Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: jessieblue on July 05, 2017, 04:42:32 PM

Title: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: jessieblue on July 05, 2017, 04:42:32 PM
Hi everyone.  Im sorry I keep posting on here with stupid problems that must seem insignificant, but my anxiety is firmly in coontrol and things keep cropping up daily with my health and I am near breaking point.  I wish I knew what to do to help myself.  I have tried hypnotherapy and self hypnosis and mindfulness.  I just cannot shut out the voices......Im starting to wonder if I have some sort of psychosis or something.

I have been having bad acid reflux, that comes and goes but is around all the time at the mo and in spite of taking the dreaded ppis!  Im terrified of that and I also have another piles episode which is not clearing up and is painful, despite using stool softeners and proctosedyl. I am afraid of all the meds, am not supposed to use proctosedyl for more than a week and its a week tomorrow.  I got stung by a bee twice in the last week and the one from last night has swelled my whole foot up and has blistered all across the top of the toe that it stung me on....it stung me underneath, so its pretty weird.  I saw the nurse who gave me antibiotics to take ONLY if the redness moves further up my foot or if i get striations.  In my state I am not the best to decide if I need them or not because I am sure I am going to die from one if not ALL of my health concerns.  I afraid I have cellulitis and afraid to take the abs because last time I had penecillin it started a whole horror story of cystitis kidney infection and months of anxiety.

I feel totally and utterly overwhelmed!  I dont know what way to turn and as some of you will know the climbing the walls anxiety state.  Where does one go from here?  I feel there is not much anyone can do to help me and I dont seem to be able to help myself.  Everything seems catastrophic.  Im so so tired.  Just need to reach out to a few of you who might understand or have made it through the otherside.  xx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Annie0710 on July 05, 2017, 05:22:12 PM
I just want to send you a big hug and reassure you it's your hormones doing this to you, anxiety can be exhausting so no wonder you're shattered xx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on July 05, 2017, 06:12:40 PM
Ive been on ppi's for about five years now, tried stopping but reflux and heartburn came back also when I have to take antibiotics my doc gives me a prescription for diflucin single dose and this stops antibiotics causing  cystitis or thrush, it really helps so maybe ask doc. Hormonal anxiety is a nightmare I have an emergency pill ( Xanax) I take half pill if anxiety is really bad, just knowing I have them helps, I only take it on rare occasions, when your tired its harder to think straight and everything seems worse. Have you tried rescue remedy, you can but it over the counter in the chemist, it can help take the edge off, just a few sprays on the tongue when needed. I hope you feel better soon as health anxiety is awful.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: dazned on July 05, 2017, 06:53:36 PM
I really feel for you it's really horrendous feeling that way.

Have you considered getting gp to give you some diazepam which should give you some respite from it all and help break the cycle ?
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: jessieblue on July 05, 2017, 07:11:48 PM
Thanks everyone.  Sparkle I am on 10mg omeprazole a day which is the lowest dose.  I also take a zantac at night and the odd glug of gaviscon when needed.  |I really need to take a higher dose but am scared of the long term effects.  I dont get any side effects a such with them so thats not an immediate problem.  I worry about longterm especially with all the negative press of late. I have drawn a line but its swollen a bit more now.  Maybe less red but just puffiness.  The nurse said if the redness continued to travel, so im trying to go by what she told me because if its just an allergic reaction antibiotics wont help and i will have cystitis and thrush as well.  Its difficult and thats whats freaking me out because I dont know if I have sepsis or something.  I have bad health anxiety at the best of times so I am always dying of something or other.

Its brutal this anxiety.  I feel so alone.  My husband is at his wits end.  I am scared of everything, its pretty much paranoia and obsessive tendancies.  I think I need a psychiatrist to properly diagnose what is going on.  I am losing control of every aspect of my life.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Mav196 on July 05, 2017, 07:59:12 PM
Hi jessieblue I am sorry that you are so anxious....I can totally relate to health anxiety and so you have my deepest sympathy on this. Years ago I suffered with acid and reflux and tried gaviscon, losec, Nexium and Zantac - none of these worked - I had a burning feeling constantly. My GP at the time switched me to Ranitidine (he told me that this is an older drug) and the difference was just unbelievable - I stayed on it for 6 wks and it stopped the reflux and burning in its tracks. It might be worthwhile trying that one if nothing else is working.
Hope this helps
Mav
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Mbrown001 on July 05, 2017, 08:08:02 PM
Oh I'm sending you a huge hug.

You don't have sepsis...I can assure you of that. My sis was in hospital in January with that and you have none of her symptoms and you would know if you did.
I am another PPI user...I hate them. Not because of the side effects but because I just hate pills.
There are a few alternative things you can take.
I'm not sure if you are on HRT but if your not and with a bit of checking you could benefit from St John's Wort. It can help with anxiety. A good Vit B can also help.
If you do a tiny bit of research then there are lots of options.

There is also a good website called No More Panic that is absolutely great.

You have to wrestle back control.

For me reading other websites...taking supplements....trying relaxation and breathing tequniques have helped.

Ask your doc to be referred for CBT.

I know it's difficult to be proactive when you feel rubbish but when you start to take back control then you can feel better.

Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Julation on July 05, 2017, 09:16:08 PM
I really feel for you it's really horrendous feeling that way.

Have you considered getting gp to give you some diazepam which should give you some respite from it all and help break the cycle ?

I totally agree with Dazned with diazepam.  I asked it myself as I thought I was going crazy.  Helps a lot with sleep and even if I still don't feel great in general with hrt, my anxiety has greatly subsided. 
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: dangermouse on July 05, 2017, 10:47:37 PM
It's interesting so many are on the PPIs. I was on them just before I realised it was hormonal issues causing extreme nausea and regurgitation if I tried to eat. As the docs thought it was an ulcer (and waiting list for endo was 6 months) they made me take up to 40mg a day of omeprazole. When I say 'made', I kept stopping them as I knew they made me worse and caused even more mood/anxiety feelings, but a doctor in A&E said they would refuse to treat me if I came back having stopped them again.

Anyway I stopped them as I knew I didn't have ulcer symptoms and you do have to deal with rebound reflux which was awful for 48 hours but then I was gradually better each day after that.

My hormone imbalance in peri cause slow transit and this can feel like reflux as the food just sits there regurgitating so the s could be the case for many here.

Re the anxiety, please try to calm your mind and rationalise your thoughts as it's very possible that the adrenal surges (from hormone imbalances) are being made worse by panicked thinking. You will be fine and things will settle down. Breathe your anxiety out (breathe in with your mouth closed for 4 seconds and then breathe out with your mouth open for 6 seconds, really pushing your breath out). This can nip the emotional anxiety in the bud.

