Depression after back surg/prednisone

[Aleon]

Depression after prednisone ... In 3 months time I moved from a 12yr. apt./ I was forced to retire after 30yrs..then major back surgery at DUKE MEDICAL /great experience. ..no PAIN!..But now post prednisone (5mos/60mg) I am down....I HATE IT!!!

[SheffieldJane]

That combination is a perfect recipe for depression. Too many high stress events together. I sometimes think that PMR is part of depression rather than the other way round. My depression lifted after a couple of doses of Pred it was a massive relief to finally know why I had been feeling so awful physically, I thought I was dying at one point. I am now using this enforced rest to reflect and do more of what I want to do. This never including running marathons anyway. Some of the moods are simply from the Pred just let them pass through you, they are not real you. Or are you saying that your depression came on when you stopped Pred? I worried about that, PMR and feeling anxious and depressed seemed to be hand in hand.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Then you must speak to your doctor - mental health effects can be pred side effects but can be managed just as any other sort.

[SnazzyD]

I'm not surprised really. So much to deal with. I know how hard it is to be giving up a long career, even if it is the right move, and that's not your only 'event'.

Having seen many patents go through multiple life challenges and/or long illness, I have noticed that depression often comes a way down the track. Often it comes when things start to even out, when it should be feeling better. As suggested, it is really worth going to the GP. A short course of medication might help you with the job of piecing yourself together. The meds GPs tend to go for these days are not the heavy ones of old that zonk you out and leave you addicted. They might need to check your adrenal function too as if that is low, you're not exactly going to feel quite the ticket!

Good luck and have a moan here if you need to.

[Amkoffee]

Chronic pain will bring about depression almost every time. I mean who would not be depressed when you have to live with chronic pain. And on top of that you're PMR diagnoses . I am happy to hear that your surgery was a success as that is such a rare occurrence . I hope it continues to alleviate your pain . As a back pain sufferer myself and PMR sufferer as well I cannot stress the importance of seeing a therapist. I see mine every other week when I'm in a stressful period of my life . When things calm down I stop seeing her for a while when things ramp-up I start seeing her again . It is not something you have to make a lifelong commitment . But just like physical therapy she or he can give you tools to help you deal with your depression . I hope things work out for you best of luck.