Anxiety from lymes?

I'm starting to think I may be getting some anxiety issues. Never had them before in my life. From the Lymes? If so how long until they go away? Just heard that my insurance company may not pay for my new lower dose of rocephrin because they will only pay once and they already paid for the 28 day higher dose. I'm having trouble sleeping stressing over everything. At night I can feel my heart trying to beat out of my chest and I get this adrenaline rush type feeling but not in a good way. I usually love it, I'm an adrenaline junky, but this is different. Plus I'm getting a hot, uneasy feeling in my chest. Yesterday I spent $1000 between llmd and supplements. Medical bills are piling up, getting behind on everything. Haven't had a paycheck in over 6 weeks. I was already behind because of two previous injuries (fell off of roof 4 years ago and car accident 2 years ago) that caused me to miss work. I feel like I'm letting my family down and it is killing me. Now this anxious on the edge feeling on top of all my new symptoms since starting treatment. Plus everytime I go to sleep I'm plagued by nightmares all night long which I never had before. What is going on?! Trying to keep a positive attitude but I just keep getting worse not better since starting treatment. Did see a llmd yesterday and I'm hopeful that he is taking me in the right direction but this is starting to be overwhelming. Everything going wrong at once on top of this darn lymes. For those of you that have experienced lyme anxiety what worked for you that was not addictive? I would rather be in more physical pain than feel like this. I feel weak for letting this happen but i dont know how to stop it. Keep telling myself its ok when it happens but that really not helping. Feel like I could crack at any minute. Embarrassed to admit it but that's where I'm at. This is so not me. Again how long until you were back to normal? Sorry about whining.

Mike - I had it for a few months early on...and then it subsided except for waking me in the middle of the night (what a joy that was. )

Then bouts of depression hit me as well...so I was anxiously depressed at times...mornings were usually the worst.


I was very, very lucky that the anxiety and depression resolved on it's own (except for the night awakenings)

NOTE: My anxiety and depression were symptoms of the disease...not that I was anxious/sad about my situation - if that makes sense.

You have been herxing...hopefully that in part is why you are having anxiety...and as you continue to detox...it will subside ...at least somewhat.
As treatment progresses...you will find symptoms getting better...hopefully for you the anxiety is one of those early to leave symptoms.

How long? It is different for everyone.

Hi Mike -

I'm so sorry about these kinds of symptoms - I'm 100% with you - I would prefer those debilitating, pain-filled days to feeling crazy ANY DAY. Those have always been my worst symptoms ---and the scariest.

These types of symptoms are known as neuropathy-psychological or neuro-psycho sx. The anxiety and other mood-associated symptoms develop from neurotransmitter imbalances, which can be caused by multiple issues - adrenal dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, brain toxins, and the damage from the infections...

And they are common herxes because of the toxin overload that the antimicrobial tx causes, the abx can disrupt a happy gut (remember the gut-brain connection) and other triggers.

GENERALLY, with increased and careful detoxing you can help reduce the neuro-psycho sx. Sometimes you just have to get through more treatment.

I would try the following:

First, a gut binder can help bind toxins and remove them, and might also help you get a little more regular, which should get you better detoxed.

Also, I would try brain detox support - I like Nutrimedix Pinella and Bur Bur tinctures. It needs to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Other detoxing is helpful - our skin is our largest detox organ so soaks or sweating can sometimes help (as always, start slowly, increase intensity carefully). You need to keep your lymphs drained and blood moving.

I like Moosegirl's suggestion for breathing exercises - you can find many on YouTube.

And there are adaptogen herbs you can try for adrenal balance - but these can be tricky and you'll want to work w/ your LLMD or an ND for the most part.

Last, you ARE experiencing stress for very good reason - your body is being bombarded from all directions due to the infections, the draining on your immune system and other body systems, and your mind. So it's difficult to control how the outside stress affects you physiologically - you need to devote time and energy into de-stressing, however you can. It's as important as healing from the infections.

Please let us know how you're doing... hang in there -

-p

First of all, Mike, I want to say, please don't apologize for asking for help! Anxiety was the worst of my symptoms, by far, and always crops up again when I start to experience a bit of a relapse--though never as intense as it was when I first was diagnosed about three or so years ago.

For me, the worst of the anxiety lasted for a good two or three months of treatment, but lessened a bit gradually. What helped for me was the occasional Ativan, but only when the anxiety got really, really bad. I also got a lot of relief from Alka Seltzer Gold. Hang in there--it'll lessen. And I agree with you--out of all of the many, many symptoms I've experienced as a result of these darned diseases--anxiety was the most painful by far!

Hey Mike - know what you mean when you write "you feel weak" and letting people down. Been there early on.

The truth is you are not letting anyone down. Life can sometimes kick us in the butt, and this is a great example. But I learned the biggest way I was letting my kids down was by feeling like I was letting them down, which lead to a weaker response to fighting the Lyme Disease.

I still get to that point but realize it is doing me or anyone else no good. Now, I come out of that faster. It's hard to be patient, and people are awesome in helping with that.

A perceived weakness can become a true one if you let it. Not judging because I have been to that point many times. It's not giving up that's the hardest part, but it's simple - there is no giving up.

Hang in there and know many others who are better now felt just like you did once.

Thanks wild and jo, I appreciate it. As much as I hate my job I really need to get back to it. It is nice to hear from folks that have been through it. Doing my IV while reading threads now.

Hi emotions, I'm so sorry you're dealing with anxiety & depression! I wish I had some suggestions, but I'm going through the same thing at the moment- at least with the anxiety. I actually got online looking to read old anxiety threads or to post my own, and I saw yours.

I know for me it's definitely Lyme related. I had some very minor anxiety about 20 years ago ( possibly also Lyme related, I just hadn't been diagnosed yet) but it didn't even come close to this! Never had any other anxiety issues, before or since- until recently.

I was prescribed xanex for a short time back then ,and it got me through the worst of it, but my LLMD who I saw last week wouldn't prescribe me anything at all for anxiety. She said anxiety is well controlled with supplements. She did tell me to buy a supplement called 'emotional wellness' by pure encapsulations ( I think) . I got it ( it was really expensive) and so far it hasn't helped at all!

I understand what you mean about it stopping your life. It can be just as debilitating as the physical stuff! And when the physical & mental symptoms come together-

Although I really don't have any suggestions, I was thinking of googling " tapping for anxiety " after posting this. When I had one of my first really bad anxiety attacks , I was desperate & somehow came across the tapping thing. I don't remember the website. I've only done it once , But I think it took a tiny bit of the edge off. Or maybe it just distracted me until it eased up on its own...

Anyway, I hope knowing somebody else ( probably lots of us, really) is going through the same type of thing will be a comfort. Hang in there. Hope you get some relief soon!

what you described is very typical lyme.

The good news is it "can" get better.

For me it only happens every few months for like a week. Lyme flare.

Hi Casa, thank you. Not really. Had a bad day had to start another med called Gabapentin last night since the psychiatrist wants me to try to sleep. didn't help much but will try again tonight. Hope you are Ok