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Question for anyone:
Do you get depressed whenever you fracture a bone?
I fractured my ribs twice last year. Both times, I was plagued by a sudden deep depression, which is very unusual.
Does anyone know if fractures lower seratonin levels?
Counseling Back pain Forteo Fractures Suicide Pain Osteoporosis Depression
Hi Cindy, I was very depressed each time I fractured vertebrae - 3 times in all since last March. I was so angry at my body for its betrayal. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. Each fracture took me lower and lower. Now I still have back pain - esp when I'm tired - but am back to work doing a job that has been tailored to my limitations and feeling useful and productive (if abit shorter!) again. I am on Forteo and with each shot I imagine my bones rebuilding making me stronger and stronger so that I truly do feel stronger. I don't know about fractures and Seratonin levels - I have been an ER RN for 22 years and have never heard mention of it!
Deb
Hi Cindy,
That's a really interesting question. Between Nov 2nd and Dec 6th of 08, I fractured two ribs on the left, two on the right and my left tibia. I'm on antidepressants, so I wasn't in the pit of despair, but I was depressed. The only thing I could think of was the rib pain limited deep breathing. Not enough O2 possibly changes the seratonin levels? Or pain itself produces a chemical that changes the seratonin levels? Whatever the case, I hope you stay fracture free and feel better !
Cary
I became depressed last year when I fractured a vertebrae in my back and again in December but I am feeling so positive after reading the book recommended by members on this site: The Pain Cure. I have always suffered from migraines and this book helped me with so much more than the "Pain". I am really learning how to "live" with my osteoporosis and I am beginning to accept that I can only try one option for treating it and hope for the best since none of us seems to know what works. What really helps is all the concern and support I find on this site.
Unfortunately, people who have fractured already are more likely to fracture again and for many, that second fracture can lead to depression. Several studies have indicated that there is a link between bone loss and depression. Symptoms of depression may include loss of appetite or eating too much, sleeplessnes or too much sleep, feelings of uselessness, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide. If someone experiences these symptoms for more than two weeks, she/he should see a doctor. There is no reason for people with osteoporosis to suffer unnecessarily from depression. Medications and counseling are available to help treat depression. Although we do not know what comes first, we do know that both osteoporosis and depression need to be managed.
(NOF Advocacy Meeting)
Cary625, that is exactly what I was talking about.
Thank you for your insight. And thanks for pointing out that it's possible that rib fractures could indirectly cause seratonin levels to lower from limited O2.
I have only experienced rib fractures.
The only times I ever experience depression are when my ribs are fractured.
Therefore, I only have rib fractures to question.
SDivas, thank you for your reply.
Fortunately, I am not suffering from depression.
I can find no reason to be depressed when I break a rib. Believe me, I've been through a lot worse than that. So it was curious to me as to why I would suddenly get quite depressed the day after the ribs cracked, then as they healed, the depression eased up and went away. Since I could find no reason for the depression, I assumed it must be organic.
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