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Really scared and overwhelmed, please help!!!

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jennifer85396
jennifer85396

I am a 48 year old female diagnosed with Anxiety over 10 years ago.  I also have a tendancy to be over obsessed with health issues.  The past 2 years of my life have been hell due to family issues and problems.  Last year I started having a racey heart rate and fluttering in my chest.  I went to a cardiologist who did a EKG or ECG.  He said it was normal, then he took blood...he was not very nice and sort of nasty and quick.  I never went back to him.  Does anyone know why he took blood and what cardiologist test for with blood work.  My family is completely divided and some not speaking I have been very stressed out and anxiety ridden.  Getting Palpitaions again like skipped beats.  I never heard back from that other doctor, what should I do.  I am very very scared

 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • 68survivor
    68survivor jennifer85396

    Posted

    Hello jennifer85395!  Deep Breathing time for a while - try to relax, whatever way works for you. When you are calm just review the actions you outine above. When you consult a Specialist you really owe it to yourself to complete the process and discuss any findings with the Specialist. The blood results can be revealing if the ECG has a Normal out come. You really should find out. Either way, work cosistently to reduce and control stess in your life. All the best to you.
    • jennifer85396
      jennifer85396 68survivor

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply, sometimes the symptoms stop and then I don't persue which I know is not smart.  I appreciate your advice, thank you again.

       

    • paulwoods1985
      paulwoods1985 jennifer85396

      Posted

      Hi Jennifer.

      I've suffered a long time with anxiety and I can say although breathing exercises are useful; I don't think they are that effective - not for me anyway.

      Personally, I would see you doctor about taking some medication such as sertraline (which I've had) or citalopram; some low level anxiety.  Just for a couple of months so you can get a handle on it and look into doing some cognitive behavioural therapy to help you reprogramme your thinking; once you've got a hold on it.

      As for the palpatations like skipped heart beats; do you drink alcohol?  Drinking prolonged alcohol at moderate levels or drinking heavy on some occasions can cause your heart to go into atrial fibrilation (spelling might not be right).  It's nothing to worry about; unless it persists.  It's caused by alcohol knocking things off balance in your heart which can feel like a heart attack sometimes.  It's also caused by caffeine.  So if you're a heavy coffee drinker it might be an idea to cut back.

      When I had this (I had the heart issue after a holiday - funnily enough it's called holiday heart - google it!) and it was a result of excessive alcohol consumption over the holiday which was abnormal - I then drank coffee everyday which exacerbated it.  I stopped both for a few days and my heart returned to normal.

      Hope this advice has helped. smile

    • jennifer85396
      jennifer85396 paulwoods1985

      Posted

      Thank you Paul for your reply, I do not drink alcohol except for maybe at

      a wedding or holiday.  I do drink coffee, maybe a cup a day.  I am presently on Paxil and take Xanax when really needed.  I was diagnosed with Hypochondriasis many years ago and tend to get very obsessed with bodily issues.  I am going to go back to Yoga and start walking on treadmill again.  Helps with the anxiety...thank you again for your support and advice, it is appreciated. =)

       

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