Am I being a weenie???

PattyInAK · June 16, 2008, 06:02:32 PM

I cannot shake this feeling of depression. I know...I have been thru 4 months of hell with the ruptured disc thing, but I got the surgery, which was successful, as far as we can tell so far, and we have Aetna's blessing on long term disability. So why am I depressed??? Yeah, I am alone here at home, but will be going back to the cabin (my folks spend the whole summer up here at the cabin) when my sister Carol comes back up this way from Homer, AK on Monday. I do a lot better when around people. I think my problem is that I am not able to be physically active. I am one of those people who, if not physically tired at the end of the day, will tend to give in to mental exhaustion and my demons. I have nothing really to complain about. I have a great life with great prospects and a bright future. These feelings have crept in before, in normal times, but were always held at bay by keeping busy at work and physically busy at home. These past 4 months, not being at my job, really threw a kink into things. I feel I lost momentum at work. Maybe I need the change....I have worked full time for the past 35 years. Do you think I have a chemical imbalance? Maybe I need some natural seratonin.

Doxherding Karen · June 16, 2008, 07:35:45 PM

Listen, Bub, if you need something to think about, I will be only TOO GLAD to share some of the poop I have been dealing with over the last year. Let's see: Miriam flips out and has to be evicted from the house along with her psychotic husband and children; the house is broken into, ransacked and robbed; my mother dies; I go back for the funeral, return to Maryland, drive to Tennesse to visit with my bipolar son who is in a residential treatment facility in October, November, December, January and March; I get sick for Passover and end up in the hospital; my son comes home and proceeds to drive ME insane; the car beaks down; and my beloved Roscoe dies.

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

Seriously, you're not being a weenie - you're too long-legged. You've been through a lot and the best laid plan of how you thought you life would be has been trashed, and the new plan - hell, there's no plan past tommorrow or maybe next week.

So close your eyes, take a deep breath, count to 100, say the "serenity" prayer. and watch a really funny movie. And remember that old adage:

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger"

Love,

Gargantua the Amazon Woman

(If I get any stronger, I'm going to be the new "Hulk"!)

Leslie · June 16, 2008, 07:40:25 PM

No, you are fine and will be feelin' waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better the first day you can bend over and pull a weed.
I guarantee it. Absolutely Positively.

Seriously, working in miniatures is really great way to focus. And it's pretty darn challenging. Order a kit of something cute like a Hoosier cabinet (I built one and it has a working flour sifter!) and see if ya don't have some fun with it. You can spend eight bux and with a few decent X-to knives and some sandpaper you can have something really cute and historically accurate if that's your thing. A piece of balsam wood and you can make your own mini birdhouses for decoration or have you ever wanted a Shaker desk but don't have 30K? Jeri is up to date on all the resources or get a copy of any US miniature hobby magazine. (Those darn ones from England have only UK shops and mailorder stuff.) Just an idea. Sumpthing completely different and I KNOW you are into detail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oooooooooooooooooorrrr, I did see a book once on how to fold dirty origami. Oragasmi?

You'll get thru this and it might take awhile. Chin up. WE love you.

Doxherding Karen · June 16, 2008, 07:43:20 PM

Quote from: Leslie on June 16, 2008, 07:40:25 PM
oooooooooooooooooorrrr, I did see a book once on how to fold dirty origami. Oragasmi?

Y'all are sick, sick, sick!!!!!! LMAO!!!!

Karen

papbouv · June 16, 2008, 09:40:52 PM

No Not being a weenie I think after being in pain for a long period of time plus having surgery and all you have been though would cause the depression you are having now.I think women are more prone to getting depressed at times we are worry warts most of us worry about something its our nature. If possible can you take a short walk outside? walking is good for depression, you are at across road in your life the way you talk do I go back to work or do I retire that may be weighing on your mind. I hope you come out of your slump quickly Hugs to you .Papbouv

PattyInAK · June 16, 2008, 10:15:23 PM

Yikes, Karen, I will take my troubles over yours!!! You HAVE been thru a lot of poopie!!!!
Thanks guys for the vote of confidence, and for making me laugh. I can always count on you guys.
The "retire, or do I go back to work" thing does weigh on my mind. It all depends on who and how the house payment gets made.
Yes, I can go out for short walks with Willy and Alex, and we are doing that almost daily.

