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Health anxiety

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john_32149
john_32149

I'm a 52 year old man who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago. This past February 2017 I was peeing more than I thought I should , so I went into the doctor. They found microscopic hematuria in my urine. With my age and smoking history they sent me to a urologist.  They did another UA, rectal exam, CT scan of my abdominal and pelvic area, and a cystoscopy.  They said they found nothing. Ever since I've been scared they've missed something.  I've also had 3 head CT scans and 3 chest xrays and blood work. My doctor said it's all normal.  That I was suffering from health anxiety. They put me on effexor xr 37.5 mg for this.  They just upped it to 75mg . I've been tired since they upped it. Is this normal? And should I trust them when they say I'm ok?

2 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • josephine90941
    josephine90941 john_32149

    Posted

    A common side effect of Effexor XR is drowsiness and nervousness. They had you on the lowest dose and then they put you on the highest dose. I feel they should have gradually tapered it to reduce the side effects, but I am not a health expert. Effexor is not really used to treat anxiety, it is more of an antidepressant. I'm surprised they did not put you on an anti-anxiety med such as Busphar, Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, etc, even for short term use. I am sure the drowsiness will go away as your body adjusts, maybe give it a few weeks. If not, I would talk to your Doctor about trying a new medication that combines an antidepressant effect with a anxiety. I take Mirtazapine and find that it helps with both depression and anxiety. As far as Diabetes, I would get a 2nd opinion. Don't give up. Write down questions you may have and keep a journal of symptoms. Try not to worry too much.

  • kelly55079
    kelly55079 john_32149

    Posted

    Try taking the meds at night.  I take a low-dose at night and it works well.  During the day if I feel anxious, I try to go for a walk or do something that keeps me busy yet productive too.

    I feel like we are all responsible for our own health. Drs see so many patients how can they keep track and know everything? Yes, document what's going on and what Dr's have said. I have done this myself because I often forget so it's helpful to get a notebook just for your health updates. If you research something, write it down  in your notebook so next time you visit the doctor get clarification. If you truly feel something is 'off', then go seek a second opinion. I've have had MRIs and many blood tests but that's all I get is that I'm all good!!  So I'm drinking more water (helps alot), exercise on a daily basis, eat greens every day and a few other things.  As long as I know that I'm doing good to my body, I'm ok.

    It seems like my spouse always has stuff going on.  He is usually calling doctors, pharmacists, seeing chiro or acupuncturist. I have tried to talk to him about what I'm doing but he needs to take action all the time. Drs have prescribed zoloft and sleeping pills but he won't take them.  So he continues to waste time and energy chasing something that not there.  He just needs to chill out and relax.

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