Can't Sleep No Matter What

[CJ40689]

Let me tell my story first it may help any of you answer my questions.

Three weeks ago, I was having a "heartburn" on the outside of my chest starting on Sunday, April 13.  It kept bugging me and on Wednesday April 16, I was laying in bed and started thinking maybe it was something with my actual heart.  I started panicing and got an anxeity attack. At the time, I thought I was having a heart attack, so my dad took me to Emergency.  I had an EKG done and some other extensive version of an EKG and my vital signs were fine.  After describing what had happened to the nurse, he said confidently that what I experienced was an anxiety attack.  My overthinking of this "heartburn" caused it.  I was then fine, but still had this heartburn issue.  Anxiety started kicking in again and I started thinkin I had HIV because of unprotected sex a few years ago.  I visited my regular doctor on Monday, April 21 and I got tested for HIV and other blood tests to see how my organs were functioning.  Everything was fine and by that friday, I got my HIV test back negative and I was so happy that i no longer felt the anxiety.  

From Friday April 25 to Saturday May 3, I was fine and eating well.  I was anxiety free, but still had this heartburn.  I then researched more on the net and looked up lung cancer.  I was looking at the worst possible scenario for my chest troubles again because my heart burn meds werent working, and started episode 2 of my anxiety "disorder."  I couldnt sleep from there, I was getting 4-5 hours of sleep a night.  I called my doctor and my doctor seemed to think I was fine, just experiencing anxiety again.  My anxiety is fear of death.  I love my life and dont want to lose it.  I just visited my doctor yesterday and she gave me medication to control my anxiety.  I just started taking it yesterday.  I havnt been getting much sleep.  Last night I got 2 hours at most.  No matter how much i try to fall asleep, I cant!  Im so lightheaded and i havee been since wednesday night.  The anxiety meds arent helping either theyre giving me an upset stomach and i cant eat nearly as much as i usually do.  Could I have a brain tumor causing all of this?  I feel so lightheaded like I said and my head feels sore.  I dont have migranes or headaches really tho.  Im also scared that if i dont get to sleep that ill just fall over and die =( i dont like living like this, i cant enjoy my life like i did over a week ago.  What should I do?  Is a brain tumor something I should worry about?  Can i die if I dont get enough sleep?  Can anxiety disorder really be this bad? Someone please give me some knowledge and advice

[worried826]

I fell really bad for you, you seem to have helath phobia/hypochondria. The problems you think you have are the classic problems that people with this type of anxiety think they have. I myself have gone down the list of diseases i thought I had and freaked out about, HIV, lung cancer, brian tumors, mennengitis and a few others. I also have an extreme fear of dying. You have no need to be worrying about a tumor either and yes anxiety does get this bad and can wreak havoc in your life.

You should go seek help from a therapist to try to find the root cause of the anxiety.

[CJ40689]

It's wierd be cause ever since that anxiety attack it just ruined me.  I can conquer it though right?  If I jam the fact that I'm physically ok into my head, can that help?  Should i turn to strong sleeping pills to get sleep?  Right now, I dont have a headache, but my head feels like it's got alot of weight on it.  Is this a symtom of not getting enough sleep? I have a therapist appointment on monday (had to push hard to get it that early) so that's something im looking forward to. Im just afraid my anxiety disorder could make me lose friends =(

[hope_for_more]

What meds are you on?  

[CJ40689]

For my sleeping troubles i am taking tylenol pm and for anxiety i have sertraline.  The tylenol pm doesnt work at all I called an advice nurse and they said i can get more powerful stuff but i have to see my doctor in person to get a prescription.  could working out help me get to sleep? would that be safe considering i havnt gotten **** for sleep?

[nursegirl6572]

I'm sorry you are going through this, and what you describe is actually VERY typical anxiety/panic symptoms.  If you get a sec, read my journal about panic, it may put things into perspective for you.

Going to the therapist is a GREAT 1st step....that will help you tremendously.  Also, you need to ask your doc for a sleeping pill...just temporarily until you work through some of your issues.

The GOOD news is...you are FAR from alone...a LOT of people suffer from all different kinds of anxiety, panic....and I can tell you personally...I have overcome severe panic/anxiety several times in my life.  The BAD news is....it doesn't happen overnight...please be patient with yourself...dive head first into counseling, and allow the meds a chance to work (they can take up to 4-6 weeks to really start noticing improvements).  Try not to focus on illnesses and diseases.  Especially internet searches.  I promise you you can find anything and everything that will match your situation on the web.  All it does it continue the cycle of panic.

Keep posting your feelings here...and read different threads, and the health pages.  There are some great breathing exercises, some people use meditation CD's, etc etc.  And, YES!  Exercise is VERY helpful in fighting anxiety.  Just be sure to start SLOW if you are not currently a regular exerciser.  Even a nice brisk evening walk is great.

For your GI symptoms, eat more frequent smaller meals and snacks.  Try blander foods if you are still having heartburn.  Try toast, pudding, rice, cereals, those kinds of things...instead of sitting down to heavier, bigger meals 3 times a day.  Try to be sure you are drinking plenty of fluids, namely good ole' H20.  If something REALLY doesn't appeal to you...do not eat it.  Stay away from spicy foods, and foods that are harder to digest (corn, nuts, etc).

The sleep thing stinks...but it won't harm you....you will just continue to feel physically lousy.  The lack of sleep AND the anxiety explains your symptoms...especially the dizziness and heavy-headed feeling.  The lack of sleep will also "amplify", so to speak, your anxiety symptoms.

Try to take a nice long bath before bed...and if you are the type of person who enjoys TV or music...try a little of that (no big over-stimulating dramas, violence, etc...just something simple and soothing...comedies always were able to relax me...I would put like Nick at Nite on...watch old episodes of "Welcome Back Kotter"...that kind of stuff.

No caffeine in the evening...and try not to drink alcohol if you do....that can add to anxiety in the long run.  If you have no med allergies, you could also try taking 50 mg (max) of Benadryl once at bedtime.  That works a lot of times.  JUST a suggestion of course.  If you feel the tylenol PM isn't working, give the Benadryl