COPD and trying to live in grace and gratefulness...losing my way

[deedeedog]

Just joined! Discovered this site while researching COPD and antidepressants. I have avoided taking any because none have ever worked in the past. But am in such mental despair and can't seem to shake it. I thought antidepressants were bad for COPD and some posts seem to verify that. I trust patient experience over doctors. Appreciate all advice....thank you

[Hidden]

Hi I have copd and take ad's. They work well enough for me. x

[deedeedog in reply to Hidden]

What kind of ad (antidepressants?)

[Hidden in reply to deedeedog]

Yes sertraline.

[Sandra1944]

I can not take those drug makes me more suicide for some reason they do not work for me.

[deedeedog in reply to Sandra1944]

I am starting to believe that the fewer drugs I can take the better. No antidepressant is going to take the reality of what is away. I find happiness in putting on a smile no matter what for my family. I can't expect them to understand what they haven't experienced. Antidepressants make me feel "not me"

Hang in there....thanks for the reply. Nancy

[JoM49]

Hello again deedeedog just noticed your post of 5 days ago. I have been on anti-depressants for some years and the current one is Sertraline 100mg (may be a different name in US) and my pulmonory team say it is particularly good for COPD because it relaxes muscles as well.

I did come off it for about 6months last year but then had pneumonia which left me extremely depressed, I can still feel low but not black despair.

Kind Regards

Joan

[deedeedog in reply to JoM49]

Than you so much for sharing Joan.

It is difficult when we get sick. I had a routine surgery and ended up being on oxygen 24/7 for almost 2 months. I had to force myself to keep moving and eventually got off the oxygen during the day. Of course I still use it while exercising or working around the house so I can build strength. But I was so surprised that with determination, function can improve.

I wilL research sertraline. THANK YOU! The best to you...Nancy

[JoM49]

Good luck with that Deedee, I find playing online word games like 'scrabble' and 'words with friends' a great distraction and it doesn't make me breathless but excersises the mind and can chat too. Do you play?

Regards

Joan

[judg69]

DeeDee, keep your dobber up. Been on sertraline ( Zoloft ) ever since it came out 15+ years ago and it has obviously worked for me. Got me through chemotherapy and a lung lobectomy, and now getting me through severe COPD . Suggest you review w your Dr. Kind Wishes, judg69.

[deedeedog in reply to judg69]

Thank you. I just feel like a lab rat sometimes because I have been on several antidepressants in the past and ended up even more depressed! I am touched that you have been through so much and keep your "dobber" up. (never heard that term before! ) I keep thinking that I'm still in the mourning stage and that I will wake up one day with acceptance and peace. I am wasting time being sad!!

It helps to be able to talk about it. I am going to keep remembering that you said "keep your dobber up" and I will smile (: and It reminds me that we are all connected and caring. Kind wishes to you too, Nancy

[Roysieboy]

Hello my friend. I was diagnosed with emphysema and mild copd in June 2017. I nearly let it get me down as I have been lucky most of my life , health wise. I had my wife and daughters to push me along and up until now, with taking my inhalers and going to Pulmonary rehab I am feeling a lot better, although I still get good and bad days. It definitely helps if you have someone to share your problems with. I would urge you to go to rehab if you can as it definitely helps (in my opinion) and you meet people who are in the same boat as you health wise. Hope this has been of some help. Good luck .👍🤓

[Ellas4th]

I would rather take the antidepressants and live a semi calm life as no antidepressants turn me into a blubbering mess. So consider the good as those outweigh the bad for many, many people. In fact I take two because the one just isn't enough. Make a list of pros and cons before you do anything. Don't worry, be happy!! 🤗

[Ellas4th]

I take 200 mg Zoloft as well as Wellbutrin each morning. My whole life have dealt with depression and anxiety. Without ad you may as well lock me away. I can't stand myself and won't subject the world to my doldrums.