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What Causes Depression Post Back Surgery?
Question: My sister has been on pain Meds, percoset, oxycodone, and tramidol, for severe back pain for 8 months. She finally had back surgery in XXXXXXX to remove a spur on L5 (i think) and is gradually getting better, although sometimes needs a percoset to relieve some pain. she has not taken anything except advil for 2 days. She is depressed, has no appetite and does still have some pain in her leg which is adding to her depression. She fears something else is wrong. What do you think?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I appreciate your concern.
Judging by the description I do not really see any objective reason to think there is something else wrong. I suppose she had a MRI before the surgery which would evidence any tumor, infection, trauma etc. In addition the surgeon has visually explored the site which adds more certainty.
Furthermore the fact that she's a little better confirms it as well, other worrying alternatives like tumor or infection would keep growing and the situation deteriorate.
So I do not think there is something to fear. It is common for people with chronic pain and reduced motility to develop depression. Perhaps the fact she's off the opioids plays some role as well.
If the situation doesn't improve you should talk to her physician about using antidepressants. Apart from helping with depression some of them like Duloxetine or Venlafaxine are also used for chronic pain treatment, so it might help with that as well.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I appreciate your concern.
Judging by the description I do not really see any objective reason to think there is something else wrong. I suppose she had a MRI before the surgery which would evidence any tumor, infection, trauma etc. In addition the surgeon has visually explored the site which adds more certainty.
Furthermore the fact that she's a little better confirms it as well, other worrying alternatives like tumor or infection would keep growing and the situation deteriorate.
So I do not think there is something to fear. It is common for people with chronic pain and reduced motility to develop depression. Perhaps the fact she's off the opioids plays some role as well.
If the situation doesn't improve you should talk to her physician about using antidepressants. Apart from helping with depression some of them like Duloxetine or Venlafaxine are also used for chronic pain treatment, so it might help with that as well.
I hope to have been of help.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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