Weakness

[Amy]

I had a medical scare back in December and can't seem to get the thought out of my head since then.  I have been to my family Doctor, and to the ER several times for panic attacks and anxiety. All are in agreement, along with my tests all coming back normal that I don't have MS.  Along with shaking, crying and the constant thought of having something wrong with me  I am now experiencing weakness in my legs and pain. Not a weakness like I can't move or walk just shaky legs.  I am seeking help with the anxiety from a psycologist that specializes in panic and anxiety but this is only session two. I am wondering if this can be anxiety related?  I feel at times like I am in hell, and have been trying to think of other things and relax but I wake up every morning with the fear of not being able to make it physically through my day. My family can't understand this because I am a smart person, and my Husband is getting angry.  I would also like to know how Ativan can stop the weakness and pain. I am not on any antidepressants and the Doctor won't give me anymore Ativan.  I am scared that I won't be able to make it without it for a while until the therapy starts helping.  Does this mean that my symptoms are anxiety related?  I am sorry for the length of this post but I real am fighting for my life here.  I don't know what to do!  Thanks!

[Jeff Plummer]

It will take a minimum of 14 days.  I didn't see results until 4 weeks.  But they did come.  I'm on celexa, but I bet paxil is the same way.  Hang in there, I'm amazed at the difference it's made in my life.  I'm actually excited about things.

[Amy]

I started the Paxil 5 days ago and I am so down.  I am having a hard time functioning.  I know it takes time but it seems this anxiety and depression have zapped all of my strenghth.  I am praying things get better soon.

[Jeff Plummer]

I just thought I would give you one more word of encouragement on drugs.  I've been on celexa for about 4 weeks now, and on the 4th week, holy cow do I feel better.  I was getting discouraged because things weren't happening, but now, I can really feel a difference.  I genuinely didn't know life could be this way.  Right now I'm even going through a really rough time with a friend of mine that I'm in love with, and it doesn't overwhelm me.  Wow is it cool to not be overwhelmed by my emotions anymore.

So with the drugs, stick with it.  They really do seem to help.  Plus I'm still the same person (I was afraid I would lose something) but I'm just not overwhelmed.

Good luck...

PS:
  You said it made you happy to know that people read what you had to say and cared.  Well, people do care.  It seems like most people on this board know what the other is going through.  Quite a nice support group.  So cheer up, it seems we've found a some pretty sincere friends.

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Pervasive fear, shaking, and crying spells may be due to anxiety and/or depression. These conditions are treatable with a combination of psychotherapy and medications. I recommend that you discuss your concerns further with your treating clinicians.

[Silent all these years]

Paxil takes two to four weeks to start working. Don't be discouraged if you don't feel better immediately. I found that the side effects were mild and went away after a month or so.

[Amy]

Wow!!! You guys are great!  I feel better just knowing someone is out there to listen (or read).  I know a few people who are taking Paxil and they said the same thing.  I am trying 20 mg. tonight and will see how I feel in the a.m.  I tried Prozac and had an allergic reaction and Celexa and had blurred vision which caused the anxiety to get worse instead of better.  I hope this one works!  At this point a little blurred vision will be welcome as long as I get some relief.  I really appreciate your responses, you made today a little easier to take.  I am so looking forward to feeling like myself again.

[Amy]

thanks for the quick posts.  I am glad I'm here and able to still function but It is so difficult for me.  I am not as strong as I thought I was.  I hope that the psycologist can help me as I would really like to get back to the person I once was only mentally stronger.

[goodgal31]

Amy, good for you.  Paxil is the drug of choice for anxiety.  How many milligrams did your family Dr give you?  I am not a dr and dont claim to be (I only play one on TV) :)  But alot of Drs will start you up on 20 or higher milligrams.  In my humble oppinion, paxil is a fantastic drug, but a powerfull one.  If you have 20mg, I would split them in half for the first week or so to get used to them.  I was on 10mg and they really made me funny at first, but I got used to them and felt on top of the world 3 weeks later.  Bad thing is I had some problems that are rare with paxil and had to discontinue.  at only 10mgs I was havign horrible withdrawal, im very sensetive to medicatins anyways, and my head felt like it was on a rocking boat for 3 days, I would dream about being in a boat and all my anxiety feelings came back.  The paxil while I was on it, took all my problems away, I only wish I could tollerate it better.  I am glad they gave you paxil, you will find it does help.  Just start slooooowwwww.. that is my advice.  Good luck!

[Jeff Plummer]

Me again...

I agree with Anon, you really might want to consider TRYING drugs to see if they help.  I'm against the belief that drugs are a quick fix, but maybe they can help.  I recommend trying anything that can help.  Just keep trying things till you find something that helps.

[goodgal31]

Amy,

Sounds like maybe you've reached the point of needing a psychiatrist not a psychologist.  Medications work wonders and what they tend to do, the antidepressents, are to block the part of your brain that is worrying, and maybe you will still feel the physical symptoms, yet your mind will tell you, ahh dont worry about it, and you wont.  Just make an appointment.  Im sure you will feel better!

[From Shannon to Susan]

I was also prescribed Ativan when I was hospitalized and they told me it was just to calm my anxieties and help me sleep.  I don't know if it will help your pain and weakness, unless they are caused from your anxieties.  I know what you mean about not being able to get it out of your mind.  I can also relate to a husband who feels very frustrated, and sometimes I think it is a contributing factor to the problem.

I hope you find the peace you are looking for.

[Jeff Plummer]

It has been my experience with near death experiences that people react in one of two ways.  They either feel invincible because they didn't die, or they feel fragile because they realize how quickly life can be taken away.

I often questioned my own existance and I've done many things to put my life in danger.  I figure I will give God every chance to take me, and if I'm still alive, then I must have a purpose.

I don't recommend this, I was recently diagnosed as major depressive with some suicidal tendancies, so don't follow my lead.

But I did learn something from my experiences though.  I AM STILL HERE.  If I was meant to die, then it would have happend.  But I didn't.  Fate had the chance to take my life, but it left me.  I am not invincible, but my own existance is far from fragile.

It sounds like you've had a scare and you've let that fear take over.  I have news for you, YOU ARE STILL HERE!!!!

Talk to your psychologist about the advice I'm now going to give, it may not be sane.  I recommend taking a few controlled risks.  One extreme might be sky diving.  It's very safe, but at the same time you are risking your life.  This may be a bit too extreme, but find some risks that suit you.  Go white water rafting, learn to rock climb, etc.  I think you will find that your life is not nearly as fragile as you think.

Do something safe, but at the same time mentally SEEMS extremely dangerous.  (Again, pick something that is actually safe, it only SEEMS dangerous).  Heck ride a roller coaster.

I don't know if this has been helpful, I just know that doing these things helped me conquer a lot of my fears.  I have a lot of other problems, but irrational fear of death is not one of them.  YOU ARE STILL ALIVE!

[Amy]

I went to my family physician today and they gave me Paxil.  I will begin my treatment tonight.  I have hopes that a month from now I will feel much better. Thanks again for your encouragement.