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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 31. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rskontos on June 1, 2009, at 16:59:38
I know I said I wasn't coming back. I have decided to amend this to I am staying away from admin.)
But I just gotta talk about stuff. I ended up at the ER with what my p-docs thinks was an extremely bad panic attack. I proceed to have another one on Saturday and Sunday. I am now taking xanax alot more than I was.
I know work has been a triggery place for me but I thought it was getting better. I guess not. I had not been feeling very well for three days in a row and that morning last friday I got up and forced myself to go to work. I was only there 1 hour when I had to go to the bathroom for extreme diarreha and while in the bathroom wham I couldn't breathe, couldn't focus, felt an extreme sense of dread, dizzy, hot/cold sweaty flashes, and my blood pressure shot up. Now my p-doc says that several things I have going on physically could have all combined at that moment to make my blood pressure go so high. I mean high.
anyway, my pd-c who is also my therapist scheduled an emergency meeting, suggested strongly to go to the internist to rule out any other underlying problems and then we would go from there.
I also saw an endorinologist a new one because I have had more issues with my thyroid etc. He was a good one, through and took alot of tests but no results except that I for certain have Hashimoto's.
Maybe it was all too much. Work, health crap, and an ever present anxiety.
The biggest problem too is that I cried the entire time through this panic attack. Well at least when I got to the school nurse, I work in a school, and she called 911 due to my blood pressure and my breathing. I did not resume breathing normally until I got to the ER with oxygen.
And the crappiest part is that the ER treated only the diarreha. So it looks like I just went for that. They did not attend to the blood pressure issue at all, nor suggest anything except further testing for GI issues. Which the endocrinologist is already looking into.
I felt stupid for going to the ER. But I did not think about it being a panic attack which my p-doc says no one really does either when it is an extreme one. He was surprised that the EMT's or Paramedics did not think about it since I said I was on xanax for panic attacks.
Anyway, I have been so dissociated since. And the therapy session, the emergency wasn't all that helpful either. I have also been having some extreme nightmares.
Let's face it I feel like sh*t.
Sorry just needing to vent.
I am now on blood pressure meds, new thyroid med, medication for my collitis and who knows what else will be added. Added to my already wellbutrin and xanax and other stuff. My drugs as my husband calls them.
But I have vowed to eat cleaner and I have been doing pretty good on that. And walking almost daily. My husband offered to pay for a personal trainer for a while to help me get into the habit of exercising so I might be able to go off the bp meds.
But you know I just feel like why bother.
rsk
ps sorry I just could not proof this post so forgive the errors be it misspelled words or typos.
thanks guys
Posted by jouezmoi on June 1, 2009, at 19:12:54
In reply to Went to ER with a possible panic attack, posted by rskontos on June 1, 2009, at 16:59:38
Rsk, you are not alone. My anxiety/ panic attacks are often accompanied by migraines and the ER has become my favourite place. It is so embarassing when doctors look at you condescendingly, ask a bunch of dumb questions, CT scan your head, chest or whatever else they could think of, take blood more blood and test, test, test .. then shoot you up with valium and tramadol and send you home to sleep. My file there is about two inches thick and growing. Sometimes I feel so disgusted with myself. Successful on the outside and a closet wreck. Only the ER and my string of shrinks know.
I recently started neurofeedback and EMDR. Benign they say. Better than meds they say. The first session a couple weeks ago sent me to the ER with a bad migraine and panic attack. Then they say they will try another protocol. Well since that last one, I have been eating Benzos like candy ... anxiety attack after the next after the next, punctuated with panic attacks. I don't know how much longer I can take this. Something has gotta give.
Posted by twinleaf on June 1, 2009, at 20:10:06
In reply to Re: Went to ER with a possible panic attack, posted by jouezmoi on June 1, 2009, at 19:12:54
That sounds so hard to have gone through. I always like to hear about how careful and thoughtful your pdoc-therapist is. About the hypertension- one medication jumped out at me- the Wellbutrin. It's so well known for causing hypertension, because it works through epinephrine and norepinephrine, and pdocs routinely prescribe anti-hypertensives along with it. It probably wouldn't have caused the severe levels you described, but it, combined with a panic attack, could have pushed the numbers up to a very high level.
It's always a hard call- to take anti-hypertensives in order to safely take Wellbutrin in high doses. The same thing happened to me, and although Wellbutrin was very helpful, I decided against doing it.Brief, but very high blood pressure readings are typical of stress reactions related to PTSD. I normally have a reading of about 110/70, but, several times, have gotten as high as 240/130 when feeling panicky. So you are definitely not alone!
Posted by FindingMyDesire on June 1, 2009, at 21:23:06
In reply to Went to ER with a possible panic attack, posted by rskontos on June 1, 2009, at 16:59:38
Dear rsk,
I am so sorry to hear about what you have/are going through! I know virtually nothing about the physical or health-related things you are struggling with. I am so glad others here do.I am glad to know that you would go to the ER because you never know. I am so sorry that they can be so inadequate. I, too, am glad you have your pdoc. And this board!
