Anxiety - Still struggling

Anxiety

by LondonAndy - 2017-11-18 11:21:06

I have never suffered from the sort of dibilitating anxiety that you describe, but my lovely 62 year old neighbour does and I see the huge effect it has on her life.  I so wish I could help.

Is it the pacemaker causing you to be anxious?  I too have third degree heart block, and am 100% pacemaker dependent following surgical complication during heart surgery.  So I would be dead without one, and as a result I like having it!  I just look on my pacemaker as another gadget, and perhaps it is lucky that I like technology and have many gadgets around my home.

I imagine that you have already searched the Internet for ideas, but there are 10 tips on our NHS website here, so not sure if there is anything you haven't tried yet: https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/overcoming-fears.aspx 

Best wishes

Not the pacemaker

by Gotrhythm - 2017-11-18 16:34:38

Since your anxiety went away and is now back, but you had a pacemaker the entire time,  I think having anxiety is more about you than the pacemaker.

It's possible you have some variety of anxiety disorder. If you do, all our attaboys and buck ups won't really help. You smart and capable. If positive thinking and relaxation would work, you would be emplying them by now.

Maybe it's time you consulted a psychiatrist who can understand what's going on with you and help you find an effective regimen of medications.

Dealing with anxiety is hard. I'm pulling for you.

Yes ....

by MartyP - 2017-11-18 18:34:31

My head says I'm not at all bothered or concerned about my pacemaker.

I'm not fond of the PVC's but they are more of a nuisance that scary.

I seeing both a psychiatrist who believes the anxiety is coming from a change in my lifes perspective from always being right and in control to being more open and accepting.... a struggle of identity.

and a psychiatrist who is managing the medication.....  

I see the psychologist once every two weeks, actually spoke to him last night  (Friday) and the psychiatrist once every two months.

My blood pressure is coming down a little, the anxiety is diminishing a little, but I'm just really tired and want to feel as good as I did earlier this week.

As always thanks Gotrythem 😊

Better living through (brain) chemistry

by Gotrhythm - 2017-11-19 16:54:03

I wish more people were like you: smart enough and strong enough to seek professional support when they need it.

Medical science it just at the very beginning of understanding the brain chemical balances that are both the cause and effects of our moods and emotions. So many factors, diet, exercise, time of day, genetic predisposition, illness or health, not to mention drugs and age, go into the mix. And it seems like that balance we're trying to hit is a constantly moving target. [Charley Brown face]

Someday I believe there will be a quick saliva test that will show exactly what is off and tell us how to fix it. Until then, if there are any easy answers, I haven't found them. 

You're doing everything I know of to find and maintain emotional equilibrium, including counting your blessings. Sometimes all there is to do is recognize that sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down. It's a roller coaster you can't get off, so learn to enjoy the ride.

Hang in there.