sara103
02-19-2003, 01:50 PM
Hello everyone, I am new here and have a question.
How do you deal with constant anxiety? I mean all the time, it is there all the time and I can't seem to get rid of it! I constantly worry about everything, panic attaks, pulse rates, heart attacks I mean everything you can think of.
I am constantly taking my pulse and it (when not having an attack alway's around 60-80) alway's seems fine. I have been put on a heart monitor, had several EKG's and had an echocardigram. Every thing is normal. My blood pressure alway's run's either perfect 120/80 or 110/66. Today, though my pulse rate was down to like 54 while smoking a ciggerette ( I know that it is bad and trying to stop) doesn't that seem a little low? I just am alway's worrying about something.
Does anyone have any advice about this?
HELP!
Sara
How do you deal with constant anxiety? I mean all the time, it is there all the time and I can't seem to get rid of it! I constantly worry about everything, panic attaks, pulse rates, heart attacks I mean everything you can think of.
I am constantly taking my pulse and it (when not having an attack alway's around 60-80) alway's seems fine. I have been put on a heart monitor, had several EKG's and had an echocardigram. Every thing is normal. My blood pressure alway's run's either perfect 120/80 or 110/66. Today, though my pulse rate was down to like 54 while smoking a ciggerette ( I know that it is bad and trying to stop) doesn't that seem a little low? I just am alway's worrying about something.
Does anyone have any advice about this?
HELP!
Sara
Sponsor
nervousdave
02-20-2003, 09:32 AM
i deal w/it by reading about it.
nd
nd
rainbowbubbles
02-20-2003, 11:28 AM
I also have constant anxiety, i find that its worse when i have nothing to think about so i try to keep my mind busy with work etc, but nightime seems to be the worst i stay up for hours trying to sleep but cant as im worrying about having a heart attack or a stroke or whatever im feeling at that moment.
angel eyes
02-21-2003, 12:56 AM
yes
i too have worry for my constant companion everyday
i wake up scared to face the day and my body is revving and i feel terrorised and i dont know why
how many people have this constant anxiety and what do they do to overcome it
thank you
angel eyes
i too have worry for my constant companion everyday
i wake up scared to face the day and my body is revving and i feel terrorised and i dont know why
how many people have this constant anxiety and what do they do to overcome it
thank you
angel eyes
angel eyes
02-21-2003, 01:05 AM
yes
i too have worry for my constant companion everyday
i wake up scared to face the day and my body is revving and i feel terrorised and i dont know why
how many people have this constant anxiety and what do they do to overcome it
thank you
angel eyes
i too have worry for my constant companion everyday
i wake up scared to face the day and my body is revving and i feel terrorised and i dont know why
how many people have this constant anxiety and what do they do to overcome it
thank you
angel eyes
Jennita
02-21-2003, 02:44 PM
If you are worried about your heart, empower yourself by taking control...right now, your heart is healthy so you have an advantage. Put down the cigarettes and start going to the gym, or jog, ride a bike, lift some weights. You will feel better and have the knowledge you are insuring your heart stay healthy! Also, eat right and try to avoid all drugs if possible including OTC unless you are sick with flu or something.
NancyH
02-21-2003, 10:47 PM
I know how you feel, seems it is a shadow that follows you around everywhere, I hate it to. I read all I can on it, exercise at least 4 times a week for about 40 or so minutes, cut back on my smoking even tho I'm a light smoker I'm in the process of quiting so I'm getting into a routine now so it will fall into place eventually. I know smoking is bad and all but after 35+ yrs it isn't easy to let it go but I know I must. I figure if I can excersise and run without being short of breath I'm doing pretty good for a 55yr old so imagine what I could do as a totally non smoker!
Genevra
02-22-2003, 11:34 PM
Hello everyone,
Nice to know I'm not alone in this. I drive my husband crazy with my repeating my worries over and over again. No amount of reassurance from him seems to make me stop.