Work with your GP to discount any concerns you have and in the meantime stay calm and in control by breathing out anxiety and breathing in confidence.

Things will work out!
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: jessieblue on July 06, 2017, 02:52:58 AM
Thank you all so much.  Its so so hard living like this.  Im sorry you guys have had to go through these horrible symptoms too.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Tracey on July 06, 2017, 10:04:49 AM
Jessie,

I can totally relate to what you are going through. Over the last 18 months I have had 3 episodes of crippling anxiety. The first 2 times it only lasted a few weeks and I managed to get control over my though process, but couldn't understand what on earth was happening. In February this year anxiety hit me full force. I became quite manic in my thinking, my skin broke out in hives for 3 months, my hair started to fall out and acid reflux. I took myself to A and E so many times convinced that I was dying and that they were missing something during tests. I became obsessed with my health and couldn't think of anything but different symptoms that were appearing daily. My family were so distressed, I even asked my husband to have me committed to a mental health unit at one point. I felt as though no one could help me.

I am now 5 months on and things have a lot better, my crisis has passed, as others told me it would, even if I didn't believe it at the time. But its been hard work getting to were I am now. I really had to stop fighting the anxiety and accept it, trust that everything that was happening was my body's response to the stress that my thought processes were putting me under. I resisted medication initially, too scared to take it (anxiety) but knew I couldn't live like I was living any more.

I was given Diazipam for 2 weeks. This pretty much zonked me out but I helped my body and mind relax enough to get some respite from obsessive thinking. I was them prescribed Sertraline, I kept it in my bag for 3 weeks not wanting to take it, but there was part of me that was stuck not able to move forward and get back to work and my life as I knew it before. I was housebound. Then I just bit the bullet, started the anti-depressant, got through some minimal side affects for the first 3/4 weeks and now I am so much more in control. I can put things into perspective, I am back at work (yay!) and I am coping.

I still have hives but not so bad, my hair is still shedding but its not stressing me out. I ache all over but living with it and am now in a position to consider HRT to combat these symptoms. I also see a private therapist, talking therapy has been a real helped with my thought process. I practice mindfulness which was initially impossible to do, but I combine it with yoga and get great relaxation from it.

I hope my story can in some way reassure you. I really understand how you are feeling, things will get better with what ever support it right for you.

Take care
Tracey

Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: CLKD on July 06, 2017, 02:39:04 PM
 :bighug:  bee stings HURT! but ADs wouldn't have made a lot of difference had the venom spread.  It was surely an anti-histamine jab that would have been more appropriate?

Were you advised to elevate the affected limb? 

As for PPIs, they can cause more side-effects than they solve.  Short-term use is OK - that is 3-4 months, otherwise ..... have a look-see at Dr James le Fanu in the Daily Telegraph on a Monday, he advises other medications for reflux.   I can feel it now but I've been stuffing pizza, chocolate, cups of tea  ::) and am upright. If I try to lay down, the reflux will begin  :D.  At night if it's a problem I chew 3-4 Rennies.  I try not to take my evening Anti-depressant and Beta-blocka too close to going to bed otherwise  >:(  :-\.  Sometimes the reflux wakes me with lots of saliva and acute chest pain .........

Anxiety can be controlled.  I too have been over-whelmed, it sends me into a corner, shivering with fright.  My GP has given me an emergency anti-anxiety drug which works within 25-40 mins., giving me complete relief usually as I go to sleep.  I know it will work so it isn't going to be addictive.  For years I used Valium, successfully, as necessary.  I have used relaxation therapy - breath in sharply through the nose, count for 5 which I couldn't do initially, then release through the mouth as slowly as possible.  For 3 times then rest.  Also, laying quietly and tensing the muscles groups all the way up: tense, hold, relax: can also help as one has to force the brain to think about the muscle groups.

A Doctor is not allowed to tell a patient that they won't treat them if advice isn't taken  :bang: :bang: :bang: it is against the Hypercratic Oath.  Otherwise .......  :-X .  So if you feel distressed, do not be afraid to call the Samaritans or go to your A&E.  That is why they are there!

How R U this afternoon?
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: MIS71MUM on July 06, 2017, 05:31:37 PM
I think Tracey has put it perfectly.

I also took diazepam for a few weeks at a low dose - just to give my mind and body a rest.

Like Tracey, I was prescribed AD's, I took 1 set for a week, then my anxiety told me I didn't need them, took a 2nd set for a week, again my anxiety told me I didn't need them and finally I made myself take the 3rd set until I felt better.

I can't believe that my mind tied me up in knots so much.  I also had an irrational fear of death and catastrophised everything.  I like you thought I had developed a phycosis of some sort because I had 2 voices in my head all the time. The emotional mind and the wise mind.

Try and stop off Dr Google too as that never helps. I also learnt that the mind doesn't always speak the truth.

For the record, the AD's or Diazepam have never made me sick.

Could you speak to your GP about some CBT therapy maybe?
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: CLKD on July 07, 2017, 11:03:04 AM
My anxiety is physical, the gut lurches first then the mind starts whirring.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Annierus3 on August 06, 2017, 05:03:19 AM
Hello I am new on here. Firstly, thank you so much everyone for this web site. It has already helped me a great deal. I am really struggling at the moment with different symptoms, and thinking that these are serious conditions that are going to kill me! I feel ridiculous. I have muscle/bone aches, feeling like flu from time to time. My hands are tingling, worse maybe at night, and really hot in bed. The weight gain has been getting me down. I feel like a grumpy, frumpy mess. Currently the hot hands/feet is the worst. Anyone out there?
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Silly on August 06, 2017, 08:46:37 AM
Same here, sorry you feel like it.  I get the reflux so think I've got stomach cancer. Glands up think it's throat cancer.  I can't seem to relax anymore other than when I'm out the house.  Piles the same as well.  So many of us seem to be like it on here.  I've tried the NHS lets talk but it made me worse.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on August 06, 2017, 08:55:03 AM
The health anxiety is just the worst thing ever 😪 Mine is heart related, my heartrate is always fast but I get episodes where it gets really fast and I panic convinced I'm going to have a heart attack. I've had tests and although it's fast docs are not worried, lately if I have a drink(alcohol) it get extremely fast especially if I eat at the same time. It's really getting me down, I don't drink that much but even a couple and it starts. I feel I'm ruining the occasional nights out with hubby. He tried to reassure me but the faster it gets the more anxious I get, viscous circle
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: rebel2 on August 06, 2017, 10:47:19 AM
I have posted here before but under the name Rebelyell - my computer crashed and I couldn't get back on under old name as I couldn't even access my email account! - and most posts were around the issue of healthy anxiety or anxiety in general.

