This is insane..

[AbnormallyAnxious]

I overheard 2 women at school on Monday. One of the women was talking to the other about how doctors don't find heart problems. She was disappointed. She was telling her that her husband was in the e.r due to chest pain while he was outside snowing, and when he got there they told him there's nothing wrong with his heart. A couple days later he returned with an actual heart attack. The women was furious complaining about the doctors being pointless if they couldn't even catch his blocked artery the first time he went.
I was at the dentist yesterday in the waiting room waiting for my turn. I got bored so I picked up a magazine, even though I was not at ease mentally or physically and didn't feel like reading at all. I went to the table of contents and saw a section involving anxiety, so I jumped to it. Hoping it will help me in some way. In the end I regretted ever opening the article. I started reading about worry and anxiety and I came across a statement saying women worry about cancer when they have a highly bigger chance of getting heart disease.
You can imagine how the above made me feel and what it made me think..

Oh and btw, I have 10 cavities and 3 root canals..

No matter where I turn, I get punched so hard in the face. And I swear guys, I feel TERRIBLE right now. I'm thinking I have valve prolapse from the fast heart rate I've had for months. I have sharp chest pains right on top of the heart area and on the upper left chest as well, and my left arm is weak. This is not normal.. Last night I awoke about 7 times for no reason. I'll be sleeping then I'll find myself awake, eyes open and alert with a feeling that I didn't even sleep. I felt like I just closed my eyes for a while and didn't go into deep sleep yet. Very frustrating being awoken many times during the night AND early morning, without even knowing why. And yesterday I was exhausted (I have been getting only 7 hours these past 2 days when I usually get 9) , going to sleep I was certain I wouldn't awake until my alarm rung. Turns out when I really needed the sleep it was disrupted too many times..

I came back from the dentist 2 hours ago, feeling like crap physically and mentally but trying to get my mind off that. I got on my laptop and launched IMVU to have some fun, and while logging in I had a dizzy spell. My vision wasn't blurry but I just automatically swayed left to right there there in my seat. My head moved on it's own and I couldn't stop it. The last thing I want to be is dizzy, and now things are getting there..

 I had a filling done. My mouth is numb it's noon and i'm not supposed to be eating anything even though I'm starving. Plus I feel pain within the 2 teeth they worked with, I think I shouldn't be feeling any pain.. I didn't feel any pain BEFORE going to the dentist.

And the fact I'm sleepy right now is freaking me out..

Thanks to those who read this.. 

[AbnormallyAnxious]

I feel like I could fall any moment. I am sleepy I am exhausted I've got this pain in the hole in the middle of my chest and back. I can't concentrate and my awareness level has decreased dramatically. I feel unconscious. I feel very anxious.. I'm not at ease I just want to scream and run I'm afraid I'll lose my mind my behavior has changed like it has never before..

This time I'm certain my heart is not functioning properly and that's why I'm getting these  physical & mental symptoms. It's probably not pumping properly and that's why I feel unaware/unconscious. I'm begging to lose my memory as well. I want to cry.

[Evap]

You just need to calm down and see that you really aren't dying at this very moment. You're focusing on your symptoms and making them worse. I'm currently fighting chest pains too, and it's honestly terrifying. Every time I get a sharp pain or ache in my chest I get ready to deal with a heart attack. And it never comes. I just keep panicking until my body gets too tired and runs out of adrenaline.

If you are 100% sure you are having a SERIOUS problem, you should schedule am appointment with your PCP instead of posting here.

[LindaRK]

Your anxiety is just majorly hyped up .....

The person you heard talking about her hubby in ER?  You're focusing on this particular person's experience.  Let's think about how many people go to the ER with chest pain and it IS anxiety and nothing more. 

The article you read on anxiety?  Sometimes I find it's best to just let that stuff go and not read it.  All it does is intensify what's already going on. You're living anxiety.  What more do you really need to know about it from a magazine article?  They are all pretty much the same and generally, they talk about very basic anxiety, not like alot of people on the forum are experiencing.  If you want to read something educational and useful about anxiety, read an AMA magazine about studies and trials.

Right now you're feeding your anxiety.  You probably know this, don't you?  What do you do for fun?  Do you have any hobbies?  Family?  Friends?  Do you have a job?  It's VERY important for people with anxiety to keep ourselves mentally and physically stimulated on a fairly constant basis.  That's right - "busy" ness ..... as simple as that sounds, it does a world of good in helping to manage anxiety and allows our brain to rest so that when and if anxiety symptoms arise, we're better equipped to manage it.

[kmwondering]

Your heart has checked out. You have an anxiety problem. The sooner you recognize that and seek help the better off you will be

[Hohum]

It sounds like you're in a rough patch right now. We all have them - those days, weeks or even months when the anxiety just won't go away and it feels like everything which surrounds you is reinforcing your fears. Sometimes it feels like the anxiety will never end, which it sounds like where you're coming from right now.

