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Posted 10/18/2007 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
OK...So, I know I am going to have ups and downs.  As I recently posted, I have truly come to accept that.  I have accepted this horrid disease, and I am OK with the set backs...(not that I like them, of course)  I am wondering though, how many set backs am I really suppose to be having?  I had another panic attack lastnight, and had to take a Xanax. I went to bed around 11:30 p.m.  I woke up around 1 a.m. sweating, racing heart, scared, nervous, and just overall, couldn't relax.  I got some water, and sat on the couch.  I tried to take my mind off whatever was happening to me.  It wasn't working.  I finally had to take a Xanax, because I got too scared.  So, I took the Xanax, and laid down.  Finally, I drifted back to sleep. Today, I feel lousy...just tired, and exhausted...which is pretty normal for me after a panic attack.  Here are my thoughts...and questions I guess. I am on Lexapro...should that be helping with the panic attacks, or just the general feeling of anxiety?  It is definately working for the anxiety, as I am hardley anxious anymore.  Truthfully, since starting the Lex, my panic attacks have cut down from daily to like now seems to be one to three times a week.  I go to the PDOC on November 1st...should I be talking about taking something along with the Lexapro...like is there something that taken with an anti depressant can help with the panic attacks? I cannot wait to meet with the PDOC...who knows, maybe Lexapro isn't even right for me.  It seems to be pooping out after like a month or so.  I started on 10 mg...hung there a couple weeks, needed to be upped in like July or August, and now, here in October, I feel like it is losing its effect.  Although, maybe it's not, cuz like I said, it does for sure help me feel less anxious overall.  It's just these dang panic attacks that I can't seem to get rid of. UGH. Thanks for listening, and thanks for your help. (((((HUGS))))) See Lyn, told ya I wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon!  LOL.  I am here to stay, no matter where I moderate.  Anxiety is my "home".  He he he.
Posted 10/18/2007 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Tammy,

Hiya girlie... let me just tell ya that for some reason this time of year always brings on the anxiety and panic for me.  I've looked back through my history and right around October I start to feel off.  Do you have some additional stress or responsibility lately that maybe you wouldn't think would effect you but is?  I often think that some things shouldn't bother me but then the anxiety and panic bug sneaks in.  It will pass, you are not going crazy and you are not dying from something, we are just more sensitive than most.

Someone once told me that if I stop being mad at myself for having this problem and start accepting that there will be times when I will feel crappy, then I can probably prevent some of the fear associated with it happening again.  Good luck darlin!!!

Liz

Posted 10/18/2007 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Liz...thanks for the advice here. Right now, I do have some things going on, but really, nothing more than usual...(sadly, I have a lot of stress in my life, and can't get rid of it.) I am so happy I can come here and vent when I am down. You guys are such a great family to me!!! In the past couple weeks, I have really accepted this disease. I have almost embraced it. So, actually, I think now that I am in the right frame of mind, I am certainly doing better than I could be, had I still been angry at this stupid disease. I call it stupid because I can...LOL. I may accept it, but I don't have to like it...LOL. Thanks for listening, and caring!
Posted 10/19/2007 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
TAMMY

I got to tell ya babe ya got to go into the mindset where this Dang anxiety does NOT have you

YOU have anxiety .............
'
Fight the fight thinking that way and see if it helps a bit I know it does me I will be ( ) if I let it get the best of the rest of my life ..........

WE dont want you having problems hun but we dont want ya gone either........Luvs ya

LYN

Posted 10/19/2007 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Lyn. I am calming down a bit from when I posted this. Anxiety and Panic get to be so frustrating at times..as you guys all probably know! I was tired that day, I don't want panic attacks...they take so much out of me, and I was frustrated. And, if I were to beat this, and be clean of anxiety...and no panic attacks, well, I should say, WHEN all that happens, I will still post here! Trust me, I am here to stay, be it for getting information, or giving information! I'm a keeper. LOL. I am just so confused about if the Lexapro should be helping my panic attacks more. I have done research, and can't seem to find what I am looking for. Thanks to everyone. (((((SO MANY HUGS)))))
Posted 10/20/2007 5:30 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Tammy

Hi there girlfriend................you are always part of this family.

