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15 years of anxiety
Through-out the years, starting in 1997, I developed an increasing case of anxiety, which after awhile became accompanied by panic attacks. I tried to tell the doctor at the start, this all was proceeded by abdominal discomfort, driving to work, had to run as fast as possible to the rest room before hitting the sales floor. After doing this for months, one night in counting down the tills of the cashiers, I felt a twinge of anxiety, but shook it off. The feeling only lasted mere seconds. The next episode occurred months later, for a longer duration, and it got to the point that I no longer could simply shake it off.
The panic attacks are always proceeded by abdominal discomfort, which was explained away as a side-effect of the anxiety, not that I told the MD's that the discomfort came BEFORE I felt any anxiety seemed to matter. In all these years, I've been placed on everything from Paxil, Effexor, Zoloft, more lithium than was reasonable, Xanax, Ativan, and now am on Propranolol and Clonazepam.
The latest ones merely keep me somewhat stable, but, I am fearful of leaving my house. Not because of the anxiety, but because of having to determine where the bathrooms are wherever I am going and location of restrooms along the way.
I've seen a host of therapists and physiologists, but have felt that not one has really taken this seriously. I don't know if it just me, but whenever I mention anything and follow it up with "I have anxiety"; the MD's simply say that anything I am mentioning is because of the anxiety, and then it becomes obvious they just wish I would go away.
Once was even forgotten about as the entire medical staff went to lunch, leaving me in the examination room, and only after I stuck my head out of the room, realized nobody was in the medical office. A returning nurse was stunned I was wandering around the offices, and asked what I was doing there. I told her I was waiting for the Doctor for an examination. Had to wait in the waiting room again until the staff returned from lunch. MD never did apologize, actually behaved like it was my fault and that I was bothering him.
I was involved in a automobile accident with major head trauma, although many years ago. I also have one pupil of my eye that is always a different size that the other. IF I spend too much time on the computer, I get massive headaches, and trying to go to work, I feel as though I am not there, but am having an OBE.
It's been one messed-up roadtrip, and only one Doctor who seemed to be interested in what exactly was going on with me, but when I called for a complete physical with him, I discovered he had moved out-of-state.
I've also discovered that anybody that doesn't have it, doesn't really seem to understand it. And unfortunately, seems to apply to most of the Doctors I've seen as well. I know they are busy, and under constraints regarding referrals, and one even admitted to such.
I don't know anymore, just am at a point HOPING it goes away on it's own as I get older. I find it ironic, in talking to someone in a support group I was participating within for awhile, that he once was an avid extreme mountain climber, and now is too scared to walk across the street to buy a gallon of milk.
And to get into the therapy group was only a result of me screaming and yelling at my Doctor for awhile, he relented and referred me to the group. I wonder to this day "why" he held off from the referral months earlier.
I just don't know how it is that one day we can seemingly do activities that would scare a normal person under ordinary circumstances, then find ourselves in a position of being anxious w/ panic attacks at a later date, and that it is " all in our heads".
Almost seems like a cruel joke of some kind on the part of Fate. I told a therapist that I once loved hiking in the wilderness, and he suggested that I do that...which I did. Hit the trail the next day, and almost got struck by a Rattlesnake, only by sheer luck, the snake missed, so can't say that the trip into the wilderness was all that helpful to my anxiety problem, although it did provide additional exercise in running back to my car to get the ( you know ) out of there.
I almost have a feeling it is because of the chemically laced food we eat, and the possible electrical fields of all the modern devices messing with our normal energies, maybe a combination of both. But I am not a doctor, so what do I know ?
I am curious if others sort feel like the neglected, and/or like guinea pigs being used in some kind of an experiment ?
I have come to realize that maintaining a sense of humor is important, and being able to laugh, even when don't feel like it has it's benefits and does seem to make everything that much better.
Anyway, don't know what to do anymore, and it does feel good to rant now and then, so want to thank everyone here for listening to this rant.
As far as a question, just curious as to other experiences and how many others have found a way to stop the cycle of anxiety as to be able to function normally again ?
The panic attacks are always proceeded by abdominal discomfort, which was explained away as a side-effect of the anxiety, not that I told the MD's that the discomfort came BEFORE I felt any anxiety seemed to matter. In all these years, I've been placed on everything from Paxil, Effexor, Zoloft, more lithium than was reasonable, Xanax, Ativan, and now am on Propranolol and Clonazepam.
The latest ones merely keep me somewhat stable, but, I am fearful of leaving my house. Not because of the anxiety, but because of having to determine where the bathrooms are wherever I am going and location of restrooms along the way.
I've seen a host of therapists and physiologists, but have felt that not one has really taken this seriously. I don't know if it just me, but whenever I mention anything and follow it up with "I have anxiety"; the MD's simply say that anything I am mentioning is because of the anxiety, and then it becomes obvious they just wish I would go away.