((((((((((rskontos))))))))))))
FMD
Posted by softheprairie on June 2, 2009, at 2:54:44
In reply to Went to ER with a possible panic attack, posted by rskontos on June 1, 2009, at 16:59:38
Although not happy about the reason to post :(
Posted by seldomseen on June 2, 2009, at 3:28:48
In reply to So happy to 'see' rskontos and twinleaf back!!!, posted by softheprairie on June 2, 2009, at 2:54:44
Me too!
Posted by gobbledygook on June 2, 2009, at 11:19:31
In reply to Went to ER with a possible panic attack, posted by rskontos on June 1, 2009, at 16:59:38
"But I have vowed to eat cleaner and I have been doing pretty good on that. And walking almost daily.
My husband offered to pay for a personal trainer for a while to help me get into the habit of exercising
so I might be able to go off the bp meds.But you know I just feel like why bother."
rsk----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Rsk,
I'm sorry you're going through such a rough time.
As hard as it is - right now is the time you want to be good to your body. Eating healthy foods, exercising
regularly - (walking is very healing), and plenty of sleep. All of this will not only make you feel stronger
physically, but also psychologically.How sweet and caring of your husband to pay for a personal trainer to help you - He must love you very
much. This is why you should bother...you're worth taking care of and fight for (even when you feel like
you're drowing in sh*t.)Hang in there, and take it one day at a time.
Ava-
Posted by gobbledygook on June 2, 2009, at 11:26:01
In reply to the hypertensive part.. rsk, posted by twinleaf on June 1, 2009, at 20:10:06
Hi Rsk and Twinleaf,
How wonderful to see you both! I was wondering about both of you just yesterday - Your
warmth and wisdom have been missed around here. I hope all is going well for you, Twinleaf.You probably don't recognize my name, as I have changed it recently, but I've always
enjoyed and appreciated our interactions and learned much from them. I'm looking forward
to reading about your journeys again!Welcome back to you both!
Ava -
Posted by TherapyGirl on June 2, 2009, at 12:06:47
In reply to Went to ER with a possible panic attack, posted by rskontos on June 1, 2009, at 16:59:38
I'm so sorry, RSK. As you know, I totally sympathize with anxiety/thyroid/blood pressure issues in particular. And from my experience, it doesn't take much thyroid imbalance to throw me into a complete state of anxiety.
I hope it gets better for you fast. I personally think they should put Xanax in the water. (Small, pathetic joke.)
(((((((RSK)))))))
P.S. It's nice to see you back!
Posted by twinleaf on June 2, 2009, at 15:38:16
In reply to Re: So happy to 'see' rskontos and twinleaf back!!!, posted by seldomseen on June 2, 2009, at 3:28:48
Thank you all! I must admit I'm not quite savvy enough to know who you were before, Gobblygook, but I hope that I will figure it out as time goes on. But, if I don't, it will still be fun!
Therapy is wonderful and hard, hard, hard! I'm getting a great deal out of it, and am lucky enough to have an analyst who will keep me close company into the hardest places, It's so great knowing that- couldn't do it otherwise.
Posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 16:56:13
In reply to Re: Went to ER with a possible panic attack, posted by jouezmoi on June 1, 2009, at 19:12:54
Jouezmoi
I am sorry you too are having such a time. I have manage to avert anymore panic attacks by taking my xanax earlier. two days ago I felt like I was going to have another one.
It sucks being like this doesn't it. My doc and I decided that maybe my topamax was helping my anxiety so going off of it might have been a not so good decision. He and my internist think I should go back on it to see if it will help my mood and anxiety. And we are weaning down on the Wellbutrin.
Yeah I got treated for chronic diarreha. Ha if I was the insurance company I would think what an idiot.
rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:02:15
In reply to the hypertensive part.. rsk, posted by twinleaf on June 1, 2009, at 20:10:06
Oh Twinleaf you have been such a help. I felt like possibly the wellbutrin was attributing shall we saw maybe not the only thing. I have started to wean off of it. My p-doc also said that another factor in my increased anxiety is going off topamax. Which he said may have been helping more than you realized. So complicated isnt it.
The tests from my endo came back ok. No celiac's, yeah I did not want that extreme diet although I am trying to eat clean only eating foods in their natural unprocessed state. And nothing from the middle of the grocery except whole grain pasta.
It is so hard for me to recognize my anxiety. I have lived with it so long.
And yes my p-doc is very careful and thoughtful. He takes no notes and is probably close to 70+ and remembers everything. I tell him his memory is better than mine.
So Twinleaf if it is known to cause hypertension why would so many docs dismiss my concerns. Only my p-doc and internist said it could be adding to something that is a combinatinon of things.
