tricia386
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29623
posted
I know I have been posting here a lot about anxiety. This is my major symptom. Although, I am begining to think I am bringing it on myself.
Besides dry eyes. Honestly and anxiety thats my only symptom. I have very little and I mean little joint pain left, my eyes are getting better do to teh scrimmer test. My fatigued has improved greatly
I think everything has been wearing on me.
For example. I will be so relaxed at night. And then I get nervous I wont be able to fall asleep and then I wont fall asleep. Which causes me not to fall asleep.Or I get nervous I wont wake up. I dread night time. MY LLMD gave me Lunesta and Xanax they seem to help a little but its hard when your scared to take them
I am nervous about taking pills. I am nervous about not getting better. I am worried that I will never have my life back. When i do feel like my old self not worrying. I wonder why I feel good and why am I not worrying. I bet I sound crazy. I am scared of my own shadow. Then I hate worrying so much it makes me cry. I am scared to do anything go on vaction bc I am sacred I will have anxiety.
I am starting to see a pschologist but I am no wondering if maybe I need to go on an anti-anxiety medicine.
Has anyone else been on them. Do they help and what kinds have you been on?
-------------------- Lyme activated in April 2010 by gardasil vaccine. DX: Lyme,Babs,Myco,Bart 11/10 Treatment Started: 3/28/11 Posts: 1752 | From Albany, NY | Registered: Dec 2010
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tricia386
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29623
posted
up?
-------------------- Lyme activated in April 2010 by gardasil vaccine. DX: Lyme,Babs,Myco,Bart 11/10 Treatment Started: 3/28/11 Posts: 1752 | From Albany, NY | Registered: Dec 2010
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posted
I know your feeling. So sorry you are feeling this.
I had severe anxiety months ago. Some anxiety meds (Inderal) didn't touch it, however I was cautious not to be a drug dump site and was leery to "load up" on drugs.
I do get occasional spells of anxiety still. I have found Zen from Allergy Research group has helped me. I take it 1 hour away from food and abx; twice daily.
When I really need to take the edge off I take 2mg of valium. This is mainly when I am herxing, have major twitching.
I take 3/4 of a 50mg pill of Trazadone for sleep. With this said, I up it 1/4 pill when it doesn't seem to work or I can't seem to sleep (mind thinks and doesn't get into sleep zone.
Finally and most importantly...I Pray. This technique is the only "cure" that I know works 100%.
-------------------- Tick Bite: March 2011 ABX Treatment: August 2011 Diagnosed: September 2011 Posts: 137 | From God's Got This! | Registered: Aug 2011
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posted
Tricia, Anxiety has got to be the worst.close second not sleeping. My anxiety was once real bad. So bad my heart would pound. That left me many months ago. I take a benzo..and I believe that has helped. I'd talk to your doc. Hang in there. I have eye issues to. Not dry but wet and sticky. Not sure why?
[ 10-26-2011, 03:26 PM: Message edited by: lost11 ]
Posts: 267 | From South | Registered: Oct 2011
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phyl6648
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28522
posted
Xanax has been a life saver for me. Thanks to my ENT who talked me into taking it for ringing in my ears. I was so afraid of addiction and all the bad "stuff" I had read or heard about the drug. All I can say is it has been a great drug for me. Don't think I could handle Lyme without it. It doesn't do a thing for lyme but does help with anxiety, panic and agoraphobia..
Best of luck..
Posts: 1058 | From VA | Registered: Oct 2010
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
I think everyone should try 5-HTP at 300mgs a day for at least 2 weeks to see if that fixes their problem, BEFORE they decide to take the prescription stuff. 5-HTP gets converted directly into serotonin, which is what the prescription meds are artificially trying to increase. Side-by-side trials have shown that 5-htp is always more beneficial than ANY of the prescription anxiolytics and anti-depressants.
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tricia386
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29623
posted
James I am worried about taking that much of 5htp. will 5htp work if my anxiety is self induced?
-------------------- Lyme activated in April 2010 by gardasil vaccine. DX: Lyme,Babs,Myco,Bart 11/10 Treatment Started: 3/28/11 Posts: 1752 | From Albany, NY | Registered: Dec 2010
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
My dear Tricia - if you have had any type of chronic illness, then there is no way that your anxiety is completely "self-induced". IMHO, I think it is not helpful for you to be "blaming" yourself at this point.
The mind is never separate from the body. If you have been dealing with chronic illnesses, then your serotonin will have a tendency to be low just from that. NOT to mention all of the other hormonal problems that can be influenced by your illnesses.
Of course someone can make themselves sick or cause themselves anxiety from their thoughts alone... but when you have been dealing with such serious chronic illnesses, I think it's okay to at least partially "blame" some of your "psychological" problems on the illnesses.
But either way - the answer to your question is: yes, 5htp can be very effective even for those cases that are "self induced". In other words, if someone has depression (i.e. low serotonin) on account of depressing thoughts, then 5htp can help them to get out of the downward spiral.
I don't like writing about 5htp publicly because it's greatly misunderstood. Almost like the situation with iodine. Because peoples' doctors don't mention these things to the patients, the patients think these supplements must not be important or effective.
