by what standard I don't know. I read somewhere that anything outside of .03 to 3 can be considered abnormal, but that many docs disregard that...? Don't know what my level was.)
Mostly I'm just a sack of dead weight, who'll occasionally agree to do something with a friend and then wish to God she never said it. This has been especially bad the last two springs. And I would have absolutely thought I was alone in suspecting a connection. I recently posted to a meds thread "accusing" a med I took briefly, but now I don't think that was it. So anyway, I'll be looking into this with interest too, and checking back here! : )
Posted by Jaynee on April 10, 2004, at 14:51:36
In reply to Re: allergy/sinus, depression correlation? All » Fallen4myT, posted by spoc on April 8, 2004, at 2:20:26
get the genetic test for hemochromatosis. You never know. I am a homozygotic, meaning I have hemochromatosis. The symptoms sound like you may have this. You really should get it checked out, you may or may not have it.
Good luck
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:16:17
In reply to spoc, posted by Jaynee on April 10, 2004, at 14:51:36
Thanks so much Jaynee, I will sure do so! I know I don't have to tell you how *infinitely* helpful it is for someone who found their own way through a mysterious "syndrome" to chime in and possibly save you from an odyssey that may likely have gone nowhere; and subjected you to some 'demoralization' along the way due to snickering disbelief from many!
Actually, I haven't been trying to fight my battle for an answer long enough to have officially caught DSAS (Demoralized and Snickered At Syndrome); but after only three initial garden-variety tests have come back clear, I have come down with a touch of BCTS (Benevolently Condescended To Syndrome)!
Thanks again, *chocolate bunnies to you today! : )
*Disclaimer: No religious messages intended, although I don't remember learning about the Easter Bunny in Sunday school anyway! ;- )
Posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:27:55
In reply to spoc, posted by Jaynee on April 10, 2004, at 14:51:36
Posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:37:27
In reply to Re: thanks! (homozygotic/hemachromatosis) » Jaynee, posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:16:17
> Actually, I haven't been trying to fight my battle for an answer long enough to have officially caught DSAS (Demoralized and Snickered At Syndrome); but after only three initial garden-variety tests have come back clear, I have come down with a touch of BCTS (Benevolently Condescended To Syndrome)!
Hey spoc! I hate to sound like a hypochondriac, but I think I have both of those!!! Have chocolate bunny ears really worked for you? I am willing to make the sacrifice and give it a try!
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:37:38
In reply to Re: spoc ????? (nm) » Jaynee, posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:27:55
Posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:43:02
In reply to Re: Tis me as u see, any/all attention welcome! :) (nm) » simus, posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:37:38
Sorry, I was just wondering what hemochromatosis was. I looked it up just now. I'm sorry you have to suffer through this.
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:46:28
In reply to Re: thanks! (homozygotic/hemachromatosis) » spoc, posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:37:27
> > DSAS (Demoralized and Snickered At Syndrome); BCTS (Benevolently Condescended To Syndrome)>
-----
> Hey spoc! I hate to sound like a hypochondriac, but I think I have both of those!!! Have chocolate bunny ears really worked for you? I am willing to make the sacrifice and give it a try! >------------
Well simus, I'm glad you asked. Actually, while research typically and annoyingly pushes the ears of the bunny as the most beneficent component, I believe that's some profit-motivated conspiracy to get us to buy numerous bunnies at a time in order to keep our bunny ear levels in a steady state. Whereas, from experience I have seen that dosing with the entire head, midsection and even feet is of equal benefit. ;- )Geez, and I'm not even dipping into the holiday punch, what is it with me today? ;- )
Posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 16:17:03
In reply to Re: thanks! (homozygotic/hemachromatosis) » simus, posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:46:28
Posted by Jaynee on April 11, 2004, at 12:26:25
In reply to Re: Tis me as u see, any/all attention welcome! :) » spoc, posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:43:02
I am not suffering from hemochromatosis, and if caught early enough people who do have hemochromatosis don't have to suffer. The people who suffer are those who don't get a proper diagnosis. Hemochromatosis is misdiagnosed 90% of the time. It is the most common hereditary disorder in north america and northern europe. Especially in Ireland. 1 in 3 people carry the gene, which causes you to absorb more iron than most, and 1 in 9 has the full-blown disorder.
