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[rebel2]

Visited docs today as had trapped wind/gurgling stomach, etc for weeks now, probably as a result of severe anxiety.  Last night I thought I was going mad and panic attacks returned.  We have had an awful summer and stuff has really got me down, I have also been working from home a lot and had lots of time to dwell and release my inner HA OCD.

He was lovely - but very, very, very, very young!  Still training in fact, but very sympathetic.  Assured me that stress can cause major physical disruption.   In the end, he prescribed sertraline - apparently citalopram is not first line anymore.    I feel better just having the prescription, to be honest.  Had a few blips on the way home - he mentioned a blood test for ovarian cancer as it was the only other potential answer, but I told him I had one two years ago so he said not to bother.  That meant I started to wonder if he was trained enough to decide stuff like that...

Anyway, am in two minds about taking them as I am a bit scared due to awful experience on citalopram a while ago.  But feel better for having been listened to. 

[dazned]

You really would be surprised at what physical symptoms anxiety can make the body manifest ! I know I was totally knocked sideways with it a few years ago anyway.
Maybe try the AD if only to hopefully get back on an even keel,then you can figure out which/what route you want to take.
Hope you feel more settled soon .

[dahliagirl]

It is a good time of year to find a new yoga/mindfulness type class (or even something physical that is more fun like dancing  ) which should be of benefit long term whether you go for the ad or not.  There are lots of new ones starting after the summer break which is easier that trying to merge into an already established group.

[Woodlands]

Hi there.
I had this dilemma four years ago. I chose the AD's, although tough in the first few weeks I have no doubt they helped me in so many ways. Take citralopam 40mgs daily and I just treat it as a daily med to remain emotionally well.
Woodlands xx

[babyjane]

It took me a while to accept that I needed mine  I was silly and stopped them, thinking I could manage without...........I won't make that mistake again.  If my brain needs the support then the support it will have.  I mean I don't stop taking my thyroxine because I feel like a wuss for taking it.  I don't question that my thyroid needs support.     I have learned my lesson now 

[CLKD]

Without my daily medications I wouldn't be here to type this!  I fought hard against an AD which I have to take for Life but once I accepted the fact, I got a new Life.  It enables me to get out of bed in the morning and not exist in a curled up ball of fear and despair.

Also: an AD needs to be taken for 8-9 months, often it takes that long B4 the patient thinks "Actually, I feel a lot better".  Also: if you find it isn't relieving symptoms or in a few years you think you are OK, then it is a drug that can be stopped.

What's to lose?

[Hurdity]

Hi rebel2

I don't know what you have decided by now but was trying to look back at your posts to see your history. I see you are already on HRT and oestrogen only as hysterectomy. Do you still have your ovaries and what sort of oestrogen do you take? If it is tablet oestrogen then this can cause stomach issues and in which case transdermal ( patch or gel) is preferred. This would be the first thing to try. Not sure what the effect of an AD would be on stomach problems?

However I agree with dahliagirl that whatever you decide some sort of outside class like she recommends might also help with relaxation and reducing stress (if this is the cause) - I know you already take a lot of physical activity. What is your diet like generally? Apologies if you've probably covered all this in other posts.

As for the doc and the blood test - well I would push for another test just to put your mind at rest, and if you have symptoms - after all two years is two years. Perhaps go to another doc and say you are concerned about ovarian cancer - after all a blood test is not an expensive investigation.

Did you decide about the AD? Let us know how you are anyway.

Hurdity x

[rebel2]

Thanks for all your thoughts.

Hurdity - I know that I suffer from anxiety that is not effected one way or the other by HRT [I have tried with and without].   I have always been a glass half empty person and a worrier and am no entrenched in negative thought patterns. 

And I already do yoga, run three times a week, take a walk  every day, cook every meal from scratch, am not overweight, etc, etc, etc.

Not sure what else I can do to be honest - I've tried CBT on the NHS but found it fairly obvious and the constant need to write everything down just exacerbated my problems!   

Am better today - no stomach issues at all, just back to the original bubble under left rib feeling, but it is at the side today, so at least some change!  Still not opened ADs, but feel reassured they are there.   I just need to 'get outside of my head' and stop obsessing - I am never bad when busy working and amongst other people, it's locked in my head that it all bubbles over.  There was an interesting article on BBC news yesterday about 'cyber chondria' and I feel I am guilty of that to a degree.  And probably, this forum doesn't help as all I'm doing is looking for reassurance but the constant checking/reading just fuels my health anxiety. What I need to do is something other than think about my health.

So thanks to all of you, but going to give this a rest for a while. 

[dazned]

I completely understand where you're coming from. Talking on here sometimes does add the fuel to the fire 🔥 ,so to speak. Hoping you feel better soon.☺

[dahliagirl]

Sometimes you need a break 

[babyjane]

All the best Rebel2, you must do what is right for you.  I totally agree that it is possible to develop a habit of overthinking especially when you read others experience of things that have not previously occurred to you.

I am better than I have been for a long time and settled on my chosen anti depressant and it is working well and I am happy to use it.  However sometimes I go away from the forum feeling a bit of a failure for taking an AD and thinking I ought to have used HRT, or should try HRT then I get into a place where I can't relax when it is all totally unnecessary.  At these times I step away.  I made the mistake of leaving but after a while I regretted it and rejoined.  Now I just take a break if I feel I need to get my head back together.

[dazned]

Babyjane please don't think you are a failure,well if you are then so am I ! 
I'm happily doing well now on my AD,no more anxiety,palpitations,feelings of doom etc.
If it works for you it works and that's all that matters at the end of the day.
Whatever it takes I say .

[CLKD]

I would hop over to the Ovacome web-site if you are worried about ovarian cancer and ask the question/s. 

It can take a while for ADs to kick in so if you are going to take them sooner rather than later is my suggestion.  Maybe keep a mood/food/symptom diary to chart how you feel for the next 5-6 days? then review.

[Clare11]

Hi,
I took AD,s, citalopram, still on the., 5mg a day. Took me 6 months to actually start taking them and oh how I wished I had took them earlier. Been on them now for 7 months and been reducing them slowly. Helped sort out real from over active thoughts.
Done CBT too.
x

[CLKD]

Tnx Clare11.