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Well here we go... 150mg
Hi all, so after a week of non stop panic and a teary session in the doctors this morning, my doc has decided to up my ven dose to 150mg. I thought I would use this thread to a) keep track of progress and b) hopefully find some ven buddies on the same journey as me so we can support each other.
I had some bad news about a week and a half ago and since then my anxiety has skyrocketed. It has got to the point where I am really struggling to cope. Symptoms i am having are...
Pretty much 24/7 non stop anxiety at varying intensity levels.
A lot of unwanted thoughts.
Very breathless and sweating a lot with minimal effort.
A lot of thought rumination.
Can't concentrate on anything else.
Agitation.
I am already on 112.5mg and have been for quite a while so I am hoping the increase will not be too brutal. I also have 7 diazepam to help when needed. I won't lie I took one about 30 minutes ago as it all just got too much. I really hate taking them as I am petrified of addiction. I have only ever used them when starting or increasing an ad and they are only 2mg. My husband says I should use them if I need to and stop beating myself up about it but It's really hard for me to take one.
I am lucky that I am working from home until March next year so I don't have to go into work. My aim is to make sure I eat healthy through this as the last few days I have struggled to eat, to also drink lots of water and to ensure I go out for some exercise every day such as taking the dog for a walk.
Please feel free to jump on here with me and share your experiences of increasing as any encouragement is always appreciated.
I am taking the first 150mg tomorrow morning. I am hoping and praying and crossing everything that this increase works for me. The Doc did say I could go right up to 225mg (I only ever increase at 37.5mg at a time) if needed but I would love for it to just be the one increase.
Take care... Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
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Originally Posted by
Paradise10
Hi all,
:welcome: to NMP Ava,
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I am already on 112.5mg and have been for quite a while so I am hoping the increase will not be too brutal.
It probably won't be as the percentage dose change is not that great.
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I also have 7 diazepam to help when needed. I won't lie I took one about 30 minutes ago as it all just got too much. I really hate taking them as I am petrified of addiction.
I have bad news, you're already "addicted" to diazepam and its metabolites as they occur naturally in almost all foods. While the amounts are small we are so adapted to them that eating a benzodiazepine (BZD) free diet would soon trigger uncontrollable seizures.
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I have only ever used them when starting or increasing an ad and they are only 2mg. My husband says I should use them if I need to and stop beating myself up about it but It's really hard for me to take one.
You husband is very wise. While there are other reasons not to take BZDs long term, white-knuckling through anxiety and AD side-effects is counterproductive.
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My aim is to make sure I eat healthy through this as the last few days I have struggled to eat, to also drink lots of water and to ensure I go out for some exercise every day such as taking the dog for a walk.
Sounds like a good plan. Exercise is especially useful as it helps create the same neurogenetic brain changes as ADs.
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the Doc did say I could go right up to 225mg (I only ever increase at 37.5mg at a time) if needed but I would love for it to just be the one increase.
I understand the sentiment, but there is no point in taking an AD at ineffective doses, indeed it can be counterproductive. The more firmly anxiety is caged the better.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Ava,
I finally settled on 150mg about 8 years ago and it has helped me a huge amount - there seemed to be a big improvement from 75mg (I think the noradrenaline inhibitor mechanism kicks in at 150mg). Increasing the dose usually does bring on side effects, as you probably know, but take comfort in that these pass and you’ll be feeling better in a couple of weeks. Don’t forget that if it gets intolerable, see your GP. I took beta blockers when increasing and they really helped with the physical effects (racing heart, sweating, shaking etc).
If I could give you any advice, it would be to make sure you’re keeping active. The temptation to do nothing can be huge but you will definitely feel better if you can get out and about. Tell your hubby to force you to do different activities (I did and whilst I wasn’t too happy at the time, it was the best thing to do).
Good luck and let us know how you get on
Best wishes
Pip
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Thank you Panic Down Under for your reply, it's nice to know I am not alone on here.