I still think you should get test, actually I thing everyone should, just to be on the safe side.
It causes fatigue, joint pain, depression/anxiety, medication resistant bi-polar, heart problems, diabetes, thyroid, certain cancers,etc, etc,. But if you catch it early enough you can save yourself a world of grief.
Posted by Marley on April 11, 2004, at 13:44:32
In reply to Re: allergy/sinus, depression correlation? All » Fallen4myT, posted by spoc on April 8, 2004, at 2:20:26
Hi- You may be interested in another message board I found on allergies that has a really long thread with similarities to this one. It's titled "Brain Fog", and is at:
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=13260&page=1&pp=5
I don't think a lot of these folks have the propensity towards depression that many of us do, although a number of them did end up on antidepressants as a result of the anxiety &, for some, depression brought on by this problem. But a lot of the other symptoms they mention are similar to what different people here have discussed, including the spaciness/inability to think, the fatigue, and the definite increase in anxiety. It almost makes me wonder if we aren't a subset of some larger group of people having some problem that is brought on by allergies (or whatever). Maybe because we have a propensity towards depression, the anxiety brought on by this problem, or impact this problem has on our immune system, takes the affect one step further for us, and triggers our depression. Just a shot in the dark. But it really is strange to look at that huge thread and see so many people with so many of the same symptoms as some of us!
Posted by spoc on April 11, 2004, at 13:45:40
In reply to spoc, posted by Jaynee on April 11, 2004, at 12:26:25
> > I still think you should get test, actually I thing everyone should, just to be on the safe side.>
Oh definitely I will look into this -- I hope my silliness with simus didn't somehow get mixed up with my appreciation of and intentions for the information you posted! : )
I'm going to be calling my new doc this week, and will mention it. (Btw, he looks about 17. Not sure if that's good or bad; could be good if I end up on the mystery illness road for long, if skepticism towards that kind of thing is lesser with youth.) I had planned anyway to ask him to recommend an endocrinologist -- I assume that kind of doc will be well suited or suited enough to do the testing you mention. Thanks again! :- )
Posted by spoc on April 12, 2004, at 11:04:39
In reply to spoc, posted by Jaynee on April 11, 2004, at 12:26:25
......"D" as in "Doubting," that is -- Dr. Doubting Thomas. Just got off the phone with him. His family tree is extensive, you know, and many of them go into medicine. You've probably met with one of his relatives yourself at some point.
Oh, don't mind me, I'm just indulging frustration. I wouldn't want a doc who gave me no direction and was willing to create a nasty looking and expensive medical record for my present insurance company and any future ones to go on either. I have to weigh what tests to insist on especially carefully, since I have an independent policy, which in itself throws one to the lions. But it is also with a company I had planned to switch from someday (but it can’t happen soon, it’s diabolically hard to gather firm evidence and opinions on what companies you can “trust” long term with* independent* policies). Also, I pay for all lab tests myself under this plan. So, it’s very difficult for me to decide whether it's worth it in any particular case to override discouragement from a doc about certain tests.
Anyway, to the phone call with my new 'teenage' GP (not really named Thomas. Who has met me only once for a 30 minute history, and has seen no prior medical records on me). Surprise surprise, it was discouragement city. Of course I admit I only have a cursory grasp of hemochromatosis at this point. But nothing about the early signs doesn’t fit, except that basic thyroid tests have been clear.Jaynee, from your experience in helping people realize they should keep hemochromatosis testing in mind, have you found that 1] if a female does have it, she can indeed still be of childbearing age? 2] that she doesn’t necessarily have to have thyroid problems? 3] it's known to cause chemical sensitivity? I have that really bad these days, noticed in relation to the renovations they are doing in my building (I’m guessing the paint and glue). The allergist stated that my non-allergic rhinitus would cause that, but not to the degree of symptoms I have.