I totally feel your pain.  Since I had my first panic attack three years ago I have suffered to varying degrees.  The panic attacks have largely stopped but I go from one health 'scare' to another.  My rational brain is able to compartmentalise or de-catastrophise but when my HA brain kicks in I am a shivering, paranoid, anxious wreck.  I have had major episodes about: bowels/ovarian cancer/losing teeth/stoke/skin cancer/heart attack/low blood pressure and now it is my tongue as I have a strange white bit on the underside, not on the surface but it is as if  I have something white under the surface.   I know that if I was somebody 'normal' inside my head I would be shocked, horrified and probably call for the men in white coats.  I would also tell me to buck my ideas up and enjoy life, as each 'episode' takes away precious days/weeks.

Things that make it flare up are - tiredness, too much alcohol [I can't handle more than half a shandy now], stress, physical issues or symptoms.  I then obsess about one particular issue, resort to googling, panic even more, catastrophise, stop eating, etc.   The major thing for me is if I am not out and about I tend to have time to get obsessive - I work from home a lot which gives me time to brood and then it spirals out of control.

Things that help - exercise & yoga, eating healthily [although try not to add this to your list of obsessions, I have to a degree, which isn't helpful when you're away and can't stick to routines!], not GOOGLING, walking, being with people.  Being busy.

Every time I am over one issue I think 'That's it - I'm cured!'.  But then another health issue raises its head and WHAM, I'm back at square one.  I've tried citalopram but hated the dead feeling and found the side effects just added to my health anxiety.  I'm on oestrogen only HRT [I've had a hysterectomy] and that seems to help.   I've tied CBT and hypnotherapy and read loads of books on the subject.  Trouble is I'm looking for a quick fix or a cure and there isn't one, you just have to learn to cope with it.   

There is another thread on here about low self esteem and I think that plays a large part in anxiety at this time of life.  My husband has no issues but had a very loving mother.  Mine was/is not at all loving and I was made to feel a real black sheep when I was younger. 

Anyway - I have no answers, only enormous sympathy for fellow sufferers.   This forum is a godsend if only because I would never, ever have the nerve to admit to 'real' people the stuff I admit to on here, and it helps to write it down.   When I read it back I sound like a total nutter, and that helps!
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Annierus3 on August 06, 2017, 11:14:09 AM
Thank you again everyone. I am not going to let this ruin my life. I've decided to get a health check, then, I can think, there is nothing wrong with me- get on with it. Hope this will help.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: rebel2 on August 06, 2017, 11:19:48 AM
I hope it will help, but before you do, think about what might happen.   I always assume that when I get the all clear from a health issue I will be better.  I often am for a while.  Until the next symptom hits and then the cycle starts over again.   Because I haven't dealt with the root cause.  Also, some health checks can bring up stuff that isn't an issue, or that you wouldn't worry about if you didn't know - I got told I had low pressure a couple of months ago and worried myself silly, only for another doctor to say, no, it's low but normal!   That made me feel better for a while, until the next symptom I found....

I know that I have to conquer the anxiety itself, not the symptoms.  But it's not easy!
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Hurdity on August 06, 2017, 11:33:54 AM
Hi Annierus3

 :welcomemm:

I am wondering where you are in menopause ie cycle length, whether they are getting longer, shorter, irregular etc? - and also how old you are? I agree it's a good idea to go to the doc and get a general health check but if you are over 45 and your periods are going wonky as well as the feeling hot then it is most likely to be the beginnings of peri-menopause. The weight gain could be due to metabolic slow-down which happens at this stage in life ( meaning you have to eat less and exercise more just to maintain the same weight), or could be due to under-active thyroid which also seems to go awry in some women at this stage too - so do mention this when you go to the doc as well.

The good news is you don't have to stay "grumpy" and "frumpy" - there is a lot you can do and especially once you've taken the step of going to the doctor. Diet, exercise, alcohol, stress, fresh air, smoking - all areas that might need attention.... Don't let the doc fob you off with anti-depressants for your anxiety - but you sound like you have a great attitude - but in terms of "get on with it" - if the symptoms are debilitating ( re night sweats etc) then you don't need to suffer and maybe in the future you might want to consider HRT, also depending how old you are too - possibly sooner rather than later?

Hurdity x
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Annierus3 on August 06, 2017, 12:38:23 PM
Thank you for this. I have also just sent an email to a physiotherapist. So many issues raising their heads here for me. I think the health check will be a practical thing I can do, but you are right all of you, the root cause is my mind. It's time to spend some time repairing me I think. X
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: jedigirl on August 06, 2017, 02:01:04 PM
Oh jessieblue,
I have been exactly where you are. I had so much anxiety around my health after peri kicked in causing me to lose so much weight. I was at A&E often with chest pains, had endoscopies, ct scan , x rays, you name it. All the while I was convinced i was dying or at least changed forever.
HRT helped although it took me ages to take it, Citalopram for the anxiety, diazepam for emergencies. Also a good therapist with an understanding of womens health was a life saver. I don't know which area you are in but if you're in the North East i can recommend someone.
None it changed overnight and i needed to accept help where i could just to get by.
Be kind to yourself. Medication isn't necessarily a bad thing, you can always come back off something if it doesn't suit you.
Big hugs JG xx


Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: CaroleM on August 06, 2017, 02:28:47 PM
Hello jessieblue,

I'm sorry to see you are feeling so totally rotten.  Do you have a good relationship generally with your GP?  Is your GP male or female?  If the former, ask if you can see a female doctor, but sound out the receptionist regarding any other GP's attitudes towards all that the menopause plonks on us.  Would it help if you wrote out a list before you next see the GP of how things are for you?  I did that for my last appointment and it really helped me to get in everything I needed to explain.  I've been lucky with my GPs for the past 30+ years, all female and for the most part I was listened to.


