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Posted 1/26/2012 2:47 PM (GMT 0)

 

I’ve had anxiety for a long time, but it seems like the symptoms of it get worse as I get older.  It used to be just the upset stomach that would happen during a particularly acute episode, as well as trembling and such, but I never really started to feel more abundant pain until recently.

Of course, no doubt this has to do with my current circumstances.  This relates to another post I made in the heart board, but in a nutshell—just found a heart murmur, going for an echo on Thursday of next week, and I’m thinking about pretty much nothing else. 

Today I’m feeling all kinds of pain all over my ribcage.  Nothing in the center, and nothing that feels like pressure, but just these little zaps of shooting pain in my left side and my upper back that occur when I move certain ways or deeply breathe, and it radiates all the way down to my lower abs and hip.  It’s unfamiliar pain and, of course, always makes me jump to the worst conclusion.  I’ve also had back problems all my life, though, as well as fibromyalgia.

I think the problem I have is that I tend to be VERY skeptical—sometimes it seems a little hokey to me that anxiety can cause all of these crazy symptoms to flare up, especially when I don’t seem to be having any overt anxiety attack.  It’s absurd, because I’ve seen firsthand that anxiety can produce physical symptoms, and though I’m not having any sort of outward attack, I’m definitely in a tense state with constantly thinking about my upcoming echo and potential heart problems.  Even when I’m not thinking of anything this specific, I usually AM always worried about something health related.  

I took a Xanax a little while ago—the first in a few months, because every twinge of unfamiliar pain tends to do this to me. 

Ugh.

Post Edited (RisaA) : 1/26/2012 7:53:58 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/26/2012 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Risa!

I was just thinking on this very subject the other day! I had some pretty bad anxiety symptoms at a time when I was not feeling stressed (seemingly) at all! It made my anxiety that much worse because my brain started trying to attach reasons as to why I was feeling this way...I have had these symptoms a thousand times before, yet I still have trouble believing that its anxiety!

I just had to laugh because anxiety sufferers are the only patients who do this! My husband is diabetic, and he doesn't wonder why he feels clammy and lightheaded if his blood sugar is low. He doesn't ask himself 'Why could I possibly be feeling this way?' and come up with a dozen awful self diagnosed diseases...no, he knows it is from his diabetes!

I wondered then why do we doubt our own disorder's issues? I think that it is mostly the fact that the thing that is causing our symptoms to begin with is rooted in fear...therefore it is the nature of the beast to doubt and be more fearful. Also, the symptoms are ever changing and almost never feel the same, so that justifiably keeps us guessing.

Do follow up with your cardio appointment, but I am sure that all will be fine (heart mumurs are not always, or often cause for alarm) and you will be able to chalk up another symptom to anxiety.

Until then, know that we are here for your support, and you should post with us anytime you need some reassurance!:)

Let us know how it goes...we'll be here.

S.C.
Posted 1/26/2012 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, S.C. The words help. :]

One thing that I find constantly gets to me is all the anticipation. I mean, even if I hear bad news, yeah, I know I'll go through a good couple of weeks feeling incredibly anxious and upset, but then I'll probably begin to accept and become accustomed (to some degree)... but it's the waiting. Right now I feel like I can't even be sure of life in general after this appointment--almost like it doesn't exist, or I can't make any future plans until I know. It's so fatalistic and irrational, but I can't seem to tamper it down. Unfortunately, the soonest I could get another appointment with my CBT is on the SAME DAY as my echo (afterwards).

My husband tries to be supportive, but I think he often gets impatient with it, probably because it makes HIM worry, too, so it's always, "You're fine, Risa. Even if you're not, do you want to spend whatever time you have left worrying?" I get it, and I think he has a valid point, but eesh. I keep imagining being immediately shipped off to the hospital as soon as they look at my heart, and all these aches and pains aren't helping that fear any.

But it's not like I don't know that virtually anything that COULD be wrong can likely be treated fairly effectively. I do think I've convinced myself at this point that something IS wrong, just considering that I've had symptoms over the past year with chest pains and occasional palpitations and general discomfort, but... hey, maybe nothing is wrong and my brain really is just forcing my body to react this way.

