I've never taken Klonopin, but I have taken xanax - many years ago and then just recently to be able to get on an airplane (I had problems flying even before A/P). Doc prescribed .5 mg, but I only...
Lately (last year or so) that is my worst time - about a week/10 days before my cycle. Maybe my age (42) has something to do with it.... Karen...
WOW - $200/hr! My therapist was $90 - but that was about 12 yrs ago LOL! I very highly recommend therapy. It alone had me panic free after my first bout with A/P. If your therapis suggests it, you...
I agree with Michelle. Like you said spicegirl, most people will have at least one panic attack in their lifetime. What they (med professionals) also say is that if you have a period of several...
I get the flutterings every so often too - usually out of the blue. Feel like there's a butterfly in my chest! Karen...
debaser, I think that's were the meds can help. They will at least take the edge off and allow you to get your feet under you again. It's much easier to work on taking those steps back into the...
Thanks guys! It was a big achievement for me. Cant believe how "freeing" it feels to have conquered that hurdle. Take care, Karen...
I actually flew and didnt panic!!! Took half a .5 mg xanax before each flight and only had a twinge or two of nervousness. I was actually able to look out the window and enjoy the scenery (before...
Has it occurred to you that you CAN have fun and NOT drink?? I take paxil and once in a while will have a beer or two - thats all it takes for me to feel like its been a 6-pack. Get the drinking out...
I think time away from your partner is needed for everyone - even those not as sensitive to stress as us. My time is at night after everyone is in bed - I can think just of ME for a couple of hours!...
Hi David. Do you see a therapist? IMO meds alone dont cut it - we need to learn to change our thought patterns (CBT) and the other "tools" like relaxation, etc. The books are great, but some of us...
Never thought of it from that angle before... I usually feel too MUCH is expected of me. But I imagine the opposite would feed the anxiety just as much. I think you should start your own...
Lyn, I have even MORE respect for you than I did before. Your strength, determination and compassion is an inspiration. Twiggy - I'm sure your parents DO care. They may be frustrated with the...
Hubby is back. The storm chased him all the way up from Virginia. His dad is not good tho. Its just a matter of time now. Karen...
Well, we leave Wednesday for Florida. I got some xanax from my doc to get thru flying - the rx is for .5 mg. I am wondering if I should try half a tab to start with. I want to be calm, but not a...
I get bloated too the past several months. Damn uncomfortable! Thanks for the medical explanation Harry. Karen...
Hi there. I cant imagine dealing with A/P at your age. I remember the normal difficulties coping with life at that age, and to have A/P thrown in must make it a hundred times more difficult. There...
I am the same way - my worst time is at night too (though I think we are a minority here!). I think it is because I'm not busy and my mind has too much free time. If it acts up before bedtime,...
Thanks much everyone!! Hubby got to Atlanta yesterday eve (no mishaps!). He doesnt think his dad will recover from this episode. Half the time he doesnt seem to know exactly who it is with him. I...
Chelle, sooo sorry for what you are going thru. I'd tell your husband point blank that he can help alleviate your worry (which feeds the A/P and depression) by using his plasma money to help pay the...
Adam, Did you learn CBT with your phyciatrist?? You dont mention it, but I cannot imagine him not doing so. The zoloft alone will not help to change your thought patterns. I also am a worrier (and...
Dawn, Things WILL get better. I really suggest you start taking the meds as prescribed. The sooner you start, the sooner they will help. I was leary of meds too at first, but got so bad (alot like...
Thanks Lyn. I'm doing better. Hubby is on his way south to visit his dad (driving - couldnt talk him into flying). My eldest went with him. His dad is not doing well - kidneys not functioning...
Gary - have you seen an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist? Maybe there is something that can help. That or you have a good excuse to spend more time in Jamaica LOL! Take care, Karen...
Andwes, I aagree with Lyn that a therapist is probably the best bet. Although going to the doc usually works on my anxiety, I dont have the fear that you explain. Except for blood tests - then I...
Chris, Have you been tested for Lyme disease? Alot of your symptoms could also be that. Hope it gets better soon. Karen...
The only info I found was related to menopause! Feeling much better today. Hubby is really stressing though. Thank both of you for your replies - it really does help! Take care, Karen...
Thanks Dave. Hey - at least I avoided the panic attack! Now just to get rid of the tense jitters. Hopefull sleep will help. Karen...
Mine are butterflies too. If your doc is comfortable with the test results I'd chalk it up to anxiety. Karen...
Hi! CBT is Cognitive Behavior Therapy. In a nutshell, you learn to recognize the negative, illogical anxiety-causing thoughts you are having, how to stop them and/or replace them with more positive...
Anyone else feel like their face gets really hot when anxiety is high?? I've probably researched this before, but its been a while and cant remember what I found! I know I used to worry that it was...
So nice to hear your black cloud (job) had a silver lining! Best of luck with the new job. Even more glad to hear the cymbalta is working so well for you! Take care, Karen...
I think you are doing very well Janet! And I totally relate to getting by on the least medication that you can - I do the same thing. Do you do relaxation excersizes? That may help take the edge off...
A psycologist or certified therapist should be able to help just as well. Good luck! Karen...
Magaroo, Not to look for an excuse, but your bf is probably worried about the condition with your liver and may be stressing/edgy because of it, which would contribute to the fighting. What if you...
Els summed it up pretty well. I would like to add that even though we do ulimately have to deal with A/P OUSELVES, we do not have to deal with it ALONE. You can gain strength from the empathy,...
Sending you and hubby my prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hang in there - and dont forget to take care of yourself too. Hugs, Karen...
Dont really know - I think most of the SSRI's have the potential side affect of weight gain. Maybe our metabolism slows down along with everything else when on them! Be sure your doc knows you are...
Isnt it amazing (and horrible!) that no matter how often we have gone thru panic attacks and how much knowledge we have gained about A/P, that the fear can still take control at times. Its so damn...
Maybe you should consider trying a different therapist if the one you have now is not helping. Just like the fears, we have to work at not letting the anger and frustration take hold in our minds....
I tend to feel like you do Dawn. If it were me, I'd wait to see if it looked like the relationship may go beyond the acquaintance stage before I would feel comfortable "exposing" myself. Of course if...
When my anxiety was really bad I got irritated with people very easily (especially those closest to me). If they would forget to do something I asked - no matter how minor - I would take it as a...
Meg, Glad to hear things are going well with reuniting with your Dad. Take advantage of each day together. I have a feeling you both will be able to put the past disagreements behind you. Best...
Congrats!! You sound excited too... hope that means you found the job that may be comparable to the old one? Best of Luck! Karen...
Keep telling yourself "What goes around, comes around". The Ex will get what is her due! Good luck with the lawyer and getting your money back. Karen...
Have you tried a combination of therapy (CBT etc) with meds? That has worked for me (A/P). Keep in mind that meds are trial and error - you may go thru several before you find one that works for you....
Glad to hear you are feeling better. I had a doc tell me once that sleep depriviation was (is?) a very popular form of torture during wartimes because of the severe psycological effects it has on...
CONGRATS to both of you!!! Karen...
My dad went quickly also - 3 weeks after diagnosis. He was an active and healthy 63 years young. Follow your heart and make peace if thats where it leads. Regrets last a lifetime... My thoughts and...
Hi Monika. Many docs treat benzos as short-term, as needed only. I had xanax my first go-round with panic and he made it very clear that I should only take it as a last resort. I found a really good...