Aa
me again
hey the past week for some reason ive been worse it started at wallmart 4days ago i woke up that morning shaking and didnt know why then i ate something and that didnt work so i went to wallmart and my legs started to shake and i felt really weak and i could barley walk and then i felt as if i was goin to faint i went to the er and they took blood they took a heart xray they did and ekg and they all came back good but i still feel the same way even right now i feel like there something seriously wrong with me i cant stop this i need to belive its anxiety or im gonna go insane i mean like i also have been havin pain in my left hand then my arm feels like it went num my face has been feelin so num and tingly espically my whole left side of my face ive been havin sharp pain in my upper stomac and then i had really sharp sharp pain somewher personal and ive been feelin like i can barley walk cuz everytime i do i feel like im gonna faint and i get really really hot for no reason do yhall stiill belive this is anxiety cuz if yhall do then mabey i will feel better cuz the past 4 days has been hell
I have to second what Mike said. For me, acceptance of the anxiety was the hardest thing that I had to do. Until I accepeted the fact (and stopped searching for other causes) I could not begin to get better. Only when I accepted and even embraced the panic anxiety did I ever begin to recover.
I am going through anxiety and panic again now, and it is because I am still not entirely convinced that I am medically okay, even though I know I do not need more testing because I had EXTENSIVE testing three years ago. If the doctors are not concerned, I have to trust them. Feeling like **** is a 'side efffect' of this. Believe me, anxiety takes a toll on you both mentally and physically. I spent a long time searching for a reason why I was going to die any day.
Also, in my experience, I was and am now currently on an SSRI and a benzo, and it has been a useful tool, along with counseling and this forum to begin to understand why I think the way I do.
Please keep trying, and remember there are people here that know EXACTLY what you are going through and are giving you great advice.
I am going through anxiety and panic again now, and it is because I am still not entirely convinced that I am medically okay, even though I know I do not need more testing because I had EXTENSIVE testing three years ago. If the doctors are not concerned, I have to trust them. Feeling like **** is a 'side efffect' of this. Believe me, anxiety takes a toll on you both mentally and physically. I spent a long time searching for a reason why I was going to die any day.
Also, in my experience, I was and am now currently on an SSRI and a benzo, and it has been a useful tool, along with counseling and this forum to begin to understand why I think the way I do.
Please keep trying, and remember there are people here that know EXACTLY what you are going through and are giving you great advice.
Again, it seems as though you are searching for anything that is NOT anxiety. How come? From my experience, anxiety isn't as "real" as we would like it to be. A broken leg, or heart problem, or something else and is tangible. However, anxiety is very intangible and we think how can ALL my symptoms just be anxiety? I thought the same thing so many times. Like I said before, if you had some hardcore mystery illness, you would be getting worse every day. You may think you are getting worse, but more than likely you are not.
Oh, and anxiety isn;t just caused by exposure to a trigger, like actually being in WalMart. Anxiety can happen at any time, especially GAD. Just thinking about WalMart can cause people to become anxious. Sounds to me like you had the anxiety attack in the morning (which was ONE event) and then went to WalMArt and suffered it even more (second event). The two are not, nor need to be, related in order for this to be anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by constant feeling of anxiety and impending doom without any basis or trigger. Sound familiar? It does to me. You have constant anxiety and a sense of impending doom - you think that there is something wrong with you all the time. I am not sure what else anyone can say here. You have been to the doc numerous times had numerous tests, have all the symptoms of anxiety...why do you doubt any of this? What do you ultimately want to happen? For this to go away right? You cannot heal a broken arm by putting a cast on a perfectly fine leg...you must address the actual issue before you can even begin to help.
By the way, I do not recall, are you taking any type of medication at all? I suggest at least a bezo of some sort and in your case (it may surprise people to hear ME say this) I would take a daily SSRI to at least get you to the point to where you can realize this is anxiety and allow you to then start the healing process.
Mike
Oh, and anxiety isn;t just caused by exposure to a trigger, like actually being in WalMart. Anxiety can happen at any time, especially GAD. Just thinking about WalMart can cause people to become anxious. Sounds to me like you had the anxiety attack in the morning (which was ONE event) and then went to WalMArt and suffered it even more (second event). The two are not, nor need to be, related in order for this to be anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by constant feeling of anxiety and impending doom without any basis or trigger. Sound familiar? It does to me. You have constant anxiety and a sense of impending doom - you think that there is something wrong with you all the time. I am not sure what else anyone can say here. You have been to the doc numerous times had numerous tests, have all the symptoms of anxiety...why do you doubt any of this? What do you ultimately want to happen? For this to go away right? You cannot heal a broken arm by putting a cast on a perfectly fine leg...you must address the actual issue before you can even begin to help.
By the way, I do not recall, are you taking any type of medication at all? I suggest at least a bezo of some sort and in your case (it may surprise people to hear ME say this) I would take a daily SSRI to at least get you to the point to where you can realize this is anxiety and allow you to then start the healing process.
