New to this forum

Hi all. I've been hanging out in the fibro and OA forums, but today I need to vent about my anxiety/panic disorder. I have PTSD as well. Normally, I'm able to talk myself down, but today I keep getting overwhelmed.

I have recently been going through a myriad of health issues. I have always been borderline anemic, but I am now severely anemic. I have been taken off of all NSAIDS, and my pain has gone through the roof. It is causing me severe anxiety. I try to keep busy, because we all know an idle mind isn't good for anxiety. With my anemia, I'm just so weak that I'm unable to do much without feeling like I'll pass out.

Anemia causes heart palpitations & difficulty breathing. Well.... that's all I needed...one more thing to worry about. I know in my logical mind what is causing it, but we all know that it's hard to remain logical when you are so anxious. It has turned into full blown panic attacks on several occasions recently. My husband is always there for me, but today he is taking a much-needed break, so I'm home alone. I was too weak to go to church, so I didn't get my weekly boost of faith & fellowship. I'm just really feeling sorry for myself I suppose. I don't allow myself that very often, but today I just can't help it.

Thanks, AngelLisa. I'm only on Lexapro. I have appointments with both my rheumy and my primary this week. I plan to talk with both about the increased anxiety. My PTSD is from 8 years ago when I had a son diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, and Sherman's Kyphosis. He needed an 8 hour spine surgery at the same time as his CF diagnosis, so it really sent me reeling. Now, my health issues are causing me to have nightmares of that time, and relive all of the scary moments. At one time, they thought I had MS, so you can probably imagine how my mind has been dreaming of all sorts of problems. Thinking how I need to be healthy for my son, etc.

Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Hi JM

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear you have been having anxiety but pleased you are going to speak to your doctor about this. Lexapro is a good medication but you may need an increase in the dosage. The best treatment for anxiety is talking therapy such as CBT or Mindfulness Meditation so speak with your doctor about getting a referral.

Sorry to here of your sons diagnosis's I also have Scheuermann's Disease and Osteoarthritis but decided against the spine surgery.

Do have a look at our resources thread for some useful links to self help guides.

Stay with us and keep posting.

Hibee