I think it would be healthier if people were willing to at least TRY 300mg of 5htp a day first, and then if that's not helping them then they can try a prescription med. 5htp is very safe, and has few if any side effects. Prescription psych meds can have many side effects - some of them serious (like increased risk of suicide, etc).
Anyway, best wishes to you. I know how horrible anxiety can be. It can drive a person crazy.
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We are all so different and there is no definite link between the effectiveness of anti-depressants and the rise in serotonin that they induce. This rise happens instantly, but the ad/anti-anxiety effect can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, if it's going to work for you. No-one knows why there's this lag.
Personally, 5htp never did anything for me--yet low dose SSRI's work very well. If 5htp does work, you are lucky, but don't think that if it doesn't, prescription meds. won't. Sue
Posts: 226 | From Princeton | Registered: Oct 2010
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It took me a while to realize and really accept the fact that the anxiety is a symptom of this lousy disease. Once I accepted that, it was easier to deal with it like I deal with any of my symptoms.
James- correct me if I am wrong but if someone is already taking anti-depressents or anxiety meds we probably shouldn't take 5-HTP? Or consult with a Psychiatrist beforehand?
Posts: 164 | From California | Registered: Aug 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I agree with PoolDog. It really helps to remember that this is often just "part of the deal" with lyme -- but also for anyone with any kind of inner and middle ear involvement. And lyme often involves the vestibular / balance system of the ears.
Any degree of vestibular dysfunction can cause nausea and that can trigger anxiety.
If you have inner ear involvement, GINGER Capsules DURING THE DAY often helps settle that down and the magnesium and fish oil help to calm the neuro-overload in general.
Backing up, though . . .
First, be sure you are not ingesting even a trace of Aspartame or MSG. Google both terms to see all the different names they hide under.
Each can send anxiety sky-high as they are excito-neuro-toxins.
Next:
MAGNESIUM, divided, 3 x day (it has to be 2 - 3 times, never just once). Some have to go up to 1,000 mg or even 2,000 (total per day).
To know your magnesium intake is on target, work up to bowel tolerance (somewhat loose stools) and then back down a bit to a normal effect.
Magnesium GLYCINATE is one good form. Avoid the cheap stuff.
FISH OIL, too is a great anxiety calmer. KRILL OIL or OMEGA BRITE.
Xanax (and many other similar mood and sleep drugs caused me terrible troubles years ago, even at very low dose. They did nothing to address the problem and can add to the toxic load (as do many psychiatric Rx for people who already have liver stress).
A good choice suggested above is 5-HTP. I can't tolerated 5-HTP but many do. Just start very low and slow at first. Some people with liver stress have trouble metabolizing tryptophan (and 5-HTP) is a form of that.
Melatonin before bed is also a good start. VERY low dose. Again, it's not for everyone but you will know with a few days.
LIVER SUPPORT is also key to controlling anxiety for those with lyme. The toxins CAUSE anxiety. MAGNESIUM helps balance that. But a comprehensive liver support / detox program is vital.
Going "Scent-Free" in your home should also help reduce anxiety as it reduces the total toxic load (which causes anxiety).
And with that, Adrenal support and (perhaps) a change in some habits with diet and late night lights, etc.
Mozart's music has been scientifically shown to be the most balancing for moods. But, at night you might want even slower music that has no lyrics and no melody, call "ambient" music such as that by Brian Eno with his "music for airports" or similar dreamy music.
BREATHE. Slow, rhythmic breathing can help a lot. This technique has saved my life more than once, before I learned about all the other adrenal supports.
You can never go wrong with a dark quiet room and just slowing down for good deep steady breaths. DARK & QUIET. Unplug all electronics around you.
When I am particularly worried or sad, it helps to place my hands over my heart and focus on warmth and a gentle, nurturing energy moving from my hands to my heart and lungs.
It's also been helpful to be able to accept sadness and not run from it. If I let the wave do it's thing, it washes over me with less clobber effect than if I fight it.
Knowing that Yippee-Skippy is not my speed anymore (or even realistic), I try to catch a few waves of appreciation to move that sadness along, though. The ambient music helps with that balance and renewal.
You also might try some "restorative" gentle YOGA stretches.
There are many links at this thread about ADRENAL SUPPORT.
[ 10-26-2011, 03:18 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
pooldog - you are correct - it's very dangerous to mix 5htp with any SSRIs or MAOIs. In fact, 5htp is so much more effective at raising circulating 5htp levels than the prescription meds, that it's more dangerous to mix 5htp with a prescription med than it is to mix 2 different prescription meds together.
Keebler - as always, thanks for the great advice.
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posted
Tricia.. I took hthp.nd it did nothing for me. All it is is a natural form of serotonin. Benzos.. While should be used correctly actually work with the gaba.. our bodies that is lost by Lyme. Phly.. That is why the xanax.. You take works.. And makes somethings feel better. Gaba.. Is our calming hormone.
