![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on September 16, 2011, at 19:21:45
Well lost mine in mid fifties so does this mean will develop alzheimers or parkinson's. Oh definitely inpacts quality of life. Phillipa
From Medscape Medical News > Psychiatry
Olfactory Impairment May Lead to Depression in Elderly
Deborah BrauserAuthors and Disclosures
September 14, 2011 An impaired sense of smell may lead to depression in the elderly and, in turn, a poorer quality of life, new research suggests.
In further analysis from the Blue Mountain Eye Study (BMES), investigators found that Australian patients older than 70 years who had olfactory dysfunction also had a 66% increased likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms compared with those without the dysfunction.
In addition, the impaired participants were found to have lower quality-of-life scores in areas such as physical functioning and vitality.
"These findings suggest that older adults with olfactory loss experience limitations in relation to the enjoyment of food and drinks and socializing that could negatively impact on their psychological well-being," write Bamini Gopinath, PhD, from the Center for Vision Research at the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Australia, and colleagues.
Dr. Bamini GopinathThey note that further prospective studies are needed to identify "causal directions" between these and other variables.
Still, they write that simple and inexpensive tests should be used by clinicians to evaluate for smell impairment in this patient population.
"Assessing olfaction in the older patient could be a valuable adjunct in patient counseling, particularly for monitoring for interrelated conditions such as depression and cognitive impairment," Dr. Gopinath told Medscape Medical News.
The study appears in the September issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
Linked to Other Disorders
According to the researchers, olfactory loss is strongly age dependent and is a significant problem because sense of smell is essential to enjoyment of life.
"Olfaction determines flavor and serves as the early detection for smoke, toxic fumes, and spoiled foodstuffs," they write.
Past studies have shown an association between odor dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease ( J Clin Exp Neuropsychol . 1995;17:793-803), as well as with schizophrenia ( Am J Psychiatry . 2009;166:226-233).
In a study published last year in the Journal of Aging and Health , the BMES investigators found that olfactory impairment was also significantly associated with both cognitive impairment and Parkinson's disease.
However, "there is very little population-derived data on the link between olfactory impairment with quality of life and depressive symptoms. Further, the existing data on these relationships is equivocal," said Dr. Gopinath.
The original BMES was set up to assess common eye diseases in 3654 Australian residents older than 49 years. Baseline exams were conducted between 1992 and 1994, with follow-ups performed 5 and 10 years later.
For this analysis, the investigators evaluated data on 1375 of those who participated in the BMES 10-year follow-up.
Each filled out health history questionnaires and underwent physical exams, as well as the San Diego Odor Identification Test. They also filled out the 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36) to measure depressive symptoms and quality of life, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10).
Public Health Concern
Results showed that 24.2% of the participants had olfactory impairment. The impairment was more likely to be found in participants who were older, men, had a walking disability or a history of stroke, underwent 1 or more hospital stays, and had poor overall self-rated health.
Among those with the olfactory dysfunction, 15.4% had depressive symptoms as shown by the SF-36 Mental Health Index, and 20.2% had the symptoms as shown by the CES-D-10.
There was no significant association found between the dysfunction and depressive symptoms in the overall group.
However, the association was deemed significant by the CES-D-10 for patients older than 70 years (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 - 2.66).
Finally, the patients with olfactory impairment had significantly lower adjusted mean SF-36 scores, representing lower quality of life, than did those without impairment in 6 of 8 measurement categories, including physical functioning (P = .02), vitality (P < .0001), social functioning (P = .004), and role limitation because of emotional problems (P < .0001).
"Our results highlight some public health concerns and implications," write the researchers.
They note that many elderly patients will not mention olfactory dysfunction on their own, often because they are not even aware of it. This can be particularly problematic, "as most medical practitioners have limited experience dealing with chemosensory disorders."
The investigators write that the San Diego Odor Identification Test is a quick tool that can easily be used by primary physicians and other clinicians who suspect problems.