I just want my quality of life to go back to a good place, even if something is wrong with me.
Posted 1/26/2012 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
I completely understand what you are saying. I had a routine blood test result come back out of range after my last check-up. The doctor did not seem concerned about it, but I was! I of course looked up the possibilities as to why it could be above normal, and wouldn't you know it...the reasons varied from completely benign to deadly! We decided to just wait and check it again next yearly visit...the waiting is awful!

Of course our minds focus on the negative/scary possibilities, but there is actually a greater chance of a positive outcome. We just need to keep reminding ourselves of that. Imagining a postive outcome to your test results is a good tool for keeping your mind from going to the 'bad side'. I am going to be doing this as my yearly check-up is due, and I am already starting to fret.

Do your best to keep calm until your appointment, as anxiety will only increase your symptoms and make for a vicious cycle. Try repeating a postive mantra when your mind is in worry mode such as:

"It's not time to worry about that right now."
or
"I'm okay, it is only fear making my feel this way."

Try to stay in the present too. I know what you mean when you say that it is hard to envision the future...so don't...that is automatically putting subconscious pressure on yourself and increasing your anxiety. Stay focused on today and what you can do to feel more relaxed.:) Easier said than done, I know...I am still working on that one too!

Try to put it all out of your mind for now, and have a peaceful day.

S.C.
Posted 1/26/2012 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks again, SC.

I can relate on a separate note, as well. Last time my doc did my bloodwork, my liver enzymes were slightly elevated, as was my white blood cell count. Well, I've been pretty anxious over that, since my doc said she'd be monitoring it. That was back in July. So they just took my bloodwork again on the same visit I learned of the murmur (Monday), and I'm partly stressing over getting the results... though admittedly, the murmur is significantly overshadowing that. Seems almost insignificant in comparison. Lol.

But I feel your pain! I'm trying to do things to keep myself busy or distracted. I went home from work yesterday and colored with crayons. Lol. It's hard, though... my husband has been going crazy on a home-repair kick, rearranging furniture, fixing this and that... it's great, but it keeps making me feel like I can't relax at home. I wonder if this is contributing in some subsconsious way.
Posted 1/26/2012 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Risa,

I am so sorry you are having high anxiety and I hope I can help you decrease your anxiety a bit.   I can drive myself dizzy with anticipatory anxiety. It is the one thing that I find so very hard to control as I have been at this for so many years that breaking the habit is extremely difficult.  Even when I reason with myself my mind wants to run away with the "what if?" thinking. I know you are finding the waiting for the echo very difficult and time seems to be dragging.

Often it is the fear of fear that is the worst and the actual echo results  will probably not be as bad as you are currently imagining. Do you practice any form of relaxation? It would be an idea to do some several times per day  and perhaps you could imagine yourself hearing the news that everything is going to going to turn out fine while you are feeling calm from the relaxation. Rehearsing a positive outcome in your mind can be very helpful. Meditation is one suggestion I would like you to try.

This very simple meditation is something even children can learn to do. No, you don't have to be a spiritual guru to meditate!

Find a quiet place, sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Breathe very deeply & slowly through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. Totally focus on feeling the oxygen (energy) entering your mouth, traveling down, down, down and expanding your lungs. As you slowly exhale, feel the negative energy exiting your body. Repeat this for as long as you can fully concentrate on breathing. As you practice you'll be able to do this for longer and longer periods of time. Be sure to make note about how you feel after this simple meditation! Practice this several times a day or even more when you feel you anxiety starting to build.

Remeber to stay in the moment and when your mind starts to drift toward the future bring it back into the present moment.  Kick that dang anxiety to the curb and know we are here to support and care for you.

Kindly,

Kitt


 

 

Posted 1/26/2012 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Kitt. I posted another response right at the same time you did, I think. :]

This is definitely good advice, and I'm going to do my best to adhere to it. Like I was telling SC, it's just been hard to get a moment at home to really relax or feel at ease lately with my husband on this extreme housework thing (he's got mild OCD).

I do think the breathing exercises can do me some good, though. I used to meditate a lot, and it was definitely always calming.

