Feeling Anxious and Panicky about my Health - Need DL Kindness

Dear DLers. I'm feeling anxious and panicky about my health and would appreciate some kind words/tips from anyone who is prepared to reach out to me. TIA. More inside...

Dear DLers. I'm feeling anxious and panicky about my health and would appreciate some kind words/tips from anyone who is prepared to reach out to me. I don't think (hope?) that there is anything seriously wrong with me (I'm of an age where routine medical tests are standard), but I've had a bit of recent pain from major fibroids, I've been having a bit of tingly sensation in my hands, the weather is extremely hot and I seem to have got myself into a state of panic/anxiety (like a mini panic attack), including waking last night and dry retching. Some of the symptoms (including the anxiety) are similar to what I experienced in the early stages of peri menopause - so I might now be going through the late stages of peri menopause. Your kindness would be appreciated. TIA.
OP - Anxious Old Dyke
Kindness on DL? C'mon, be real. It's not like your cat died or set its facebook status on 'left that sucker for good!'. Kindness, moral support, and understanding are the trifecta even Baby Jesus didn't get. So why do you think you'll get it on Datalounge? You poor, poor, poor thing.
I don't know anything about what you're experiencing OP, but I wanted to give you a little kiss *smooch* ps: What about some xanax to take care of the anxiety?
a%20younger%20dyke
Well being a gay white male who has never seen a live Vagina I am ill equip to offer advice on wombopause issues but I will offer you this: This shit happens and it sucks. You will have to get through it cause there are no other options and you will. You wont be crankiest old dyke ever (hell not even close) nor will you be lil' miss sunshine, but you will be fine. I was in an accident that left me blind for a year, I got one eye back. This shit happens, you will be okay
I will do all I can do and give a kind response that eventually suggests you see someone that knows better than a message board. : ) Ok, first thing first, let's calm down enough to evaluate. Everything that's happened to you could be explained by anxiety. Maybe it's not the actual cause, but if you are able to rid yourself of the anxiety we can know better. Do you have a GP? If you can visit for a reasonable copay, do so to rid yourself of the anxiety of not knowing.
Thanks R2 - you made me laugh and cry, both of which are helpful at the moment as being self absorbed makes me focus overly on my 'symptoms'.
OP
Sounds like menopause to me. I'm 47 and had many non-specific complaints like you. Some anxiety, some sleeplessness, etc., nothing major. I saw a female physician/naturopath who put me on an over the counter progesterone cream. It really helped even out the anxiety. Questions. Do you still have your period? Do you notice symptoms fluctuating in sync with your cycle? For instance, is the anxiety worse prior to your period?
Thanks R3 - I might need to find some phamaceutical help if other things (like holding ice in my hand) don't work.
R4 - Thank you for your kind words and for giving me perspective.
OP
Thanks R5 - Very sound advice. I'll try to distract myself from the anxiety. And I'm trying to get in to see my GP tomorrow (Monday). This afternoon, I'm catching up with some old friends for Christmas - so that will provide support (if that's what I need).
[quote] Sounds like menopause to me. I'm 47 and had many non-specific complaints like you. Thanks R7 - that's very reasuring and helpful. [quote] Do you still have your period? Do you notice symptoms fluctuating in sync with your cycle? Great question! Yes, I do still get my period. And the one that has just ended (sorry boys!) came a week or so early - which means that now is about when I might have been due to have been PMSing (never major, but some hormonal fluctuations, with a bit of anxiety and a bit more likely to be teary than usual) - sounds like my current symptoms! I'm so grateful for DL and so pleased that I posted my original message.
OP
Probably should have got your uterus out years ago. About the tingling in your hands, could be one of several things, I imagine but if you have insurance, you are ahead of many of us.
Hey OP, may I have your stuff?
DL%27s%20%22Your%20Stuff%22%20Troll
Thanks R12. [quote] but if you have insurance, you are ahead of many of us I'm in Australia, where we are so, so lucky to have universal health cover, with additional health insurance (which is much cheaper than in the USA) also available.
I get the bank account!
[quote] Hey OP, may I have your stuff? Dear R13. Be careful what you ask for! I'm actually partway through a de-junking/de-cluttering process. I don't know how I've managed to accumuate so much stuff!
OP
[quote] I get the bank account! R15 - It's Christmas week, so the bank account is close to empty!
OP, up side of menopause, when you finally get there, is that lowered estrogen levels usually shrink fibroids. Hang in there, sweetpea. You're anxious, mostly. Rather than xanax, I'd recommend breathing exercises, but that's just me. You're going to be just fine.
[quote] Hang in there, sweetpea. You're anxious, mostly. Thanks R18 - you are beautiful. And thank you all - the last hour of interaction has totally turned my day around and, although I'm somewhat teary, I'm feeling much, much better.
OP
Laughter is the best medicine so, OP, could I have your good stuff and laugh while I give the rest to R13?
