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Worried because of constant anxiety or heart attack?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/9/2014 6:37 PM (GMT -5)
I have suffered for two decades with anxiety and panic. I am actually seeing doctor tomorrow for med management because I take Xanax. As I am getting older-45, now, I find myself thinking: "Oh crap, is it worse to have this anxiety at this age?" I have been focusing on feelings a lot. Having a lot of personal struggles and worry about dropping dead of a heart attack. When I was younger, I guess I did not worry about it as much? Can anyone older relate--and I am not trying to scare anyone, just venting.
Posted 1/9/2014 7:05 PM (GMT -5)
I can relate. I started having panic attacks in my early 20s. I just turned 50 last summer. Over the years, I've gone through "spells" of feeling anxious and miserable can convinced something serious was wrong. I've also gone years with no issues at all, but have found that each time the anxiety comes back, it's worse. I feel like I'm for sure going to drop dead. It's good that you're going to your doctor about it. I've been taking Effexor XR and it helps, most of the time. You're definitely not alone! I feel like the older I get, the more it bothers me.
Posted 1/10/2014 1:50 AM (GMT -5)
Ctuck,

We certainly can't do anything about getting older, (I am just a bit behind you) but we can change our outlook about it!

I don't think that health anxiety has to do with aging so much...as just having anxiety!

We have had members in their teens with some pretty severe health anxiety...

...they have been told that their risks are low...yet they still have the fear of illness, because the change has to come from within, right?

With the same line of logic, but in a reversed sense...you are fearing things such as a heart attack, just because you have reached middle age.

However, being 45 does not automatically put you in the risk factor group! If you are living a healthy lifestyle, and don't have a big genetic/family history concern...then you can expect to have good cardio health for many years:)

However, just hearing this may not be enough to calm your worries, so it is good tht you are going to talk to your doctor.

Also, have you checked out the two books specifically on health anxiety in our Resources? They could really be of help!

Let us know how your appointment goes.


S.C.
Posted 1/10/2014 3:12 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you for the encouraging words. Hugs
Posted 1/10/2014 3:49 PM (GMT -5)
Ctuck
The best years of my life started when I turned 50 - I was free to be me..........kids were all settled, house was paid for and I could travel, not to old to have fun and anxiety was at it's lowest during those years.

Don't doubt that I enjoyed each decade of my life but had my toughest time with anxiety/depression when I turned 60 but it has gotten so much better.

I have learned that a person must take an active role in learning to accept anxiety and in ordered to feel better we will feel worse but not forever.

Kindly,
Kitt
Posted 1/14/2014 2:31 PM (GMT -5)
Hi to all my ANXIOUS friends ! Anxiety is so common. I have a daughter in Med School and we talked about it. It appears that as we spoke we realized that everyone on both sides of my family exhibited the same nasty anxiety! WOW.. what a revelation. I am on anti-anxiety medication and an anti-depressant. Have been on it for quite a while. My life totally changed. I felt like I was finally normal (if there is such a thing. lol ) I faithfully go in for my check ups and testing for my thyroid levels. All is well. Untreated depression often leads to anxiety. It is essential that you have a doctor who completely understands what you go thru with anxiety so you won't think you are crazy ! You are not crazy ! I had a difficult time realizing that I needed medication. I felt like I could conquer this problem with therapy. No luck there. I just cried after each session. Done with it. I take my medication and pray a lot. Mind you, I am not exactly a devout person, but I get great comfort praying. After researching anxiety I believe that part of it is genetic. That is something we cannot control. Exercise, which I hate, is good also. I walk. ALOT. I'm not an athlete ! Trying not to eat processed foods helps also, and I never eat red meat. My health is good, and my life is fulfilling. It's a lot of work but worth it. Oh, one more thing. AVOID people who are always negative. They will bring you down. Put you first. You are worth it. Good luck to everyone !
Posted 1/14/2014 2:42 PM (GMT -5)
Hi SFS and welcome.

Glad that you have joined us.:) I hope you find that this is a place of support and understanding. I have found being a part of this community has really helped me along in my recovery journey!

Check out our Resources (main page, 1st post) for great information, self-help ideas, book recommendations and more.:)

Read and respond to others posts as you like...

...and start a new thread of introduction for yourself anytime you feel comfortable doing so. (Post New Topic icon)

More members can recognize you as new, and welcome you this way.:)

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 1/14/2014 2:43 PM (GMT -5)
Love your spirit and your advice. Especially avoiding Negative people--that definitely helps or MEAN people--thx for the input
Posted 1/14/2014 4:58 PM (GMT -5)
Hi, I get on here every once in a while and act like I really know something, but this problem is one everyone
will have sooner or later, "getting older" I was in the military when i got the news that I could not pass the
EKG and would get no waivers. This really suxed becaust I only needed 1-1/2 more years to retire the day
before the EKG I ran 10k with some other guys. I was 38. Not fair because I actually wanted to stay for
30 years. So I did what anyone else would spent a fortune on doctors, they all said "Blockage", talk about
anxiety. I even went to the Cooper Clinic in Dallas and they tried to kill me on a tread mill well time go's on
Panic, Anxiety, and all, then at 48 I had balloon surgery and did very well for 11 years, Oh I never ceased to
have Panic and Anxiety ok. Stayed active worked 60 hrs a week then had a HA, plus a triple bypass, I am sharing this because I want all of you to quit needless worry, I have seen a lot of Heart Surgeons and to a person they said Panic and Anxiety is not dangerous. Update I am almost 72 I have no restrictions, I do take meds but can out walk most 30 year olds. "This is the real point the pains you are having are not from your heart especially if you have been checked out and had the usual test," I am not going to tell everyone what a HA feels like I will leave that to the GOOGLE MONSTER read at your own risk! Sorry I was 58 when I had surgery. Peace

Larry ***

Post Edited (lgm1942) : 1/14/2014 3:07:17 PM (GMT-7)

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