And I hate it I am not alone. I don't wish this on you or anyone.
(Glad you posted though I have missed you)rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:05:15
In reply to Re: Went to ER with a possible panic attack, posted by FindingMyDesire on June 1, 2009, at 21:23:06
FMD.
That is ok you don't know anything about medical stuff. I feel sometimes I know enough to be dangerous to myself.
I am glad I started the bp meds because my cat scan relieved a possible genetic issue that high blood pressure could harm. My internist said that she wasn't sure if the radiologist over read into it but in any case she is glad she prescribed the bp meds.
My reading since taking it have been fairly normal 116-71. So that is good.
And don't undermine the support you provided me. It helps since my DH hasn't been a great listener.
rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:06:07
In reply to So happy to 'see' rskontos and twinleaf back!!!, posted by softheprairie on June 2, 2009, at 2:54:44
Thanks softheprairie,
I am glad to have the support and I too am glad Twinleaf has posted. I hope she stays.
rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:06:59
In reply to Re: So happy to 'see' rskontos and twinleaf back!!!, posted by seldomseen on June 2, 2009, at 3:28:48
Thanks seldomseen,
It makes me feel better knowing you guys care.
Shucks I have been feeling so badly that this is good for my soul.
rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:11:57
In reply to Re: Went to ER with a possible panic attack » rskontos, posted by gobbledygook on June 2, 2009, at 11:19:31
Oh Ava,
that is so sweet it made me tear up. You are right. I do need to realize my DH cares and shows it differently than I might want him too but in any case he does show it. Listening he ain't always good at but he does love me!
I have been walking everyday. On Sunday I took 2 walks.
I will let you guys know how the personal trainer goes. He may take one look at my muscles quivering and throw his hands up.
My DH said he would even buy me whatever equipment the trainer thought would be good.
We have an exercise room but outside the elliptical I cant use the other stuff. So my husband said he would replace the one piece I can't use and get something else I can use that the trainer thinks would be good. My DH knows this trainer as he sees him working out with clients all the time and they have spoken quite a bit.
Again thanks sooooo much for the support. It means more than you know.
rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:12:46
In reply to So happy to 'see' rskontos and twinleaf back!!! » twinleaf, posted by gobbledygook on June 2, 2009, at 11:26:01
It is nice to be thought of. Thank you!
I too have missed Twinleaf.
rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:17:05
In reply to Re: Went to ER with a possible panic attack » rskontos, posted by TherapyGirl on June 2, 2009, at 12:06:47
> I'm so sorry, RSK. As you know, I totally sympathize with anxiety/thyroid/blood pressure issues in particular. And from my experience, it doesn't take much thyroid imbalance to throw me into a complete state of anxiety.
Yeah, I really hate the fatigue issues. My p-doc told me sleep when you need to and eventually your body will let you exercise more. He said you need sleep right now more than exercise. He was a medical doctor for quite a while before he decided to become a p-doc.
>
> I hope it gets better for you fast. I personally think they should put Xanax in the water. (Small, pathetic joke.)Hey I liked it! I agree. It would make it easier for me to take it and feel ok about taking it.
I know you have had a tough time with the same issues. I now have an appointment with a GI doc. I have a possible blockage and some genetic thingy. I looked it up but don't feel like trying to spell it.
My internist said I would probably benefit from low dose aspirin but to hold off until after GI appt.
>
> P.S. It's nice to see you back!Thanks so much. I really appreciate the sympathy and humor!
rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:18:37
In reply to Hi softheprairie, seldomseen and gobblygook, posted by twinleaf on June 2, 2009, at 15:38:16
such wonderful support system in your analyst. I too see an analyst. I think you know that. He is, as hard as it is too admit,
been a life saver!rsk
Posted by gobbledygook on June 2, 2009, at 18:50:32
In reply to Hi softheprairie, seldomseen and gobblygook, posted by twinleaf on June 2, 2009, at 15:38:16
"Thank you all! I must admit I'm not quite savvy enough to know who you were before, Gobblygook,
but I hope that I will figure it out as time goes on. But, if I don't, it will still be fun!"
-Twinleaf---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have absolutely no doubt you'll figure it out...with all your brain power? And heart? And integrity?
I'm betting my money on it!I'm sorry I wasn't around to give you support while you were going through so much.
I felt very bad about that. But, you're back now, and I hope you stay!!!Ava - Gobbledygook (a happy turkey)
Posted by gobbledygook on June 2, 2009, at 19:47:54
In reply to Re: Went to ER with a possible panic attack » gobbledygook, posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:11:57
"Oh Ava,
that is so sweet it made me tear up. You are right. I do need to realize my DH cares and shows it differently than
I might want him too but in any case he does show it. Listening he ain't always good at but he does love me!I have been walking everyday. On Sunday I took 2 walks.
