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I'm driving myself crazy

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Posted 1/21/2008 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi---I'm new to this forum.  I've been evesdropping for awhile and thought I would just jump in.  I was diagnosed with GERD many years ago---have had several endoscopys and a few other tests---also years ago hiatal hernia dx.  Also, other things like Mitral Valve Prolapse and maybe Fibromyalgia.  For the last few months I have been haveing chest pain and a burning sensation in my throat and chest, pain (like aching) in my shoulders and upper arms, a feeling of weird burning when I breathe in (especially in the morning when I first wake up).  The pain sometimes goes into my neck and a burning sensation in my EARS!  I have been taking 40mg of generic Prilosed and was taking Tagamet (until someone told me it was not a good drug to take).  Nothing has helped!!!  I have almost constant pain. Sometimes it goes away and I don't understand---but I'm grateful.  It doesn't seem to have much to do with what I eat. Or if I haven't eaten---what I do eat.  I have had all the cardio stuff done and all is okay.  Although I can freak myself out with anxiety over a heart attack in a minute. It just hurts all the time.  Sometimes my heart will actually go "thump" and then it hurts worse--- but I can't really tell what's going on with me.  I belong to and HMO and sometimes they are pretty stingy with tests.  Also, my doc just had a friend die while doing an endoscopy and so she won't refer me for one now.  I keep reading  how much anxiety can play in how we feel.  By the way, my doc just referred me to a psychiatrist.  Maybe I am crazy?!?!?  I'm not sure about the pain though.  HELP! mad confused
Posted 1/21/2008 6:04 PM (GMT 0)

Enuf:
 So sorry to hear what you're going through. I've had anxiety issues for many years and although you certainly could have something going on wise GERD-wise or anything else, it sounds like the anxiety is making things much worse

I've been in therapy for anxiety and, although I have ups and downs, it's helped tremendously. What I can tell you is that no, you're not going to die, even though you feel you might. The anxiety can cause chest pain, rapid breathing and a ton of other things. The fact that the pain comes and goes could also have something to do with the anxiety coming and going.

I would recommend trying to control your breathing by taking 10 slow, deep breaths every hour or so. Try your best to calm yourself down and convince yourself that you're going to be OK. It may not be today or tomorrow, but you'll be all right.

If you can convince your HMO to see a therapist, that would be great. Or you can see your primary doctor and possibly get a low dose of Xanax, that would help too.

Hang in there. Things will be OK.

Stu

Posted 1/21/2008 7:55 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Stu,

I've only been on is forum for a few weeks now and it's always comforting to hear from other how "suffer" the same kinds of things---physical and emotional.  I have been in therapy on and off for almost centuries---but I keep reading here about CBT.  Do you know of this and is this the type of therapy that has helped ?---(if you don't mind my asking)  I have become weary of therapy and talking about stuff---so my new plan is to get a Gentle trainer and begin to do some excercise instead.  Can't afford both right now.  My body has become my enemy and I am thinking that if I workout in a gentle way, I might be able to make friends with it.  Think I'm going to try it for awhile and see what happends.  One of the things that I have learned over the years is that progress is often made when I take "opposite action".  I will work on remembering to breathe---thanks for the reminder.

Problem for me and meds is that my anxiety runs over into anxiety about putting that "poison" into my body.  All of the side effects scare me more that the symptoms.  I try when I can to take natural stuff---altho' I have had some mild "allergic" reactions to those too.  Not sure if they are for real  or just in my head.  But they kind of scare me.

Thanks again---I'm hanging! :-) L


Posted 1/21/2008 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
For anxiety relief, by far the best type of therapy is CBT, which is cognitive behavioral therapy. It's proven to work .... and certainly has for me.

CBT is different than most normal therapies in that in doesn't go back to your past and deal with Mom and Dad issues about what be causing the anxiety but specifically uses different methods to stop the anxiety and the thoughts that perpetuate it.

It uses "replacement thoughts"... for example, if you think you're going to have a heart attack and die because you're so nervous and anxious... the therapist will ask if you have you had a heart attack in the past? Did you die? If your 40 years old and haven't had a heart attack yet, what are the chances you'll have one today?

