Mostly OT: Panic Attacks

I think you had some good replies, just want to add my positive thoughts and prayers

to help you through this.

Kathy

Thank you so much to all for your comments, ideas, and support.  I am still feeling very anxious -- and kind of short on words (amazing) --  but was able to get an extra therapy session in tonight and an EMDR session for tomorrow.  I will not cancel the surgery since doing it later would still be under the same cir****tances  other than Gus being a bit older, and might be under worse ones, job and insurance wise.  I just need to get a grip.

Lora

You know there are ways you can get over or at least reduce your anxiety. I personally had really bad anxiety but that changed only when I decided to change my lifestyle. I started exercising daily & eating healthy, I also started taking kick boxing classes as it helps me release and get my mind of things - in my opinion over thinking is what worsens anxiety. This video also helped me overcome my anxiety - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncg7QdloTHA.  All in All I want you to never give up, you or anyone else suffering from anxiety problems. I really hope you get over your problems as soon as possible.

Breath and look into Gus's eyes.  

Try to stay positive.  Take it one day at a time.  Having good knees is a positive IF you need to look for a new job.  Use the insurance that you have now!!!!  You will survive the post surgery hurdles because you will have no other choice.  Stay longer at your mom's house if you need to.  Everyone that I know that had replaced knees say they wish they had done it earlier.  It is such a common surgery now that the problems have been addressed and you will do well.  Good luck.

You sound like you had a panic moment, and now are able to think a bit more clearly.  The only thing I want to add is an idea: would it be possible for you to Skype a session with your counselor if you are unable to drive to them?  Or, plan one by telephone?  That might help make things a bit more manageable.

Good luck.  You've been looking forward to this for a long time.  You got this!

Not sure if you are a person of Faith or not, but if you are Pray! I suffer from anxiety, and it can get quite wicked at times. During the times when my "mind" can not possibly manage all the variables and possible scenarios that await me, I have no choice but to lean on the Creator and ask that "things in my life be ordered in a manner that is doable" for me.

I had RNY surgery in November 2011, was out of work in January, no insurance in March, couldn't even use my credit card to purchase insurance because insurance companies deny coverage to RNY patients for 7 years after surgery. That will all change with Obamacare in 2014 though.  Although I was in the worst possible situation that one can be as a post-op. I still was very glad that I made ALL of the decisions that I did - including leaving that dreadful job. Eventually, things worked out very well for me. So, please have FAITH that things will work out well. And when in doubt, call upon God for help. 

I developed PTSD from complications for surgery and was hospitalized for several weeks after mine. Unfortunately I am one of the people who's surgery didn't go so smoothly. That being said, I suffered from panic attack for months before I realized what they really were. I've been going to therapy for a year now and it's really helped me quite a bit. I developed post traumatic stress related insomnia which is probably the worst problem I had. 

I was of course medicatied -- xanax, adavan, klonopin -- til they found the right thing which turned out to be xanax the best for me because it worked quickly during panic attacks. I also also prescribed anti-depressants, seroquel and a few other things. They ahve actually seemed to help, though Ive been recovering -- no panic attack in months -- and I take very little xanax anymore. I've learned that you can't just deal with panic attacks on your own. I feel like I'ma tough cookie. I feel like I can take care of myself -- but the more I let them go, the worse they got. Find your best solution, and go forward. I used workbooks that I found on amazon that are cheap (feel free to message me if you want some suggestions.)

I hope things do get better -- and I know everyone says "Don't let it get to you," and its the worst thing you want to hear because its obviously already gotten there. My best suggestion is to just see a counselor -- on time thing if its not your style and see what they think. Lemme know if I can help anymore -- I wish you the best of luck.