"Our results suggest that the identification of suspected olfactory loss and evaluation of the impact it has on patient's lives should be encouraged."
Powerful Predictor
"The results weren't at all surprising to me, because there's now substantial evidence to suggest that the olfactory regions are significantly tied with emotional regions of the brain," Vidya Kamath, PhD, from the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Psychiatry and the University of Pennsylvania Olfaction and Gustatory Laboratory in Philadelphia, told Medscape Medical News.
Dr. Kamath, who was not involved with this study, agreed with the investigators that olfaction could be an important screening tool.
"We know that olfactory function decreases with aging, and know that it can be a precursor to things like Alzheimer's disease [and] Parkinson's disease. We see it in people with mild cognitive impairment, and at times it predicts transition from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease."
She noted that a significant strength of the study was the large sample size followed up for such a long period of time.
"One of the future directions for the study that would be interesting is to see if olfactory impairment in their healthy participants, the ones without current depression, predicts depression at a later time," she said.
She added that "there is evidence now to suggest" that anhedonia and apathy can be 2 aspects of depression that may be related to olfactory performance. So "it would be nice" to see these particular domains, beyond an overall depression score, evaluated in a future study with this patient group.
Dr. Kamath noted that her laboratory is currently working on studies examining the role of olfaction in schizophrenia.
"One of the things we see is that patients with schizophrenia who are also reporting anhedonia also show an association with olfactory disturbance. The unique thing about olfaction is that it can be looked at in several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders," she said.
"While an olfactory impairment isn't in itself something to be concerned about, if it's tied to other tests that are being used, it can possibly be a powerful predictor and be indicative of something going on in the brain."
The study was supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. The study authors and Dr. Kamath have disclosed no relevant financial relationships
Posted by creepy on September 16, 2011, at 21:58:12
In reply to Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor, posted by Phillipa on September 16, 2011, at 19:21:45
My sense of smell has been poor for a long time. I got some of it back when I was on desipramine. This could have been due to relief of congestion, but no other drug has ever done that not even sudafed.
Hope you find some answers.
Posted by Phillipa on September 16, 2011, at 23:33:44
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor, posted by creepy on September 16, 2011, at 21:58:12
Two ENTS brain MRI's And Sinus MRI's and scoped nose and two Taste & Smell hospital special units said virus neurons of nose but don't buy it. I didn't even have a runny or stuffy nose when poofff gone. And it's the most depressing thing to eat and taste nothing. I mean why eat? Phillipa
Posted by sigismund on September 17, 2011, at 2:41:37
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » creepy, posted by Phillipa on September 16, 2011, at 23:33:44
> Taste & Smell hospital special units said virus neurons of nose but don't buy it. I didn't even have a runny or stuffy nose
It doesn't sound ridiculous to me.
Here the inventor of the HPV vaccine might have developed a vaccine against skin cancer that he says is sometimes caused by the HPV virus operating in a person with a compromised immune system.
Which was news to me.
Posted by Bob on September 17, 2011, at 16:03:24
In reply to Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor, posted by Phillipa on September 16, 2011, at 19:21:45
> Well lost mine in mid fifties so does this mean will develop alzheimers or parkinson's. Oh definitely inpacts quality of life. Phillipa
>
> From Medscape Medical News > Psychiatry
> Olfactory Impairment May Lead to Depression in Elderly
> Deborah Brauser
>
> Authors and Disclosures
>
> September 14, 2011 An impaired sense of smell may lead to depression in the elderly and, in turn, a poorer quality of life, new research suggests.
>
> In further analysis from the Blue Mountain Eye Study (BMES), investigators found that Australian patients older than 70 years who had olfactory dysfunction also had a 66% increased likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms compared with those without the dysfunction.
>
> In addition, the impaired participants were found to have lower quality-of-life scores in areas such as physical functioning and vitality.