Heart-related HA can be especially tough as so many symptoms of heart problems are also the symptoms of extremely heightened or prolonged anxiety. Don't underestimate the effect that anxiety can have on the body. I remember going through a bad patch myself around a year ago and I felt like I'd been hit by a freight train when I finally moved on from it.

Try to remember that the only person making you feel this way is you. This website is a great source of support, but in the end we have to be our own advocates. Eventually you have to say "enough is enough" and step back from the edge so you can view your problems more rationally. It's hard to do, but does get easier with practice!!

[AbnormallyAnxious]

All I have is GED classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9AM-12PM.

And what I carry in my head is my heart has been affected from my resting heart rate of 80-100.

+ I don't think a heart should be in the 100's when doing something as simple as walking.. (mines is)

[kmwondering]

and your medical basis for that opinion is what? unfounded.

[gcalex]

Have you read any books yet on cognitive behavioral therapy?  Did you try any of the natural treatments thought to help calm down the nervous system i previously recommended? 

[Katiex0]

You will get through this hun. Try and not to think about it. I know that is easier said then done but my therapist tells me that when those anxious thoughts come into my mind replace it with another.

[LindaRK]

Appears you're back on the heart rate issue again when you've been told over and over and over by members of the forum that it's within the normal range.

As gcalex said - what are you doing to treat your anxiety?  Forget the heart issue - I really don't think you have one either.  It's anxiety.  Sorry to be so blunt.

[AbnormallyAnxious]

and your medical basis for that opinion is what? unfounded.

What do you mean?

[AbnormallyAnxious]

Have you read any books yet on cognitive behavioral therapy?  Did you try any of the natural treatments thought to help calm down the nervous system i previously recommended?

No I didn't I couldn't find any in my local library. What natural treatments did you recommend? I tried chamomile and ginger tea, no effect.

[AbnormallyAnxious]

You will get through this hun. Try and not to think about it. I know that is easier said then done but my therapist tells me that when those anxious thoughts come into my mind replace it with another.

It's not just anxious thoughts I'm dealing with. If that was the only problem I would be way better right now.

[AbnormallyAnxious]

Appears you're back on the heart rate issue again when you've been told over and over and over by members of the forum that it's within the normal range.

As gcalex said - what are you doing to treat your anxiety?  Forget the heart issue - I really don't think you have one either.  It's anxiety.  Sorry to be so blunt.

I'm pretty sure your resting heart rate is under 80 and is not in the 100's when you are doing something as simple as walking or walking up stairs.

[gcalex]

Have you read any books yet on cognitive behavioral therapy?  Did you try any of the natural treatments thought to help calm down the nervous system i previously recommended?

No I didn't I couldn't find any in my local library. What natural treatments did you recommend? I tried chamomile and ginger tea, no effect.

There are online resources, if you google CBT or even look at the stickies on top I am sure you will find some.  You might consider l-theanine, or a product called Pharma GABA, or passionflower tea.  These are stronger than chamomile.  Also ashwagandha is said to be calming but I have not tried it myself.  I would take supplemental magnesium too, most diets are deficient.  Read up on these things before you try them, they are generally considered safe but I am not in a position to give medical advice.

[sassparella]

Appears you're back on the heart rate issue again when you've been told over and over and over by members of the forum that it's within the normal range.

As gcalex said - what are you doing to treat your anxiety?  Forget the heart issue - I really don't think you have one either.  It's anxiety.  Sorry to be so blunt.

I'm pretty sure your resting heart rate is under 80 and is not in the 100's when you are doing something as simple as walking or walking up stairs.

80 resting heartrate is fine it comes within the 60-100 that is considered normal. Also you should factor in the fact that you are anxious and constantly checking your pulse as this puts it up anyway. To get a true resting heart rate you need to be completely relaxed. Also if you walk, especially up stairs of course it will go up and again it will go up further because you are fixating on it and taking your pulse.

[AbnormallyAnxious]

Have you read any books yet on cognitive behavioral therapy?  Did you try any of the natural treatments thought to help calm down the nervous system i previously recommended?

No I didn't I couldn't find any in my local library. What natural treatments did you recommend? I tried chamomile and ginger tea, no effect.

There are online resources, if you google CBT or even look at the stickies on top I am sure you will find some.  You might consider l-theanine, or a product called Pharma GABA, or passionflower tea.  These are stronger than chamomile.  Also ashwagandha is said to be calming but I have not tried it myself.  I would take supplemental magnesium too, most diets are deficient.  Read up on these things before you try them, they are generally considered safe but I am not in a position to give medical advice.

I don't want to be taking any medication. I'm not sure what those things are exactly. And how can they help me? I don't get panic attacks so my mind isn't totally out of control for me to have to relax it.

[AbnormallyAnxious]

Appears you're back on the heart rate issue again when you've been told over and over and over by members of the forum that it's within the normal range.

As gcalex said - what are you doing to treat your anxiety?  Forget the heart issue - I really don't think you have one either.  It's anxiety.  Sorry to be so blunt.