Had a total anxiety meltdown this morning before i had even taken the increased dose and had to take a diazepam. I then managed a few mouthfuls of porridge to take the increased ven dose of 150mg. Wow, that's day one started. Few tears after that. I'm feeling like i can't get enough air when i breath and my bra suddenly feels too tight in the middle at the front. Want to burp constantly too.... Obvs this is freaking me out and I'm coming up with all sorts. Also got a blocked nose one side so I'm also struggling to breath through my nose. Back at work today, it's difficult but at least I have something to try and focus on. Working from home so not like I have to go in.
I have written my symptoms down and emailed them to my husband, he may be able to put my mind at rest.
Well I have made the start at least.
Take care if anyone is reading this.
Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Pip thank you so much for your kind words, I am trying to make sure i get out every day for a walk with the dog, even if i don't want to. I could force myself to go see friends ect if it wasn't for this covid pandemic.
I will keep trying though x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
Had a total anxiety meltdown this morning before i had even taken the increased dose and had to take a diazepam.
I'm feeling like i can't get enough air when i breath and my bra suddenly feels too tight in the middle at the front. Want to burp constantly too....
An anxious mind in full flight can be a truly terrifying thing, Ava. They are also quite capable of producing our worst side-effects nightmares so not all you experience will necessarily be caused by the med and I suspect the breathing and chest tightness are anxiety. The burping is more likely to be from the med. The most serotonergic organ of the body isn't the brain, it is only a minor user, but the gut and its mini brain, the enteric nervous system (ENS). The gut makes about 50 times as much serotonin as the brain and can be effected far more by SSRIs for a while, both when first taking ADs and also for a week or so after dose increases. The ENS appears to have considerable influence over the brain as most of the 'data' flow between the two originates in the ENS. It seems to be the tail that wags the dog.
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Back at work today, it's difficult but at least I have something to try and focus on. Working from home so not like I have to go in.
Keeping occupied at these times is a very good thing. The less time we have to brood over every little twinge, or unusual feeling the better. The two things to keep in mind are that while side-effects can sometimes be unpleasant they are not usually indicators of harm and the results are mostly worth the trauma these meds put us through.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Thanks Ian, I'm glad you are on here... Another question coming in this update.
So day 2 on this journey and this mornings tablet has been taken. Managed to get through the rest of yesterday with no more diazepam and none yet today either. Today is better than yesterday but I always find that side effects tend not to kick in for the fist 4 or 5 days so they may be still to come.
Anxiety stayed with me all day yesterday but it was manageable. I also made myself eat a sandwich at lunch and pork steak, potatoes and veg for tea. I half watched some TV last night but wasn't really focusing. It took me quite a while to drop off to sleep too.
Woke this morning and seem to have a bit of an upset stomach and I'm quite out of breath for the first hour or two of the day. Little tired too but nothing too bad.
Been scaring myself this morning though as I keep thinking that the past year I have been on these tablets that I haven't felt sad but I haven't felt happy either... Ian do you think this will change with the increase or that I will stay like this? I've had to stop myself googling this. I've managed to keep shoving the thought away but it keeps coming back. I don't think the 112mg were 100% effective as I was still always tense, maybe that's why I lapsed.
Working today and it seems a little easier than yesterday. Every time I have a scary thought I keep saying to my self 'I'm not going down that road at the moment, i will deal with this when the tablets kick in.'
Well that's my update for now I will check back soon.
Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
The best advice I can add is to be patient with dose increase, don't expect too much change just now give it time. I went from 225mg to 300mg and it took a couple of months to work but it sure did, I get bad HA and have just been told I have Diabetes and a couple of other things wrong (Wont go into details as it doesn't help other HA sufferers) but the Ven has worked so well and I just cant go into the anxiety thoughts the med just kind of shuts the door if you know what I mean.
The best thing I ever did was stopping the Google search around HA it can be done it just takes abit of willpower.