>
> "These findings suggest that older adults with olfactory loss experience limitations in relation to the enjoyment of food and drinks and socializing that could negatively impact on their psychological well-being," write Bamini Gopinath, PhD, from the Center for Vision Research at the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Australia, and colleagues.
>
>
> Dr. Bamini Gopinath
>
> They note that further prospective studies are needed to identify "causal directions" between these and other variables.
>
> Still, they write that simple and inexpensive tests should be used by clinicians to evaluate for smell impairment in this patient population.
>
> "Assessing olfaction in the older patient could be a valuable adjunct in patient counseling, particularly for monitoring for interrelated conditions such as depression and cognitive impairment," Dr. Gopinath told Medscape Medical News.
>
> The study appears in the September issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
>
> Linked to Other Disorders
>
> According to the researchers, olfactory loss is strongly age dependent and is a significant problem because sense of smell is essential to enjoyment of life.
>
> "Olfaction determines flavor and serves as the early detection for smoke, toxic fumes, and spoiled foodstuffs," they write.
>
> Past studies have shown an association between odor dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease ( J Clin Exp Neuropsychol . 1995;17:793-803), as well as with schizophrenia ( Am J Psychiatry . 2009;166:226-233).
>
> In a study published last year in the Journal of Aging and Health , the BMES investigators found that olfactory impairment was also significantly associated with both cognitive impairment and Parkinson's disease.
>
> However, "there is very little population-derived data on the link between olfactory impairment with quality of life and depressive symptoms. Further, the existing data on these relationships is equivocal," said Dr. Gopinath.
>
> The original BMES was set up to assess common eye diseases in 3654 Australian residents older than 49 years. Baseline exams were conducted between 1992 and 1994, with follow-ups performed 5 and 10 years later.
>
> For this analysis, the investigators evaluated data on 1375 of those who participated in the BMES 10-year follow-up.
>
> Each filled out health history questionnaires and underwent physical exams, as well as the San Diego Odor Identification Test. They also filled out the 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36) to measure depressive symptoms and quality of life, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10).
>
> Public Health Concern
>
> Results showed that 24.2% of the participants had olfactory impairment. The impairment was more likely to be found in participants who were older, men, had a walking disability or a history of stroke, underwent 1 or more hospital stays, and had poor overall self-rated health.
>
> Among those with the olfactory dysfunction, 15.4% had depressive symptoms as shown by the SF-36 Mental Health Index, and 20.2% had the symptoms as shown by the CES-D-10.
>
> There was no significant association found between the dysfunction and depressive symptoms in the overall group.
>
> However, the association was deemed significant by the CES-D-10 for patients older than 70 years (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 - 2.66).
>
> Finally, the patients with olfactory impairment had significantly lower adjusted mean SF-36 scores, representing lower quality of life, than did those without impairment in 6 of 8 measurement categories, including physical functioning (P = .02), vitality (P < .0001), social functioning (P = .004), and role limitation because of emotional problems (P < .0001).
>
> "Our results highlight some public health concerns and implications," write the researchers.
>
> They note that many elderly patients will not mention olfactory dysfunction on their own, often because they are not even aware of it. This can be particularly problematic, "as most medical practitioners have limited experience dealing with chemosensory disorders."
>
> The investigators write that the San Diego Odor Identification Test is a quick tool that can easily be used by primary physicians and other clinicians who suspect problems.
>
> "Our results suggest that the identification of suspected olfactory loss and evaluation of the impact it has on patient's lives should be encouraged."
>
> Powerful Predictor
>
> "The results weren't at all surprising to me, because there's now substantial evidence to suggest that the olfactory regions are significantly tied with emotional regions of the brain," Vidya Kamath, PhD, from the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Psychiatry and the University of Pennsylvania Olfaction and Gustatory Laboratory in Philadelphia, told Medscape Medical News.
>
> Dr. Kamath, who was not involved with this study, agreed with the investigators that olfaction could be an important screening tool.
