Depression
I don't know if it is the meds, seasonal affective disorder, or what but I have been going into a slump. I do spend a lot of time alone and have not been exercising lately. I moved back to where I used to live before I moved in with my mom a couple years ago. Guess I expected my old friends to be more available. They all have work, family and grandkids now and I can't be around the ones that smoke due to dbl. lung transplant. Seems everyone just wants to call and hang on the phone and they also want to do all the talking and dump all their problems on me. I feel as if they are just talking at me, not to me. I guess I need to find some new friends for my new lifestyle. Have an appointment on the 20th to see a psychiatrist. Maybe I will get some happy pills. lol Anyone else have trouble with depression post transplant and also a little trouble trying to figure out what to do with my new life. Don't feel well enough to go back to work yet but hoping to. I am six months out of transplant. Any tips or suggestions?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gilly on -
Hi Debbie,
I think this is normal, I dont think you can go thru a lung tx without feeling this way. Its a big change
and you get mixed thoughts, we feel happy, sad, grateful, dont know whats to come! and it changes the way we feel about other peoples problems and sometimes wonder what they are complaining about, but they are the normal ones and we have changed. I dont think there is a majic pill, i think you have to be proud of what you have been able to pull thru and keep doing it every day for u and your donor, even if its laughing at an old movie or reading a great book. On down days i just take a deep breath and enjoy it and take a walk on my treadmill, i rememeber not being able to do that.
I am 46 and have few friends they all went away when i was on 15 liters o2 and could not leave the house.
I have not figured out what to do with my new life either im one year and 4 months out but i am determined to make it last as long as i can, so please get back exercising, find a great book, christmas baking lol(i love to cook)
Write any time i know i have bad days and ok days and great days. The bad days go find a spa and pamper yourself or maybe find an exercise class i know its hard but i realy helps.
Gilly
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Permalink Reply by Rita on -
Hi Debbie, I think transitions in life take us time to adjust and say ok what do I want to do now. You moved, your getting well, it is holiday time where everyone is cheerful or stressed... Join things is my suggestion. I find the older I get I find fun in the things I loved as a child --nature, taking pictures, cooking, being outside noticing the clouds, animals, etc, have come back to me now that there time to stop and smell the flowers as the saying goes.
So what do you like or love look into those things and you will find new people that you will get to know through that. And we are here.....friends..... you can email me anytime. Rita
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Permalink Reply by Rita on
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I just wanted to add that sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is give your time to a cause. It is in the giving to others that we often find ourselves.
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Permalink Reply by buzzerxl1 on -
Hiya Debbiek,
I had a complete liver transplant 20 months ago and most probably like yourself was right on the edge of life itself. Today I feel nearly 100% fit physically, but I still suffer from anxiety due to trauma over the last four years. My axiety and depression a year ago was terrible I was climbing the walls couldn't sit still and suffered panic attacks. My Consultant put me on anti depressants (low dosage) and propranolol to bring down my blood presure. Today I feel so much better just nervous a little now. I forced myself to go out for short walks increasing them as time went by slowly but surely. Where I locked myself in my house I bit the bullet and went outside shopping anything and made a point of talking to people even if it was just "Good Morning". I started asking friends and family to come over for coffee slowly again to start with and everything started to improve slowly. I can now do everything I need to driving visiting etc, but it was a long haul.
I look upon life as a miracle and thank my God and Donar each and every day from the bottom of my heart.
Try Debbie to see the positive in everything you do don't get negative.
I know it's easy for me to say these things, but it happened to me. You can get help with depression ask your Doctor for help.
What you're going through is completely natural and understandable, and I wish you every success in the future.
My thoughts are with you. Sincerely Peter.
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Permalink Reply by DebbieK on -
Thanks Peter. I am feeling better now but went through a few days I did not even want to talk to anyone on the phone or in person. I am going to see a psychiatrist next Tues. at my transplant center. Transplant coordinator said this is not uncommon and we will work through it. I am not freaking out as I know I can get better if I do the things people tell me. Exercise, get sunlight, don't isolate, eat right and find some kinds of activivities, hobbies or volunteer work. Maybe some antidepressant meds might help because I meand to have some moral support because my family gives me none. I think they are just sick of me being sick and have a hard time dealing with it anymore because it has been so many years.
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Permalink Reply by buzzerxl1 on
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Yo Debbie Depression is awful, but you will get there it just takes some help and a little time. When I was depressed I couldn't think correctly and got all my wires crossed. Do what your Doctors and the Professionals say and you will recover.
Isn't it hard sometimes to take ones own advice lol. Peter.
DebbieK said:Thanks Peter. I am feeling better now but went through a few days I did not even want to talk to anyone on the phone or in person. I am going to see a psychiatrist next Tues. at my transplant center. Transplant coordinator said this is not uncommon and we will work through it. I am not freaking out as I know I can get better if I do the things people tell me. Exercise, get sunlight, don't isolate, eat right and find some kinds of activivities, hobbies or volunteer work. Maybe some antidepressant meds might help because I meand to have some moral support because my family gives me none. I think they are just sick of me being sick and have a hard time dealing with it anymore because it has been so many years.
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Permalink Reply by DebbieK on
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They just started me on some different meds as the other ones did not work. So it will take a few weeks to see. They put me on Celexa and trazadone for sleep. Dr. thinks that lack of sleep is my main problem.Thanks for asking Peter.
Debbie
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Permalink Reply by Rita on
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Debbie I hope you get the best night sleep ever. Goodness I know a good night sleep and the world looks so different in the morning. Sweet dreams. Sending little sheep your way and angels to lift and hug you. Rita
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Permalink Reply by buzzerxl1 on
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Yo Debbie hope the the new meds are helping. The worse thing in the world is not been able to sleep. I had 4 years of it , but fortunately can sleep reasonably well now and what a difference. I feel 100% close on, after my transplant approx 2 years back it was a long haul,but worth it Jesus lol.
Life is a miracle, andIPray and trust you're well Debbie you certainly deserve it.
Regards Peter.
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