Take care Ava and keep posting it's a help to you and us.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Thanks Mecca, I do have a bit of HA. I can usually talk myself out of it in a week or so but it's just not happening for me and anxiety has just kind of taken over everything. Its like you can't win, if my anxiety isn't all consuming im worrying about health or my feelings, or if the anxiety is horrendous then that takes over everything.
Your words help though so much appreciated.
Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
I really hope your increase works as well as it has for me those days/weeks of anxiety just takes the stuffing out of you doesn't it.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Thanks Maca, it sure does.
Tough day yesterday but I got through it with no tears and no diazepam so that's a plus. Anxiety and agitation were fairly high all day and I did some pacing between working, I find I can't sit at the laptop working for long at a time. Felt quite strange last night, we watched some TV and had some dinner but I didn't feel all there, like it was difficult even thinking. Went to bed about 9.30 but laid there having a lot of health anxiety and it took me quite a while to drop off, did sleep through till 7 though.
Anxiety this morning, mainly because i feel like i can't even think clearly. It's like a heaviness behind my eyes and in the middle of my forehead. Thinking is taking a lot of effort as my head feels very heavy, my body also feels like lead like even walking is an effort as my thighs feel like they have lead in them. I'm getting quite stressed with this today. This is all just so much and i'm so worried i am not going to get back to myself.... I can see some tears coming today.
Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
Been scaring myself this morning though as I keep thinking that the past year I have been on these tablets that I haven't felt sad but I haven't felt happy either... Ian do you think this will change with the increase or that I will stay like this?
Hard to say, Ava. Some people do find that an AD numbs their emotions, for others they become more intense and most remain about the same as they were before. It could also be that the dose was adequate for controlling the anxiety, but not enough to overcome any accompanying depression. SSRIs, and despite what it claims on the box venlafaxine is really only a SSRI, not SNRI, are more effective anxiety meds than they are anti depressives. Time will tell. If you continue to feel emotionally deflated even at higher doses then switching to another AD would be worth considering as they won't all be the same in that regard.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Thank you Ian... I will keep that in mind with this increase. Im on just going up to 150 so I know there is more scope to go up further or try another med maybe when anxiety is more stable.
I will update more in a few days as I am spending too much time reading everyone's threads on here and scaring myself so I think I need to stay off line totally as im googling venlafaxine constantly and symptoms etc.
Take care all.
Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
I will update more in a few days as I am spending too much time reading everyone's threads on here and scaring myself so I think I need to stay off line totally as im googling venlafaxine constantly and symptoms etc.
A good idea, Ava. Support groups can be a two edged sword, especially when we're at our most vulnerable. :sad:
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Just popped in for a quick update...
Day 4 today, last 2 days have been difficult. Husband rang my boss yesterday and booked me a few days off. I managed the morning call but then went to pieces. Had a diazepam about 10 then did some writing in my journal. Went for a lay down from 1 till 3, I didn't sleep but I managed to lay there and breath. Its like I am awake but exhausted at the same time. Managed some tea and went upto bed about half 8 while hubby watched the rugby. Nodded off about half 9 and slept through till half 7 this morning. Today hasnt been a good one either... took the dog to groomers at half 8, had anxiety and was shake but coped ok. Came home and had a lie down for an hour as I felt exhausted. Went to Asda with the husband and it really went down hill... couldn't decide if I was dragging myself round or not, then started panicking about how much energy I had and if I was struggling to breath or not, did I have a pain in my chest? Was I struggling to walk? I then went into a full on bout of health anxiety and had to go outside and wait. Got home and took a diazepam. Keep repeating to myself that its only day 4. Only day 4. Hubby is just cooking tea then we are going to take the dog for a walk. This is so so hard! I'm praying this increase helps me.
Take care all. Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
Went to Asda with the husband and it really went down hill... couldn't decide if I was dragging myself round or not, then started panicking about how much energy I had and if I was struggling to breath or not, did I have a pain in my chest? Was I struggling to walk? I then went into a full on bout of health anxiety and had to go outside and wait.