After basically ruling it out due to those things, this doc remarked that even if I did have it, no treatment would likely be given me since I still get my period and I "don't have symptoms." I was like, what do you mean I don't have symptoms???? That's why I'm calling you, bozo (sorry). I do fit the early signs, from several main ones down to more specific ones like (body) hair loss, and even many of the more idiosyncratic ones.
Then he said of the two most logical tests for it, the easier, cheaper one would likely not show it even if it were there; and that the more complicated genetic panel would likely be needed, but he didn't suggest it. Then he said he would do what I wanted, BUT if we were to proceed, he wanted to go with the simple, cheap one that wouldn’t be capable of diagnosing this in me! So let’s figure out what he’s really saying there – perhaps that he’s already made up his mind, but is willing to placate me with something that admittedly isn’t appropriate?
Ya know, my symptoms are not all constant by any means, but have been intermittent for years. But as soon as I enter a symptom-free phase (lasts only weeks at best, with nightmarish prolonged bouts starting up at least once a year), boy do I feel stoopid and down on myself. I hate this, don’t we all. Only when it grips me again do I have the confidence to *KNOW* something medical is up. Over time I have really still had nothing looked at beyond standard physical exam tests, basic thyroid, lead and connective tissue. Surely it shouldn't end there; and I have no history of looking for or even taking seriously that something is wrong with me. I've *always* somehow blamed feeling poorly on myself until recently, because things got so much worse and in reality *more* specific.
As far as hemochromatosis, I did flash back to an experience that might not be worth mentioning, but is too coincidental to ignore. A few years ago I had an extreme reaction to a sodium-based (?) chemical a doc was using on me during a cosmetic procedure, and he remarked that it was odd because he "typically only sees that in older men." Now I want to know what he meant by that, since apparently hemochromatosis is usually seen in that demographic. So I’ve left a message for him.
Also while talking to the GP today, I asked him to recommend an endocrinologist as that would be my next choice for exploring testing. All he said was that endocrinologists basically test for thyroid problems, and mine looks fine (it doesn't seem to me that posters on this board have indicated that thyroid problems are all endocrinologists look for). Then he said the ones they refer to are very academic types who would be unlikely to be open to patient input. I can't believe these are good reasons for me not to proceed.
ANYWAY sorry, all vented for now, I know I have to make my own decision. I guess I'll procrastinate awhile and try to get another qualified medical opinion telephonically about exactly how outlandish it is for a 40ish female to end up having hemochromatosis. But thought I’d ask you if you are familiar *offhand* with the details in my three questions above. Thanks so much for any comments; but if at this point it's too hard to speculate further, please disregard this. You've already helped a lot! : )
-----------------
> I still think you should get test, actually I thing everyone should, just to be on the safe side.>
> It causes fatigue, joint pain, depression/anxiety, medication resistant bi-polar, heart problems, diabetes, thyroid, certain cancers,etc, etc,. But if you catch it early enough you can save yourself a world of grief.
Posted by Fallen4myT on April 12, 2004, at 12:49:48
In reply to Re: allergy/sinus, depression correlation? All » Fallen4myT, posted by spoc on April 8, 2004, at 2:20:26
Anyday too :) I would love to see more studies on H1 and H2 as it pertains to anxiety depression...much research going into that area..new drugs to sell ya know :P
>>Fallen, thanks for directing me to this thread. Couldn't be more relevant!>>
Posted by Jaynee on April 14, 2004, at 0:40:50
In reply to Re: Dr. D. Thomas on hemochromatosis » Jaynee, posted by spoc on April 12, 2004, at 11:04:39
Sorry to keep this so short, but I am getting a cold, I feel like I am swallowing glass right now. Here is a site to check for testing. You don't need a doc to do it.
http://www.americanhs.org/testing.htm
good luck.
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