Vicky, you should be getting email from a client of mine. She read your post and says that you are very, very similar. It's amazing how important it can be to share our experiences... lives are saved. Thank you!!!
The which came first, the depression relief or the pain relief is a very interesting question. About 2 weeks after I started on antidepressants, I noticed a substantial difference in my mood. About 5 weeks after I started, I noticed a substantial difference in my pain. It wasn't that my pain was less... it was that it didn't bother me as much. The depression defeats your coping mechanisms and smaller amounts of pain represent larger amounts of disability. When your coping mechanisms are restored, it's like the pain is less... even if it really isn't.
I've heard a lot of great stories this week and yours is absolutely wonderful. I'm so very happy for you.... please keep it up!
All the best,
Mark
PS... did you see my granddaughter!!!
www.mintzer.org/zoey