>
> "We know that olfactory function decreases with aging, and know that it can be a precursor to things like Alzheimer's disease [and] Parkinson's disease. We see it in people with mild cognitive impairment, and at times it predicts transition from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease."
>
> She noted that a significant strength of the study was the large sample size followed up for such a long period of time.
>
> "One of the future directions for the study that would be interesting is to see if olfactory impairment in their healthy participants, the ones without current depression, predicts depression at a later time," she said.
>
> She added that "there is evidence now to suggest" that anhedonia and apathy can be 2 aspects of depression that may be related to olfactory performance. So "it would be nice" to see these particular domains, beyond an overall depression score, evaluated in a future study with this patient group.
>
> Dr. Kamath noted that her laboratory is currently working on studies examining the role of olfaction in schizophrenia.
>
> "One of the things we see is that patients with schizophrenia who are also reporting anhedonia also show an association with olfactory disturbance. The unique thing about olfaction is that it can be looked at in several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders," she said.
>
> "While an olfactory impairment isn't in itself something to be concerned about, if it's tied to other tests that are being used, it can possibly be a powerful predictor and be indicative of something going on in the brain."
>
> The study was supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. The study authors and Dr. Kamath have disclosed no relevant financial relationships
>When I finished my course of ETC a few years back I was arguably worse than I had ever been in my life and I noticed that my sense of smell had been "burned out". It was all but gone. It came back somewhat very slowly over the ensuing years.
Posted by Phillipa on September 17, 2011, at 19:42:43
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » Phillipa, posted by Bob on September 17, 2011, at 16:03:24
Bob that is interesting I"ve always wondered if the lasix eye surgery did it as it happened between improving distance vision of course no was said by all. How many years? And you couldn't taste? It's not fun. Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on September 18, 2011, at 11:41:49
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » Bob, posted by Phillipa on September 17, 2011, at 19:42:43
How long has it been for you, Phillipa? Wouldn't it good if your sense of smell slowly recoverd?
I think it's no fun and a big loss.
Posted by Bob on September 18, 2011, at 12:33:53
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » Bob, posted by Phillipa on September 17, 2011, at 19:42:43
> Bob that is interesting I"ve always wondered if the lasix eye surgery did it as it happened between improving distance vision of course no was said by all. How many years? And you couldn't taste? It's not fun. Phillipa
My sense of smell was not completely obliterated but was significantly reduced. It recovered slowly over a year or two I guess.
Posted by Phillipa on September 18, 2011, at 20:18:18
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » Phillipa, posted by floatingbridge on September 18, 2011, at 11:41:49
Been 8 years now the last doc said gone forever. And it leads to depression as can't enjoy going out, listening to people say how good something tastes. So suck on the dark chocolate truffles as comfort. Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on September 18, 2011, at 20:56:36
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » floatingbridge, posted by Phillipa on September 18, 2011, at 20:18:18
I hadn't realized it has been that long. Can you sense some bitterness in the chocolate? Does the texture of the truffle feel good?
I definitely derive pleasure from smell even apart from it's role in taste. I am so sorry, Phillipa.
Posted by Phillipa on September 18, 2011, at 23:28:16
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » Phillipa, posted by floatingbridge on September 18, 2011, at 20:56:36
FB did you know chemo and head trauma can also cause this? Yes it stinks but can't smell stink either uggg. Phillipa
Posted by JohnLA on September 19, 2011, at 2:21:41
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » floatingbridge, posted by Phillipa on September 18, 2011, at 23:28:16
hi guys-
i'm anosmic as well phillipa. mine is due to chronic sinus infections and nasal polyps over many years. i think my mild depression started when i lost my sense of smell about 8 years ago. a real bummer. there is a yahoo support group if you are interested. i joined for a while, but withdrew after a while because it was depressing. ;) i've had 2 sinus surgeries to remove the polyps. i also do a daily saline sinus rinse with a steroid. there are studies showing that some people are regaining their sense of smell by doing this. not sure how you lost your sense of smell phillipa but you might want to look into this.
