is it ok to take anti depressants with an RA diagnosis
I was diagnosised with RA last year and have been extremely down for the past few months. I feel my depression is a result of the RA and the difficulties that it has brought to my life as well as my fathers recent cancer diagnosis. Also my mother has been suffering with RA for the past 20 years and I'm sure that plays a fact too since I see how my life will eventually be (my mom is in a great deal of pain 24hrs a day) I was considering talking to my dr about a possible anti depressant but didn't want to waste the time of making an appointment if it's not an option. thanks
No wonder you're feeling depressed - you have a lot on your plate! Being depressed after a diagnosis with a chronic illness is very common, in fact, I would be worried if you weren't depressed. Watching your mom and what she's gone through in the last 20 years must add to the fear of what possible impact the RA will have on your future. Your dad getting a cancer diagnoses on top of it all must make you feel as if the universe has picked your family for special victim status this month. I can't help you about your dad, except to wish him effective treatment and you and your family extra strength during this difficult time.
I can, however, maybe offer a little bit of light on your other issues. First of all, go to your doctor immediately and request antidepressants. Barring any other medical issues, there shouldn't be any problems with antidepressants in relation to your RA. You may also want to see a counselor or therapist for a while, to help process the grief that's a natural part of adjusting to the diagnosis, as well as the increased stress brought on by your father's illness. It's a lot to handle on your own and please take any help you can get.
In many ways, you're lucky to get your diagnoses now. I know that sounds like a crazy thing to say, but trust me, I haven't gone off my rocker. Treatment options today versus 20 years ago are completely different. When you see your rheumatologist, s/he will likely want to treat the disease aggressively - in the past, treatment options tended to be related to pain control and with very few options in terms of modifying the disease. These days, there are many more options and the goal of rheumatology is to suppress the RA as much as possible, keeping the damage to your joints (and results in pain) to a minimum. I got RA 40 years ago, back in the Stone Age medically speaking, and have lately had a couple of doctors tell me that if I got the disease today, I wouldn't end up in a wheelchair. Yes, it is a chronic disease and yes, it will affect your life, but it is entirely possible that you will not have to repeat your mom's experience. When you do see your rheumatologist, be sure to talk to him/her regarding your family history and new fears - I'm sure they'll be able to give you some reassurance.
Good luck and best wishes to you and your family.
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