pocket duty please xx

nearlybionic

Hi
I am off to see my GP again today. I am going to talk about medications. My back/hips/legs are the problem, as usual for me! I am taking Amitryptiline at night for the nerve pain, but am struggling with it in the day, and am asking about alternatives for day time so I can still function/work. I have seen a new physio a couple of weeks ago who did a very thorough assessment, gave some exercises and has arranged to see me again at the end of the month. I am still getting sciatica and numbness in my legs and feet, which she says I can have some acupuncture and/or hydro for if it has not improved when i go back.
I am also going to tell my GP how low I feel. (if I am brave enough ) I have been struggling with depression for a while, and not spoken to anyone about it. I am finding myself in a dark place at times, and I can usually manange to work it out myself. But I am finding myself becoming more withdrawn and low. I hope I do manage to tell her, but if she is `busy` I probably won`t.
Thanks for reading x
NB

Numptydumpty

Dear NB, you will have all of us in your pocket for support.
I hope that fact will give you the courage to speak to your doctor,
no matter how busy she is.
Fondest wishes,
Numpty

valval

hi write it down and give to them i find i burst into tears at times like this and can not get words out so will be with you and if you do not tell her will shout in your ear so be warned ((())) val

tjt6768

count me and Ra in NB.. You're always there to support others, I'm sure plenty will be along for the ride

freesia

Count me in... I'll be there reporting for duties..

Good Luck

Hugs freesia xx

dreamdaisy

Be strong NB and confess all. Doctors cannot help if they don't know what is really going on and if she has to make a little more time available to listen to you so be it - that's her job, no? Count me in tho please wear your hazmat suit as I am a very germy girl. DD

bubbadog

Will jump in the pocket and be there for you!

dachshund

Hello Nearlybionic.
i will be there for you it's only you that knows about your body i know you have to say things while you can as its to late after.
take care.
joan xx

stickywicket

I'm with you too, NB. The doc can only treat you properly if he/she knows the full score. It takes real courage because depression robs you of your self-confidence but just forget about the time factor and let the doc deal with that. Personally, I'd aim to jump straight in with it before I'd chance to chicken out, or think myself out of it on the time basis. Remember we're all with you. It sounds as if other stuff is lined up to help with the physical things so dealing with this too will give it its best chance of working. Be brave and good luck.

valval

wonder how it went????

barbara12

Hi NB
It is hard to talk to GPs and when it come to talking about depression its even harder, so you go in there take a deep breath...and dont forget we are all behind you...and tell him or her how you feel, you will come out of there feeling so proud of yourself.
I really do wish you well with it all xxx

mig

Will be with you in pocket,be honest with your gp they can only help if they have the full picture.(((())))Mig

JuliaHod12

Hi NB
Sorry i missed it..........hope it went ok xx

nearlybionic

Hi
Thank you all for your support.
I saw my GP. Unfortunately there was a very young medical student there too. (I could have declined but didn`t want to make a fuss)
I discussed my pain etc... and she prescribed higher doses of Amitryptiline, and gave me more Coco`s, Naproxen etc.....
I then just blurted out that it is all making me feel low and snappy with people. Then I burst into tears, I knew I would!
She was understanding and said she wasn`t surprised that I am feeling like this with the pain, lack of sleep etc.. She has given me some antidepressants, which I know I need but feel bad about needing.
I have to go back in a month to talk again.
I couldn`t look at the medical student. I didn`t want to see the pity in her eyes for the knackered not so old unfit limping lump that is me!
I hope to feel better about it all tomorrow as I feel a bit drained at the moment.
Thanks and take care xx
NB

barbara12

Aww NB dont you dare feel bad, you are not on your own when it come to being on AD because of arthur, you did really well getting it out, and never mind the tears that is a release for you.
Dont forget we are always here xxx

stickywicket

Well done, NB! I'm so impressed that you managed to go through with it. Not only that but with a medical student there too! It's sooo difficult when we've steeled ourselves to tackle something only to find the goalposts have been moved. It throws our plans completely.

Well, the meds are sorted and your doc now knows the full story which can only be good news for your long term health. I understand the 'know I need but feel bad about needing' thing but think of them as short term help to get things back on an even keel.

How do you know the student would have been feeling pity? She might have been feeling admiration. It takes courage to do what you did.

nearlybionic

Hi Barbara and Sticky
Thank you so much for your replies. Your words have made me think about it all in a different way. I am now thinking that i have been brave, and not a failure, for talking about something I have been feeling for months. I have seen my GP at least once a month in this time and just talked about my pain/joints etc.. and put on my mask to cover up what i am feeling inside.
Just need to talk to Mr NB next. Although I am sure he knows how I feel as he is the one who bears the brunt of my moods, poor thing!
NB

valval

wow i am so proud of you well done i know how hard it was but you did it taking the meds will help and that is what matters arthiritis messes with your head asking for help is the best thing you could have done so be proud val

nikkib007

Well done you should feel good about telling someone how you feel and getting the help you need at the moment

Take care
Nikki
xx

tjt6768

Hi NB..

It took me a LONG time to admit to even myself that I was depressed (yeah, me, hard to imagine eh ) However, I did, and then spoke to my Doc about it all.. Tried a couple of different meds over a good few months (I think about twelve weeks was what he told me on average before they work their best but I could be wrong)
I am now on Cirtalopram (I think :shock: I've forgotten and the meds are at the other side of the room lol)

Anyway, stick with them, give them a real chance to help.


And... WELL DONE

nearlybionic

Hi Tony
Thanks for your reply. I`m glad that your meds are helping . I hope to notice a difference in the next weeks too.
I have been tearful again today at times, mainly feeling overwhelmed by things at work, and pain causing me to be less tolerant of everything. I don`t want to tell people at work how I feel, although they have been very good about my OA and other pain etc.. I just kept myself to myself and was quiet. They probably thought I was a moody cow again!!
I ahve things to look forward to this weekend. My son`s fooball team are having a fund raising day and his Presentation/Awards ceremony. I hope it is fine for it.
Thank you all for your support xx
NB

mig

Hope the meds will get you sorted soon,enjoy the week-end.Mig

frogmorton

Hi Nearly

what an ashamed person l am :oops: I woudl have been there for you.

I have just read your thread through from beginning to end and must say l am proud of you. You have done so well to admit how you feel.

Some keep it to themselves forever, but it really does go hand in hand with pain you know

Take your tablets - they will help and tell MR Nearly - he will be releived you have asked for help too.

Love hugs and extra strength

Toni xxxx

dreamdaisy

We think we're being brave when we don't tell anyone how we're feeling and doing our best to soldier on when in fact we are being the opposite: obstinate. Arthritis not only affects joints, it affects our emotions, relationships, abilities, skills, concentration, sleep, appetite, temper and we let it because we think we're being brave in soldiering on. We're not, we're denying the havoc this dross can cause and end up trying to cope with far too much.

Well done to you for 'owning' up - I remember when I told my GP how low I was feeling her response was 'At last, now I CAN help with something.' and she has. I began Citalopram just over a year ago, with the intention of it being a temporary measure, but my consultant has kept me on it as she reckons it will help me to cope with the increasing pain levels caused by the OA - and it does. It also helps me manage 'life' a little better, I'm happier and that matters.

Good luck NB, I am sure the tablets will help - if they suit, you should soon feel an improvement and I sincerely hope you do. DD