Once was even forgotten about as the entire medical staff went to lunch, leaving me in the examination room, and only after I stuck my head out of the room, realized nobody was in the medical office. A returning nurse was stunned I was wandering around the offices, and asked what I was doing there. I told her I was waiting for the Doctor for an examination. Had to wait in the waiting room again until the staff returned from lunch. MD never did apologize, actually behaved like it was my fault and that I was bothering him.
I was involved in a automobile accident with major head trauma, although many years ago. I also have one pupil of my eye that is always a different size that the other. IF I spend too much time on the computer, I get massive headaches, and trying to go to work, I feel as though I am not there, but am having an OBE.
It's been one messed-up roadtrip, and only one Doctor who seemed to be interested in what exactly was going on with me, but when I called for a complete physical with him, I discovered he had moved out-of-state.
I've also discovered that anybody that doesn't have it, doesn't really seem to understand it. And unfortunately, seems to apply to most of the Doctors I've seen as well. I know they are busy, and under constraints regarding referrals, and one even admitted to such.
I don't know anymore, just am at a point HOPING it goes away on it's own as I get older. I find it ironic, in talking to someone in a support group I was participating within for awhile, that he once was an avid extreme mountain climber, and now is too scared to walk across the street to buy a gallon of milk.
And to get into the therapy group was only a result of me screaming and yelling at my Doctor for awhile, he relented and referred me to the group. I wonder to this day "why" he held off from the referral months earlier.
I just don't know how it is that one day we can seemingly do activities that would scare a normal person under ordinary circumstances, then find ourselves in a position of being anxious w/ panic attacks at a later date, and that it is " all in our heads".
Almost seems like a cruel joke of some kind on the part of Fate. I told a therapist that I once loved hiking in the wilderness, and he suggested that I do that...which I did. Hit the trail the next day, and almost got struck by a Rattlesnake, only by sheer luck, the snake missed, so can't say that the trip into the wilderness was all that helpful to my anxiety problem, although it did provide additional exercise in running back to my car to get the ( you know ) out of there.
I almost have a feeling it is because of the chemically laced food we eat, and the possible electrical fields of all the modern devices messing with our normal energies, maybe a combination of both. But I am not a doctor, so what do I know ?
I am curious if others sort feel like the neglected, and/or like guinea pigs being used in some kind of an experiment ?
I have come to realize that maintaining a sense of humor is important, and being able to laugh, even when don't feel like it has it's benefits and does seem to make everything that much better.
Anyway, don't know what to do anymore, and it does feel good to rant now and then, so want to thank everyone here for listening to this rant.
As far as a question, just curious as to other experiences and how many others have found a way to stop the cycle of anxiety as to be able to function normally again ?
I know you're right. Switching to organic made a world of difference in a few weeks. Increasing fruits and veggies, and especially berries, wow, sometimes feel like superman.
I know that with the job I had when this all started was 12 hour shifts, under extreme stress, with little sleep and long hours on the Southern California Freeways. For those familiar, would be the 91, 55, and 405 Freeways. IF you know of those, nothing else need be said.
Was a manager for a Lowes type store, overseeing the frontline operations, responsible for the money coming in. A counterpart in another store near-by was gunned down when he refused to hand over 50 bucks to a robber.
Still though, didn't get worse until after leaving that job. However, who knows what 6 years under that kind of pressure had done to my body.
I think the volunteer thing at the Hospital will provide some answers, since as a volunteer they run a battery of tests for free. Chest X-Ray, Comprehensive Metabolic Profile, UA, and CBC. Plus, since a lot of anxiety with jobs is because of the fear of needing to go to the Hospital..well..would already be there.
Don't get me wrong though, I find it easy to find solace and comfort through helping others, and really that is the primary reason. Putting myself as second, and helping others in need, helps me, too.
I know that with the job I had when this all started was 12 hour shifts, under extreme stress, with little sleep and long hours on the Southern California Freeways. For those familiar, would be the 91, 55, and 405 Freeways. IF you know of those, nothing else need be said.
Was a manager for a Lowes type store, overseeing the frontline operations, responsible for the money coming in. A counterpart in another store near-by was gunned down when he refused to hand over 50 bucks to a robber.
Still though, didn't get worse until after leaving that job. However, who knows what 6 years under that kind of pressure had done to my body.
I think the volunteer thing at the Hospital will provide some answers, since as a volunteer they run a battery of tests for free. Chest X-Ray, Comprehensive Metabolic Profile, UA, and CBC. Plus, since a lot of anxiety with jobs is because of the fear of needing to go to the Hospital..well..would already be there.
Don't get me wrong though, I find it easy to find solace and comfort through helping others, and really that is the primary reason. Putting myself as second, and helping others in need, helps me, too.
The anxiety and abdominal muscle pain can be from a magnesium deficiency. The dizziness, as well, but that could be from an electrolyte imbalance in general (Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium); low blood sugar; low blood pressure; dehydration; etc.
