Anxiety is messing up my life

It seemed to start after I got out of the hospital (in 16 days for hernia operations), and it was about 9 days before Christmas. I wanted to be home for Christmas and I got well enough to be released. I was on pain pills, but I quit them after a couple nights, and switched to OTC pain meds. They work better for me anyway.

As days went by, I would wake up in the middle of the night (like now, it's 3AM) and cannot get back to sleep. I feel anxious in stomach area and my heart feels tight. Like it's racing.

I could not see my psychiatrist, because he is only available once a week and he would only approve a slight reduction of Wellbutrin (the generic). That did not help. The last time I saw him, he prescribed 1mg of Ativan, and it's useless to me.

My MEDICAL doctor prescribed Xanax, and it helps a little, but not completely, and he won't up the dosage. It's 0.5 mg, three times a day.

His sub put me on Celexa , but cannot feel any benefit from that.

I have turned to the bottle to clam my nerves, and I know it's bad, but when a person is suffering, what can he do?

When I get anxious, all thoughts seem to aggravate my anxiety, to the point of panic.

I cannot think of anything almost, without getting anxiety about it. It's "what am I going to do? What am I going to do?"

I just want this anxiety to end so I can enjoy life again.

Thanks.

Until you can see your psych again, I suggest exploring this forum. There are things you can do to make life more tolerable. There's an area about cognitive behavior therapy that will help. Also, cut out all caffeine and get some exercise. Walking would be really good. Remember that your anxiety is probably from your hospital stay. You are healthy again and things will get better. Don't worry!

Hi Markofkane. . .

It is nice to meet you but I have to agree with Kitt here. Two docs, major meds, and alcohol does not mix! You should definitely make an appt. today if possible to see your physician and if you can't get help there it would not hurt to get a second opinion. Always make sure your docs are in communication with each other. . . It is your responsibility to make sure of this :)

I know what you mean my friend. There was a post the other day where we were talking about being made to feel "crazy" or "all in the head" crap that some of the docs and other medical "professionals" treat people like us. I'm sorry you have to go through that as well Ben.

You take care and I hope you get to feeling better inside and out :)