 :bighug: :hug: these re just for you.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Roseneath on August 06, 2017, 08:40:16 PM
Jessie

YOU ARE NOT ALONE WITH THIS. My health anxiety stared as a bother but I now see co-incided with all the hormone stuff going on. I have ruined holidays for the last four years with worrying constantly that I have everything under the sun; from breast cancer and gall stones to dementia and liver disease. Google is a TERRIBLE thing.  I had bad guts (burping like a drain...see other threads...the more I worried the worse I got. The omneprazole actually made it worse for me. Things like bread/wine/pastry/friedn stuff would have be doubled up on the floor bringing up these awful burps. I went to the docs loads of times. Then I would have 6 weeks with none, then maybe 8 weeks. Looking at the calendar they were all stress / hormone related. I have had countless scans and blood tests . They are worth doing because most things are very simple like low iron and can be easily fixed.  But DO find a GP who have can have a good cry with. Don't be scared to take some medication and it will improve. XXXXX
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: jessieblue on August 07, 2017, 09:30:56 AM
Thank you so much for all these replies!!  I am so sorry you guys are also going through the same things, it is torturous and although I am pleased I am not the only person to have experiences this, I am gutted that anyone else should have to live like this as well.  Health anxiety sucks and like you say, one problem gets resolved to literally be faced with another the next day.  For instance, I am now obsessing about my backside.  I have had piles and fissures over the years related to a prolapse and constipation and now it seems to be related to my anxiety!!  That is, if I worry and stress about my bum it gets worse!!! How can that be.  I get a little bleeding when I go sometimes which totally freaks me out every time.  I get so sure I have cancer.......I have been googling private colorectal surgeon to go and get checked thoroughly just this morning!  I have seen doctor 5 times recently and they just say piles or fissure or both.  No one has referred me or even done a proper exam.  They just look and go oh yes its piles....... I feel I must get cancer ruled out because thats what all the adverts say isnt it?? Sigh.....so this is how my life goes.....one problem causing immense stress, get it checked, another one appears.  Where does it end??  Should we just ignore the health problems?  Or keep going and getting all the tests done?  I really dont know.  I get gut problems all the time, nausea reflux burping gas bloating.  Its miserable.  My GP isnt all that great tbh and there is no lady doctor at the surgery.  I have seen a private woman gp who was very nice but still no mention of HRT so I am now exploring a meno clinic to get blood tests and maybe tailored HRT.  Its not easy to find without paying a fortune and I have spent a small fortune on my health recently.  So sorry you ladies are feeling this way too.  I wish I could offer more help and reassurance but Im here if anyone needs a rant! xx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: rebel2 on August 07, 2017, 09:57:47 AM
Oh dear - you could be me ranting!!I agree that it is one thing after another and no amount of reassurance helps as you just switch to the next thing [I know because I do it - I am currently convinced that 'all will be well' after my dentist appointment on Thursday, and I might get a couple of weeks/months of respite, but it'll come back unless I solve the underlying mental issue].  For some reason, this helped me - I found it when googling health anxiety to try and find a support group.  I have no idea why it helps, but the OCD bit did resonate with me as I tend to double/triple check locks/alarms, etc and lately find I can't leave the house without an umbrella...

Health anxiety is an anxiety condition that is often housed within the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spectrum of disorders. Those affected by health anxiety have an obsessional preoccupation with the idea that they are currently (or will be) experiencing a physical illness. The most common health anxieties tend to centre on conditions such as cancer, HIV, AIDs, etc. However, the person experiencing health anxiety may fixate on any type of illness. This condition is known as health anxiety, illness phobia/illness anxiety or hypochondriasis. Those who are affected by health anxiety/illness phobia are convinced that harmless physical symptoms are indicators of serious disease or severe medical conditions. For example, if a person experiencing health anxiety feels their chest is getting tight, they may believe that they are having a heart attack. Those with health anxiety frequently misinterpret physical symptoms of anxiety as a sign of an impending physical health problem. 
DIY self diagnosis
If you can answer YES to most of the questions it is likely that you are affected by health anxiety.
During the last 6 months:
Have you experienced a preoccupation with having a serious illness due to bodily symptoms that has been ongoing for at least six months?
Have you felt distressed due to this preoccupation?
Have you found that this preoccupation impacts negatively on all areas of life including, family life, social life and work?
Have you felt that you have needed to carry out constant self-examination and self-diagnosis?
Have you experienced disbelief over a diagnosis from a doctor or felt that you are unconvinced by your doctor's reassurances that you are fine?
Do you constantly need reassurance from doctors, family and friends that you are fine, even if you don't really believe what you are being told?




Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on August 07, 2017, 10:18:42 AM
Rebel2 I answered yes to all the questions, although I seem to fixate on my heart, no matter how many tests I get or how many doctors tell me I'm fine I'm reassured fir a while and the anxiety creeps back
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: jessieblue on August 07, 2017, 10:57:21 AM
I also answered YES to all questions and I felt the need to underline the YES too! Lol.  I know I have health anxiety and yet I still cannot believe the next symptom isnt life threatening!  Just this morning I have a right sided chest pain intermitantly.  Like an indigestion pain....after eating some toast.  It probably is indigestion but I am thinking liver cancer or pancreatic cancer..... I feel nauseous too now and have acid.  Its hard not to go rushing off into that panic state.  I am trying.......but its hard.  How do you overcome this?  And most importantly how can we know if something is real or not real when so much publicity is on getting the most insignificant issues checked out in case of cancers?  I hear these things in my mind.....if you have had a cough for 3 weeks.....if you have bleeding from the back passage.....etc etc.  Its pushed down our throats to worry about things and yet when we do we are told we shouldnt.  Confusing huh?
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: rebel2 on August 07, 2017, 11:33:48 AM
I agree.  I have worked myself up into a complete frenzy about this white bit on my tongue - I tried to test myself by not going to have it checked, just waiting for my check-up at dentist instead.   But am now worried that he will tell me to go to the doctors, who will then send me to consultant, etc, etc.  How will I cope??   I guess I will - it makes me ashamed that others have bad news and get through it and I can't even deal with the thought of bad news...

I think you should try to apply the 4/2 rule.  Put all your worries away until 4pm every day, then get them out and give them an airing for five minutes.   If they are still there after two weeks, visit the doctor.  If not, you know it was anxiety.    I have tried this, and it does work to a certain extent.  You also have to absolutely stop googling [and also, probably, stop coming on here so regularly - limit it to once a day] and also stop asking others for reassurance [it only helps momentarily - the gremlins come back]. 

Good luck - I know exactly what you're going through.  And you will look back on your current posts and think 'what was all that about?'.  I look back and don't recognise myself!
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: CLKD on August 07, 2017, 11:58:26 AM
When we reach certain ages many of these conditions are checked by the NHS automatically.  Maybe have a chat with your Practice Nurse with a list of your health concerns jessie and find out which and when you are entitled to have these tests.  I get a bowel screening test as well as a smear test regularly.  Men get various health tests free when they reach appropriate ages.