ironically it gets about the same sympathy/understanding as depression gets. it's just something you don't understand until it happens to you. it drives me nuts when people say 'god that smells so good' or 'cool, what a great way to lose weight.'
food can still be enjoyable. the tongue can taste 4 things; sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. and a 5th some people claim which i think goes by unami or ugami. sorry my japanese is not good! so combining the above mentioned combos might please your palate.
texture, color and temperature are also ways to still enjoy food.
still, it totally sucks. sometimes i think i get a whiff of coffee and it's heavenly.
let me know if you have any questions.
john
Posted by JohnLA on September 19, 2011, at 2:22:28
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » floatingbridge, posted by Phillipa on September 18, 2011, at 23:28:16
hi guys-
i'm anosmic as well phillipa. mine is due to chronic sinus infections and nasal polyps over many years. i think my mild depression started when i lost my sense of smell about 8 years ago. a real bummer. there is a yahoo support group if you are interested. i joined for a while, but withdrew after a while because it was depressing. ;) i've had 2 sinus surgeries to remove the polyps. i also do a daily saline sinus rinse with a steroid. there are studies showing that some people are regaining their sense of smell by doing this. not sure how you lost your sense of smell phillipa but you might want to look into this.
ironically it gets about the same sympathy/understanding as depression gets. it's just something you don't understand until it happens to you. it drives me nuts when people say 'god that smells so good' or 'cool, what a great way to lose weight.'
food can still be enjoyable. the tongue can taste 4 things; sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. and a 5th some people claim which i think goes by unami or ugami. sorry my japanese is not good! so combining the above mentioned combos might please your palate.
texture, color and temperature are also ways to still enjoy food.
still, it totally sucks. sometimes i think i get a whiff of coffee and it's heavenly.
let me know if you have any questions.
john
Posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2011, at 20:07:43
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor, posted by JohnLA on September 19, 2011, at 2:22:28
John oh I sure do have lots of questions. No one really knows what happened to mine. Two taste and smell clinics one in DC and one in Wake Forrest Hospital lots of testing, Two ENTS, Mri's a two week course of prednisone in beginning. Do you know how to babblemail me? See my name is blue? Means my light or babblemail is on and if you click you can send a private message to me. You are the first ever to share this so know you understand. Yes know the tongue I eat dark chocolate truffles at night and when in grocery store and walk by coffee beans sometimes also think can smell. I would love you to send me the name of group. No polyps or sinus infections. They think a virus destroyed the neurons in my nose. I did take biaxin xl for over two years for chronic lymes disease the infection control doc thinks the med did it but I don't as it started when went off the biaxin not while on it. I'm so thrilled to hear from someone that knows. Yes depression same time before anxiety only. Please contact me???? Love Phillipa
Posted by JohnLA on September 19, 2011, at 21:43:51
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » JohnLA, posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2011, at 20:07:43
i'll bablemail you phillipa, but just want to let you know about 'vosges' candy bars. they are amazing. my favorite is the 'barcelona bar.' chocolate, almonds and true sea salt. the salt gives it an unbelievable finish! they have all sorts of crazy combinations with chocolate. very pricey, but you only need a bite or two to satisfy.
and yes, i really believe my depression (which is now very severe) began when my sense of smell was lost.
hang in there! like i said; food can still be good. you'll have to find ways to make it so and you will.
john
Posted by JohnLA on September 19, 2011, at 21:49:27
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » JohnLA, posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2011, at 20:07:43
just tried to babblemail you...
here is what i wrote;
hi phillipa-
hope you are well.
go to yahoo and look under 'groups.' you should find a anosmia support group. it is pretty easy to sign-up.
just a heads-up; my personal experience with the group was a bit discouraging. but, you may feel differently.
