Anxiety is making me sick!
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| Fri, 08-26-2005 - 12:02pm |
Hello,
I will start by saying I am a single mom, 36 years old, of a 4 1/2 year old little girl and am not getting any type of support from my ex husband. Plus, I have a very very stressful job. And, last October 3 disks in my neck ruptured around my spinal cord making me lose the use of my right arm which required surgery and a 3 month recuperation. I thought I was handling everything well until recently. I have been feeling sick for weeks and weeks so I started to get terrified that something was wrong with my health and who would take care of my child. This took me to the urgent care one night where they told me I had elevated blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. So, they sent me to the ER. I drove my little girl to my 75 year old Aunt's house for the night and I checked myself into the hospital. They watched me all night and the next day and it has been determined that since my tests were normal I am suffering from sever anxiety and panic attacks. When this happens I get weak in my arms and legs, have chest pain, shortness of breath, feel like I am going to pass out and just die. This started happening at my job which is probably the most stressful job I have ever had and I feel like it is killing me. At the advise of my doctor they said to take a short leave of absense from work and started me on Zanax and Lexopro. I am trying to get into see a therapist to try and work through all these issues. I have major fears of my health and I think they are triggered by my neck situation which scared the heck out of me. To be a single mom of a very young child and not getting any support from her dad is so stressful. I can't go on like this because it is debilitating. I have been looking for another job but I have to get something that pays enough with benefits because I have to carry my child's medical insurance. And, I have another year of daycare expenses. I know that worrying about stuff that "could" happen is ridicuous but I don't know how to deal with it. Any advise would be much appreciated so I can breath again.
Rene

You poor thing. It sound like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. May I suggest you get a lawyer to help you figure out some child support. I am not sure what the laws are where you live, however, there are laws against dads who don't pay. Then again, I am not sure what his situation is, so I don't want to jump to any conclusions. If it's not a "dead beat dad" situation, maybe he can carry your daughter on his insurance? It's worth looking into. Do you have any family around, or young high-school girls who could come over and help you out? It must be so tough. I can only imagine. Please take care of yourself, and know that the women on this board are wonderful, and we are always here to help. I am glad you reached out. Atleast you got some stuff off your chest, which can help you breathe just a little bit.
Lots of love and hugs, Jolie
I am very sorry to hear about your medical condition & all that you've been through. That was just too much. I can relate to being a single mom as well. I am still raising my girls & even with regular child support, it isn't easy. Thinking ahead to winter heating bills is causing me to be anxious. I have to live one day @ a time. I try to keep focused on the present & not let my worries take off & overwhelm me.
The symptoms you have described are common & one's that many on our board have experienced. I have thought many times that I was dying when a panic attack struck.
Having a young child to care for is very difficult even
without anxiety and panic attacks!! The meds should help
you soon- The stressful job is only making things worse
but yet you need the job I understand your problem!!
Is there anything you can do to make this job less stressful?
I am sure you have tried to think of ways but maybe someone here
can help you?? Anxiety is very scary and consuming read some of
the articles on relaxation THEY DO HELP!! At first it is hard
to get into a relaxed state but with time it does work!
Take care and remember we have it too and are happy to answer your
questions. Hugs, Judy
Hi Rene,
you are at the right place. My anxiety started almost the same as yours, I started feeling chest pain and such, eventually i had a major panic attack and ended up seeing my Dr and i am now on lexapro and klonopin. I have been on
Hi Rene!
First let me say you are not alone. Anxiety is scary and difficult to deal with until you can get it under control. I can imagine that being a single mom adds another layer of difficulty.
You are doing all the right things... find a good dr., let the medicine do its job and just remember to breathe through things. Its ok to cry, find a happy place, do whatever it is you have to do to get through. You will start to know the signals of an oncoming attack if you can pinpoint that moment you can use rational to help you through. We know the anxiety is caused by chemicals in the brain so for now, just remember to tell yourself that you aren't really going to die and you CAN overcome this.
Let us know how you are.
Sara
I just wanted to say 'Hello' and tell you thanx for sharing your story with us. I am so sorry to hear about all your worries and your physical difficulties.
As far as p/a and anxiety goes, you have stopped by a great community where we all share the same types of feelings and fears that you are having, You are definitely not alone. <3
I just wanted to welcome you, and I look forward to getting to know you.
I think you will really feel at home here.
Please take care. Sending you P&PT's!
hugs, shasta