anxiety on tx

[beckland]

Whenever people on tx say they have had anxiety from it are they referring to an all out anxiety attack? I am on Zoloft due to very bad anxiety attacks, like feeling like i cant breathe, thinking im having a heart attack,  sweating profusely,  head tingling, etc .. not a good feeling, i would think i was really dying.. but the zoloft has helped. So im kinda worried about having those feeling from tx.. thanks.

[beckland]

Sandi and Kim, Thank you for responding to my post.. it makes me feel less worried when i hear you guys say that you will be here for me when i start tx... And congratulations on SVR..

[Livelife777]

Hi beck and hope I can help you with that.  I'm also no stranger to anxiety and panic attacks and completed Tx early April.  Would say the kinda anxiety people are referring to is GAD.   General Anxiety Disorder.  Not panic attacks and the feeling of doom that you associate Anxiety Attacks with.  While on Tx I did not have any panic or anxiety attacks at all.  Would say that if you have them now once a month you will likely follow the same pattern with or without the new meds.  If you are familiar with fight or flight syndrome, the will not occur more frequently then before.
Keep in mind that these drugs are only temporary, and the Sx will also end once the meds are out of your system.  In fact the good news is that once you clear the virus you will no longer have fear associated with having your liver being destroyed as it has been without Tx.  Your anxiety issues may resolve themselves forever as you will no longer fear illness.  Will also mention that having gone thru Tx you will feel more control in your life as you find out how brave you really are.   If you can get thru this you can get thru anything.  Facing fear head on is really the only way to get over this fear that at times can be overwhelming.
Can honestly say that it really is not that bad.  I did cure my Hep C, but would do it all over again without any doubt or uncertainty.  Try your best not to worry, and take it 1 day at a time.  No one has ever died or become disabled by these new drugs we are now taking.  In the past yes I do think they caused harm to some in the long run, but these are short term and much safer.  
We will be here for you so that you will not walk alone.  Trust me when I tell you that when this is over you will be so very grateful for the experience.
On a personal note, being cured of the Hep C virus is without a doubt the most amazing event that could ever happen. It is in my opinion life changing and everyday is a new and exciting adventure.  Sure, you will have some ups and downs along the way but the colors at the end of the rainbow are more brilliant then you can ever imagine.
Please remember those thoughts along the way!
Be well
...Kim

[hepc4Sandi]

Hi Beckland. My anxiety was mostly manageable, I had one anxiety attack 1/3 the into Tx. It wasn't a horrible attack, but I did go to the er as I was concerned about hmg levels. My doc upped my cbc test frequency to keep an eye on those levels, and it helped me to be calmer too. You should be ok, just try to manage/avoid triggers as much as you can, as I have written before, I lined up happy movies, music, and tried to not get sucked into stressful situations. It is hard not to worry about side effects, but be in communication with your doctor and with us. This really is a doable Tx. Focus on the positive wonderful Tx you are doing.