What I'm reading is mostly you self-talking yourself into a highly anxious state and little about typical post increase side-effects apart from maybe the loss of energy. It's as if in the absence of any real symptoms your mind is trying to incite some. You need to find ways of short-circuiting/diverting these thought patterns, Ava.
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Keep repeating to myself that its only day 4. Only day 4.
Which is 4 days closer to where you want to be and almost through the most vulnerable period after dose increases. It takes 5-6 days for sertraline plasma levels Correction :doh: sigh!: It takes 3-4 days for venlafaxine plasma levels to restabilize to a steady-state after a dose change. Side-effects and mental states tend to be at their most volatile while the levels are in flux.
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This is so so hard! I'm praying this increase helps me.
I think you mind has decided to make it seem harder than it actually is. This increase may have been well overdue.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Hello day 5.... God this is brutal.
I can really see how people throw the towel in on medication. I am defo feeling worse than before I started.
Woke up at 6 this morning and felt like my body was burning, it was like heat on the outside of my skin in all different places. My mind also felt so out of it that I was struggling to string a sentence together. My body seems to switch between feeling like lead and jelly. I often feel like my legs won't support me but of course they always do. Constant physical anxiety that won't switch off, cant sit still, have to keep moving something. Obsessed with my body and thoughts 24/7. The temptation was there just to lay on the sofa deep breathing all day, it seems i can only really try and clear my mind and deep breath when I am laid down. I have got up however and am just running a bath, don't think I will be able to lay there but as long as it gets me clean that's the main thing. The out of it feeling has worn off now, just feel scared and anxious about the way I feel.
Till later. Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
Woke up at 6 this morning and felt like my body was burning, it was like heat on the outside of my skin in all different places.
This is a fairly common side-effect of serotonergic ADs. Serotonin is a signaling protein in the regulation of blood vessel tone, constriction and dilation, and ADs can interfere in this for a while initially and after dose changes. It will usually soon settle down, however, it can also increase skin photosensitivity and this tends to be ongoing so apply sunscreen if working outdoors in the brighter months of the year.
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My mind also felt so out of it that I was struggling to string a sentence together. My body seems to switch between feeling like lead and jelly. I often feel like my legs won't support me but of course they always do. Constant physical anxiety that won't switch off, cant sit still, have to keep moving something. Obsessed with my body and thoughts 24/7. The temptation was there just to lay on the sofa deep breathing all day, it seems i can only really try and clear my mind and deep breath when I am laid down. I have got up however and am just running a bath, don't think I will be able to lay there but as long as it gets me clean that's the main thing. The out of it feeling has worn off now, just feel scared and anxious about the way I feel.
Till later. Ava x
Does all this diminish/stop after taking a diazepam, Ava?
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
No more panic - the diazepam just takes the edge of the physical symptoms as I know they are worse at the minute... I've only ever increased at 37.5mg at a time and its always the same, but when you are going through them at the time its so hard. The diazepam doesn't stop the mind effects of me looking for whats wrong. Even at the 112mg I was stable with no anxiety but still had the loops going in my mind a lot. I was OK because I at least cope when I don't have the physical anxiety.
Well its day 6...
I had my bath yesterday and walked the dog but had a melt down when I got back, tears and pacing. I took a diazepam and sat and spoke with my husband for an hour about everything. We then went to the tip and the supermarket. Came home and the agitation started about 3 o'clock... I took the dog out again then came home and paced about. It eased off about 7 and I laid on the sofa and half watched some TV... went to bed about half 9 and slept through till 7 this morning. I have an iapt assessment phone call for online NHS therapy at 2pm today. So im going to try and keep busy today and hope its a bit better than yesterday. Everyone is at work so I'm on my own. My dad is off work but can't even go round because of covid.
Take care whoever is reading... Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Good morning all...