Stuff like that. So, if you see a therapist, please make sure it's one who specializes in anxiety and uses CBT. It can make all the difference in the world.

And exercise helps a lot too. Gets the endorphins going the blood flowing, and gets you out of that anxiety mindset. It will help you breathe better too.

As far as meds go, I'm just like you! I hate taking them. But here's the upside: If you take a Xanax, and you know that it helps... even temporarily... it'll make you realize how much the anxiety is playing a factor in your health. And there are no side effects from a low dose, except maybe a little sleepy. I'm very skinny and super sensitive to side effects too, so drugs scare me as well. But the Xanax leaves your body about 12 hours after you take it. No residual effects at all. It just calms the nervous system down.

Stu

Posted 1/21/2008 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hello enufworry...I am glad you have felt comfortable now to post with us! Welcome aboard! I apologize for not greeting you sooner, as I have been away for a few days! Please don't feel like you are crazy becasue your doctor reffered you to a pdoc. The fact of the matter is that the mind is a powerful thing, and some of what you are feeling might be in your head...not saying you are crazy. I know this first hand. Back in March, I was having chest pains, constantly, and I was dizzy, and I actually became agoraphobic. I really thought I was dying, but doctors kept telling me I was fine. They sent me to a pdoc, which I was against at first, and I tell you what, it is the best thing I ever did. The problems I was having were indeed physical, because I was feeling pains, but they came from my mind. The stress in my daily life took a hold of me, and made me feel these pains. Your mind can and will do that. It doesnt' mean you are crazy. I would suggest meeting with a pdoc, and seeing what they have to offer. It could change your life, as it did mine. Please, stick with us, and tell us how you are doing. And, if you want, go on over to the anxiety board, as you can get so much information there about anxiety, and panic. I now take Klonopin twice daily and Effexor XR 150 mg daily, and I am back to the me I was before this all hit me in March. I do hope you stick with us and keep us updated. Wishing you all the best!
Posted 1/22/2008 4:28 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Stu

Thanks again.  I will follow through with the CBT.  I have my "yes buts" about it---but maybe I should go over to the anxiety board to try to figure that all out.  MY GERD is actually better today.  Maybe just venting and "talking" to you all will help calm me down.  I am committed to changing my life around this year and this is a good start. :-)

Hi Tammy,

Thank you too.  It's a weird feeling to be able to talk to folks about stuff that I would not normally talk about and have feel like they really get it (me).  I have an appt. on the 25th with a "gatekeeper" in my HMO so that she can refer me to a pdoc.  In some ways it feels like a defeat---like I should be able to handle this without DRUGS----but I can see by what you and Stu are saying that I may have to go that route.  I appreciate your suggestion about the Anxiety board and will be posting there too---I'm sure----I NEED IT!

Thanks again to both of you---warmest wishes,L

Posted 1/22/2008 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad you are going to take a look at the anxiety board enufworry. Please, don't feel like you have been defeated. I hated the thought of using drugs to feel better, but I have come to realize, there was no other way for me. Sometimes we all need that extra help. I look forward to an update from you...and I am often on the anxiety board as well, so I will probably see you over there! Wishing you the best.
Posted 1/23/2008 5:40 AM (GMT 0)

Tammy,

Just posted on anxiety bd----so much happends in my chest area---I never know what the heck is happening.  Thanks, I'll look for you there too.

Posted 1/25/2008 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Amen to Xanax for anxiety. Has saved me many times. I've taken it here and there for probably six years. I can go months without any and then need a couple a day for four or five days. Have had no addiction problems. They are my security blanket. I really take one if I fly.

Nobody likes taking meds but what can you do? I've got to work and be a good mom. If meds help me live a decent and useful life, then I'm gonna take em.
Posted 1/25/2008 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
If the Tagamet helped there is no reason to stop it. There are some drugs that should not be combined with it but it has been on the market for over 40 years and been very safe. You could try Pepcid, too. It appears more innocuous than Tagamet. Anxiety in itself can cause the feelings you are having so I agree with others and see if an anti-anxiety pill will help.
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