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C

carlapv

It has been a long long time since I have posted. I have been lurking trying to keep up with everyone but I just haven't been able to muster the courage to post. I know that sounds crazy to say it takes courage to post on this site but.....this has been really difficult for me.

I have been down a pretty rough road for the last two years and I hope that my experiences can help someone else. After my surgery (which in itself has been difficult to deal with) I found myself seeing my entire life change. I was fired from my job, unable to find another in my field and ended up doing retail sales. I am not a salesperson, I can't sell anything, plus it was physically too demanding. I am now in the middle of an SSI appeal.

Well enough of that. What I really want to say to everyone is this......Please take as good care of your emotional health as you all do with your physical health. I can tell you from experience that it is just as important. I know that after OHS most folks go through a bout of depression and that this is considered normal and should go away within a relatively short period of time. If it does not PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not ignore it. Treat it just as you would if your heart issues do not improve after your surgery. Also I would strongly suggest that you seek treatment from a specialist in the area of emotional and mental health, just as you do with your cardiologist, pulmonologist, etc. Most doctors who deal with physical ailments , do not know much about emotional issues. If not addressed appropriately, emotional and mental issues will effect your physical health and can and will create a downward spiral which is very difficult to come out of.

As you can see I am very serious about this issue. I have really struggled these past two years with an overpowering depression that began after my surgery and has continued. I am doing really well now, am off meds and I am dealing with things much better. However, this only occured when I turned to a professional qualified to deal with the issues I had and left my medical doctors to treat my medical issues.

As I have read your posts over the last months, it is clear to me that I am not alone. There are many folks on this site who seem to be struggling with these issues as well. You all know who you are, and I hope that maybe you will take this post to heart and seek appropriate treatment. You will not be sorry you did. Depression does not have to control your life. You all are some of the most courageous folks I know, so suck it up, and take care of your total self.


Thanks for always being here!

Carla
 
Hi Carla-

It's nice to see you again. And more importantly, nice to hear that you are taking care of the total person. Hope to see more of you now, don't be a stranger. You have lots of friends here.

And you have much to offer to those who are struggling with the same issues you have been struggling with. We need your expertise here.
 
Hi Carla

So glad to "see" you back again. Glad to hear you are working on all the issues of OHS and what it can bring.

Don't be a stranger here.......we've missed you.

Evelyn
 
Oh it's good to see you post! Please try not to be shy or scared to say what's on your mind. We are interested in you and your well being also.;)

Yes many are experiencing Depression and most, as you know, won't admit to it until they've hit rock bottom and life is unbearable. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THIS WAY!

Carla do you have an attorny working with you on this appeal? If not, get one! SS loves to say no to individuals, but an attorney........they listen too.
 
Carla,
It's so good to hear from you. I'm sorry that you've had such a struggle since your surgery, but am glad to read that you took a proactive approach in dealing with everything. You are so right, it is important to seek out the best treatment possible in the correct field. Your words are full of wisdom.

Wishing you all the best!
 
Carla,
Happy Belated Birthday!:)
We share the same birthday with several other VR members!
There is nothing more important than our mental well being; thanks for taking the time to remind us all that we need to be ever vigilant in protecting it.
 
Hi Carla

Hi Carla

Glad to see you posting again...My son is still a Lawrenceville Ga. policeman...:) As I told you before, you can always ask for him..if you have a problem ..which I hope you don't.........I have heard it's hard to get SSI..so many people I know need it.Sister tried..but was turned down..She works several hours a day at a local Red Cross center..At least she gets to sit down.............Good luck with everything..Bonnie
 
Hey, Carla. Gee, it's so nice to see you. I have seen you peekin in from time to time when I go to 'who's online'.

I have to agree with you on the depression issue. I spent several months this year being very physically ill and apparently it was mostly/all due to depression over my bro's sudden life threatening illness. My dr finally several weeks ago got me going again. Bro isn't better, but now I can handle it far better.