Fear can overwhelm me within seconds - without my emergency pill I wouldn't be sitting here  :'(

You shouldn't have to pay for tests/medications.  Gut problems are common during The Change.  As oestrogen levels drop off muscles may become lax = aches and pains as well as hiatus hernia - which allows food to pass back up to the throat with added acids.  Looking at the over-all diet and when the sufferer eats and add to that how close to bed time they eat/drink can ease symptoms.  For me several Rennies eases the awful reflux when it hits and I rarely eat or take my tablets within an hour of bed time.  Grazing can help stop reflux as the stomach/gut are 'full' all the time.

If you use the search button for 'reflux' for example you should find all the appropriate threads  ::)
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on August 07, 2017, 12:30:41 PM
Went to shops earlier and felt dizzy nauseous and lightheaded couldn't get home quick enough, for me this is the worst symptom and the one that makes me panic the most. I have never passed out but the fear of it happening freaks me out
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: paisley on August 07, 2017, 01:58:28 PM
Yammy1
I just wanted to say you are not alone. I feel like that too. I haven't passed out yet but feel like I am going to. Hate feeling like that. Puts you of going out doesn't it
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: CLKD on August 07, 2017, 02:01:55 PM
Yep.  My gut goes first followed by thighs - weak and wobbly followed by calves and shins ........ I had to ask a Chemist 4 their loo many years ago, they were less than impressed.  After some deep breathing on my part the feelings passed.  PHEW!
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Roseneath on August 07, 2017, 02:13:45 PM
WOW your experiences totally mirror mine. Anxiety has creot up on my for about 5 years; kicked in when I realised how much my kids depended on me. The root of my fear is that I die before they grown up; particularly with my son who is very sensitive and worried something might happen to me. I used to go through patches of worry with peaks every few months. I would have one 'fear' cehcked out then bam a few days later another one would rear its head; just as real and ugly to me. I now think it has taken over my life and my nightmare with HRT has dumped more terrible symptoms.  I think part of me is addicted to worry, almost 'needs' it.  I look around the street and see all these happy people are feel desperate  but also very selfish & weak.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on August 07, 2017, 02:44:46 PM
Roseneath I do the same looking at 'normal ' people, but we really don't know what is going on in other people's head. I truly wish this anxiety would disappear and leave me alone, I get really tired and down with it. Like you I worry about my kids. I have a 26 year old daughter who has a 3 year old son and herself  and her partner are saving for a house and with prices going up on a weekly basis I worry they will never get on the property ladder. My other daughter is 14 and a bit of a worrier which makes me worry about her. I just wish at 53 my life would be less stressful and can only hope this meno ends soon
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: rebel2 on August 07, 2017, 03:12:57 PM
Oh dear.  We are in a state.  I am really, really struggling today.  It comes over me in waves, then I get a grip, but it is always in the background and makes me want to scream or throw things.   It is fear.  We are having a really bad time at the moment with financial issues, potential house sale and loads of other little things which all appear to have collided and bashed into me at the same time.

Trouble is my self-esteem is so low I somehow feel I deserve all this bad luck and therefore I will turn out to be seriously ill with something and unable to cope. 

I know I'm not alone, but I feel like a total nutcase at the moment.  What if.. what if.. what if... yes it is serious... can't cope.   That's my thought process. 

At least I've got you lot!
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on August 07, 2017, 03:48:54 PM
So sorry rebel2, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we have to believe it will all work out in the not too distant future, sending hugs :bighug:
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: CLKD on August 07, 2017, 09:30:52 PM
No one deserves anything, bad luck, good luck, good health etc..   We have to work at being the best we can be today!  When deeply depressed I worried about my Mum dying, she was approaching 70 and people die at 70 don't they  :-\ but she's now 90  ::).  It was right inside my chest, this worry that she would dye B4 she was old enough ........

I watch others in queues and wonder how they are really coping. 
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Roseneath on September 11, 2017, 01:24:29 PM
I just wanted to add a glimmer of light into the gloom. I have figured our that with me the gloom has a definate cycle.  I have a week when I get so worked up, have bad gas both ends, don't sleep well, think I have everything going, am on ' Dr Google' all the time. Then I make a Docs appointment but they can't fit me in for a week ( I swear they have a list of hypochondriac numbers and put me off!). Them bam by the time the appointment comes up I feel better, I cancel the appointment. The I have a good 10 days when I feel great, the 'old me' almost, less worry, more calm., go jogging, no gas, .but then Bam (today) it's all back again..the burping, head spinning, checking a mole that looks angry bla bla.
I am sure there are certain food that make the gas worse though....for me bread, wine, anything fried. I have been taking Ranitidine which seems to have been working OK but I think when the hormones or whatever strikes me the peri-menopasue cloak of doom comes over again.  So the tips on keeping a diary are really useful.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: CLKD on September 11, 2017, 02:32:24 PM
Maybe keeping a mood/food/symptom diary would be useful? 
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: imgeha on September 11, 2017, 06:42:53 PM
I have just read through this whole thread and feel a whole lot more normal! I relate totally to blind and doomy panic about the latest health scare, obsessive fear of death, and losing days, weeks, months of my life to this state. It is so miserable. Interesting about the connection with OCD, which fits in with other pieces of the jigsaw of falling oestrogen and copper. I too wonder whether this worrying will actually abate after menopause or whether we are stuck with it for the rest of our lives. I don't actually think I can bear it.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: rebel2 on September 12, 2017, 11:45:33 AM
Glad we helped imgeha!   I am really struggling at the moment -after a bout of stomach issues over several weeks I am now struggling with continual panic attacks that come like waves, starting in my gut.   I cannot seem to switch of the constant 'what if' in my head and now, to top it all, I can't sleep for more than an hour or so and am awake with waves of panic/adrenaline for hours in the night.

Have various non-health worries on at the moment, which doesn't help and am terribly run down/tired after months of stress.  Have had quite an isolated summer which makes it way worse - I do find the only thing that 'cures' me is being busy with other people.   

