There's always a stiff Long Island drink for acute stress too. 
It's cheaper and probably safer.
It's cheaper and probably safer.
anxiety and depression
- Thread starter ryen0
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netmiff
Well-known member
aren't there other alternatives? My DH has anxiety, and has been on paxil and wellbutrin, and I am sure there are a host of others that are not as dangerous as the one you are suggesting seems. I have never heard of it, by the way, but have been on anti-depressants for oh, probably 15 years; I have "chronic recurrent major depressive disorder" and will be on them for life, I have had several episodes of major depression before being diagnosed. I also have a component of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
My thoughts are with you, I know it's not much help, but you can get through this.
My thoughts are with you, I know it's not much help, but you can get through this.
ALCapshaw2
Well-known member
Ryen -
How much EXERCISE are you doing?
Exercise is a known anti-depressant and builds self confidence and energy.
The more you do, the better you will feel.
How much EXERCISE are you doing?
Exercise is a known anti-depressant and builds self confidence and energy.
The more you do, the better you will feel.
Why is so scary though that is getting you all anxious and/or depressed?
Talk about it with us as maybe we can help. In my situation, life stresses me out, mostly because I am so type A. The Paxil really calmed me down and doesn't have me in a walking zombie aura. I feel fine when taking it, and I think it may be better for chronic anxiety.
the problem with paxil and celexa is that most of the time they take 4 to 6 weeks to show effects. i really wish there was something inbtween those and xanax, but don't guess there is. i've been walking, but haven't fully start exercising yet since my atrial tachs and constant hight heart rate. the anxiety just stems from fear of death and that cycle will go on and on in my brain until i almost can't function. again, this is not regular normal "stress"
Ya know, if it's bad enough maybe you should take a benzo. If I were you, I'd start off on something with a long half life such as Valium. Not only does it have a higher half life, it's easier to quit when your anxiety stabilizes because it's breakable in to quarters and halves. It's also less like an emotional roller coaster because of the half life. It's important to keep a stable, timely dosing regimen and beware of exceeding it.
Ativan "wears off" pretty fast compared to valium, librium(not to be confused with lithium), etc.
Ativan "wears off" pretty fast compared to valium, librium(not to be confused with lithium), etc.
Why is there a fear of dying? I can understand that prior to the surgery, I'm sure we all went through that, but you have been through the hard part. Now you get to enjoy life with your fixed heart!
Sure, we are all going to die at some point in our life, but I would think that would be a long time away for you now.
I know you have commented that you are still experiencing some issues even after surgery, but I would just give it time, and also talk with your cardiologist. Maybe there is something they can give you for the PVC's. As with being pale, I was too because I was anemic after my surgery. My doc prescribed some iron pills for me and in a few months, I was as good as could be.
Just hang in there Ryan. I'm not trying to belittle your feelings, but you should be excited about life now, not depressed by it. YOU MADE IT! 100 years ago, well, who knows what you would be going through.
As far as the Paxil goes, I think there are some things your doc can prescribe to help bridge the effects. I don't remember mine taking all that long to start working for me. Again, talk to your doctor. That what they are there for.
Thanks so much all you guys for the words of encouragement. They mean so much. Your right, i made it through surgery and am six weeks out now! I guess these fast atrial rhythms and the possibilty of other problems get me downhearted. And i know i have no reason to complain because all in all i've done very well. But that's the anxiety issue, i'm a big "what if" thinker. my cardio's haven't help either. I need someone to be agressive and explain everything to me. They usually just give me a higher strenght beta blocker and have a wait and see attitude. Then i'll ask if this is dangerous, and they'll say well if it gets to this point it could be, but we are "hoping" it will go away with time. I guess if i could get past the heart issues, then i could work on the anxiety. Your right, i should have a great new second lease on life, and the fact that i don't pisses me off too! Ok sorry for the rant. I'm so grateful for you guys and your advice. You've been through way more than me.
Let me address these in order.