I will keep you in my prayers and tell you how glad we are to see an old friend.
 
Great Post

Great Post

Carla, Thanks for the great post! I think we should bump it back to the top of the list every 3-6 months! The only thing I'd add to it is: If you are not getting the help you need from one docotr, don't give up, move on to another doctor! This is my philosophy with all doctors, but when treating depression, or mental illness people are often prone to being passive about getting effective treatment. Congratulations on your victory! Thanks again, Brian
 
Carla,
I understand what you are saying and thanks for voicing it. It is not easy admitting that we "can't handle things". Making it through OHS is such a gift that it is easy to believe that we should be able to face anything that comes along. When we get depressed, it is also easy to feel weak in the face of the gift of extended life. Surely a catch-22 situation.
I hope things go well for you.
 
Carla,
Thank you for your post. I'm almost two months post-op and have struggled with worry and depression myself. I've been dealing with some teeth-related issues and wondering WHY this has to happen now instead of before my surgery. Basically, I started grinding at night shortly before my surgery, because although I may not have shown it on the outside, I was pretty worried/stressed/anxious on the inside, and as my dentist explained to me, my teeth began to "rebel." Still, having painful teeth every day is no party and depressing, even though I know exactly what's going on.

I am trying to put it out of my mind and focus on all the good things I have in my life. I've been blessed with a great family, friends, a cardiologist who truly cares about his patients, and an awesomely skilled surgeon who all made this "ordeal" bearable. Being off work for almost four months now (two before surgery, and I'm hoping to resume my teaching job next month) has been a strain emotionally, too. I'm hoping once my life resembles something like it was before April, I'll feel much better.

Thanks for your words of wisdom. They were exactly what I needed to hear.

Debi (debster913)
 
Thanks for all your sweet replies. I am so tickled that I was finally able to actually post. Who knows maybe I will become a post-a-holic and you will all wish I hadn't started this.
Ross, I do have an attorney, I hope he is good. I just got my denial on Wednesday and of course he is on vacation until the week of the 15th when I have an appointment. I guess I'll spend my time getting all my medical records in order so that he will have them when I go in.

Thanks again y'all for always being here.

Carla
 
Carla -

Carla -

Such words of wisdom from a woman who knows firsthand about depression. Thank you for your honesty and your willingness to help others. My depression came out in the form of anxiety, I believe, and a lack of zest for life. I still struggle with it, but am now on thyroid replacement and I think that is helping some.

I'm so glad you are doing better.

Don't be a stranger!

Christina L
 
great to have you back

great to have you back

hi carla,
i agree with everyone here in that your post was very meaningful for you as well as many who have read it.
in our situations, whether you are the patient, spouse, parent or child, depression must be more common than we can even imagine, considering what we deal with on a daily basis.

it's great to see you back here.
be well, sylvia
 
Ssi

Ssi

Carla,

It is good to see your face again. :D I often don't remember names, but I do remember faces. I'm so glad to hear that you are better. I have taken anti-depressants for years and they keep me from plunging too far down. I do get down, but it doesn't last for weeks and weeks like it used to. I just have to stay on them and they are a Godsend.

Regarding your SSI. Did you have a lawyer for your first application? Where on the web did you find the application?

Again, it is good to see you and don't be a stranger.:)

Barbara
 
Carla, Thanks for putting into words how a lot of people are feeling. I admire you for facing this head-on and being proactive, and then being able to tell others about it. People shouldn't be afraid or ashamed to see a psychiatrist about their emotional or mental health. It's exactly the same as a physical problem. I'm on Effexor XR and have been for about five years. Like Christina, mine is in the form of anxiety. My psychiatrist was able to help me understand how my heart problems were tied into the way I was feeling emotionally. You're very right when you say that each physician has his/her speciality and a psychiatrist is who one should see about their emotional well being. Thanks again for posting about this subject. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers concerning your SSI. Please stick around and keep us informed about how things are going for you. LINDA
 
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