HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Status

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/3/2015 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
It's been awhile since I've used this site, in the meantime I've been mostly anxiety free, up until about three months ago.

I used to take Lexapro up until probably February of this year. I had a very bad incident in February where I ended up quitting a job I had been with for five years. I had a predatory boss that literally told me to "suck it up (your problems)", I worked in a mental health field. The irony isn't lost on me.

Anyway I've been dealing with health anxiety for the better part of three years. I had about every heart test there is done in the past two years. Everything came back clear. I haven't had anything done this year, and that sort of worries me. My blood pressure has went up and I've increased my Atenolol (Beta Blocker) from once a day to twice a day. It has helped mostly with my BP, though my pulse has remained above 80 for the most part. I've also been dealing with TMJ pains for the past two months. Went to the dentist, supposed to have a splint made to prevent some of the bruxism going on and my teeth from clenching together at night. It seems like I've gone from one pain to the next. I've had tension headaches almost everyday and have had a weird pulsating muscle twitch behind my left ear. Lately I've had really bad stomach and abdominal pain, I went to urgent care twice for it, the second time around they diagnosed me with a gastric ulcer. I have a GI appointment this Friday for a follow-up.
Probably the scariest symptom I'm having, and most uncomfortable is the vertical double vision. I'm going Wednesday to an optician to confirm my thoughts, but it is truly annoying. It's worse at night and in artificial light.
I had a really bad panic attack a few days ago, my bp shot up high 148/98 pulse 123. I had a nurse friend with me and after letting my body rest for a bit it went back down to normal levels. I was really close to going to the ER that night.

I'm in a frightful state. I'm worried something big is happening and I'm worried I'm going to run out of money to find it. I'll check up soon.
Posted 8/3/2015 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome back...

...although I am sorry your return is due to anxiety increases recently.:(

Remind me what you have done thus far for treatment besides your Rx?

Did you even go through our health anxiety material here for self help? Are you interested in the links?

Keep us updated on your upcoming appointments...and continue to post if you find it helpful.

We completely understand what you are going through, and will be here to encourage you and cheer you on as you seek to pull out of this recent flare up of anxiety.

Talk soon,

S.C.
Posted 8/4/2015 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Scarey,
Glad to see you're still around helping people :)

As far as the anxiety goes the only treatment I have at the moment is breathing exercises and some meditation.
My abdominal pains continue even when I do my breathing so it is hard to get a benefit from them.
As far as rx's go I'm on two types of acid reducers, to help treat that part of the pain.
They diagnosed me with costochondritis as well, but I can't do much for it, the Dr at urgent care told me to avoid NSAIDs from here out since I developed a ulcer from them (likely). The vision problems I'm unsure what to do about. Looking forward to the consult with the optician. The TMJ they've given me instructions to ease the pain via working my mouth muscles to become more relaxed.
Posted 8/4/2015 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Okay...I am glad to see you are under good care for the issues that are affecting you physically...keep up the good work in getting the answers and treatments you need to feel your best!

...and for the health worries...do check out the links in the Resources. ..or go through them again. Sometimes it takes more than once...

...two time CBT patient speaking! ;p

Keep posting!

S.C.
Posted 8/5/2015 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Vision appointment:

Things went pretty well, Dr was really nice and thorough, found out it is an optics issue and most likely an issue with my astigmatisms. Getting a new prescription for my glasses to see if that helps. Dr even showed me a image or my eye, was really cool. Saw all my vessels in my eye and she showed me that everything looked normal.
Now just two more appointments this week.
Posted 8/5/2015 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
Well done...one down, two to go.:)

Keep postive that your other visits will go well just as this one did...

...and that if anything is found, it is easily treatable. (as with the opthamologist visit)

You are pro-actively getting your answers, and that is fantastic!

Keep going, or get started with the health anxiety self help as well, to keep your anxiety as low as possible...it really works.;)

Continue to keep us posted, so we can keep you is support!