Hopefully, in a week from today, I'll have some answers and I can feel more relieved, good or bad.

Thanks again!
Posted 1/26/2012 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Risa

 

I wish I could be with you to hold your hand during your echo but know I will be there in my thoughts cheering you on.  If a technician is doing your test you will not have the results right away, however, if anything serious is noted I know that you will have a Dr. come and talk with you right away or you will recieve a call sooner.  At least that has been my experience but we are a small city hospital and the cardiologist reading the echo is uptown in the Twin Cities.

It was about 4 days before we got the results from my hubby's last echo done in December and then it was emailed with the Drs. instructions and comments.

Big breath and know you will be OK.  I says so that is why smhair

Huggles,

Kitt

 

Posted 1/27/2012 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Kitt! You're the best. *Hugs!*

I really think I'm starting to feel better. Talking to you wonderful people has helped, and I think a bit of my husband's perspective is seeping in. When I'm really calm, I can look a little more objectively at what's going on with me, and I believe that I tend to LET the anxiety completely overwhelm me. In my personal case, I think I have more control over the fear than I let myself believe... it just seems to be what's familiar and deeply programmed, so I'm really trying to reformat my way of thinking.

Of course, I know that the triggers will still be there for a while to come, and I'll likely go through more episodes before I truly get a grip, but... I think I'm making progress on it. The CBT helps, as well as just really understanding what CBT is all about at its core and applying that to my own methods of evaluation, if that makes sense... I know that the purpose is to essentially reprogram the way we tend to think about things, and assign a different set of reactions and associations to certain triggers and circumstances. I don't know if I'm explaining this well, but...

Anyway, I think it's helping. I felt a heart palpitation a few minutes ago, and though the instinct to panic was there for just a split second, I calmed myself down thinking, "You know... whatever is going to happen is going to happen. I'm taking measures to correct my life in every aspect that I have control over--like going to get the echo next week and sticking to my healthy diet, so why torture myself over the things I can't control? Why sacrifice my own quality of life in favor of fearing what may or may not happen?"

It's easier said than done, I realize, but it's truly helping. In some ways, I think it's even getting me to look forward to going to the appointment and finding out one way or another what's wrong, just so I can have the opportunity to get myself back to the health I should be in. There's so much that's good going for me--I have an incredible relationship with my husband, I have a neat little apartment with cheap rent, an awesome dog, and I've just lost 30 pounds in my goal to lose weight (still 60 more to go, but it's coming off!). I have my music, my friends, and a job.

Those are the things to focus on.

Thank you, everyone, for doing what you do here. You show lots of care, offer support and useful information, and I hope you all know you're really making a difference for some people.

Of course, I'll be back when those triggers flare up. Lol. But I still think there's been progress.

Post Edited (RisaA) : 1/27/2012 12:26:45 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/27/2012 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Risa,

What a fantastic post and I applaud you.  Your insight is so accurate and it is obvious that you know yourself well. 

Your a joy to have here in the forum !  Please know we are right here and we are open 24/7 so vent away whenever you want or post your accomplishments so we can celebrate with you.

Take care and be sure to keep us updated on the echo.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

 

Posted 1/28/2012 9:13 AM (GMT 0)
There's power - and comfort - in numbers. I'm comforted by the number of people who feel the same symptoms that I question and fear when I'm alone and wondering if I'm sick or just crazy. I had heart palpitations for three days and on the third night the panic set in and the 'flutters' were almost constant so I went to the ER and wound up with the best doctor who said he really felt I was fine but to reassure me he was going to arrange a 24 hr Holter heart monitor. I settled right down and the Ativan did its thing and a few days later the test came back fine. My GP sent me for a stress test and blood work and except for slightly elevated cholesterol my heart is doing exactly what it's supposed to be doing.