Yesterday I got up and took the dog on a mile long walk round the park, It was so difficult but I dragged myself round. Then did some pottering round. Had my cbt phone assessment yesterday and she said I qualify so she has referred me and I should get my online appointment within 2 weeks. Had a video call with my friend for half hour. Then took the dog out again. Had a bit more energy on this walk and wasn't dragging myself. Felt a bit lightheaded when I got home but that could be lack of food as I only managed a ham sarnie all day. Had some cottage pie and a few grapes and half watched some TV with my husband. Went to bed but it took me a couple of hours to go to sleep. I did sleep through till 7 this morning though. I woke up and my jaw was jutting outwards. Its really strange, like its doing it on its own.
Today is day 7 so a full week done on the increase. Im going to get dressed soon and take the dog out... till later all. Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Agitation is literally through the roof this morning. I am struggling to keep still. Have a mild headache and feel exhausted but can't stop moving. This is really hard!!
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
So the agitation cleared off after half an hour of moving from side to side... Did my mile walk this morning with the dog came home with a headache and felt tired. Laid down for half an hour but I was too awake to sleep and my anxiety was having none of it even though I felt exhausted. Pottered round for a while then went to Morrissons for some shopping. Went a bit t**s up after that. I was walking round Morrissions and I felt out of breath, also keep getting an ache round my left boob. I have had a funny left arm for ages, think it's a trapped nerve in my neck but ohhhh noooo not today. Decided it's Heart disease. It's like I have the same 2 or 3 symptoms but I cant decide what they are so I just keep going over and over and over it in my mind.
Think Im doing some jaw tensing and arm tensing.... I suddenly notice that my jaw is stuck out at an odd angle and my shoulders are up round my ears.
I have not googled so i'm quite pleased with my self.
Felt a bit zoned out at times today and had the anxiety all day. It's like an impulse in the tops of my arms that make them want to tense up.... What is this? Driving me nuts.
Ok rant over... Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Hello day 8....
Yesterday was a difficult one but I got through it... had a couple of spells of agitation but I typed on here and moved around and they passed. Also had some health anx again but got through that too. Last night though was surprisingly calm. I cooked my tea and managed to eat some mince. Then I sat and watched TV. No anxiety or horrible feelings. Still had the thoughts but much easier to deal with when you are calm. Went up to bed about 10 but sleep wasn't happening... I laid there but then got really bad restless legs and felt itchy. Got up a couple of times and walked it off round the house and then tried again. Think I got to sleep about 1am. Its all back today though... lots of anxiety this morning and have a really heavy head and feel exhausted. Im going to make myself get up now though and take the dog out. My son is also at the dentist at 10.30...
Laters fellow veners. Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
You seem to be experiencing some better periods which is a good sign, Ava. They should continue to grow in duration and become more frequent as the body adjusts. Hang in there. :)
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Thanks Panic Down Under....
After my calm period last night, this morning was horrific, the worst its been up to now. I had to take a diazepam at half 9. I've spent a lot of the day on here reading success stories and others experiences on ven. It sounds like day 8 to 12ish can be really rough. Feel a bit spaced at the moment, quite a bit of nausea, headache, especially across my cheeks and down my nose. Still tensing my arms up too. I really can't imagine being normal again which is scary. I WILL keep going though. X
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Day 9...
Yesterday wasn't great, the morning was especially bad, I had to take a diazepam. I did take the dog out but it wasn't as long as usual. I just wanted to get back home. Spent a lot of yesterday pacing and reading ven stories on here. Forced some breakfast down, but my mum cooked me a dinner at tea time but I found I was hungry and I ate all of it. I slept at my parents last night as I think I always think this is my safe place. Watched some TV with them and went up to bed about 9... took me quite a while to nod off though but i was fairly calm. I remember having 2 really vivid dreams last night though... one where I drove my car the wrong way off a cliff into water by accident, I remember getting out of the car and swimming to the surface. The second where I worked in a hotel. (I had a busy night while I was asleep lol) my dad brought me a cup of tea in bed this morning. Im quite shakey this morning and a bit queasy but its nicer waking up to people in the house as at home my husband starts work at 6 so I wake up on my own. I take my ven about half 8 in the morning and I've been noticing I get agitation and hot face flushes about 4.30 every day.
