I’m 22 years old and was just diagnosed with fibro. My dr is refusing me treatment due to me having a depression diagnosis. He thinks that medication will throw me into a manic state. I’ve been stable for a while now-- and I’ve never experienced mania. I expressed that to him and his higher up, but I left in tears with no relief or plan. He arranged to see me in 12 weeks and asked me to get a psych consult. It’s so irritating because I am losing my mind.
I am in pain-- physical, emotional, and mental anguish. It never ever stops. I also have cognitive and GI symptoms.
I have searched for support and I can’t find it, so here I am.
Hi Shilo. I am sorry for what you are going through. For one thing the doctor who diagnosed you with fibro won’t treat you because of your diagnosis with depression . I am not clear if you had this diagnosis before or after the fibro . For many people who have fm have had depression before and separate to fm . Some get depression as a secondary illness. Surely anyone with a debilitating illness can become depressed . I can understand your doctor being cautious about treating you with some drugs you may be taking for depression and wanting you to get a psyche consult .i hope that both doctors can be on the same page about these conditions and work together to understand and help you . I hope you can get your consult sooner and that you can see your Dr sooner than 12 weeks . All the best to you !
I know you have come on here in search of answers and support, and my heart goes out to you. To be so young and struggling with this tricky condition is hard, but don't underestimate how strong you are, and you are! I totally agree with Suzie, she has given great advice. I have depression also, brought on by fibro, but have had it before then. I suspect your Doc has reason for not treating you, and i would not dispute that, but if you are not happy about it, perhaps you need a second opinion? It is possible for some to manage without pain meds, I do, just take ibuprofen when I need it. I have what I call 'my toolbox', includes practising relaxation,meditation and mindfulness, gentle stretches and some tai chi, epsom salt baths, pacing - I listen to my body and use them when I need them. Also, have you got a support network? Don't be afraid to ask family to help, if they don't understand, educate them!
I hope this helps you to see a way forward, if you have any questions please ask.
Thank you, Suzie and Anne for your kind words. I appreciate them.
I have a psychiatric appointment on the 14th, and then I will get some answers. I am technically diagnosed with major depression, post-traumatic stress, and anxiety disorders. I have had childhood/adolescent trauma and I truly believe that that is a factor in how I feel today. I was hospitalized a few times for my mental health, and they tried telling me that I was bipolar, but everything else points otherwise. They never saw me in a manic state and have no other reason to believe that. My counselor at the time advocated for me and said that I was so unstable due to the trauma.
I am not on any medications currently for my depression, as it is under control without it currently. I have been keeping up with therapy, well until she stopped returning my phone calls, and that's been good for me. But yes, I have had depression way before the symptoms of fibro started. It's just gotten worse over the years.
I'm not so concerned about not being on pain killers. I personally would prefer to not use them. However, the doctors just kind of scurried me out of the office, without any ideas on how to ease the pain at all. I asked, and they said they didn't know what to tell me. They refused to give me any pain management techniques, and that is why I left in tears. I will have to use the idea of a toolbox, Anne, thank you.
I unfortunately do not have a support network. I mean, I have my fiancé (and we're getting married one month from today!), but I do not have family around. I live 300 miles away from them, and we don't get to see each other much, so it's hard for them to support me from a distance, which is understandable.
I will be posting around the forums more often. It's hard for me to type sometimes, but I will figure this out.
I'm so sorry your dealing with this hun. I think you need to find yourself a new doctor. Being in pain all the time or at least with frequent flares can CAUSE depression or at least make it worse. A psych doctor might not be a bad idea because they usually understand that oh ya being in pain is depressing. Maybe get a psych consult and then switch doctors if you can. good luck.