I will say that it woke me up. I'm the one who has to learn to take really good care of myself in ways that make sense to me. I'm interested in meditation but can't seem to stick to it long enough to really benefit. Has anyone here tried the meditation CD's advertised on the site? I've tried many things in my journey to wellness and I'd like some 'ratings' for meditation.
Posted 1/30/2012 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
I've been pretty okay over the last few days, though I'm certainly feeling the uneasiness right now. After helping my husband install some shelves on Saturday (with difficulty--felt like my muscles were just not up to the task), I went to bed and noticed that there was some firm swelling in my upper arms that almost feels like a really tensed muscle (more in the right than the left, and a little above the bicep area, near the shoulders), though it wasn't painful itself... there was some joint pain in the right shoulder--almost arthritic in sensation. Also, there's been some muscle fatigue, as well as fairly intense muscle pain in my thighs when touched with light pressure.

I'd been on Cipro for a UTI (500 mg 2x daily--I stopped after 5 days when this happened), and I'd read on the warnings about side effects involving tendonitis, and if there's any swelling around a joint to stop taking it and call your doctor. Well, I left a message for her this morning and I'm waiting on a call back. Of course, I also ended up looking up symptoms like a moron (heart failure was one of the potential causes of swelling, so you know I had a brief anxiety flare-up), but I had come across a site discussing Cipro side effects and found that this is the kind of thing that people have experienced while on it--the swelling, severe muscle pain, etc. Granted, I've been on Cipro before, but at about half this current dosage... and thinking about it I realized that it wasn't the first time I'd felt that intense pain in my thigh muscles, possibly coinciding with the other several times I'd been on Cipro. Anyway... aside from the swelling (which I can't tell objectively, but SEEMS like it might have reduced a little), I've been fairly asymptomatic. Haven't had a palpitation since last week, and any chest pain I've felt has been purely muscular. My feet and hands look pretty normal (though I tend to see them through the hypochondriasis-glasses and wonder "Hm... DOES that look swollen?")

So yeah... this is certainly an on-going battle. I'm not really in panic mode right now, but I'm definitely concerned and anxious for the doc to call me back. Need I also mention that all of these kinds of symptoms are linked to fibromyalgia, as well?  Oi!

But hey... only about four more days!

Also, hi, Waiting!

I'm glad to hear that you're alright after your scare... I know how those feelings can be! I've never tried meditation CDs, so I'm sorry I can't be of any help there.
Posted 1/30/2012 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Cipro is a rough drug! The last time I had to take it, it did a number on my digestive system...I'll spare you the details;p

Do check it with your doctor, and see about getting something else...you do need to finish the antibiotic course, or the UTI could double back on you...no good!

I am sure that everything is going to be fine. I am gald that the palps have subsided, that is great! Just a couple more days of waiting, and then I am sure you will be able to relax.:)

Keep us posted, and keep up the positive thoughts, you are doing great!

S.C.
Posted 1/30/2012 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Of course, AFTER I posted that, I felt a palpitation. *Rolls eyes at self*

Thanks, SC! You know, I'm not even sure I HAD a UTI to begin with. I keep getting the symptoms and when they do the test in office, it shows a UTI, but... when they get sent to an outside lab for a bacterial culture, the results are always negative. It's probably something else, and the antibiotics probably aren't doing anything for me anyway, but I'm going to refrain from dwelling on that for now. Lol.

Still waiting on the doc, but it's weird... I'm still strangely looking forward to the echo. I guess I just REALLY want to get whatever this is going to turn out to be underway so I can think about something else!

:]

Update:  Doc called me back and told me that she thinks I'm fine, but just to keep tabs on my symptoms.  *Big sigh of relief*  Also, bloodwork came back and my triglycerides were 54, down from something fairly high (don't remember). Perfect liver function (down from slight elevation), no diabetes, perfect CBC. Also... lo and behold, no infection found in that bacterial culture.  All good news here so far, and all reasons to be happy and thinking about a happy, long future.  yeah

Post Edited (RisaA) : 1/30/2012 11:56:40 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/30/2012 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Risa,

Thanks for your kind words in the other forum this morning.

I am glad to know your Dr. has called you back and you are feeling better after talking with her.

I know you will feel better after your echo as it is good to have the answer re your heart and I suspect your echo will be normal.  We worriers have a hard time turning off our spinning thoughts and waiting for medical tests is one of the things that we stress about the most.

I think people with anxiety are hypervigilant in general as we are always looking for the "danger" or "trigger" that will increase our anxiety.  Add to that health anxiety and life gets tougher.  Therefore,  we have to work harder to keep our anxiety under control and not let our thoughts run away with us onboard. 

