new here and need some help

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-26-2007
new here and need some help
2
Mon, 02-26-2007 - 10:59pm

I am a mom of 2 precious boys, have a great husband, and work part time at a job I love. I also suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. My main symptom is dizziness and the fuzzy headed feeling. I just need some reassurance.

My doctor has done lots of tests and I have been to the ER several times for these feelings and nothing is wrong. I start with the dizzy feeling and then I break into a cold sweat and just know that I am going to pass out (which has never happened). It is very debilitating and is really interfering with my daily life and happiness.

I am scared to go anywhere and I just know that there is something wrong with me - mostly I think that it's a brain tumor. When I am thinking clearly I know I'm fine. I have been on 10mg of Lexapro for 2 weeks and I don't see a lot of improvement. I am also getting over bronchitis and my ENT told me today that I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease, which he feels is contributing to the anxiety and dizziness.

Has anyone out there had these same feelings?

I am feeling so hopeless.
Thanks,
Kelli

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 02-27-2007 - 12:30am

thwelcome.gifHi, Kelli! It's nice to see you;) I am sorry to hear about the anxiety/panic. Many of us have suffered with the health fears. It isn't unusual to get stuck on the thought that there MUST be something physically wrong. That the doctor isn't doing all the tests that he should or maybe, the right tests haven't been done. You are NOT alone. Getting your thyroid checked is an excellent idea.


I have had the brain tumor idea, too. In fact, a head cold will throw me off & I'll begin to think that the simple headache caused by congestion is a stroke in the making. In time, we are able to dismiss these fears quicker. We're able to reassure ourselves by thinking positively & rationally. The meds do help. Lexapro is a good one & is used successfully by others on the board. All antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks to reach the optimal effect. You may notice a difference sooner. Research has shown that meds in combination with therapy nets the best results. For me, seeing a therapist helped to identify my fears & my own learned behavior to fear. With guidance, you can unlearn the fears. You can always check out our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. There are many ways to teach yourself to relax, de-stress & get through the attacks.


As for the dizziness, it is a common complaint when we are very anxious. Have you tried laying down or sitting down, as you reassure yourself that you will be safe from harm? That you won't fall? Passing out can happen, but rarely & usually it is the result of breathing too rapidly. Your body will immediately correct your breathing without you having to do a thing.


You WILL get better. You WILL learn new ways to deal with anxiety/panic. Read what others have posted & you will see that there is alot of hope! Post anytime. GL&GBU! (((hugs))) jan

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 03-02-2007 - 4:39pm

Sheri Ann