IC Flare-Up & Depression

[mick]

Hey everyone,

I am going through day 3 of a strong IC flare-up and I have noticed that I have also had bouts of depression during this and other past flare-ups. Last night my bladder was in so much pain that I just started crying on/off for 1/2 hour. I don't know if my IC causes the depression or if the depression triggers an IC flare-up. I am currently on Elmiron, Hydroxyline and 25 mg of elavil. Has anyone been on these and found that the anti-depressent drug in these low doses can lead into more depression.

Maybe I just needed to vent or have someone listen that can understand. I have some anxiety that I will never be back to normal again and this makes me concerned for the future. I just feel so isolated right now. I imagine that this is normal at times for people with IC but it has been 7 weeks since my cystoscopy/hydrodistention and I feel like I am back to square 1 again.

thanks for listening,

mick in iowa :(

[Annie2]

Hi Mick,

I am so sorry to hear you are experiencing a very nasty flare! I cannot give you a definite answer to your question about antidepressants as I am not a physician. What I can tell you is that there is a possible physiological reason why many of us experience more depression during flares. First of all, being diagnosed with an incurable chronic illness, in and of itself, is very emotional. There are several types of pain. The pain of IC is a visceral pain (pain produced within an internal organ) and the nervous system carries these visceral pain signals to the part of the brain that controls emotions. When you are experiencing a flare it often means you are experience more pain. And, of course, that means more pain messages are being sent to the emotional center of the brain. Therefore, the very normal emotions you are experiencing in response to being dxed with IC are being multiplied by the increased pain signals received in this part of the brain during your flare. When the flare is over, the pain signals decrease and the emotional center of your brain is no longer bombarded with quite as much stimulation.

I don't know if low-dose antidepressants contribute to this but I haven't heard it mentioned before. It's pretty tough to stay upbeat and positive during a flare when there is so much going on that is not under your control. Perhaps that is why so many of us find watching videos, working on quiet projects like sewing, painting or crafts, etc. can be helpful during flares. They help to distract our minds during this rough period. Stress can just add more fuel to the fire during flares so doing all we can to reduce our stress levels does help. Easy to say, but not easy to accomplish, I know, especially during the holiday rush!

Hope this flare will end quickly for you and you will feel better soon! Hopefully the meds you are now on will kick in and get you back to feeling like yourself soon. When we find the right meds / treatments, this can happen so you have much reason to believe this is going to get better for you! In the meantime, hang in there and be good to yourself! Treat yourself to whatever helps you relax...a favorite video, a nice warm bath, a book you have been wanting to read, etc.

Annie

[Betsie]

Hi Mick.

I think we all know how you feel, at least at some point in our regimen of the dx and subsequent treatment plan.

I do know elavil can be used as an antidepressant, but having used it for migraines, I have never found it to kick in regarding emotional well being. After explaining this to my Primary Dr about one year ago, we decided to go for an antidepressant. I sure didn't feel "depressed", but I was really overwhelmed with chronic pain. :bonk:

I have had my success with Lexapro as it has anti-d as well as some anti-anxiety properties. For me, it has been great and helps me with Seasonal Affective disorders, so I increase the dose in October till April.

I know we all hate the stigma of anti depressants, but they are a valuable tool in helping with pain and its related emotional components. :rolleyes:

Annie gave you a great physiological explanation (smart lady ;)) so I hope my "purely emotional" view is helpful.

Hang in there Mick, I remember it took quite awhile to get succesful with my treatment plan, but when it worked it was great. I might add that a year after dx, an IC specialist, well known for his research on the subject doubled my Elmiron to 600mgs a day...that was the real answer for me. :)

Prior to that I seemed to be in one long flare so I found it quite odd when people would have one kick in, for me it was just PAIN 24/7...now I get them and ride them out and feel confident they will pass.