View Full Version : Another health Anxiety Thread.
A lot of people who have varying forms of anxiety and depression come here to discuss their problems or are seeking help from others who have had a similar experience.
My question is what do you do when in my case and I know of at least two other cases on NMP you have had a heart attack and at the same time continue with all the same issues of mental health that one had before.
Age does come into it apart from being able to remain positive.
To be honest I find it very difficult .I was told that nearly 50% of people who have a heart attack go into a depression and the other 50% go straight into gentle exercise and build up from there.
One has to take a shed load of pills as well and being very sensitive to medication that plays on my mind and I get side effects such as bloating and statins are known to give problems.
There is a rehab programme but the NHS is so financially stretched that the nearest place to go for 8 to 10 sessions is about 50 minutes from where I live,and that would mean my wife would have to take me on a weekly basis and even now some five months later,there is a waiting list, so I do a little exercise which isn't too stretching at home, and suffering from GAD and being agrophobic doesn't help the cause.
I know many anxious people don't want to read this sort of post but we just like anyone else need support in these, what are for me, very difficult times, as I also have ongoing appointments on other health problems and the waiting list is three to six months to see a consultant.
spacebunnyx
13-07-15, 17:35
Hi ricardo,
First of all really sorry to hear what you've been through. Just wondered which category you fell in to -are you depressed or are you starting to do gentle exercise?
I can't relate completely; I'm 34, female and never had a heart problem. But I do have real health issues. Sometimes I've had to take medication that's really scared me, sometimes having to inject them. I have medication anxiety - partly because like you I am very sensitive to them and often get weird side effects.
It's a case of knowing I have to take this medication but being really scared to. When I first take a new medication I will try it in a "safe" place such as a hospital or public place as I feel like I'm closer to help if something goes wrong. But having agoraphobia must make it so much harder. My gp put me on a mindfulness course, I found it really relaxing and helpful, there were men there too and you don't have to speak to anyone... Have you got that in your area?
Best wishes
Space xxx
Ricardo, I can sort of relate to this.
I had a mini stroke 12 years ago.
I woke up one morning and just couldn't move!
My right hand side had completely gone numb and I couldn't even get out of bed.
We had our own business at the time and I worked 7 days a week.
I knew what had happened and told my Partner that I though I had suffered a stroke.
He phoned the Docs and after examination, confirmed that I had.
In those days, I was much stronger and carefree and it didn't really sink in.
I was still trying to drag my body round the house dragging my leg as I went. My mouth had dropped and I looked terrible. I went through many tests and they founf that one of my valves was not performing as it should and that I also had a whole in the heart. Shock, Horror. Too much for the brain to take in all at once.
They wanted to put me on statins, but I had the option of taking an Asprin once a day.
I opted for the Asprin as I have a phobia with Medication.
My problem was my blood flow was taking too long to circulate and I was abusing myself with long hours of work, not eating proper meals at regular times and lifting things that were too heavy for me.
It took about 3 months to feel almost normal again and I obviously lived in Fear of this happening again.
Like I said, it was 12 YEARS AGO!
You can not think this way. Look after your body, eat good food at regular times, get gentle exercise, don't push your body when you are tired and get plenty of rest. :)
As a 2x heart attack and cancer survivor I can share my experience. While I didn't suffer with any issues prior, I definitely developed some afterwards. Depression after the 1st heart attack and some depression and "scanxiety" after the 2nd heart attack and cancer.
That being said, the experience in the big picture forced me to re-focus my priorities and I came to realize what truly is important in life. For all intents and purposes I was dead for a short period of time as I went into AFIB and was gone for a few moments. I don't remember a thing. It was "Hmmm.... that doesn't feel right.... this can't be good". Next thing I remember was waking up.
Nonetheless, I had some depression and anxiety. I went to therapy and was on Zoloft for about 6 months after the 1st heart attack. I also sought therapy and studied CBT after the 2nd heart attack and cancer. I'm not affected at this point. If I feel a little too much stress, I have a non SSRI chill pill I can take as needed which helps. No longer do I fear death or worry too much about anything else tbh. It's all in my signature and I read that every day to remind myself of what's important.
