stay at home mom

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
stay at home mom
16
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 10:57am
Hi! Just browsing thru this board, as I have many times before, noticing all the new people this time. I just decided it was my turn to become a new member. And someone to vent to!

I can hardly remember a time in my life that I wasn't depressed, expect for when I was pregnant with my daughter. It's been many years, lots of meds and therapists. Unfortunately I am allergic to alot of the anti depressants and anti anxiety pills and have been on the same one for years just waiting for that new one without the ingredient I'm allergic to. Just lost my therapist as he had a heart attack that I had all the trust in the world in and just do not know where to turn as I live in a small town with not too many therapists that I haven't already tried.

I'm a stay at home mom of my 3 1/2 year old daughter. The light of my life! She is truely a miracle as we went thru so many miscarriages and she just happened and was born with a heart defect that keeps getting better without surgery. Recently, my mom was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease (very fast progressing), my dad has had 5 heart attacks and had open heart surgery in November. I also have a dead beat sister on drugs that keeps dragging my parents down with her. The stress is getting to me tremendously! My husband works anywhere from 50-70 hours a week to help us keep up with our medical bills. He works so hard and feel I just cannot let things out to him.

Sorry I'm blowing off steam to you all! Just need a friendly, understanding ear!

Thanks to anyone who listens!

CG


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Mom to furangel, Chelse

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-21-2004
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 11:20am
Hi Chelsea, I just posted my first time here yesterday, but I read your post and wanted to welcome you, but also ask you about the allergic reactions you've had to the meds. I've had various problems with medications too and have been unable to take anything but Ativan, which isn't doing a whole lot for me at the time being. I've been on many different SSRI's, but none that worked and most caused me to have reactions which the only way I can describe is very similar to Panick Attacks, which is very strange because these meds. were prescribe to help with panick and anxiety. Because of this reaction to these meds. I have developed a terrible phobia of all meds. and the worry of getting sick and having to take something.

Sorry for rambling, but I haven't talked to anyone else who had any problems taking the meds. and it took a couple of years for my doctor to fully believe me seeing as how the symptoms were so close to what they called a panic attack, but I knew the difference. I would greatly appreciate any information on your problems with meds. that you don't mind giving.

Thanks so much, Ellen

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 2:25pm
Hi Ellen!

Well, my trouble began with medications when I was a kid, but no one could figure it out. When I was in my 20's I started working in the medical field and just started to do research on my own of all the meds I had reacted to. I have been on Tranxene since I was 15 and now I'm 39. I have tried everything on the market. I finally figured out that "lactose" was the only similar ingredient in all the meds. Took me forever to convince any drs that I was allergic, they said you can only be intolerant. After a couple of days of taking something with lactose some of my symptoms were (but different each time depending on the amount in the drug) were: I would get the shakes (like a panic attack, which I have frequently also), hard to breath, sometimes I'd break out in hives and once ended up in the hospital with my tongue and throat swollen. I always get really sick to my stomach and sometimes have vomiting. What finally convinced my doctors (after all my unpaid research) was when I ended up in the hospital and they kept giving me something to counteract it (which also had lactose). Finally they believed me! Since then, they and I have learned of the thousands of people who also have this allergy. Foods don't bother me, it's only the man made substance in meds. Strange, I know! But then again, we're talking about me. ha ha Needless to say, putting me on any meds is a major chore. Finally got put on Sarafem, which has helped some, but still having my really down days, especially before my period.

I hope I've helped you. Glad to see someone replied. I had this fear of even writing in thinking nobody would even look or pay attention. So, Thanks!

Chris


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Mom to furangel, Chelse
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2002
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 4:56pm
Welcome to the board CG. This is such a wonderful place to be!!! I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!!!

God Bless Ya Sister

~Jen~

Anne
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 6:04pm

Welcome, Chris!

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 6:10pm

Another Ladybug!

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-10-2004
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 7:42pm
((((((((((WELCOME)))))))))

I am so glad you have finally joined us! It sounds like you are really going through a lot right now. I totally understand about not wanting to tell your husband about how you feel with all the working he is doing. I feel the same way with my husband, like if I put one more thing on his mind he will shatter. That makes it so much better that you have found us. I know I really feel a lot better when I can talk here and let out all my anxiety and hurt. And everyone is so supportive. Hopefully we can all do the same for you.

Looking for a new therapist is really scary, I know. I also live in a small town, and ended up driving an hour every week to my appointment. I do firmly believe that there is someone out there for you to go see. It will all work out for the best, I am sure.

let us know how things are going.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-21-2004
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 7:53pm
Chris thanks for your response. Those are some of the same symptoms I get, but mine also are similar to panic attacks which I've been prone to since having a bad experience in the hospital with a medication called "Stematil" while I was taking Welbutrin and Celexa. I really thought I was going to die, I didn't think I was going to be going home again. The reaction happened within 2 to 3 minutes of administering the drug (for a severe headache) through an IV. They gave me Benadryl to counteract the reaction, but ever since then it seems to have triggered something in my body when taking any medication.

I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me about your experience.

Thank you,

Ellen

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2004
Mon, 04-26-2004 - 9:38pm
Hi CG,

I am fairly new on the board, too, but I wanted to let you know I am sorry about your therapist, and all the stresses you are under right now. I am currently trying another SSRI to see if it will work for me, and I can imagine how stressful it can be to deal with depression without the aid of medication. Your daughter sounds like an amazing blessing, and your love for her is heartwarming. Please take care of yourself and look forward to hearing updates. You are in my thoughts.

Jen

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
Tue, 04-27-2004 - 9:42am
Thank you so much! Can't believe how many replies I got. Kind of gives me a lift!

CG


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Mom to furangel, Chelse
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
Tue, 04-27-2004 - 9:53am
Thanks for replying to my post! Yes, I am fully in direct care of both of my parents. Like I said, I have one dead beat sister and the other thinks the world should revolve around her and her problems. But I look at it as though my parents took care of me for so many years and have been there for me thru all my trials and tribulations and lots of mistakes, that it is my turn now to take care of them. Sometimes being a stay at home mom can be stressful enough, but then to have to take care of your parents on top of that and watch them suffer (especially my mom) just tears your heart to pieces and weighs heavily! Today I'm having one of those days that I could just explode at any time!

Thanks for listening!

Chris


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