Black Dog 19

Hairspray100 It IS horrible. I first had depression at the age of 30. It was then called Endogenous depression. I was on Prothiaden nd Propranolol, for about 10 months. I then became depressed again some time on my 40s, and was on 20mg of Citalopram for many years, until it was swapped for the Mirtazapine 5 or 5 years ago (the changeover in drug was awful and very difficult). Like everyone, I've had bereavement, worry about debts, change in jobs, etc., and been able to cope with all those things. Depression has been something else. I hope you will start to feel brighter soon (you'll probably realise gradually that you don't feel that horrible despair)

HowVeryDareYou
Thank you for your reply. I feel the same way. This has all been a very new experience for me. It seemed to start from nowhere and just get worse. What a terrible illness this is.
I feel so sorry for anyone dealing with it. Lots of people don’t seem to understand that it is not self inflicted, far from it.

Hairspray I was on 15mg for about 3 or 4 weeks. When it was eventually increased to 45mg, I had about 3 days of feeling really euphoric, which was great (apparently, some people take Mirtazapine as a recreational drug to get that high). Apart from the drowsiness and appetite increase, I haven't ever had any other side effects. I hope you find them suitable. I would rather take these for the rest of my days (I'm 64) than ever feel as terrible as I did before them.

Thank you so much. I am keeping my fingers crossed as I know that I need some help. I am so terrified of taking tablets and feel that every little thing is a side effect. I Google too much as well. ( health anxiety as well as everything else!)
I have been on them for 2 weeks now and GP said that I need to stay on them for 6 months then see how I go.
The way that I have been for the past months cannot be any worse so I was happy to give them a try.
They don’t make me feel drowsy at all but they have helped with sleep which was a blessing.
I feel a bit hungrier but had lost a lot of weight due to how I have been. May I ask how long you were on the 15mg for as that is the dose that I have been given.
HowVeryDareYOu, did you have any side effects apart from the drowsiness.
Thank you

How has everyone been today? We had Chubby Chops all day. Took her to McArthur Glen (a designer outlet place), had a look around some shops (which I loathe, actually, but it gave her something to look at), went to a coffee shop, and she slept for 2 hours. We did the usual things here when we got back (play, singing, bottle, etc). Son picked her up at 6.30. Same thing tomorrow x

Hairspray I've been on Mirtazapine for about 5 or 6 years. I started on 15mg, my appetite increased (particularly for bread). I gained about a stone. It was increased to 30mg, which, strangely enough, made me feel a bit odd. It was then increased to 45mg (maximum dosage). I take it about an hour before I want to go to sleep, and it makes be quite drowsy. I feel much better than I did 5 or 6 years ago. I still have odd times when I feel a bit low (although that might be due to the stroke I had 2 years ago). My son (42) takes 45mg and has been on it since he had a breakdown about 4 years ago. He's fine, and like anyone, has ups and downs (that's just life) but has found Mirtazapine very beneficial.

Hello everyone, I recently started a new thread about AD medication as I wanted some input from people who have used them.
I first posted in September as I was suffering very badly with anxiety and depression. I had wonderful support from everyone on GN but things didn’t improve as I had a bad reaction to Sertraline and have been terrified of taking anything ever since.
I was recently started on Mirtazapine and wondered if anyone had used this and how they had got on.
I recalled during my September post that someone had mentioned this thread so here I am.
Everyone seems very friendly and supportive of each other and that gives me hope that you have all managed to get through the dark days and post on here in such a nice way.
I have had a dreadful few months and would love to hear some of your journeys through The Black Dog days.
You all sound cheerful and that gives me heart.
Thank you all for reading.

Hi all I am so sorry I have just lost a long post - previewed and then forgot to send it. I,m really tired after this eventful week so will just send love to all.xxxxxx🎄🎄🎄🎄

Doodle Your poor husband. His heels must be very sore indeed. As Whiff says, ulcer nurses should be treating him (or are they already?). If the doctor is reluctant to give Co-Codamol, is there anything else he could have? All tablets have side-effects and the potential to be addictive. You have both been through such a lot. x

Whiff Your chocolate Black Forest cake looks gorgeous. Do you do a lot of baking and cooking?

SweetpeaSue Gift cards are a good idea. I always get Son1 a Next one for his birthday, as he never buys clothes for himself. I'm glad you had a decent day. How's your husband feeling?

Candy6 You're always busy. How long have you got off work for Christmas?

Wyllow3 Hope you have got people to talk to.