Im going through the same thing OP but it's not menopas because I am a guy. I have been feeling anxious about my health which results in more anxiety and makes me feel sicker. Eat well, get more sleep and sunlight, fresh air and exercise. Get a physical. I am going to the dr next week
This thread is a riot. Thank you so much...I needed the laughs so badly. I'm still so sad and full of grief over Newtown. Amid all the tears I shed this week, I thought I'd forever lost the ability to smile, to laugh, to feel anything but numbness, even at the littlest joys. Things that would normally cause me to break out into silly laughter -- dropping the last jelly donut on the conference room floor, mistakenly forwarding my inspirational quote of the day email to the wrong Diane (grumpy Diane in editorial), racing to finish my completing my ebay purchase before my computer battery dies (golly, why am I so lazy to just plug in the adapter) -- these little things that would normally make me smile did nothing to ease the pain. For some reason, this thread broke that grief somewhat. Oh, I know I'll go on crying and mourning for these little ones, but it's good to know that my mind can take a little recess from the sometimes overwhelming grief and show that in time I will be able to fully move on from this tragedy and get back to living. Again, from the bottom of this broken heart that I know will slowly heal, thank you so much.
How about checking out the DL music threads and rating your favorites? DL posters, the sane&sober ones, should join me in sending you plenty of hugs and kisses to comfort you. My life philosophy is, "Have I been through worse and survived?" and "If not, and this is by far the worst of the worst, then once I survive it, everything else will then be easy." "There's only 2 things to worry about, whether you're healthy or whether you're sick. If you're healthy, then you have nothing to worry about. If you're sick, then you only have 2 things to worry about, whether you'll live, or whether you'll die. If you live, then you have nothing to worry about. If you die, then you only have 2 things to worry about, whether you'll go to heaven or whether you'll 'go the other way.' If you go to heaven, then you'll have nothing to worry about. If you 'go the other way,' you'll be so busy greeting and carousing with all of your friends, that you'll have nothing to worry about."
OP, a friend who's a physician told me that menopause typically presents as a middle-aged woman showing up in your office telling you that she feels like she's losing her mind. :) I really think this is menopause-related, but keep us updated as to how you're feeling and what you're doing. Stay positive. This doesn't last forever, eventually life returns to normal.
R21 - Thank you for your thoughts. My understanding is that males can go through a process that is similar to menopause, including in terms of feeling anxious, etc. So you might want to read up on the advice about non-female specific menopause symptoms and/or have a look for information about male menopause.
OP
R22 - My thoughts and hugs are with you. And I'm so glad that this thread has helped you. Take care.
OP
Thanks R23! And I'll burn a mix tape CD (perhaps a couple of them!).
OP
OP, you sound like a really nice person. You're going to be fine. And I didn't really want your stuff.
Sounds like regular old anxiety attack.
Thanks R24. I think over the past 24 hours I've been one of the women that your friend commented on!
OP
[quote] And I didn't really want your stuff. R20/R28 - But I had already put your name on the roll of bubble wrap that is blocking the entrance to the guest room and on the 8 or 9 fold-up fabric boxes that came with the new bookcase.
OP
Well, in that case, I'll take it. You've gone to so much trouble!
R%20Greedy
OP, did you say you're in Australia? If so, you're entitled to a certain number of bulkbilled sessions (I think it's 10) with a mental health professional to help with your anxiety. You just need to go to your GP and have him/her draw up a mental health plan for you.
[Quote]Your kindness would be appreciated. TIA. You had a TIA? That's quite serious OP. Get to the doctor now before you have a full blown stroke.
OP, do you happen to offer rides to Michfest in your van every year? You sound familiar.
[quote] You had a TIA? No, TIA = Thanks in Advance!
Make sure you're taking magnesium malate, b12 and fish oil. Get all your levels tested, including thyroid.
Thanks R137.
OP
R20! You are cruisin' for a bruisin' . I had dibs on all OP's stuff as I made first call. You are a blackguard!
Thanks%2C%20OP%20-%20Be%20by%20in%20an%20hour%21%20Have%20a%20truck%21
OP, don't just take b12 get your levels checked. I stopped absorbing it and it led to all kinds of problems, including neuro symptoms not unlike the tingling you're describing. Plus I felt brain damaged and crazy. Now I have a shot once a month and feel fine.
R7 is right. Plus, for anxiety consider the Bach Flower remedies. I would start with Star of Bethlehem. Put a few drops under your tongue and then midday put a few drops in a large glass of water or tea and just sip it for the afternoon. It is very effective. I usually take Rock Rose with it, but the Star of Bethlehem alone may work for you. What kind of work do you do, OP? That may be part of your issue with hand numbness.
R40 - Many thanks.
OP
Thanks R41. [quote] What kind of work do you do, OP? That may be part of your issue with hand numbness. Clerical work (keyboard)!
OP
Thank you all again. I am feeling so much better today. May Christmas treat you kindly and the New Year bring you happiness and good health.
OP
I recently had a terrible week of anxiety and depression. I was told I was vitamin D deficient but I was travelling and just didn't buy another bottle. I though hey can't hurt so I took 3000 ml and you can't beleive how much better I felt. Also, it clears up my skin in astounding ways. OP, try the vitamin D. Very recent studies are showing a connection to vitamin d deficiency and depression and anxiety
vitamin d pusher with no agenda
[quote] try the vitamin D Thanks R45 - I've been feeling fairly ordinary so far today (Christmas morning), but I'm just eating a bit of breakfast and I will take a vitamin D tablet with that.
