should I demand tests? - Panic Disorders Message Board

worrywort · 10-19-2003, 08:09 PM

Should I demand a test be done if the doctor doesn't order one? don't you think they would want to calm your fears and anxiety? what do you think? I have a doc appt on tuesday and I would like a couple tests done, the only thing they have done is blood work and an ekg(I asked for that) they think since I am 25 I don't have real problems besides my anxiety. thanks for any info or advice. have a great day.

elflike · 10-19-2003, 10:24 PM

Hey,
Well i guess it depends on how worried you are. You know stressing about every body ache is a part of having anxiety disorder. Do you think you would be helping yourself more to try and work through this un-needed stress, instead of succumbing to it and getting these tests? Just an idea, you know i'm no doc..lol!!!
If you are really worried and you feel there is a problem that should get tested, then ask for it. You know you are probably ok, but if it gives you piece of mind that go for it.
Good luck and take care.
I never realized we were so close in age :-)
Court

DawnMarie1978 · 10-19-2003, 11:37 PM

worrywort. I think you should make a list of the tests you feel are absolutely necessary give them to your doctor and ask why he wont test you for each to comfort you. The EKG showed them that there has been no damage to your heart. It kind of gives them a brief history for your heart. The blood tests checked imbalances and checked for thyroid. There are a couple other things that can mimic panic but they are all highly treatable and or curable. Anxiety always has its own signs. It isnt that the doctor doesnt care its just that anxiety disorders are on a serious rise lately. And all panic sufferers want tests. Dont get caught up in the trap of thinking its medical illness if its not. Some people do this for years or a lifetime instead of turning around and saying OK this is anxiety what can I do to take care of myself and face my fears so that they will go away. There is nothing wrong with a fast heart. But the one test of reassurance I might recommend is Holter just like I had. It records 24 hours of your heart rate. When you where it if you dont panic everyday try to give yourself a panic attack so it is on record. You have to be brave but this should give you reassurance. I am almost confident you will receive results of tachycardia (fast heart rate) but that there is nothing else wrong such as irregularities. Just do what you need to do and then stop. Some people search for a lifetime for an answer that was there all along.

DawnMarie1978 · 10-20-2003, 12:17 AM

worrywort

Didnt you just start on the same med I did? How are you doing? Tell me about your side affects how your feeling emotionally and physically? Do you think you can tolerate the couple of weeks of side affects until it starts to help you?

lori j · 10-20-2003, 01:14 AM

I read that you just started prozac last sunday. I started lexapro a week before that, will be 2 weeks today (monday) and I've been having rapid heart rate too, could be a side affect from getting used to the new med or just plain old panic/anxiety attack. I had myself all pshyched up too, but once I read that a lot of people on here have rapid pulse & heart beat, I settled down about it & realized that I was building myself up for the vicious circle of worrying & then the rapid heart & then worrying some more & it just goes round & round, so I relaxed & told myself it was just panic & it's much better already, just knowing that.