S.C.
Posted 8/6/2015 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Didn't feel well enough to post this last night, eyes were hurting me.

The visit yesterday with the family practice went decent, I really liked the FNP I saw, she was sweet but professional. I talked to her about my anxiety problems and she has decided to put me on Effexor (Venlafaxine 37.5 mg), to see if it helps. I discussed with her about my dealings with Lexapro and the weight gain I attributed to it. She first suggested Zoloft but I told her that had previously caused me to go the ER twice. I'm not a big fan of SSRIs or really any pills, but I understand this might help me out. She also decided to do some blood work and tested me for diabetes (negative). I should get the results through a patient portal shortly.

I haven't taken it yet, plan to tonight. Today has been rough, I've had a headache all day and my vision problems seem to be a little worse today. I think it's because I've not slept well in awhile and I haven't been feeling well in general. I keep reassuring myself of what the doctors have told me and I've been combating the anxiety as much as I can today with breathing and logical thinking. To be honest my vision has me upset and depressed. I'm worried it will stay this way or become worse.
Posted 8/7/2015 7:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you are having a rough time at the moment but glad to hear your appointment went well.

Effexor is a good medication and works well for anxiety but imo you would be best taking it in the morning as it's a very activating AD so if you take it at night you may not sleep very well just a suggestion.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 8/7/2015 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Rx,

Hang in there...help is on the way! When will your new glasses come in? Hopefully soon, and then your vision issue will be resolved...

...and once you find the right Rx for your needs, the mood and anxiety should start to lift...allowing you to use your coping skills to your maximum benefit...

...leaving you feeling much better all around! ;)

We are cheering on towards your recovery goals, so keep us posted!

S.C.
Posted 8/7/2015 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Scarey and Hibee,

Another update.
Went to the GI doctor today, he wants to do an upper endoscopy and he scheduled it for Monday. The cost of it alone sent me into a crying fit. I talked to both of my parents and my Dad is going to help me with the cost a bit. GI doctor told me not to hesitate to go to the ER if I'm feeling unwell before the operation.
In the middle of talking with the billing department and my parents my PCP called and left a message, I called them back and they said they needed to discuss my bloodwork results with me but that the ma's were gone for the day, when I went back and listened to the message they had said my dr wants me to come in for an appointment to discuss my results (we had scheduled for 6 weeks out so this has me a bit worried that something is wrong ). I've convinced myself it might be serious but if it was really serious they would have told me to come in immediately or go to the ER.
I've been a mess today, all of this has me so worried. I want answers of course, but this has me crazy. Luckily I have a RN friend staying in town this weekend so if things get too bad I can rely on him.
Posted 8/7/2015 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Rx!

Sorry today has been hard, brother. I do think you're right though if it had been anything super serious they probably would have had you go straight to the ER. Keep the faith, man! You're gonna be alright.
Posted 8/8/2015 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
Rxc,

It is most doctor's procedure to have you come in for discussion of test results...so try not to worry over this common occurence.

it is great that your folks can help with your bills...I hope this helps to relieve some of your stress.

Let us know how your appointment goes on Monday, okay?

Hang in there...you are getting your answers...and on your way to feeling your best all around.:)

We are cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 8/8/2015 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Scarey,

I appreciate the support I've received, it's really helped. Even though I wake up in pain I do try to keep on the bright side. I'm looking forward to finding answers Monday and later this week with these lab results.

-Rx
Posted 8/10/2015 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Update:

Went in for the Upper GI Endoscopy today, went fairly well, they didn't find anything but food moving slowly in my stomach (I had fasted about 12 hours prior to the operation). They want to go in from the other end (Colonscopy) to make sure that there is nothing going on. I discussed because of financial concerns I wasn't sure I would be able to do this right after this operation. The doctor said he would review the biopsies they took during the procedure and would get with me in four weeks for a followup and we would work on a plan. So at this point it is possible there is a minor issue preventing me from being pain free. I will continue with the Omeprazole until my next appointment, it does seem to be helping a bit.

