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feeling absolutely crazy

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Posted 11/18/2013 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone.
This is my first post, although I've been reading through for a couple of days.

I've had PAD since 2009. Effexor was helping, then due to a Dr that refused to refill a script I came off of it cold Turkey. Bad experience.

Fast forward 9 months …in September it started again, crazy panic attacks in succession, made it so I was leaving work every day. Finally went on disability.

I'm now trying Zoloft, because I might have high blood pressure and they don't want to use effexor again. It's been six days on Zoloft, and starting Saturday I began having the panic cycles again.

I have PTSD and I have been seeing a therapist. I've been journaling. I've tried breathing. I feel like nothing is working and I am losing my mind.

I'm not sure Why this is happening. I find some solace knowing I'm not alone. I cry alot. I just don't know what else to do.

Disability insurance just gave me an approval today …I haven't gotten a paycheck since October. I'm happy that part is over, but I've just been sitting in my room crying.

I want to go walk but I'm afraid. I feel so pathetic. My chest hurts. Been to the ER so many times I think there is a note somewhere that says I'm crazy. Had a stress echo, ekg, blood work. Last stint in the ER was 30+ hours. They said my heart was ok. My previous dr threw me into health anxiety telling me i was diabetic, then turned around and said actually your just pre diabetic. I still test my blood sugar five times a day.

My new doctor took me off the BP meds and asked me to take my bp once a day. So far, its not been higher than 140/90 which she said was ok. I keep thinking im having a heart attack.

My husband is helping me, bless him, but I feel like such a burden. I keep praying. I don't know what else to do. Anyone else felt like me before?

Oh I also have Hashimotos, which I've had since 2006. I don't know what else to do.
Posted 11/19/2013 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi leneetara and welcome.

I am sorry to hear of your recent increase of anxiety and symptoms.;(

It does however sound like you are taking good steps and working with your doctor(s) toward a solution.

Give your new Rx some time to build up, level off and come to theraputic levels in your system. Any side effects/increased anxiety should phase out after this time, and results should be noticable at that point. (this can take a few weeks for SSRI's)

Until then, keep trying to use your coping skills...don't give up! They do help if practiced regularly, so dedicated as much time as you can, 3x a day to breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation.

We have great ideas for self-help in our Resources...so check out the first post on the main page here for ideas.:)

Keep posting here as well. We all share a common bond, understand, and are here to support you anytime.:)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 11/19/2013 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much.

I started practicing the breathing …I was doing it before but I think I was doing it wrong...my chest would rise more than my stomach and some How I would end up in a panic.

I am also trying free online CBT. So far, although I've only read one module, there seems to be a lot of sense to it.

Thank you again...
Posted 11/19/2013 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
I had the same problem with breathing exercises! I did not get any relief until I learned this one...I will share it with you, and maybe you will find it helpful as well.  

The Divided Breath:

Imagine your lungs as having 3 parts. The bottom third, the middle, and top third. On the inhale fill the bottom third first, then the middle and finally the third. Make sure that this is one continuous breath, but divided, with a slight pause in between each third. Hold the breath in for 3-5 seconds if possible. Exhale in reverse. First blow out the top third, then the middle, and finally the bottom third of your lungs until all air is expelled. (remember the pauses) Repeat several rounds for a toatal of about 10 minutes. Practicing this every day will not only give you control and structure to your breathing, it will strengthen and loosen the thoractic muscles, allowing better, more productive breathing, and relieving the chest tightness!



It is great that you are doing the on-line CBT...it is Moodgym? Keep going with it as it really helps.;)

S.C.

Posted 11/19/2013 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
That's an awesome method! I will try it! I tried moodgym but couldn't seem to find where to register--Probably because I used my phone to try and sign up. I used panic center instead. Either way, the first session of cbt did a great thing for me in helping me to understand that this is a learned behavior.
Posted 11/19/2013 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
I think your thyroid problem could be contributing significantly to your anxiety- perhaps your meds need tweaking?

Wishing you all the best
Posted 11/19/2013 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there!

I think my thyroid is definitely a contributing factor, for sure. I have a blood work order that I actually fill tomorrow. Hopefully my thyroid isn't that far off.

I'm just trying to be positive, trying to keep myself journaling, trying to be thankful for it all … it's hard. This forum and all of you awesome people have definitely been helping.

Thank you all very much!
Posted 11/19/2013 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Knowing when to stand up to something wrong, when to support something right, when to be proud,
and when to be truly Humble. Leneetara you fit in perfect here, tarry a while with us. Peace

Larry ***
Posted 11/20/2013 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Larry! I find your advice on other posts very comforting and helpful. I think I'll tarry here awhile :-)
Thank you so much,
Lenee
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