Posted 10/8/2021 4:32 PM (GMT -5)
Does anyone here take anxiety meds? How has that worked for you?
I'm sure many can relate when i say this illness has been traumatizing. I joke with my wife and family that I experience "chronic traumatic stress disorder". There is nothing post about it as it happens again and again. I have explored many avenues in recent times trying to mitigate this trauma. I would say I have been moderately successful. The biggest problem comes when I'm in a flare/herx, and there is a situation in life that amplifies the anxiety. For example, recently I entered a pretty intense herx/flare. I had an appointment with a doctor to go over some results from tests that had been ran. I was getting progressively worse with my flare/herx the day before my appointment. That night, the whole nine yards had hit. We are talking all the symptoms that come with an intense flare including chest pain, tachycardia, palpitations, shortness of breath, anixety, unwell feelings. I didn't sleep well that night, and the next day I really wanted to reschedule my appointment, but I pushed myself. It was hell driving there, and by the time I got into the Dr's office and got into the back my heart rate was soaring. The poor nurse did a EKG on me to make sure everything was okay lol. Once the appoinment was over and I made it back home the anxiety and tachycardia lessened. It was still there, but at a much lower level.
This tells me that the habitual cycle of trauma that this illness has caused is still not within my control. During these episodes I can logically think through what is happening and methods to help combat it, but it doesn't seem to be enough when I'm not feeling psychically well. In that sense, it seems the connection between my monkey mind and body still holds all the cards when crap gets tough.
Because of this, I'm thinking about inquiring about anti-anxiety meds for when I can't overcome this trauma. What are the benefits? Drawbacks? Real-world experiences?