Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia

[Lanakay]

I am now down to 4mg with only a few aches and pains. My problem is that I wake up with such anxiety for the last week or so. My geriatric psychiatrist tells me to set an alarm and take a lorazepam early so it is working by the time I get up. I had planned to go with my daughters to Memphis, Tennessee to visit my grandson next week but have already told them I’m not going. I’m sure it would have been a wonderful trip. My grandkids are all grown and have other plans so it would have been just mi 50ish daughters and me. This morning I took 2 Lorazepam (1mg each) to even be able to write this. I will call my psychiatrist tomorrow and I have an appointment Tuesday with my regular doctor who is managing my PMR. I have been plagued with anxiety since menopause. It comes and goes. It is just very unfortunate for me that it has come right now. I am able to work part time at a clothing store. It’s my retirement job and I do enjoy it. Have been there for about 6 years. I started with 20mg prednisone when I was diagnosed in September 2017. I do think I had it for sometime before that. I’m rambling. So sorry. It’s just nobody in my family really understands this evil PMR. Thank you for being here.

[Rose54]

Hi

Dont now if it helps but during the 4 years I have had PMR I have had anxiety on and off

It was really bad for a few weeks recently mostly due to having had a Heart Attack

I have found that Mindfulness, Meditation and Tia Chi helps .

Facing this helps as well so I made myself go out even if it was a short walk each day. When at home and anxiety hit me I would just sit and practice deep breathing to it subsided .

I do realize it does not work for everybody but it may help a bit .

Good Luck

[Lanakay in reply to Rose54]

Thank you so much fo your reply. My family tries but they just don’t understand like the folks who have lived with this. I had a a bad case of diverticulitis with an abscess and a perforation in April and was hospitalized. Those strong antibiotics really took their toll on me. I guess I’m afraid of that happening again too. I really appreciate your respite.

[SheffieldJane]

That is a miserable state of affairs Lanakay. The trouble is, giving in to the anxiety makes our world just get smaller and smaller. I can be preparing for a trip for months, looking forward to it, packing and preparing then wham! a few days before and I really don’t want to go. I have lost touch with friends this way but I am determined not to lose my children and grandchildren. I am able to take myself firmly by the hand, switch on to automatic and make myself go - after all I’ve planned for every eventuality already. I just ignore the unhelpful little voice that grumbles on, trying to convince me that it is pointless to go. I promise myself time away from everybody once there, sometimes, to recharge my batteries - they have to accept that bit. I need my own room and bathroom - I contrive to arrange that. Invariably, it’s not what I dread and I end up being glad I’m there, rather than feeling guilty and depressed at home.

A cognitive behavioural psychologist might be of more help to you than a psychiatrist . Psychiatrist’s tend to think in terms of drugs whereas CBT gives you strategies to cope and manage your feelings.

I agree that having a chronic illness compounds all of this. However, we need diversion, change and loved ones more than ever. 🌷

[Lanakay in reply to SheffieldJane]

I have agreed to the CBT it’s just a matter of arranging it. I live in a rural area and have to go to the city for everything. I’d like to find a place I can drive to. I don’t do much city driving anymore. Thank you for your reply. It sure helps to talk with people who “get it.”

[Mary63]

I know you have big history with anxiety and depression, but did you realise one of the big symptoms with adrenal insufficiency is anxiety, and it might be that causing you to be more anxious at the moment. Not sure if that helps.

[Joaclp]

Like Mary63, i experience anxiety attacks as part of adrenal insufficiency. I wonder if you had pred raised when you were hospitalized with illness, you may have added stress. Your gp could address the adrenal issues and possible testing. You have my empathy re your anxiety and agoraphobia. It is so scary. Xx

[teesher]

Hi Lanakay, so sorry you are suffering. PMR really can be quite a beast. One of the posters on here, a lady called Bonnie gave us her website. I find it very helpful when feeling stressed.

sites.google.com/a/apps.hop...

You don't have to do anything apart from lie down comfortably and listen to her soothing voice. Hope it helps.

[Lanakay in reply to teesher]

I don’t seem to be able to get to the site you suggested. I get to the page you suggested and then can’t click on anything. Help!

[HeronNS in reply to Lanakay]

I went to the site, looks like you have to download. If you don't see any little down arrows try a different browser or even a different device.

[Lanakay in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you!

[teesher in reply to Lanakay]

Click on the down arrows at the far right of each section. It then downloads to your computer. Hope that helps.

[Lanakay in reply to teesher]

Oh, DUH! Silly me. I’m doing this on my phone and didn’t see the arrows. Thank you! Thank you! This is wonderful!

[Lanakay in reply to teesher]

Woke up this morning feeling my usual terrible. Thought I was either having a panic attack or a stroke. Got through just two of the relaxation techniques you sent me and I’m feeling much better. Thank you, thank you. I have them in my saved file. I think I will start the day with a couple of these exercises and hopefully get past the morning terrors.

[Hidden in reply to Lanakay]

That"s a really good start! Get that CBT arranged so you can help yourself if you can't listen. 👍

[Lanakay in reply to Hidden]

Will do!👍

[Lanakay]

Thank you, everybody! It is such a comfort to talk with people who understand what’s happening. You all will never know How much I appreciate your replies.

[powerwalk]

I find myself with awful anxiety too. I wake up quite suddenly like a jolt of fear going through me. I don't know if it's a physical thing or a mental thing with me. I'm finding I'm totally unable to taper even. I've been on 4.5 forever. I slightly increased as I've been breaking so awful. I just don't know where all this ends. You are not alone feeling "off"

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with the others who have mentioned poor adrenal function - and to be honest I think continuing to reduce after you were in hospital may have led to this. It takes a long time to get over the stress of even just being in hospital with some things, your experience will take months to get over fully.

[Noosat]

In June I had to go to hospital and stay overnight, due to fainting etc. Found it was a gastric ulcer. It made me feel very depressed. My antidote is exercise, walking mainly. It seems, for me, that if my body moves it stimulates the good "juices." Please don't let this horrible disease keep you away from family gatherings. Once there, you will enjoy and have support. Don't envision the negatives, just put on those shoes and go.