Well, the Stress test, EKG and Blood work were Negative, still...

[NorthernRC]

I went to my primary care Doctor two weeks ago about my anxiety. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack or stroke! I had ended up in the emergency room twice in the last week with Chest pains, shortness of breath, generalized muscle pains. They hooked me to an EKG machine and did all sorts of blood work.  My doctor looked at me and said "You just not going to be happy until we do a stress test!" I meekly agreed. I had the test this morning and....Nothing, no signs of cardiac problems. The doctor told me to loss some weight  and exercise every day and sent me on my way. I should feel relieved but it hard to let go. Sometimes my anxiety becomes a crutch, in a way. Even though it an unwelcome visitor, anxiety can be hard to let go. I feel almost disappointed that there's nothing wrong. It almost seems like I could except it more if it was real. Does anyone else have similar experiences?

[alexiel]

i know what you mean when you say you almost with something WAS wrong. at least then you'd have an explaination! for me, i honestly feel the happiest i have ever been. i have NOTHING to be stressed about for once, and yet i have this problem.

[apple]

I wish the doctor could find something else wrong with me...then I could get it fixed.

But this is almost like an uncurable desiese...We have ANXIETY and that is a fact, and the fact is, there SEEMS to be no cure, only different meds and therapy to help elleviate the symptoms

Also...if we could say I have Cancer...then everyone would be completely understanding.  It would be okay if we slept too much or felt sh*tty, people would be bending over backwards to help us if we needed or leave us alone if we needed!!!

Sorry it just wasn't what you wanted...no one like "anxiety" but it is real.

Apple

[alexiel]

apple and michelle, you both make some awesome points! i find no one understands anxiety/panic unless they live it. and that is too bad.

[NorthernRC]

Thanks for all of your advice and insight! Some times it's hard to accept Anxiety as the disease it is. We're so used to diseases being physiological. It's especial hard for most of the men out there. We've been tough to be strong and stand up to the beating that life dishes out. But I'm learning!

[craynation]

t has happened to all of us.... i was sure i had MS.... and i dont have anything bt GAD.... i had the sam thought you are having

[NorthernRC]

Thanks for the support. I think I could ride out most of the physical symptoms if I didn't have this overall feeling of doom. I still think I'm dying of some sort of Cardiac Condition, even though all of the test have been negative. I just feel down today about my health and my financial situation. Both are fine but I can't convince myself of that.

[apple]

Do you ever NEED someone to validate you?  Verify that things really are ok?  That YOU are ok?  I do...its hard to believe myself...

[GMan86]

I think I need to get some tests done, lol

[lilvanillachica1]

i need people to validate that im okay. i cant believe myself either. its to hard too. i get slightly disapionted to in a weird way when the doctor finds nothing wrong. b/c like everyone has said atleast thered be an explanation for this all.
why is it so hard to accept anxiety as an explanation?
i hope your feeling better northern! i havent seen you post lately!
courtney

[jasonm]

I found it a relief that I have GAD.  To me that, that was enough to feel like I'm not just some miserable person that's overly moody and selfish.  When medicated, I feel like my self, or more accurately, like I know I should have all along.  I'm working on breathing, which helps some of the more physical signs and I'm getting meds for the chemical problems.  sure, it may never be fixed 100%, but I don't care.  I finally have something I can fight, and for now at least, thats enough for me.

[lilvanillachica1]

jason,
im so jealous! lol i wish i could think like that. by the way what medicine are you taking?
courtney

[GMan86]

Good for you Jason. 

[NorthernRC]

Sorry all, I haven't been posting as much lately. I've been in a real bad place with my anxiety. I'm popping two to three xanax a day just to keep the edge off. Between being laid off, dealing with bad financial problems, further (imagined) health concerns and more (real ) health concerns with the baby, I've had a hard time keeping my head above water. I've broken into full fledged health anxiety , worrying constantly about heart attacks, strokes, and death through sleep apnea (?). Luckily I think I'm starting to comedown. I haven't reverted to tobacco and I stopped the alcohol again a few days ago. I'm planning on going back on the diet and hitting the gym tomorrow, that seems to help some.

[GMan86]

What kind of diet are you on when you are working out, if you don't mind me asking?

[NightOwl]

I feel the same way.  I had barium x-rays because of my acid reflux problems that are terrible.  They said they found no ulcers, no cancer, nothing.  I was disappointed.  Obviously I did NOT want cancer.  But I wanted something minor that could be treated easily and fix my problems.  Acid reflux is terrible, going along with my anxiety.... because that is another reason NOT to eat much, and thus more reason for me to lose weight.

But anyway so I understand how you feel.  Sometimes it feels like physical things may be better, but I still am hoping and praying I dont get any major physical problems.  And I also understand the anxiety as a crutch comment too.  Sometimes I feel GUILTY if I feel good.  So I must feel like I deserve feeling like crap all the time, subconsciously.

[apple]

I'm sorry northern about your job.  have you told your doctor about your anxiety and the xanax needing it so much?  Maybe you are ok doing what your doing or maybe theres another med.

Rooting for you hun!!