Anxiety And an Auto Immune Disease

[Laur22]

Hello-

So I suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. On top of that this summer has been quite a ride for my anxiety, I knew something else was going on with my body for a while now. I kept going to different doctors and being brushed off for panic attacks and anxiety. I FINALLY found a new doctor whom I adore now, and she had a feeling something else was going on too. She did blood work, and come to find out I have an Auto Immune Disease called "Mixed Connective Tissue Disease" It's a mixutre of Lupus, Schlederma, and Ploymitosis. At first I was happy because I knew I wasn't "crazy" but now it's hard because it has been affecting my muscles and joints for so long now, and left untreated that it may take a while to regain all of this back.

I have been urged to go on a daily anti-anxiety med, I have tried 2 and had bad reactions with them so it makes me hesitant to try anymore. I can't determine if, when this disease is finally controlled if my anxiety with really decrease. I think for so long I sat here wondering about my symptons and having this "gut feeling" that it was more, I wasted precious time.

Anyway, I can't turn back the clock now, I just wanted to see what you all thought about a daily med. Will it really make that big of a difference?

Thanks!

[Paisleegreen]

Hi Lau22-I'm sorry to hear about your auto immune disease. I've been urged to take Xanax in the past more regularly, but I don't as I've been able to handle my G.A.D. through exercise, eating the right foods, posting on here, and CBT. But I new suffer at this time, feelings of sadness...so I don't think taking Xanax regularly is going to change that as I don't get panic attacks. But a nervous symptoms, "scared feelings". I do plan on seeing my Psychiatrist whom I haven't seen for year and decide what to do.

The other suggestion that I didn't follow from my Psych's advice was go on HRT. So now I'm willing to give that a go, I felt that they just made my anxiety symptoms worse., but then I was more in turmoil last year. Things have calmed down quite a bit.

So I don't know what would help the problem you have. I guess the Xanax or whatever you're taking would calm your muscles down. From what I've heard of Schlerderma and Lupus, you must be having a hard time with things and I hope that you get better and there is some way to help you through this. I only know of Bob Sackett's sister having it and they made a movie about it. My heart goes out to you...Paislee

[Polaris]

I think meds once you get the right combination can be a good thing. Also eating right, sleeping and exercise can help. I went vegan and noticed a huge difference.