Unrelenting panic!

[Catholicnerd]

Hi everyone.  For the past week and a half I have been dealing with unrelenting panic.  I truly mean unrelenting, as it has been a problem for 10 or more hours a day.  I've been fighting severe nasal congestion for over a month and I've been on a corticosteroid spray for the last three weeks, but my doctor doesn't think that the spray is producing these side effects.  Something's up.  My brain is sending me a pretty unspecific feeling that something is wrong and it's had dreadful manifestations.

My mind has truly turned in on itself, and I've been wondering about how I truly understand language (am I intelligent or merely a parrot who has learned keystrokes and sounds?), how I can truly know who I am with certainty, and perhaps the most worrisome fear of all is that these thoughts are indicative of a more serious condition like dementia or a prion disease.  I understand that everyone may have an existential crisis at some point in their lives, but to have it for weeks on end, almost 10 hours a day?!?!?!?!?!  How do you deal with this? I'm embarrassed to talk to my doctor about it before my appointment this coming Friday, but I'm really not sure that I can make it until then.  Is it worth the crushing expense of an urgent care visit to be seen before then?

[Catholicnerd]

Thank you all for your input.  On Monday afternoon my doctor put me on Attivan, at least long enough to last me through my appointment on Friday.  He also graciously referred me to a psychiatrist in town, and I have had two appointments with my psychologist.  I'm thankful for the advice to speak up.  

My obsessive thoughts about being infected with a prion disease haven't vanished in the slightest bit, but I have at least been able to join my family for meals (prior to that I'd gone without eating, terrified under the covers), make all the final preparations to begin my new job next Monday,  and take walks with my wife in the evenings.  

I feel like a walking shadow or a shade right now. I can only hope that my psychologist is right in saying that I am a building simply in need of some shoring up, medicinally and with cognitive therapy: therapy being new concrete and medication being the wooden frame that will be in place long enough for the concrete to harden.

[cnote]

Anxiety has MANY sypmtoms. And one symptom is "mind chatter" and "obsessive thoughts" "strange thoughts". These are all common symptoms of anxiety.

Going to the Dr. is a great thing. He will be able to determine whether its anxiety or not, which I'm sure that's all it is.

Panic attacks usually don't last 10 hours, anxiety can last hours, days, weeks, months... however long you allow it.... and it's hard to "make it stop." Sometimes you need a little extra help from the Dr.

Dr's know best. So trust your Dr.

Also, therapy is GREAT! =)

Learn to control those thoughts. Cognitive therapy.

Good luck. Don't waste your time going to an urgent care facility... they'll do blood tests... and send ya home just telling you you have anxiety or maybe even nothing.

A Dr. will sit down, talk to you, make notes... and reschedule to see you again for a follow up.

You can wait it out. You'll make it just fine.

Good luck. Ask any questions! =)

[trish2828]

I think I am going to stop taking flonase right away!  I went on that web-site and it is amazing all the side effects people are saying they have from it!!  I have had a constant cough and anxiety for 3 years!!! Guess how long I have been taking Flonase??  Why don't doctors know this???  My doctor has never mentioned that my anxiety could be a side effect.  I am so thankful for your blog.  I hope that this helps me!  Thanks again.

[Beewoman]

****and then you have to add the com bit at the end.  Hopefully they won't take out this bit!  We'll get there in the end!

[Beewoman]

It's ****************, then paste in the rest.  A big coincidence isn't it?

[trish2828]

I am also taking flonase and have anxiety!  How do I get this website??

[Beewoman]

http://www.****************/Anxiety_with_Flonase__t140759.html
Paste this link into your browzer and notice that others using the same spray have had anxiety too!

[ACG33]

Panic Attacks don't last 10 hours. You're suffering severe OCD thoughts though apparently. All those strange thoughts are merely manifesting in a way as a mechanism to cope with your anxiety. I wouldn't waste my money on the urgent help center. I don't think they'll provide you with the treatment that perhaps you need.

[lynn57]

I know it may be expensive if you have no insurance but the ER can really help.  If they give you ativan and the panic goes away, it will be worth the relief.  Also it will help to know there are meds to help.  I know it seems like there is nothing that could make you feel better but there is.  Good Luck.

[lowT]

Dont be embarrassed i'm sure it's nothing your Dr hasn't heard before.
Don't worry you'll make it to friday, i had the same thought myself before i saw my Dr but i made it and you will too.
If you find you really cant make it to friday then it is worth the expense of the urgent care visit.