Check with your doctor about taking Magnesium Taurate, Glycinate or Citrate.
Check with your doctor about taking Magnesium Taurate, Glycinate or Citrate.
I agree. However, more than one MD mentioned that I need to check the ingredients in any multi-vitamin supplements, because some of them actually can cause anxiety to get worse.
Believe it or not, one of the MD's told me to keep smoking cigarettes. He actually said that smoking is great for temporary relief of anxiety. Couldn't believe he said that...although I know what it does, is forces me to breathe in a certain manner...deep breaths, in a controlled manner. I know now he was very wrong about the cigarettes, but breathing exercises do help with the anxiety issues. I went so far to buy a native american flute to play around with, which helps me to strengthen my lungs, control my breath, and create sounds all at the same time.
Wouldn't exactly say I actually play any songs per se, but that doesn't really matter. Also, I have been going with organic foods as much as possible, and am limiting my time exposed to electrical/electronic devices, all of which seems to working better and better in
time.
I worked for a motivational speaker for awhile, he told me he had anxiety issues, and one of his resolutions was to stop listening to or watching the news. He said that the news is so full of negativity, hard not to become negative, as well. He mentioned that if something newsworthy happened that would affect my life, I'd hear about it anyway, without having to read about it from the newspapers or other media sources.
Believe it or not, one of the MD's told me to keep smoking cigarettes. He actually said that smoking is great for temporary relief of anxiety. Couldn't believe he said that...although I know what it does, is forces me to breathe in a certain manner...deep breaths, in a controlled manner. I know now he was very wrong about the cigarettes, but breathing exercises do help with the anxiety issues. I went so far to buy a native american flute to play around with, which helps me to strengthen my lungs, control my breath, and create sounds all at the same time.
Wouldn't exactly say I actually play any songs per se, but that doesn't really matter. Also, I have been going with organic foods as much as possible, and am limiting my time exposed to electrical/electronic devices, all of which seems to working better and better in
time.
I worked for a motivational speaker for awhile, he told me he had anxiety issues, and one of his resolutions was to stop listening to or watching the news. He said that the news is so full of negativity, hard not to become negative, as well. He mentioned that if something newsworthy happened that would affect my life, I'd hear about it anyway, without having to read about it from the newspapers or other media sources.
Yes, I DID and DO experience lightheaded and dizzyness. That was the first feeling I had with the very first episode. I was counting down the cashiers tills, surrounded by the cashiers ( approx. 10 of them ) and as I was counting the cash, felt like I was going down...felt everything go kind of fuzzy and had to lean on the counting table. This set-off a mild panic attack, but, in focusing on counting the cash...was able to shake the feelings off.
In time, it got harder to shake those feelings, and eventually led to the point that I thought I was having a heart attack. And all the tests came back negative. In seeing my MD at the time, he proclaimed I had GAD, and prescribed the first round of medications.
None of them ever addressed any abdominal problems, although I heard that there are some problems that will mimic anxiety disorder. I, too, had a lot of blood work done, and same thing -- nothing was found out of the ordinary.
As MMahon mentioned, if this is indeed the case, it is up to me to get the appropriate tests done---above and beyond the blood tests.
I know that without insurance, this isn't really an easy thing to do.
Although I had an idea in the last few days that I think will work for me. I volunteered at a Hospital to do whatever they need volunteers to do...this way, I figure that 1) IF something happens, I already am AT the Hospital 2) Gives me a chance to get to know the Doctors 3) They provide quite a few tests for free as part of a screening process.
With the Propanolol and Clonazepam, I know that one has to take care with moving from one position to another too fast, and are merely side-effects of the medications. From what the MD said that prescribed the Propanolol, is that it's been around for quite a long time, and used in combination with the Clonazepam, has been the only medications that have kept me stable.
Although, my "new" MD says it's time to start getting off the Clonazepam, I've been using it for too long.
I understand what your feeling, and has kept me from applying for certain jobs. I don't want to be stuck without options...sometimes I feel this whole thing is relative to control issues. Whenever I am in a position where I feel I am not in control, with no "escape routes", which means if there are no restrooms at the ready, or I am stuck in traffic, with no place to go IF I need to go, this results with the anxiety ramping-up.
What I can't figure, is that I have been adamant that the stomach disturbances take place BEFORE the anxiety sets in. Pressure in the tummy region that seems to put pressure elsewhere, with the feelings of being light-headed and dizzy. Always...if the pressure is relieved, the stomach pain subsides and the anxiety goes away.
I commented to my current MD, that when I was taking antibiotics for an infection, for some strange reason, my anxiety and anxiety related issues vanished completely. He merely shrugged off my comment and didn't offer any input about that.
Many of the Pharmaceutical companies offer programs for people that can't afford their medications, worth checking with the manufacturer to see if they have such a program for Zoloft.
In time, it got harder to shake those feelings, and eventually led to the point that I thought I was having a heart attack. And all the tests came back negative. In seeing my MD at the time, he proclaimed I had GAD, and prescribed the first round of medications.
