Being sick along with all the mental issues

As I said before, I have bipolar, social and general anxiety, panic attacks, and major depression.

I deal with these issues as best as I can with my meds, pdoc, and IT.

About 1.5 weeks ago, I started feeling like I had a bad upper respiratory infection coming on. I became very ill and went to my primary care doc last Wednesday. She told me I have strep throat, and bronchitis. Yuck She put me on an antibiotic, cough syrup, and 2 asthma inhalers. She also wrote me a note to stay off work until Monday (yesterday).

I have obviously been physically very crappy feeling, but mentally, I've been so tired, that I seemed pretty stable.

Upon returning to work yesterday, I felt a little better during the morning, but by the afternoon I was feeling very tired and run down. I was also becoming pretty irratible.

When I got up this morning to get ready for work, I am still feeling very run down. I also feel very depressed about working all day
When I say depressed, I mean very close to a "personal emergency" situation where I either call one of my safe people, or get to the ER.

I did get ready and actually made it to work on time, but I am REALLY struggling both physically and mentally. I don't feel like I'm in immediate danger or emergency at this point.

I just started this job in early January, so if I leave today, I feel like they would probably let me go, as I'm on a 3 month trial basis anyway.

I guess it's not uncommon for a physical ailment to really flare up some of your mental issues ?

For now, I'm just barely hangin on....Jeff

If you're sick you're sick! Just because the doctor from a week or so ago said to stay off work until yesterday doesn't mean you'll automatically be well when he says!

Definately physical can flare mental and vice versa. But I think you're mostly still feeling the effects of your illness and I'd call your primary care guy and ask to come see him again, today, this afternoon!

When my appendix burst on a Wednesday, I was supposedly ready to go back to work on Monday but I didn't feel well enough. It turned out there was additional problems and I wasn't fully well for 5 months including a stay in the hospital on IV antibiotics in month 3. Make sure you are physically well. They might not want you to stay in your job; I don't know how much they need someone for that job and how well you're doing, etc. But you have to take care of yourself first!

Being ill is horrible and can definitely make mental health issues worse. If you're not feeling better, by the end of the day, I'd make an appointment to see your Dr. again. Yes having a job is important but so is your health.

--spltiimage

Perna and splitimage,

I appreciate your good advice. I have called and was able to get an appt. for this afternoon at 5:15pm. It makes me feel a little better knowing I'm going back to the doc today.

Thanks.

(((StressCadet)))
hope everything goes well at drs
take care of yourself

(((( StressCadet ))))
I hope all goes well at the doctor. Let us know when you have a chance.

Hi. I'm sorry you're sick. That's really a bummer. I hope you feel better soon.

yes, physical illness can seriously exacerbate your mental health issues. 3 years ago, i had a bad cold that lasted a week and i was stuck wide awake for 4 days and 4 nights. it sure put a whole lot of cobwebs in my head that i had work them out. i was in remission with my ptsd and it was flared up by that. but it went away again as i got better. i was run down for a month due to the lingering effects. it takes awhile for your body to recover, so you're going to feel pretty run down for awhile.

Hi all !

When I went back to my doc, she said I still had strep and bronchitis. She put me on a 2nd round of a different antibiotic, along with a strong decongestant. I'm still using the inhalors twice a day.

I stayed home and rested Wednesday, but I'm back at work today taking it very slow and easy. I'm at a desk job, so at least I don't have to exert myself phsically, but I'm still very tired, and probably will be for a while.

I really appreciate everyone's encouragement and advice.

I'm glad you got some different meds. It's a bummer that you can't stay home, but at least you're taking care of yourself. Feel better. And keep us posted.