by Jeanine1970

I was diagnosed 2 years out of nursing school, what a drag, and the pain!! There were many days that I questioned why I even got out of bed. Rheumatoid causes so much pain that it can send you into a deep depression... Knowing that there is no amount of pain killers that will dull the pain.

I was able to start on biologics, the first being Enbrel, until I had an allergic reaction...then more pills, until finally Humira, I have good and bad days, happy to say more good. There are still times with the pain that I get so depressed, because no one understands how bad you hurt!!

Has anyone taken depression meds for this type of depression? What about Cymbalta, the one that is supposed to help with the pain of depression?

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis

I take Indomethacin 75mg BID for Psoriatic Arthritis and I am 28 years old. Also I have been dealing with depression for years and I take Seroquel 25mg in the AM and Seroquel 200mg at night time, and Celexa 20mg in the AM and it is a good stable mix. However I am now taking the Seroquel 200mg earlier in the evening because it has a 12hr effect, cuz I would take it at 9:30-10pm and then the 25mg at 6:30AM (I get up at 6:25) and be drugged most of the AM!

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis

I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago, however I have also had MS for about 9 yrs now. So, I feel you, I have good days and bad days also. I force myself to move because otherwise, I get too depressed . kristi

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis

I too have the good and bad days. I am now taking fish oil supplements TID and it is helping and I am having less flare ups. Everyday I too have to force myself to get going, plus I have a job I love, and if I call out, I too get down in the dumps

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Originally Posted by Jeanine1970

I was diagnosed 2 years out of nursing school, what a drag, and the pain!! There were many days that I questioned why I even got out of bed. Rheumatoid causes so much pain that it can send you into a deep depression... Knowing that there is no amount of pain killers that will dull the pain.

I was able to start on biologics, the first being Enbrel, until I had an allergic reaction...then more pills, until finally Humira, I have good and bad days, happy to say more good. There are still times with the pain that I get so depressed, because no one understands how bad you hurt!!

Has anyone taken depression meds for this type of depression? What about Cymbalta, the one that is supposed to help with the pain of depression?

I know what you go through. I was dx'd w/ R.A. about 3 years ago. I take prednisone and methotrexate right now. I have had some really bad nights,where I almost wished I was dead. You can't help feeling depressed some days. I've got other health stuff too... Jeanine, Ice packs work pretty good. And I would really ask your rheumy. about an antidepressant. I've heard of people taking cymbalta with good results. But i believe many of the older meds. work just as well,like, zoloft,Elavil and Wellbutrin. Some of the newer ones are not really all that new,the pharm.co's just change a few molecules or two ! Hope this info.helps a little...

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi,

I'm not a nurse yet (start my RN program in the fall), but I'm currently working as a DCA in a LTC and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at age 12, so I really feel for you. I also have congenitally fused vertebrae which just tops it all off. All I can say is that I have my good days and my bad days and have certainly battled with bouts of depression...it's rough at times. As far as medications, Humira has been a god-send for me as far as inflammation and pain go. Prednisone was wonderful before I went on Humira (I remember going on short cycles of it and waking up thinking, "Wow! This is what "normal" people feel like when they get up in the morning? No swelling or pain? This is fabulous!"), but it of course doesn't address the progression of the joint damage and I'm in the high-risk group for developing osteo (small, thin, white female). At this time I'm on Humira, Depakote (for anxiety/depression) and I was on a small dose of Seroquel, but haven't felt the need to take it for months now. Working with a doctor I really trust and being totally honest about my pain levels and depression were key to getting where I am now. Realizing and accepting that it's *okay* to feel depressed when you're in chronic pain was key for me as well.

Having said all that, my family thinks I'm crazy for having left website design (sitting at a computer all day) to work in LTC and go back to school in hopes of becoming a RN .

Babs

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thanks for the advice! I have not found ice to help so far... I too take Metho with the Humira... No more prednisone, it makes me feel crazy! I have found that since I am now working 5 days a week 8 hour days, my pain has decreased some. Which has meant less depression, except for when I have the exacerbations! I hope you are doing well.

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis

I have Psoriatic Arthritis. Long term steroid use has caused compression fractures in my back. The arthritis is painful and I had to have a total hip replacement 2 years ago. I'm now looking at medical disabilty as I can no longer work in the ER as the Humira has suppressed my immune system and I get everything that comes thru the door. Does anyone know of a "work from home" job for a seasoned RN? I'm too young to quit and have too many years of knowledge, what a waste that would be.

I tried the anti-depressants. They didnt work for me, it's the pain that wears me out day after day. The Humira helps a lot and I too take multi-vitamins, fish oil and flaxseed.

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Have you thought about Case Management? or Telephone Triage? Some of these are done in an office, the job I have is at the hospital, I still get to do some patient care, but I am lucky that I don't catch everything.

Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis

I have had RA since 2001. I have been on MTX since then, and have been on and failed humira,remicade, orencia and am currently on enbrel, which by itself helps a bit. I started on a clinical trial in Feb that combines the enbrel with rituxan, so far it is working really well with the joints, but I am still exhausted and attract every virus that circulates.
I work in newborn nursery, so the work isn't physically demanding 90% of the time.
My rheumatologist also thinks I may have fibro...everything aches that isn't a joint. Anybody here on Lyrica?