Strange Symptoms, anxiety back after 10 years

I had bad anxiety more than 10 years ago. I used to suffer from a lump in the throat, heart palpitations, feelings of "unreality", inability to breathe. I've been fine for a decade and then last week, after a bad bout with tonsillitis I suddenly am having these truly awful symptoms that I've never had before.

My throat feels as though the muscles are tightening up, my jaw is so stiff it feels like what lockjaw must feel like. It sometimes travels up to my ears and down my neck. I am sure it is anxiety because my tonsillitis is almost gone. I have trouble swallowing too. If I don't think about it the symptoms go away but as soon as I think about it, bam...it's back full force.

Has anyone ever had these symptoms and are there any relaxation techniques to help? I am back on the St. John's but it's been over a week and it isn't helping yet. My throat and jaw get so tight that even my tongue hurts. I'm not grinding or clenching my teeth either (I saw some mentioned that). I just really want to get rid of this or figure out how to cure myself again. Any help is blessedly appreciated.

Ditto Karen, i agree with wingman. run it by your pcp. infections can be very serious not just uncomfortable. if i were having the same symptoms, i would really want to see my dr. please let us know how you are doing.

Hi Everyone. Sorry, I should have mentioned that I did see a doctor and I did have Tonsillitis but I have been on antibiotics for a week now (along with Prednisone and stomach meds). The infection is pretty much gone, my throat is no longer even sore or red. The stiffness and tightening only happen when I feel anxious or start thinking about it. I've been doing some relaxation stuff since yesterday and it is helping some.

Hello everyone, I am curious as to what anxiety problems feel like(can one make them self feel sick with this). The reason i ask is because I have always been a bit of a hypochondriac but lately it's like every pain that I have is an illness. I used to drink alcohol, although not everyday I could knock em down on the weekend. I recently came down with gastritis and that's when my anxiety came in to full swing. I have been to doctor twice and had blood-work/ultrasound which came back normal but for some reason I think that I am dying and it is driving me and my wife crazy. The first thing I think of in the morning is that I am dying and its a horrible feeling. I was Just wondering if worrying too much can cause real symptoms. I am taking St. Johns wart and cant shake this feeling of impending doom and it's getting to the point where I don't want to go anywhere.

Hi UTD and welcome! I am glad that you have found us here. You are not alone in your anxiety issues, many of us here have and are struggling through this.

If you have had a thorough check up with your regular dr., then you can be sure it is anxiety causing your symptoms, and get help for it. In my opinion, therapy is the best long-term solution for anxiety disorders, and can be highly effective in treating health related worrying.

Ask your g.p. for a referral to a therapist who offers CBT. It is proven to greatly decrease anxiety and its symptoms.

In the meantime, look into our Anxiety Resource Guide (main page 3rd post) and start learning the relaxation and breathing exercises in the video links. Praticing these everyday will start to make a huge difference in the way you feel.

Again, welcome, and post anytime.
Scaredy Cat