I also contacted my Doctor's office today, to a little bit of frustration. The clerks were very rude to me today and were quite unprofessional. I have an appointment with my doc on Thursday to review my blood work. I asked if there was a reason that she wanted me in sooner than later, since we had already scheduled an appointment 6 weeks out and the assistant said "nope, this is just what she put on here". I am a little displeased with how I was treated today.

My vision has been on and off, in some ways it is better, in others it is not. I'm hoping my new lenses will help me with my problems.

So I am sort of back at square one, not knowing what is causing my stomach pain exactly, but I do know at this point it isn't a cancer or anything like that in my stomach, thus that they could tell with the endoscopy. The food in my stomach did prevent them from being able to see behind it, so that might be a problem. I don't know. The worst of me is imagining there is something causing the food to move more slowly. The doctor said as long as I am not passing blood I should be fine.

I haven't started the Effexor just yet, I am going to talk to my doctor Thursday to see if she'll prescribe me a short term med to deal with the effects it might have, and to give me sort of an anxiety buffer in general.
Posted 8/11/2015 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Rx,

You are getting there....the answers take time. ..but you are making progress.:)

All I all good news! It will continue to be so, I am sure.

Keep up the good work...thanks for the update. ..

...and keep them coming so we can be in support!

S.C.
Posted 8/13/2015 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
Update:

Went to have my blood work reviewed today, some good news and some not as good news.

My vitamin D is really low, my dr is putting me on vitamin D supplements to raise it up to normal levels.

My good cholesterol is low, my dr said the best way to raise it was to exercise.

My Bilirubin is high, fairly high. She said it has something to do with my liver. She wants to see me back in three months to monitor it. She also said to speak with my GI doctor. I'm still waiting on my results from the biopsies Monday.

I got my new lenses today, they seem to have helped a whole lot thus far. I'll still experiencing ghosting but it isn't as bad as it was with my other lenses.

I also spoke with my dr about my headaches, she's rx'd Topamax. I'm going to try that tomorrow. She really encouraged me to take my effexor. She said it's going to be difficult to get to the bottom of why I'm feeling bad until my anxiety is lessened.

So I'm a bit mixed today. I feel good that the blood results weren't too terrible. It also comforts me that she checks my vitals and listens to my chest and lungs each time I visit. It helps me convince myself if something big is happening with my heart or lungs she'd be able to catch it. All in all today has been bittersweet.
Posted 8/14/2015 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Rx,

Okay...good cholesterol can be increased with diet and exercise...so that is doable! :)

...and the bilirubin will be monitored, so that's good. It could just be the way you run..
not everyone fits into the normal range for results....

Remind me what you had biopsies of?

...and it's good you got the headaches addressed and your new lenses! It will take a bit for your eyes to fully adjust to them...but it's great they are already helping.

All I all goo results and progress.:)

...now to continue on your anxiety recovery...you'll get there.

Keep up the good work, and keep posting.:)

S.C.
Posted 8/14/2015 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks SC! :)

I had an upper GI endoscopy done, they took biopsies of my GI tract to see why I'm having abdominal pain.

Sort of panicked at the moment, but I'm making it through. Just battling against my anxiety, leaves me so tired.
Posted 8/14/2015 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Okay...I knew you'd had the endo...but not realized they took biopsies.

Try not to 'future trip' or let the what ifs get to you. Stay present and in the moment.

If worries about your results just won't let up, repeat:

"It's not time to worry about that now."

...because truthfully it's not. There is reason to believe that everything checks out just fine.:)

Keep working those coping skills to stay calm!

S.C.
Posted 8/15/2015 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks SC, I appreciate your continued support. The forum and chat have been a godsend.

