Depression hurts

[soregal]

I am 66 years old and have gone through a lot of changes the last few months.   I had rectocele surgery in Oct 2010 which I recovered from rather quickly.   Then in May I started having stomach problems and was put in the hospital for pancreatitis by the ER doctor.   An endocrinologist saw me in the hospital and after one day said he really didn't think I had pancreatitis so released me.  Then I saw a gastro doctor and had tests which included a CT scan, colognoscopy, endoscopy, and MRI.   They never found anything but diverticulosis and a small hiatal hernia.  However they found with the CT scan that I had large cysts on my ovaries so then I went to a gynecologist and she took my ovaries out. The cysts were very large but not cancerous.  This surgery was June 27th.  Being hospitalized and all tests and surgery were within a 6 week period.   So my thyroid I'm sure is in normal range since I have hypothyroidism and the gynecologist lowered my estrogen dosage.   So enough of all this huh?

Since the last surgery I have become very depressed and tired.  All the tests, being hospitalized and then surgery I lost a lot of sleep and became very exhausted.   I wake up very depressed and don't want to get out of bed (plus the terrible heat we are having).  Spells come over me like I have this huge weight pulling me down and I ache all over.   I told my family doctor and she just said she didn't know.  Needless to say I am looking for another doctor.  I am single and really do not have many friends to socialize with since I don't work now.  I get up and try to go somewhere everyday but I just become so exhausted and ache so bad I come home and lay down.  I know I'm getting older but to hurt this way all over my body is not normal.  My legs and shoulders ache so bad I can hardly stand it.   I truly think it is depression and know that depression really hurts.  I should be relieved all tests and surgery are over.   And I know I am very blessed not to have any serious diagnosis and no cancer.  So now I don't know what to do or where to turn especially if my doctor ignores me.  I explained to her I feel run down and tired and she just shrugged her shoulders.  Please if anyone gets these feelings come over them I would appreciate any advice.  How do I come out of this slump I'm in.  Where do I turn?  I take a good multi vitamin and try to get plenty of rest.

[TheaT]

My heart certainly goes out to you.  You have had so many health issues in a short time.  I also am 66.  I have had a few of the same issues as you, but not in such a short period of time.  I have struggled with depression and anxiety for 12 years.  I have tried several drugs for these conditions.  The reason I bring this us, is because I went off Prozac and did quite well for 2 or 3 months.  Then I began aching horribly.  Every bone in my body and muscle hurt.  I called the psychiatrist (I see him 3 times a year).  He said to go back on the Prozac 20 mg.  He was almost positive the pain I was feeling was due to stress and being off Prozac magnified the pain.  I hated going back on this drug or any drug for that matter.  I felt like a failure.  However, I did begin taking the Prozac again and have taken it for less than a week and must say the pain is almost gone.  I take 1 or 2 Tylenol if need be.
I hope this helps you.  Yes, I have learned that depression does hurt.

[Mom2four85]

I'm so sorry you're going through this; I went through pretty much the same thing 2 years ago at the age of 42.  

Previous to going in for what doctor's thought was a simple procedure for pvc's, I walked, ran, worked, did all the yard work and had plenty of friends and was always on the go.  I had a tilt table test that my heart stopped during then during the procedure my heart stopped 3 times; which left me with various damage througout my body.

The emotions and emotional problems I managed before this was multiplied and worsened to where I could care less whether I lived or died and wished my heart would stop again just so I'd be out of this miserable thing I call a life...being physically sick can really play havoc on our emotional health and so many of us ignore it like I did.

I'm just now getting help after almost 2 years; had I gone to a psych dr I may not have progressed as far in depression as I have.  

Keep searching for a doctor who understands and will help you; another thing is the first psych dr you see may not work for you; if not don't feel bad and try to find one that does fit you.

[mammo]

First of all find a new doctor...one who has your best interest at heart.  It sounds to me like you are depressed which causes us to not want to do anything, sleep a lot, have no motivation to do anything, and physically hurt.  Make an appt. to see a psychiatrist so the two of you can decide the best course of treatment for you.  I recommend a psychiatrist because they are most knowledagble with the kinds of medication to treat depression.  We're close in age and I agree that your body shouldn't hurt like that.  But I also have suffered with depression for years and know what it can do to you.  You're now healthy and should be able to enjoy your life knowing that.  Don't delay, the sooner you seek help...the sooner you will feel better.  Best wishes and take care.