- Okay, if we really want to play what if, then what if a rock falls from the sky and kills you? If you really want to worry about things, then we have to start gathering a list. The point is, there are just too many "what if's". Let them go.
- If your cardio's have not been a help, fire them and get new ones. If you don't want to do that, then be a major pain in their rear! They work for you! Make sure they remember that.
- I wouldn't say any of us have been through more or less than anyone. Each of our experiences are all unique and different. That doesn't make any of us better than anyone else. Just remember we are all here for you. We have gone through many of these things. And I really feel you would do well with something like Paxil, but let your doctor decide that. I know it helped me quite a bit.
You know what you need? An aggressive advocate who can go to medical appointments with you. One who won't quit asking questions until they are all answered. Do you know anyone like this?
My wife has said she wants to call and yell at them. I'm trying a new cardio office tomorrow. Hopefully they will work out better. They also have EP's in that office too, should i need to go that route.
Ryan... words of advice... bring your wife. Two are always better than one. Besides, if your doctors starts telling you things, it may help to have a second set of ears to help absorb things too.
GO GET EM! I'm with ya Pal!
PS... stupid question.. what's an EP? That's a new one for me.
GO GET EM! I'm with ya Pal!
PS... stupid question.. what's an EP? That's a new one for me.
BDMc
Well-known member
Ryan, Anxiety before and after surgery is natural. Before you worry if you will make it. After, you worry if something else will go wrong. Many of us do have bumps of various sizes in our roads of recovery, but most get through them. Try to focus on your recovery rather than your fears: the cardio rehab, regular exercise/walks. It often helps to keep a log so you can look back at your progress, like time and distance walked and how you felt. Including heart rate helps because in a few weeks you can see real improvement. That said, anxiety is a terrible thing. It robbed me of a lot of sleep, and prevented me from seeing many things, including how lucky, and resilient I am. I am a firm believer in pursuing quality health care as much as you can. If you aren't satisfied with a doctor, change when you find one with good references! Easier said than done I know, but worth the effort if you find someone good. Do take your wife with you if you can. Do take notes! All the best, Brian PS: Stay in touch with us. You can see by the responses that many can identify with what you are going through, and care. Your participation here has already enriched the place!
khamis73
Well-known member
I remember in the night before my surgery they gave me ativan to sleep will it was great I felt good and slept well i cant forget this night i was normal and relaxed before the surgery I think it's not bad to take it before surgery sure with the doctors approve.
R
rocksoldier
my shrink-who has tons [ok,maybe not tons] of plaques on his wall,told me that as long as a person takes a med AS PRESCRIBED they will not become addicted. if a person ABUSES a drug,then there's the problem. i take clonazapam -which is like valium and i do not crave or up my dose. for like 8 years,i was hydrocodone-vicodin and then later norco,which is double the hydrocodone. later morphine was added,in a long lasting form. i'd hurt my back BAD. after some procedures,i was better. the point is-i weaned off and was fine. so-if your doc prescribes a controlled substance-don't panic! trish
I work on a psych unit, and they give out ativan like candy, honestly!
It is a good drug for anxiety. If I were you I would talk to your doc about switching your Celexa. Celexa is an antidepressant, and some anti dep. work better than others with anxiety.
Often times it takes people a few tries to find the one that works best with their own body.
Don't beat yourself up over it, It is where you are today and that is ok, take the help from the medications available. Learn some relaxation skills, and coping skills that will help you deflect that anxiety, and eventually you will be able to cut back on the ativan.
Take care of yourself
It is a good drug for anxiety. If I were you I would talk to your doc about switching your Celexa. Celexa is an antidepressant, and some anti dep. work better than others with anxiety.
Often times it takes people a few tries to find the one that works best with their own body.
Don't beat yourself up over it, It is where you are today and that is ok, take the help from the medications available. Learn some relaxation skills, and coping skills that will help you deflect that anxiety, and eventually you will be able to cut back on the ativan.
Take care of yourself
