I need help please!!

I am a 40 year old male who has been diagnosed with Anxiety. I take 100mg of Zoloft per day. Generally, I have been feeling pretty good over the last month, but today I have some common symptoms I was having come back strong. I have a slight loss of feeling in my left hand as well as a slight tingling in my left cheek and left side of my head. I have had all the neurological testing done in the last few years and all came back negative. My Neuro doctor seems to think it is Anxiety as well as my PCP.

This numbness/tingling comes and goes and happens on both sides of my body which my neuro says rules out Stroke or Tumor. I am tired of getting these sensations and spend most of my day "checking" my body for strange sensations. When I feel one I haven't felt before or the tingling I get nervous and worry that something is about to happen to me. Then the rest of my day is spent waiting for something to happen. What I don't know but I can't seem to help myself.

Any thoughts on what I can do to relieve myself of this? I do see a therapist but have only seen them 4 times so far.

Thanks for letting me vent!!!

Ceedub

Hello Ceedub,

I am so happy to welcome you to the A & P forum.

I am sorry your having this bothersome sx again and of course it raises your anxiety.

Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, you  should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get your  mind off of the problem. You  could get some fresh air, listen to some music, or do an activity that will give you  a fresh perspective on things.

You  should visualize a red stop sign in your  mind when  encountering  a fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes,  think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. You  can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.

I use this to help when my mind starts going into overtime and thinking 'stinkin" thoughts.

I hope this helps you in some small way.  Again welcome and know you will find many wonderful members here so keep posting.

Hugs
Kitt

I would really like to thank everyone for their support. I will try some of the remedies you've suggested. Also, I just received a CPAP machine because I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I've heard this should help also. I think with the combination of remedies plus the support you all provide it will get better for me. I have the hope and prayer that it will.

Thanks again!!!

Hi everyone,VIEW IMAGE

I am new to this site also.  I have been reading some of the posts which i find tobe very interesting and helpful.  I have been suffering from panic disorder for over eight years and have been taking paxil for almost 5.  I really want to stop taking this medication as I dont believe it helps much anymore.  I have noticed that if i dont take them for 3 days I start feeling sick on the fourth morning.  My doctor says it is withdrawal symptoms.  Does anyone have any idea how  best i can quit them?

Ceedub keep hanging in there.  You will get better.  Exercising and thought reverse has helped me a great deal in the past.  I have also had symptoms that you speak about.  I used to believe something was growing in my head.  about 2 years ago I had intemittent diahorrea for more than 3 weeks VIEW IMAGE.  My gp was about ready to refer me to a specialist.  However after keeping my appointment with the therapist I was immediately cured.

So hang in there and just remember that you are not alone in this.

Junie3

Ceedub,

I hope you're getting used to your CPAP and that it's improving your sleep. As Meg said, better sleep helps with anxiety - and everything else!

Junie,

I've been on Paxil longer than I can keep track of. If I miss my dose for more than two days, I get a little more anxious and these odd sensations like my brain is bumping around in my skull. I know for me that these are definitely withdrawal symptoms. Paxil is certainly a medication that you want to go slowly about getting off of, preferably with advice and periodic check-ins with your doctor.

Welcome to both of you! You couldn't have picked a more supportive forum!

percycat

Thank you all for responding.  Its so nice to be somewhere where other persons have similar experiences.  Not that i wish this on anyone, every my worst enemy.

I guess i need to discuss with my pdoc.

post soon.

Junie3

hI Ceedub:

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. I know exactly how you are feeling, probably not the same symptoms exactly but other terrible ones.  I dont think going off somewhere by yourself will help.  I usually worry more when I am alone.  Trying to change your thinking will not happen overnight.  You will feel results gradually.  Just hang in there and pray.  Talk about your feeling with friends and family that helps most of the time. and of course you can always come to the forum.

The fact that you are worried about how you feel all the time and that there must be something physically wrong is anxiety talking.

You can talk to me, too.

Junie3

Ceedub,

It can be really scary to feel weak and isolated. I am sorry you are feeling this way.  You don't need to "drop out of life and go somewhere by yourself". Please don't! If you keep asking questions and seeking advice from people (doctors, counsellors etc) then you will get the right advice. It just takes a little time to get the right fit. It took me years, but now I have meds and support that get me through. I also know WHY it's happening, which is a huge relief, let me tell you!! I hope you get some answers soon, and start to feel a bit more in control. Please keep us posted and please vent at will, that's why we are here!! We all do it, trust me.

Thank you all for your helpful comments. I am feeling a lot better than a few months ago when I literally thought I was close to having a breakdown. I just want to feel like I used to, but the funny thing is I've been feeling this way for so long I wouldn't really know what that feels like. Ahhh, but I know I'm preaching to the choir on this one. Thanks again for all your support.

Ceedub