neuro lyme/ going out in public/anxiety/easily overwhlemed

I am wondering how many others of you have the lyme anxiety/ easily overwhelmed thing? And if it makes it hard for you to go out other than when you have to?
This was my worst symptom-- and got somewhat better to a good degree, but since I relapsed I have it again -and the fear of it.
I get overwhelmed in public- movement, too many people, too much stimulation. Scares me. I can be fine all day at home but going out can be scary.

Some of it is ptsd from having had it. I got a lot better on it afte rmy 6 months of abx- so I was so happy ot have that part of my life back! I still wouldn't go to a party-- but I could again easily take my child to school and pick them up ( rather than having my husband do it). I could go to the grocery store without having to rush out.

When I was off abx the lyme anxiety came back again- I still did some things but I started to be scared. Once the dr said it was for sure the lyme again ( still) I got totally reclusive again. That is why I went back on abx.

This is also the symptom I am most worried about being able to get rid of because it is in my brain, so I worry it is hard to get to! This is the symptom that keeps me taking the toxic antibiotics-
the fatigue and ears were bad, but the anxiety and easily overwhelmed stuff is the #1 lyme problem for me.

Anyone heal that? Anyone else going through that?

Even now I am a little better and probably could go out more if I wanted to but I am still so afraid of those feelings.

It is weird because ALL this treatment I have done and continue to do is to combat this stuff. I don't have that many other symptoms- some but this is my main one. And now as I am trying to have a good attitude and think about my healing and that it can happen, there is a part of me that worries about if it is possible to heal that aspect?
Only other people with lyme who have experienced this can understand! Is this something some of you have healed as part of your lyme healing? please inspire me!

Post Edited (Katebirch) : 12/16/2014 5:37:45 PM (GMT-7)

Thanks Utahgal. (Utahgal did you get my email?)

It actually has gotten better in the 7 days I have been back on the abx and herbs. The serious panic attack anxiety has not come up THANK GOODNESS>
But- all last week I was sick- herxing, in bed, more than just anxiety and could not go out- so my husband did all the school runs.

This week so far I managed one school pick up-- in a way I am lazy because my husband is so helpful and goes out of his way to help we with stuff, but also he just understands how hard it is for me.

So I am not having the same level of anxiety as earlier or as when I was off treatment, but I am also not as cleared of it as I was when I first stopped the abx.

It is a little more fuzzy- hard to understand. going out seems like a big deal to me still! I had to go to the bank on Monday and just went and came right home.

I have to do this appointment tomorrow- not that far from home, only 10 minutes. But I am already a little nervous about how I feel. SO yeah I guess it is still there.

But prior to this week before I got back on the treatment, I was having those anxiety attacks out of nowhere even at home every other day. So at least I am improving to where when I stay home I do not have them
But going out is still hard. I know my husband wants me to do more drop off and pick ups- so I have to try! My child's school is not far, and I am usually okay- I just get overwhelmed by the crowds and the people and all that .
I would love to fully heal from this aspect of it.

I have this too and it is one of my worst symptoms. In addition to debilitating dizziness. I always say if I could get that under control, the dizziness, and any heart issues, I would be golden. I don't generally have the pain associated with lime, my symptoms are that horrible anxiety that you describe, as well as the dizziness and heart stuff

I'm glad others have responded. It really is a horrible symptom. I do keep reading that it goes away!

No, I didn't get your email. I hope my email link works!

Uggh… this has plagued me at the worst times. I used to do a lot of public speaking and it got more and more difficult for me to do. I used to get so stressed out about it—and now I finally understand why! I thought I was losing my mind. Needless to say, I had to quit my job.

But my anxiety and ….not sure how else to describe it but fear of being around people and fear of stimulation and super hyper CNS sensitivity keeps me from answering my phone (although, no one really calls anymore these days) and even posting on the forum! When it got bad I just couldn't handle the stimulation.

Oh—what I wouldn't give for Girlie's gift of tolerating loud music. Someone mentioned in another thread that their heart was pounding so loud they could hear it in their ear. Well, my heart does this sometimes while I'm lying in bed trying to sleep—and I can't tolerate it! It's the vibration of the artery pulsing and the friction on the pillowcase and it literally sounds like the theme song from JAWS.

Mascoe1—
So glad you have found some relief with the clonadine and are engaged in your daughter's activities. Good for you—sticking it out despite your challenges. I totally identify with the "how well can you hide it". Unfortunately, this really backfired for me. Had I not been so intent on hiding symptoms and had been more willing to accept how my body was falling apart (and had ANY medical professional taken it seriously) I might have started treatment years ago. Your situation is a catch-22 because you would also feel guilty missing out on your girls's lives if you didn't persevere.

-p