I do my best to distract myself from the obsessing. Exercise as much as my back will allow.
Genevra. :)
Nice to know I'm not alone in this. I drive my husband crazy with my repeating my worries over and over again. No amount of reassurance from him seems to make me stop.
I do my best to distract myself from the obsessing. Exercise as much as my back will allow.
Genevra. :)
pjo
02-24-2003, 12:37 PM
I dont' deal real well with my constant anxiety - that's for sure! I lay awake at night wondering if everytime my heart skips a beat I'm going to die, I worry constantly about everything. I know I drive my boyfriend crazy - he tries to reassure me that I'm OK and I don't believe him. I'm on new medication, but I still feel the anxiety all the time and wonder if I'll ever feel normal again. Even when I'm at work or doing anything to keep busy, the anxiety is always there. I just can't seem to shut off my thoughts. How does anyone deal with it?
Autumn Angel
02-24-2003, 02:41 PM
PJO..I know how you feel and everyone else too. Mine just up and went away by itself about 3 months ago. I went from having attacks every night for about 2 months...to one every week to one a month to nothing. Well nothing full blown anyway I do still get the odd feeling that one is coming but I call my mother and take half an Ativan and it stops it from becoming a full blown attack. Now when I was getting them bad every day the first thing I felt was my stomach got a but upset and a sad feeling came over me. Then the sweating and squeezing in my chest, the shortness of breath was the worst symptom of all it scared me the most. So when I felt that first symptom I took half an Ativan and called my mother or someone I could trust that knew about the anxiety and after a short talk it was gone but if I didnt catch it in time I would have to take the other half of my Ativan. Mine always hit me at night when it was dark usually the same time between 9 pm and 11 pm. I dont know why. And just as fast as they came they went away ( i hope). I hope your do the same thing and I hope your boyfriend understands that no amount of re assurance helps when we think we are dying it is very real for us even though we are in no danger. Take care of yourself.
------------------
Cheers...Autumn
Female...42
TMJD...12 years
Anxiety/Panic Attacks (cured I hope)
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Ovaries left intact due to endometrial bleeding after miscarriage (2002)
Hernia Repair(1998)
Apendectomy (infected) 1988
Just Dx with multiple ovarian cysts..having C-125 test done for possible malignancy.
21 year old daughter born with Mullerian Aplasia.
18 yr old daughter bulimia survivor.
Pain Management- Oxycontin 20mg twice a day..Percocet for bt. 2 mg Dilaudid at bedtime.
" Wishing all a pain free day"
------------------
Cheers...Autumn
Female...42
TMJD...12 years
Anxiety/Panic Attacks (cured I hope)
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Ovaries left intact due to endometrial bleeding after miscarriage (2002)
Hernia Repair(1998)
Apendectomy (infected) 1988
Just Dx with multiple ovarian cysts..having C-125 test done for possible malignancy.
21 year old daughter born with Mullerian Aplasia.
18 yr old daughter bulimia survivor.
Pain Management- Oxycontin 20mg twice a day..Percocet for bt. 2 mg Dilaudid at bedtime.
" Wishing all a pain free day"
candrews
02-24-2003, 06:10 PM
I have bad anxiety as well. Unfortunately a couple of beers seems to solve it every time. Of course I can rarely put that remedy to use. I recently got out of a long term relationship and am now living alone in a new area. This has made my anxiety much worse. Having a companion to talk to helps a lot. Also we had a dog that stayed with my exgirlfriend when we split. I found that when my anxiety was bad....I could feel better by stopping whatever I was doing and take the dog for a walk, or even just lay down and pet her for awhile. It helps to ease your mind. Also my anxiety seems worse in the evening if I have not expended much energy during the day. It's like anxiety is energy that needs released. Hope this is some help and remember you are not alone.
candrews
candrews
Zombi
02-25-2003, 07:13 AM
Well, not everyone who has written in this thread seems to have the same thing. Some have panic attacks, for instance - I've never had one, so I don't know what it's like.