also, feel free to ask me any questions. i'll do my best answer them.
john
Posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2011, at 21:56:50
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor, posted by JohnLA on September 19, 2011, at 21:49:27
John you couldn't babblemail me? What happened? So what have you taken for depression any anxiety and what advise has your doc given you on coping with this disorder? Do you know how to turn on your babblemail? I could babblemail you also. Go to registration click yes babblemail on. Do you or would you list meds you have been on and what and how much might have worked. And you feel the depression is from the anosomia? Phillipa
Posted by JohnLA on September 19, 2011, at 23:12:38
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » JohnLA, posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2011, at 21:56:50
phillipa-
my severe depression started about 18 months ago. several stressful events took place over 2009/2010 that just kicked my *ss emotionally.
having said that, as i mentioned earlier, looking back i think i may have been in a mild depression for several years before my major depression hit. hard to tell. but, i did get a little melancholic starting around the time i lost my sense of smell. or, it was just middle-age. regardless, i know for a fact i am currently in a major depressive episode and health issues are part of the reason.
not sure what meds you asking about? for my anosmia or depression? for depression i'm currently on 30mg of remeron and 1 to 2 mg of klonopin. at least i sleep fairly well. unfortunately my mood has not improved. i have tried several other meds (all ssri's) with no real benefit. i even did 12 sessions of unilateral ect last year when i was extremely anxious and depressed and looking-up suicide methods on the internet. which scared the crap out of me. no real benefit there either.
as for my anosmia, i have used prednisone and other anti-inflammatory meds. again, my sinus issues are due to nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis. currently i do a daily saline nasal rinse with pulmicort (a steroid). it is keeping the polyps away, but has yet to bring back my sense of smell. some people are having success with this in getting their sense of smell back.
not sure this pertains to your particular case. but, ask your ent about it. if you do a 'test run' on prednisone and get some smell back, that is an indication that the nerves are still ok and that inflammation is the problem. there are also a few smell/taste clinics in the US. do a google on that to see if there is one near you. though the one in washington dc i hear very mixed opinions about. i think it's run by dr. henkin? regardless, you search the heck out of all this on the net.
i say don't give-up just yet on getting your sense of smell back. it's kind of like depression; many approaches to try to solve it.
john
ps sorry about the babblemail deal. i went to my psychologist tonight and he said i need to stop spending so much time researching depression on the computer...so, i think i'm gonna leave my babblemail off. sorry about that. but, please feel free to ask me questions in this thread if you like.
Posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2011, at 19:36:38
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor, posted by JohnLA on September 19, 2011, at 23:12:38
John just on the site and Dr Henkin was the doc I saw in DC. In my opinion he's a nut job. Dirty clinic and reading MRI's just held in a regular light? He also did the scratch and sniff tests and the dilutions of sweet, sour, salty, bitter solutions. His RX was the same as the Wake Forrest doc to take prednisone for two weeks and then theophylline a brochodilator know for causing lots of anxiety. I didn't do the theophyline but did the prednisone. I also saw an ENT here this year who did MRI of all nasal, and no polyps, then he scoped me and nothing said the neurons were extremly short in nose and that so much time had gone by that it wouldn't return
Remeron I once took for sleep with benzos nothing. I've been on mostly luvox and lexpro lately. Had taken cymbalta 60mg for three months one time. First ad I could smell and taste then and took l0mg of paxil with low dose of xanax and was okay. Seems when my thyroid gland got hypo that is when the problems began.
