What is happening to me?? Please help.

Hello,
Here's my story, sorry if it’s long. I've been having building anxiety problems now for a couple months. It started as "situational" due to some medical issues that were worrying me. This resulted in constant anxiousness, obsessive on-line research about diseases I might have, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach issues. I left town for a few days to spend time with family and I seemed to get a handle on it, I was feeling better.

Last week I went to a Psychiatrist for the first time. At the time, I was in a better state of mind so I'm not sure if he really understood the severity of what I have been dealing with, I was talking about it from almost a past perspective. He felt I didn't need long term anti-anxiety meds, prescribed me xanex and sent me on my way. Since then, I have had a reoccurrence of anxiety symptoms that are seriously scaring me. I'm ready to go to the ER to get them to run every test imaginable on me to figure out what is wrong.

I go to bed at night, sleep fine (wake up a few times a night but nothing major). As morning comes around, even before my alarm goes off I start to get this feeling in my body that can only be described as adrenaline, or perhaps that almost shivery feeling you get when you have the flu. I can't stay still but I'm so tired and want to keep sleeping but I can't. My heart rate is relatively normal until I get up, then it starts to really race and I can't stop these sensations in my arms and legs. I took a xanex (.25 very small) yesterday morning and this morning and it subsided, but I'm scared that maybe there is another underlying medical disorder. Low/High blood sugar? Diabetes? Low blood pressure? Seizures? I'm terrified. I have a family member that thinks perhaps it’s that "fight or flight" response, but why only in the morning while I'm still laying in bed? I'm really really scared. I don't know if I should go back to the psychiatrist or go to a doctor, or even the ER. I can't keep waking up this way, its making me crazy.

I would go into more detail about how a lot of this started, but my post is already too long. I'm 28 years old. Thanks for listening or any replies.

khf1980

Hell, this is Kitt and welcome.  I am glad your going to see your Psychiatrist on Monday and even thow a lot of people prefer to go without meds you may be one that needs something even if it is short term. Also it sounds like you would benefit from regular weekly therapy.

If you feel that it may be medical and something is not right please do see your medical doctor for a medical screening exam to rule out any physical problems.

Take care and keep posting.

Kitt

You guys are so supportive and I thank you for that.  It does help to know that I am not alone and that other people share my symptoms. 

I haven't had a "full" check up at my general doctor, but I was just there recently and for the most part, all vitals were completely normal.  I would like to have a full blood panel done though to be safe to rule out any deficiencies.

Logic tells me this is in fact anxiety disorder since it really all started when I was having some medical sinus issues that nobody could find a cause for.  they put me on a month long dose of heavy antibiotics that wreaked havoc on my body, made me sick to my stomach and I lost a ton of weight.  And the sinus issue didn't go away so I was left weak and scared that there was something more seriously wrong with me.  The uncertainty started me on a slow path of growing anxiety and it has really just come to a head.  Also, that sinus issue might have turned out to be a TMJ disorder, not technically "medical" at all.

I suppose my point is, I can't wait to get this under control once and for all, if that means constant visits to this board, weekly sessions with a therapist and medication.

Thank you all!

I have restless leg syndrome that sounds very much like what you are describing. There are various levels of this disorder... sometimes it affects only the legs, mostly at night, and sometimes it will affect arms and head as well. Mine affects my legs mostly.. but when it gets really bad, my legs, arms and head are all jerking ..and I can't catch my breath... feels very much like a panic attack but it isn't.

I also wake up from nightmares almost evernight... that leaves me shaking , adrenalin just a running..my heart beating etc... I have to get up and walk around for a while.. or I go on the computer and play a really repetitive, no thinking kind of game like solitaire or something until every thing calms down and I start feeling sleepy again... I 'm always afraid to go back to sleep. It's a vicious cycle.
I hope your psychiatrist comes up with a good med or solution for you ... And I hope you start getting good nights rest soon...
Keeping you in my thoughs and prayers,
mary