Just waiting for Baby Doll to arrive (Son bringing her then working from home, mum and older girl have gone to London until tomorrow evening) Hope ALL BDers manage to have a decent day. x

The fox came early last night (10.30-ish)

Night night, BD's xxx

Evening all, have caught up again, Been so busy as usual but getting stressed over Christmas now too. I do wonder how I’ll get everything done. I put myself under so much pressure but I’m sure I’ll get there.
HVDY hope you’re enjoy our time with chubby chops. I’ll bet you are tired though. Hope the fox is ok, you are so kind to him.
Doodle your DH’s heels sound so sore. I hope he gets some relief soon. Hope you are ok too.
Nadaterturbe I’m so sorry you were poorly when you went away. That must have been so disappointing for you but I’m glad you got to spend some quality time with your family, albeit short. Your GS sounds like he’s turning into a delightful young man. You must be very proud.
Ellie Anne I’m so sorry for you. I too think some AD’s may help. I resisted for such a long time but I’m glad I did.
Sweetpeasue it sounds like you have found someone who can help you at last. I’m so glad for you. It must be a relief. Hope you’ve been pain free today.
Whiff well done on the new thread. I’m not that much of a cook but I like to eat and I like to feed my family well so I try. I’ll take a look for some inspiration.
Sorry my post is short, so tired as usual.bed now. Love to Scaredycat Wyllow Nanny and ever else. Sorry if I’ve missed anyone. Night night xx

Doodle glad you like my recipes. As far as Co codamol is concerned I have been on it for nearly 20 years I usually only take 4 a day . As far as addiction is concerned all tablets are addictive even vitamin tablets . If you take them for a couple of months your body is used to them and if suddenly stopped even vitamin tablets can give you withdrawal symptoms.

As long as the co codamol are helping him then the Dr should still let him have them. If your husband has nerve pain as well 10mg of Amptriplyine twice a day should help him with that. I was on that dose since 1992 until 6 months ago and my pain got worse and now take 10mg 3 times a day which has helped
and haven't had a pain flare since being on that dosage. In a higher dose it is used for depression..
But like lot of drugs they are duel purpose.

The only real draw back with co codamol is they can make you constipation. If you take 6-8 a day for month or they did me. Hence taking 4 a day.

As your husband has open wounds on his feet the ulcer department would know the best way to heal them . As that is there expertise as and open wound like your husbands can be treated the same way they treat ulcers.

One fall I had years ago caused an ulcer on my leg just above my ankle bone took 5 months to heal.

If your husband is taking lansaprazole to protect his stomach I hope he is having regular blood tests. I had to come off them as they reduced my sodium levels to much after only being on them for 4 months. I just use Gaviscon as advised by my GP if I get acid reflux or if I have a tummy ache .

I hope he can get the help he needs to heal. You have both been through so much lately it's been one thing on top of another.. Just hope soon you can have a time when you are both well.

Doodle That's terrible for you both. Is it 30mg co-codamol? I expect he must be taking something for his stomach-like lansaprazole? Well nice guidelines are just that-- guidelines. DH had to have 20mg prednisone to get rid of Polymyalgia pain and not nice guidelines of 15mg. If he'd had that from the beginning, 2mth ago he could have reduced and be on lesser dose now. Hope you both sleep well and your DH's restless legs aren't still a problem.

Sweetpeasue yes DHs heels are really sore. If you can imagine a huge blister about 2” x 3” that was full of blood then burst. It’s like an open wound (even though it’s covered with dressing. Every time he walks on it of course it puts pressure on and opens it up again. He’s probably taking about 7 cocodamol every 24 hours. .i have a feeling it’s one of the junior or new doctors who left the message. They want to follow all the guidelines irrespective of how the patient feels.
So, so pleased to hear you’ve had a better day. It lifts the spirits.
Wyllow night night, 😴 sleep tight. Thinking of you xx

HVDY What a shame your fox missed .out last night. Hope he's OK. Never heard of foxes liking Lemon curd but do know Badgers like peanut butter. We were told this by the owner of a holiday cott we stayed at. And they came every night It was exciting to see them.
Doodle I didn't realise your poor husband was in such awful pain. Are his sore heels the cause? Do you mean 2×4 tomes daily?I know strong painkillers can be addictive but there are times when they are just necessary and if it's not going to be an ongoing condition I think it's terrible to be denied relief. Heavens above they must know you are not the type of people to abuse them. I feel so angry for you. Hope you get through tomorrow. I do hope you are OK too. It causes such anxiety to see someone's pain especially one you love. Sending you a special hug.
I've been fine today thankyou.Early pain relief then good for rest of day. Did a bit of Christmas shopping, though admit to resorting to quite a few gift cards for pressies. Get a bit flummoxed when I don't know what to give and my head only seems to cope with so much lately.
Scaredycat Hope you've been OK today. Glad you enjoyed your lunch out yesterday. Seems you have been there for others problems a lot lately. You must be a really good listener too. It's so sad when you can't wave a magic wand to change things for others but a listening ear is the most precious thing at times.
Nadateturbe Hope you are OK and are not still in pain.
Wyllow Glad you are still there and think of you often and hope you have someone caring for you.

