Depression 2

That is a dear friend Mishap. I am so hoping you will make the concert.

That's lovely, mishap. I'm glad for you that you have such a kind friend. I hope things improve steadily for you now

You must be a special person Mishap to have people show you such kindness.

A dear friend has just rung to say that she is going to buy 2 tickets to the concert that I want to go to, and if I am well enough to go with her that is good, but if not she will find someone else who would like to go. I just have to get better with this sort of kindness on tap.

One step at a time Mishap, you are getting somewhere. xx

I have everything crossed for your Mishap in the hope that your meds will now work for you as opposed to all the trial and error episodes you have had to endure.

I sincerely hope also that this will see you turn a corner and you find yourself going from strength to strength.

Well done, your lovely DD

((((Hugs)))) x

Re buying those tickets - I would, and see how I feel when I get to that date, even if you lose the money. If you feel like going you will at least know that you are a bit better, if you don't, you will know that something isn't working.

Was it someone on here who said that anxiety is when you worry too much, depression is when you don't care about anything at all? I was depressed a long time ago but it was a lightbulb moment when I read that. I'm so scared of it happening again that I do have some very elderly pills squirrelled away, as a sort of comfort blanket.

I have arrhythmia too, and no-one ever mentioned it being a problem 20-odd years ago. I am still alive to tell the tale!

It looks like you are a bit more in control of managing your depression now, mishap. Good to see they listened to you and agree with your need to treat it more effectively. It should have a knock-on effect for your arrhythmia if you feel less anxious. Good health for the new year

PS I also found 'fighting' it pretty useless, it is a gradual process and progress can be slow, but I'm sure you'll get there x

Crumbs Mishap, I really admire you, depression is a truly miserable illness as I well know and mine was relatively mild. As Teetime says, hopefully the fog's beginning to lift . Can you ask a friend to go to the concert with you so you have a bit of support if feeling a bit wobbly? I found having my very good friend with me made a huge difference when I managed to get out of the house, would have struggled without her.
Do hope things continue to improve, even if the medication takes a bit of juggling to get right.
(((HUGS))) and a big bouquet to you x

Weeping is nature's stress release. Sorry it sounds twee when I put it like that but it's true. Don't worry about crying. It's good for you.

I think you're right to choose the ad over the beta blocker but you need to let your gp know what you're doing so he can alter your records.

Many thanks to all of you.

After a weepy evening, I went off the beta-blockers last night and the old ticker is working overtime but has not descended into anything serious. I started on the anti-depressant last night and coupled it with a very very tiny dose of lorezepam which helps relieve the nausea and gives me a good night's sleep. I am a bit lethargic this morning, but up, dressed and on my feet. It does seem that the combination of anti-d and beta-blocker was what was rendering me semi-comatose; so it has to be one or the other, but not together it would seem.

All your kind words are hugely appreciated and mean a lot to me at a time when I am aware that I am not the best of company - even online!

I am very aware that up till now I have never really understood the nature of depressive illness and how bad it can be. I hope that as a result I will be a better friend to those who suffer from it in the future.

Just popped in to say "hello Mishap sorry im not much help with any advice other than what OP have said, I know there is always someone around on here to chat what ever time of day (and no doubt there are night owls amongst us)

Mishap I too have only just read this thread and I do sympathise have experienced several periods of depression myself and have decided today to make an app with the GP (first available 12 th January!!!).

I do hope you are getting some help and seeing the fog lift a little- there are so many kind and wise people on here and I'm sure they are more than willing to lend an ear. My good wishes and I hope Christmas is not an ordeal for you. here's to a better 2015.

mishap sorry to read that you are experiencing such difficulties. Reading this thread (for the first time today) it is a testament to your strength and resolve, and also the kindness of Gransnetters and others who have helped, including the gung-ho GP and the "on-the-ball" cardiac nurse.

I'm full of admiration for you.

Book the baritone concert, unless you are really feeling so dreadful that day that you absolutely can't make it, it can surely only be of immense benefit to someone who loves music as much as you do.

Mishap, I know I have said this before to someone else with depression/mental illness but if you can afford it try complementary therapies. Indian head massage is wonderful to buck you up and they can use mood lifting oils that really do work, body massage too is good and there are many people practicing. Its not good for my condition, apart from reiki which I practice, but for you it would work wonders.
Most practitiioners will work in your home or you can travel to them which ever you prefer.

Perhaps think of it as having something to look forward to, rather than a target?

Glad things are improving for you.

I'm a bit spaced out this morning - but maybe that is not a bad place to be under the circumstances!

What I find hard is being unable to plan anything - I have just had a flier telling me that my favourite baritone Roderick Williams is coming to perform near here on 22nd January. Normally I would jump at this chance; but at present I do not feel confident that I will be well enough to go - I find this pretty tough as it is a measure of where I am at present. Do I buy a ticket as an act of faith? - or is setting targets too much pressure?

Hope your feeling a little better this morning mishap

That all sounds more positive Mishap

Good luck Mishap I do hope whichever solution you choose, works asap!

I have had a call back from the cardiac nurse - she has discussed it with the cardiologist and the advice is that treating the depression is the main priority at the moment and that the cardiologist is happy with the use of dosulepin. The suggestions are two; either:

- take a lower dose of the beta-blocker and gradually build up the dosulepin alongside it.
- risk not taking the beta-blocker and build up the dosulepin alone.

They suggest I try one of these options for a while and reconsider if I am getting lots of arrhythmia problems. And there does not seem to be huge concern about me getting SVT, especially as I am able to abort it pretty quickly.

At least I have a plan now - I just have to suck it and see. Fingers crossed.

Is the beta blocker the first med they've tried for your AF? It think they're quite notorious for making people feel unwell, when I was first put on meds for my AF the cardiologist said that he wasn't going to use a beta blocker because it would hinder my ability to exercise. I'm on Diltiazem for rate control, and the rhythm control was Flecainide, but it's now Amiodarone. Did I see you mention that you have fibrosis, is that from Amiodarone? Have they offered you an ablation?

Great to hear that you are getting the attention needed now. Let's hope that this is the light at the end of the tunnel. (I won't mention trains coming the other way) (DOH, I mentioned it !)

I can't comment on dosulepin (I take fluoxetine), but it not unusual to get side effects when first taking anti depressants, these ease of and disappear quite quickly. These are strong mood changing drugs, you must expect some odd effects for a while.