Wendy,

I understand about the meds. I was and am SO TIRED of taking pills. I can't remember the last time a Doc actually took me off of one, because I just stop taking them before a Doc has the chance to weigh in on it. What makes it worse for me is my dry mouth and swallowing problems, which makes it very hard to take pills. I can take the tiny Synthroid pill OK with applesauce, but all others have to be cut up into tiny pieces (and still taken with applesauce or ice cream). I do still take the Synthroid because I definitely noticed the difference in my lack of energy when I ran out of them for a few days.

I also understand very well a reluctance to take antidepressants, because I also refused them at first. I felt that my sadness/depression was justified and I didn't need or want a chemical attitude adjustment - I needed Doc to hurry up and make me better and let me go home! He explained very eloquently - wish I could remember the words for you - why I needed to take them. I do remember that part of what convinced me was that Doc acknowledged and validated my very real reason to be sad/depressed/upset and that anyone in my circumstances would need help to cope with it all. Also that my low mental state was adversely affecting my physical well-being and that raising my spirits would help me to get better and go home. It all made sense to me and I started to take the med then - and it DID help.

So again I suggest the antidepressants for him. It may be that his Doc needs to talk to him about them. As his wife and loved one, it's possible that you are too close - an extension of himself. Raising his spirits will make him feel better both mentally and physically, and certainly therefore make you feel better, too.

I hope this helps and I hope he can be convinced. It's only temporary and it should make a world of difference for both of you.

Lani