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My old enemy, health anxiety, is trying to make a return.

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 5/13/2014 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, guys,

It's been quite a while! 

While I've definitely had some massive improvements when it comes to dealing with health anxiety, I find myself in the middle of another struggle.  When I think about it in comparison to what so many others go through, it seems so minor, but all the same... the nagging itch to panic is hovering, and I missed the comforting words of my supportive friends here.

I have a case of chronic sinusitis, and some bad teeth (primarily one lower molar that has a pretty big cavity).  I'm pretty sure I've developed allergies as a result of living in south Texas for a long time now, as well.  What I'm getting at... I have some swollen lymph nodes under my jaw, a little dizziness, and some very minor tooth discomfort.

I went to the doc almost two weeks ago, and she put me on antibiotics for the sinusitis, as we both pretty much assumed that was the cause of the symptoms, considering my history with this.  However, the course ended as of Friday last week, and still the symptoms remain.  I'm also taking an appetite suppressant (very carefully) to assist with weight loss, and I think this may at the very least be contributing to my anxiety. 

Sometimes I hope it's just allergies, but... that just seems like too easy an answer, and I've convinced myself that something else is really wrong.

Sometimes I think it's the tooth, but then I think I only really feel any pain from it when I'm focusing on it and prodding at it.  I'm struggling to be objective about what symptoms are real or imagined, or just simply not new at all. 

And if it IS my tooth (I AM going to see my dentist and my regular doc tomorrow), I'm so nervous that it's going to be bad and too late and... all those irrational extremes. 

:(

Posted 5/13/2014 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Risa,

Welcome back...and yes, we will always have reassurance and comfort for you here.:)

I know just how you are feeling....a bit of a pot luck of health worries that add up and are hard to untangle from each other.

I think that your lymph nodes could be from any or all of the above...tooth, sinus infection or the allergies...

I don't however think that it is anything that can't be fixed, or that you need to be overly worried about.

Defintely follow up with your doctor and dentist, and I am sure that you will get it all figured out and resolved. :)

Let us know how your appointments go, okay?

(...and other than the above, how is everything else going for you? I hope really well!)

S.C.
Posted 5/16/2014 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, sorry for the delayed response. Hi, SC!!

So, I've done both appointments and I'm still here to tell the tale. That's a plus. As it turns out, I don't need any extreme work. I definitely have some dental issues that need to be addressed, but nothing that's (apparently) life-threatening or anything of the sort. Naturally. Phew!

I'm still experiencing some general pain and vertigo, and my doc said it makes sense considering that I've still got some fluid in my ears and my sinuses are still all wonky. I got an allergy shot and some new antibiotics to combat everything that's going on.

Aside from all this, I'm doing well! The job is going well, I lead a great team and I have a great boss, so I can't complain. The husband and I are taking a nice four day weekend over Memorial Day weekend, so I've that to look forward to. He's recently started on Zoloft to aid in managing his constant anxiety, and he's on his third week and thinks he's starting to see good results. Plus! It's about that time of year when we get to start planning for Halloween. Heh. Yeah... we need a lot of time.

How are you doing??
Posted 5/16/2014 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
R.,

I am glad that the news was better than anticipated! (it almost always is since we are ususally sure that it is the worst of the worst case senarios for us!)

I hope that you get the allergy/sinus stuff cleared up soon! Just getting that better should go a long way in helping you to feel much improved.

Best wishes for your hubby as well as he is on his start up. I hope that he gets much relief from this, and that you can be supportive to eachother at this time.

I am not sure if I remebered that he also deals with anxiety...

If you don't mind me asking, how does that dynamic play out with both of you and your separate challenges? I am wondering, because while it is difficult to not have my husband understand (definite downside)...I also do not have to worry about him ever not being the 'solid rock' so to speak. (the upside)

That is not to say that your husband is not strong...on the contrary...those of us with anxiety have to be really tough...but I am just wondering how it is for two people with similar issues to mutually support eachother...especially if you are both having anxiety at the same time.

This is just me bein nosy...so if you would rather not talk about it...just ignore me! :)

Anyway, I have been pretty good. Dealing with aging parent issues, which is rough, but I just have to adjust and do my best...though it does cause me heartache and anxiety.

...but otherwise things are good.:)

Hop you have a peaceful, sinus symptom free day!

S.C.
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