Really struggling

Friends,

I can't seem to get the health anxiety roller coaster to stop.  Both good news and then strange symptoms have been coming fast and furious all week, and my head is spinning from trying to sort it all out.

After a good visit with the allergist on Thursday, I had a small round of chest tightness that Benadryl cleared up.  But then the following day, 50% of the times that I stepped outdoors, I got the chest tightness, and Benadryl did nothing for it.  I finally went to the ER and asked them for the kinds of meds asthmatics use to maintain their health, hoping that if we're overlooking some problem with my lungs, such meds would at least give me enough peace of mind to function this weekend.  No such luck - even though I had no significant physical symptoms today, I'm worried about my health, and I got very spooked to go outdoors this evening.  I forced myself to anyway, and I was physically fine, but not comfortable.

I'm so at a loss right now.  My husband wants me to just take it easy and solidify the gains I've made from good health news, rather than trying to challenge things that are trying to become phobias for me now.  I agree with him, but I can't afford to let some things become uncomfortable for me.

Meds are looking like a smart option, but which one?  I already take Paxil.  Ativan works quickly for me, but leaves me with bad rebound anxiety even when I've tried to take it regularly.  Any insights into a nice, stable anxiolytic?

percycat

Percycat

Do look into taking Buspar on a regular basis, I use this med and it does help me.  I take it twice a day.  It is an old drug and it is not a benzo.  Another good choice for you may be using Trazodone in a small dose at bedtime.  It will help you sleep and it does seem to help with the anxiety too.  Your other option would be to look at switching from Paxil to one of the newer SSRIs/SSNIs.  Cymbalta, or Lexapro.  There are others out there too.

Please do look at dicussing your medications with your physician as you know I am not a professional. 

I hope you are soon feeling less health anxiety and I agree with your hubby, do be gentle with yourself.  Pamper you a bit and try to stay in the moment.  Remember your breathing is ok even thow it does not feel like it your Peak Flows are in the normal range.

Warm hugs to you.

Kitt

Thanks, Vokal, Kitt, and Nanners,

You all are such a needed source of support. I was outdoors today to go to church and had no problems, but then just now going out to clean the air filters, I felt tense and scared. My chest didn't really tighten so badly as usual - maybe it can't since I'm taking Singulair (has a bronchodilator in it) right now, but I am depressed, sad, and frightened now. I have just taken an ataivan and will likely go out again in an hour or so to see whether the anti-anxiety med makes things any better. My peak flow is fine, and I'm sure I'll check out fine on my O2 meter. I did get some mild post-nasal drip while outdoors, but that's gone now within 10 minutes of coming inside.

So scared about my breathing, and I hate this.

percycat

Percy i am so sorry you are having a rough time of it- its difficult changing or adjusting meds. and its horrible not knowing why you feel the way you do.

we love you! chin up, better days ahead-

Maz XX

Percy, sounds like anticipatory anxiety is taking over. Don't panic or become frightened. We've all felt this way before. After I had my first daughter, I became frightened to leave the house. I would force myself to go to the grocery store, go on bike rides, etc. You have to force yourself or this will become a vicious cycle. Get angry, not scared. Arm yourself with your meds, keep seeing a therapist, and as others mentioned, take care of yourself.

Percy, this is going to stop. Give it time. Let us know how you're doing each day!

Percy, how are u feeling now?

My Dear Friend Percy,

I am glad you are doing better and might I make a little suggestion......turn your "There can be...." statement into "There will be..." Accpetance has truly helped me live with the fact that I am a person with anxiety and depression and also that I am getting older. 

You are doing a tremendous job as a moderator and I am very proud of you.  You also have supported me so much.  I am lucky to have you as a friend.

Thank you for being you.

Kitt

Good Morning Percy,

It is the weekend and I am wondering how you are doing my dear friend?  Hope you are kickin the stinkin anxiety to the curb and that your weekend is full of joy and peace.

Gentle Hugs to you,

Love,
Kitt

Kitt,

Thanks so much, my dear friend, for checking up on me in the midst of your own sadness.

I'm doing better, as it seems the Singulair and Claritin are preventing the physical symptoms that scare me most. All my allergy tests came back fine - only mild allergies - but my health anxiety just keeps poking and prodding at me that there's something the docs have missed. Today on the way in to work, I have a little discomfort - not quite such full breathing, and then my throat a little tense. I see the pulmonologist next Monday and will ask him if I can continue using the asthma and allergy meds despite a diagnosis for either. If they are helping, I guess that's all that matters.

I'll start a new thread or revive an old one to describe the EMDR. It's been interesting so far, but I don't notice any change from it.

percycat

Hey Percy,

Glad to hear you are feeling better on the meds and if they are giving your some relief of the breathing sx perhaps your pulmonologist will agree that something is working.

Yes please do start a thread on the EMDR as we are all interested in reading about this therapy method and having you give us your thoughts first hand is sure to be a great help.

Take care of you and know I am here for you always.

Love,

Kitt