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I must be going through something, I have been posting a LOT

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 5/18/2015 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everybody:
Ok, I'm guessing you have noticed my frequent posting, I have too. It seems I'm in crisis lately.
Today is something new, and I thank you in advance for always being so kind with me.
So, today I came home from work at aroun 1 PM and as soon as I sat down to rest for a bit before lunch I noticed I had som skipped heartbeats, or palpitations or flutters or something odd. I didn't make much of it and sat down to eat with my girls, I really did not have much of an appetite, so didn't eat much.
After lunch I noticed that my chest felt full as if something was stuck there, and I have a cough or a need to clear my throat all the time. Of course Im starting to panic. And I really don't want to start googling symptoms cause I will end up in the ER. Could this be heartburn? Even though I hadn't eaten right before it started. I ate a small grilled cheese sandwich at about 8 for breaksfast, a banana for snack at 11 and all this started at about 1:30 PM, or at least that's when I started to notice.

What do you guys think? All these symtoms are still going on, I think they're even worse.
Posted 5/18/2015 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
AR,

I get palps after eating certain foods...

...it is not always immediately after eating...and not always the same reaction consistently.

At times certain foods will trigger me...and other times not.

Or sometimes previously benign foods will bother me...

Overall stress levels factor I , so I am sure this is contributing for you.

Use your coping skills to keep your anxiety low and feel your best.:)

S.C.
Posted 5/18/2015 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Rose, I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I hope that by now it has subsided.

I get heart palpitations a lot, and I get that chest pain/full feeling you are describing. Sometimes drinking ice cold water really helps me. It seems to cool the esophagus, and helps it relax so that it doesn't feel like food is stuck, etc.

Let us know how you're doing.
Posted 5/18/2015 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you SC and Stacey! I am doing better now, I had some papaya and it made me feel better.
This health anxiety of mine is definitely out of control! I don't know why I resist to believe that it IS anxiety and always think I'm sick, even when all the signs are there! When I got home I started thinking about many situations I have been dealing with, that I am not able to resolve so Ive been very stressed. of course Im goint to get all types of symptoms, but still, I refuse to believe that my mind is the problem.

Thanks for your replies! I am so grateful to have found this amazing group of amazing people! I just wish we didn't have to join this club because we are struggling so much!
Posted 5/19/2015 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you are doing better now! I have found sometimes I have a hard time swallowing or choke/cough when drinking or eating just a bit, when anxious -- or sometimes that happens and then my heart starts pounding and I feel anxious.
Posted 5/19/2015 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
I have terrible health anxiety too. I was actually doing really well, until about two weeks ago when Ive suddenly convinced myself I have everything under the sun. It's terrible. I truly hope you feel better!
Posted 5/19/2015 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
http://www.therecoverygroup.org/jtr/serenity1.html

This is where you will find the Serenity Prayer, i highly recommend
it for those of us who suffer from HA, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 5/19/2015 9:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rose

How are you feeling today?

I was pleased to read that you will feeling a bit better I also suffer with bad health anxiety which I am addressing for the first time at the moment through therapy. Health anxiety can really take over your life if you let it and the important thing is to not google your symptoms as that will only make things worse I have convinced myself over the years that I have had all major illness.

Keep us posted

Hibee
Posted 5/19/2015 11:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! I am feeling better today! Had a good night's sleep, a solid 8 hours!
I definitely need to go back to therapy, I went right after my mom passed away and never went back. I have seen my Pdoc, but I also do not want to increase my Lexapro dosage, I was tapering and stopped because I had too many side efects going from 10mg to 5mg, so Ive stayed there for over a year and just when I felt strong enough to start the tapering again my mom died and I thought it was not the time, my dad's death 3 and a half years ago was when my panic started, so I knew I would need al the help I could get with my mom. Except that I do not want to increase my Lexapro and just try to cope the best I can. Talk therapy should help me a lot.

I hope you are having a great day!
Posted 5/19/2015 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
AR,

Neither your psychiatrist, nor a therapist should pressure you to up your meds.

This is a personal decision...and even if that recommendation is made, you do not need to choose this route...but rather, can proceed first with working on therapy skills and tools to help you gain recovery.

Either way...be from therapy, meds or a combination of both...what counts is finding what ultimately works for you. By casting a wide net by trying all of your options, you will find your winning treatment plan

My condoleces once again on your losses. Great job on working through the things that are so difficult. Keep up the good work and progress!

S.C.
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