depression and heart disease

• By itzme91
• Posted September 29, 2009 at 2:14 pm
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Dianne,
You are not alone.After my stents,MI and CABG I was a basket case.I was also losing my father to cancer.I cried for 6 straight months.I would wake up in the middle of the night crying.My poor family had no idea what to do for me or how to help me.My doctor keep trying different anxiety meds,depression meds,I saw a councelor.I really felt like I was at the end of my rope.After changing my anti depressants once again it seems to start to get some better, now I look back and I think the combination of meds I was on was causing it to be much worse.No, changing meds didn't completely fix the problem but it did help.The doctor had put me on Lexapro right after my CABG and kept increasing the dosage,once he changed me to something else (wellbutrin) I started doing better.It has took long time for me to finally feel somewhat "normal" and I deal with the depression on a day to day basis .Don't be afraid to tell your doctor you want to try a different med.I take wellbutrin 400 mg.daily along with celexa 40 mg.I also take ativan 20 mg at night if I can't sleep.If I see that my meds aren't working as well as ithink they should I'll have no problem asking the doctor to let me try something else.I have started going to the gym(even tho I was terrified to start with) I don't over do the exercise but at least i am moving some.I feel better for it.Talk to your doctor there are meds that can help.The only regret i have is that it took so long to find the right combination for me.Hang in there sweetie!! And take care of yourself!!

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• By Asurvivor
• Posted September 29, 2009 at 4:02 pm
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Depression is a normal part of a CABG. I've been on Lexapro and then Cymbalta. Cymbalta doesn't put me on the highs that Lexapro did, but it helps a bit. I don't want anything else.

Seems everything that goes on in our lives is compounded by the stress of the CABG. I was told I had PTSD as well.

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• By Queen_E
• Posted September 30, 2009 at 7:49 am
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Depression has been chasing me. But exercise has really helped me outrun it better lately. Three miles or more gives long lasting good feelings to me.
I also take prozac, helps me have a stonger baseline, able to cope with bad days better.
Definitely ask about other med options. The drugs are supposed to improve things !

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• By Queen_E
• Posted September 30, 2009 at 7:57 am
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p.s. Affect = your expression of feelings

Mood anxious = duh, you knew that

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• By BevH
• Posted September 30, 2009 at 9:03 am
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Oh gee I wish I could offer some wonderful pearls of wisdom on this subject but I don't have any at the moment. Just wanted to say though that you are not alone. I have days that seem so dark I have to force myself not to cry. Others I just burst out into tears at the smallest thing, the next I even forget I'm sick and start into something that exhausts me after 5 minutes. I'm so angry, so happy, so sad, so tired, so frustrated, so grateful, etc, etc, etc. I'm happy to see your posts as I am comforted to know I'm not alone in this battle. Hugs and prayers to you all for such amazing courage.

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• By Tersa
• Posted September 30, 2009 at 9:37 am
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I have not gone through the CABG like you, only a Stent and 2 Angiograms, and I too have been battling the depression. Just being diagnosed with coronary artery disease and having chronic stable angina rocked my world. So know that you are not along in this emotional roller coaster. I take multiple drugs to try to deal with my chest pains, and live constantly in fear that my arteries are clogging by the minute, and when will the "big one" happen again. But every day does get better- it really does. And a little Prozac has helped too!! Hang in there, and don't be afraid to ask for a different medication for your blues. We are all in this together.

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• By AlaskaGirl
• Posted September 30, 2009 at 11:45 am
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Depression is a major component with any life-threatening disease. I've been there, done that. Where are you located? Perhaps there is a WomenHeart Champion with a Support Network in your area that you can "pour your heart out" to. It would certainly help you to air your feelings with someone who has been there. I have a directory and, maybe, help you locate someone. Sharen, AlaskaGirl

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• By GraceAnnStewart
• Posted October 1, 2009 at 12:03 pm
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!!! I believe most people who are diagnosed with heart disease (or any other) have a period of depression as they have to go through various stages and life changes, everything from acceptance of the disease to doing things differently, to learning new habits, etc.

After my MI in December, I was a wreck the whole month of January and February. Massive depression and I couldn't find a psychiatrist in my network that had openings. There were times I wished I had just died from the heart attack so I would not have had to deal with the aftermath misery. Gosh, I thought I went though depression after my divorce but this was 100x worse...which I considered it "real" depression and was trying hard to get help and get through the "medical system" so I can get the help. For example, my cardiologist wanted me on Lexapro, but wouldn't write it since she felt it had to be written by a psych.

Anyway, I got the psych visits started in March, went on the lexapro (it is not supposed to raise BP) then went on buspar, klonopin, seroquel, sleeping pills (which I am not on anymore, the seroquel helps for sleep) and last week I started diazepam (valium.) I am suffering from severe anxiety and also have a special needs child which is an extremely difficult component of my life.

HOWEVER, last week I FINALLY started cardiac rehab and I have to say that the exercises have helped me so much. I feel physically great and not so afraid of having another heart attack and 3 weeks prior, I had 3 bouts of angina from stress/fighting with my kid and then spouse over stupid stuff. I had not experienced angina before, except during the MI. I was scared to death and so glad to be in the rehab.

I would seriously consider rehab, support groups if there are any in your area, and possibly changing your diet tp a plant based diet if you can (fruit/veggies/proteins) - I have lost 30 pounds since my MI, I am off BP pills, and am SKINNY for the frst time in a long time. All of the heart experts recommend this to avoid future attacks. I feel so good too. (The only thing I hate is justifying to others about what I eat since most people don't understand what being vegan is and I would say I am 95% vegan because sometimes there are thigns in food that you can't control.) I also gave up chocolate, sugar, and baked goods. I am eating only whole foods, mostly organic where ever possible, and raw as well. An example of a snack would be carrots, celery, and hummus. I eat all day long - small meals.

I hope this helps, I am not crazy about being on meds but I am hoping to be off them. This is not even counting the heart meds, so I am up to 17-18 pills a day for heart and mental conditions.

What kind of doctor is prescribing the phych meds? I hope it is a psychiatrist, not a cardiologist or primary care. I believe you really need a specialist in this area.

Love to you,
GraceAnn

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