None of them ever addressed any abdominal problems, although I heard that there are some problems that will mimic anxiety disorder. I, too, had a lot of blood work done, and same thing -- nothing was found out of the ordinary.
As MMahon mentioned, if this is indeed the case, it is up to me to get the appropriate tests done---above and beyond the blood tests.
I know that without insurance, this isn't really an easy thing to do.
Although I had an idea in the last few days that I think will work for me. I volunteered at a Hospital to do whatever they need volunteers to do...this way, I figure that 1) IF something happens, I already am AT the Hospital 2) Gives me a chance to get to know the Doctors 3) They provide quite a few tests for free as part of a screening process.
With the Propanolol and Clonazepam, I know that one has to take care with moving from one position to another too fast, and are merely side-effects of the medications. From what the MD said that prescribed the Propanolol, is that it's been around for quite a long time, and used in combination with the Clonazepam, has been the only medications that have kept me stable.
Although, my "new" MD says it's time to start getting off the Clonazepam, I've been using it for too long.
I understand what your feeling, and has kept me from applying for certain jobs. I don't want to be stuck without options...sometimes I feel this whole thing is relative to control issues. Whenever I am in a position where I feel I am not in control, with no "escape routes", which means if there are no restrooms at the ready, or I am stuck in traffic, with no place to go IF I need to go, this results with the anxiety ramping-up.
What I can't figure, is that I have been adamant that the stomach disturbances take place BEFORE the anxiety sets in. Pressure in the tummy region that seems to put pressure elsewhere, with the feelings of being light-headed and dizzy. Always...if the pressure is relieved, the stomach pain subsides and the anxiety goes away.
I commented to my current MD, that when I was taking antibiotics for an infection, for some strange reason, my anxiety and anxiety related issues vanished completely. He merely shrugged off my comment and didn't offer any input about that.
Many of the Pharmaceutical companies offer programs for people that can't afford their medications, worth checking with the manufacturer to see if they have such a program for Zoloft.
It sounds so simple, but they can have a tremendous impact on your health. You might also look online for a very absorbable, high nutrient multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement. I'd go for what has a lot of good reviews.
Blessings.
Blessings.
I'm sorry for the problems you have experienced.
Anxiety frequently has the symptoms you describe.
Buspar can cause the side effects you experienced. You may find that they will subside in time. What dose were you prescribed?
You may find you will benefit from Zoloft or other antidepressant. These take a few weeks to fully start working.
Have your doctor refer you to a therapist if you haven't done so already. They can help you thru this trying time and teach you methods to deal with what you are experiencing.
Things will get better soon. Take care
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buspirone#Side_effects
Anxiety frequently has the symptoms you describe.
Buspar can cause the side effects you experienced. You may find that they will subside in time. What dose were you prescribed?
You may find you will benefit from Zoloft or other antidepressant. These take a few weeks to fully start working.
Have your doctor refer you to a therapist if you haven't done so already. They can help you thru this trying time and teach you methods to deal with what you are experiencing.
Things will get better soon. Take care
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buspirone#Side_effects
I was just wondering if u have a symptom from your anxiety that makes u feel lightheaded or dizzy??? I was also told I have anxiety after I had an ectopic pregnancy in March of this year but I can't stand this feeling and sometimes I am scared I'm going to pass out and I do home health care and usually alone with clients so I get so scared something will happen and I won't get the help I need cuz I take care of special needs ppl! I also get sick to my stomach but I have never vomited. When I told my MD about it he said there is nothing wrong, my blood work was fine and that he didn't know wht else to tell me when I asked what should I do! I can't take this! I am only 22 yrs old and newly married (nov 2009) and I feel horrible cuz I feel my husband and I have not been enjoying our marriage yet, especially since I got pregnannt which resulted in removal of my right tube cuz that's where the preg was growing and it ruptured. That is what set it off for me I guess. But I was predcribed buspar and all it did was makeme dizzy. I have been prescibed Zoloft but haven't filled scrpit yet cuz I need the $ because I have no insurance and my husband lost his job so know we r running off my income for now. I need some answers! Please someone tell me what I can do to be myself again and get my life back! Thanks
Yeah, I heard about that, the magnesium and the B Complex Vitamins, just never really pursued it, and to be honest, forgot about it. Thank-you for the information and the reminder.
Another thing I am finding to be helpful, are Banana's. I don't eat them as often as I would like, however, feel pretty good when I do. From what I understand is that Banana's naturally contain B-6, B12, potassium, tryptophan and magnesium. In addition to that, Banana's don't seem to upset the tummy nor do they leave a horrid after-taste, like when a pill ( like Propranolol or Clonazepam ) accidentally gets stuck in your throat while taking. :^)
By the way, I am being prompted to select the "best" answer, but hesitate to do that...both of you provided excellent responses and very much appreciated. Warmest of Blessings to you both.