I do, however, have constant anxiety. I am, and have been for as long as I remember, always afraid. Plenty of physical symptoms: extreme feeling of nervousness, jitteryness, can't sit still, and, most annoying of all (plus I never hear anybody else mention it): feeling as if some 'toxin' is flowing through the veins. I wonder whether it's adrenalin, causing that feeling? Means I have a very uncomfortable feeling in arms and hands.
I'm sighing and groaning all the time. When I wake up I have about 2 to 3 minutes respite, then it all starts again.
Have been on Paxil for years; it helped in the first years, but then after I got ill (sepsis) it became much less effective. So I'm back to trying to survive the days; can't call it 'living'. Unable to hold a job, or do any activity, at all. Also decided not to have children, because I would be unable to tace care of them. Very loving and understanding husband, but - well...this sucks, to put it very mildly.
Zombi
I do, however, have constant anxiety. I am, and have been for as long as I remember, always afraid. Plenty of physical symptoms: extreme feeling of nervousness, jitteryness, can't sit still, and, most annoying of all (plus I never hear anybody else mention it): feeling as if some 'toxin' is flowing through the veins. I wonder whether it's adrenalin, causing that feeling? Means I have a very uncomfortable feeling in arms and hands.
I'm sighing and groaning all the time. When I wake up I have about 2 to 3 minutes respite, then it all starts again.
Have been on Paxil for years; it helped in the first years, but then after I got ill (sepsis) it became much less effective. So I'm back to trying to survive the days; can't call it 'living'. Unable to hold a job, or do any activity, at all. Also decided not to have children, because I would be unable to tace care of them. Very loving and understanding husband, but - well...this sucks, to put it very mildly.
Zombi
frances harris
03-03-2003, 10:26 AM
Hi everybody
Well, where do I start, I had my first Panic/Anxiety attack a day before my 30th birthday, life hasn't been the same for me. I am in constant fear that I am going to die, i have diagnosed myself from having a brain tumor, cancer, liver problems, heart attack etc... this is so ruining my life, i have been doing athletics for 16 years, now I am afraid to even run as I feel if i push myself to far, I will have a heart attack, i get pains in my chest, near my heart, it's so frightening, my family are behind me but feel I am paranoid, but knowing is living what I am living. Night times is worse, i have to feel my pulse, or my heart just in case it stops,i thank the lord when I wake. I have an 11year old and I am really scared as she is my life and I don't want to die!!! It brings tears to my eyes as my feelings are so strong, it's taking over my whole life. I did go back training as I tried to be strong but now it's hit me again and I can't face it. I am going to try pilates tonight and see if that can help me, but if u share my thoughts, let me know, reading other people's problem is nice as I know I am not alone.
Well, where do I start, I had my first Panic/Anxiety attack a day before my 30th birthday, life hasn't been the same for me. I am in constant fear that I am going to die, i have diagnosed myself from having a brain tumor, cancer, liver problems, heart attack etc... this is so ruining my life, i have been doing athletics for 16 years, now I am afraid to even run as I feel if i push myself to far, I will have a heart attack, i get pains in my chest, near my heart, it's so frightening, my family are behind me but feel I am paranoid, but knowing is living what I am living. Night times is worse, i have to feel my pulse, or my heart just in case it stops,i thank the lord when I wake. I have an 11year old and I am really scared as she is my life and I don't want to die!!! It brings tears to my eyes as my feelings are so strong, it's taking over my whole life. I did go back training as I tried to be strong but now it's hit me again and I can't face it. I am going to try pilates tonight and see if that can help me, but if u share my thoughts, let me know, reading other people's problem is nice as I know I am not alone.
