how to cope when medical problems are real, and serious?

[calmdownplease]

Hi, I'm new here. And I realise that what I'm about to say might be triggering for some people, so will understand if the mods want to delete it.

I had palpitations and heart symptoms for years, and because I'd always had problems with anxiety, had always dismissed my symptoms as a feature of anxiety. But when I finally got them checked out by my GP, erm, the results were a life-threatening heart defect. One in a million, definately, but I guess in every million there has to be one.

How am I supposed to cope with my anxiety now?

I've got a major medical procedure coming up next week. My medical team all know that I have problems with anxiety, but dismiss that as 'not their job to deal with'. My work know about the medical problems but not the anxiety (in past experience, admitting to panic attacks tend to diminish career chances), and are beginning to ask pointed questions about why I'm taking more time off than seems to be needed. The mental health team just keep telling me the risks of not cooperating with medical treatment, which I don't need telling.

So, given that my palpitations are a feature of life-threatening heart disease, and given that refusing medical procedures of which I'm terrified could cost me my life - what do I do?

[randomworry]

hi calmdownplease im sorry to here you are going through this at the moment. You have to get the medical procedure despite the fear beause that will help make you better.
In terms on the anxiety you should speak to a counceller. ask the gp or the heart specialist about this because they would know. also come on here for support and speak to your friends and family about how you are feeling all the time.

i know you will be fine and get through all this and come out stronger
all the best
randomworry

[Ella_Jayne]

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through at the moment. I'm sure in the end everything will work out fine.

As said above, go and speak to a counceller and get your anxiety under control. When you have the medical procedure, you will feel a lot better so speak to your GP and see if he can get you some CBT or something.

Just out of curiosity, what heart condition do you have?
Obviously don't say if you feel uncomfortable.

x

[Nigel]

Hi calmdownplease,
:welcome: to NMP!

I’m sorry to read your story and I have to admit I’m very much like that myself – absolutely terrified of all things medical – so I can imagine how you must be feeling. That must’ve taken courage to even get the symptoms checked out, and that courage will get you through.

I can’t believe the medical team dismissed the anxiety as ‘not their job’. I’ve read stories where a person’s anxiety has been taken very seriously, and measures taken to calm them down well before any procedures take place. Perhaps you could talk to your mental health team about it – it must be their job – and see if they could liaise with the hospital on your behalf.

Another thing with anxiety is that it’s always worse regarding the unknown. So it might be reassuring to learn all you can about the procedure and talk to the medical team and ask them to fully explain everything.

Regarding work, unless a person’s anxiety directly effects their work, it cannot be used to discriminate against them. If it happens the employer can be done for it.

I wish you the very best of luck for a speedy recover :)

Nigel

[calmdownplease]

Thanks, all of you. I have a heart condition linked to SADS (sudden arrhythmic death syndrome). Just feeling so alone, and so desperate.

[Ella_Jayne]

What did the doctors say to you? Did they say there is anything to worry about? I know some people have heart conditions and are never really affected by it and then others are.

How long did it take for them to diagnose you?

[calmdownplease]

Did they say there is anything to worry about?


Yes, dying. And I've got young children.

[alicegreen]

Thanks, all of you. I have a heart condition linked to SADS (sudden arrhythmic death syndrome). Just feeling so alone, and so desperate.


Hi there. Is this WPW that you have? If so i know lots of people, including a really good friend that have had this treated with 100% success.
I really feel for you as I have a fear of medical stuff as well.
Are you currently taking any medication? I think that its worth getting something prescribed to calm you before the procedure, either by your GP or the team carrying out the procedure. You will get through this xxx

[Ella_Jayne]

Yes, dying. And I've got young children.

You're dying? How do you mean? I thought you just had a condition that has been linked with SADS? Some people go through all of there lives with conditions such as Cardiomyopathy, Long QT syndrome and never know they have it and live a full and long life. Did a doctor actually say you were dying?

What condition do you have?

[alicegreen]

Just coming back to this to wish you all the very best for your procedure this week. I have been thinking about you, and really hope that you are able to get some sedation etc prior to the appointment.

Good luck x:hugs:

[nomorepanic]

What is the operation for can I ask? Is it to correct the defect?