Cannot Figure Out What to Do

[Mrs_Sally]

Just an update.

My wife made an appointment with her neurologist and was able to see him yesterday. She went because she has been having trouble concentrating, keeping focused, organizing thoughts in her mind and a host of other cognitive issues that are apparently getting worse.

So her neuro asked her some questions and the outcome was that she scored a 33 on the depression scale. You only need to score an 11 to be diagnosed as depressed. Generally, when you have MS, you have depression and it can be caused by the lesions on the neurons in the brain.

So he put her on Wellbutrin, and said for her to call in 4 weeks to let him know how she is doing. That depression can cause her MS symptoms to be more active.

So we’ll see what happens.

I am so sorry that she is that sick, but happy to hear that she’s started medications. It can take a few tries to get medication for depression just right (and I’m sure it’s more complex with MS). Maybe you can keep a simple journal/list of symptoms and if you go with her to the next appt, let the Dr know how things seem from your point of view.

If she’s having trouble concentrating and staying focused that can also make her irritable (who isn’t when you are having a “brain fog” day?) and contributing to your marriage issues.

I’m praying for you.

 

[MJJean]

So he put her on Wellbutrin, and said for her to call in 4 weeks to let him know how she is doing. That depression can cause her MS symptoms to be more active.

So we’ll see what happens.

Just a heads up, Wellbutrin can cause serious side effects. So keep an eye on her. If she experiences stomach pain, leg pain, or back pain (the most common side effects and quite painful) stop taking the medication and head back to the doctor right away. I didn’t experience side effects until about day 4 or 5, but once I started feeling it I was in a lot of pain. And this is from a woman with a high pain tolerance!

I hope the medication works well for her and that there is some improvement in her depression symptoms.

 

[lonegreywolf20]

Just a heads up, Wellbutrin can cause serious side effects. So keep an eye on her. If she experiences stomach pain, leg pain, or back pain (the most common side effects and quite painful) stop taking the medication and head back to the doctor right away. I didn’t experience side effects until about day 4 or 5, but once I started feeling it I was in a lot of pain. And this is from a woman with a high pain tolerance!

I hope the medication works well for her and that there is some improvement in her depression symptoms.

Thank you for the warning.

She has been on Wellbutrin before, so she should be ok with the medication once again. I am also on Wellbutrin and have been since August for my own depression which is common for caregivers.

 

[MJJean]

Thank you for the warning.

She has been on Wellbutrin before, so she should be ok with the medication once again. I am also on Wellbutrin and have been since August for my own depression which is common for caregivers.

Whew! It’s good that she has been on the med before and didn’t have any side effects. I hope she sees good results soon!