Fear brought on by test result” my chart”

[Luludean]

I have gone into total melt down. Living alone and having multiple co morbidities is terrifying ! I was moved from my trusted GP to 2 part time gps, I used to have a cardiology check then f to f every year , not been seen now for three years.

Also have various Rheumatoid arthritis diseases , biologics injections made me ill, cardiology noticed my frequent trips into A and E with UTIs after injecting and told me to ask for a “ multidisciplinary appointment”. The rheumatologist refused , so no medication for 18 months and no apointments. Last month I was “fast tracked “ for a colonoscopy “ effivient but scary experience, I was lucky , all clear. But these things take their toll on one’s resilence .

Last night I got a delayed chest x ray result from A and E, enlarged heart and various other things. Normally I deal with loneliness, ill health and one very difficult family member. I have a fitness trainer, I garden, walk and paint. I have a counsellor ….my goodness I have tried !!

But I can do no more.. I always sleep very badly but last night ( inspite of usual medication ) Persistent A F went alarming , feeling that my chest was too full , yes panic . But I can’t cope sny more, everything I trusted has been pulled from underneath me.

I know I am not the only one !

[CDreamer]

Yes it is hard coping alone with multiple chronic conditions and I empathise. Coping strategies for the fear are essential. What type of counsellor/counselling? Are they specialists in Anxiety? If they aren’t asked to be referred and I would recommend seeing a Human Givens trained Counsellor. Psychodynamic, Person Centred counselling is rarely of help, CBT will help to challenge thought patterns but there are many modalities which are more effective.

Go to the hgi.org website and read up on anxiety or read the book How to Master Anxiety by Joe Griffin, one of founders of Human Given.

Returning to enlarged heart - often uncontrolled arrhythmias lead to a stretching of the heart, there are other reasons but you need more information. Fear of the Unknown is always the worst!

Best wishes

[Luludean in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you CD dreamer. It is light and the sun is out and though I thought I wouldn’t , I survived the night. I am off to gp to ask for referrals to cardiology and rheumatology. In Addenbrookes. We will see. PALS were very helpful before the current crisis.

I can’t praise A and E highly enough !!! Yes very shocking !!! But all staff from porters to Consultants are totallly caring, intuitive, calm and cheerful in the most challenging , hideous situations !

As to counsellor , nhs one , part of ““Resolve”. Been going to her for a year , it is a very strange set up , in a very strange isolated place, quite unorthodox . No strategies , no programme . Weird empty living room , cats and knitting wools. Sweet , emotional lady but I am beginning to think needy and increasingly unstable. No help other than I go talk monotonously for an hour , play with the cats and go home. I would / will feel guilty to leave her but, I know I must. L

[CDreamer in reply to Luludean]

That really sets off alarm bells for me. Is she qualified? Is she registered? Is she insured? Ask questions! I would FIND ANOTHER!

NHS has a clear strategy for anxiety is CBT, some of which is delivered on line. CBT is behavioural, not emotional.

You can also ask for an assessment with a psychologist - you probably will have long wait, but you really should have that.

Go to the BACP site and see if you can find a local person and where you can check their qualifications, experience and speciality.