Anxiety Symptoms

[1_worried]

I have had problems with anxiety for the past several years on and off.  It creeps up every so often.  I am in another bout right now and it is terrible.  I have been drinking heavily for a long time and stopped a week ago.  I went to the doc on Monday and was told I have anxiety.  I have so many physical symptoms.  Dry mouth, no appetite, stomach problems, twitching, racing heartbeat.  This first all started back when HIV was all over the news.  I had a test back around 1998 and then one again in 2003 which both came up negative.  I have been with my husband since 2002 and no one else.  I also donated blood in 2004, 2005 and 2006.  I just can't get the thought out of my head.  It scares me so much.  I constantly look up symptoms on the internet.  Can anxiety cause constant dry mouth?

[1_worried]

To LaLa, how long have you been suffering from anxiety?  What physical symptoms are you having and how long do they last?  Is it daily?

[1_worried]

So the chronic dry mouth and taste problems are symptoms of withdrawal or anxiety, or both.  This is ruining my life.

[LaLa1028]

I do the same thing if the doctor clears me for one thing I think I have another.  It us called HA, Health Anxiety.  You will be fine!  The symptoms you describe are withdrawals.  Just get your support system in line cause they can certainly help you through these tough times!

[mammo]

Because of your anxiety you can't help the obcessing, it's just part of it.  Things will get better for you.

[1_worried]

Thanks for the input!!  I don't mean to obsess but it is very difficult.  

[mammo]

The worst should be over in a week or two, but you still need to address the anxiety.  What you truly need to dwell on is that you're doing everything you can to get healthy, don't worry about something until you know there is reason to worry.  Our worry changes nothing, and I think the sooner you address your anxiety the better you will feel about everything.  You're moving forward, that's what's important.

[1_worried]

How long does it take for the effects of drinking to go away?

[1_worried]

Thanks.  Now I am wondering if I have caused cirhossis of the liver by the drinking and can't stop worrying about that.

[mammo]

Yes.  Your body is experiencing a lot of changes without the alcohol, getting itself back to normal.  You were probably masking your anxiety with the alcohol, now you need to address it with a professional.  One day at a time, and one thing at a time = progress.  Get some help with all this, you doing very well but sometimes we can't do it alone.

[1_worried]

I have been experiencing constant dry mouth, can't taste like I used to and alot of other symptoms.  Can this be the anxiety?

[MarkTPease]

Have you thought of going to AA?  You maybe experiencing withdrawal symptoms.  You are not dying so don't think you are.  Anxiety can play many tricks on you.  Stop the drinking for sure.

[1_worried]

Thanks for the help.  

[mammo]

No, it doesn't take years for it to show up.

[1_worried]

Thanks.  I am trying.  I just keep wondering if it would take years for it to show up and if people that have it will always have the antibodies.

[mammo]

Having just stopped drinking a week ago, I'm sure a lot of what you're feeling is withdrawal.  Congratulations on doing this, not an easy task!!!  Looking up symptoms on the Internet is the worst thing you can do, you need to stop this.  Anxiety-fear-nervousness, can all cause dry mouth, make sure you are keeping yourself well hydrated and suck on hard candy to help with the dry mouth.  You've been self-medicating with the alcohol, and now must deal with your anxiety.  What has your doctor recommended for this?  Therapy would help you to stop obcessing over HIV, and you would not have been able to donate blood if you had it.  Your fear of this is feeding your anxiety, stop the fear and starve your anxiety. Your tests were negative, you donated blood, and logic is telling you that you're fine.  ACCEPT this, so you can move on with your life.  You've made great strides, now work on NOT worrying about this.  You want to keep moving forward with your life, and deserve to be happy.  Address your anxiety with a psychiatrist and the two of you decide what route is best for you...therapy
or medication....or both.  Don't worry your life away, live it.  You're doing great, continue being strong and take care!