[Beth B]

I am very desperate right now, yesterday i went to a regular new MD doctor for a annual physical and to establish a new md as i have recently moved to a new town.i had an abnormal ekg and very high blood pressure reading.I am being treated for the High BP,the doctor stated he wants to screen me for Heart Disease ,in 3 weeks I am to take a stress test and echo etc.. etc.. My problem is.. I have an extremely bad panic disorder this doctor did not care he told me to increase my paxil to 20 mg and my trazodone at to 100. Why do you think he did not perscribe any thing like xanax,klonopin etc.. my nerves are terrible all nite and today itching ,loose bowels etc.. granted i am aware those are addictive drugs but i am miserable increasing the paxil and trazodone will not work ,and he told me my abnormal ekg was not an emergency but he was VERY Concerned that I Might have Heart disease ,I can not get all the fear to leave my mind and I am driving my poor husband crazy I need help I have tried to reach a physiciatrist but none have returned my call this is VERY Dramatic for me and my stomach is in contast knots can anyone help me . I feel very crazy right now but I want to be strong. Thank you ,I post a little about this yesterday on General Health Concerns.

[Perna]

Beth, I would find another doctor and just go get a second opinion and more information. Think about what you'd like in a regular MD doctor (I'd want to see a woman if it were thought I had heart disease, women are different from men in that regard) and take it from there. If this first doctor you didn't like and whom didn't seem very sensitive said it's not an emergency, I'd believe him as far as that went and try to stop my panic thinking, tell myself that I'll panic and be anxious AFTER I get more information from a different doctor. I wouldn't take/increase any med I didn't like! But find a friendly regular internist (rather than a psychiatrist) and one that will listen! Concentrate on that "mission" and getting someone you like in the next week and perhaps that will help focus your mind so you don't worry so much yet. It's not time to worry :-)

[Beth B]

Perna
Thank you,sometimes I just need to hear good rational stuff like that , also ,thanks I appreciate the support. Unfortunately I will continue to ride the roller coaster of worry until I face it.But i appreciate the support

[MissyM]

First things first, BREATHE.....Take a moment for yourself, and try to calm down for a moment.

I have suffered from Anxiety for YEARS and it is at its worst right before I go to the Drs. So I totally know what you are feeling. First, you should look into finding another Dr. This one doesnt sound all too in tune with YOU and YOUR ISSUES. Next, get a therapist ASAP.

Maybe he didnt give you the Xanax cause it would interfere with the meds you are currently on? Mixing drugs is DANGEROUS!

Anyways, I hope you can stop and breathe for a moment, then collect yout thoughts and move on from there. I know how hard this is, and Im pulling for you to find the strength to get thru this!

[CedarS]

I agree with Perna completely.

We can also help you come up with ideas that will diminish the panic and anxiety.

Distraction can really help, do you have a hobby that can keep you occupied?

[Beth B]

No unfortunatly ,I am having a very hard time,I have been married to a man for 1 year who has slowly but surely isolated me out in the country with nothing to do and our phone just got cut off and for the past 2 days since this has happened he has been very distant almost acting that he does not want to go thru this with me, i told him i would leave if it is too bad (the results)and he made no comment.This relationship is A WHOLE nother subject ,I am extremely stressed,BUT have an update the doctor moved up my echo test until this Friday, so I will find out sooner and he called me in 0.5 xanax to help ease nerves. I am going to try and stay extremely busy tommoro,cleaning etc.. to distract myself I am trying to get centered I would just like to have a few more years to make up for some time lost because of my past.

[kimmydawn]

((((((((((((((((( Beth ))))))))))))))))))))

You're in my thoughts and please keep us posted.

I'd like to share with you from personal experience...please try hard to take it minute by minute and get these tests done ASAP. I'm saying this because heart difficulties (arithmias, tachicardia, etc.) can cause extreme anxiety and panic. Your extreme anxiety could actually be stemming from that! It can cause these symptoms, which can feed the heart symptoms, which makes it all worse...a difficult cycle.

It can get better. Treating the anxiety alone won't end this vicious cycle if there's something going on with your heart's rhythm.

I also know from personal experience that, once treated, your entire world can change.

You're in my thoughts and prayers and please keep us posted. We'll walk through this with you. You are NOT alone.

KD