Wake up every morning nauseous with butterflies in my stomach

Hi everyone,
I'm new here and want to badly get some advice from you all. I know you all are not doctors but every little bit of advice will help. I'll summarize my DIAGNOSED illnesses--All started 31 yrs ago. I had a HUGE cerebral hemorrhage(bleeding in the brain) that led to a clot on my left temporal lobe. A couple of yrs later I had another one on my right frontal lobe. This continued until a total of 8 clots occurred. Turns out that I was born with a genetic disorder called Cavernous Capillary Angioma(sp)--too many blood vessels in certain areas of the brain. 2 brain surgeries were performed at John's Hopkins Hospital so to remove 6 out of 8 clots. I was put on Dilantin and Depakote. My seizures remained under control(thank you god) until about 4 mths ago when BAM--I had a gigantic Grand Mal seizure but my hubby was at work so I was alone and helpless. I woke up hrs later on the floor also feeling totally out of control and vulnerable. As soon as I was able to get up I immediately knew to call 911 and did so. I was rushed to the hospital and EVERY test was performed on me but nothing showed up as to why the seizure occurred all of a sudden. I was discharged 4 days later in "perfect" health. I USED to work from home taking inbound sales calls but that became way too stressful for me not to mention that my cat of 11.5 yrs died for no apparent reason back in December which REALLY contributed to family "loss" since he truly was my "kid". I was also diagnosed with Lyme disease stage 2 last yr and am now wondering if that could have had anything to do with my sudden seizure. I'm sooooo frustrated and am so desperate to find the answer!!! I cannot afford to keep going to docs. That is my other concern. "What if" I NEED one so to avoid a life threatening illness? I constantly Google health information for myself, my husband and my other 3 cats--I've gone so far as to mainly raw feed the cats now in fear of another pet food recall happening like the one in 2007. I do this to hopefully PREVENT health issues. I'm now very scared of having another Grand Mal seizure outdoors alone so I hardly ever drive anywhere anymore which REALLY isn't helping matters although I've been seizure free for ALL 4 mths and am now legally allowed to drive again. I wake up every morning nauseous with "butterflies" in my stomach and I'm sick of it!!! I walk for 15-30 min. and meditate for like 20 min. a day already. Any other advice? I see a talk therapist and am on Zoloft 25mg. I'm "determined" not to let anxiety run/ruin my life. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME!!!!!!!
Thanks everyone-((((HUGS)))))

Hello and welcome. I am also sorry hear of what you have been through in regards to your health struggles. It is very common for a chronic/long-term illness to be the trigger for anxiety. You are not alone in experiencing this!

I agree with Shanny's advice. Keep seeing your therapist, exercising, meditating, and doing all of the things that will help to reduce your over-all anxiety.

Perhaps talking with your therapist specifically about your health anxiety if you haven't already done so, will help him/her to target your treatment towards decreasing the thoughts and fears surrounding that issue. CBT is an effective treatment for this, see if your therapist is familiar with this:)

Also, visit our Anxiety Resource Guide (mainpage 3rd post) to get some great links to breathing/relaxation exercises that you can add to your meditation routine!

Again, welcome and post anytime with questions or sharing...we are a supportive group, here to help you through this difficult time.

Take care,
Scaredy Cat