I have ADs but haven't started them yet, going to wait until I am busy and see if I can get through without [didn't like them last time and am frightened of the initial increase in anxiety they will cause].  Have phoned a counsellor as I think long term I need to talk this all out and find some real strategies.  Am on HRT, but to be honest, this is outside of the menopause.  I think once this HA stuff starts, unless you get to it quickly and kill it off, it is like Japanese knotweed - there in the background silently strangling everything healthy.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: KAH on September 12, 2017, 12:49:13 PM
I totally sympathise with you, I'm really struggling today, I just don't feel like I have the head space for this much anxiety as well as normal day to day stuff. I work from home as a baker and my work is beginning to suffer, I just can't concentrate as I'm so fixated on feeling for bodily symptoms whether physically checking or mentally scanning my body to see what hurts. It's the first time in a long time that I could just sit and cry, I quite literally don't know what to do with myself. So although I can't offer any real advice as I'm very new to this meno malarkey, I do just want to give you a gentle hug so you know you are not alone xxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 12, 2017, 01:08:44 PM
It's amazing how many of us are suffering with this anxiety. I woke up this morning feeling really well considering the last few weeks have been a nightmare anxiety wise. got into the car a couple of hours ago to go to the shops and bam, stomach churning, in knots,dizzy with anxiety. It caught me off guard as I felt so well this morning. The only  positive is I kept  going and didn't run back home to cower in a corner which I have done in the past. when will this end it's wearing me out physically and emotionally  :'(, I mean how can you feel fine one minute and for no apparent reason feel a total wreck
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Snoooze on September 12, 2017, 01:22:54 PM
Hi Yammy,

That happens to me also. I sometimes think I never have a day when I feel well or I don't have anxiety. Going to the shops is one of my nightmares as I always seem to feel ill  or dizzy but they do say the bright lights in shops and especially supermarkets are triggers for anxiety sufferers.
My best advice is to fight it. Although it's an overwhelming feeling, don't let it win. Go to the shops and then say to it 'I beat you, you ba*stard!
Have you tried Rescue Remedy spray? I use it a lot when I go to the shops. I think it's a placebo effect but because it worked for me, I'm happy with it. It's not a cure all for anxiety but I think for me it works for short term things like going to the dreaded shops.
Things that also work for me are to get a good nights sleep (not easy in peri), eat little and often, distract myself (I am much worse when I'm alone).
It's reassuring to see the amount of fellow sufferers.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 12, 2017, 01:43:38 PM
snoooze, funny you should mention rescue remedy, it's the first think i reached for in car. I have an emergency supply of Xanax but I try to keep them for REAL emergencies when I just can't cope. Do you find yourself in shops looking at   other women and thinking how come they're NORMAL and I'm a wreck. although we don't really know what others are feeling inside, after all I have become very good at masking it. we just have to cling onto hope that one day we will be NORMAL again, but for now all we can do is support each other x
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 12, 2017, 01:47:32 PM
I look at others and think they are breezing around normal and I feel like I'm going to run out the shop like a freak.
I get anxiety and panic attacks which scare me to death, the panic attacks always come on really randomly like I'm sitting on my own in the house.
I get anxious going out and normally ring my other half as I'm leaving to distract me but it's hard.
I was walking into town the other day and panic just came over me xxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 12, 2017, 01:52:55 PM
Lil22 it's awful isn't it  :'(.  I feel it's not asking for too much,  just want to feel NORMAL and get on with mundane everyday tasks without getting into a panic
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 12, 2017, 02:05:41 PM
I no, even the avon lady coming I get in a fluster, I was never this bad before, I booked last year to go to Barcelona with my sister it would of been Monday coming and a couple of months I had to cancel, I couldn't sleep worrying about everything and feeling anxious. Xxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 12, 2017, 03:12:25 PM
Ah Lil22 I really feel your pain. I'm just back from a few days in Spain and to say i struggled is an understatement. But we go away a few times a year in couples and I don't hide it any more if I feel panicky when away I just say it and try to get through it the best I can.The night before I was to go I told hubby he should go without me as I would just ruin holiday but be persuaded me to go and I'm glad I didn't give in to the anxiety. We are heading to Sicily next month and I'm already starting to panic but I'm determined to go and not give in. What we do is just short breaks at a time so it's a bit easier, although from the first night I'm on a countdown to getting home :-\,  but the thing is when home I'm anxious too so I just repeatedly tell myself if anything is going to happen there is nothing I can do about it weather i'm at home or not. Sounds easy and I get really angry that I feel this way and I should be looking forward to holidays not dreading them.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: CLKD on September 12, 2017, 03:16:29 PM
You all need a  :bighug:   :hug:
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 12, 2017, 03:33:20 PM
Ah thank you CLKD 😘
Yammy, I think if I'd gone with my other half I'd of not been as bad but I've not been abroad for five years, so was just panicking about everything!
Siclily will be amazing, Italy is on my to do list in life.
I do try and think right what's the worst that can happen etc!
I had CBT years ago for leaving the house as was worried I'd be poorly, so try to think back to what they said xxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 12, 2017, 03:42:35 PM
Your so right Lil22, I wouldn't be able to go if hubby wasn't with me, a group of female friends go to Benidorm every Mothers day, but there is no way I could go with them. besides  they are not the type to understand. You know the kind 'oh just pull yourself together' or ' you don't need hrt' or ' I never needed ads'. You know the kind that sailed through meno and think your odd or weak if your struggling. So I only go on hols if hubby is by my side
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: babyjane on September 12, 2017, 04:02:19 PM
To be honest I wonder how many other women look at us and wonder how we are managing so well.  but there again they probably aren't looking at us at all but just getting on with their own lives.

I do think that people pleasers are the worst affected because we never want to let others down and worry what they will think of us if we say no (I do anyway) but after 12 months psychotherapy I am getting better but it is long process that began in my childhood and got worse at the menopause,

I want to be true to myself and look after myself but I am not yet quite strong enough.  It will come, Christmas is always difficult for me, that and travelling or family events.

I find that it is best to have people in your life who 'get' you if possible.  Just knowing someone is there is a bit like a safety net.  Knowing someone has got your back really helps.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 12, 2017, 04:07:04 PM
I always find Christmas a struggle too babyjane, I think it's the hype and 'not the norm', everyone rushing around and shops packed with shoppers. Both my sisters had no meno problems and although they find it hard to understand they do try. I guess all we can do is struggle on and hope there is light at the end of this meno tunnel
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: babyjane on September 12, 2017, 04:11:25 PM
That's it Yammy, routine is a safety net.  anything out of the ordinary takes too mych physical and emotional input, for me anyway.  I can no longer multi task.  I used to be able to juggle multiple balls but  now if I juggle 2 I drop one of them.  I can still pat my head and rub my tummy though  ;D
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 12, 2017, 04:25:28 PM
well at least you still have your sense of humour babyjane  ;D, have you noticed that those of us who suffer with dreaded anxiety always seem to have a sense of humour. Suppose we have to, at least for me it keeps me relatively sane  :P
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 12, 2017, 04:29:11 PM
I can just see them now yam my! "Oh I don't take it you will be fine stop being silly"
Babyjane I think I'm the same, I was fine until I was 13 when hormones hit and had Endrometrosis, but a couple of years later the panic attacks started. I've never been anxious as I am until the last few years really though.
A lady I saw for counselling said I've brought my fear of endrometrosis (getting a pain when I'm out) to me having ME,
I can understand that a little as when a pain hit It was like I was in labour, once I remember being on the floor in the dinner que at school in agony xxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: babyjane on September 12, 2017, 04:54:19 PM
Bless you Lil x

The consultant who diagnosed my ME said it was inevitable due to a lifetime of chronic physical and emotional stress.  My mind and body had nothing left to give.  I had all 8 points of the 8 point criteria. 