This morning was really rough for me, I woke up about 3 hours after I went to bed with intense abdominal pain. I took my bp and it was high 136/89 w pulse of 58. I laid down and worked on my breathing, it helped bring my bp down to normal levels. The pain persisted and I thought about going to the urgent care but decided not to since I wasn't experiencing any symptoms that were life threatening (vomiting blood, fever, bloody stool, sweating, etc). I stayed awake for almost an hour and finally went to bed, waking up about noon. So while I technically had 8 hours of sleep it was interrupted. I've also noticed when I wake up my hands or fingers are curled and numb. I'm wearing my cpap and this usually only happens when I don't wear it. I also felt like I woke up to my body convulsing but I wasn't sure. I'm going to see about getting the colonscopy done this week if I can. I'm beginning to be really concerned. They called me Friday to make an appointment to review my biopsies (I hate being called on Friday to notify me that I need to review my results, makes my anxiety go through the roof). I have a feeling like I'm just dying but I know most of that is just that I don't know why I feel this way so I assume the worst.
Posted 8/16/2015 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
One day at a time...keep up your coping skills. ..

IBS and other stress related gastro issues can cause these symptoms. ..so try not to worry, and wait for your test results.

Sounds like you should wear your c - pap regularly. Did you do a sleep study? What were your instructions for management?

Wishing you a better night tonight!

S.C.
Posted 8/17/2015 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
SC,

I did do a sleep study, they found I have mild sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and acute insomnia.

I got my results in today from my endoscopy biopsies, everything was clear. Have an appointment for the 8th of September with my GI doc to see how things are going and do a plan of action. Really happy to hear the biopsies came back clear.

Had troubling news on the insurance front, got a bill for 375$ for my primary doctor for my initial visit. I decided today to call Healthcare.gov and enroll in a different plan. The plan effective period is in October..so I have to keep this insurance for a bit longer. Very unhappy with the STM that contacted me and enrolled me, they basically lied to me about coverage. I'm going to cancel it, darned if they have any objections they lied to me!

Anyway everything is going fair. Still having some problems with my vision, headaches, and stomach pain. But it is comforting that I'm getting some answers.
The new insurance I'm getting has no charge for test so I expect to get a battery of test done soon. Just for my minds sake. Also going to look into therapy soon.
Posted 8/18/2015 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah! All good progress, getting answers and good new in general...besides the insurance thing...;/

...so the C-pap it is for you I guess...oh well, at least you have the answers and can make a plan for good sleep...

So glad to hear of your good results for your biopsies!! I know that was your biggest concern natually, so this has to feel great!

...and I am thrilled to hear you will be getting set up with therapy...this is going to be a great step...along with getting the physical things figured out...

...I believe that learning new ways of managing the anxiety is going to go a long way in helping you to feel better.:)

Good luck with the insurance switch!

S.C.
Posted 9/8/2015 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Update:

Went to the GI doctor today, he wants to do an ultrasound after looking at my blood work since my liver count is high. After that he wants to do a ct scan and possibly a food study. I'm putting all this off until October when my new insurance kicks in. I also spoke with my doctor today about reducing my atenolol from 25mg from twice a day to once a day. So we'll see how it goes. He gave me prescription for tramadol to help with the abdominal pain. I'm going to use it sparingly.

Also had a few issues with my eyes, have went to the optometrist a few times to have some test ran. So far it doesn't look to be a major problem but it's definitely changed my quality of life. Trying some different solutions that will hopefully fix or alleviate my double vision/ghosting. Anxiety has been kicking my butt lately.
Posted 9/9/2015 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rx,

Thanks for the update! Sorry you are still having some health issues to work through...and that it is kicking up your anxiety...

...but it sounds like you will be getting some answers coming up next month, so that is good.

Did they test the bilirubin levels just once, or twice? Hopefully the reading was just a variation, or even a mistake...I am sure everything is fine.

Did your new prescription bring you any relief? I hope you find the solution you need soon.

Great job on using your coping skills. Keep that up...and keep posting with us for encouragement.

Hopefully in a few weeks, you are going to really have a good plan, for both body and mind! :)

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12