Another thing I am finding to be helpful, are Banana's. I don't eat them as often as I would like, however, feel pretty good when I do. From what I understand is that Banana's naturally contain B-6, B12, potassium, tryptophan and magnesium. In addition to that, Banana's don't seem to upset the tummy nor do they leave a horrid after-taste, like when a pill ( like Propranolol or Clonazepam ) accidentally gets stuck in your throat while taking. :^)
By the way, I am being prompted to select the "best" answer, but hesitate to do that...both of you provided excellent responses and very much appreciated. Warmest of Blessings to you both.
Anxiety, panic, stress conditions, etc. can be caused by a magnesium deficiency. I highly recommend you google research magnesium. Magnesium along with the B Complex Vitamins are essential for handle stress.
Yes, I have been on a medication merry-go-round ! Very well put, I like it. Nope, no tests were ever done, excepting those moments when I believed I was having a heart attack. Of course, the tests were relative to heart problems and nothing else.
What has happened, it became harder and harder to hold a job. I tried self-employment for awhile, but that really didn't solve any issues. Finally, I gave up. In seeking disability, since there have been so many providers and therapists and psychologists and, yeah, you're right, psychiatrists, getting all of the medical records together to apply for disability is very overwhelming. ALL of the disability advocates run away as soon as they realize that they might actually have to do some work in pulling everything together. Plus, I'm about to lose all my disability credits in December of this year.
So as it stands now, no job, no cash. No cash, no tests.
It is nerve racking, as one of step-daughters went to a mental health clinic run by the county. They placed her on some heavy-duty medications that resulted in worse problems than she went in with, and was treated like dirt. They never kept up on her re-fills, which is probably the worse thing while taking some of these meds, is running out and not being able to get a re-fill because your case worker is "on vacation", and until s/he gets back, you are simply SOL.
I mentioned it in another post somewhere in here, that what has helped me the most was buying a camera. Now, seeing it sitting on the shelf, I get more motivated to go outside and look for subjects to take pictures of...and in driving around, I feel like I'm on a mission for photography opportunities, taking the time to look for things to photograph.
Keeps my mind occupied and results in sometimes saying goodbye to the anxiety and going out to take photographs regardless of how I feel. The desire to take the picture over-rides the anxiety and related thought patterns. Although I still work my plans around where the restrooms are.
Thank-you ever so much for the discussion here. Just in talking about it all, helps a lot. Takes the frustration out of all of it, and provides quite a bit of comfort in speaking to others that really do understand .
What has happened, it became harder and harder to hold a job. I tried self-employment for awhile, but that really didn't solve any issues. Finally, I gave up. In seeking disability, since there have been so many providers and therapists and psychologists and, yeah, you're right, psychiatrists, getting all of the medical records together to apply for disability is very overwhelming. ALL of the disability advocates run away as soon as they realize that they might actually have to do some work in pulling everything together. Plus, I'm about to lose all my disability credits in December of this year.
So as it stands now, no job, no cash. No cash, no tests.
It is nerve racking, as one of step-daughters went to a mental health clinic run by the county. They placed her on some heavy-duty medications that resulted in worse problems than she went in with, and was treated like dirt. They never kept up on her re-fills, which is probably the worse thing while taking some of these meds, is running out and not being able to get a re-fill because your case worker is "on vacation", and until s/he gets back, you are simply SOL.
I mentioned it in another post somewhere in here, that what has helped me the most was buying a camera. Now, seeing it sitting on the shelf, I get more motivated to go outside and look for subjects to take pictures of...and in driving around, I feel like I'm on a mission for photography opportunities, taking the time to look for things to photograph.
Keeps my mind occupied and results in sometimes saying goodbye to the anxiety and going out to take photographs regardless of how I feel. The desire to take the picture over-rides the anxiety and related thought patterns. Although I still work my plans around where the restrooms are.
Thank-you ever so much for the discussion here. Just in talking about it all, helps a lot. Takes the frustration out of all of it, and provides quite a bit of comfort in speaking to others that really do understand .
It sure sounds like you have had your share of spins on the medical merrygoround!
Have you ever had upper and lower GI series tests done? Colonoscopy? Have you ever been to a gastroenterologist? A good one should be able to rule out any problems you may have in your GI tract. Some GI problems may cause chronic infections that the antibiotics then help. Of course, stress and anxiety can cause ulcers and other GI problems as well.
You state you saw psychologists but I'm assuming it was a psychiatrist since you were prescribed medication.
Seeing so many different doctors breaks the continuity of treatment that you really need.
You need competent medical care for the long haul. You need to have a competent diagnosis for your abdominal problems based on sound test results and physical examination. You also need to have a good psychiatric evaluation done. He can review the test results you have had done, go over your situation with you, and work with you to get to the root of your problems. The first psychiatrist I saw 30 years ago told me that 'we'd never stop looking for physical causes for the anxiety and depression I was experiencing'.
