Anti-depressants? Really?

So, I'm 3 and a bit weeks post-op (kept my ovaries). I'm down, I know I am, and the old rollercoaster keeps on trucking...

I had a follow-up with my doc the other day and he was fab. Said it would get easier, but I could always pick up the phone or make an appointment to see him if I just needed to offload about it all... But he also said if it didn't lift, maybe anti-depressants were something to think about, to help get me through the worst of it...

I just figured that I need to ride this out - that I NEED to feel everything as part of the recovery, no matter how rubbish it might be at the time. And that I need to give my ovaries and hormones time to settle again.

I don't know. Has anybody else found that tablets helped? I'm not sure I like the thought of it, but would be interested if anybody had their own experiences on this one to share?

Hi Lollie!!

I will be 5 months post op on Monday. My Dr has just prescribed antidepressants because he is of the opinion that my pain, extreme fatigue and lack of stamina and energy stem from depression. I do not believe him, but have decided to try them. He says that it is all part of “reconditioning” after surgery and that my body is taking longer than it should. He said that he was prescribing based on “physical symptoms” rather than a “mental condition”. I think that it was that statement that made me decide to go ahead and try.

I like your idea about riding it out to feel everything as part of the recovery. You are early in your recovery yet.
I am not advising either way, just telling you my situation.

Good luck whichever way you decide.

Hugs,
Suzanne

hi lollie, i was taking celexa before surgery for pmdd and still take it and it has been a lifesaver. i have one ovary which still is a little sluggish so i do still have some night flushes. i cant do hrt but my doc has said a higher dose of celexa will help with hot flashes. i have decided to wait and see if things even out before changing anything since they arent interfering with my life. at 3 weeks it is early for you but if you feel depressed vs down it may be wise to pursue the meds or hrt until your ovaries wake up. you can definitely try to ride it out but there are things that can help if it gets to be too much. make sure you have a good support system and lean on us here. hope you are feeling better soon!

I also take Celexa and have for 10 years and even with my meds I am feeling some anxiety and sadness..I cant imagine what it would feel like OFF meds..but dr said its all hormone related and that I will feel alot better ina few weeks

Its ok to want to partner in your recovery but not neccesary to suffer..so if you feel you need the medication to help you get by then so be it...it doesnt mean you are weak it just means that you want some rest from the mental upset you are feeling right now

I have been taking Zoloft for about 7 years now for anxiety/depression and I don't think I'd be able to function without it right now.. Lol. But, I can see where not having taken an anti-depressant before surgery could be a little intimidating. It is your body. you need to do what is best for you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!

Thank you everyone for your replies - I know it can be such a sensitive thing so I appreciate you sharing. I think I'll give myself a little bit more time and see how it goes - I know it is early days.

It is just odd how one part of me can be healing so well, whilst the other starts to fall apart!

lollie- I think we all feel that way that parts of us are falling apart... Lol... I know I've never felt this helpless in my life. It is a major event that we just went through on many levels ... Best wishes for a speedy recovery (both mind and body)!!

I am 4+ weeks post lap abdominal Hysterectomy. I have been wondering if I need to take something too.

I am really down and had a bad day yesterday (professionally). Today I feel like a truck slammed me. I have been teary all week......kept my ovaries and they seem to be working (feel ovulation, and the night sweats and hot flashes of the first 2 weeks have disappeared).

Don't know if this is normal recovery fatigue (felt great all of the third week...lots of energy I was so excited). This week I crashed and I am not sure whether to ride it out or not.

Prior to surgery I had some Chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia symptoms. I felt none of them at weeks 2 and 3 at all. I was excited that they were gone (may have been from the anemia), but now I am not so sure. Time will tell but I am sick of waiting (only because the waiting started way before the surgery)

Only wanted you to know that I am thinking similarly and I hope you can find an answer that gives you peace. You need to function well for all around you so take care of yourself.

Had my surgery same day as you and still have my ovaries as well. I have been through the ups and downs, anxiety attacks etc. I have not been on any meds for this but figured out that the pain meds were increasing these feelings (percocet in particular). Before you commit to anti-depressants, try cutting back on your pain meds if possible. I have taken anti-depressants in the past and they do help, but if you can get by without them why not try. My sister said she had the same issues and to not be afraid to ride it out. It is normal. Do what is best for you!! Don't let anyone decide for you not to take something if you are really in the dumps. My thoughts and prayers are with you -