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2 years med free!

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 2/14/2010 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
A little about myself and my anxiety history. I have been with anxiety for 9 years and my first attack came while driving to work on the freeway, I THOUGHT I WAS HAVING A HEART ATTACK so I pulled over to the side of the road and it finally subsided but started the progression into full blown anxiety over time. I have experianced all the symptoms anxiety thows at you and I almost drove myself crazy trying to find the cause of it. I was on medication for 7 years, Zoloft, Xanax, and Lamictol at the end of my medication oddessy. I got to a point where I was also sick of my psychiatrist not being able to do anything other than prescribe me medication and say good luck. I decided one day that it was time for a change and I changed it all. I told my doctor I am going to quit all the meds and asked him to alter my prescription to accomplish this, he was against this but I told him the medication is just masking my symptoms so what is really being accomplished. I saved enough money to finally quit my nowhere job and I moved in with a friend untill I could find another one. I did this all with the crippling anxiety symptoms that returned after quitting meds and the job interviews were the hardest, but as I look back at it now it all makes sense, I just did it. I realized that instead of driving myself crazy trying to find the cause of my anxiety, I just let it in my life, for life. I still have my big anxiety moments and have the same old feeling, but I just mentally say to myself... How many times have you felt this way in 9 years, (zillions) and nothing ever happpens other than feeling dizzy, wanting to run from it and a little sweaty, let it go. This is my story and I am in no way advocating quiting your medication or doctors, I just wanted to give hope to anyone who is feeling helpless and lost.
Posted 2/14/2010 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad that you have found a way to overcome your anxiety. I do pretty good now myself, but on those REALLY bad days, I still use my Xanax on occasion. I am down to 1-3 times a month. Good luck and welcome.
Posted 2/14/2010 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nanners,
Thanks for the welcome! My post is just what it is and I hope it could be of help. I used to be a member under a different sn but I needed to chose a new one for my new found freedom. The funny thing is I have old prescription of xanax I used to carry with me, "just in case" but have never used it. The hardest thing to do is the escape of fear.
Posted 2/14/2010 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi CapaCity,

I am so happy to hear that you are fighting your anxiety so well. Congrats! Like Nanners I still take my meds on those terrible days but I find it empowering to make that decision for myself rather than being on a daily schedule.
Posted 2/16/2010 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi nervymeg
I am so happy that works for you as opossed to the daily meds routine, and we know that to well. Hope is out there for us all no matter how bad it seems some days, and no matter how long we live with this. I finally saw the light when I fully accepted this as part of my life and stopped fighting it.
Posted 2/17/2010 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hiya Capa!  Gratz to you, I'm so proud of you.  What you are doing is a very courageous thing, and a HUGE step in the direction of getting control of your anxiety.   You pretty much just summed up the last 10 years of my life.  I came to that same realization, that my medication was just masking it.  So I got off of them.  I still have panic attacks, I still deal with anxiety.. but that's just it.. I DEAL with it.  Right now it's part of who I am.  The attacks dwindled down for a while to near none.  I've recently taken on a lot of responsibility and it's starting to rear it's ugly head again, but I'm not afraid.  I think the key is not to think about it, just do what you have to do.

    I read the forums here alot, post not alot, but everyone here is so friendly and warm and supportive.

  We have your back!!  I know that if you need any support, this is the place to come. 

*Hugs and Love*

 

Posted 3/17/2010 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
HI AND WELCOME..i am glad you found us here ..i too only take my meds when really needed..i got off all pain meds and thats a great thing i work thru pain instead..i do try now to work thru anxiety n panic n for the most part i do good....kudos for doing what you are..keep with us...lyn
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