I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting about 3 years ago. After what I would term a normal time adapting to that gut punch, I'm mostly happy. I can still work, exercise near daily (swimming), and have great support with a loving family.
The last month or two, I have had increasing emotional fragility (that is the best way I've found to describe it). Previous to this period of time, I was a fairly analytical and non-emotional sort of person. Recently though, my emotional responses are elevated. Anything that seems slightly sad could make me cry almost uncontrollably though I can sometime pull myself back if I focus. This is increasingly difficult if I am tired. That has been an issue because I'm also struggling to sleep as when I normally would settle down, I find that my mind will ramp up and spiral with increasingly dark thoughts of death, paranoia, and feelings of disconnectedness. That frequently sends me into a fit of crying that can last 30 minutes or more before I can pull myself back. I've been using some sleep aids to help, but I've started to dread bed time.
I went to my neurologist on Friday and explained all of this to him. He suggested PBA. He gave me some prescription sleep aids, told me to quit drinking for two weeks, and to check back to see if this helps. PBA medication being the next step if that doesn't work. I'm on day five of no alcohol (was only really drinking occasionally like 6 on a Saturday and maybe a beer or two a couple of days during the week). The sleep aid is helping some. I wouldn't say that my emotional fragility is going away though.
My question is does this fit PBA? Also, since from my reading the Dr. with most likely prescribe a SSRI or other anti-depressant type, does it matter if this is PBA or just MS enhanced depression?
The last month or two, I have had increasing emotional fragility (that is the best way I've found to describe it). Previous to this period of time, I was a fairly analytical and non-emotional sort of person. Recently though, my emotional responses are elevated. Anything that seems slightly sad could make me cry almost uncontrollably though I can sometime pull myself back if I focus. This is increasingly difficult if I am tired. That has been an issue because I'm also struggling to sleep as when I normally would settle down, I find that my mind will ramp up and spiral with increasingly dark thoughts of death, paranoia, and feelings of disconnectedness. That frequently sends me into a fit of crying that can last 30 minutes or more before I can pull myself back. I've been using some sleep aids to help, but I've started to dread bed time.
I went to my neurologist on Friday and explained all of this to him. He suggested PBA. He gave me some prescription sleep aids, told me to quit drinking for two weeks, and to check back to see if this helps. PBA medication being the next step if that doesn't work. I'm on day five of no alcohol (was only really drinking occasionally like 6 on a Saturday and maybe a beer or two a couple of days during the week). The sleep aid is helping some. I wouldn't say that my emotional fragility is going away though.
My question is does this fit PBA? Also, since from my reading the Dr. with most likely prescribe a SSRI or other anti-depressant type, does it matter if this is PBA or just MS enhanced depression?
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