Brekkesmom · June 16, 2008, 11:06:27 PM

Well, friend, it sounds like it is time to do something really silly - like watch the old movie, "Ice Pirates" with Robert Urich. I had just moved into a house back in 1984-ish, with two roommates, and we were so tired and wound up, we could not sleep. We had never seen this movie before, and watched it and laughed ourselves silly. We have watched it since, and it was not nearly as funny, but since then, watched it again when any one of us were totally exhausted and again laughed ourselves to the point of sleepiness. There's my prescription for you, since gas is so $$$ and I am still putting my house back together. And then there's jury duty tomorrow for me...

Barb · June 17, 2008, 06:35:10 AM

Patty - you have every right to be depressed - you have been through a horrendous experience. But don't let it get to you - talk to your doctor. He can prescribe a very mild anti-depressent to get you over the hump. Each time my mom had surgery, she would take a light anti-dep. for a few months and then she was fine to get off of it.

You have always been a very active person and now being sedentary and having months of pain it has taken its toll. Please talk to your doctor and let he/she know how you are feeling. They can help.

We are here for you !!!!

cheryl186 · June 17, 2008, 08:35:11 AM

Hey Patty, no you are not being a weenie!! I too believe you are depressed because of the surgery and all the pain you have been through for the past months. It has taken a toll. Heck, look at people who have babies and have post-partum depression. I agree with Barb that maybe you should talk to the doc and have them prescribe something mild for you to get you over the hump. When I am depressed, I work in my garden. Something about planting things and watching them grow amazes me and makes me feel good. Also, I like to fish to just clear my head and relax and enjoy nature. The water is relaxing. Heck, sitting by a lake reading a good book....that may help! Remember, we are all your friends and are here for you...24/7

JetEd73 · June 17, 2008, 09:59:30 AM

I'll keep it simple.

No, your not being a weenie. Sounds like a normal reaction to a serious life change.

Teresa · June 17, 2008, 04:42:18 PM

I agree with everyone else. Not a weenie. One of the causes of the depression can very well be a reaction to the anesthesia. It is not uncommon at all to see depression after surgery. I think the idea of a mild anti-depressant for a couple of months is not a bad idea. It isn't addictive and can get you over the hump before winter hits again and the days are dark and cold. I can assure you your physician has seen this many times. Also, you are adjusting to a new kind of normal and trying to figure out just what that is going to be. I like the idea of finding a hobby to work on. By doing something with your hands, you will be reminded that you can now use them pain-free. I've been there with the depression, especially after our wreck. I felt guilty for being depressed when it was a miracle I was alive. Still, I had been through a major ordeal and it takes its toll. Depression is how the body often reacts. Getting outside will help. Also, find out exactly what you can and cannot do now. Hopefully some of your restrictions will change over the next few weeks.

tpoof · June 19, 2008, 05:28:18 PM

Quoteyou are depressed because of the surgery and all the pain you have been through for the past months. It has taken a toll.

I have to agree as its how I feel as well, it just knocks the crap out of you

Things will get better..

PattyInAK · June 20, 2008, 05:07:34 PM

I just bought some vitamin packs at GNC for menopausal women, and I ordered an all-natural anti-depressant called Protazen. Will let you know if any of it makes a difference.

Sandishooligans · June 20, 2008, 11:45:41 PM

Hang in there Patty! You KNOW you've got your poop together better than A LOT of people! Don't be so garsh darn hard on yourself. One day at a time, okay? Go hug a dox or two and smooch that great hubby of yours. Things WILL get better!

Barb · June 21, 2008, 07:43:25 PM

Quote from: PattyInAK on June 20, 2008, 05:07:34 PM
I just bought some vitamin packs at GNC for menopausal women, and I ordered an all-natural anti-depressant called Protazen. Will let you know if any of it makes a difference.

Look forward to hearing how you do on these.....

PattyInAK · June 21, 2008, 10:39:10 PM

Quote from: Barb on June 21, 2008, 07:43:25 PM
Look forward to hearing how you do on these.....

Barb, you bad girl, sending me another beautiful get well card when its YOU who has had the recent surgery. Thank you, they always seem to come at the right time, when I need them most. I will let you know if the vitamins help. I hope you are starting to feel better.

Am I being a weenie???

Sandishooligans