Mike
ya guys but it started before i even got in to wallmart thats why i dont belive this is anxiety
"I URGE you to get the book by Dr. Claire Weekes called "Hope and Help for your Nerves"."
FYI I just ordered this book from Amazon yesterday and it was only $7 bucks brand new. There is no reason not to buy this book. I'm going to hassle the mail carrier every day until it arrives!
Good luck Trey
FYI I just ordered this book from Amazon yesterday and it was only $7 bucks brand new. There is no reason not to buy this book. I'm going to hassle the mail carrier every day until it arrives!
Good luck Trey
Okay, I am going to have to administer some "tough love" here as I have read and responded to most of your posts. What I will not say is "get over it" because I have had anxiety JUST AS BAD as you are explaining for many years and realize it is not that easy. However, I do know now that it is possible to recover from - which I NEVER would have consider just a few years ago. However, as I have empahsized before - this IS anxiety (and more specifically, probably generalized anxiety disorder). There are many stores that caused these SAME EXACT symptoms in me whenever I went to them. Walmart, Target, Best Buy. And what do those have in common? They are HUGE, have all kinds of people and bright flourescent lights.
It is because this is a trigger for you. Most people with anxiety get it in these stores because many of us want to ensure an "escape" and they are much further away in these stores. Also, there is an underlying fear of embarrassment. "what if I Freak out?" "What if I pass out?" "I will be so embarrased".
I am just concerned that you keep running to the ER and racking up so many medical costs, just to get told that you are fine. How many times does this have to happen before you start realizing that this is anxiety and no mystery hidden undiagnosed illness. Also, what you need to try to do is accept the fact that IF something was going to happen to you in a store, there is nothing that you can do about it. If it happens, it will happen. There is no reason to forfiet any semblance of a life for fear of the "what-ifs". You have to trust that people will help you and that the ambulance would get you to the hospital faster than you can get there yourself.
I am not sure if you had repsonded as to whether or not you have read it or not, but seriously, I URGE you to get the book by Dr. Claire Weekes called "Hope and Help for your Nerves". I think it will help you see that EVERYTHING that you are experiencing is related to anxiety and if tells you very good ways to start dealing with it. You cannot hope to get better until you accept that this is simply anxiety and that there is nothing medically wrong with you. Now, this is not a cure all, and it does take work on your part, but it give you hope (as it says) and starts you on a path to help. At this point, I would almost be willing to mail you the copy that I have.
Bottom line is this, I am not trying to be harsh or non-understanding, because, trust me - I have experienced the SAME thing. So much to the point that I know that you are probably thinking right now that I could not possibly have felt the way you are feeling right now - I, again, felt the same way back when I was at my worst. All I want to do for you is what no one ever did for me - share the fact that this is "normal" for anxiety and that I need to seriously quit being scared - it is not the "things" (Walmart, etc) that we are afraid of, but rather the fear, panic, anxiety, etc. themselves that we are afraid of.
And you are not going crazy or insane - most people who really are do not think that they are or are aware that they are. I thought the same thing.
Treyo - there is nothing that anyone, including doctors, can do to help you (or make you feel better) until you want to help yourself. Sure, I know you WANT to not feel like this and you may think that you WANT to help yourself, but you cannot help yourself until you actually ACCEPT that you have nothing more than anxiety. Good Luck.
Mike
It is because this is a trigger for you. Most people with anxiety get it in these stores because many of us want to ensure an "escape" and they are much further away in these stores. Also, there is an underlying fear of embarrassment. "what if I Freak out?" "What if I pass out?" "I will be so embarrased".
I am just concerned that you keep running to the ER and racking up so many medical costs, just to get told that you are fine. How many times does this have to happen before you start realizing that this is anxiety and no mystery hidden undiagnosed illness. Also, what you need to try to do is accept the fact that IF something was going to happen to you in a store, there is nothing that you can do about it. If it happens, it will happen. There is no reason to forfiet any semblance of a life for fear of the "what-ifs". You have to trust that people will help you and that the ambulance would get you to the hospital faster than you can get there yourself.
I am not sure if you had repsonded as to whether or not you have read it or not, but seriously, I URGE you to get the book by Dr. Claire Weekes called "Hope and Help for your Nerves". I think it will help you see that EVERYTHING that you are experiencing is related to anxiety and if tells you very good ways to start dealing with it. You cannot hope to get better until you accept that this is simply anxiety and that there is nothing medically wrong with you. Now, this is not a cure all, and it does take work on your part, but it give you hope (as it says) and starts you on a path to help. At this point, I would almost be willing to mail you the copy that I have.
Bottom line is this, I am not trying to be harsh or non-understanding, because, trust me - I have experienced the SAME thing. So much to the point that I know that you are probably thinking right now that I could not possibly have felt the way you are feeling right now - I, again, felt the same way back when I was at my worst. All I want to do for you is what no one ever did for me - share the fact that this is "normal" for anxiety and that I need to seriously quit being scared - it is not the "things" (Walmart, etc) that we are afraid of, but rather the fear, panic, anxiety, etc. themselves that we are afraid of.
