Long Time Anxiety Sufferer

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 5:58 am

Sommer,
Thank you. I like the term you use, "fantom" medical issues. 6 years ago or so, I had terrible problems, similar to those I am experiencing now. I just knew something serious was wrong. I seem to lean toward believing I have some kind of cancer or neurological disorder. Three doctors told me it was "stress". I thought they were quacks. I was having real, quantifiable symptoms. I was an intelligent, educated person. The idea that my own stress could be creating such real, physical symptoms was NONSENSE. The amazing thing is that once I was convinced of it and learned to accept it, I knew I would never suffer from it again, because now I would be able to identify it. Well, apparently that isn't true. I can tell myself all day that it is stress and anxiety and yet I am unable to aleviate the physical effects, short of a drink. I know now that I need help and I also know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Lucinda's program and the work I will put into it is the answer. And you Sommer, and all of you. This forum is a wonderful lifeline.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 6:24 am

Jeff,
Yes, I know what you mean. I would get over one thing only to develope actual symptoms of something else. I was studying about the body so I NEW that my symptoms were real... and I fit a lot of descriptions! (I just decided to ignore the information about the hypothalmus of our brain that can manifest symptoms from fear!)
And then once I was cleared of all "diseases"-then my anxiety decided to flair up with crazy body symptoms. It seems I am a major worrier- I guess I just have to stop waiting for the sky to fall- we all do! I myself find it hard just to enjoy the wonderful life that I have. Once I catch myself actually enjoying it, I think: "well this won't last because something bad is going to happen, like what if....." and I end up starting the cycle over. Its almost like I am afraid to be happy. Sorry a little long winded- it just seems to help to put it in black & white!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 8:02 am

Not at all, Sommer. Long-winded is exactly what I need. I need to hear the stories of others who suffer from the same problem. This alone is amazing therapy for me... just talking to others who can identify with my lifetime of suffering. I love my wife more than I can say. But she and I are so very different, and though she wants to be of help, it is not something we can discuss. She can't understand worry and anxiety without valid cause. For her it is unreasonable and should thus be dismissed... "so just stop". A valid argument, but not realistic for folks like us. Bless you Sommer and all who have taken time to talk to me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:30 am

I agree Sommer. This forum has been a world of help all by itself. Thank you for the heads up on the disk for my wife to listen to. I may have to talk her into it, but I hope he is willing. I'm sorry to hear about your bad night. It seems that once we have reasoned things out in our minds and are satisfied with reasonable explainations for what we are feeling, the relief we feel should be permanent. It doesn't seem to be though, does it. It becomes a vicious cycle.

I had a pleasant thing (if you can call it that) happen yesterday. While sitting in our whirlpool tub trying to relax, trying to ignore the sound of my heartbeating in my ears, I placed my hands to my face, and realized something. I began to press along my cheeks next to my nose. Pressure and popping sounds. SINUS INFECTION! Pain in my jaws, pressure, headaches.... DUH. The realization was a tremendous relief. Then once it had hit me, I realized I have had it before and that was the diagnosis then too. It makes you want to slap yourself silly. I'm almost positive the Dr. will confirm that on the 27th when I see him about the Carpal Tunnel.

So, I am having a good Monday morning overall. Thank you so much Sommer.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:33 am

Typo above: I hope SHE is willing.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 1:09 pm

Confirmed. I went to the walk-in clinic this evening. It is a sinus infection. Antibiotics prescribed. This, of course, changes nothing. I have relief now, but what about next time? I am not kidding myself. I NEED this program.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 1:04 am

Good morning, Jeff,

Sinus infection - yuk! I get them all the time! I did want to ask you to monitor your sinuses as you go through the program. I have been on prescription nasal sprays ever since the anxiety began. Now that I'm nine weeks through the program, I am only using my nasal spray once a week, if that. Weird, huh?

I think I actually have an anxiety trigger that sets off my sinuses! Now, when my nose starts to get stuffy, I say "it's just a little anxiety, it will go away", and it does! Maybe I'm taking this positive thinking a little too far, but I SWEAR it is working for me. I wonder if it's possible to think yourself into good health just like we think ourselves into bad health? Anyway, when you get to this point in the program, you'll have to let me know.

Have a good day!

Post by » Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:26 am

Sommer,

Someone suggested I try claritin too! Now, I just might do it! I'm a little stuffy today and it does make me feel on edge. Thanks!

Gman5256 · Post by **Gman5256** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:16 am

Lisa and Sommer. It is an viable theory. Since many sinus infection symptoms can mimmick anxiety symptoms, I think it is possible for one to directly affect the other. My symptoms were a general weakness, light headedness, dull pain in the jaw, neck and head. I think these sensations can be misinterpreted by the brain. Anxiety kicks in. I'm no doctor and I could be way off, but it makes sense.

But I need to tell you... MY PROGRAM GOT HERE TODAY!! However, I am leaving on a short vacation with my family, so will wait and open it when I get back. God bless you all. I will talk to you when I get back (Monday).

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 9:47 am

Have a wonderful time with your family. I recently got back from a short vacation. I was a little nervous about it. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to bring anybody down. I used to be so out-going (I still am, just that now I am silently going crazy inside

) and care free. Anyways, when we got on the ferry ride over to the island I started to get real panicky.... then I realized that I had taken with me one of the tear out cards from the back of the workbook! I grabbed it out of my purse read the card, and it immediately helped me remain calm and not feel so alone! All that to say... open the package and take a card with you... you never know if you might need it!

I ended up having a wonderful time and for the first time I thought "wow, I think I might become "normal" again!".
Best wishes to you on your trip... enjoy those kids!