Happy Easter, I wish anyway :-(

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2007
Happy Easter, I wish anyway :-(
4
Sun, 04-08-2007 - 1:15pm

Hi,

I am new to writing to any board for help and advice. But here goes... I have several conditions that require me to take medications, but I just can't bring myself to start taking them. My Dr. has put me on Lexapro for panic attacks, I have high BP and I have a med for that and also cholesterol. I have had panic attacks since 1992 and simply cannot drive anywhere that requires me to drive over 25 mph. That stinks because I have 5 kids and cannot even go to the mall and shop. My husband drives us everywhere; but he can't be here all the time. When I drive the kids to school (less than a mile) I just pray I won't wreck with them in the van.

The last time I saw my Dr. he said that I needed to take my meds. especially the BP one; my BP was 160/110. I'm not overweight so I don't know where this comes from.

I guess my problem is caring as much for myself as I do my kids. It's just sooo hard to start. I read in the paper that Easter is a new beginning so maybe it's time to put my pride on the back burner.

I don't know; I just feel really lonely today. If anyone has any advice, please share it with me.

Sincerely,
Kelley

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 04-08-2007 - 4:36pm

I am having a crappy Easter, too, just found out have high cholesterol (I have been fighting taking meds for years, have tried different ones and I cannot tolerate side effects), and I won't go into that---I have posted earlier about this situation, so you can read my posts if you want the whole scoop...

So about you--well, it is a pot/kettle situation with me telling you this, but you really need to get on with taking BP meds. My DH did not want to take his, and ended up in ER one night. YOu are younger and female, but you could still have a bad deal. I really really understand why you do not want to take meds, and when you read the side effects, it doesn't help. But it's like this: the side effects of heart disease are worse, so you may have to suck it up and take the meds (that's what I'm gonna do, as much as I wish not to...)

Life can be beautiful, but it sucks if you are too sick to enjoy it. Are seeing a counselor? Do you have a good friend to talk to who is knowledgable? Do you have things to enjoy?

I hope this helps a little...I hope others will post and help you. As for the sucky Easter, it is just another day so do not get wrapped in thinking you must enjoy it bc it is a holiday. Just enjoy what you can, when you can...peace,lyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 12:55am

Welcome, Kelley to our supportive community. You are NOT alone. Many of the folks here have experienced similiar episodes of anxiety. Med fears are very common. Try not to read the side effects. Not everyone gets side effects & NOONE gets all that are listed. What the dr. has prescribed is safe & effective. The lexapro is popular with people on our board & it has been very successful. High blood pressure has many causes. It CAN be caused by excess weight, but some folks can be thin & have it. I am sure the dr. has explained to you the dangers of uncontrolled blood pressure. For your very life & the mom your kids need, please take the med.


I did not drive for 3 years. My fears centered on being trapped in the car in an area such as a bridge, tunnel, interstate & even rural areas where I would need help & not be able to obtain it. Meds in combination with therapy helped get me *righted* so I was able to face driving again. I used the small step approach & desensitized myself to the fear. First I drove to the end of the driveway. Then, to the end of the street. Each day I increased the distance from home & the time I spent away from my safe space. I finally sought help, Kelley, when I was so sad & ashamed when I had to tell my dd's that I couldn't drive them places. I reached a point where I was sick & tired of being sick & tired. There's a *coping tips & tricks* folder below. Check it out for ways to de-stress & other methods such as hypnosis to help with your fear.


We're all works in progress on the board. If we can do it, so can you:) Don't be a stranger. Join us in chats. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2007
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 11:12am

Thank you so much for your very informative message. I've received a couple of very supportive messages, and it really helps to know that others understand.

My first panic attack was on the highway between 2 semi's and I thought that my time was up. I made myself go back onto the highway several times but I just could'nt do it.

Yes, I am going to start my meds. t/m for sure. The kids are on springbreak so I really don't have to take them anywhere. So, if I get some side effects, then I'll be home at least.

So, I will keep you posted on how I feel.

Thanks again,
Kelley

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2007
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 11:17am

Thank you for your reply. I don't wish anyone to feel bad, but it helped to hear from you. It was hard to try to be happy yesterday, but it's over now.

I know I need to take my meds, and I gave myself a start date of t/m. The kids are on springbreak so I really don't need to go anywhere. If I have side effects at least I'll be home.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again,
Kelley