So I have a quick question. Ever since getting TN, I have been more and more anxious about attacks and in general. I take zoloft (Had depression for 5-6 years now) and now have to take xanax because my anxiety about attacks is so bad. Am I alone there??
Hello,
No you are not alone..I have become a very anxious person since getting my pain ..I never know when it will hit me and I become anxious waiting for it to happen. I use to like going places and doing things but now choose to stay close to home..I feel safer there..I also have Xanax..
Many here have PTSD,…anxiety,…fear of leaving home (agoraphobia), …stress makes TN worse and TN makes stress worse…to any and all…never be hesitant to seek counseling…And/or anxiety or depression meds.
Whew, I wasn't sure if it was just me or not! I plan to make an appt with my old therapist after this next week. Any coping tips other than xanax??
It’s a very stressful thing to have, I can understand why you would be anxious.
I often find myself worrying about the next attack, of course i know it doesn’t help but it is hard to let go of that fear. Accepting invitations makes me anxious because I am not the type of person that feels comfortable canceling at the last moment.
I used to enjoy going to the theatre or the movies but I dare not go now in case I have a sharp jab and make a noise.
I have started meditating and although I find it a difficult thing to do I am finding it very helpful.
Sending you a cyber hug.
Trish
One goal I have Liz - is to do youtube meditation videos that have Depak Chopra --
I'm sure there are MILLIONS out there done by different people....but he is world renowned -
and it is supposed to be done something like 10 min - 2 x daily - very minimal I think.... then you build up as you practice zoning out the stress and the outside world!
I probably should have started years ago - as stress over a lifetime can actually shorten your life --- although you have a long way to go....!
I've lived with chronic stress for a couple of decades - With raising a special needs child -- TN did not hit me till age 47.
I hope you find something that works for you.....I imagine in YOUR lifetime - TN will have sooooo many more options or complete cure.
Another tip --- I don't expect anyone to go this far - but when I was volunteering for hospice -- just delivering flowers and cookies, and holding hands.... my day did not seem so bad. And these people were sooooo grateful.
On low pain days some can volunteer to go socialize and play with animals for adoption at local shelter.... soup kitchen, special Olympics, the list is endless -- the old adage of helping others seems to lessen our own burdens can really make a difference for some.
There are so many apps and so many CDs that have whole hour of relaxation breathing etc.... scientifically proven to lessen your pain receptors.
Hope this helps... PS - I take over the counter B-12 - melt in your mouth tabs.... counteracts the lack of energy that meds can zap away from you like xanex. I don't drink coffee - so it's my natural get up and go if I have to be active.
AND it's good for the helping the actual nerves that flare up for us! Many here take the shots - not me!
I’m getting to that point now, I have pain all day long but one or 2 times a day it becomes unbearable, so yes if feel that the pain is getting stronger I get stressful and is almost like panicking because I don’t want to get to the point where I can stand the pain. When I first got TN I didn’t knew nothing about it so I was with no medication for months worst time of my life I haven’t felt pain like this in my life. And now I think I’m getting a bit depressed, I cry a lot :’(. So no you are not alone.I’m so happy I found this group.
Not alone dear. When you get diagnosed, you are on edge all the time wondering when the next pain will come. You try to be super conscious of everything you do all the time so as not to set it off. I have gotten better over the last few months about that. I decided that I was going to enjoy my time when I am not hurting and if I hurt later, then so be it. I will take extra meds and call the doc, but I decided I am NOT going to let TN take over my WHOLE life. I am going to enjoy my pain-free times and not think about it. :-)
not alone--
i am on the edge of a panic attack about five times a day-- rest of the time i feel super anxious- doing better last few days just
ENJOYING the time between pain....
i am newly diagnosed so trying to come to terms with this... prayer and reading my Bible helps-- sermon this week was on faith during uncertain times... just what I needed to hear!!
That's exactly what I decided to do, too, Nikki. Try not to think about the pain when I'm having good days and just enjoy them while they last. Great advice. :)
~ Vicki
tiger4nikki said:
Not alone dear. When you get diagnosed, you are on edge all the time wondering when the next pain will come. You try to be super conscious of everything you do all the time so as not to set it off. I have gotten better over the last few months about that. I decided that I was going to enjoy my time when I am not hurting and if I hurt later, then so be it. I will take extra meds and call the doc, but I decided I am NOT going to let TN take over my WHOLE life. I am going to enjoy my pain-free times and not think about it. :-)
Hi
Searching for something like this today. Feeling very anxious... seems just when I am able to forget about it for a short while I get a shock or someone says something to me about how sorry they are to here I have this (newly diagnosed). I try to remain positive and not anxious but the more I read the worse I get.... seems hard to believe that one can carry on knowing things will get progressively worse. Meds are working okay but increased 3 times in 3 montths and that has me worried. I really like the idea of being positive but can.t figure out how to do it... No right to complain about pain but the fear is getting to me, Can't imagine a lifetime of thiis!