It got worse at meno and now, post meno, it has settled down again but I have to respect it or it starts to play dirty as it is now, after an over busy and stressful 3 months.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 12, 2017, 05:02:55 PM
You kind of learn to live with it but God forgive you if you do anything different! Payback isn't it xxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: rebel2 on September 12, 2017, 05:49:08 PM
Oh bugger, just starting to feel a bit more able to cope and local news goes and has an ovarian cancer story...  I had the blood test two years ago and really know that all I have is anxiety, but...

But we can't live like that, can we?    I don't even really know what I'm anxious about now, but spend my time scanning for symptoms and then when I find them I obsess.   I bet I haven't taken more than 10 minutes every hour off from worry/fear/what if thoughts.  And that's over a four week period!  No wonder I'm not well!!   I'm exhausted!   It's more time consuming than a full time job!

If you want time off perhaps I could worry for you?  I could set up an agency and we could all put our worrying skills to use by taking on other people's fears!
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 12, 2017, 05:56:24 PM
Haha yes start a worry clinic, that's it half the time it's little things built up to fear.
One good thing is we're not alone 😘💕💕💕
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Snoooze on September 12, 2017, 06:33:37 PM
Oh rebel....during the last few months, I keep getting very uncomfortably bloated and it seems to be just before a bleed then all is OK again but did my mind remind me of that this month? Oh no...naughty little anxiety reminded me that this was a symptom of Ovarian Cancer and so  of course I panicked I had it.  Then along comes a bleed and all is well again. My anxiety does seem to be hightened before a bleed.

Yes have many friends and relatives that have rolled their eyes at my anxiety as if it can be so easily forgotten or tell me I'm mad. I kept it to myself for a very long time and you're correct Yammy, I'm a bubbly character and so being like this is the last thing they expect of me. I don't have any friends with anxiety but I do have family members with it. I do believe it's inherited.

My latest is a few weeks ago at work I heard some ladies in the office talking about high blood pressure and one of them said her mother used to get pain in the top of her head and this was down to high blood pressure. Well of course I've had pain in top of my head since and convinced I  have undiagnosed high blood pressure. And on and on it goes...

Not sure about you all, but I've always had anxiety but only got health anxiety once I had children but I would go back to the previous things I worried about in an instant rather than have health anxiety.  I have read that if you have anxiety it can increase with menopause and mine definitely has. I've never known it so frequent before. It feels like I never get a break from it. Anyway, lets not let the bugger beat us...!
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 12, 2017, 07:49:54 PM
Rebel2, I would be a frequent visitor to your worry clinic, you'd be sick of me lol. Went to local shops an hour or so ago and took a major panic attack, for no apparent reason. I had to take an emergency pill when I got home. I've calmed a bit now but I'm exhausted. Just been on the phone to my sister who pointed out that when my Mam passed seven years ago my panic attacks returned, and as my Dad passed In January she thinks subconsciously this is causing them to return again. I am determined not to let them take over again, some years ago I was house bound for almost two years (shortly after my daughter was born) so it must be hormonal. I'm going to have an early night and try face tomorrow with on a more positive note. Sorry for the long rant x
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 13, 2017, 08:05:04 AM
Snooze your so right we must try and not let it take over our lives. It's hard but hopefully everyone get support xxx

That's awful yammy, I do worry if I get one when I'm out as must look like I'm having a heart attack, I just can't breath.
What pills do you take to help xxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 13, 2017, 02:42:25 PM
Lil22 i take xanax, but I break it in half as I feel that's enough to take the edge off. I'm still a bit anxious today but not as bad as yesterday. I posted on another thread that I had started to take evening primrose oil last week, and I don't know if it's  a coincidence but that's when panic attacks reared their ugly head, I can just about cope with feeling anxious but I really don't want to go down the road of sheer panic as I did years ago. I googled evening primrose side effects and it seems a lot of people (including meno women) got severe anxiety while taking this so I stopped today and will see how it goes.will keep you posted x
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Suzi Q on September 13, 2017, 03:23:54 PM
Hi everyone.  Im sorry I keep posting on here with stupid problems that must seem insignificant, but my anxiety is firmly in coontrol and things keep cropping up daily with my health and I am near breaking point.  I wish I knew what to do to help myself.  I have tried hypnotherapy and self hypnosis and mindfulness.  I just cannot shut out the voices......Im starting to wonder if I have some sort of psychosis or something.

I have been having bad acid reflux, that comes and goes but is around all the time at the mo and in spite of taking the dreaded ppis!  Im terrified of that and I also have another piles episode which is not clearing up and is painful, despite using stool softeners and proctosedyl. I am afraid of all the meds, am not supposed to use proctosedyl for more than a week and its a week tomorrow.  I got stung by a bee twice in the last week and the one from last night has swelled my whole foot up and has blistered all across the top of the toe that it stung me on....it stung me underneath, so its pretty weird.  I saw the nurse who gave me antibiotics to take ONLY if the redness moves further up my foot or if i get striations.  In my state I am not the best to decide if I need them or not because I am sure I am going to die from one if not ALL of my health concerns.  I afraid I have cellulitis and afraid to take the abs because last time I had penecillin it started a whole horror story of cystitis kidney infection and months of anxiety.

