Update from percycat

Sorry to use bandwidth with a new post, but I wanted to fill you all in on what's going on with me.



I just finished giving a month-long series of workshops that kept me busier than I had expected, so I *really* APOLOGIZE to all, members and co-moderators alike, for being missing without any word of explanation.



Now my health anxiety and issues are kicking back. I'm having the throat tightening sensation even though I take allergy and asthma meds to help with that. Last night, I ended up at the ER for a steroid shot. I didn't let them give my an anti-anxiety med because I wanted to test whether the shot helped on its own. Sadly, it did. For the next 45 minutes, I tried my best to bring on the physical symptoms - and was as anxious as before the ER - but no dice. This morning, when I go outdoors, I can tell that my throat "wants" to tighten, but can't so much. I'm feeling very anxious emotionally, but no throat-tightening physically. I suspect my mold allergy and will be meeting with my allergist to discuss diagnostic and treatment options.



Also worrisome, I am scheduled for a 5-1/2 week trip (business and pleasure) coming up in mid-July. I'm worried about how this symptom might affect my performance and even my safety on the trip (there's a 4-day solo drive involved). This morning I tried to tell myself that even though it's a cross-country drive, I can always get enough steroid shots to get me safely home. The drive especially has me very worried. I hope the allergist has some suggestions that make me feel safer.



I've missed you all and hope to catch up on news, but am asking forgiveness in advance if I'm not around much. During the trip, I think my internet time will also be very limited.



Love you all,

percycat

Hi Percycat

Great to hear from you and no need to apologize we all have times were our life's are busy, its just good to hear from you Percy. Sorry to hear your health anxiety is causing problems and I hope your allergist can give you some answers. Try not to worry to much about your trip but I can relate to what your worries are on this as I had the same when I went on my trip during the winter, I took regular stops on my drive and split it into sections stopping off to see things on the way something you could think about?. As I said great to hear from you percycat take care and we are always here for you and im sure the rest off the gang will be along soon.

Ben

Thanks, Kitt, Ben, and Gail, for the comfort and good advice.

Kitt, I do have an Epipen, but not a satellite phone. I take Singulair orally, but I don't think that's a steroid, so I plan to ask the doc about those. Asked the ER doc about using the EpiPen, since I never have any symptoms but the swelling. He says hold off unless I'm making noises breathing (I never have) else I could do more harm than good. I've always had *high* BP during these attacks (from the anxiety), and never any hives or other full-body reactions.

I just want this fixed, but the only diagnosis I ever get solidly is anxiety. It sure doesn't feel like that. Oddly enough, the chest tightness never occurs when I'm regular with my Singulair, and that was always chalked up to anxiety too.

Ah, sorry, all, for going into HA mode. We just can't seem not to list symptoms and beg for reassurance.

The main thing is, I'm safe for now, due to the Decadron (steroid) shot and can hang on until Monday to contact the allergist. If another ER trip is needed for another shot then, I can handle it. A little worried about going to my brother-in-law's truck pull tonight, but I'm taking my mask, my Epi-pen, lots of folks around, and outdoors today is not able to affect me more than a smidge.

percycat

Hey Percy,

Big Group Hug for you. No matter what is going on we are here for you.

((((((((((((((((((((Percy))))))))))))))))))))))

  Kitt

Hello percy!
Sorry to hear your HA and allergies are flaring up, I'm glad you're able to see the allergist and get some help! I hope they can relieve some of your symptoms, this is my first year of experiencing allergies and I really don't think I was missing much!
Are you going somewhere interesting for your trip? I know you will do great! Just make sure you have what you need to deal with your allergies and remember there are hospitals all over the country that can help you out if you get in a bind! A 4 day solo drive sounds a little nervewracking but since its part pleasure, can you schedule any stops along the way to "see the sights"? Maybe that would help take your mind off being nervous.
*BIG HUG* Hope you are feeling better!!!
~Dixi

All,

My visit with the allergist today was good and bad.

The good is that he believes I am having an allergy problem, and mold seems reasonable, but bad in that there's little he can do to help me until my trips are over.

He told me to double-up on Claritin, was glad to hear that I carried an EpiPen and reassured me not to be shy or embarrassed about going to the ER or using the EpiPen if I feel I'm in danger. He noted that the ER has never actually observed gasping, wheezing, or edema and told me I should be fine to take my trips.

We will followup immediately upon my return, likely for more precise testing first, and then for either allergy shots or drops.

I am scared that my throat will close during one of these episodes, but it NEVER has, I am doing all I can right now to keep myself safe (the doc even commended me for that), and there are hospitals and medical personnel available to help me if I need it all along my trip. I'm thinking of getting a steroid shot before the longest part of the drive in August, just to feel safer, but I think I'll be fine just wearing my masks outdoors and taking my meds.

I know that i will surely be leaning on all of you for support in getting through a scary diagnosis to treatment. The doc was also quite reassuring that people with severe allergies will feel anxious, and that doesn't mean our anxiety is causing the symptoms. That justification was a relief for me too, to have at least one doc that doesn't brush off my fears as being the entire problem.

Thanks for letting me vent long here - I'm scared, but trying to be strong and smart and not give up on living life.

Love to all,
percycat

Machelle,

Thanks for the input. I do know that mold can infect the lungs, but so far all seems well with mine. I'll be seeing my pulmonologist again in August for my followup with him, and will see what he has to say at that point. X-rays and other tests have all been good lately, so I'm going to try to let this one wait until I get back home.

I hope you're doing better today too!

Hugs,
percycat

Percy, I'm so glad you posted. I was wondering where you were and how you were doing. Anyone who feels their throat closing or tightening is going to feel anxious. That's understandable so don't feel badly about that. It's perfectly normal! I think you're keeping it together rather well.

Don't worry about the trip. Find out where hospitals are along the way so you'll know just in case. It might make you more relaxed to know where they are. You'll do great! Keep us informed!

Percy,

Good to see you checking in.  I am sorry your anxiety and breathing problems are getting messed up.  I will be thinking of you and saying a prayer that the next 4 weeks go by quickly and uneventful.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Percy, hang in there! You've been through so much. I hope your allergies get better and stay positive!