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Anti-anxiety medications anyone

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Sjogren's Syndrome
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Posted 9/21/2013 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I feel a little lost.  I was diagnosed with sjogrens in january of this year and have been lost.  Everytime I flare or feel horrible, I start to panic and hence have been placed on ativan (only as needed).  I do not take it every day but I have found that it certainly does help when I am feeling my symptoms fairly severe or in a flare an am wodering if anyone else uses anti-anxiety medications.  I feel badly when I have to take one - like I cannot handle this disease on my own - I must be weak.  Just looking for some support, encouragement or words from others who also take anti-anxiety meds from time to time.

Thank you all for listening. 

Posted 9/21/2013 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
I don't need them so much anymore, but I still have a prescription for Xanax for anxiety. I don't think it's unusual to need some help, esp. till we get used to the idea of what we have, and learn to keep it in perspective. Just because it gets worse today than yesterday doesn't mean it will be worse in a year - it could be better!

There is NO SHAME in taking these kinds of medications! I think most of us feel they are a sign of weakness to some extent, but the truth is that something unexpected, unknown, and not much talked about in society has happened to our bodies! Why wouldn't we panic in such a situation???

As you learn more about the disease, and how your version of it manifests in your body, you will learn what little things set if off and how to control it. And with knowledge and experience the panic/anxiety will lesson, and the need for assistance from these kinds of meds will decrease.

It's fine to take them as needed, even if everyday or for a long period of time. And it's fine to let up on them when the disease isn't giving you such a problem. Whatever works!

Hang in there!
Posted 9/22/2013 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Lynwood - you made me feel so much better about my situation and my circumstances. Thank you again. :)
Posted 9/23/2013 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi finallyadiagnosis. I've taken anti-anxiety meds daily for years, usually klonipin. It's really tough to adjust to the traumatic life changes that come with our autoimmune diseases. I think Lynnwood is better at handling her anxiety than I am (Go Lynnwood!), but everyone is different. I've also taken antidepressants for years. It used to bother me, but now I walk into my psychiatrist's office as casually as any other medical appointment. Go easy on yourself Sweetie. Love, Butterflake 

 

Posted 9/23/2013 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
lol. Not last night, Donna, see my post in Lupus!!
Posted 9/23/2013 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Gads. Disarray and painters everywhere! Need my anxiety meds, but I'm trapped upstairs and they are down in the kitchen behind the china cabinet!

(Yes, fragiles & fine furnishings stuffed away....)

Don't figure it's fiar to run away and leave the cat here...
Posted 9/24/2013 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Dear finally diagnosed...I was diagnosed with lupus i'm 2006. To this day they aren't sure if I have sjogrens or lupus or both. I also have diabetes and high blood pressure. I also am a type A personality. I work in a very stressful environment. I am extremely organized and somehow even though I tell myself i'm not, I think i'm wonder woman. First, always listen to your body. U know it better than anyone. I have told the drs for years something was wing with my heart. Drs always want to tell u its cuz ur overweight or not getting enough exersize. Id like to see them function with these diseases...exersize? I can barely get out of bed. Anyway, they didn't listen to me and last november I had a heart attack at 38. They found that what I was feeling and what caused the heart attack was arterial heart spasms. Second, don't b ashamed. I know for a fact my stress level affects the lupus and pushes me into a flare. So I insisted on anti anxiety meds...unfortunately, the dr won't increase my strength so I'm on 0.25 mg twice a day....it barely takes the edge off. And third, please know u aren't alone. These diseases are torture and we do what we have to in order to have functional, productive quality lives.....god bless.
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