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Hi, I am emotionally going down fast! I can't sleep, can't get out of bed, I cry all day when my husband leaves for work because I don't want to look weak to him, my children and my friends. Before he gets home I push myself, take a shower and put on the happy face mask.

 I was disgnosed with Crohns in 2003, 2 surgeries later, life has not gotten any better. Had my third round of Remicade and still feel like I am literally dying. I take Lialda, Flagyl, the pain is excrutiating, (plus all the other medications that have not worked throughout the years. I will be having a CT Scan on Tuesday, doctor thinks I might have a fistula again, maybe that is why I have so much pain. Who knows, I don't want to lose hope, but it is so hard. My GI referred me to my primary physican who prescribed Lexapro today, does anyone here take Lexapro? I am terrified about adding more meds to my system, however I feel if I don't do something soon my emotional wellness will be shattered. If someone on the this forum takes this drug, can you give me some insight, is there light at the end of the tunnel?

 Reply posted for evel109.

Hello,

 Reply posted for evel109.

I was on lexapro for awhile  and it made a BIG difference. Unfortunately, had to switch to Zoloft because of insurance, which is really not doing as well for me. Trust me, take the lexapro, it really does help. I've been where you are!

 Reply posted for evel109.

Please, please please consider some counseling and journaling of what you are experiencing.  When we are depressed we have a tendency to downplay or hide depression.  Not a great way to get help. 

I would also encourage you to see if your health insurer/ a local hospital group/ your medical practice has resources to or referrals for  any chronic illness classes or support groups.  My life was changed for the better <even though my gut was going downhill>  when I took a class structured around a program developed at Stanford University:

 Reply posted for evel109.

I took Lexapro for a while last year when I was suffering from serious work related stress in addition to my Crohn's.  It worked extremely well for me and allowed me to concentrate and cope better.  I discontinued it after only 2-3 months and benefitted immensely from having taken it.

 Reply posted for evel109.

Avoid it. it will help but it's Very 

 Reply posted for evel109.

i have had crohns for 11 years now and since having crohns i have been smoking mary jane. the benefits are all worth it. it helps with stress depression, not wanting to eat, pain,everything. i am never taking anymore pills that i feel i do not need. most have worse side effects than actual relief. i live in nj and my state is currently in war with legalizing mary jane. i know some are completely skeptic or even terrified to try mary jane if they have never tried it. but i can assure you, i rather take something natural than to be a guinea pig to see which meds help me out the most

 Reply posted for evel109.

Hey there. Don't be so mean to yourself. I found that when I am honest about what I am going through, I feel so much happier. Please don't put a mask on for your husband. He loves you. He is genuinely concerned for you. When he married you, you agreed to carry half of your yoke. Please let him. I'm sure he can handle it so much better than you think he can. I have learned that my husband is my hero. Your husband is probably your hero too, right? So let him be. Share with him how you feel and let him see you in your weakness so he can carry you. Be strong for yourself, but no masks....

 Reply posted for evel109.

Also, there is another antidepressant called Cymbalta that is prescribed for pain

 Reply posted for evel109.

I am so sorry you are in such pain. My heart breaks for you ...you are not going to seem weak to anyone if you share how you are feeling. I'm sure your family would not want you to suffer any more than you already are. I don't know anything about Lexapro, but it sounds like it is worth a try to help you get your life back. I hope it works for you and that you can enjoy your life again.