OP
I'd suggest a visit to a pediatric cancer ward so you can see people who have not had a nice full long life and are not likely to.
I'd suggest a visit to a pediatric cancer ward so you can see people who have not had a nice full long life and are not likely to.
I was plunged into full on early menopause after an ordeal that scared the living crap out of me. Anxiety is def the worst part. And I'd be sweating and retching the minute I woke up from a mostly sleepless night. I feel for you. Anxiety attacks with a side of meno are dreadful. I got into Ayurvedic herbs, and changed it around. Tulsi, neem, and brahmi capsules for 3 months. Trust me it works. Be it real (it is) or placebo for those who are sceptical, it works. Strengthens the mind and banishes crippling anxiety. Cut out caffeine too until things settle and you're feeling normal. X
Almost%20human%20again%20hopefully
Sorry you're not feeling well. Wish I could help.
R48 people don't choose anxiety and hormonal imbalance dear. Doesn't mean they don't feel compassion for others. no man is an island.
Thanks R48. Valuable suggestions. [quote] Cut out caffeine too until things settle I'm already doing that - which seems to keep the heart calmer.
OP (just back from a long walk)
Thanks R50. Just by being kind, you have helped.
OP (just back from a long walk)
Thanks R51.
OP (just back from a long walk)
DL kindness, OP? If there ever WAS an oxymoron!...
So OP, how are you feeling now? Maybe it was holiday panic?
OP - you sound like a really great chick. Hope everything works out in the end and you get some relief. Post back and let us know what happens / happened. Smiles and love sent your way!
Gay%20Guy
Hello R56. Thanks for checking. I'm feeling tired, but good. It could well have involved holiday panic - as Christmas approached, it did feel a bit as if there would be no medical services available to rescue me if I needed to be rescued.
OP
Hello Gay Guy (R57). Thank you too for caring. When I was struggling a bit earlier today, I re-read all of the posts in this thread - which seemed to help. I also stayed busy and did some physical exercise.
OP
A TIA can be very serious. It's a warning sign that a real stroke may be coming.
I'm sure she's been to the doctor recently...
DL Kindness? = the online version of the Unicorn. Or Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego?
Dear everyone. I'm back, after feeling pretty good for the past week or so! After a couple of weeks of being on holidays, I go back to work today. I wasn't aware of feeling anxious about it, but I've just woken up feeling hot and tingling again. The symptoms match up with anxiety symptoms described by people on various anxiety discussion boards. I have no reason for feeling anxious about work - interesting job (clerical) and nice people - but I guess if the anxiety is associated with peri-menopause, it's not necessarily a logical thing. I've been cooling myself with a cold face washer and that seems to be preventing me from dry retching (just!). A bit more DL reasurance/hand holding would be appreciated.
OP
If you've had a TIA you're probably not "fine" -- a major stroke could be coming any day.
TIA in this thread was meant to be THANKS IN ADVANCE. Like LOL is Laugh out loud. Try to follow, people!
R65 most people know what LOL means. TIA is much more obscure. When posting about medical threats it's better not to use medical terms for conditions you don't have.
OP/R63, start taking Vitamin E, 400 IU a day unless you are on either a blood thinner or blood coagulator. You should know within a period of a few days to a couple of weeks whether it will improve your hot flashes. It works for the majority of women, but not all. Get the d-alpha with mixed tocopherols and make sure it is from a natural source, not synthetic.
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-E-400-Soft-gels-100-Count/dp/B000MGOX78/ref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1358011338%26sr%3D8-1%26keywords%3Dnow+vitamin+e+400+iu
[quote] FROM 01/06/2013: Dear everyone. I'm back, after feeling pretty good for the past week or so!...I've just woken up feeling hot and tingling again. The symptoms match up with anxiety symptoms described by people on various anxiety discussion boards...but I guess if the anxiety is associated with peri-menopause, it's not necessarily a logical thing. I've been cooling myself with a cold face washer and that seems to be preventing me from dry retching (just!). UPDATE of 05/01/2013: Dear everyone. You might remember me from December/January. Thanks again for your support. Last month, after consulting specialists, I had a hysterectomy - with the pathology results all clear. I'm still recovering from the surgery, but things have been going pretty well. I remembered this thread tonight when I woke feeling cold and then panicky. So I booted up the computer, found the old thread and put a cold face washer on my neck! I'm attributing tonight to the surgical menopause, combined with the general anesthetic. Just chatting to the DL crew (even if you're all asleep or at work) seems to have settled things down. So I'm off to bed again. Thanks again.
The Original Old Dyke
OOD, did you get your ovaries yanked as well? What was the medical reason for surgery?
Whatever you do, DO NOT seek advice from a trained medical professional. Continue speculating wildly on the nature of your symptoms and follow only the advice offered by anonymous strangers on a website known for lax moderation and generally trollery.
R69 - Yes. Fibroids. R70 - Can you read?