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Posted 7/16/2017 10:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi friends,
I'm hoping for a pep talk. I've written about this before but am in search of some reassurance. I hope I don't sound like a broken record. I'm so upset over the manifestations of this anxiety but more than that, my mind is getting the best of me. Even though I've been to hundreds (and sadly, that is not an exaggeration) of doctors and specialists who say I am fine physically, I can't help but think that I have some disease they aren't finding. I lost weight without trying. I eat SO much, why can't I gain weight? My hair is shedding, even thinning on my body. And I'll get random aches, pains, and sensations that come and go. For example, I might have a slight twitch or numbing sensation in my face that will come and go over a few days but then disappear. I'll sometimes feel like I'm vibrating. Ringing in ears from time to time. The list goes on and on. It sounds so vain, but I'm embarrassed to go out because of how thin I am. I just don't understand how anxiety can do this. I think of my life and I know that other people have bigger problems but I don't know anyone who experiences this physical mess. I want to make another doctor appointment but my husband says I am spinning my wheels and that I'm fine. Anyway, I'm rambling. Can anyone relate? Help? Thanks for being there. Big hugs smile
Posted 7/16/2017 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, hun. I feel ya. I've been exactly where you are. It's miserable, I know, and I'm so sorry you're feeling this way.

Believing the doctors is hard when you're feeling this way, but the fact that you've been to more than one and they're all saying the same says a lot. Try and trust in their expertise.

Are you currently taking any measures to control your anxiety? Meds, self help, or therapy? If not, these are something to look into. Especially self help.

Know that this will pass eventually and work on getting control of your anxiety. I truely hope you find peace soon.

Post Edited (Mrs.Worried) : 7/16/2017 8:49:08 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/16/2017 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
BKP,

Just to double check...they did check your TSH levels on your last CBC? Hyperthyroidism can cause the symptoms you describe...

...but then again so can anxiety...when our nerves are running in high gear, and we are eating less and more sporadically than we realize.

Can you pick up some nutritional shakes such as Boost, Ensure or Muscle Milk? They are high in calories and can be used to supplement (not replace!) what you are already eating.

And yes, as M.W. mentioned, focus on that anxiety management plan.

Things will get better. Have patienc with yourself and the process.

S.C.
Posted 7/16/2017 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for replying. I started taking Buspar but didn't find it helpful so I stopped. I had been to a therapist as well, but she was of no use. I've tried therapy several times with no luck. I've had my thyroid tested soooo many times. Of all the tests I've had run, that one, and even the more specific thyroid tests, have all been run with perfect results. I do the supplement shakes and I eat well over 2500 calories a day! I remember a day when I would eat 1/3 of that and have to watch my weight. I just don't understand. My doctor says that anxiety can make my mind run which in turn burns calories. I just don't know what to believe. I'm tired of bring scared sad. Thanks for being there for me. Hugs smile
Posted 7/16/2017 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
I wonder since the Buspar didn't work if you could give something else a try? What works for some might not work for you, so working on finding a med that does work might be helpful. Something like Celexa or Lexapro maybe?

Again, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It is very scary.

Implement some daily self help. Mantras, meditation, breathing techniques, and there's plenty of others.
Posted 7/17/2017 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor suggested Buspar because she said I have anxiety, not depression. She have me the impression that Lexapro is for depression. Do you know if this is true?

Thank you for the support. I need to implement daily self help. I just feel frozen in my fear sad. Thanks for being there. Big hugs smile
Posted 7/17/2017 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Lexapro, while an antidepressant, is used to treat anxiety...so an SSRI may be a consideration you want to be open to.

Other considerations are Beta Blockers, or a benzodiazepine as needed...so.consult with your doctor regarding your options.

...and work those coping skills available in our Resources!!

