Anxiety symptoms? stress?

[Rebel_chamberlain]

Hi everyone, how are we all? im new here, and its taken me a long time to sign up here, even though ive been on this site a long time.

Let me just explain this as best as i can, i have generalized anxiety and depression, which was extremely high and is now quite moderate.

i was taking medication for months.. and i ran out of it nearly 6 weeks ago, at the VERY same time my doctor was away for 6 weeks and trying to get a script for it from another doctor when its not a regular medication was a nightmare.

so i instantly got it in my head that i was alone and just had to 'suck it up" and i have since gone through what feels like a nightmare.

I thought i was almost out of the woods until last night....

I am waking up with a panic/anxiety attack (why? i dont know) and then it starts, my breathing is off, i feel like im in and out, my eyes open and close, i feel like im going to fall and pass out, and now something new has happened. Last night i was laying down trying to calm my breathing and all of a sudden my arm and hand was next to my chest and then its like it spasamed and it just threw its self of my chest down to the side of my body, like a nerve was hit and it couldnt handle it. i have really bad headaches, and im not eating hardly, i do try too, and my head feels like i can almost feel the blood rushing around in there. obviously im being a hypochondriac about that one but, i dont know whats going on with my body and if its actually anxiety and stress? or if something alot worse is going on.

Im incredibly head strong and want to ride this out, but not at the expense of my safety.

has anyone else had this happen to them? or should i really see a doctor. ?

thanks

[PamelaR]

Hi Rebel and warm welcome to our forums

It's great you've finally decided to post, though not so good for the reasons for your post.

The symptoms you are describing do sound like you should see your doctor - sooner rather than later. It's highly like that because you have stopped your medication what you're describing may be withdrawal symptoms. But I’m no health professional, so it’s best you get it checked out asap.

I hope your usual doctor is back soon, but if it were me I wouldn't wait until they return. It's important to see someone and to tell them what you've said above. If you find it hard, then maybe write it down before your appointment and give them the paper when you see them.

It's okay not to be okay and to reach out for help. I'm really pleased you've come here to reach out.

Hope this helps Rebel.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Rebel chamberlain,

Welcome to the forum. It is really great to see you getting here and reaching out for support. It sounds like you are going through a really difficult time and are in a challenging predicament with your regular Doctor being away. Can I ask when they are due to return?

I cannot comment on your symptoms and whether they are related to anxiety, withdrawal effects from the medication your were taking, or something else, but I would definitely recommend seeing a Doctor about them. If you have an appointment booked already, this is great. If you don't, I would schedule one even if it is with a different Doctor. Another option is to speak with a Pharmacist. If you explain what has occurred they will be able to tell you the withdrawal symptoms that you might expect from ceasing your medication. They will also likely recommend that you see a Doctor as well to review your medications and symptoms.

In any case, going though all these experiences sounds incredibly stressful. By visiting a health care professional and getting a physical health review, medication review and review of your treatment, you may be able to get some quick answers that reduce your stress and explain what is happening for you.

I also think what PamelaR mentioned is really important. Going in with a list of all the dates that things started to change as well as a list of the experiences you are having is really important and helpful. Often we forget things at medical appointments (it is really common) and writing a list down and having a journal of what symptoms you have been experiencing can assure you get all the right information to the Doctor during the appointment.

If you are really feeling stressed about your the experiences, you could contact HealthDirect which is a free National service that offers advise over the phone. Sometimes they will connect you with a Doctor, other times they will offer specific advise on what steps to take. The link to this service is here... https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

Staying in touch on the forum is also a great way to get support.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn