antidepressants

[Karen]

How many of you have had to go on antidepressants?  It haas been alsmot 3 years since my surgery.  Its still all I think about, how I hate the way I look and how my face feels.  It's numb but feels like its shot full of  novacaine, like after the dentist.  My docotrs say the trigeminal nerve wasn't damaged the tumor peeled right off and that there is nothing that can be done about the way it feels.  I am so tired of dealing with it.  I am still dealing with my eye, double vision and a heavy eye weight.  I just want to feel good againAny suggestions?  I am scared to use antidepressants but I am tired of feeling like this.  Karen

[tony]

I saw your note and understand how you feel - you might check out a post
titled "post op depression", you may find you are not alone.
Anyhow, meantime, there is medication you can use - but beware of anything
that is known to increase dizzy spells - you may swap one problem for another.
Regarding facial nerve - you need to check if it is still functional
a specialist can do this - get a second opinion
If its still intact the right exercises can get things moving again
Check out "the loss of face" on the internet
the author has spent 10 yrs working with face/rebuild/nerve issues
there are things that you can do.
Good in your search
any questions please ask
Best Regards
Tony

[rntiggergirl]

Hi-
Antidepressants can help.  It has been 3 1/2 years since my original Middle Fossa surgery and I have had several complications thru this time period. I have had 5 surgeries for different things, the last being 8/28/06.  I have been on antidepressants since my original surgery and I do not have any significant side effects.  This has help my coping skills significantly.  You need to go to a psychiatrist and be prepared to explain all the medical things that are going on with you, then and only then can they work with you to find the right medication,  it may take a time of trial and error, antidepressants usually have some significant side effects initially and then they will go away within 2-3 wks, dizziness is one of these symptoms. I do not have any additional dizziness now than before I started taking antidepressants, however the first few weeks were tough. 

Good luck to you and I will keep you in my prayers!!!!
Cheryl

[Captain Deb]

There is a certain amount of "shame" attached to using anti-depressants and there shouldn't be--I just went through this with my daughter-in-law, a mom of a 3 and 1 yr old, who is dealing with a lot of stuff right now, including a car accident which has left her unable to care for her family like she wants  and has left her in chronic pain. She feels she "ought to be able to handle this."

I've been on and off anti-depressants since my surgery--right now off them because of issues with the Imitrex that I need to take for my headaches. But my headaches are being managed better these days, so my depression has abated somewhat.  Depression has physical ramifications and there is no shame in getting help for it.  My neurologist prescribes them--no need to see a shrink, at least there wasn't for me. Taken as prescribed they are a great help.  The two I have been on have been Lexapro, and most recently Cymbalta.  I had no side effects from either.
I wouldn't even think of dispensing medical advice on this forum, but I can share my experience. For me, when I find myself sliding into that "pit," these drugs can give me some breathing room.
Capt Deb

[Kathleen_Mc]

I have been on and off antidepressant over the years, my sergeon explained that there is a chemical shift in the brain after surgery such as we've had that may cause the depression and this may or may not revert. Combine this with the trauma of servious illness, the loss of hearing/facial function/possible social isolation while being ill and all the other goodies that go in this bag of AN experience and hey who wouldn't get depressed. I haven't experinced any increase to my dizziness with the use of SSRI antidepressants but one of the older type one's did give me a problem and I couldn't tolerate it (I wasn't on this for depression though it was a trial to see if my headaches would be better controlled with the use of that drug).
You don't have to see a head shrink, you family doctor can order these drugs and monitor them.
Kathleen

[pattibobatti]

HI

Why are you scared?  If you need the medicine it can make all the difference.  But it is true, sometimes it takes awhile to find the right medicine that works for you. 

We all understand how this feels.  The things that you write about are things that I know I feel.  I'm very tired of this too.  And it is mostly what I think about.  Directly or indirectly.  I hate the way I look plenty of the time.  And I feel like the more time goes by, others are less sensitive about my problems.  I usually don't say anything because I suppose that is just what happens..  We're old news!!!!!!

But there is a change in me after all this AN stuff.  I am determined to do the best I can and get the best info when there is something wrong.  I think I am more in charge of my life.  Really, I'm the only one that can take the best care of me..  And it feels very good when I do take care of myself. 

Learn all you can about antidepressants...  Thank goodness they are available !!

I will have facial re animation surgery in 3 weeks with a top plastic surgeon.  I chose him because I think he will be the best.  Can't wait!! We can't even afford this but I know it is what I need to get on with things......

I am just sure there is help for you.  Sometimes it is hard to find but it is there. 

let me know if ever I can help you. And yes, I'm on anti-depressants because I have a chemical imbalance. 

Take care!

Pattibobatti

[Brendalu]

Karen,
Any type of brain surgery is hard to deal with and then put with it all that goes on in a "normal" daily life and what is going on in the world today.  Anti-depressants help.  I think initially it is okay to have your PCP prescribe, but I also think it is wise to talk to someone.  General Practice can only presrcibe one family of drugs, a shrink hasto do the rest.  At least in my case.  I'll keep you in my thoughts  and prayers.
Hugs,
BrendaO