Love to all and those not mentioned. X

Scaredycat yes but only aspirin. He is a bit of a bleeder 🤣
Glad you had a nice chat at the café.
My son is feeling better today thank you. I’m hoping the antibiotics help my DIL soon. She is asthmatic so not good having such a bad cough.
I may have a battle with the surgery tomorrow. DH is on cocodamol 8 times a day and they don’t want to give it to him as it causes addiction. How he’s supposed to exist with the pain otherwise I don’t know.
HVDY I wonder if that cat thinks she get fed better at yours than at home. Obviously word has got round that you are providing cooked food through the night. Hope foxie comes back tonight. Your DGDs will love the Christmas tree. I expect the little one will be agog at the lights.
Whiff certainly not. I think your recipe thread is a wonderful idea and certainly going down well, everyone seems to like it. My mouth was watering at your Black Forest gateau. One of DHs favourites. It’s nice to have a thread where people can share recipes they like.
Sweetpeasue how has your day been.

How's everyone this morning? Foxy didn't come last night (hope he's ok) but that black cat was there 3 times, the last one being 4.45. A ginger one came in the night, too. It's going to be a lazy day today, ready for 2 days of baby x

Doodle hope you don't think I had a bob on myself starting Whiffs recipes. I was on the gingerbread/ Parkin thread and posted some of my recipes . Someone asked when my book was out. Then there was talk more along those lines. So I said would you like me to start a thread and people said yes. But it's not just for my recipes it's for anyone. It just sort of grew because I have to take short cuts so I can do recipes my way.
😁

Night night, BD's xx

Doodle Ooh, your husband's heels sound so sore. I hope the Iodine helps. Some foxes like lemon curd (perhaps I'll try him with that some time). He's going to get chicken quarters and some out of date minced beef tonight (he won't mind ) so it'll be a race for it. The cats seems to be out a LOT (it isn't a stray). Like you, I'm very unfit. I need to walk more (but the weather isn't great).

ScaredyCat Glad you enjoyed your lunch out. We went to a cafe and had chocolate cake today.

DH is going to get the Christmas tree from the loft tomorrow. I might have to buy some new ornaments as I gave a lot to Son1 last year. Hope ALL BDers have a restful sleep later.

Wyllow, EllieAnne, Whiff, Joce, Nanny, Candy and everyone, sleep well x

SweetpeaSue Glad you got the Oramorph, and that your DH's ADs have been increased. Good news that the Psychologist listened and took notice of what you talked about. I hope he helps you.

Doodle- such a shame it will take so long for DH feet to heal- glad he got to the podiatrist though. I,ve forgotten is he on blood thinners? I am
and If I scrape my legs on anything they take quite a while to heal up.
My DH used the new surgery system a few weeks ago and it was very efficient and quick.
Had a nice lunch thank you at the cafe nearby that is run by lovely young ladies. It was good to have a catch up - her sisters DH is extremely poorly so she needed to talk- do love her.
Hope your DS and wife soon start to feel better - it was the extreme fatigue with Covid that got us.
Hope you get a peaceful night xx
HVDY- that fox has you wrapped around his paws!! Wonder if he and the cat share the food out.
What a long but lovely day you had with DGD. She sounds like the dearest soul - so good natured and content. Hope the rain stays away tomorrow.
Whiff- love the advent calendar - yes I think most Mummy’s like a glass of wine- I know I did. Hope you are keeping warm and dry in this horrid weather.
SweetPeaSue- well done with the appointments- your DH was the fastest finger this morning!!
So pleased you made it to the Psychologist this morning.
At last you have somebody who gets you and understands how you feel and how badly you have been affected - a good beginning for the New Year.
Wyllow- I hope you are getting the help and support you need.
Sending love
Candy,EllieAnne, Allsorts,Nanny, and all wishing you a peaceful nights sleep.

HVDY yes DHs heel on pm foot is raw. They are treating it with iodine to dry it out but it is so painful for him to walk on.
I’m surprised the cat came with a fox there. Makes me laugh Foxie liking a jam sandwich…. I’m partial to one myself, 🤣
Glad you had a lovely time with the little one.
Whiff that’s lovely 😊. Saw your cooking thread, what a good idea and nice of you to share your recipes with others.
Sweetpeasue good you both got your appointments. Hope your DHs increased dose helps him. Thank you for your comments. Yes I do hope his feet heal soon. It’s hard watching him walk in such pain.
I think I’m doing ok but to be honest I’m so unfit that if I do anything, carry a bag or walk a bit then I ache so much and I’m exhausted.
So pleased you got to talk to a real psychiatrist and you felt listened to. So pleased you got your appointments that’s wonderful news. At last some help.
Wyllow Scaredycat Ellie Anne Candy hoping you’re all ok and sending hugs. 🥰

Meds not mess.