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Back in November of 1999, I was still living in Ohio and was diagnosed with life-threatening depression.  Finally, after six weeks of being on Wellbutrin, I finally evened out.  I literally saw the depths of darkness and a side of life I never want to see again. 

Since being diagnosed with Crohn's, I lived in pain 24/7 for 730 days straight.  At one point, I thought to myself, does it truly get worse and will I see that darkness again, or will I get better and see the light of day.  I changed my diet and I am feeling like I haven't felt in a long time.  Almost so long ago, that I don't quite remember if it will still get better and better.  :)

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 Reply posted for ACA11.

I hope that this messages reaches you in good spirits. I have posted a few questions for people to answer. I am doing a paper on depression and chronic illness. If you are willing participate I would appreciate it. (1) What was going on in your life when you noticed the symptoms of the disease? (2) What are your coping strategies for the disease? (3) What thought do you have when you are feeling depressed? (4) How long does your depression last? (5) Do you discuss your depression with your doctor?

Thanks for your input.

 Reply posted for asohn.

Thanks for the info.

I'm hanging!  As stated in another post, because of the anti-inflammatory I am on for my knee, my stomach is just beside itself and hoping with all hope I don't go into flare up mode again.  When I saw the surgeon monday, he said, don't use the knee as much, let it heal.  I saw my MD that afternoon and he said if I don't start using it, I may lose the use of it.  I felt as if I were boxed up in a corner.  I am taking it but only at night (I was taking 2 a day but the pain is really bad now in my stomach) so hopefully it will continue to help. 

I have a call in to my GI doc, I want to meet with him again.  So many questions about Crohn's and the after effects of it when in remission - what it can continue to still do to your body, things of that nature.

I'm so glad we have a three day holiday weekend coming up, I'm ready for a good rest.

 Reply posted for ACA11.

How are you doing?

 Reply posted for ACA11.

Part of treating the depression is finding a way to control the IBD, I believe it is all in having the right doctor and the right treatment.

Humira has been god sent for me.  I also take antidepressants and anti anxiety medication.

Some patients swear by a glutten free diet.... I havent' tried it yet.

There is also an online support group... wearecrohns.org

 Reply posted for asohn.

Sadly, the surgery for my knee is taking a turn for the worse.  I have to see the surgeon again on Monday as the swelling is back and I sat yesterday at work in severe pain the whole day.  By the time I got home, I was so sick to my stomach, I'm glad I didn't eat much as I would have hurled it across half of Western Washington. 

The nurse seems to think I may have fluid on the knee, I think it may be an infection going on in there.  It has completely thrown my system off, my stools are darker then normal, not as regular and I have no appetite.

I simply refuse to give in to this.

 Reply posted for ACA11.

Thank you so much for posting.  It is so encouraging to read someone fighting through this and depression and seeing light at the end of the tunnel.  Keep up the good fight!

 Reply posted for ACA11.

I love to read the happy stories.

Keep up the good work.

 Reply posted for ACA11.

what did you change in your diet?

 Reply posted for ACA11.

in the meantime, depression has set in and i am back on my wellbutrin, 300 mg a day and will continue for three months.  it's hard juggling so many of other peoples issues, finding time to deal with mine and my healing and i just want to quit.  many times throughout my life i've said those words, but each time i found the inner strength to go on and i know i will.  and the d a m n horomones are bouncing off the walls so fast, one has to duck when they come into the room and my doctor won't treat me for it.  tough it out.  yeah, when i take his private parts and stick them up his nose, think maybe he'll listen then?  lol  i wouldn't do that, he's a sweet heart.

thanks for letting me ramble.  i feel a little better, but got alot of anger still waiting to come out.

peace, out.

 Reply posted for ACA11.

The crohn's is in remission, but my body took a severe beating from it.  From my esophagus to my bladder.  With the inflammation going on, it rapidly spread the inflammation to other joints in my body that I am still battling.  I recently went throught the first of two knee surgeries and when I woke up today, I was in a dark place.  I know part of it is being confined to my bed for 7 days and very little walking; part of it being the pain associated with the surgery; and a part of it the environment I am in.  I work a full-time job and when I come home, I am a live in caregiver to my ex b/f step mom.  Only because no one in the family can be bothered taking care of her.  I don't pay rent, but I do anything and all I can for her with every free minute I have.  Meaning, with my recent surgery, I had my financee here for four days helping out but when he left to go back to work, no one, NO ONE, from her family offered to help me with the animals, her, nothing.  I am angry with the ex - I want out of here and as easy as it would be to get up and move out, I would have to commute 70 miles one way to my job and I can't do that.  And the recession the way it is, more and more ppl are losing their jobs, finding one is going to be a real challenge.  Yet, I know if I get out of this place, my mind, body, spirit and health will improve drastically. 

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