Arthritis/Medication causing depression

RossM96

Firstly i apologise if this is in the wrong area, but anyways.

So, ive been on Methotrexate for around 4 years now, ive gone through every form of taking it, now im on injection, and i HATE needles, i cant physically take tablets, even the smallest of ones, but, for the past month or so ive been kinda depressed, sick of it all, having to take medications, no one understands me, how i feel, but im just confused and sick of it all, and well, scared because i dont know what to do, i posted here because i didnt know where else to turn, but i just need some advice on what to do, someone to calm me down and relax me, thank you.

trepolpen

hi Ross , its not the meds , its goes with long term arthritis due to sleep & other problems

talk to your GP , some take low dose amitriptyline & others do mindfulness/meditation , be careful taking over the counter drugs with Mtx so thats why better talk to your GP or rheumy nurse

DebraKelly

I know exactly how you feel.

I was on Meth tablets and then got told I was switching to injections! I nearly died as I am terrified of needles.

But it does get better, I have been on the injections for about a year now and they do work far better than the tablets.

The fear of needles has reduced somewhat, but it doesn't make the process any easier for me. Not forgetting the regular blood checks as well!!!

It does get me down at times too, but try and see the positives rather than the negatives.

I would speak to a rhumey nurse, as they have helped me loads over the past year, even with my fear.

stickywicket

You’ve come to the right area, Ross, and it sounds like you needed to. Our bodies do let us down, don’t they? We want to do stuff but they won’t play ball even, in your case, to the point of not wanting to take the meds that will improve matters.

Even so, I’m not sure how much of this is a tablet/needle phobia and how much is sheer depression. Many on here are depressed and have to take meds for that, too, either short term or long term. It seems quite logical that people might be depressed when their quality of life is so altered, often rapidly.

However, anti-deps won’t help you right now because they, too, are pills. I think what might help you is some form of counseling/therapy that would enable you to come to terms with your problems with pills and needles. I know there are clinics for dental phobia and I don’t see why meds should be any different.

I’ve had RA for over 50 years so I’ve lots of pill swallowing behind me. As a result of several things combining, I have some throat problems so I have to think before I swallow these days. I’m on meth but I can take them in twos as they’re the smallest pills I’ve ever taken.

I’m telling you this because I really think some form of counseling that would help you to overcome your problems with pills and fear of needles would greatly enhance your life. Why not ask?

(How do you manage with your regular blood tests?)

LignumVitae

Hello,

I think I agree with the above posts and some form of therapy or counselling may help. Until then, is it worth explaining this to your rheumy team - I know in my department that if you are unhappy about injecting yourself you can rock up to the clinic each week and somebody will inject for you. Not sure what to suggest about a short term method for the tablets as I have never had an issue like that, although I can totally understand how you can have one, I know I use a very large swig of liquid to take mine with...let us know how you get on. It sounds like things have come to a head and it's time to sort something out so I really hope you can get some support and help with this.

LV

maria09

Hi
I think we call all relate to you
I have days where I wish I didn't have to take another tablet again and wish for life as it was pre arthritis but that will never happen
I now have a combination of drugs that helps me but I'm never pain free
I now take sertraline in a morning for the depression and amytriptyline at night it helps but I never get a decent night sleep but its better
It's a must to go see your GP as soon as you can and just letting them know how you are as they can only work on what you tell them not on what you think they want to hear
Don't just stop taking your medications without advice from your GP
Hope we are some help to you
Maria

dreamdaisy

I think that bouts of depression are par for the course when one is living with a long-term chronic condition. The disease is wearying, the meds are wearying, the general situation is tiresome and very few understand how lowering the whole malarkey can be. I take a daily low dose of an anti-depressant and I know that it helps me cope with the pain and stress of living with arthritis: I am fortunate in that I have no trouble with taking meds (familiarity with the process breeds utter contempt for it all) but it would appear that maybe some form of counselling would help you with this current trouble. I wish you well. DD

barbara12

Hello Ross
I am glad you have posted, and yes it is the right place..like the others say chronic pain can cause depression there are quite a few on ADs on here.
You have taken the first step of talking to us, its make such a difference being able to unburden yourself, and talk to people that understand some of what you are going through.
You take care and keep talking...x

[Deleted User]

RossM96...I have noticed you have had several replies to your thread, if I may, can I direct to AC helplines that may of some use to you.

helplines@arthritiscare.ordg.uk email the professional team direct

arthritis care helpline (free) 0808 800 4050

Good luck

Moderator JK

lazicat

My GP gave me low dose AD's & said that long term meds & severe pain cause seretonin levels to get low, so expect thats why alot of us feel low at times. I know they made a big difference to me. Unfortunately for you they are tablets, may be alternitives though.
I also got a thick memory foam mattress topper & that made a big difference sleeping , still get some bad nights but not every night like before. Lack of sleep makes you feel so low as well, so if you sleep better that may help.
Hope you get some help soon.

charleeh

Hi,

I can highly recommend meditation, maybe a guided mediation can help better as there are people to talk to, all sorts of places do it, from Buddhist centres to new age shops. I get bad depression when I take oral steroids. I find that its best to talk to people about why you are sad, having comforting words from others who understand you can move mountains. Never bottle it up.

I wish you all the best

Best wishes,
Charleeh