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[rebel2]

I am absolutely beside myself with anxiety and stress.  We have had a rotten summer after something bad happened financially and my stress levels went through the roof.  I thought I was coping but then got bad health anxiety about the dentist which obsessed me for about three weeks, then it turned out to be nothing and I thought I was OK, then this funny tickly feeling started under my left rib and my stomach started going mad, now I have intermittent jaw pain...

I had this a year ago for about two or three weeks and was convinced it was something serious, so am pretty sure it is just caused by a massive build up of adrenalin/cortisol each day that has wrecked my stomach and I have trapped wind due to over-swallowing.  Until menopause hit I had no idea anxiety could lead to such debilitating physical symptoms, but oh boy, have I suffered.

All I really need is a kind word, my OH is terribly depressed [by the way, we have support/help through financial issue, so nothing anybody can do/help to solve that] and he can't help me.  Anybody available with some kindness??

Anybody else suffered really badly with physical symptoms caused by anxiety??

[groundhog]

Me too rebel 2, it really is awful.
We've had 6 years of one thing after another and I'm now very anxious.  My mother had brain haemorrhage in 2012 and that started a string of bad and extremely stressful events.  I am on AD and try to look after me but life keeps happening.
GP, friends, a counsellor maybe  - plus we are always here to listen and chat xx

[dazned]

Never underestimate the physical symptoms that " just " anxiety can manifest ! 

When I was gripped by it I truely was convinced that I had every type of incurable illness going and that I wouldn't see the year out ! It was horrendous so I really understand how you feel.
Diazepam really helped me through until I settled on an AD that worked for me. Whether you decide to try Hrt is your choice alone but do go to gp and get something to help settle you now in the meantime. Remember we are always here.
 

[rebel2]

Thanks you lovely lot.   Am already on oestrogen only [hysterectomy years ago but kept ovaries].  Tried citalopram two years ago for four months but vowed never again - was only on 10mg but felt completely flat and emotionless, although it got rid of hot flushes and panic attacks [which I am not having now anyway].   I hated the withdrawal from them despite doing it gradually.

But am thinking I need something now to get me through.   I run regularly, do yoga, have given up virtually every vice except for the occasional biscuit and eat well.   Am thinking, what more can I do?!

Not sure my doctor will prescribe anything short term like diazepam but I might try - have any of you tried that sort of treatment?  I mean a one off 'it's really bad today' type of pill?

[dazned]

Yes used them on a " need to " basis. I still have some to hand wherever I go just in case ! It's just reassurance really.

[rebel2]

It is, isn't it.  Particularly as many of my physical symptoms stop when I'm busy or with people, but I would like to just relax and be on my own sometimes!!

I have tried meditation but it actually increased my panic attacks!   I find yoga is best for me.

[Yammy1]

I have an emergency pill (xanax) I take half one when I'm really bad, just knowing I have them is half the battle, have you tried rescue remedy it can take the edge off

[Kathleen]

Hello rebel2 and so sorry to learn that you are suffering.

I am another one whose anxiety has an immediate and profound effect on my digestive system and I hate it. My GP has given me diazepam but I haven't tried it yet. Interestingly she said many menopausal women are prescribed it and find it works just by being in their handbag lol.

I truly hope you feel better soon. Take care.

K.

[CLKD]

Yep.  Without my emergency pill I wouldn't be here

[rebel2]

My stomach has behaved all day - just had this weird feeling under left rib, but now, oh boy it's burbling and gurgling like a bath emptying!  Am bloated and feel really yuk.    Just had scrambled egg and mushrooms for tea hours ago, but then indulged in a beer and some chocolate - I guess they'll all have to on the banned list now!

[rebel2]

Awake since 6 with stomach on fire and adrenaline surges.   Have probably had worst prolonged spell of anxiety ever over last 7 weeks and also not out and about so much to take my mind off my woes.    Stomach is now wrecked by stress.   Not surprising.   Think I might go back on citaliporam as, despite hating the numbness, once initial effects had passed it did calm my anxiety.   

Anybody else found SSRI helped IBS symptoms?

[Woodlands]

Hi there Rebel.
Sending massive hugs.
Last time I had major anxiety it floored me and I couldn't get out of bed, lost three stone in two months and felt shocking.
Now, or since  those four years ago  I take citralopam, yes feels awful to start with but now it dampens my anxiety but not my soul ....
I have needed to cope with divorce, two house purchases and the sad and tragic death of my eldest son to suicide aged 23...
My moto, mindfullness, meds, re evevaluating all you do in life....me time and breath....you can reach a happier place.
Woodlands xx

[rebel2]

Thanks, I feel humbled by all you have been through..  I have suffered for three years now to varying degrees but until recently it had no real external cause, it was just started by a bad exit from a stressful job.   Started as panic attacks out of the blue and graduated through gum issues, bladder issues, two attacks like this of stomach bloating/cramps and a myriad of other trivial ailments.

But now I have real issues to deal with I find I have no reserves.   Unfortunately, the only cure for me has always been distraction but as I work in education I am left to my own devices in the summer and my thoughts get out of control.

Thanks for the support, I think I will give citalopram another go.

[rebel2]

Thanks - I am going to book an appointment for next week.   I swore I would never go back to citalopram but willing to give anything a go now as am desperate.   Just tried a run to lift my mood but am no better.  Getting totally paranoid about this trapped wind feeling under rib. 

[rebel2]

Yes, my rational brain knows that, but my HA tells me different.  And I have really uncomfortable stomach ache today - all gurgling and like a rock is passing through my intestines!

Usually I can distract myself, but not today.   Who knew anxiety could cause this much trouble???