What's happening?

Mez79 · ‎26-09-2019

Hi first time on here and feeling anxious. I don't know what's happened it's not like I've had PTSD but lately I seem to stress or overthink the minute I feel some sort of ailment. When this happens my brain goes into a spin and sit there thinking what the hell it could be. Currently sitting here worried that something is not right with me, because I feel like I have a sore leg, my tongue feels strange and I think my tear duct is dry. I say I think I feel these because I'm not sure if it's a symptom of panic or phantom because I'm thinking them up.
Never used to be like this. I used to have the patience of waiting to see if things would pass or otherwise take action.
At the same time I'm scared of going to the GP sounding stupid or that there could actually be something.
Anyone else ever feel like this?

White_Rose · ‎26-09-2019

Dear Mez

Welcome to the forum. First posts can be the cause of some anxiety as we do not want to appear silly or over reacting. Waiting to see if your symptoms become worse or go away can be a good strategy unless there is something seriously amiss which needs immediate treatment. One thing I have learned is that no paramedic or doctor has ever told me I am silly for asking for advice and treatment.

I know from my own experience how panic attacks can make us feel we are experiencing a heart attack and our minds become filled with dread and pain. In reality it is often a panic attack and we are helped by recognising and admitting this. It could also mean something more serious which requires you to ask for help. It's not over thinking but being very practical.

After a while I could tell the difference which was tremendous help. Meanwhile get the help you need. The more you try to ignore it or push it away the stronger it gets. Panic attacks can cause mayhem and the more we insist to our selves that it is a major illness but do nothing the worse it gets. It seems to me your headaches etc can very well be cause by your thoughts. However I am not in a position to make that call. Please consult your GP, or mental health professional if you see someone regularly.

There is a condition called dry eyes so see your ophthalmologist for an opinion. It is usually a matter of putting drops in your eyes for some time but oh so worthwhile to stop the dryness and irritation.

I would love to know what you think of my comments and if you think they are worth following up.

Mary

Mez79 · ‎29-09-2019

Hi Mary
Thanks it is actually sound advice and sounds like you may have experienced an eye issue yourself.
It's so hard here to get into the GP sometimes especially the ones most popular of course. My next appointment is not until mid November GP always seems to be booked out months ahead.
I can distinguish the panic attack symptoms like shivering and chest pains I generally start quivering.
It's the other symptoms not really associated with panic that worry me & how strange they are (like 1 eye only irrigating a.t.m lump around the glutes area and dryness in other areas of the body.
I know itd be unprofessional for a dr or paramedic to say I'm stupid but it doesn't stop you from feeling stupid. I plan on telling my GP some of these concerns but it's a bit of a wait .

Mez79 · ‎21-10-2019

Don't know what's the matter with me this weekend. Both days friends have invited me out for coffee and I go but for some reason I couldn't find the words to speak, couldn't find a topic to talk about even with an up coming birthday coming up I still was not talking and lacking excitement while as the same time being unable to shake this feeling of loneliness.
I guess I'm asking if anyone else has been in the same boat. You're there but not really in spirit.

Curleee · ‎21-10-2019

Hi Mez,

Yes, this is a common feeling for me. The lights are on, but no one is home, sort of thing.... and I think one of the things that makes it so challenging, is that it is intermittent and I can never predict when I will be like that...… and another feature for me, is feeling vague. Asking people questions, and as soon as I've spoken it out loud, I realise that the person told me that within the same conversation (i.e. only 10 minutes before). Soooo awkward and not the kind of person I want to be in the world. But as I get older (I am now 44), I am trying to surrender to this, i.e. "this is the best I can do for myself right now....and in time I hope it might be different....".

I hope you can be kind to yourself.....

Also, is there another clinic you could get, to assist get through this time?

White_Rose · ‎22-10-2019

Hello Mez

It's been a while since we chatted. I feel I must apologise for not keeping up with you. Unfortunately I have been unwell (physical) and not able to post much. Hopefully all is getting better.

Yes, I have dry eyes. Part of that I think is being in air conditioning both warm and cold. It can dry your eyes quite a lot. I have eye drops prescribed which I use at least once a day. It makes a huge difference. You can buy drops over the counter but I suggest you see your eye specialist first just to make sure there is nothing else amiss. If everything else is OK you can simply use the drops and feel more comfortable.

Like Curtee (hello Curtee), I have been in similar situations. It is very uncomfortable and feels as though the brain is frozen. Not a lot of interest in anything. As Curtee says, the lights are on but no one is home.

I have lost count of the times I feel silly asking a question or even going to the doctor. I was apologising for taking up his time for nothing on one occasion. He looked at me and said, "This is my job". I have not said it again because what he said was true. Maybe symptoms are due to imagination but it is still the GP job to check you out and to help you get past the the over reaction or whatever. I think when we believe we have a mental illness of any kind however slight, our upbringing springs to life and says we should not talk about it. Public opinion is the greatest barrier to anyone getting help.