Like I mentioned earlier EVERYONE experiences anxiety and thus most of them get over it.
But anxiety disorder is entirely different. I have had it my whole life and am by no means 'over it'. It's a part of my life...a disability without question. I will NEVER get over it.
Yes it is worse at times and more bearable at other times but I've long realized it will always be a part of my life. Medication makes it more tolerable but it's not a cure. GI problems were initially one of my worst symptoms but the first to improve with medication.
So rest assured you are not alone and there are many here who understand what you are going thru. Search out all avenues till you get the relief that you seek.
Have you ever had upper and lower GI series tests done? Colonoscopy? Have you ever been to a gastroenterologist? A good one should be able to rule out any problems you may have in your GI tract. Some GI problems may cause chronic infections that the antibiotics then help. Of course, stress and anxiety can cause ulcers and other GI problems as well.
You state you saw psychologists but I'm assuming it was a psychiatrist since you were prescribed medication.
Seeing so many different doctors breaks the continuity of treatment that you really need.
You need competent medical care for the long haul. You need to have a competent diagnosis for your abdominal problems based on sound test results and physical examination. You also need to have a good psychiatric evaluation done. He can review the test results you have had done, go over your situation with you, and work with you to get to the root of your problems. The first psychiatrist I saw 30 years ago told me that 'we'd never stop looking for physical causes for the anxiety and depression I was experiencing'.
Like I mentioned earlier EVERYONE experiences anxiety and thus most of them get over it.
But anxiety disorder is entirely different. I have had it my whole life and am by no means 'over it'. It's a part of my life...a disability without question. I will NEVER get over it.
Yes it is worse at times and more bearable at other times but I've long realized it will always be a part of my life. Medication makes it more tolerable but it's not a cure. GI problems were initially one of my worst symptoms but the first to improve with medication.
So rest assured you are not alone and there are many here who understand what you are going thru. Search out all avenues till you get the relief that you seek.
Relative to the abdominal disturbances, at first, there wasn't any feelings of anxiety with them at all. However, my job at the time was extremely stressful, with a lot of responsibilities and long hours, with little sleep. At that job, I only felt anxiety that one time and never again. Months later, I quit the job because of the hours. I only had the abdominal disturbances and a dull pain in that region, but no anxiety whatsoever.
However, in quitting that job, and getting a less stressful job with shorter hours didn't seem to really help. With that job, the I started to feel dis-connected from everything. I ended up quitting that job and taking an even less tasking job.
With all the anit-depressants and/or anti-anxiety medications, they made me feel like I was walking through mud. For months, well beyond the period of getting use to the medications. Heard " Give it another week " a lot.
Then one day I thought I was having a heart attack at went to the Hospital. They did heart tests and found nothing wrong. I saw my insurance companies doctor, and he placed me on 10 mg of Paxil, with Ativan to be taken as needed, and was the original MD that declared that I was suffering from GAD.
ALL the other doctors merely go off what he said, not one determined for themselves if something else might be going on. My fault, since it is asked what medications you are taking and for what when you first visit any doctor.
Anyway, It didn't work, so he increased the dose of the Paxil to 20 mg, and the Ativan to 2 mg.
I left the new job, got a new insurance provider, and thus a new doctor. He placed me on Zoloft, and Xanax, to be used as needed. That didn't work, so he referred me to a Psychologist, who asked me in our initial interview, if I always wanted to be the best at everything I did ?
When I said yes, she declared me to be bi-polar and prescribed Lithium on top of the Zoloft. That didn't work, and she kept increasing the Lithium until I was taking over 1200mg per day. Had Lithium flowing out of my medicine cabinet.
Went back to the doctor, and said that the psychologist didn't really work out...so he placed me back on Paxil, and went from 20mg, to 40mg, finally giving up on 60 mg.
He took me off the Paxil, and put me on Effexor. The Xanax worked great, for 10 minutes, so got addicted to the Xanax. So the Doctor placed me back on Ativan, as a supplement. Same thing happened there, too.
Switched insurance carriers again, new doctor.
New doctor took me off effexor, put me back on Paxil. Didn't work, put me on Zoloft again. Didn't work.
Tried going it without any anxiety meds except for the Xanaz and then the Ativan. In the meantime, was sent to a therapist that didnt believe in using medications at all. So, I quit taking everything.
Got a new job, with a new provider, and a new doctor. He placed me back on Effexor and tried to prescribe Xanax and Ativan, but I told him that they only worked for a short period of time as far as reducing the anxiety, so he placed me on Clonazepam, proclaiming it was not as addictive as the others.
I had a blow-out at work, getting to a point that I just couldn't suppress the feelings I had been hiding, dis-connected, feeling bloated, followed by panic attacks. It was then I ended up in a screaming match with the doctor, who finally relented and referred me to a support group, overseen by a psychologist. The psychologist felt my meds were ok at that point, and said I needed the support group for therapy and regular visits to a therapist one-on-one.
