i'm having real difficulty re-focusing right now. when i went to bed last night, all i could do was lie there and worry about all the negative things in my life and also "how am i going to get out of this alive?" as in, do i have a future, i feel out of control emotionally, when will this stop??? that sort of stuff. my heart pounds really hard and it feels as if my stomach has a huge hole in it. does anyone else experience this?

i slept about 2 1/2 hours. tried to go back to sleep around 6. finally at 8, i took the tyenol pm substitute. i slept and i missed my eye doctor appointment!! my eyes are part of my stress.

i'm out of xanax til wednesday. i only take one, at night...i can't believe that it helps me so much. since i've been out, i'm just going willy=nilly through things. running amuck in my head! i need some advice. i've got two more days and nights of this...... i also worry about getting addicted to xanax. i only take one small dose a day and it works great..for my anxiety. i'm anxiety free when i take it. anyone else take it? and for how long? i've been on it about 6 weeks. xoxox pat

[wi_fighter]

Never been on Xanax, so I can't give you any advice about that.

Just, hold on for two more days. You can make it. Chill out with the pets and hibernate if you have to. Wait, you have to work, don't you? Darn.

Could it be a psychological instead of physical addiction, especially if the Tylenol PM is a good sub? If you can get to the store, try some kava kava tea. I have Yogi brand. That might help a little in the interim.

(((((((Pat)))))))

[kimmydawn]

(((((((((((((((((((((((pat)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

there are times that xanax is necessary. how great it is that it works so well for you with just one small dose and day! i'm so sorry that you're out until weds. you need to make sure that you're not without again if you're taking it daily. that's a biggie!

having said that, it doesn't help you right now. i'm sorry. i took xanax as needed for years, and when it was time to go off, i simply did. i took it regularly for about a year, then only as needed. when panic ended, i went off. there's a huge difference between use and abuse in my book. if you use as you're supposed to, then taper down according, coming off worked well for me. i do realize that's not the case for everyone, and am just sharing my experience with it. it actually "tricked" my mind into not having panic attacks anymore. the p'doc was brilliant on that one.

can you call the dr and explain that you're out for two more days? also, over the counter benedryl might help. it has a sedating effect and will help with nerves and sleep. i used it for a few days once. it worked very well!

many good thoughts.

KD

thanks, guys. i am trying so hard to distract myself. i started an "ethel" thread in social. hope people respond to it. it will keep my head "busy"....

i really do think that my doc is right about the med. it distracts my mind..helps me sleep...if i don't sleep, then i'm a wreck. i have to have my sleep.

mikee just climbed up on the computer table and is rubbing his forehead against my arm. aren't animals great? they sense that you need something extra.

xoxo pat

[NICO]

keep busy and hang in there, write a bit of poetry or somethin

[Parker10]

So sorry about your being outta your Xanax. Others have made some good suggestions for substitutes til you get your med on Wed. Hang in there ! At least you can look forward to a good nights sleep on Wed night !

Hang in there Pitty-Pat!

I'm rootin' for you.

Petunia

help me get Ethel down the road.....that will keep me amused and distracted. i love Ethel. she reminds me of myself, somewhat.

[CedarS]

(((((((((((((Pat)))))))))))))))))))

[Myzen]

Hi Fay,

I have such respect for you. You are on the front line in the battle we know so well. I have been in that situation when we are counting the hours, I do know it.

I think it is when the elders have to show such
courage that we know just how hard this illness is for us all.

I know it's only words, and words don't take the bad feelings away.

Peaceful thoughts, M

thank you, everyone. i ate a meal, at least. that helps......

i got the xanax. it's starting to work. i missed work yesterday. just felt too bad to go in. everyone was pissing me off and i didn't feel that i should go in. slept some and ate one meal. felt better.

[CedarS]

Good deal, glad you are able to continue taking excellent care of yourself during this.

Isn't it incredible how seemingly simple things like sleep and food can make all the difference in the world?

((((((((((((((Pat)))))))))))))))))

to Sarah...