What's your next med or treatment that you will try for depression? Understand about the doc and babblemail. Computers are addicting. Phillipa
Posted by JohnLA on September 21, 2011, at 19:13:52
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » JohnLA, posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2011, at 19:36:38
hi phillipa-
not sure what i will try next for my depression. i just tried adding effexor xr. barely gave it a try. about 5 days because of the start-up side effects (stomach probs/headaches). i know i should 'tough it out' more, but i just didn't have it in me to continue. i've done that few times and my pdoc is getting a little frustrated w/me.
i'm very down these past few weeks. this is my first depressive episode as i said. 18 months of basically lying in bed. this after a 26 year career as a teacher. i'm tired. i'm having very dark thoughts and trying to figure out a way to stop ruminating on my problems/suicidal thoughts. it's hard as i'm sure you know. i'm scared. i've given-up in many ways.
the anehdonia (sp?) is brutal too. ironic because i loved life until the depression hit me. nothing, and i mean nothing, seems to bring me any pleasure. that scares me as well. how can someone live without pleasure in their life?
anyway, thnx for corresponding with me.
john
Posted by Phillipa on September 21, 2011, at 21:37:44
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor, posted by JohnLA on September 21, 2011, at 19:13:52
John I was an RN and loved and had to also give it up. Well with aging, no taste, bad back, nightmares, having to change pdocs soon, and now abnormal thyroid again? I don't know. I wish I did? Got to be an answer? I used to stop meds all the time now trying to wait it out til end of Oct til see this new pdoc. We will see. I did try effexor when new lasted a few days on it. Now things seem weak and what worked liked benzos no longer do. No I thank you. Phillipa
Posted by jane d on September 22, 2011, at 2:29:21
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor, posted by JohnLA on September 19, 2011, at 23:12:38
> as for my anosmia, i have used prednisone and other anti-inflammatory meds. again, my sinus issues are due to nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis. currently i do a daily saline nasal rinse with pulmicort (a steroid). it is keeping the polyps away, but has yet to bring back my sense of smell. some people are having success with this in getting their sense of smell back.
John,
Could the pulmicort, and before that the prednisone, be contributing to your depression?jane
Posted by JohnLA on September 22, 2011, at 16:43:26
In reply to corticosteroids » JohnLA, posted by jane d on September 22, 2011, at 2:29:21
hi jane. :)
hope you are well.
the answer to your question is most likely no. ironically, the last time i was on prednisone while taking remeron and klonopin i actually felt a bit of relief from my depression. i even asked my pdoc if there was a antidepressant that had a similar make-up to prednisone! she said unfortunately no of course. i'm sure you know, but long term use of steroids is not good.
the pulmicort that i put in the saline nasal rinse barely has the opportunity to get absorbed in the body because it is literally in and out of my sinuses in a few seconds or less.
my depression is due to several stressful events over 2009/2010. i' hoping for a miracle and that with time, therapy and a bit of meds that i will get well.
hope to talk to you again in chat sometime soon.
john
Posted by JohnLA on September 22, 2011, at 16:58:11
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor » JohnLA, posted by Phillipa on September 21, 2011, at 21:37:44
phillipa-
i hear you on missing work. i still can't believe i am not in my classroom doing my thing. i'm too young to not be working. never in my wildest dreams did i think i would come down with severe depression. and, i loved my job. i truly miss it...
i'm a bit stubborn about the whole meds thing. i am just so sensitive to the start-up effects that, as i said, i some times don't give a med a fair shot i think. i've stuck with remeron and klonopin. both have been easy on me. i haven't even gained weight on remeron that many complain about. sleep is pretty good. just still very depressed and anehdonic. (sp?)
i'm still struggling to accept the fact that i had ect. that was over a year ago and seems like a dream to me now. hoping w/time i can 'forget' about it, if possible. (that's ironic! ;)) i didn't have too many and they were all unilateral thankfully.
take care.
your fellow depressive/anosmic.
john
Posted by Phillipa on September 22, 2011, at 19:54:12
In reply to Re: Loss of Olfactory Sense Leads to Depression /Disor, posted by JohnLA on September 22, 2011, at 16:58:11
John so no memory loss. Empathize with not working for sure. Seems like you have a great chance of restoring you smell since a physical problem present. The prednisone does cause euphoria in some. Happens to my Sister when she takes for severt poison ivy. Phillipa
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