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Posted 11/18/2008 5:11 PM (GMT 0)

Hi everybody! I hope everyone is doing as well as possible. I have read a few posts this morning to catch up, and I want all of those who aren't doing so well to know that I am thinking about you and praying for you. I'm sorry it has been so long since I have posted. Life has been crazy lately. My health has been really good the past few months, knock on wood, but lately I have been under an extreme amount of stress and am starting to feel the effects of it. I am so tired, but can't get much rest. It seems like everytime I try to relax, I tense up. My shoulders and chest get tight and I feel very anxious and irritable for no apparent reason. Sometimes I get to the point that I feel like I'm just going to explode. I can't seem to do anything to stop it, and when it finally does subside, it doesn't go away for long, and it leaves me feeling exhausted and weak. Any one ever have anything like this or have any suggestions? I am open to anything! Thanks!   confused

Posted 11/18/2008 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't ever felt this, though it sounds similar to a panic attack. I hope someone comes along who has more helpful comments I just wanted you to know we are listening.
Posted 11/18/2008 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks RedRose! I actually think I had a panic attack awhile back. I woke up in the middle of the night and felt like I couldn't breathe. My boyfriend (who I live with) asked me if I needed to go to the ER. I HATE the ER and will avoid it if at all possible. I said no, so he took me to my mom & dad's, thinking they could help calm me down. My mom decided because of my history with congestive heart failure, that I definitely needed to go. The doctor did all kinds of tests and only found that I had a bladder infection and that my bp was very high, which I assume anyone's would be if they felt like they couldn't breathe. Duh! She never said anything about a panic or anxiety attack, I think she just thought I was crazy, but we kind of thought later that maybe that's what it was. I'm not sure who I should talk to about it though. Would it be appropriate to talk to my rheumy about it? Anyway, thanks for the support, sorry for the rambling!
Posted 11/18/2008 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
definately talk to your rheumy but also consider getting a therapist or psychiatrist to write scripts for anxiety issues- kind of like a rescue inhailor for asthma. NO biggie on rambling, I do so a lot.
Posted 11/18/2008 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
According to my rheumy, anxiety/panic attacks can be a combination result of our illnesses, stress & meds.... I was given a small xanax prescript ion to take as needed, when I start feeling that tight chest, racing heart & such. I don't have to take it very often, but it's helpful to know it's available if I need it. So I'd start with telling your rheumy and/or any doctors you already see regularly. They will be able to help you determine if it's really anxiety, and figure out if it's partially med related or not. Some will ask you to see a psychiatrist, some will prescribe themselves as they are familiar with these kinds of side effects from the meds they usually prescribe. Hope you feel better soon,
Posted 11/18/2008 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Timely topic, Dqueen !! I'm dealing with high anxiety right now too. I have some (many) small and big family medical and personal issues that, combined with the economy and recent politics events, has me reduced to tears in a flash. I'm trying to 'deal with it' rationally by: Trying not to "awfulize" stuff and trying not to "should myself" (I should be doing this, I should be doing that, and trying to fix everyone's problems). Seasonal Affective Disorder has also kicked in so its a real treat. I am considering going back on my anti-d . . . but I've enjoyed almost two years w/o the side affects and I'm spoiled. BUT . . . you have to do what you have to do!! Right? Thanks for starting this topic. I bet there are lots of us in the same boat. Blessings!
Posted 11/18/2008 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your replies and advice guys. It's nice to know that I'm not alone! I've always been an overly-emotional person, but this is getting to the point where it is interfearing with my everyday life. Time to do something about it, I'm tired of feelinf this way. Thanks again!
Posted 11/18/2008 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi DQueen,

 

I'm another person who deals with anxiety and panic attacks.  I'm on Zoloft now, and even at the lowest dose, 50mg, I can feel a difference.  What a relief!!

 

I'm also a big believer on deep breathing exercises. They really do help.  So no, you're not alone in this. Not at all!

 

Blessings,

Ginny

Posted 11/18/2008 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi DQueen,

Without my Prozac and B Complex daily - I get exactly the way you describe. I would check with the rheumy. With the additional stress of the holidays, many of us need a little help - and if it works, then it is worth it!
Posted 11/19/2008 1:57 AM (GMT 0)

Hi,

It's been awhile since I have been on the board, but thought I'd sign in and read some of the posts tonight. I'm glad I did! What you have described here is exactly what I have been experiencing, it seems to get worse at night when I try to lay down and go to sleep. I had an appointment with my rheumy yesterday and discussed it with him, he said it definitely sounds like anxiety. I was blown away, I too have always been a very strong person, and have always tried not to let issues get the best of me. Needless to say having these feelings that are getting the best of me is truly something that is out of my control and definately has the upper hand, it is about to drive me insane dealing with something that is this out of my control.

Just as someone else stated in a post, my doctor stated anxiety is a part of lupus. He went on to state that it is part of the lupus affects on the brain, which I have been experiencing a lot here of late. Apparently the more inflammation in my body and brain, the worse the anxiety is and will most likely get. I was shocked to say the least. I thought for sure it was a side effect of one of my meds and that we could possibly correct the issue by changing meds, boy was I wrong.

Like the others said, please talk to your doctor. Do not let this get the best of you. My doctor prescribed me Xanex. I got the scribt filled today and plan I taking it when I go to bed tonight. I will let you know how it goes. And I wish you the best of luck with getting your symptoms under control.

Melissa

Posted 11/19/2008 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much! I really needed to hear that. I didn't get any sleep last night because of this. It's like the more you try to relax, the worse it gets. I'm sorry you all are experiencing the same things, but I'm also very glad I'm not alone in this. I have an appt with my rhuemy in a couple weeks and will definitely talk to him about it. Hopefully it doesn't drive me crazy before that! Thanks to everyone!
Posted 11/20/2008 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
DQueen, Make sure that you type out your "symptom list" "questions" and "what I want the dr. to do for me today". Type up this list and bring two copies with you to the doctor. Give one to the doc and hold one for reference. I do this because I would chicken out on telling the anxiety issues. If I write it down, I can take my time and explain it better. If I try to talk to someone about it, my words just won't happen and I get really stuck on trying describe my issues. I also forget to mention things that should have been part of the appointment. Let us know how it goes, ok? Blessings!
Posted 11/20/2008 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
DQueen,

I began the Xanex last night, the bottle said to take 1/2 to 1 pill as needed. Well, I started with 1/2 as I got ready for bed, I noticed a little improvement, but my mind still did not calm down enough to the point were I could sleep, so I ended up taking the other 1/2. It was a blessing! I had the best night sleep that I have had in a very long time.

I agree with AlwaysRosie, be sure to write down a list of your symptoms and take them with you to your next appt. I hadn't been doing this and was forgetting to tell my doc things when I left the appt. Then my husband insistied I begin to write things down and take them with me, it was the best thing I ever did. Now I have a little note book I write things down as they occur and discuss them with my doc at each appt. Not only does it allow me to discuss with him, but is also providing me a history of my symptoms, as I am now filing for SSD, so this list will be most helpful.

Melissa

Posted 11/20/2008 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both for the info and advice. I also tend to chicken out or forget to mention certain things to my doc. I'll be sure tolet you all know how the appt goes. Thanks again!!
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