I'm pretty sure your resting heart rate is under 80 and is not in the 100's when you are doing something as simple as walking or walking up stairs.

80 resting heartrate is fine it comes within the 60-100 that is considered normal. Also you should factor in the fact that you are anxious and constantly checking your pulse as this puts it up anyway. To get a true resting heart rate you need to be completely relaxed. Also if you walk, especially up stairs of course it will go up and again it will go up further because you are fixating on it and taking your pulse.

It's hard! Just THINKING of my heart/pulse puts it up.

[sixpack]

you amaze me.  you ask for help then get some suggestions and then you find ways to shoot them down or not acknowledge them.

the things gcalex mentioned are herbs or vitamin type supplements.  You didn't even acknowledge the CBT things he mentioned.

none of us can do this for you.  you have to decide to do it.  you have to take the initiative to learn about these things.  NOTHING, NOTHING is going to be handed you on a silver platter and then all of a sudden your problems are solved.   

again, AGAIN, AGAIN this will take MONTHS of YOU making a commitment to getting better, using the tools over and over and expanding on them before you begin to even see the light at the end of the tunnel.   THIS isn't going to be you asking us for help/suggestions, followed by you not doing any of the suggestions and then you continuing in your reactive habits and then lamenting that you are not better.   THIS is the unhealthy cycle you are in.  We can't break that cycle.  If you don't break that cycle, it isn't going to impact our lives only yours.

Do what you KNOW you have to do.  Take responsiblity for getting better then get started with it. 


You know right now in my life I have a bowl full of rotten cherries.  My hubs has a diagnosis that we are working on addressing, my mother had a stroke and is on a ventilator and we have to decide whether to continue with the ventilator.  She is GRAVELY ill.  I mean at death's door gravely ill.  I have another daughter who needs to see a rheumatologist.  ANother child that may need testing to see why she hasn't gotten a menstrual cycle at 16.  My eldests seizures are not getting better AND dealing with lice in the house for a month now( sort of like the nastiest cherry).............    AND guess what?  I'm having all kinds of weird body sensations.  Even my right eye is giving me problems.  Most if not all of this stuff is going to end up being directly related to all of the stress I'm going through.  Luckily I can see that.  While it can be difficult,  I am not fixating on these things.  I've learned a thing or two in my years.  If I chose to, I could very easily indulge all of those symptoms, like you are doing and just end up in Catastrophicville.  But how that would help me or my husband or my mother or my children?   

How is that helping you?   The only difference between you and me is that I've learned what anxiety does to people.  I can see the triggers.  I can see the stresses.  I have chosen the proactive habits.  In your case your endlessly reinforcing your triggers and faulty thinking.  You fixate on your pulse (that is, sorry, but NORMAL)or some other heart thing and have decided it is dangerous.  You accept only what your faulty thinking tells you.  You are in the endless loop.  AND as I mentioned at the top of my post here, you discard or ignore any suggestions given you to get you better.  You seem to expect that it will go away by merely wanting it to.   But it doesn't nor will it ever work that way.

do you not think you deserve better than what you are telling yourself?

[gcalex]

AA you aren't going to get better monitoring your pulse, writing on AZ and waiting for divine intervention.  If you WANT to get better, you are going to have to take steps, and listen to people instead of fighting everything they say to you.  It's up to you, really.

[gcalex]

AA, the products I mentioned are amino acids, minerals, and herbs.  As I said, they are generally thought to be safe, but if you look them up you can learn more about them.  They MAY help you feel a little more relaxed.  By far your most important task is cognitive and behavioral work, but it may help you just to learn your body is capable of feeling a little calmer.  They are mild and may not do anything at all, I don't know.  Of the ones I mentioned passionflower is probably the strongest.  Magnesium i would take just for general health reasons.

[AbnormallyAnxious]

Yes sixpack I know I am torturing myself and it's not right but it's hard for me dealing with all of this on my own and watching myself worsen both physically and mentally each day. You guys are the only people that are actually making an effort to help me out and I really appreciate that.
 I really want to get better and I'm ready to make a commitment. The good news is I haven't googled for nearly a month and I no longer run to the emergency room, so I guess that's a good start. What should be my next step?

& gcalax, I'll look for passionflower next time I'm in the store. Maybe I'm not relaxed at all and haven't even realized. If that's the case, calming down/relaxing will do me good in many ways.

[LindaRK]

And I'd like to add regarding magnesium - not just any magnesium will do. Glycinate is good for anxiety.  Watch your dosage, as too much can cause diarrhea.

Valerian would be good to take for relaxation as well - good for sleeping, too.  I took it long ago - worked great for me when I needed it.  I used the tincture (mix with water).  Tasted gross, but I just didn't breath when I drank it. LOL

[gcalex]

AA I can assure you that if your posts are an accurate refelction you are not relaxed.  Your nervous system is amped up and this is why you are so symptomatic.