I agree with Lyn re "anxiety doesn't have you, you have anxiety"  Does this mean you don't have to feel anxious and scared.......absolutely.  You will learn to accept this disorder and to overcome the attacks. 

I am glad you are seeing a Pdoc and yes there may indeed be other meds that work better for you than the Lexapro.  Many people with anxiety and depression will take the meds for  years and be able to go off the meds while other with clinical depression and it's partner anxiety may need to be on meds for a lifetime.

You will work together with your Pdoc and find how to accept this as a disorder you will have control over.  You have so much to offer and you do a splendid job so use those same skills in deaing with the anxiety.  You will overcome the anxiety. You have the grit needed and are up for the challenge.

Special Hugs to you

Luvs ya

Posted 10/20/2007 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt for the words of encouragement. I definatley think I am starting to accept this disease, somedays are just tougher than others, ya know? My panic attacks seem to be coming back full force, so I truly think the Lexapro is simply not working for me. Like it works for a little while, but so quickly stops working. It is strange....and it is one of the 1st things I will talk to my PDOC about . Thanks for your kind words kitt...and I AM HAPPY YOU ARE BACK!
Posted 10/20/2007 5:51 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Tammy,

Good to be home with the family here on HW.

Lexapro pooped out fast for me and we took it to the max.  I felt good for a short time and then boom, nothing.  Like the escalator reversed on me..........

I understand what your feeling.  ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))

Posted 10/20/2007 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry you had issues with Lexapro, Kitt, but I am happy you had what seems is happening to me! That is exactly what I am dealing with now. I know things work differently for everyone, but what did you do after the Lexapro?
Posted 10/20/2007 10:18 PM (GMT 0)

Glad to share. I went to Cymbalata and was up as high as 120mg but have weaned down to 60 mg now and it seems to be holding.  I also use Trazadone for sleep.  I take the Cymbalta at bed time as I was feeling really tired for a long time and wanted to go off the AD completely.  My Pdoc said take it at night and that seems better.

I am at 2 mg of Valium per day but I do give myself permission to use more if things start to spiral out of hand.  I had originally been on 40 mg of Valium per day.

I have accepted that I will have an off day, but it still scares me as I too worry that the anxiety has me  on occasion.  I know better but my brain takes a U turn sometime. eyes

I wish you peace and know you will get on the right med again.

Hugs.

Posted 10/21/2007 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for sharing Kitt. I like to hear other peoples stories, because then I can compare to what I am doing...eventhough we are all different, I still like the comparison thing...not sure why. LOL. So, thank you for sharing...BTW...awesome job on getting down so low on the Valium. That is huge.
Posted 10/21/2007 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
hey tammy_

Lexapro didnt do much for me. People love it, and for my mom it is her miracle drug. She has A/P and it really helps her a lot. She still takes xanax on a need be basis, but she's ok with it. She hasnt had a panic attack in a while, I think it's been a few years.

I would consider trying something else. You shouldn't (in my opinion) be having 1-3 panic attacks a week while on that dose. It might be helping with your general anxiety, but your panic is breaking through pretty frequently. So i personally would discuss some other options. I'm glad you're going to see the doctor. I wish people didnt have to wait so long to see them:( I guess i'm lucky, cause it seems that a lot of people on here have to wait weeks and weeks to see a pdoc. and i think thats a bummer.

Anyways, best of luck. Keep doing what you are doing and I totally understand the frustration. I know its hard having these set backs. I'm going through a bit of one myself, but you'll beat this.

best_
dan
Posted 10/21/2007 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your thoughts, Dan. I had to wait a month to see a PDOC...and that is frustrating. When I do go, I am definatley going to discuss getting put on something else. I thought the Lexapro was doing it for me, and I was really happy, but I am sure now that I need something else. I am sorry you are dealing with set backs too, and I hope you are able to find some relief as well. I guess until November 1st, I will just continue using the Xanax. I don't mind using it once in a while, but I have been having to use it multiple times a week, and in my opinion, that is simply too much. Again, thanks for your thoughts!!! I wish you all the best.
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