I feel totally and utterly overwhelmed!  I dont know what way to turn and as some of you will know the climbing the walls anxiety state.  Where does one go from here?  I feel there is not much anyone can do to help me and I dont seem to be able to help myself.  Everything seems catastrophic.  Im so so tired.  Just need to reach out to a few of you who might understand or have made it through the otherside.  xx

Sweetie been there done that and still have relapses.
Go talk to your gp. Your not mad ok xxxxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Snoooze on September 13, 2017, 04:23:28 PM
Lil22 i take xanax, but I break it in half as I feel that's enough to take the edge off. I'm still a bit anxious today but not as bad as yesterday. I posted on another thread that I had started to take evening primrose oil last week, and I don't know if it's  a coincidence but that's when panic attacks reared their ugly head, I can just about cope with feeling anxious but I really don't want to go down the road of sheer panic as I did years ago. I googled evening primrose side effects and it seems a lot of people (including meno women) got severe anxiety while taking this so I stopped today and will see how it goes.will keep you posted x

Stop googling!! Says me who can't resist. No, seriously, I try to avoid it nowadays. I used to take evening primrose all the time but just got  out of the habit. A lot of women are recommended it but I've never seen anything about it causing anxiety.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 13, 2017, 05:54:39 PM
Yammy that's good you have something to take the edge off, I have asked for them in the past but the doctor said no!
It's actually weird but some natural things, vits etc give me side effects, my mum must love me as I buy every vits going and give her 3/4 that I can't take.
Good that you can cut it out though and monitor if it helps.

Snooze I wonder sometimes with google! We all do it yet no we shouldn't. 😂Xxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 14, 2017, 12:37:17 PM
Lil22 I'm the same even with vitamins. I have a press full of miracle cures lol. magnesium, evening primrose oil,  B vits, multi vits, you name it iv'e tried it, but none seem to agree with me :P. My doc will only give me a couple of xanax if I tell her I'm going on hols, and I try keep them for emergencies but my lovely sis in law gave me some a while back so I'm holding onto them for dear life. Surly your doc would prescribe a few just to get you over the really stressful times?
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: rebel2 on September 14, 2017, 12:45:39 PM
I also try loads of things in search of the 'magic bullet' that will cure my ills.   But I'm afraid for HA sufferers the cure is in your head, which is the hardest thing of all.   I am constantly 'scanning' my body for my latest ailment, of course I find it - you can find an issue with every part of your body if you concentrate on nothing else!

Try the 4/2 method I devised.   Save all your anxieties until 4pm every day, then get them out and spend no more than 10 minutes on them [you'll find you are often too busy to bother, but tell yourself every time you have a rush of bad thoughts 'go away until 4'].   If after 2 weeks one thing is still an issue, go the doctors.   And stop googling!
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: KAH on September 14, 2017, 01:04:59 PM
Whilst walking the dogs this morning I decided, that's it, I'm taking control of my life back! Ive had the worst week ever, I feel like I've been absent from everything that's going on around me because I can't stop worrying about my health and I'm totally fed up of it.
Unfortunately by the time I'd finished walking them, I'd called the doctors desperately trying to get another appt (they didn't have any available!) and was in a massive panic about the back ache (between the shoulder blades) that just won't shift. I've come back and once again have been obsessing over whether my eyes have a twinge of yellow. I just help myself, I swear i literally feel like I'm losing the plot and I don't know what to do
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Snoooze on September 14, 2017, 01:30:08 PM
Hi KAH,
Just to try to reassure you a little...a few years ago I kept getting pain between my shoulder blades when walking..went to Dr and he had a prod then said 'arthritis'. Pain seemed to go after he said that and I rarely get that pain now. One time I was at the Walk In centre with something and I told the nurse I have health anxiety. She told me the thing I was there about (think it was something to do with my ears) was nothing and i said 'why do I keep getting that pain' and she said because your anxiety is letting you fixate on it. Went home, pain went! I truly believe our minds are that powerful, we can make ourselves have all sorts of aches and pains. I do not have a cure for HA. I just plod on with it taking the good days with the bad.
If you are tense a lot with your worries it could be creating tension in your neck and shoulder area making you experience the pain between the shoulders.
Try to distract yourself and keep busy..this seems to work for me.
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: KAH on September 14, 2017, 01:52:09 PM
Hi KAH,
Just to try to reassure you a little...a few years ago I kept getting pain between my shoulder blades when walking..went to Dr and he had a prod then said 'arthritis'. Pain seemed to go after he said that and I rarely get that pain now. One time I was at the Walk In centre with something and I told the nurse I have health anxiety. She told me the thing I was there about (think it was something to do with my ears) was nothing and i said 'why do I keep getting that pain' and she said because your anxiety is letting you fixate on it. Went home, pain went! I truly believe our minds are that powerful, we can make ourselves have all sorts of aches and pains. I do not have a cure for HA. I just plod on with it taking the good days with the bad.
If you are tense a lot with your worries it could be creating tension in your neck and shoulder area making you experience the pain between the shoulders.
Try to distract yourself and keep busy..this seems to work for me.
Thank you Snooze. I should know all that, I've been in this position SO many times over the last few years, every time it turns out to be nothing and I promise myself never again, yet here I am 😭!!
I'm so disappointed in myself as I'd been doing really well up until a few months also, since then it's been one thing after another. I have had CBT so have all the tools to stop myself but the blind panic just takes over. I feel like running away from everything, it's just too much x
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 14, 2017, 02:27:07 PM
Yammy I may ask another time maybe when my HRT is sorted as I there mainly for that ATM need to get that sorted xx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 14, 2017, 03:23:24 PM
It never ceases to amaze me how many of us meno women are struggling on a day to day basis to just 'get by '. I have had such a stressful day I'm exhausted and because I'm not breathing properly now my chest is uncomfortable  :'(, and the what if thoughts are taking over i.e., what if I take a Heart  attack, what if I pass out from feeling dizzy.  I really am sick and Tired of feeling sick and tired, now, surprise surprise my ibs has flared up,  >:(. How long can we take this for before we crack, so sorry for the depressing rant but I really really have had enough of this meno journey
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 14, 2017, 03:34:45 PM
Ah sorry your having such a bad day :(
I with you on the chip as a chip meno journey, I said to my mum it better finish when I'm 55 even if I do I'll have meno more then half my life.
I went to pilates today had been changed to yoga and I really struggled felt dizzy at point and felt like running out the class, then went to pick up my new HRT when I got home it was the wrong one!!!
Now I'm knackered and banging head so your not the only moaning yammy.
It's so unfair just long to feel well. Xxx
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Yammy1 on September 14, 2017, 05:06:08 PM
Thank you Lil22,  sometimes it helps to have an old rant. Although wouldn't wish this meno on anyone, it is comforting to know we are not alone, sending you  :bighug:, and let's hope tomorrow is a better day for all of us x
Title: Re: Overwhelmed with fear.
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 14, 2017, 05:23:15 PM
Ah definitely it dose help to no your not alone, and if people do talk about it sometimes they don't have the troubles you may be having so coming on here confirms your not going crazy 😂 (Unless we are all crazy on here ) 😬
And thanks for the hug, it's days like these it means a lot :) xxx