Post
by chris » 07 Nov 2011 16:04
Hi Delwyn
Sorry to hear that your depression is a long-term issue for you - I had wondered if it had been triggered by the MDS diagnosis but I guess it has just made things seem worse for you? There is quite a lot of controversy in the UK about the effectiveness of long-term use of anti-depressants and I wondered what the thinking was in NZ and if you had any access there to talk therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? There is some discussion on this Forum about the availability of psychotherapy for dealing with the emotional fallout following MDS diagnosis. Do you have a haematology nurse specialist at your hospital as she may be able to offer support?
I hope you are reassured reading that others who are transfusion-dependent do have low mood preceding their transfusion so there must be a link - not surprising when your brain is effectively and regularly being deprived of oxygen!!
Take care
Chris
Chris.Trustee,Patient Support Ambassador (Essex) (F) Age 73 (2023)).Diagnosed in 2008. CMML-1. Normal red cells, low white cells & platelets, slightly raised monocytes. Enlarged spleen. Not had any treatment - active monitoring 6-monthly.