Freaking out

[royal-tea]

I went to the doctor today and got diagnosed with pneumonia - freaking out. I do t feel good. I’m scared I’m going to die. I’m scared I’m going to have an allergic reaction to the medication I took. I’m scared I’m going to wake up and be unable to breathe. I’m just literally paralyzed with fear right now and can’t shake it...please help. I could really use some encouraging words or distractions or something...

[Kat63]

I had pneumonia last summer, and it can make you feel very weak and tired. It can also last for a long time, and lessen the appetite. At least, that’s what happened to me. But although it was unpleasant, I got well - and I didn’t have any allergic reactions.

If you do believe you are having one, Call the doctor immediately and don’t take any more of that medicine.

If you believe that your anxiety is really the problem, do you know of any technique to lower your anxiety? Taking some deep breaths helps me. I also have a mindfulness meditation track on my phone that I can listen to. And when I can identify my feeling as anxiety, and just say to myself, “This is anxiety,” or “This is a panic attack,” that seems to help me.

[royal-tea]

Thanks for that Typically I do some deep breathing but it’s making me cough...

[tinkerbel19]

Hi. I dont know if this will help you. but pneumonia will not kill you. meds will make you better. yes. its a long process but you'll be fine soon. avoid smoking if you do and dont use perfumes as well. i hope you'll be okay.

[Hidden]

Take the meds and if you will have an allergic reaction it will happen within the first 30 minutes usually, don’t stress too hard about it. If it makes you feel better go sit in the ER lobby for an hour while the meds are working. It is highly unlikely you will have an adverse reaction. I know what panic feels like and it sucks, I’ve also had panic about taking meds and adverse reactions. Hang in there and get better!

[weegmack]

Did you take your meds? Are you ok?

My friend had pneumonia last November and she recovered within a couple of months. She was very poorly and was afraid to go to the GP, but once I dragged her there, she got antibiotics and started to recover. The symptoms abated fairly quickly, but tiredness was a big factor in her recovery.

I hope you’re ok. You will get better, but you must be feeling so grim xx

[royal-tea]

Thanks, everyone. I did take my meds and so far so good as far as any reaction, but still very weak and scared

[marheart]

Talk Therapists call that the "what if....."

We make up stories to try to control situations.

Sounds like you are on the right path listening to your body signals.

[royal-tea in reply to marheart]

Ooooo - I “what if” the heck out of things. If what if’s were pennies I’d be a billionaire. Any tips on how to stop this cycle?

[marheart in reply to royal-tea]

Please someone give us the path to stop the "what if...." thinking. Mindfulness says to hold up the hand like a STOP sign and yell STOP. Then replace the thought with something positive to say and go distract yourself with anything that keeps the mind busy.

Include breathing and tapping in the routine. I'm working on it. So far, still working toward success. Not there.

[royal-tea in reply to marheart]

Every step in the right direction leads to progress. We should all aim for progress...not perfection.

[marheart]

Absolutely correct! Perfection only lasts for the moment. Then life changes and we change.

I express gratitude day and night for one good thing, sometimes more.