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panic attacks are hitting one ater another

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Posted 1/29/2012 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the get well wishs, i am laying here having one panic attack after another. the nurse is waiting for the doctor to call back and see if he will either change or up my benzos. i know i am freaking out because of surgery but i think that the morphine is also adding to the anxiety. my stomach is killing me so i can't really do the deep stomach breathig, was hoping someone has some ideas on what i can try. i just want to rip out my iv and get out of here, i know that this is my panic talking but i feel like i can't breath one of the things that happen when i am having a bad panic attack is i can't make saliva and i feel like i am going to choke to death so i always have a bottle of water with me. the only thing the doc is allowing is ice chips and there not helping. really freaking out and have no idea what to do. logically i know that i won't choke to death but emotionaly i fell like i am. thanks for letting me vent once again i am sure that you must be tired of me by now hell i'm tired of me!!!!!! Thanks or keeping me sane or as close to sane as possible lol. i;m in a hospital you would think i feel safe but i don't my hands are starting to go numb. Rose  nono
Posted 1/29/2012 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry you having a bad time - let me see if I can help.  First of all I hope that the Dr. prescribes something to help with the anxiety - either a different med or increased dose or duration of use.

Dry mouth -  ice chips are good, also you might like a chap stick for your lips as they too dry out when your not drinking. The little sponges on a stick that can be moistened in water are another thing to ask for if they are available at your hospital. 

Do you like TV or do you have soft music playing to help sooth you ? 

Does your hospital offer any complementary therapies  - massage, accupressure, guided imagery etc ? If they do try any and all of them. 

Would having a visit from clergy help you feel more relaxed ? 

I am also going to encourage you to get out of bed and ambulate as much as you can as it will help your intestines start working as well as give you some exercise and when you get back into that bed you may be able to sleep.

Remember now is not the time to worry about the what ifs as far as your ostomy.  There will be plently of time down the road as well as lots of support staff that will help you through.

Saying a healing prayer for you right now.

Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 1/29/2012 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, I am so sorry! I understand your wanting to run away! I had to spend a week in the hospital before and it was really scary to me.

I wish that you could get some relief. Has your team tried to help find another med cocktail that will calm your panic? Keep asking/pushing until they do!

Do you have your family to advocate for you? I hope they are a help and comfort

I hope that you can get some rest soon...I will check in later. Hang in there and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!


S.C.
Posted 1/30/2012 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
I guess the meds are finally working but nothing takes away all of the anxiety. i live in a pretty small city and are hospital doesn't offer anything  there are only 4 floors and think one of the is the basement. i am trying reall hard not to freak out but i hate this i feel like i have even less control then usual and believe me i don't have much control at all. just rambling i guess, rose
Posted 1/30/2012 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Rose,

You are absolutely right, no medication will take away your anxiety completely but knowing the medication can decrease your anxiety level is comforting for short term use.

It is normal for people who are hospitalized to feel like they have lost control of their lives as you are dependent on the hospital staff for so much.  On top of that you now have a colostomy to learn all about which sounds overwhelming to you at this time.

Please give yourself time to heal and adjust to all this change in your life.  I understand change very well and whether it is something we choose on our own or something that life just deals us it is almost always a challenge to most people.

Thinking of you,

Kitt

 

Posted 1/30/2012 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
I believe that a lot of anxiety problems are rooted in control issues...at least that is very true for me.

I know how you are feeling, and I too would be coming unglued. This experience is not going to last forever. They are eventually going to release you when you are ready to be on your own, and you will get to be home, where you feel more comfortable. Hang on to that thought for now.

The adjustments will probably be tough at first, but you are strong and resourceful and resilient beyond what you may even believe. You will be able to do it, and the overall feeling of being healthier will most likely reduce your anxiety...bonus!:)

Try to rest now when you are still there, and have a lot of help. Know that you are getting better and stronger everyday, and that we are cheering you on.

Talk to you soon,
S.C.
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