Autumn Angel
03-03-2003, 10:56 AM
Frances...what are pilates? You have the same symptoms as alot of us here. I had alot of heart related tests done when I first started getting the attacks...ECG...bloodwork and a stress test which I passed them all. I have had a chest xray and abdoninal ultrasound and a pelvic ultrasound. I also thought I had every medical condition on the planet and I have 3 daughters 21,18 and 12. My oldest lives 3 hours from me she is in college. Mine were also worse at night when it was just me and my 12 yr old daughter at home. Are you taking anything for the attacks? I would suggest Ativan it really works for me I take a half a pill when I feel an attack coming and call my mom and it always goes away and if I dont catch it in time I just take the other half a pill and it goes away. Post back and let us know how you are doing.
Autumn.
Autumn.
frances harris
03-03-2003, 12:36 PM
Hi Autumn
Thanks for your advice, Pilates is like yoga, breathing exercises and helps you relaxes, also helps those who suffers from back pain and gives you more flexiablity. As I am very active, I needed something to more calming. Autumn, just sitting here I just had a dull pain just under my arm pit and I am thinking, what now!!! I was given anti depressants but couldn't take it as it was making me moody and giving me headaches. I just went to a chemist and am going to try Kalms, if that doesn't work I will investigate more on Ativan. I wish all these dreadful thoughts will just come out of my head, i am stressed out as my mum is not well and just got over a death of my boyfriend auntie who died of breast cancer at a tender age of 38 - so you can imagine my head is doing overtime.
Please keep in contact as I long to talk to someone who can really relate and doesn't know me.
Thanks for your advice, Pilates is like yoga, breathing exercises and helps you relaxes, also helps those who suffers from back pain and gives you more flexiablity. As I am very active, I needed something to more calming. Autumn, just sitting here I just had a dull pain just under my arm pit and I am thinking, what now!!! I was given anti depressants but couldn't take it as it was making me moody and giving me headaches. I just went to a chemist and am going to try Kalms, if that doesn't work I will investigate more on Ativan. I wish all these dreadful thoughts will just come out of my head, i am stressed out as my mum is not well and just got over a death of my boyfriend auntie who died of breast cancer at a tender age of 38 - so you can imagine my head is doing overtime.
Please keep in contact as I long to talk to someone who can really relate and doesn't know me.
Jennita
03-03-2003, 05:18 PM
Warning to those taking Ativan...if you must take it, make sure it is not everyday and a very small dose. It is a benzodiazepine, and they can create awful dependancy, tolerance, and withdrawals(even while still on them if you develop tolerance or in-between doses). Very occassional use of small amounts usually are ok. The Ashton Manual explains about benzos and is free online.
nancyinnewjersey
03-04-2003, 11:38 PM
I think it's interesting that a lot of you who have health-related anxieties cope with them by reading about them. I've found that to be my biggest enemy! In the past I ran to the Internet to research every ache and pain (my internist calls this a "cyberchondriac"!) I've found that NOT reading about every possible scenario is best for me... that, and taking my Paxil. Good luck!
rob71
03-11-2003, 10:06 PM
ive had anxiety for almost 20 yrs. i was put on medication at first. Now i find that trying to find the source of it and realizing that im being irrational about the fears i feel helps, along with breathing techniques and meditation. i still have attacks but not nearly as much. Hope i could be some help.
Hotdog
03-12-2003, 11:42 PM
I've also suffered from anxiety for over 20 years, and have been making a real effort for the last 5 years to deal with it. I have taken relaxation courses and meditation courses (including a Meditation for Health course based on a program designed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn), and make an effort to do some type of meditation/relaxation every day. This is not a quick fix, and requires a commitment, but I really believe that it's made a significant difference in my life in terms of dealing with anxiety. The anxiety is still there, but I find I have more strength now to deal with it.
crazydays
03-16-2003, 06:29 PM
I, too, have constant anxiety - the generalized kind, just always waiting on something bad to happen. Buspar is helpingme for now, and a PRN xanax on really bad days, also, reading as much as you can to help in creating ways to cope with the anxiety will help. remeber, whatever the stress is, you always have options - this is my mantra