I will let you guys know how the personal trainer goes. He may take one look at my muscles quivering and throw
his hands up.My DH said he would even buy me whatever equipment the trainer thought would be good.
We have an exercise room but outside the elliptical I cant use the other stuff. So my husband said he would replace
the one piece I can't use and get something else I can use that the trainer thinks would be good. My DH knows this
trainer as he sees him working out with clients all the time and they have spoken quite a bit.Again thanks sooooo much for the support. It means more than you know."
rsk
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RSK,You are blessed with a wonderful hubby. How many would offer to hire a trainer and buy new equipment
unless they absolutely adored their wife! He is a keeper, and I love him...I hope you don't mind!I'm so glad you've decided to workout with a trainer - a good trainer can transform your body, and make
you feel stronger inside and out. Hope your hubby's not a jealous type, because you're going be a knock-out
and look 10 years younger! :)I have a treadmill in my exercise room, but I, too, love long walks...it's a key to my semi-sanity. Please let us
know how things go with the trainer. I'm glad you're sounding better, rsk.Ava -
Posted by twinleaf on June 2, 2009, at 21:25:13
In reply to Re: the hypertensive part.. rsk » twinleaf, posted by rskontos on June 2, 2009, at 17:02:15
When I first went on Wellbutrin, my BP went from about 110/70 to 150/90. My pdoc. who kept checking, said the increase was definitely due to the Wellbutrin. He wanted to add an anti-hypertensive, which he described as "routine" with Wellbutrin, but I didn't want to. So, in my mind, there's a pretty definite connection.
I know it's not the whole story for you, though.(ir wasn't for me either) It's been about two years since I've had a severe panic attack, with really high blood pressure, but I used to have them quite often. I think the analytic therapy has had a lot to do with my pretty much getting over them. I know I've been in therapy longer than you- so I think things will get much easier for you too in the future. Hope so!
Posted by Phillipa on June 2, 2009, at 23:48:54
In reply to Re: the hypertensive part.. rsk, posted by twinleaf on June 2, 2009, at 21:25:13
RSK wellbutrin ended me in the hospital as made me become hypomanic and not bipolar too stimulating. BP probably from anxiety as mine did the same bet you don't need BP meds seriously. Get a cuff and monitor. Love Phillipa
Posted by rskontos on June 3, 2009, at 17:00:57
In reply to Re: the hypertensive part.. rsk, posted by twinleaf on June 2, 2009, at 21:25:13
> When I first went on Wellbutrin, my BP went from about 110/70 to 150/90. My pdoc. who kept checking, said the increase was definitely due to the Wellbutrin. He wanted to add an anti-hypertensive, which he described as "routine" with Wellbutrin, but I didn't want to. So, in my mind, there's a pretty definite connection.
Thank you thank you thank you. For the validation. I have always had lower blood pressure until the induction of my panic attacks and the addition of wellbutrin.
>
> I know it's not the whole story for you, though.(ir wasn't for me either) It's been about two years since I've had a severe panic attack, with really high blood pressure, but I used to have them quite often. I think the analytic therapy has had a lot to do with my pretty much getting over them. I know I've been in therapy longer than you- so I think things will get much easier for you too in the future. Hope so!Yes I think so. I have some things I think I am going to start talking about so that I can try to lessen this anxiety some.
My internist found couple of things she doesn't like on my ct scan so I am off to the GI doc tomorrow. She said she thought maybe the radiologist over read into it but she wants to be safe and get someone's opinion that knows more about the abdominal system. Plus the endo now wants to re-run two tests. So off to his lab for more blood taken.
I think my anxiety that has been high for forever is now taking its toll on my body.
I am going to schedule myself a facial/massage for next week and get my hair done to help me feel better about me! Maybe a pedicure too if it won't break the bank.
Thanks so much though for the information.
rsk
Thank
Posted by rskontos on June 3, 2009, at 17:04:15
In reply to Re: the hypertensive part.. rsk, posted by Phillipa on June 2, 2009, at 23:48:54
> RSK wellbutrin ended me in the hospital as made me become hypomanic and not bipolar too stimulating. BP probably from anxiety as mine did the same bet you don't need BP meds seriously. Get a cuff and monitor. Love Phillipa
Thanks Phillipa. I do have a cuff and have been monitoring but they still think I need the meds. And now that my internist saw something on the ct scan that could be something that bp will make worse I am off to the GI doc along with the endo called and wants to re-take some of the tests he ran. But I am still unsure about him with his stance on natural thyroid meds. So who knows I might be trying this other doc here I found her name.
She might can help with all of it.
I am trying to exercise more and eat clean. I know I can improve in those areas and it should help my bp.
thanks though for the support.
rsk
I am very anxious these days though. Always have been but lately the voices in my head are screaming until I either sleep or take xanax.
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