Strangest thing, I ended up quitting my job, and with no insurance, stopped taking all medications. After the side-effects wore off, felt like my normal, un-anxious self again. Still had the abdominal discomfort, but all anxiety was gone.
However, we decided to move to a new State, and ended up in the Hospital there. There I was determined to have High Blood Pressure and was placed on Clonidine.
I decided to try a different clinic, since I have no insurance anymore, and that was when the doctor there sat me down and asked me why I was going though all of this medication ? He told me to take it easy and make an appointment for a complete physical, with tests to be completed relative to any probable abdominal medical problems. He said that there are instances that some abdominal medical problems DO have symptoms of anxiety. BUT, when I called to make the appointment, he had moved out of state, and the MD that took his place dismissed what the other had said, and started the medication cycle all over again.
This MD tried several different High Blood Pressure meds, with no progress. He then tried Zoloft, which didn't work. Finally, I had enough of that, and found a Doctor whose daughter was experiencing the same as I.
He stopped the Zoloft, and prescribed the Propranolol and the Clonazepham. He also tired a regiment of antibiotics, which surprisingly, worked. I remarked to my wife, how odd ! While taking the antibiotics, my anxiety was completely gone, as the abdominal pain and disturbances weakened, as well.
However, the antibiotic regiment was only for a short amount of time, and after a few weeks, the abdominal pain and disturbances came back, as did the anxiety, shortly thereafter.
Unfortunately, this MD quit practicing, and I had to find a new doctor.
With the new doctor, everything relative to the progress of the previous doctor was dismissed, and I refused to go back onto the same medications as tried before, and am sticking with the Propranolol and the Clonazepam.
Through-out the last few years, those have kept me stable, but does nothing for the abdominal disturbances. There have been instances where antibiotics were required for other ailments, and every time, when using the antibiotics, everything seems to go away.
I commented on this to my MD, but he dismisses it out-right, and I feel I am in a state of limbo.
Sorry about the length of this, but, been through a lot in 15 years. There have been additional therapists, psychologists, and Hospital visits, but here I am today...just as I was 15 years ago when this all started, but now disgruntled and extremely skeptical, and of course, depressed.
Now for those who find themselves up against this anxiety thing, I know that there is treatment and I have seen many, many people overcome this. So, I know that treatment works.
I want to stress that I have seen many people overcome thier anxiety, so I know from my long battle, that for most people it doesn't have to be a lifelong affliction.
I just feel that FOR ME, that this got started off on the wrong foot, and has stayed that way "for me". I want to stress that I have seen many people overcome their anxiety, so I know from my long battle, that it doesn't have to be a lifelong affliction.
As mentioned, I was just curious if anyone else has experienced something like I have, and what they did. BTW : the mountain climber is fine now-a-days, and back to climbing mountains.
However, in quitting that job, and getting a less stressful job with shorter hours didn't seem to really help. With that job, the I started to feel dis-connected from everything. I ended up quitting that job and taking an even less tasking job.
With all the anit-depressants and/or anti-anxiety medications, they made me feel like I was walking through mud. For months, well beyond the period of getting use to the medications. Heard " Give it another week " a lot.
Then one day I thought I was having a heart attack at went to the Hospital. They did heart tests and found nothing wrong. I saw my insurance companies doctor, and he placed me on 10 mg of Paxil, with Ativan to be taken as needed, and was the original MD that declared that I was suffering from GAD.
ALL the other doctors merely go off what he said, not one determined for themselves if something else might be going on. My fault, since it is asked what medications you are taking and for what when you first visit any doctor.
Anyway, It didn't work, so he increased the dose of the Paxil to 20 mg, and the Ativan to 2 mg.
I left the new job, got a new insurance provider, and thus a new doctor. He placed me on Zoloft, and Xanax, to be used as needed. That didn't work, so he referred me to a Psychologist, who asked me in our initial interview, if I always wanted to be the best at everything I did ?
When I said yes, she declared me to be bi-polar and prescribed Lithium on top of the Zoloft. That didn't work, and she kept increasing the Lithium until I was taking over 1200mg per day. Had Lithium flowing out of my medicine cabinet.
Went back to the doctor, and said that the psychologist didn't really work out...so he placed me back on Paxil, and went from 20mg, to 40mg, finally giving up on 60 mg.
He took me off the Paxil, and put me on Effexor. The Xanax worked great, for 10 minutes, so got addicted to the Xanax. So the Doctor placed me back on Ativan, as a supplement. Same thing happened there, too.
Switched insurance carriers again, new doctor.
New doctor took me off effexor, put me back on Paxil. Didn't work, put me on Zoloft again. Didn't work.
Tried going it without any anxiety meds except for the Xanaz and then the Ativan. In the meantime, was sent to a therapist that didnt believe in using medications at all. So, I quit taking everything.
