Can someone help with this please??

I will chime in, although I am not in the most positive of moods currently...

This is difficult in and of itself, as I am generally very positive and have a great outlook on life...
However, part of having that great outlook seems to be tied to the ability to be active and participate in sports of all kinds - racquetball in particular - and running - both of which have been taken away as an option for me based upon advanced arthritis in my right knee. I think it also ties into the feeling less than complete - unable to fully take charge and care of oneself in society based upon the injury...I could not even run away from an attacker in my current condition, for example!

I was just having a meniscus repaired (July 19, 2008) from a sports injury and expected that I would be fully recovered after surgery. The doctor did not seem too concerned about my MRI and was very nonchalant about my even needing surgery. But while they were looking about with the scope, it was discovered that I have 75% reduction of cartilage in that knee - have bone exposed on one section - was told that I would be experiencing chronic pain, will be injected every 6 months with "Euflexxa" and to tell them when that procedure was no longer working - when I could no longer handle the pain and I would get a new knee. Even with a new knee, I will be unable to participate in my favorite sports...and while I feel like a big baby for my current depression and my crying off and on during the day, I can't seem to help it...maybe I just need to feel bad for awhile until I figure out what my options are and what I can do....? Maybe I will learn to love low impact activities (swimming, cycling, walking) but I am not thrilled with the thought at the moment.

What I am doing - and it seems to be helping somewhat - is; I bought a stationery bike for the house, am doing my leg exercises, got a pilates ball, leg weights, arm weights, push up grips and am doing exercises every day to keep as fit as possible and keep moving. I am reading "Excuse me, your life is waiting" about the law of attraction and trying to keep positive...I am considering counseling...wish to avoid anti-depressants. I am surprised that more doctors do not inquire about the mental health of their patients that have just been given such life-altering news...that would be a benefit for them to ask...I almost brought it up during my last appointment, but did not feel comfortable bursting into tears in front of him...alas.

I do know many suffer depression after surgery. I also know that finding the right anti-depression med and the right dosage is trial and error and sometimes takes a whilee. Stay in very close contact with your doctor and be very descriptive of what is going on with you. If you feel you need a second diagnosis, then by all means do so. Good luck. "God is love"

To begin with, nobody likes to feel helpless or bother others for as much help as one actually needs after a surgery that leaves you functioning below normal levels for awhile. Of course that in itself is a bit depressing. You also spend a lot of time laying on your back with nothing better to do than think about your life. It's a very isolating experience.

Then add pharmaceuticals....

I spent the first 8 days after my ACL surgery popping pain pills, sleeping, watching unhealthy amounts of Sex in the City, and evaluating my life...On the 9th day after surgery, I cried ALL day. On the 10th day I stopped taking my painkillers in the afternoon. On the 11th day I went back to part-time work and felt WAY better.

Opiates and inactivity bring you down. Once you are off the pharmaceuticals and start moving again, your endorphins should return to fairly normal levels in no time.