And you are not going crazy or insane - most people who really are do not think that they are or are aware that they are. I thought the same thing.
Treyo - there is nothing that anyone, including doctors, can do to help you (or make you feel better) until you want to help yourself. Sure, I know you WANT to not feel like this and you may think that you WANT to help yourself, but you cannot help yourself until you actually ACCEPT that you have nothing more than anxiety. Good Luck.
Mike
Holy Walmart Issues!!!! LOL If it wasnt for those damned rollback prices none of us would have to suffer. lol If I HAVE to go to walmart, I go at like, 1am....when it's not so crowded and chaotic.
I go to Target also for my Rx's. I am also on Klonopin. Have you taken this at all yet or will these be your 1st time ever trying it. Personally, I LOVE IT! It saved my sanity. I was to the point where my panic attacks and anxiety were so severe that I was starting to develop agoraphobia and the Klonopin really pulled me back into reality. The 1st week or so I felt like I was drunk or high or something but it felt good to be calm, relaxed, and just let loose a little. I heard it can be very addictive but I dont ever feel the need to take more than what has been prescribed to me and that loopy feeling wore off within a week or so of starting it. If you haven't taken it yet, I hope you find relief with it when you do!
I used to get that way at wallmart alot! The place is sooo big, lots of people.. .lots of things to look at.. I just get SO DIZZY in there and sometimes go into PANIC MODE!
I believe this has something to do with the lighting in the stores. Sometimes I get really dizzy and feel an attack coming on and I believe the flourescent lights or what ever they use is the reason. Wal-Mart, Target, the mall... everywhere has those lights.
This kind of thing happens to me all the time in stores! I inevitably RUSH through so I can get out of there. Happened in Target while i was waiting to pick up my Klonopin of all things! I haven't taken it yet because I feel more sick than anxious. I even made my husband stay home form work with me today because I felt so lousy....don't know what I will do tomorrow. Still feel sick to my stomach and weak, only ate a banana, apple and some crackers all day.
Oh man, super wal-mart KILLS me when we go in there. But, yeah, we need the cheap groceries. But, if you feel like facing your fears and trying to work yourself through a panic attack I highly recommend Wal-Mart, you'll get a guaranteed panic attack! Haha!
i recognized several years ago that walmart caused me severe anxiety!! i believe it has to do with overstimulation of the nervous system - which of course exacerbates panic/anxiety symptoms - of course the anxiety may also be due to the amount i owe each time i check out..;-)
I don't know what it is with Wal-mart!! I do everything I can to avoid having to go there, but it's SUPER WAL-MART and it's where I have to buy groceries, so that sucks!!!
What is it with Wal-mart?!?! I get the same way in that dumb store! I really dislike it! I call it the Evil W! LOL
Yes it is anxiety! I went thru the same exact steps at the ER, and even after they told me everything was fine and was telling them, "no it's not!" "you must have missed something somewhere because I feel like I'm gonna die!" They told me that it is not uncommon for people suffering with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) to make several trips to the ER with in a few months time period. I went about 4 times in 6 months before I was convinced that, yeah, it's just really bad anxiety. It helped me cope (before i got on the right meds) to go to every medical website and research all the signs and symptoms of anxiety & panic attacks. Almost EVERY symptom you listed in your question box is on one of those sites. Trust me and trust in your self, you are physically OK. You are not dying from some terminal illness or having a heart attack, nor do you have a brain tumor. lol I try and make light of the situation for you but I know how serious it is and how terrible it feels and there are still times where I have to reassure myself that I am ok.
Let me know how things progress, take care!
Jessica
Let me know how things progress, take care!
Jessica
That's funny you say it started in Walmart. I feel that exact same way in Walmart. That's what anxiety does to you. I have been dealing with this same thing for 9 yrs!!! Everytime I go somewhere to go shopping, I feel like I'm gonna pass out and that when I'm walking around in stores, everything around me is bouncing. I have to grab onto stuff because I think I'm gonna pass out. I always thought I either had a tumor or cancer or inner ear problems. It turns out, it's none of that. I've had MRI's, EKG, ENG, tests done by neurologists, blood work and so much more. Everything comes back normal. Anxiety affects your central nervous system, so thats probably why you are feeling the numbness and tingling. Also, constantly thinking about these things makes it worse. I get hot flashes all the time, especially when I'm in stores. It's so funny because my mom and I went thru the same thing. We would be grocery shopping at Walmart and by the time we got to the checkout, we'd be so sick-shaky, hot, dizzy, faint feeling, we'd argue about who was going to stay to check out and who was going to sit on a bench. We'd both be leaning onto the checkout conveyor belt!! I still deal with this after 9 yrs because in my mind, I was so convinced it was something serious. I never thought anxiety and depression could take such a toll on your body mentally and physically and cause soooo many weird symptoms. I always feel off balance and dizzy also. Kinda like someone else put it-like how you'd feel if you were a cat and had all it's whiskers cut off. I'm going to see a psychiatrist for the first time Fri!! Good Luck to you!!! Hope this helps.
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