Anti-anxiety meds

I know that pre-op jitters are normal, but I think I am sinking fast. I think I may need some real help.

Having a hysterectomy is nerve-wracking enough, but that on top of this kidney disease I have is just too much. I have struggled to cope for about 4 years now. I have spent thousands of dollars on hypnotherapy, biofeedback...all sorts of stuff. Once I could see that my condition seemed to be in some sort of remission, I could find a modicum of peace. But my acute heavy bleeding has perhaps triggered the anemia that one sees in kidney patients, and to me, that represents one more step to my real fear, which is going on dialysis. My mother is on dialysis, so I know first hand how devastating that can be.

The prospect of major surgery feels like the final straw. I have become so anxious that my body is starting to feel the strain, which is NOT what you want when you're facing surgery. Does anyone out there have any experience with anti-anxiety meds? I really don't want to have to go down that path, but I'm not so stupid that I can't recognize when I need help. Can you take such drugs just on a temporary basis? Do they help?

Thank you so much for your replies.

I am sorry to hear that you are facing all of this. I had my hyst about a month ago and prior to that was having a lot of stress and anxiety. All my health problems hit at once and then my husbands company laid him off. So going through all of that my doctor decided it would be best for me to take zoloft. It isn't permanent but they tell you to not stop taking it abruptly. They would rather wean you off gradually. I feel that it has helped me through so much. I know that I would be a wreck without it. Good luck to you. Have faith in God that he will get you through these tuff times.

I've had some experience with anti anxiety meds, having used them the first time twenty five years ago when I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. They really helped when I was having a very difficult mental/emotional time. I've used them sporadically a few times since then, so yes, you can use them temporarily. I had an appointment with my GP this morning and we discussed the anxiety I am experiencing while I wait for my TAH. I told her I am trying hard not to rely on them, but have taken a couple. She said that I should let her know if I need refills, so I am taking that to mean that she is ok with my using them in this circumstance.

Maybe talking with your Dr. would help you to know if meds would be of benefit. I wish there were a way for cyber friends to pass along peace of mind....I'd be sending it right now! My best to you.

Barb

Dear EnglishLavender,

I know how you feel! With my date at the castle quickly approaching - all I can do is think about it. My GP put me on Buspar which has helped a lot with the anxiety so far, but I also got some Zanax (which I know you can get addicted to, so I take the smallest dose and split it in half and only take it when I'm freaking out). I'm not suggesting you do the same, but if it's getting hard for you to deal with the anxiety and you need some help - talk to your GP or Gyno and tell them how you feel.

Good luck - you're in my thoughts and prayers!

*HUGS*

heatherE, I am so sorry to hear about your husband's job and things hitting you at once. But that's the way it seems to go, isn't it...things just sorta pile up on you, and you start to feel overwhelmed.

BarbA, I've often thought how useful it would be if med school offered a specialty in psychotherapy for people with chronic illness. Even though you've been cured of breast cancer, those first few years of diagnosis and then treatment must have been agony. I don't know why doctors who have to deliver a cancer diagnosis or an uncurable disease diagnosis don't, as a matter of course, talk to their patient about stress and stress management. We all know that the mind and body are linked, so you would think that doctors should at least broach the subject.

My nephrologist has sent in a prescription for Xanax, so I will use that if I really need it. Right now, I'm more angry than fearful because there is this big screw up over these Procrit injections I'm supposed to start taking. The bureaucrats have decided that they are more important than my doctor's advice, so the bottom line is that since Procrit is a drug that is generally self-administered, I'm going to have to learn how to inject myself because no one will cover the cost of a nurse giving it to me. You know, I feel completely unable to learn anything right now. If I didn't already know how to tie my shoelaces, I doubt I could learn it now because my jellybrain is too overloaded. This feels like one more burden, one more sandbag that has hit me.

Thank you all so much for your patience. I know that this site is good for venting, but geez...I'm going a bit overboard. Once I absorb the shock, I'm sure I can get back on my feet. Well, I may not be THAT sure...

Thanks for all of the advice! It has really helped.

The Xanax would help you a lot, but I've found that it makes me a bit sleepy and sluggish (even though it's just a small dose), so I try to just take it before bed so I can sleep. The Buspar is what is helping most of all - it's for generalized anxiety disorder (which I've been diagnosed with), but a friend told me her doctor put her on it for a short period of time when she went through her divorce.