darkangel
24-08-06, 13:19
I wasnt sure whether or not to write about this but I decided that I would - in the hope that it will give reassurance to people who like me have health anxiety.I have put it under Success Stories - because I coped.
I have had GAD with panic attacks severerly for 9 years which have taken over my life to the extent i was agopraphobic for years. But with the correct coping strategies I have made a relatively good recovery.
A few days ago I took unwell - I wont go into the details - but I knew it was different as none of the calming strategies were working but the strange thing was I was so calm - no panic no anxiety because my mind was focussed on this pain. I phoned my gp and after a few minutes of examining he phoned an ambulance to take me to hospital where i was kept in overnight for observations and tests. I was alone. my parents on holiday. no mobile contact (which is my lifeline) had to be switched off. managed to get hold of a friend who came in and sat with me for a few hours. I have never been so terrified in all my life - but i constantly used CBT and kept on control of my panic cause i didnt want problems to escalate - i felt so surreal and had to deal with all my fears. Lying alone in a hospital bed not knowing what was going on was scary and very lonely considering all the other patients were surrounded by their families and I could feel myself getting upset - but again the nurses were bril and kept me company.
I got my results and there was no immediate danger but further tests will be done - but I am so proud of what i acheived and it made me realise that i have spent 9 yrs thinking what if - and when it did happen - I COPED!!!! We are so much stronger than we think and although i feel tired and exhausted now I know that when I am seriously ill - it is different and the doctor did recognise and do something about it which was one of my fears.
I am left a bit shaken but i will take things easy and continue to keep the negative what ifs at bay.
Drakangel
........life is for living not just for surviving
I have had GAD with panic attacks severerly for 9 years which have taken over my life to the extent i was agopraphobic for years. But with the correct coping strategies I have made a relatively good recovery.
A few days ago I took unwell - I wont go into the details - but I knew it was different as none of the calming strategies were working but the strange thing was I was so calm - no panic no anxiety because my mind was focussed on this pain. I phoned my gp and after a few minutes of examining he phoned an ambulance to take me to hospital where i was kept in overnight for observations and tests. I was alone. my parents on holiday. no mobile contact (which is my lifeline) had to be switched off. managed to get hold of a friend who came in and sat with me for a few hours. I have never been so terrified in all my life - but i constantly used CBT and kept on control of my panic cause i didnt want problems to escalate - i felt so surreal and had to deal with all my fears. Lying alone in a hospital bed not knowing what was going on was scary and very lonely considering all the other patients were surrounded by their families and I could feel myself getting upset - but again the nurses were bril and kept me company.
I got my results and there was no immediate danger but further tests will be done - but I am so proud of what i acheived and it made me realise that i have spent 9 yrs thinking what if - and when it did happen - I COPED!!!! We are so much stronger than we think and although i feel tired and exhausted now I know that when I am seriously ill - it is different and the doctor did recognise and do something about it which was one of my fears.
I am left a bit shaken but i will take things easy and continue to keep the negative what ifs at bay.
Drakangel
........life is for living not just for surviving