family history

ellkay · Post by **ellkay** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:51 am

I seeking some advice….. My family history is scaring the daylights out of me. I had a couple people in my family who seem to use health issues as a way of getting attention. I remember them telling people they had issues major health issues but then they never had anything at all. Both of the people died a very young age. My cousin died at age 36 with esophageal cancer and my uncle died at age 46 of complications of the flu. Then my dad died at age 47 from a brain aneurysm and I was in the room when my grandma died at age 66 or 67 from emphazema.

My struggle is now that I worry constantly that my anxiety is my body’s way of telling me something is wrong. I am scared TO DEATH – that what has happened in my family is going to happen to me.

I feel as though my fears go from one major organ to another – first I worried about an aneurysm – had mri/mra and was cleared of that. Then I worried about my heart – after many tests been cleared of that. Now its just generalized health anxiety.

I don’t know if should see a councilor on top of doing the program. I am so exhausted from the constant worry.

I hope some can relate or give me really good advice. I am at my ends wit with my anxieties. PLEASE HELP>

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:32 am

Have you gone to see your family doctor? Mine is great. He gave me lots of tests to make sure I am not having a medical problem...blood tests, physical therapy and even an mri for my headaches. Even though he thought there was nothing wrong with my brain the test put us both at ease. He also gave me a mild antidepressant that has worked wonders. If you see a medical doctor, it might take your fears of these things away.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:43 am

Yes, I have had "the works" done as far as tests go. I just can't seem to shake the feeling.

Its so scary.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:54 am

Aleksi--what is the mild antidepressant that helped you? I'm desparately trying to find an antidepressant that doesn't make me nauseous.

Thank you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:58 am

I am not on any medication at this time. I was hoping I could do this without medicine....not so sure.

I started a "starter pack" of zoloft. I am sensitive to meds and I didn't have any side effects. Now different story when I stopped the medicine - terrible feelings but it only last about 2 weeks. I don't know whats worse....withdrawal from zoloft or anxiety. I am thinking anxiety....

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:05 am

What's a "starter pack"? I have tried Zoloft and had terrible nausea. I had the 50 mg and even though I took it years ago with no problem, this time it is making me extremely nauseous. I also tried Lexapro with the same extreme nausea. But, I now have atrial fibrillation in my heart and my heart arrythmia medicine has made me extremely sensitive to everything phyisically, not to mention how scared and worried I am emotionally and mentally.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:09 am

The starter pack started at a real low dose then work up to a higher dose. I didn't feel any side effects. However, I do not have atrial fibrillation...so it may be different for you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:54 am

I am on lexapro which also gave me nausea. My doctor said it would and to hang on through it. It did go away.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 5:06 am

I've been sick at my stomach for so long, I think it's from allergies and anxiety combined, but also sometimes heart-related, that trying to stick with something that gives me even me more nausea just seems impossible. I tried cutting a Lexapro in half and still had nausea. I may try a half a Zoloft and see how that goes. I'm on Ativan and don't have any reaction to it, but I think I need an antidepressant to "lift me up." I worry so much about my health--blurry vision and I'm convinced I have a brain tumor, a hemorrhoid and I'm convinced I have anal cancer--sounds stupid, but I can't help it. This atrial fibrillation has really thrown me into a downward spiral at what should be the best time of my life. I'm almost 50, husband and I love each other very much, we're expecting our first grandchild this month (March) and I'm afraid that I'm not going to be around much longer. I have had so many adverse reactions to medicine and feel so nauseated all the time because of not being able to take allergy medicines that might interfere with my heart medicine, etc.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 5:16 am

I literally feel your pain. I am worried that all of this anxiety is damaging to my heart/health....

In the cd's the doctor says after time it is very damaging..... scary.