Anxiety back BIG TIME...help!

[carrie235]

Hi all,

When I first started out with symptoms, my anxiety was over the top....couldn't hardly function.   Over time and especially after starting treatment, it abated to almost nothing except for the moments when I get scared that thisis MS and not lyme.

Anyhow, about two weeks ago, I'm feeling horrible anxiety again and having periodic "attacks" of anxiety.  I will admit, that I'm feeling very overwhelmed with work/college graduation/wedding.  I am having a very hard time working right now because of my difficulty concentrating and trying to keep my anxiety levels down.  

I went to Tahoe over the weekend with my husband and really overdid it on Saturday night.  I haven't felt the same since.  My fault, I know, but I think I learned that my body just cannot handle it right now and I feel like I've taken a step backwards.

Does anyone suffer with anxiety like I do?  Or, is my anxiety because of everything going on right now.  I used to thrive on this kind of stress but all I can do now is feel like I need to cry....  ugh

I'm worried because I have my own business and I don't know if I'm going to be able to keep up with these levels of anxiety.....

Thanks for listening and any advice.

Carrie

[mkh9]

hi Carrie,
So do you know your diagnosis? It sounds like you said you have Lyme not MS? If you are unsure they have serolgical tests for Lyme and also you can get an MRI for MS and see a neurologist if you haven't to check your reflexes etc. I just did that too, and luckily my MRI was negative. Too much sugar and caffeine of course don't help with anxiety and stress so if you can cut back
mkh9

[Hope75]

They DO stink.  Ugh is right.  It might help to journal, on here, or on paper, when you have anxiety.  You might find a pattern and be able to do something to avoid it sometimes.  PMS can be a biggie.  Being a control freak though, is a number one problem if you have anxiety.  Glad you're feeling better.  Give yourself a break, always.  Delegate as much as you can.  The sauna would be murder on me I think, because I have heat intolerance.  If it works for you, though, go for it!  

[carrie235]

Hi Everyone and thanks so much for your advice.  Since I posted last week, I am actually feeling better.  I'm sure that my anxiety attacks and just overall anxiety are related to work issues and to the upcoming college graduation and wedding.  

I do have wedding planners working on the wedding, but I must admit, I'm a type A personality and a control freak.  However, I am learning to let go and have let the wedding planners take over everything.  I do for some reason still get anxiety about the whole thing though.  

I'm trying to keep caught up in work too.  When I feel at all behind, it causes my anxiety.

I just bought an infrared sauna and I think I will get a meditation cd to listen to while I'm doing my 30 minutes a day.

Anxiety and Lyme stink!!!!!  ugh

[Hope75]

YES.  I have anxiety alot and I'm a Lymie.  All the the things the others said above are helpful.  I have to be on meds.  I have panic attacks and sometimes I'll go for months without any anxiety and then it will plague me for a few months.  Sometimes it's like it's out of nowhere, sometimes it's from life stressors.  You aren't alone and that's the phrase I keep in my mind.  Also keep in mind that a panic attack is temporary.  Exercise is helpful sometimes during the attack, although it's the last thing I want to do.

[mkh9]

Hi Carrie,
I'm not a doctor but am a clinical laboratory scientist. I have had anxiety due to pain so I'll advice as best as I can. Yes you have way too much going on. Is there anyone that can help with your wedding plans for you? I had lots of anxiety when finishing college as well as when planning my own wedding. I was overwhelmed and exhausted. You need to slow down and focus and get as much rest as you can. Are you sleeping well? If not there are some anti-anxiety drugs but I think they make you feel crummy in the morning. Can you try some relaxation meditation. I have been going to biofeedback too. My breathing was way off and they helped me slow down and breath from the tummy. I do this about 3 times a day for at least 10 minutes. You can also get a guided imagery CD and put it in an Ipod or MP3 player and lay down and relax. The biofeedback breathing exercises really have lowered my anxiety and now I just get a little instead of most of the time. You do have to take the time to relax. Anxiety can lead to depression. Perhaps if you can get a psychologist to help you let go of the stress and talk out some of these things. A combination of things can help.
Hope this helps.
mkh9

[ally123582]

Hi, my anxiety increases as my symptoms increase.  When I'm having a low symptom day, my anxiety is either low or doesn't exist.  I was also extremely anxious in the beginning of this illness, mostly because I didn't know what was going on with my body until I got a diagnosis.  I know for me, the illness or bacteria itself doesn't cause me to feel anxious.  I don't feel like it's changing my brain chemicals, but rather, the unnerving symptoms create a lot of anxiety at times.  I'm not sure that helps, but wanted to get back to you on my own experience.  
Are you feeling any better lately?  Are you still having the strange neuro like symptoms?
  

[illinwithoutacause]

hi carrie,

i suffer from a similar level of anxiety that you describe.  it is incredibly challenging.

i have found a counselor who specializes in chronic illness and she has helped me a lot as far as perspective building and anxiety management is concerned.  we do EMDR, she helps me with guided meditations, etc.  i also have recently been in touch with a counselor who focuses on lyme patients exclusively and she was going to be starting a group for sufferers.  maybe there's something like that out where you live??

i am sending lots of good thoughts and hugs your way.  i am sorry you're feeling so bad right now, but try to ride the wave and know that things are going to get better.  i have learned through this group that everyone has their ups and downs with treatment, especially in the earlier phases.

hugs,
binx