Keep us updated so we can keep you in support.😊

S.C.
Posted 7/17/2017 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Scaredy,

Thanks for the information, I had no idea. I hesitate to go with a SSRI because I tried one years ago and it was horrible and gave me lasting side effects. But I'm desperate for help so I will think about it. You piqued my interest with the beta blocker. I thought that was for heart problems? Can you tell me a little bit more about beta blockers for anxiety? And it is something you would have to taper off from? Thank you very much smile
Posted 7/17/2017 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
Lots of good info here...check it out. 😊

/www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-medication.htm&ved=0ahUKEwjYo7O1t5HVAhVnllQKHWl9DXoQFggeMAE&usg=AFQjCNG8B0pHyE_Vbi5TssR0-Rp36mdUug

S.C.
Posted 7/21/2017 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
Try Prozac, it sure made me fat.
Posted 7/21/2017 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Just goes to show that what works for one may not for another. When I took Prozac, weight melted off of me. I didn't last 2 weeks before I had to stop. My doctor told me that Prozac is often prescribed to help lose weight. Go figure!
Posted 7/22/2017 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to offer you a CYBER HUG and say I'm sorry you are going through this. I was put on a mood stabilizer and it immediately helped my anxiety. The Doctors really are "practicing" on us because each brain is different. Hang in there.
Posted 7/22/2017 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Kelly. I appreciate the hug smile. I'm very new to this. Can you tell me the name of the mood stabilizer you are on? Do you know how it is different from Buspar or an SSRI? Hope you are doing well. Big hugs smile
Posted 7/23/2017 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
BKP,

Sending you hugs. I struggle with A LOT if not the majority of symptoms that you described, also with good results from the doctor's. It's really frustrating, and defeating-- I totally get it.
I was on Zoloft for about 11 years, and am in the process of weaning off now. While on the Zoloft, it did help tremendously and it really transformed my life while it lasted. The withdrawal effects... not so much, but, I'm getting through it.

Anxiety just manifests itself in the most bizarre ways. Remember that our minds are powerful things, and if it has the capability to convince us of any catastrophe, it has the capability to give us weird symptoms that are totally benign.

We're in this together. Sending you hugs!
Posted 7/24/2017 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
I've also struggled with lots of odd and unsettling symptoms like dizziness, wobbly legs, strange feelings, itchy skin, sudden weakness, etc...

Taking Lexapro has helped a lot, although it was challenging at first with the ramp up side effects.

Basically I've realized that my nervous system is overly sensitized and over reactive and I have to use a variety of coping mechanisms and also be willing to let the feelings wash over me without reacting to them. Practicing these things has helped lower the anxiety level tremendously. Yes I still get anxious and sometimes panicky, but it's nothing like before.

Hang in there! smile
Posted 7/24/2017 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
BKP: A mood stabilizer is different than an SSRI and med like Buspar. It is typically prescribed for Bi-Polar disorder. I do not have mania but I do have atypical depression. I honestly think there is a trend to prescribe mood stabilizers because it's become a big risk for doctors to prescribe Benzo's. Once a drug is cheap and sold on the street, addiction is prevalent and so they change the modus operandi. At least this has been my experience. I used to take SOMA for a muscle relaxant. Why fix what isn't broken? Because it's cheap and sold on the street and people take more than prescribed to get high. People like me have to find a different med and pay the price on that rollercoaster ride.

I am not at all convinced that I even have Bi-Polar II (without mania) but I did notice that the mood stabilizer "Lamotrigine" immediately calmed my anxiety. I mean from day one. Google Lamictal (Lamotrigine for anxiety) and you will see that for many people this drug has been a live buoy for them. Unfortunately, I am the 1 out of 100 who developed the "rash" which could be dangerous if it turns into Steven Johnsons Syndrome. I am no longer taking the drug and will see my P-doc tomorrow.

EDIT TO ADD:

//Has anybody had good results with Lamictal against anxiety attacks?

lamictal, bipolar disorder, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder
Hi, I have bipolar and suffer with horrendous anxiety attacks... My psychiatrist recently prescribed Lamictal for my Bipolar but said it has helped many people with anxiety. One reason being that the neurotransmitters that trigger the anxiety can be treated similarly to the ones that trigger epileptic fits... (Lamictal being an anti epileptic)
The other reason she says the Lamictal can help is by improving general mood which can relieve anxiety as well... Similar to some anti-Depressants...//

Post Edited (kellyinCali) : 7/23/2017 11:27:40 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/24/2017 7:02 AM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to add a link with many comments addressing your question from Drugs.com:

https://www.drugs.com/answers/good-results-lamictal-against-anxiety-attacks-526676.html
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