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Suggest Treatment For Somatic Disorder With Depression
Question: I need help with my sadness/depression. I lost my Son in 2007, in the Afghanistan War. I lost my Dad to cancer in 2012. I can't stand to look at myself in the mirror, I have diabetes, morbid obesity, fibromyalgia, osteo-arthritus, sleep apnea, hypertension, menopause. I am 53 years old, and I am in so much pain on a daily basis that it affects every aspect of my life. I've been to 4 Rheumatologists and none of them can tell me why I'm in so much pain. I'm told that my blood test results so not show that I have RA, but that I have another autoimmune disease that cannot be pinpointed. I'm tired of hurting...in my body and mind. Am I crazy?
Brief Answer:
Somatic disorder with depression is one possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
When pain in different parts of the body and no physical cause is found even after expert's consultation possibility of somatic disorder is there.
You are already in depression due to loss of your beloved one. Often depression is associated with pain symptoms without any organic basis.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia explains your pain symptoms up to some extent.
- At which site/ part do you feel pain?
- When did menopause start?
Let me know/upload your reports if feasible.
If you can mention what medicines you have tried until now and for how much duration and which dose , I can give more comments.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Somatic disorder with depression is one possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
When pain in different parts of the body and no physical cause is found even after expert's consultation possibility of somatic disorder is there.
You are already in depression due to loss of your beloved one. Often depression is associated with pain symptoms without any organic basis.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia explains your pain symptoms up to some extent.
- At which site/ part do you feel pain?
- When did menopause start?
Let me know/upload your reports if feasible.
If you can mention what medicines you have tried until now and for how much duration and which dose , I can give more comments.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, Dr. Solanki, for your response. You have been very helpful, and I appreciate that. To answer your questions:
I began Menopause three years ago. I have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder/with severe stressors since 2012, although I have been suffering with some form of depression since 1985. I have been prescribed Effexor, which did not help my symptoms, Elavil, which just made sleep, Prozac, which actually helped for a while, until my depression got worse. I am currently taking 120mgs of Cymbalta, which helps my Fibromyalgia symptoms, but does very little for my pain. My body pain is mostly in my back and legs. I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritus in 2013. the pain is almost unbearable, especially when I walk, or sit still. I often wake myself up crying, saying "ouch" because the pain in my body often wakes me up at night.
I began Menopause three years ago. I have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder/with severe stressors since 2012, although I have been suffering with some form of depression since 1985. I have been prescribed Effexor, which did not help my symptoms, Elavil, which just made sleep, Prozac, which actually helped for a while, until my depression got worse. I am currently taking 120mgs of Cymbalta, which helps my Fibromyalgia symptoms, but does very little for my pain. My body pain is mostly in my back and legs. I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritus in 2013. the pain is almost unbearable, especially when I walk, or sit still. I often wake myself up crying, saying "ouch" because the pain in my body often wakes me up at night.
Brief Answer:
pregabalin and/or nortryptiline may help
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up and information. Cymbalta as such is very good medicine for somatic pain and you are taking the highest dose.
Menopause is not likely responsible for such symptoms after 3 years. Pain in back and legs should be checked by orthopedic doctor to rule out any spinal nerves compression problem (If check up done already and normal somatic disorder and fibromyalgia are responsible). In such type of pain if I were your treating doctor I would like to add pregabalin and/or nortryptiline. With pain they can help in sound sleep also without causing daytime sedation.
You can discuss this aspect with your treating doctor and start medicine.
pregabalin and/or nortryptiline may help
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up and information. Cymbalta as such is very good medicine for somatic pain and you are taking the highest dose.
Menopause is not likely responsible for such symptoms after 3 years. Pain in back and legs should be checked by orthopedic doctor to rule out any spinal nerves compression problem (If check up done already and normal somatic disorder and fibromyalgia are responsible). In such type of pain if I were your treating doctor I would like to add pregabalin and/or nortryptiline. With pain they can help in sound sleep also without causing daytime sedation.
You can discuss this aspect with your treating doctor and start medicine.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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