Anyone have HEALTH ANXIETY? Please Read

[shell1925]

Hello all!  I posted on here about 2 weeks and the response I got is that everyone agrees that I have anxiety and should talk to someone.  That would be great if my insurance covered therapists and since I don't have a job I cannot afford the $150-$300 an hour to talk to one.  

Today has been a really bad day!  I have been feeling awful all day, like I am going to have a heart attack at any moment.  Chest pressure, left arm, left shoulder pain, jaw pain, dizziness and overall muscle fatigue.  I was fine a couple of days ago, but I have been having the discomfort on the left side of my body since I delivered my son in August 2006.  They flopped it off for over a year and now it is getting worse and they can't find the reason.  I am getting scared because I have the "classic" symptoms of angina or a heart attack.  My doctor believes that there is something wrong because my left forearm does swell for no reason at all, which she agrees with can't be anxiety related.  She just can't figure out the source which I believe is why I am the way I am today.  I have a 20 month old sitting right next me and I am home alone.  I am so scared that I am going to have a heart attack.....I feel like I am having one right now.  I have Klonopin and I took one about 20 minutes but no relief.

I do not have the rapid pulse or headaches which I used to get in the past, that's why I am having a hard time believing this is anxiety, because I don't have the same symptoms as before.  I do have a hiatal hernia/GERD which my cardiologist believes is the cause of my chest pressure and arm pain.  My PCP and GI doc both agree that it wouldn't cause my left forearm to swell.  This is why I am having this panic attack.  How do I know that the symptoms I am having right now are not related to something serious?  I have had a pretty thorough cardiac work-up (echoes, stress echoes, nuclear stress tests), GI work-up (endoscopy, colonoscopy), CT scans of my chest and neck, along with lots of bloodwork.  I am VERY borderline for hyperthyroidism but I guess not borderline enough to treat it.

I am just wondering if there are others out there like me....all this heart symptoms that is actually anxiety?  I am scared to stand up right now because I am afraid I am going to fall over.  I am sorry for rambling but I am just so scared right now.  It has been 3 years since I felt like this.  I don't want to relapse with the anxiety.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

How long does it take for Klonopin to kick in?  How does it make you feel?  This is my 1st time trying this one, used to take Ativan and it worked great but my old PCP wouldn't prescribe it for me because it is too addictive....but if it worked on me why not?

Shell

[dmbfan07cb]

That is the problem with us that are afflicted with health anxiety.  We never know which one it is untill we are checked out by a physician and assured that we are ok.  I feel like I am dying ALOT, almost daily.  I never can be sure whether it is my anxiety or not, I just have to remember i have been checked out and I'm ok.  

I have never had all those pains at the same time, those are CLASSIC heart attack signs.  If you cannot tell if it's your anxiety or not, you may be better off getting checked out again.  your post was over 30 minutes ago, how are you feeling now?


-Doug

[shell1925]

Thank you so much for your quick reply.  I am feeling a little bit better, not sure if it is from the Klonopin or the fact that my fiance came home.  I know my symptoms are classic heart attack and that is what scares me so much.  I went to the ER on March 17th and the did the normal cardiac work-up (ekg, bloodwork, and chest x-ray) and a CT scan of my head (since I was having numbness in my left arm) and sent me on my way.  The gave me the option of being admitted overnight to do a stress test but since I had already had all the cardiac testing I opted to go home.  I did follow up with my PCP and my cardiologist.  My PCP has since done an MRI of my neck (normal) and a CT scan of my chest and neck with contrast (normal) and extensive x-rays of my chest and ribs (normal.  The cardiologist administered another EKG (normal) and a stress echo (normal) along with bloodwork to check my cholesterol (Total 159, triglycerides 59 aka perfect).  Cardiologist sent me on my way and told that no further testing is necessary and to follow up with my GI doc.  Went on Tuesday, scheduled for follow up endoscopy and pH monitoring test.  He recommended I go back to the cardiologist and tell her that there is something wrong my arm, not related to GI problems.  Since February I have been going back and forth between doctors and tests.  I am so tired of it but we want to have another baby before my son turns 3 so I am so fanatic about finding out what is wrong.  Thank you again for listening.

Shell

[dmbfan07cb]

your probably feeling better from the mix of both the meds and your fiance coming home.  If it was a heart attack I don't think you would be getting any better!  I know how it is when you know something is wrong and you just cant get a diagnosis.  Have you thought about trying out an SSRI for your anxiety?  Prozac really worked for me but it gave me unwanted side effects, I lived a nearly completely normal, anxiety free life for almost a year with it.  I'm going to ask my Doctor about getting another SSRI with less side effects. Also Forgot to mention, if you ever go back to the ER ask for a psych evaluation, I did that and they signed me up for free healthcare for any mental problems, just not physical.  Something to look into.  You may not need to go to the hospital for it, thats just where I did it.  And it may be different from state-to-state.

I know sometimes the worst part about all this is that no one seems to understand. But everyone here does and sometimes that makes a big difference. We aren't alone and this anxiety can be cured, just sometimes it's not soon enough.

Keep me updated on how your doing, I hope you are feeling better than you were a couple hours ago?

  

[dmbfan07cb]

I hope you ended up doing better, I ended up having a severe panic attack again. I felt like my throat was closing, from all the phlegm in my throat. and I panicked, i thought i wasn't going to be able to breath.  But I'm ok now, Do you ever get anything similar to that?  