Thinking of you and hoping your day will be a peaceful one.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 1/31/2012 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
GAH! The doubt is creeping back in, and my more rational side is frustrated with myself about it.

Yesterday, as it got later in the day, I noticed that I felt like I wasn't getting enough air. It wasn't really shortness of breath as I understand it, but more like my throat or sinuses were preventing me from breathing properly... almost like my throat was tight. I know I've had some drainage from sinus problems and fluid in my ears. My chest began to feel heavy when standing and walking, like the muscles were just weak from holding up my own weight, and I kept feeling like I needed to burp. Heh. When I did, it seemed to feel a little better. I was kind of uncomfortable lying down, pain-wise, but it seemed like I could breathe better that way, no pressure or heaviness, and I ended up sleeping alright. Though today... I woke up to find my fingertips tingling like crazy and it still hasn't subsided.

It's irritating, because I know better than to start getting all worried, it just seems like once one symptom lets up, another one starts. The swelling in my arms doesn't seem to have decreased much, but I'm trying to be a good patient and trust that my doctor doesn't think it's a big deal. I'm still not in full panic mode... I'm doing okay so far, but it's the lingering thoughts that I'm trying to keep in check.  It's difficult.

You're right, Kitt... there's no off button!

Two more days. Argh!

Post Edited (RisaA) : 1/31/2012 8:57:02 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/31/2012 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Risa, I know exactly how you feel. I was to the cardiologist about 10 years ago for a echocardiogram, and a 24 hour holtor monitor after the ER found murmurs, and something with my EKG. They recommended I go have these tests done. So I went, had the echo done, and then they strapped on the monitor.

I went back the next day to have them take off the monitor, and all the results of my echo were fine, the only thing they found was a trace of mitral valve regurgitation. He said not to worry about it, that there are alot of people who have it that don't even know. Then I got the call a few days later that the monitor results were fine too.

They said it was a harmless murmur, and not to worry myself, BUT you know us Anxiety people! I worry and worry myself sick that it will turn into something more serious. But to be honest, there is heart disease that runs in my family, so I get paranoid. LOL!

I have recently had an EKG in September and November at the ER, along with full blood screening and everything came back good again. BUT...LOL! The health anxiety is still there, and I have no idea why! The mind is our worst enemy at times.....Take care,

Fox
Posted 1/31/2012 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Fox, and I'm glad to hear that you were all good after that!

I'm pretty sure that there's SOMETHING there, but the one thing I'm really worried about is the doctor coming in immediately and sending me to the hospital (overdramatic, right?). I had an EKG last year that showed possible left ventricular hypertrophy, so I'm almost sure that something abnormal will be on there... I'm just nervous that it'll be something serious. I can't tell my symptoms from anxiety or real issues. I've had anxiety for a long time, but the symptoms always seem to change... I recently changed my diet, too, and I've always been low on vitamin D, so I'm losing weight and trying to find the right balance in vitamins and nutrients and such. I never know what could be coming from what. Lol. It's a headache.

I get the paranoia... my dad had a heart attack when he was 64, so I always worry that I'm doomed to something being wrong.
Posted 2/1/2012 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Anddddd... I'm having a bad day again. What a surprise!

I keep compulsively looking at my feet to check for swelling and thinking they look a little swollen. It's so hard to tell, though. Heart failure is my new thing, I guess. Before it was just 'mystery heart condition'. When I talked to my doc on Monday, I expressed this as a concern when I found the swelling in my arms and she said, "No, I didn't hear anything like that... just a murmur."

As usual, I'm second guessing. Another round of chest and back pain that hurts when I move or lean a certain way is not helping the matter. GAH.
Posted 2/1/2012 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Risa, if your doctor thought for a minute that you were in danger of heart failure, or of anything serious really, she would not have you waiting this amount of time to get an echo done! Believe me, she would be putting her reputation and career at risk...she is just being careful and ordering a test that will likely show that what you have is a benign mumur...to not order the test would be negligent on her part, but she is not worried about it, or you would have had it done right away! Like the senario of your worries...the doctors whisking you off to the hospital...it didn't happen then, and it won't this time either!:)

Try to compartmentalize for now and put it out of your mind until the test (Thursday?) When your brain tries to go there, tell yourself "It's not time to worry about that now." and stay in the present moment.