Posts: 267 | From South | Registered: Oct 2011
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tricia386
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29623
posted
My calming hormone I guess is gone. also my anxiety is worse in the morning. Its also bad at night bc I anticipate having anxiety while trying to fall asleep. I keep looking for it while i try to fall asleep then I give myself it. sigh
My 24 hours saliva test revlied I had high cortisol in the morning way higher than normal. taking supps for this. I think my adernal glads start waking up to early. around 3-4
I have been trying 5htp I am not on any ssris or MAOIS just xanax as needed. I dont think my llmd knows how to dose it right. I am thinking I might get into see a psychartrist
-------------------- Lyme activated in April 2010 by gardasil vaccine. DX: Lyme,Babs,Myco,Bart 11/10 Treatment Started: 3/28/11 Posts: 1752 | From Albany, NY | Registered: Dec 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Tricia,
I'm sorry to hear that this is so rough. But, a head's up:
A psychiatrist will only prescribe meds. They don't do talk therapy and are usually very quick to jump to conclusions, especially about anxiety. Most are not at all lyme literate so you could be doing much more harm than good.
If you feel you need a psychiatrist, then please ask your LLMD for a referral to one who is LL.
You might also consider asking for a name of a LL therapist or counselor who will TALK with you and offer various techniques for calming.
If you'd like a professional to guide you with supplements to help with liver support / detox, or with adrenal support, ask your LLMD (and your lyme support group) for the name of a good LL naturopathic doctor or one with similar education and experience.
Toxins (from infection - and from some Rx and some over the counter products) are a CAUSE of high cortisol. Liver support and detox measures are necessary to help lessen stress on the adrenal system.
Be sure to avoid acetaminophen as that blocks the liver from making glutathione. Glutathione is essential in the liver's being able to metabolize toxins.
You might ask your LLMD for a GLUTATHIONE IV as that has pulled many lyme patients out of a very bad place from a toxic liver.
Clearing infections is only part of the solution. Of the many other components of healing, restoring hormonal balance is both often ignored and difficult to address.
Here, the author of Insights Into Lyme Disease Treatment compiles highlights from her book into a concise article representing the opinions of 13 health-care providers.
There are over 145 customer reviews to consider at this Amazon link. A total of 4.5 stars. The comments are eye-opening. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Keebler, great insights. My LLMD has me on Adrenal Support and several supplements to help correct all my deficiencies, hormonal and otherwise. It is helping with anxiety.
I really related to your reference of 'waves'. That's exactly how it comes over me. Like a wave of dizziness, weakness, and pressure in my head, then a strange feeling of fear and sadness. My husband can always see it on my face when it happens. He'll hug me and tell me we know what it is, and we know it will happen, but we're doing all the right things to get well. He rocks.
Posts: 251 | From Florida | Registered: Aug 2011
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nonna05
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33557
posted
quote:Originally posted by Keebler:_ Lord , I've been taking Tylenol for 4 years ,reg/and narc just to walk, sleep wiyh pain etc,. You just scarred me big tim. Now what - Tricia,
I'm sorry to hear that this is so rough. But, a head's up:
A psychiatrist will only prescribe meds. They don't do talk therapy and are usually very quick to jump to conclusions, especially about anxiety. Most are not at all lyme literate so you could be doing much more harm than good.
If you feel you need a psychiatrist, then please ask your LLMD for a referral to one who is LL.
You might also consider asking for a name of a LL therapist or counselor who will TALK with you and offer various techniques for calming.
If you'd like a professional to guide you with supplements to help with liver support / detox, or with adrenal support, ask your LLMD (and your lyme support group) for the name of a good LL naturopathic doctor or one with similar education and experience.
Toxins (from infection - and from some Rx and some over the counter products) are a CAUSE of high cortisol. Liver support and detox measures are necessary to help lessen stress on the adrenal system.
Be sure to avoid acetaminophen as that blocks the liver from making glutathione. Glutathione is essential in the liver's being able to metabolize toxins.
You might ask your LLMD for a GLUTATHIONE IV as that has pulled many lyme patients out of a very bad place from a toxic liver.
nonna05
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33557
posted
quote:Originally posted by Keebler:_ Lord , I've been taking Tylenol for 4 years ,reg/and narc just to walk, sleep wiyh pain etc,. You just scarred me big tim. Now what - Tricia,
I'm sorry to hear that this is so rough. But, a head's up:
A psychiatrist will only prescribe meds. They don't do talk therapy and are usually very quick to jump to conclusions, especially about anxiety. Most are not at all lyme literate so you could be doing much more harm than good.
If you feel you need a psychiatrist, then please ask your LLMD for a referral to one who is LL.
You might also consider asking for a name of a LL therapist or counselor who will TALK with you and offer various techniques for calming.
If you'd like a professional to guide you with supplements to help with liver support / detox, or with adrenal support, ask your LLMD (and your lyme support group) for the name of a good LL naturopathic doctor or one with similar education and experience.
Toxins (from infection - and from some Rx and some over the counter products) are a CAUSE of high cortisol. Liver support and detox measures are necessary to help lessen stress on the adrenal system.
Be sure to avoid acetaminophen as that blocks the liver from making glutathione. Glutathione is essential in the liver's being able to metabolize toxins.
You might ask your LLMD for a GLUTATHIONE IV as that has pulled many lyme patients out of a very bad place from a toxic liver.
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