Depression

[andreamc]

Hi. I'm Andrea. I'm 24 MWF with 2 kids(ages 6, 15mo.). Diagnosed with MS 13mo. ago. Need some advice about depression.

After my diagnosis, when my symptoms went into "remission", and I started Avonex therapy, I have had some serious depression problems. I tried a sleeping pill from the neurologist, but I really couldn't stay awake. Then I tried Zoloft from family doc, but it didn't really help.

I have severe mood swings, and I really hate feeling this way. I know of a few MS patients on Prozac, but am reluctant to take because I don't want to be a "Zombie", I want to be happy and not let everything bother me. I don't want to say that everyone around me doesn't understand, but that is how I feel sometimes because they don't have my problem, or symptoms.

If anyone will let me know how they cope and keep "happy", please let me know!

Thank you so much!

[ally]

Hi Andrea,

I was diagnosed with MS 7 months ago. I am also on Avenox. I feel that I am doing very well. It took several weeks before I was able to get my MRI,and to see a doctor for treatment.

My condition was very bad because I waited three weeks before I attempted to see a doctor. Four years before, I hand tingly in my feet, and I was told to take Alleve for 3 weeks, and my problem went away. I thought I was going through the same thing until my vision began to change.

I had double vision, I couldn't walk with out assistance, I couldn't button my clothes, put on my watch, feed myself, etc.

Eventually, I was put on intravenous steriods which help me greatly. Now I am on Avenox. I really don't have any side-effects with this drug. I only have chills.

I have recovered, and my neurologist last week said that I was a Miracle Child. I am not on any depression drugs, and I am very happy. My sisters tell me that I am brave. My friends tell me that I have been a blessing to them. People who did not see while I was sick, say that they would never know.

I am saying all of this to say what keeps me happy and encourage is my faith in God. Sometimes the Lord will allow us to go through a storm, to deliver us out of it. I have always been a christian, but my faith has never been tested like this.

I just read the bible and believe in what it says. There are things that one must do to recieve healing. I have been listening to the Trinity Broadcast Station (TBN), and the ministers on there has given me steps to recieve my healing from God. It much more involved than going to church every Sunday, and saying yea, I believe in God.

I am sure many do not believe in God's power, but I do and I am happy. This is why I decided to answer you questeion. I do not worry about this disease. I have some scriptures that I recite, if you want this information, I can send them to you. My e-mail address is apurce@yahoo.com. But If you have a satillie, I recommend watching TBN.

Good luck to you.

[andreamc]

Ally:

Thank you so much! I had symptoms very similar to yours when you were first diagnosed. I too waited 1.5 months to finally be able to see a neurologist. The intravenous steroids really do help, but I have only needed to take them once. Other than that, I'm physically OK. I have occasional vision problems, but I don't know what to do about those.

Thank you for your words of wisdom. I hope to hear from you soon.

Andrea

[cjs]

My mother was dx 3 years ago. Sometimes she feels that she just can't go on, and other days she feels good. Ms does put a damper on your life. I think its my mothers strong will that keeps her fighting. My mother was an outdoorsy type of person. She sets certain goals for herself. She refuses to be in a weelchair. She takes one day at a time. My mother does not take all her medication either. She feels that enjoying life is better. My e-mailis-cjs38583@webtv.net. Just in case you would like to chat sometime.
Best of luck!!! Keep fighting!! My mother all ways has a saying that she says:God will never put to much on you that you can't handle.....

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[andreamc]

To CJS:

Thank you for your words of reply . . . they were comforting. I hope your mother keeps that feeling for a long time. I truly believe that this disease is at least 40% emotional, so if that can be under control, then the rest is easy to overcome. I hope to hear from you soon . . .

andreamc@cros.net