Got a new job, with a new provider, and a new doctor. He placed me back on Effexor and tried to prescribe Xanax and Ativan, but I told him that they only worked for a short period of time as far as reducing the anxiety, so he placed me on Clonazepam, proclaiming it was not as addictive as the others.
I had a blow-out at work, getting to a point that I just couldn't suppress the feelings I had been hiding, dis-connected, feeling bloated, followed by panic attacks. It was then I ended up in a screaming match with the doctor, who finally relented and referred me to a support group, overseen by a psychologist. The psychologist felt my meds were ok at that point, and said I needed the support group for therapy and regular visits to a therapist one-on-one.
Strangest thing, I ended up quitting my job, and with no insurance, stopped taking all medications. After the side-effects wore off, felt like my normal, un-anxious self again. Still had the abdominal discomfort, but all anxiety was gone.
However, we decided to move to a new State, and ended up in the Hospital there. There I was determined to have High Blood Pressure and was placed on Clonidine.
I decided to try a different clinic, since I have no insurance anymore, and that was when the doctor there sat me down and asked me why I was going though all of this medication ? He told me to take it easy and make an appointment for a complete physical, with tests to be completed relative to any probable abdominal medical problems. He said that there are instances that some abdominal medical problems DO have symptoms of anxiety. BUT, when I called to make the appointment, he had moved out of state, and the MD that took his place dismissed what the other had said, and started the medication cycle all over again.
This MD tried several different High Blood Pressure meds, with no progress. He then tried Zoloft, which didn't work. Finally, I had enough of that, and found a Doctor whose daughter was experiencing the same as I.
He stopped the Zoloft, and prescribed the Propranolol and the Clonazepham. He also tired a regiment of antibiotics, which surprisingly, worked. I remarked to my wife, how odd ! While taking the antibiotics, my anxiety was completely gone, as the abdominal pain and disturbances weakened, as well.
However, the antibiotic regiment was only for a short amount of time, and after a few weeks, the abdominal pain and disturbances came back, as did the anxiety, shortly thereafter.
Unfortunately, this MD quit practicing, and I had to find a new doctor.
With the new doctor, everything relative to the progress of the previous doctor was dismissed, and I refused to go back onto the same medications as tried before, and am sticking with the Propranolol and the Clonazepam.
Through-out the last few years, those have kept me stable, but does nothing for the abdominal disturbances. There have been instances where antibiotics were required for other ailments, and every time, when using the antibiotics, everything seems to go away.
I commented on this to my MD, but he dismisses it out-right, and I feel I am in a state of limbo.
Sorry about the length of this, but, been through a lot in 15 years. There have been additional therapists, psychologists, and Hospital visits, but here I am today...just as I was 15 years ago when this all started, but now disgruntled and extremely skeptical, and of course, depressed.
Now for those who find themselves up against this anxiety thing, I know that there is treatment and I have seen many, many people overcome this. So, I know that treatment works.
I want to stress that I have seen many people overcome thier anxiety, so I know from my long battle, that for most people it doesn't have to be a lifelong affliction.
I just feel that FOR ME, that this got started off on the wrong foot, and has stayed that way "for me". I want to stress that I have seen many people overcome their anxiety, so I know from my long battle, that it doesn't have to be a lifelong affliction.
As mentioned, I was just curious if anyone else has experienced something like I have, and what they did. BTW : the mountain climber is fine now-a-days, and back to climbing mountains.
What you describe here sounds like the common symptoms of anxiety disorder.
Abdominal pains are quite common as the first sign of anxiety which can escalate from there.
Our stomachs are quite susceptible to the effects of anxiety.
When going thru it we all feel that it's just happening to us and no one understands it. And it does sound like the doctors you have seen do not understand it.
Everyone experiences 'anxiety' and that's what they can relate to. But anxiety disorder is an entirely different thing and comparing the two is like comparing the cold virus to the AIDS viurs. They are both a virus, but hardly similiar.
Keep in mind that a doctor does not have to have anxiety disorder to treat it successfully.
You mention having tried a number of medications. Were they prescribed by a psychiatrist?
What were you diagnosed as having? It seems from what you have taken that it's a bit more complicated then anxiety disorder alone. Depression/bipolar? What were your reactions to the medications?
Abdominal pains are quite common as the first sign of anxiety which can escalate from there.
Our stomachs are quite susceptible to the effects of anxiety.
When going thru it we all feel that it's just happening to us and no one understands it. And it does sound like the doctors you have seen do not understand it.
Everyone experiences 'anxiety' and that's what they can relate to. But anxiety disorder is an entirely different thing and comparing the two is like comparing the cold virus to the AIDS viurs. They are both a virus, but hardly similiar.
Keep in mind that a doctor does not have to have anxiety disorder to treat it successfully.
You mention having tried a number of medications. Were they prescribed by a psychiatrist?
What were you diagnosed as having? It seems from what you have taken that it's a bit more complicated then anxiety disorder alone. Depression/bipolar? What were your reactions to the medications?
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