Here comes some updating!

Tammy,

I'm so glad that you are back!  Sounds like your move went as well as possible, it's never easy and there are always glitches along the way, but it sounds like you handled it all very well.  I'm thrilled to hear that your doing better and getting out so much, what a huge step!!!  I think seeing a psychiatrist will be helpful, sometimes regular doctors are less informed about p/a and less willing to help out with meds as they don't have the understanding.  I am glad that your doc did give you some more xanax to get you through, I know just having it is a comfort and you may find that you don't need it that often.  The things that are still issues that you mentioned will improve in time, you are on the right track now, and as you move forward, you'll notice those things getting better.  I've been through all of those at one time or another, and they are always temporary, so hang in there!  I wish you would have expanded on the bowel issues, I went through a really rough period with that about a year ago and was, like you, very concerned, and as my p/a became less and less, these symptoms went away...maybe you could share what's going on there and I'll let you know if it's the same kind of thing I had going on. 

You are doing amazing!  I'm so proud of your progress and I hope you are too.  Good to have you back!

Hey Tammy

So Glad your back and kudos to you.  Look how far you have come.  That is awesome so I hope you are really giving yourself lots of hugs for the way you are overcoming your anxiety.

I think the Pdoc is a good idea and yes, they have long wait lists but they do know the meds best.

Now Lexapro:

The most common side effects when taking Lexapro include dizziness, constipation, decreased appetite,  decreased sex drive, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, sweating, fatigue, impotence, runny nose and sinusitis.

I have noted most of these will subside but constipation may be an issue to deal with.  You might choose to use Fibercon tabs on a regular basis.  I do, and if you use them daily it makes things straighten out.  You can buy the store brands at Target or Walmart or wherever you shop. 

Try adding foods that contain more dietary  fiber :

1. Whole-grain foods (such as bran cereals) and breads (those made with whole wheat grains).
2. Fresh fruits (including the skin and pulp).
3. Dried or stewed fruits (such as prunes, raisins, or apricots).
4. Root vegetables (such as carrots, turnips, or potatoes).
5. Raw or fresh vegetables, such as cabbage. (Lettuce is actually low in fiber.)

I hope this gives you some ideas. :)

Keep posting and good to have you back.

Tammy,

I've been constipated my whole life!  When I went through the stomach problems last fall, I began to have diarrhea at times and just not as constipated as usual, it was probably more "normal" for most people, just not for me.  Anyway, went to the doctor, they found nothing and so I just lived with it.  Once I accepted that it was just anxiety, it did start to get better and now I am back to my normal of being more constipated.  I do get pains in my stomach/chest area until I go as well, but only when the constipation is really bad.  Kitt gave you some great suggestions about making changes in your diet and may I add that I've started drinking Plum Smart, a juice made by Sunsweet, I believe, and it has been like a miracle drink for me.  I can be really constipated and have an 8oz glass and by the next day I'm fine.  You may want to give that a try if things get bad.  I've made changes in my diet and it hasn't helped a whole lot, my doc says I'm just one of those people who tends to have constipation, as did my dad, so I guess that's just the way it is for me.  Anyway, give all these ideas listed here a try and let us know how things go...no pun intended!  Hoping this helps!