[jenifer]

Depression is new to me and I was hoping I could get some advice.My stomach has been so bad lately and I have been having gagging bouts of nausea almost every day for close to two months(nausea is one of the most prevalent symptoms of IBS for me).While I am nauseous, I have so depressed that I wish I would die. I DO NOT FEEL SUICIDAL, I just wish that I would die. Although I have had IBS for 15 years now, I have never been depressed like this.I am also having anxiety attacks lately. Although Lotronex had helped me immeasurably before, it's not helping me now.I have a dr. appt. in two weeks and I'm going to tell him all this.I was just hoping anyone with similar experiences would be willing to share them with me and I would love to hear if anyone has found anything to help with depression that does not have terrible side effects.Thanks, everybody. I feel better just typing this and knowing there are people here who care and understand.Jenifer

 

[AngelGlow]

Hi Jenifer,I have also been depressed as a result of my IBS. My doctor informed me that I need to see an associate of his that specializes in IBS, as well as a psych. He wants me to go once a month. Dealing with IBS is so frustrating, and it is very depressing to be in pain all the time. I have never been given any meds for depression or stress etc. so unfortunatly I have no advice there. I just wanted to let you know that I understand. Discovering this BB and finding out there are people that can relate to what I am going through has been very good for me. Take care.

 

[jenifer]

Thanks for your post, VJD.I hope the specialist is able to help you. This depression is such an awful thing, isn't it?You're right about this board...it has helped me immeasurably to know that there are others, thousands of others) who are going through the same thing as me.Thanks,Jenifer

 

[kristyann]

Jen:Nausea is NOT a symptom of IBS. I had it daily and nightly last year. GI doc tested me for h.pylori which was positive. Treated with a 2 week regimen of Prevpak, (Biaxin, Amoxicillin, Prevacid). On Nexium for GERD now and no more nausea.Kristy

 

[LotronexLover]

One huge recommendation from me. Kill two birds with one stone. Ask your doc about REMERON.Remeron is not addictive. It does not cause sexual dysfunction. Best of all it is a sister drug to Lotronex. It is also a 5ht3 antagonist. At first you will be incredibly groggy. This goes away in a matter of weeks - you jkust have to hang in there. It helps with nausea, depression, and IBS D. What more could you ask for?

Have you tried taking Immodium daily with the Lotronex? tHat is the combo that worked best for me.

 

[LexiP]

Jenifer,First of all, my older sister also spells her name with one n! Very cool.

Now about the depression. I have battled with depression and anxiety many times in the past 10 years. In fact, we noticed the IBS begin around the time we put me into counseling the first time. I was 14.I have never taken medications for depression. I have however routinely gone to counselors when the depression was more then I can handle. Anxiety is different for me. I typically can identify the root of the Anxiety, and then I get rid of the root. For example, I was very unhappy at a school, which lead me to have anxiety attacks entering the core building for classes. I went to counseling, and decided, free of drugs, that I needed to leave and do what made me happy.So when you get depressed ask yourself this:1) Why am I unhappy?Is it because of the pain, because I have lost friends, because I am bored, lonely, unsatisfied with work or my love life?2) What can be done about the cause?Can I switch jobs, find new friends, talk to my companion, try a new diet?3) Do I want to be happy?This one may sound really odd, but often we get in such a rut the truth becomes that we do not indeed want to be happy. Maybe the best course of the depression is to get angry, motivated, or indiffferent.Getting out of depression is not simply smiling each day and saying, all things will pass. It is often the need for a full lifestyle or frame of mind change. I got in a very depressed rut this past half year. I was furious, angry at myself for where I had gotten. Subsequently I kept getting ill, and the illnesses were lingering. Making me more unhappy. Luckily, I have a supportive family and boyfriend who said basically, "Alexis figure out what you need to do, and do it."After some heavy soul searching I am looking for a new job, paying attention to having "me" time, making new friends and seperating from old friends who were really hurting my feelings, and cutting out three substances I know don't help me feel good in the long term: dairy, sugar, and caffiene.Without the stimulants in the last few weeks I have become even keeled, even happy. Life is not perfect yet and I have a long way to go to get it in order. But I have made plans, goals, and objectives. I know where I am heading.Medication is not the only answer.

it's scary, but facing the monsters hiding behind the depression and telling them to go away, will have a life long positive effect on you, without a dependency on medicine.Good luck!~Alexis Parker

 

[AD]

One thing that has helped me with depression is my relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It helps to know that God created each of us and put us all here for a purpose, to worship Him.I've also been on Zoloft for the past year and a half, which "blocks" the depression and weakens such intense emotions.I still feel depressed most of the time. But when I stay focused on God, it is not nearly as bad.

 

[jenifer]

Thanks, friends, for your thoughtful replies. You've each given me a unique avenue to pursue.Guess I've got some thinkin' to do.

 

[katjam]

Hi Jenifer-Just wanted to echo a few of the posts. I have IBS-D and GERD- the nausea is from the GERD. If I don't take my medicine I'm in absolute agony, the pain is horrible. I was on nexium for a while but it aggravated my D, now I'm on protonix.I've also suffered from depression off and on for many years. My faith in Jesus has been the biggest cure, but occasionally I have times where I needed to go on antidepressants. Cognitive therapy has helped a lot too-learning to train my thoughts, focus on the good and not the bad. I know I'm simplifying it, but there are a lot of options for you. You don't have to suffer. Good luck.