How do you keep your anxiety level down when you're sick??!!

I am REALLY trying hard here.   I have been in a bad Crohn's flare the past few weeks, which makes it hard enough to maintain your sanity.  But, since last night, I have been running intermittent fevers, headache, nausea, hot/chills, even my skin hurts.  I don't know if it's the Crohn's, the Flu, or Fibro.  I guess it doesn't matter.....

I just struggle TERRIBLY with anxiety/panic when I'm sick.  I am trying to keep everything "in check."  My heart has been beating so hard and fast, which I presume is from the fever.  I'm keeping myself well hydrated.

Does anyone have any suggestions?  I don't want this to throw me off, and I feel the anxiety rearing it's ugly head.  I feel awful, and it makes me scared.....    Is there anything special that you do when you are sick to keep your anxiety level down?

As always, thank you for listening.  Blessings to you all, Julie

I have the same problem with anxiety when I'm sick, Julie... It was very difficult for me to get myself under control... It helps to have supportive friends...

You are seeing a therapist, right? You're taking all the right steps...

I don't blame you for being scared... *Hugs* It's very easy to become afraid of this disease... Have you been sleeping okay? If you don't get enough sleep, that will really put you on edge... I can't stress enough how important it is to get sleep.... I know it can be difficult to sleep, especially if you're in pain... But you have to try...

Also... if you have any extra money, seeing a massage therapist might be in order... It's very... relaxing... But very expensive... (A very good friend was concerned about the fact that I hadn't slept in days while I was sick... and took me to a massage therapist to see if it would help)... It really worked wonders on my anxiety and sleep trouble... //^_^\\'... For a couple of days, anyway... It's a shame, it's so expensive... I'd be going there now if I had the money (I'm not feeling sick... but... it'd probably help a little with my joint pain and definitely with the increased stress I've been having)


(If you do decide to go to a massage therapist, be sure to tell them to be gentle because your skin hurts. That's probably due to the prednisone. I hate prednisone... it hurts just to put on your clothes with that medicine... Bleh. And it's probably not helping your anxiety, either. It's one of those necessary evils, though...)

Julie,

I get more anxious when I'm worn down by illness too. Sometimes, it's a really noticeable increase, sometimes I'll just look back a few days later and think "Huh? I guess I was worked up more about that than I needed to be - must have been because I was sick."

Anyhow, the thing that helps me sometimes is trying to read a really "lite" book, as in light on content. Last time I was sick in bed, I zipped through about two dozen Barbara Cartlands. The lack of needing to really concentrate on the story yet having a mental distraction kept the anxious thoughts away a bit.

percycat

.Julie
I am in the same boat with you
I am in flare from all directions
Stress from family here ( home) and all that is going on
has made my stress levels way up

I swear I never thought your skin could hurt as much..........
You have gotten great inout from all the others
PLZ do try to take care of you
Let us know when able how you are doing k

LYN

Thank you so much for the replies. I don't have any anti-nausea meds, but I am taking Tylenol every 4 hours, and just took an extra Xanax. I am also sleeping a lot, which I guess is a good thing. I haven't been this sick in a long time. I'm almost sure I have a bug of some sort. That, mixed with a Crohn's flare, has me feeling like I am going to fall flat on my face. I guess I should spend as much time in bed as possible. The Fibro is bad, too..... I am up right now trying to drink plenty of fluids..... Blessings, Julie

Ditto, Julie. So many of us have increased anxiety when we are sick, and we can relate. And I don't think you are a baby! I think you are suffering and looking for support, which is what we all need when we are in that situation. Sending you all my best wishes for a quick recovery. Glad you are getting lots of rest. (((hugs)))

Thank you all so much for the continued replies and support. This day has been tough for me. I still feel horrible, and I think I am also getting a cold. I definately think it's a bug of some sort. I haven't felt this ill in a long time. I'm just trying to maintain my sanity. Just like Diane said, I have been sleeping a lot also. I figure it's good for the body to rest, and also lets my mind rest. I pray I feel even a little better tomorrow..... Blessings, Julie

Good Morning Julie,

How are you feeling today?  I hope you are getting the rest and allowing yourself to sleep...........that truly is one of the best ways to let your body deal with the nasty bug.  I know sometimes when you are sick it is not easy to rest or fall asleep but if you can that is wonderful.

Please know that I am thinking of you and you have some great advice from all.  Take care and we will be awaiting an update.

Hugs

Kitt

Julie sorry to hear you are still feeling so poorly. Doesn't it just suck having a crappy immune system like we do. When we get illnesses it is always so much worse for us than for the average person. And it always take us longer to get over them. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. Hope things start improving soon. Hope you have contacted your doc too!

Hugs
Gail *Nanners*

Hey Julie,

I just wanted to offer some support as well. So many of us get extra freaked out when we're having physical issues. A common cold will send me to WebMD looking up brain tumors!

I started flaring (D with bleeding) 2 days ago and today seems bad. I feel fatigued, a tad dizzy and everything I eat makes me sick to my stomach. It's also that time of the month for me so I know my anemia is rearing its ugly head again.

 You should really get some anti-nausea meds. They really do help. They really calm the icky feeling and allow you to eat a bit more than you'd be able to during a flare.

It sounds like you're staying hydrated and trying to eat when possible. Take your xanax when you feel you have to and call your GI doc. It will probably save you having to make 2 Dr visits.

Try to listen to some relaxing music or drink some warm tea if that doesn't bother your stomach. You can also try some breathing exercises/tapes to help you relax.

Hang in there!!

Perhaps the primary doctor... And if he/she thinks you should go see your GI, then... you can go see your GI...

It's possible that you have a bug AND you're flaring. In fact, I really wouldn't doubt it... Bugs (particularly ones that cause tummy trouble or nausea) have a tendency to aggravate things... At least, that's been my experience. //^_^\\'...

Good luck, Julie. I hope the antibiotics make you feel better physically, so that you can fret less and feel less anxious.

Please let us know how you're doing.

Hugs, percycat

Hey Julie,

 

I am glad to hear you are on medication for that nasty URI.  Please remember that your body needs rest to help you heal and therefore do listen to your body. Don't fight the infection by trying to do more then you are able to right now.

Drink lots of fluids, and just go with the rest and the medication should start to kick in within 24 hours and your will start to feel better.

I am glad you went to the ER as you have been sick to long.............it is time to start to feel better.........I am sending you bushels of hugs.

Peace,

Kitt