Positive thoughts
Thank you for the replies. It seems a bit of a taboo subject to many.
spacebunnyx. I would say I am far more anxious and depressed and not easy to live with as I can't see myself getting better. I mentioned other health problems and they are urinary related. I have had all the tests available, seen a specialist, and everything is clear but the urge to urinate every half an hour is driving me mad, yet I can go 5/7 hours at night without that feeling,but as soon as I wake up it starts again.It is all anxiety related.
Thank you as well Carnation and it's interesting to note that perhaps we can handle these setbacks a lit more easier when we are younger.
Fishmanpa, I knew your response before you wrote it. You have the key to it all,being positive despite adversity.Not all of us find that so simple, I really wish I could be but I have so many things going on in my life,frankly I just can't cope.
There was a Panorama programme on TV last night about the NHS in a particular hospital in Liverpool.
An ageing population is a real financial strain on the system. It costs £500.00 a day to keep someone in hospital and they are trying every way possible to reduce the time people have to stay, but it isn't easy. In a way us older folk are a nuisance to the NHS and the increase in dementia is alarming .
Ricardo, you have a lot to contend with and the agoraphobia must massively complicate matters. I don't think doctors have much interest in people with entrenched mental health issues as they are not cost-effective but surely you must have access to cardiac clinics who could provide support at home for you? Also someone who could help you with the inevitable depression so common after heart attacks who could travel to you as opposed to expecting you to be able to attend a heart rehab unit miles away from your house?
Your situation is a complex one but nevertheless you deserve the best possible medical/mental health care available.
pulisa
The only support offered to me at home was a DVD tape to do exercises, and that is St.georges Hospital which is renouned to be one of the best cardiac hospitals in the world.
I can't fault the cardiologist nor the nursing staff when I was in hospital, the consultant saved my life. 8000 people work there but they are stretched to the limit in all departments and even if I didn't have anxiety problems there is a huge waiting list for rehab and they are now hiring outside centres such as gyms for rehab, which doesn't appeal to me as the facilities aren't directly available f one should suddenly feel unwell.
There is a new service in our borough for complex anxiety cases who have already assessed me three times via different departments, all by phone, then when it was decided that I was a suitable case for treatment thy sent two therapists to my home for a further 90 minute session.
Their conclusion was that they wouldn't take me on until the result of all my tests for bowels and urinary complications were completed, and as neither is in the consultants eyes anything sinister (never mind the discomfort) I am just put on the never ending waiting list.
Even then it would be impossible for them to come to my home, the guide lines don't allow it, but to me again it's that the NHS is stretched to the limit and grossly underfunded.This service is 50 minutes away by car.
I just wish it was less complicated.
You know my mum had an enlarged heart that should have killed her many many years before it did. It was caused by a virus. Her heart was so enlarged that even the specialists were amazed at how big it was. And yet she went about her life as though nothing was wrong with her. She was incredibly active even in her seventies. She spent hours in her garden and socialised weekly with her friends. She was on Warfrin, BP meds, fluid meds and a variety of other meds. I can still picture her sitting at her dining room table each night with all her meds lined up in front of her and taking them one by one. One day, about 10 years after she was supposed to die I asked her doctor how much longer he thought she had and he replied "I wouldn't even try to guess. Your mum keeps going because she does all the right things, takes her meds as they are prescribed, stays active and doesn't sit around too scared to do anything". Mum didn't have Health Anxiety and so I don't know if her life would have been made shorter if she did. If we keep believing we are going to die of something then are we going to bring something on? I don't know but it is a worry.
Swajj, your Mum sounds an amazing woman but she didn't have health anxiety and this makes such a huge difference when faced with complex health conditions. I greatly admire people who can live a full life with major health complications but others through no fault of their own just can't.
