8 replies to this topic

[Anwalz]

Hi everyone! Just looking for some advice/tips/coping tools for my fiancé. He is currently being switched off of Gleevec and onto another drug, due to the horrible side effects. But, ever since his diagnosis (and prior too, we just didn't know he had it) he was very irritable & crabby in general and has mood swings. He's being treated for anxiety and depression, but those meds may need some tweaking as well. I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced the irritability, crabbiness & mood swings in dealing with their CML and how they feel etc. Any tips or advice as to how he can work on this/better deal with it/overcome it? He told me last night how much he hates being like that, and I don't blame him.

Thank you!

[MarCap73]

I was Dx in Nov. '15, I can't say that I have had any irritability and mood swings as a result of the medication directly, however, I have had irritability as a result of being extremely tired and fatigued.  

 

Being treated for anxiety and depression via medication is a great start, is he talking to a mental health professional?  Cancer support groups, etc?  I have found that to be the most helpful thing I have done.  This forum is great.  The Living With CML Chat hosted by LLS on Tuesday and Thursday night is a great "live" forum also.

 

http://www.lls.org/s...t/online-chats 

[Anwalz]

Yeah, I'd agree that it's part medication that's making him irritable, due to the side effects that come from that--such as being extremely tired & fatigued.

[CallMeLucky]

Very stressful being diagnosed and going through this it takes a long time to get used to (years) and even then anything can set it off in terms of stress, like a bad test result.
He can consider the basics like therapy, meditation, exercise. He should try to keep busy and get out of his own head as much as possible.
Everyone needs to figure their own way out to a degree. It good he realizes it doesn't want to be that way.

[IGotCML]

I get irritable and crabby quite frequently and I have had CML for over 3 years. My frustrations come from trying to live as "normal" as possible but unable to because of my condition. For example, it takes me a lot longer to get up and go at full speed in the morning and I must to do that because I need to work full time in order to have decent health insurance and keep my treatment costs reasonable.

 

My best way of coping is knowing that as recent as 20 years ago CML was a death sentence for most people. Now there are numerous treatment options and it is very unlikely that CML will kill me. I feel fortunate that I have been able to cheat death at least once in my life.

[dede5]

I have a terrible time with irritability. I attribute mine to sensory processing disorder, and have what I call 'Rainman' fits, if you've ever seen the movie. Any kind of commotion, crowds, or numerous other things out of the ordinary, can set it off. Because I choose not to take anti depressants (I've tried), I find taking a Vitamin B complex every day helps mine. Doesn't get rid of it completely, but takes the edge off. 

[Terran]

"Rainman fits", I like that term. I can relate, although mine used to be monthly and I thought of it more like, "The Curse of the House of Usher". Yeah, if Rainman had chemo brain, that would be me.

[Ladycat1961]

I can relate because I find that at times the smallest thing can set me off and I hate being the chick, you know the office crab. I find myself apologizing to my coworkers. But I am blessed to work with an amazing group of people who look out for me and make me take breaks,encourages me to eat properly. I have a very physical job that I would not be able to perform adequately if not for the assistance of my coworkers, and for that I am greatful.

[AllTheseYears]

Been living with CML for 15 years.  Here's the main thing I've learned to accept:  Having a  normal life span is not the same as having a normal life.  Just the way it is.