Stress Center Peer Support

The other day I took the online assessment. The results did not surprise me. I have suffered from constant butterflies in my stomach since I was a child. My mom used to roll her eyes and tell me I had no reason to be nervous about anything. I have spent my life not only living with anxiety, but being ashamed of it as well. In my mid twenties I discovered how much alcohol "seemed" to help. To this day I have at least 2 glasses of red wine every evening. Sometimes 3. I am 48 now. I am taking 50mg of Zoloft per day. I had been doing very well. But lately I am having terrible axiety attacks. I believe I may legitimately have capal tunnel symdrome, for which I am seeing a doctor on the 27th. I have been a graphic designer for 26 years so it is not suprising. Illigitimately however, I imagine I have developed some sort of neurological disorder. Perhaps I've developed alcoholic neuropathy because of drinking so much over the years. For the last week and a half, I have had TMJ issues which only adds to the fear. I am probably tense and clinching my jaws, but I still use it to support my fear.

I've ordered the program and am awaiting "anxoiusly" for its arrival. If anyone can relate to my story, please talk to me.

Jeff,

I think most of us can relate. First, I also got into the red wine habit. First one every night, then two, then sometimes three. I've got to think now that it was taking the edge of the anxiety even though I wasn't aware that I was suffering from it. I was doing that for the last 3 years - I'm 43 now. Now that the anxiety is getting better, I find that I don't have the urge to drink as much but it did become a habit, so I have to remind myself not to drink most nights even now.

As for your physical symptoms, I wouldn't worry too much. About 98% of us have various physical symptoms caused by the anxiety. They can be disabling! Mine has run the gammet from gall bladder pain, extreme dizziness, to a sinus reaction prior to having an anxiety attack. Awful. Work on the program, see your doctors to ease your mind, and you'll feel so much better soon! Glad you're here!

Hey Jeff,

Welcome! I'm so sorry I have to be brief because I'm just leaving the office for the weekend, but I at least wanted to write quickly (rather than not at all) to tell you you're in the right place. I'm glad that you're finally getting the help that you (that we all) need. Congratulate yourself for taking the steps necessary to move toward recovery. We're ALL in the same place, just to varying degrees. Look forward to chatting with you as you move through the program.

Michael

Thank you Lisa. If there's not one already, there should be a standing order for folks like us NOT to look up ailments online. Although I probably have carpal tunnel and am feeling weekness and twitching in my hands, I am terrified I have alcoholic neuropathy. Despite the fact that symptoms of alcoholic neuropaty usually begin in the lower extremities. I suppose it is guilt from drinking alcohol. Guilt is one of my specialties.

Thank you Michael. I have watched the informercials for years, knowing each time that each individual in it was describing me and my symptoms exactly. My wife is one of those together people who never seems to get too disturbed about anything. I envy her, but sometimes wish she could understand my problems better. We've been married 25 years, so at least I can say for sure she is a very patient woman.

As they say on the boards here - STEP AWAY FROM THE GOOGLE!! IT IS NOT YOUR FRIEND!! HA! HA!

Guilt, huh? Lucinda does talk about the guilt thing too. I think you are definitely in the right place! I can't wait until you get the program!

Jeff...Wow, youv'e been dealing with this your entire life huh? It get's better, I just went through the program along with the coaching, and it really does help.....While I'm still "anxious" I don't view it the same way, I once did. My biggest thing is driving. I can drive around the area pretty nicely with no probs, it's just when I go for long distances....I still do it mind you, but it's still a little intense! You're going to be fine, this program can work wonders if you help/make it. I was a heavy drinker to, until this first started for me last yr, but my "scarey thoughts" really helped me put the bottle down. I tell you what though, it's funny what you find out about yourself, when your backs up against the wall...I can't express enough, you're going to be fine...Work the program, pray, if you do...Watch what happens! Welcome to the board and good luck!!!!

Hi Jeff, I left you a reply in the Peer forum a few minutes ago. Check it out when you can.

THANK YOU... All of you. The worst part of a lifetime of this is feeling like you're the only one whe feels this way. I prayed hard yesterday. I may have my answer.

OK, but someone needs to tell me I DON'T have alcoholic neuropathy so I can get this knot out of my stomach. There must be some MDs in this group.

David, I did read your note. Thank you. I probably shouldn't have started this thread twice but wasn't sure where to do it. Maybe the admin. can delete the other one.

Thank God for you people and for Lucinda.

Hi Jeff! I'm not a doctor but I am a registered nurse and from what I remember about alcoholic neuropathy (AL) is it almost always starts in the legs and feet and THEN progresses to the hands and arms. If you are having pain, burning, and numbness in your hand; especially in the palm, thumb, index, and middle finger, you most likely have carpal tunnel syndrome. Try not to worry... Even if you DID have AL, it can be managed with physical therapy and/or surgery. Your symptoms are probably very typical of carpal tunnel and I'm sure your doctor would have considered another diagnosis if not. Good luck to you!