It's so hard when you don't fall into the right "category" when attempting to access NHS support. I don't suppose that there's anything remotely suitable in the private sector which is not outrageously expensive, Ricardo? I'm sure you've already explored this option though?
Fishmanpa, I knew your response before you wrote it. You have the key to it all,being positive despite adversity.Not all of us find that so simple, I really wish I could be but I have so many things going on in my life,frankly I just can't cope.
What it really comes down to is acceptance. Knowing I cannot control things is difficult, yes, but it is one of the key aspects of treating and recovering from anxiety and depression.
Believe me, I work on this every single day! My life is far from ideal and I face adversity and situations that affect my mental state as well as physical well being.
There was a guy I worked with many years ago who said something that resonates to this day. We were talking about a similar subject and how life sometimes just seems overwhelming. I asked him how he dealt with it and he said "I just don't give a F%$@" ~lol~ He was serious. He said essentially what I'm saying. In situations beyond our control, what's the use in worrying? It won't change a thing. Ultimately, it's making the best of the situation you're in and accepting the reality that nothing we do, say or think will change it.
You're correct, it is difficult. It's hard to cope. The truth is, the only choice we have is to find a way to do so because the alternative is not an option.
Positive thoughts
Ricardo
I have a high cholesterol level and my to suggested stations.
My husband has just stopped taking them after 5 years due to painful leg muscle s.
I asked my to about plant sterile and he said there was no harm you n trying them. Say, for 6 months, then get another blood cholesterol test and compare in with a 6 month stint on statins.
He also said the full recommended dose May Cause side effects. (They did for my husband)
But
If, taking a half dose, stopped the side effects (they did), then that was better than nothing.
Ricardo
I have a high cholesterol level and my to suggested stations.
My husband has just stopped taking them after 5 years due to painful leg muscle s.
I asked my to about plant sterile and he said there was no harm you n trying them. Say, for 6 months, then get another blood cholesterol test and compare in with a 6 month stint on statins.
He also said the full recommended dose May Cause side effects. (They did for my husband)
But
If, taking a half dose, stopped the side effects (they did), then that was better than nothing.
dally
If I have understood you correctly we are talking about the effect of statins.
After a heart attack it is the norm over here in the UK to give a very high dose of statins of 80mg which is usually reduced after a few months to 40mg.
Statins are known to have a side effect of affecting the muscles but I was led to believe that one can't just go on and off them for a certain period.
Swajj, your Mum sounds an amazing woman but she didn't have health anxiety and this makes such a huge difference when faced with complex health conditions. I greatly admire people who can live a full life with major health complications but others through no fault of their own just can't.
It's so hard when you don't fall into the right "category" when attempting to access NHS support. I don't suppose that there's anything remotely suitable in the private sector which is not outrageously expensive, Ricardo? I'm sure you've already explored this option though?
Yes she was an amazing woman and yes I'm totally aware that she didn't actually have HA. In fact, I'm pretty sure I said exactly that. My post to Ricardo was not meant to sound as though I was comparing how well he handles his health isuuses to how well my mother handled her's. It was meant to give him an example of hoe someone with an extremely serious condition can live a long and happy life.
Apologies for any misunderstanding. I thought that Ricardo was seeking advice on how best to cope with the dual issues of HA and a very "real" health condition. Sorry if I've got it wrong.
Apologies for any misunderstanding. I thought that Ricardo was seeking advice on how best to cope with the dual issues of HA and a very "real" health condition. Sorry if I've got it wrong.
No need for an apology. I apologise if I misread you wrong as well. Let's just call it a brief communication breakdown :)
Let's blame the internet?!:D
I wanted to continue this thread as it is not often that I ask for help or at least guidence.
I know that others have health issues as well as mental health issues but I just live day to day and can never ever seeing an improvement in my quality of life.
I don't have financial worries and I think my brain is still functioning pretty well but my anxiety is so sky high that it is literally ruining my and my family's life.
