Change in Emotions

[chiromac]

I'm a fairly average 42 year old man, but I've notices a change since I've been on dialysis.  I'm noticing that I seem to be getting choked up during emotional event that I never would have had a reaction to before.  Sad movies and things like that now get me choked up and sometimes even tear up.    I can not place my finger on, but I was just wanted to know if this has effected anyone else or is it just me. 

[Sydnee]

I haven't noticed any change in Ed.
I'm crying more but I'm not a male or on dialysis yet. (I grew up in a family that you don't cry or show any emotion)

I will say Ed and I  hates UP. Very, very sad movie. certainly didn't see that from the previews of it.

[jbeany]

It could be a side effect of medication.  It could because of higher toxin levels in your system - they make everyone a bit fuzzier, even with decent dialysis.

It may just be that the stress that goes with any chronic health problem is making you more prone to tipping over the edge.  Self-control is available in limited quantities.  If you are busy restraining yourself from growling at people who are saying and do dumb things at dialysis, refraining from whining about what's happening to you, and pushing yourself to keep going when you really want to take a nap - you don't have any emotional fortitude left to hold back when you see something that effects you emotionally.

It's normal, I promise, and most of us have had something similar happen.  You might want to be relieved that you are letting loose with some tears - instead of taking a swing at people instead!

[Rerun]

I remember not long after starting dialysis.... after the diagnosis and choosing to live and the honeymoon affect of feeling better.... the realization that I felt a loss and I grieved that loss.  A loss of kidney function and a loss to my life as it once was... free!


       

[chiromac]

I guess it is just one of those things I will have to get used to.   

[kitkatz]

I have been more emotional since I started dialysis fourteen years ago.

[RightSide]

I had experienced the same thing.

It's not the dialysis that 's causing it.  It's the kidney disease itself and its allied complications:

Researchers led by Susan Hedayati, MD, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, found that the prevalence of major depressive episodes in chronic kidney disease patients is greater than those reported for patients with other chronic diseases including diabetes (11%), congestive heart failure (14%) and coronary artery disease (16%).

Researchers studied 272 patients with CKD in stages two through five who they categorized as depressed or nondepressed based on the presence or absence of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) diagnosis of a current major depressive episode. One in five patients met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for a major depressive episode.

"Unemployment, psychiatric illness and diabetes were factors that seemed to contribute to depression in the chronic kidney disease patients we studied," says Hedayati. "Patients with chronic kidney disease should understand that they are at increased risk for depression and ask physicians to monitor them regularly for signs of depression.

"Early screening is especially important since depression is associated with poor outcomes in patients with end stage kidney disease. In fact, long term dialysis patients with clinical depression are twice as likely to die or require hospitalization," continues Hedayati.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/162766.php

Since I was having trouble sleeping anyway, my neph prescribed me Trazodone at bedtime.  Helps me fall asleep, fights depression, a good choice.

[lmunchkin]

Chiromac, my husband does it also from time to time. So you are not alone!

God Bless,
lmunchkin

[Riki]

I blame it on the toxins.. I find sometimes that once I get started, I can't get stopped.. it can be rather embarrassing at times..

[chiromac]

Thanks all, I'll keep watch to see if I notice any links to toxic levels & emotions.  The good news is I'm not depressed just more emotional than I was before.