Fingers crossed day 9 is better than the others. Till later. Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
I take my ven about half 8 in the morning and I've been noticing I get agitation and hot face flushes about 4.30 every day.
Because of its short half-life splitting the dose and taking half about 12 hours apart may smooth out swings like this, Ava. In theory this shouldn't happen with extended-release formulations, but it often does. In fact there is a strong case for split dosing with most ADs, but doctors prefer not to prescribe them this way because the more often patients need to take a med daily the less likely they are to take it. We can be a contrary bunch. :ohmy:
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Thanks Ian, its so nice to have you on here answering my queries.
Well I have managed another day on the ven train... and what a journey! I surprise myself some days with the trauma I put myself through. Still getting the chest ache on the left side above and below my boob, yesterday it was heart disease, today its high blood pressure caused by the ven. Just had to stop myself buying a machine to check. I have a telephone review with my doctor on the 17th so If I'm still having these aches then, i will tell her. Did my mile walk this morning but it was difficult was really out of breath and my chest was aching. Came home and had my agitated hour. Popped home at lunch time to get some stuff then went out to pick my son up from college. Watched some TV with my son and I have put some tea in for when my mum gets in from work. Managed with no diazepam as well today. I'd say for day 9 I'm experiencing...
Increased anxiety
Periods of agitation
Arm tension
Jaw ache
Headaches
Nauaea
Sometimes feel a bit out of it.
Not eaten much today but I have felt a bit more hunger. Sleeping OK just taking a while to nod off.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
yesterday it was heart disease, today its high blood pressure caused by the ven. Just had to stop myself buying a machine to check.
The good news is SSRIs and some SNRIs and TCAs, including venlafaxine, are mild anticoagulants which may reduce the risk of heart attacks and ischaemic stroke (but may slightly increase it for the much less common haemorrhagic stroke).
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Day 10... please someone tell me this is normal. I feel so ill this morning. Headache, feel sick, absolutely nothing in me at all to do anything. Just need to go back to sleep but anxiety won't let me, its through the roof. When do these side effects pass, surely they should have gone by now. I cant seem to make myself get up. Please tell me this is the worse before better. My brain won't stop. I'm petrified.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
When do these side effects pass, surely they should have gone by now.
Apart from possibly the headache, this seems to be mostly anxiety. Unfortunately, it takes weeks for the anti anxiety effects of dose increases to take effect and in the meantime ADs often ramp it up. The best thing you can do is to get up and keep active to give your mind other things to work on. Staying in bed allows it to focus on the anxiety and how crap you feel.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Thanks Ian... I did get up and get dressed. Had to take a diazepam about half 10 though. I'd be forcing myself to go in to work which I know helps but were not back till at least March due to covid.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Bad start to yesterday, felt so poorly when I first woke up and anxiety was through the roof, I did manage to go back to sleep till about 10 but had to take a diazepam when I woke back up. Not a great day but I got through it... picked my son up from college at half 1 the took him for a hair cut. I wandered round the shops while I waited for him which was difficult, although I did buy a jigsaw. Got back to my parents and did some colouring. My husband picked me up at teatime and we came home, he had put the tree up. We had dinner, watched some TV and I went to sleep about 10.45. Felt very strange last night. Can't really explain it. Had some health anxiety but didn't google. This morning is shakey, and I keep yawning and burping. Anxiety is there lurking under the surface ready to take over at any second. Body feels heavy and like jelly. Going to get up and put some more Xmas decs up.
Day 11 please be a better one.
Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Just managed a shower and hair wash but wow what an effort... my whole body feels so heavy, like lead. Doing anything is such a huge effort and leaves me breathless. Is this depression? This is always what sats my anxiety off. I hate this feeling that things are an effort. I want to just get on with things like other people. Not sit procrastinating about it then having to force myself. This makes me frustrated then my anxiety kicks in. Always the same thing since my 20s. As soon as I get that heavy head and heavy body feeling and I have to force myself them bam im in anxiety hell.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Lebonvin... Ian has been a big help to me so I would prefer that you don't comment on my thread with stuff like that. It's you that is coming across as the idiot not Ian. You know the saying if you haven't got anything nice to say then don't say anything? Well I think you should bear that in mind.
So day 11 was a busy one, got up and forced myself in the shower. We got ready and went out... husband got a hair cut so I wandered round for a while, we went in a few shops then went into town. Got a few bits we needed then came home. Pottered round at home and put some more Xmas decs up. I had the anxiety all day but more under the surface and it couldn't break through to full on. Had some agitation spells too. Quite a bit of nausea and a headache for most of the day too. Was relatively calm last night but then I got some health anxiety which played on my mind for the rest of the evening. Was aching everywhere when I went to bed last night but fell asleep quite quickly and slept through till 8.30 this morning. Woke a bit out of it this morning but I think that is wearing off. Got the decorators coming at 11 and we need to pop to the blind shop and b and q today.
Day 12 today... let's hope it's a decent one.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
Just managed a shower and hair wash but wow what an effort... my whole body feels so heavy, like lead. Doing anything is such a huge effort and leaves me breathless. Is this depression? This is always what sats my anxiety off. I hate this feeling that things are an effort. I want to just get on with things like other people. Not sit procrastinating about it then having to force myself. This makes me frustrated then my anxiety kicks in. Always the same thing since my 20s. As soon as I get that heavy head and heavy body feeling and I have to force myself them bam im in anxiety hell.
So the heavy head and body feeling comes out of the blue and propels you into full blown anxiety, Ava? If so, does it come and go on its own, or only after treatment, how often does it come and have you noticed a recurring trigger, or pattern to its onset?
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
I've never noticed a trigger for it Ian, it just comes on... then I'm in full anxiety trying to figure out why. It does come and go on its own. Sometimes it last for days.
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paradise10
I've never noticed a trigger for it Ian, it just comes on... then I'm in full anxiety trying to figure out why. It does come and go on its own. Sometimes it last for days.
I don't think it is depression. It might be anxiety related, but there are many other possibilities. Have you ever seen a GP during one and had blood, or other tests?
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
No I haven't but that would be a good idea. I always consult Dr Google... but... I haven't done this for 4 days now. I made a promise to myself I would never google symptoms again. Im starting one cbt on the 15th and I have a telephone doctors appointment on the 17th for a catch up since I increased my dose so I will ask her then. I have realised I need to change the way I react to things. I need to talk to family and then the doctor if needed rather than keeping quiet, consulting Dr google then worrying it all in my head.
Ian you are a massive help to me through this and I just want you to know I am thankful.
Ava x
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Re: Well here we go... 150mg
So yesterday was manageable... kept fairly busy this weekend. Got up yesterday and went out with my husband to get a few bits. Went to b&q, home base, then went to sainsburys. Came home and we watched some TV, then had a Sunday dinner. Anxiety was fairly low level and bubbling under the surface all day and just peaked here and there due to my thoughts. Had another round of health anxiety. My mind is still in the same loop. Its like a washing machine with a few thoughts in there that just goes round and round all day. Still scanning myself all day for symptoms and have that uncomfortable feeling in my tummy like something is wrong and I just feel quite achey and unwell in myself. Anxiety won't go into a full on panic though like before so the ven is clearly doing something. Motivation is still low and everything is an effort. Just waiting for a parcel to arrive then im going to my parents this morning. Dads at work this afternoon though so I might come home and wrap some Xmas presents.
Day 13... incoming!!