Anxiety Woes

[Dumbles]

Hi

I'm new here and I'm really struggling with Anxiety. It all began about a month ago when I had chest pains for 2 days. I went into the emergency drop in at the hospital in my local town and they told me it was just Muscular pain. I thought it was very odd that it would just come on all of a sudden. And so my road to Anxiety began. The next day the pain got better but it returned the day after (Which of course sent my brain into overdrive) It was then that I made an appointment with my local GP, He confirmed that it was probably just muscular. I had the pain for 7 days in total. on the 7th day I had a complete melt down, My chest was extremely tight, I had pain down my left arm and thought I was having a heart attack, I Rang 111 and described the symptoms, Naturally they sent an ambulance and a first responder. It was the most frightening experience of my life. Turns out it was a panic attack. As a result, I now have horrendous Anxiety. I went back to my local GP and was given some 80mg Half beta blockers, slow release. I have been instructed to take one before bed every night. However, I'm a bit concerned that they might lower my Heart beat too much. Normally at about 14:00hrs My heart is beating more normally and so I don't want to lower it even more while I'm asleep. Every morning I wake up with my heart racing again and it takes a good few hours to bring it back down again, I feel very tense and on edge for most of the day. My wife has booked us our first abroad family holiday with our 2 children in June, I'm petrified that I'm not going to have this under control before then. Also the Fear of flying and the worry that the Kids might freak out on the plane, or someone gets Ill is all really playing on my mind (Thanks Anxiety) I'm also not eating properly and have lost lots of weight. I'm just so scared all of the time

[Hidden]

No doubt this was traumatic. No doubt you wonder how things will ever be balanced again. So many here including my self deal with anxiety so you’re in good company here.

Did the doc explain how the meds work to you? These meds help change the way you’ll respond to anxiety and can reduce intensity and lessen physical effects. These will only lower blood pressure if you already have bradycardia or on other meds that lower blood pressure.

Keep a journal of your anxiety while on the medication, keep in contact with your doctor. Look for non medicated options as well for helping you manage and cope daily, you’re even having with the anxiety over taking the meds, so you can help further manage by learning strategies that can help you better deal with this. Exercise, eating well, deep breathing, practice mindfulness and acceptance, relaxing techniques, counseling, etc.

[Dumbles in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply. Ive just downloaded the insight timer app and im listening to some calming anxiety meditation. Will take my first dose of tablets tonight and see how I get on

Thank you

[Amy615]

I can relate to u so much...its more than 2 yrs ive been suffering but ive tried my best nt to start medication and delay it as much as possible...i try diff techniques like trying to keep myself busy or do things that give me happiness and alwys make plans ahead so that i have happy moments to look forward to...i ws v anxious regarding my childs health as well..bt u cn overcome by being strong n frm inside...jst think nothing will happen..all will b fine at the end...u will hv a wonderful trip with memories...tc

[Dumbles in reply to Amy615]

I took the first tablet on wednesday night and yes, they have been working. However, they are making me feel dizzy / faint around the same time every day. I force breakfast down and by 10:00 I start to feel dizzy. I spoke to the doctor last night and she recomended I stick with it over the weekend and see if my body adapts. I dont know if its low blood pressure or low blood sugar. I was sat in mcdonald yesterday forcing chips, donught and coke into me. It didnt seem to help too much, but what did, was standing up and walking around, despite feeling like I was going to pass out. I certainly wasnt anxious about it so the tablets are working haha.

[Dumbles in reply to Dumbles]

So just to update this, im having to stop the medication. I cant deal with the side affects. Today I nearly passed out again. I dont know if its because I havent been eating enough due to lack of appetite or if its the drugs or a combination of both. (Never had this feeling until I took the tablets) I feel like im trying to breath with a plastic bag over my head. It often feels like my heart is going to stop because its beating alot less (probably wouldnt but it feels like that if I give in and let drop even further) which then causes me to take a bigger breather to raise my heart rate. At times I find it quite hard to find a pulse, its very faint. Its quite hard to explain. I rang 111 today and they advised that I go to the local emergency drop in. I did and explained to the dr my symptoms and he recommended that I continue if they were working. I just cant, the side effects are too much. I will speak to my local dr on monday and see what they say.

[Agora1 in reply to Dumbles]

Hi Dumbles, I certainly agree with you as we need to be our own advocates

at times. I too am on blood pressure medication. Rather than the dose being

upped, my doctor switched the time I take it. Which has worked well...except

when I am under immense stress then b/p shoots up drastically. I'm kind of in

that same stalemate right now. If the doctor doubles the dose, my b/p will drop

too low since my regular pressure is great.

Good Luck Monday, please let me know what your doctor has to say. xx