With a panic attack that worries you in any way the safest option is to call an ambulance. Please do not wait to see if it goes away. I would hate the thought that you waited too long. And do not let yourself be persuaded or ridiculed into staying put. This is your life we are talking about.

When you are in the situation you describe above it may be easier to sit and listen. No need to feel silly as many people do not know what to say in social situations. Watch what everyone is doing and saying rather than joining in. It's not such hard work.

A birthday party. Is it yours? My mom's birthday was on 20th October. Hope you get to have a good time.

Mary

Mez79 · ‎27-10-2019

Hi Mary.
Hope you're feeling better now. Hope it wasn't anything too serious.
Thanks for the advice about when having symptoms I should act on them. I'll try to keep that in mind. It just feels hard to get into a GP but also if I'm to be perfectly honest I'm scared that they will find something sinister.
Yes it was my birthday on Wednesday (23rd) & went out tonight to celebrate. Even my parents have birthdays all in the same week (17 & 19). All three nights just spent as a family of 6 (parents, me, brother sister in law and my nephew).
I will try to take on your advice about seeing the eye dr. Silly me has just been putting it off maybe cause in denial but really should especially the amount of screen time I have at work.
Thanks for the advice it's all been sound I just need to act on them now

White_Rose · ‎27-10-2019

Hello Mez

Thanks for your good wishes.I feel OK now.

Please do not put yourself down in these situations. It has always been my favourite action to shrug off any compliments and be the first to say I am silly. In reality we do silly things at times but no more than anyone else. And that does not make us silly. It's the action that is silly. The best family jokes are about various members who have done........ Siblings are good at reminding each other about the time when....... and because it is said in a loving way it really is OK.

I do suggest you call an ambulance when you have one of these panic attacks. You will get an immediate response which does not happen with the doctor. Most GP immediate appointments are taken and if you say you think you are having a heart attack, which is what panic attacks can feel like, the receptionist will tell you to call an ambulance. The paramedics are amazing people and take great care of the people they are called to. So what if it is a false alarm. Isn't this the best outcome anyway? If it is something sinister then it's best to find out ASAP. Pretending it doesn't exist will cause more anxiety and take longer to recover.

In one of these situations I was kept in hospital for a few days to give me a thorough check out. It turns out it was some medication that was causing the problem. Nothing sinister but so much better to know the cause and stop taking the meds.

Computer screens can mess up our eyesight. One of my roles at work was WH&S Officer. I found the staff had the usual problems with itchy eyes, hard to refocus after staring at the screen. I found a program that could be loaded onto the computers that periodically reminded people to do a couple of eye exercises and change from using the computer to doing something else for a short time. One simple exercise was to stop looking at the screen and focus on a distant object/window/door etc. This allows the eye muscles to work in a different way, in effect exercising them. The quicker your eye can refocus the better off you are. Do it half a dozen times every 1-2 hours. Long distance sight needs the eye muscles to change the shape of the eye to accommodate this.

Good idea to get checked out with your dry eyes.

Three of my children have birthdays in September plus one daughter-in-law and one granddaughter. It's an expensive month. Good to know you enjoyed all the parties with your family.

Mary

Mez79 · ‎13-03-2020

Feel like I'm coming into more questions than answers. The more I try and tick off some boxes with regards to my health the more anxious I get and seems like I just end up with more questions than answers.
I don't know where to turn, I feel like I've tried a few things but nothing seems to help. I've tried going on here. I've tried going to a counselor but for 120 all she told me was there are things outside my control - like dah I knew that.
I've downloaded a few mindfulness and meditation apps but my mind can't stay focused.
I look to some of my friends but they all have problems as long as their arm.
I've seen the GP and have referred me to specialist yet I still don't know what is happening to me .
Scared about what I could be facing scared that I don't have the strength anymore especially with already needing to deal with a very mentally ill person at home.
I feel so drained
I wished there was someone out there just for me to hold me and tell me its going to the ok.
Feel like I'm going to have to go through whatever I'm about to face alone.

White_Rose · ‎16-03-2020

Hello Mez

Good to see you back. You can hold on to us here. You can manage your life and live more happily. We are here to hold your hand, metaphorically speaking. You do not have to face your life alone.

May I ask what sort of specialist have you been referred to? Only answer if you are comfortable telling us. I gather your GP is looking for something specific. Caring for someone when you need help and support is hard. Is there anyone you can call on to help? Are there places and people who can help you manage with the other person? These are options to discuss with your GP. Usually the GP knows what services are available in your area and can refer you to one of these.

Being able to let go of your caring role at times is great. Remember you need help as much as other people. So do not feel guilty or unworthy when someone steps in to help. I think we have all done this at various times in our lives. You do need to ask for help and no, it's not silly or time wasting.

Will your GP refer you to a psychologist if necessary? Anxiety, like all mental illnesses, can be daunting. I suspect part of your anxiety stems from your caring role. That's one question you can discuss with your GP or psychologist.

Please continue to post here.

Mary