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Is Anxiety my problem?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/23/2012 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
I have posted a number of times on here about my issues, but I am trying again in hopes that someone may relate. I have palpitations pretty regularly, but my father and sister both have this, so my Dr says that it is nothing to worry about. Sometimes, they are intense enough to stop me in my tracks. I have been having throat pains under my Adams apple and to the right since march. In addition, I have discomfort in my chest and upper abdomen almost as constant as the throat pain. This is all pretty constant. rarely a time that is doesn't hurt. I feel like I cannot get a full breath most of the time. If I barely exert myself, I fell so winded and occasionally it will bring on palpitations when getting my breath back. I am not wheezing at all, but when I swallow, it sometimes feels like my throat is swollen. I will get really spacey and dizzy from time to time and it does trigger panic attacks from time to time.

I have been to the ER times since May with this. The first time, they kept me for a few days because of my irregular heartbeat and ran all kinds of tests on me for heart issues which all came back good. In addition, they did thyroid tests and a neck CT to see if there is a throat issue. They concluded that it must be reflux and did a upper endoscopy. This confirmed a hiatal hernia, but showed minimal damage from acid. They sent me home with reflux meds and called it good.

Last week, I was driving down the road and got suddenly dizzy and weak. Felt like I was going to pass out. Went to the ER, BP was 157/89 and was having chest discomfort with the dizziness and weakness. After some blood work and chest xray, they sent me home.

I have been to an ENT for the throat. He says that it is LPR and he is positive. Says that my gastro Dr is wrong. My primary care Dr believes that all of this uncertainty and breathing trouble has helped me to develop anxiety. I am on 10mg of Buspar twice daily as well as adivan when needed. It helps the panic during a flare up, but the pain and issues remain. Is it possible that all of theses issues are Anxiety. I really do not care for the Buspar. Gives me a headache and run down feeling, but when I take the Adivan, I feel great. Throat pain and breathing are way better. Not gone, but wow the difference..

Any thoughts?
Posted 9/23/2012 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
hi, darryl. sorry to hear you have been struggling with these uncomfortable feelings for a while, but i'm glad you've come here for some support and ideas to help you. :)

what you are experiencing sounds a lot like my anxiety problems combined with my boyfriend's anxiety problems. i get the constant dizziness, weakness, difficulty breating, spacey-ness, and windedness when i barely exert myself if i'm overly stressed. my boyfriend has the palpitations and panic attacks.

i recall that when i've had reflux issues in the past, it caused my throat to feel swollen or as if i had something stuck there. mine ended up being caused by an antibiotic i was taking for acne -- i was taking it right at bedtime, and then i'd go lay down to go to sleep, and that particular medication can cause reflux when you lay down soon after taking it. my dermatologist told me to switch to taking in the morning, and the problem resolved within a couple of days. maybe it's something as simple as that in your case?? if not a medication, maybe something you're eating that aggravates your reflux?

but on the other hand, in the absence of a true medical reason for reflux, i have heard lots of other people say that their anxiety makes their throat feel as if it is closing...i have experienced that feeling from time to time.

the good news is that you have had yourself thoroughly checked out and received what sounds like mostly benign diagnoses. i have certainly experienced what your primary doctor suggested to you -- physical symptoms cause anxiety which makes my physical symptoms worse which makes my anxiety worse and so on and so forth. it's the very vicious cycle of health anxiety. when i experience my distressing physical symptoms (i call it my "body noise") that trigger my anxiety, i remind myself that i have been thoroughly examined by quite a few doctors who went to school for a very long time to know what they know very well (not to mention that it's in their best interest to not misdiagnose me because they could get their butt sued off for malpractice!). i remind myself that all of them have said i'm healthy. then i focus my attention on something distracting and enjoyable. i also practice regular guided meditation to help me manage my stress level...the more stressed i get the more "noisy" my body gets.

you mentioned that you are taking buspar and ativan. have you consider seeing a counselor or therapist?

i hope you can find some solutions that help you. i certainly know the distress of living with almost constant anxiety symptoms. keep posting...we're here for you!
Posted 9/24/2012 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi darryl and welcome back...though I am sorry to hear of your recent trouble.:(

I am assuming that they checked your thyroid when you went in during one of  your appointments...just a thought considering the location of your neck discomfort, and the fact that thyroid function can affect anxiety and cause palpitations

I agree with frizbee regarding the therapy. It could really give you some relief! You can ask your doctor for a referral.

Keep posting with us as well...we understand and are here for your support!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 9/30/2012 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys... Thanks for the input. I did have a thyroid check back in May. They did a CT of my throat and blood tests. All normal. I went to the ER a week ago Monday with chest ache and BP of 159/90. They gave me Ativan and suggested anxiety once again. I have a hard time accepting this, but I guess that is it. My cardiologist called me last week for a 6 month check up. I told him of my issues, he is having me wear a holter monitor for a month to make sure I do not have a heart rhythm issue since my palpitations have been so frequent. He did an EKG which was normal, but again today, my BP is 159/92. Just sitting here after a shower.. Nothing strenuous...

Not sure about the therapy part. I am not positive that my insurance will cover it.. Need to look into it I suppose. I do not feel depressed or sad, so not sure about the therapy... I just feel lousy and drug out. I have a great life.. Awesome girlfriend and two amazing kids.. Job isn't my dream job, but its fine. Money sucks, but as a single father of two, money has always sucked... lol No need to freak out there..

I sometimes feel like anxiety is a cop out when doctors cannot pinpoint what is wrong with you.. I dunno.. Maybe not... I just feel like I am crazy!
Posted 10/1/2012 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Well I hope that you find the answers that you need soon...I know that it can be frustrating trying to figure out what it going on with your health.

Keep talking with your doctor, or even seek a second opinon if you need to.

Remember that we are always here for support if you need it.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/11/2012 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, Darryl,

Have you ever heard of or considered Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)? I was finally diagnosed last year after six years of numerous appointments and complaints. I knew all along that I did not have anxiety. Please, continue to be persistent until you find the diagnosis you feel in your heart is correct.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions, or just want to chat.

Best wishes,
Brandi
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