Those who have followed my journey know that my daughter has been ill for years without a proper diagnosis and recently her doctor told her that despite receiving a letter from Morefields that she needed an urgent referal as they suspect Sjogun (sp) my daughter was told that the senior partner had blocked this referal. I told my daughter to make an appointment with her and thrash it out.Well she saw her last night and though I don't believe it, the senior doctor said she hadn't seen a referal letter,so my daughter asked her to check, and low and behold it was on her computer and 4 months old. Now she is going to act to get my girl a very quick appointment.
All this has a baring on my own position yet every time I go to the same senior doctor she says "never mind about your daughter,concentrate on yourself" and I always reply that is easier said than done when you see what a terrible life she is having, on a daily basis (as she lives with us)
I have such anxiety I am wanting the loo every 20/30 minutes be it at home or out, though I hardly venture away from my place.
It is a hopeless situation and the more I see of the standard of care and assessment by GP's the more alarming I feel . I know the NHS is stretched but to be absolutely honest incompetence shouldn't be something one sees and hears about doctors in a practice.
Justanutter
21-07-15, 09:00
Well according to the news this morning, we will soon just be able to book at hairdressers or barbers appointment and they will be able to offer us counselling and health advice!!!! Sorry, but this just beggars belief...
Ricardo, so sorry you are struggling so much. Can you ask for a referral to the local mental health team? There must be one in your area and because you are agoraphobic, they usually send someone out to see you in your home. It might be worth asking about.
I hope your daughter gets sorted out quickly now, as obviously, the worry about our children is awful and when you're already in such an anxious state, only adds to it. It's easy for the Dr to say concentrate on yourself - sometimes they come out with the most ridiculous things. I too worry about the standard of care we can expect to get nowadays and that fuels my phobia about going to the drs in the first place.
I can't help but do care.
Well according to the news this morning, we will soon just be able to book at hairdressers or barbers appointment and they will be able to offer us counselling and health advice!!!! Sorry, but this just beggars belief...
Ricardo, so sorry you are struggling so much. Can you ask for a referral to the local mental health team? There must be one in your area and because you are agoraphobic, they usually send someone out to see you in your home. It might be worth asking about.
I hope your daughter gets sorted out quickly now, as obviously, the worry about our children is awful and when you're already in such an anxious state, only adds to it. It's easy for the Dr to say concentrate on yourself - sometimes they come out with the most ridiculous things. I too worry about the standard of care we can expect to get nowadays and that fuels my phobia about going to the drs in the first place.
I can't help but do care.
Thank you for your concern but unfortunately I live in a borough of london that has next to nothing on offer for mental health problems bar CBT which I have already had, and on reflection the reason it didn't work, despite me putting in effort, was that the therapist wasn't very good and I disagreed with her about several issues and real feelings when one is extremely anxious.
I'm sorry to hear about your daughter and how much you have been messed around by the system Ricardo. I think you were unlucky to get the therapist that you ended up with. I have to say that when I did my degree in psychology I used to wonder about some of my fellow classmates. There were a few who were pretty clueless. So as with all professions there are some psychologists who shouldn't be. I think you need to give counselling another try but with a different therapist.
Ricardo, I also have a daughter with complex issues and can empathise with how much one's one anxiety can be affected/heightened when a loved one is truly suffering.
I hope that when she sees her specialist and has had her diagnosis confirmed or otherwise then maybe a positive therapy plan will be put in place for her and she will have an expert to consult with as opposed to relying on primary care and the arrogant GP? I think Sjogren's is quite difficult to diagnose but if this does turn out to be the diagnosis then she'll be in expert hands and a lot of the uncertainty and anxiety could be dealt with at the specialist clinic?
You just need some answers and having a definitive diagnosis may take the pressure off you as to how to support her with a multitude of distressing symptoms.
As swajj says, you could also try a different therapist if this were an option? Sometimes it's hard to take that risk of another failed attempt but you could strike lucky next time?
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