Stress Center Peer Support

Just over two months ago I was on an inhaler for Bronchitis, a nasal spray and a birth control pill. My doctor then added Thyroid Medicine b/c aparrently my thyroid wa a bit low. Three days into the Thyroid Medicine I went out to dinner, had shrimp, fake crab, beer, etc and my meds. That night my heart rate shot up and my throat closed. In the emergency room, they could not tell me whether it was medince or food that caused the reaction and told me to come off everything. After that I started to have severe anxiety and anxiety attacks. I could not eat, my throat was tight all the time, my heart rate was high etc.

They put me on Xanax and Metoprolol...a Beta Blocker as well as Acid Reflux Medicine. I got on the Beta blocker first...and then the other two. I have had so many tests done and they did find nodules on my thyroid and that my thyroid was in fact high for a while, but is ok now. I started to feel better and then the anxiety became UNBEARABLE. I could not sleep and could barely make it through the day. I ended up in the Emergency Room again and they said there was nothing they could do but give me medicine to make me stop throwing up.

So...I read one forum where someone talked about how bad the side effects of the Beta Blocker are. (Very vivid dreams, anxiety, sleeplessness, high heart rate, etc - I had all of them)

I came off the Beta Blocker this week but am still on the Xanax three times a day. I still feel anxious and am afraid that the panic attacks and Terrible Anxiety are going to come back. I have bought a couple of relaxtion tapes and a book, which I felt did not help much.

I am looking for suggestions on how to beat this. I have never experienced anything like this. Here is sit, 37 with a 24 hour heart monitor on, wondering how I got so bad. I am worried that I will never recover. I have seen a therapist who has basically said "If you are going to die, you are going to die...someone will find you."...I am thinking that she is not helping me.

I am also afraid I will never be able to get off the Xanax and am afraid of it being addictive.

Sorry to ramble. I am looking for some support.

I can sympathize with you,I also have a multinodular goiter,I also have the throat closing thing,it seems the more i panic the worse it gets.I have to take a xanax everytime i eat to avoid a panic attack.When i was first put on my thyroid meds i had the heart racing thing,my doctor lowered my dosage and it got better but i still feel my pulse is too high.Just know that if your thyroid is messed up it will effect you mentally and physically.My dr says that your thyroid is your second brain and it can have an effect on every part of your body.I am sorry you are going through this and i wish that i could help you more,but just know that i know how feel and i hope you get better.

When I had my first panic attack, I had had lots of coffee and no lunch. It happened at work during a haircut (i'm a hairdresser) Then, anyone that reminds me of that client (usually males) or it gets too loud , I continue to begin to have more and more panic attacks. I went to the doctor......first, they thought it was blood sugar, then, they found MVP and put me on beta-blockers and a heart monitor, THEN, I started breaking out in hives and had to go to the allergist, where actually they found several food allergies, the biggest being yeast and molds. This was a big problem because I always used wine for social anxiety. I have been dealing with all of this for about 3 years and i am OVER IT!! I got this program and am on session 3. I am already feeling MUCH better. Although I know that i have a long road ahead, i think I am just so ready to get on and have a more normal life. I think making the decision to not be a victim of my own body and taking charge is the way to think, yes, I am still having panic attacks, but not near as many and I'm not reaching for the xanax near as much! Anyone else feel like one on one conversations that you can't leave (like a project at work) sends you into panic? I don't understand, because I used to be so comfortable around people, even doing presentations in front of tons of people! Help

Thank you for the posts. I am trying to be hopeful.

How do you get from having anxiety all day to weaning off of the Xanax. I am currently taking it three times a day and have become dependent. I tried to cut my whole to a half last night and did not sleep.

Also....the program seemed very expensive to me. Is it worth it? I am very concerned about being taken advantage of in my current state.

I was only taking the xanax once a day for a few months, and just started 1/2ing them, and then quatering them, it took about one month to not need one everyday.
Now, I carry around 2 xanax's in my purse at ALL times. At this point, just knowing that i have one if I need it, helps me get through most situations. I still need one on an airplane : )
It will get better, and YES! the program is so worth it, be consistent. I am on my session 3 and haven't had to take any meds since!
Self talk is so important. Read the workbook over and over if you have to.

First of all, fire your therapist. Her response was completely inappropriate and unhelpful. I am familiar with several holistic remedies and treatments, and I'm wondering if you have looked into Reiki. It is a Japanese healing technique that involves energy work and balancing your chakras. Sessions can be given by a Reiki master - you may be able to find one through a local yoga studio or health food store. You may also want to try lavender oil to help lessen your anxiety. It also helps you fall asleep. Just rub a couple of drops into your hands and breathe deeply. Pure lavender oil is available at health food stores.

Thanks. Hopefully it will not take me too long to get off of them. I joined the Recreation Center and started exercising again so that should help a lot.

Thank you for your reply. I fired my therapist. You are right that she was really not helping me. I saw a new one this week who gave me some tips on what to do if I have a panic attack. I have not looked into Reiki. Did you try it? I have had an Ayurvedic Healer offer to come to my house...but I do not know much about that either. Any insight? I will try the lavender oil.