Hang in there, we understand and are supporting you through this. You are going to be fine.:)

S.C.
Posted 2/1/2012 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, SC. It always feels better just to hear it. I appreciate that. I know I've been crazy the last few days here. Lol.

I suppose you're right... I guess I have trouble comprehending that the doctor can tell that kind of thing just by listening through a stethoscope... but hey, she's the doc, not me. I know I'm better off trusting her.

Alright. *Deep breath*

I'm gonna try not to worry about it until tomorrow when I've got the echo. It's a good day! Just got my tax refund today and I'm buying my husband a nice guitar and myself a good microphone after work. Things to be excited about!
Posted 2/1/2012 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Lol, not crazy...we don't get started on that word...if so we would all qualify at one point or another;p

A guitar and a mic? Are you guys like us...The Partridge Family?!? My husband plays the drums and my daughter and I sing. (and we try to play guitar, my daughter is in lessons and ima hack!) OOOHHH we could all get together and jam! What a blast that would be!  What kind of music do you guys like?

Okay one more day, you can do this...we are holding your hand (virtually) and cheering you on...now go do some singing therapy:)

S.C.
Posted 2/1/2012 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome! There's just the two of us (we wish to have a kid within two years from now), but I've been a singer for most of my life (I did some wedding singing and a few local gigs), and I recently got into producing via music software with just playing keyboard. Also, my dad was a drummer and I've taken in interest in learning that, as well. I can play a handful of chords on guitar, and my husband is starting to get really into learning guitar. He's doing really well! Now if I could just find some way to get a drumset in my apartment without completely destroying my relationships with neighbors... we'll be fairly well rounded! Lol.

Addition! Oh, and I neglected to answer your question about what kind of music we like--EVERYTHING.  Seriously.  I grew up on blues and the Beatles, as well as old country (Patsy, Marty Robbins, Hank Williams, Sr...).  Johnny Cash to more contemporary stuff... I love punk rock, indie, 80s, Yo Yo Ma, Vivaldi... I'm all over the place.  I've gotten my husband to be the same way after ten years of exposure to my erratic musical tastes. Lol  What about you??

And you know... singing ALWAYS makes me feel better. It's kinda my cure-it-all. I just wish I could do it at work.

Thanks. :]

Post Edited (RisaA) : 2/1/2012 8:50:17 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/1/2012 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Very cool! My husband and I are in a band at church together, and he an I have worked on projects both together and seperately. He admittedly is more dedicated than I. I do enjoy music, but it is my second love, as I am a dancer first. I am a dance teacher and choreographer, so I am immersed in music a lot of the day...when I get home, sometimes I just want quiet, but hubby could listen/play 24/7.

Probably a good idea to skip the drums for now to keep the public relations friendly, lol!:) When we bought our house a couple of years back, the first project that my husband did? Fix the air conditioner? Paint? Heck no! He built a 'soundproof' studio in our garage! No room for cars in there...and you can still hear the drums;p

Sounds like you are an awesome musician and singer...would love to hear you! Let me know when your next gig is!;p

Talk to you soon,
S.C.
Posted 2/1/2012 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, so... I'm pretty sure that my feet have swelled a little.

I'm trying not to worry, thinking that I only have to wait until tomorrow to know if something's wrong, but this just solidifies in my brain that something definitely is. Of course, I know it's one of those ambiguous symptoms that can be related to a hundred things, but it just seems very coincidental that this is happening at the same time as a discovered murmur and all these other various symptoms of pain and heaviness in the chest that comes and goes.

I feel like I'm probably driving you guys nuts with all these ups and downs. I don't know what's from anxiety, what could be from the Cipro, or what's a legitimate heart problem. It makes sense that my doc would have said or done something, as SC said, but it was over a week ago. Would she have known?

Ugh. For all I know, it's just nerves as the date gets closer... but I can't say I've ever known of anxiety causing swelling of any kind.
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