[shell1925]

Good morning!  I seem to have been doing better last night.  I was exhausted after the "episode" and went to sleep fairly easily (which is surprising because I am usually up really late).  As soon as I woke up with this morning it has started all over again.  The arm discomfort and chest pressure.  It happens EVERY morning when I wake up.  It seems like the only time I am doing ok is when I am asleep.  I go to my PCP tomorrow and I just keep counting down the hours until I go see her.  24 hours and counting.....  What is wrong with me?  I was fine 2 weeks ago and now I don't know if I can even function!  Why can't they just find out what is wrong with my arm so that all this anxiety will go away!  Thank you again....I really appreciate it.

Shell

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

hi, i would say its anxiety looks like you had a great work up on heart, and arm it could be many things and not your heart. my fingers do that for no reason. if its been going on 3 years that should tell you its not your heart, if it was a heart attack you would already had it, when it happens you need to get up and move around go outside take a walk, you will see it gets no worse and does go away. my hubby was the best help i had so lean on who you can, it helps to have someone there when happen, call a friend , your parents/sister/brother who ever will listen and be there for you . heck you could call me. you need someone to talk with you while its going on so you dont feel alone and that way it wont get worse and will go away. have you had a heart montor , where you wear for 30 days , if not get one while you have the problems you can record your heart , than call it in after its over they can tell you on phone your ok, than you will see its not your heart. try that. good luck and always here for you .

[nursegirl6572]

I am sorry you are feeling so lousy.  

If it is any reassurance to you...I would bet money that you are fine physically.  I know that isn't always what you believe, because the symptoms are SO very real.  But, look at it this way...you've had a VERY thorough cardiac work-up, and I would almost PROMISE you that any big and bad heart problem would have surfaced SOMEWHERE.  Anxiety/panic creates very real sensations....and as our anxiety increases as a result of the symptoms, worrying about horrible things....the symptoms can worsen, and even new ones can appear.

I'm glad you have an appt with your PCP tomorrow.  Of course, address all of these issues, and then express that you want to continue to work on the anxiety.  Tell her that your insurance situation doesn't allow for counseling/therapy...and I'm SURE she will make the proper resources available to you.

You may also discuss with her any possible medication regimen that you are willing to try.  I apologize, I do not recall if you had said you don't want to try an antidepressant med or not.  At least, go with an open mind and have your doctor spell out the treatments available.

I know it is so hard, I've been where you are.  Hang in there...I promise this won't last forever, and that you will notice your physical symptoms subsiding once your anxiety is brought under control.  The most frustrating thing is...it takes time.  We do not become our overly-anxious selves overnight....so therefore an instant fix isn't too common.  The GOOD news is..you can and will get through it.

Lastly....tell yourself OVER and OVER that what you are experiencing is simply emotions gone wild.  Emotions cannot hurt you physically.

Good Luck to you.

[triedeverymed]

I can relate. I had every test under the sun only to find out at age 19 I had Panic Disorder. It got so bad I could not leave my home. I finally went on Prozac and stayed on it for 7 years. Today I'm 41 and don't remember what it feel like for me to have anxiety and panic. It 's like it went away. I have other issues but now I take a mood stabilizer and I'm great. You are not alone!
Erin

[shell1925]

I went to my PCP today and told her about my "episode" I had on Saturday.  She said that I very well could have had an anxiety attack, but was upset that with my symptoms (since they were SO cardiac in nature) that I didn't go to the ER.  She believes that there is something definetly wrong with my left arm because it has been going for almost 2 years, getting progressively worse, and the swelling.  The other symptoms could be from my hiatal hernia/GERD or anxiety.  I am going for additional testing for my GI problems and she wants me to go back to my cardiologist and see a vascular surgeon for my arm.  I go to my cardio tomorrow and I see the vascular surgeon on Wed.

I just want to figure out what is going on because me and my fiance are getting married this summer and want to try to have another baby, but I won't do it until I find out what is wrong with me.  Thank you for reply.

[dani369]

WOW THATS GREAT CONGRATULATIONS ON THE MARRIAGE FRONT AND THOUGHTS OF EXPANDING YOUR FAMILY.  I ALWAYS THINK THAT HAVING ANOTHER CHILD JUST ENRICHES THE JOY OF HAVING CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE AT THE AGE THAT THEY PLAY TOGETHER AND DO THEIR DANCES OR SHOWS FOR YOU TOGETHER. I HAVE FOUR KIDS, MY OLDER ONES 14 &12 AND MY BABIES 3&1 THEYRE ALL GREAT TOGETHER.. IVE JUST HAD A TERRIBLE TIME WITH PANIC AND RACING HEART OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. CAME OUT OF HOSP TODAY AFTER A WEEKEND IN THERE!! GOT TESTS WED AND CARDIO OVER NEXT FEW WEEKS TO WORK OUT IF THE RACING IS SOME SORT OF ARITHMIA OR PAINS ANGINA.  MY DOC DOESNT THINK SO BUT SAYS SHE HAS TO GET TEST TO RULE IT OUT JUST INCASE!!  I KNOW NOW IM SAT CALMLY ITS PROB ALL ANXIETY AS SOON AS I START THINKING ABOUT IT THE BREATHLESSNESS COMES BACK ALONG WITH THE PAIN!! WHO KNOWS ITS MADNING ISNT IT. GLAD IM NOT GOING CRAZY ON MY OWN THO. YOU GOT LOADS OF TESTS DONE AND THEYRE ALL OK. THATS A REAL REASON TO BE A LITTLE MORE AT REST WITH THINGS AND YER YOUR ARM SOUNDS LIKE IT DOES NEED LOOKING AT CAUSE ITS BRINGING YOU DOWN. LET US KNOW HOW YOU GET ON WITH CARDIO AND SURGEN.

CHIN UP AND WERE HERE FOR YOU