Doctors

[vbilger]

Everytime I go to the dr I freak out when I see the blood pressure cuff. I almost had a heartattack last year from diet meds my dr prescribed, and I've had 2 full panic attacks that have landed me in the ER since then. I was taking Valium when my anxiety got really bad, but I can't now bc I'm 8 weeks pregnant. Soooo, with that, I have to go to the dr every month. The last time I was at the dr, my pulse jumped to 138 just bc they took my blood pressure. They say no meds for anxiety are safe during pregnancy, so I don't know what to do. I just want the best for my baby, and I know a pulse over 140 can do damage. Does anyone have the same problem as me or have suggestions on what I could do?

[vbilger]

I completely understand what you are saying about panic attacks aren't life threatening, and I've had two, but what made me have those two was almost having a heartattack in March 2010. My dr had prescribed diet pills that caused major tachycardia. The paramedics had to use a lot of maneuvers and instruments to keep me from having a heart attack. That's when my anxiety problems began about medical equiet. I also have bipolar disorder, but I've become quite skilled at coping with the ups and downs there, it's just this anxiety in the one situation, and only if they are taking my blood pressure, anything else (ultrasounds, bloodwork, physicals) I'm ok with. This does make me feel like a hypochondriac, and I hate it. I know there is nothing wrong with me, which is how I've stopped many would-be panic attacks, so I don't know what my problem is with the blood pressure thing. It is completely irrational. Thank you both for your suggestions. As I wrote, I'm learning how to meditate and doing yoga, so that encompasses breathing techniques, and I'll check out a CBT workbook, that may help too!

[benthic_man]

One of the most useful techniques for dealing with anxiety is the ability to think about your anxiety and understand if your worries are rational or irrational. One thing that jumps out is the language you used in writing your message; you most certainly did not almost have a heart attack from the anxiety- you had an anxiety attack, which is not a life-threatening event, although it sure does feel that way!  
     Panic attacks are the brain's way of getting your undivided attention. If your doctor ruled out heart disease as part of your problem, you have to either accept his/her opinion or get another medical opinion if you don't trust theirs- otherwise, you're being a hypochondriac!  Anxiety is a mental affliction with physical symptoms, which makes it a misery to live with and a challenge to treat.
        My anxiety manifested as strong chest pains, dizzyness and shortness of breath, and I went to the ER as well.  For me, the saving grace was that my job is an extremely high-pressure occupation where it is not possible to take any medication for anxiety. As you're pregnant, you're in the same situation. My doctor referred me to a behavioral psychologist who taught me Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- a way of treating anxiety without medication by identifying and dealing with the underlying issues instead of masking them with medication.  I wholeheartedly suggest you try this, as it has greatly improved my life. CBT teaches you to identify the root causes, and the therapy part of the program is a series of discussions and guided exercises created by you and the therapist working together. With or without medication, it helps a lot of people- for folks like you and I, who can't take meds, after just a few sessions, you begin to see changes. For the sake of your health, I would suggest going down to a bookstore and getting one of the Anxiety treatment workbooks written as part of CBT treatment. You'll find them in the self-help or psychology section, but you need to use a workbook written by actual medical and mental health professionals- there are some BS new-age anxiety treatments that rely on fake science and magic which won't help you at all. Good luck, and keep in touch with the folks on this board! It's so helpful to know that you're not alone!

[lilymoon]

There are other things you could try;distracktion,breathing technique's and you might want to read upon mindfulness.Hope you manage to aquire some copingskills! Lily