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This is so frustrating

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 12/26/2008 9:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. First off, sorry I have not been here in a lil while I have really missed coming. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday.
I am really frustrated about the problems I have obtaining the meds I need for my anxiety. More specifically my Ativan. I don't understand why it is so difficult to get a medicine that I have taken on and off since 03. I have periods of weeks even months that my anxiety stays well under control and I do not need the medication. Then it seems that I will suddenly start having the anxiety again and need to have the medicine on hand so that I am not in the ER two or three times a week with panic attacks. My attacks are so bad that my blood pressure shoots through the roof and I have trouble breathing and chest pain. I have to see a Dr at that point because guess what...I HAVE had a heart attack, I have a stent and now have coronary artery disease. So ANY chest pain I have has to be checked out. On top of that when I do get to the ER they will not give me anything straight away because they have to rule out a heart attack first. So I get to go through the whole nine yards. EKG, blood test for cardiac enzymes, chest xray. If I HAVE my medication when I start feeling this way then what I try to do is take my Ativan and see if the pain and breathing get back to normal, which works most of the time. Voila! no need to go to ER. I know I know, I probably should not do this, I am not a Dr but I do know my body, and I know everyone here can sympathize with the whole ER experience not wanting to go through all that. I have tried to explain all this to my doctor but it does not seem to matter. Maybe it is just me but I am made to feel like a drug addict every time I ask for a refill on my medicine. I realize that this medicine is highly addictive to some people and that it is abused by many but I am not one of those. Am I too dependent on the medication? Can anyone else relate to this? Thanks for allowing me to vent it makes it easier having you all here to listen. Any advice I will gratefully take.
Posted 12/26/2008 9:49 AM (GMT 0)

I identify completely. My Pdoc prescribed my Xanax years ago, but my local doc has a real problem with it and hates prescribing it because its soo addictive. I also understand from the other point: i have so many physical health probs and have had multiple surgeries, procedures etc that have dominated my life for so long- i understand my body, but ER docs always look at my history and as soon as they see im on AD and Xanax, they suddenly become hesitant in prescribing narcotics, which sometimes, unfortunately, i NEED. because if you are on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds, then you must be looking to score. i hate that attitude, i really do. i do think it depends on the luck of the draw- which doctor you get. some are very sympathetic and recognise real pain, whilst others have been burned by drug-seekers and are overly cautious. it would be tough being ER staff, as so many people do go there and use and abuse the system for a quick fix- it wrecks it for those of us who are medically responsible.

I hope things improve- hang in there. dont give in and dont give up.

Maz XX

Posted 12/26/2008 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about your plight BlueRose. I could not imagine having to go to the ER everytime chest pains came on because of for real heart issues. I sure hope things start looking up for you. Take care and I hope you start feeling better :)
Posted 12/26/2008 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Is there any way that you could get a prescription and stockpile it so that you have it when you need it? I take it that you dont' take it all of the time.

I just don't understand why thy don't prescribe something for you that you so desperately need to have. Anxiety can be a chronic illness, I think you should have this on hand at all times.

Best wishes to you and I hope that you have a nice relaxing day.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 12/26/2008 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
bluerosesix

Do you have psychiatrist?  The one who will help you the most with the anxiety issues and meds is a psychiatrist.  A lot of the PCP's don't like to write RX for ongoing  benzos.

When you present to the ER with Chest Pain do they start the oxygen, get EKG, put IV in and draw labs all at the same time.

Also the cardiac monitor should be connected STAT.  If you are having any indications of a heart attack, you should be receiving Morphine.

If your dx is anxiety are they giving you some IV Ativan or  Valium, something to break the anxiety attack.

Sorry for so many questions hun, just trying to make sure I understand your  condition.

I am truly sorry you are so frustrated and I know you have received some excellent advice already.

Take Care
Kitt

Posted 12/26/2008 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Yes they always do the monitor and IV and in the ER they always give me morphine or some other kind of med for pain. They have no problem giving me ativan in the ER any time I have asked for it. it's more my regular Dr. that is hesitant.
No I don't currently have a psych doctor but I do have an appointment to see one in Jan. The weird thing with my meds is that my doctor refilled my ativan prescription for 60 one time, which shocked me because I did not think you could get that many at one time. He had me taking it twice a day then months later only gave 10 pills at a time and 2 refills. I agree with needing to kinda of stockpile and have it on hand. I am just not sure if I have become too dependent on the medicine. I relish the days when I did not need meds. My health problems seem to be my trigger for panic attacks and there's not a whole lot I can do to change them. I have lost some weight lately and that seems to have helped a bit. I find myself living in fear of having attacks, I have to learn to stop that. Thanks for your questions and input all.
Posted 12/26/2008 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
I can relate to having a difficult time getting meds you need. My doctor doesn't like giving me Ativan. He only prescribes 10 pills at a time. I've gone months without having to refill it. But now I'm trying to stockpile. I cut them in half which makes them last longer. I don't take them on a regular basis but it sure helps knowing I have them with me just in case. I bet the psych you see in January will help get you meds for the anxiety. I wish you the best and feel better soon!
Posted 12/26/2008 11:48 PM (GMT 0)

I got to say stock piling pills does not feel good to me. I do not know how many anyone is taking or what dose which all factors into the decision your physician is making. Also you histories are unknown to me. shakehead

Therapy is the best way to deal with your anxiety and all of the other info that has been posted in this forum over and over.

I am not judging here, just my opinion.

Kitt

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