Anxiety and Arthritis

09angel11
09angel11 Member Posts: 87
edited 9. Mar 2010, 12:22 in Living with Arthritis archive
I have written on the site stating that i have OA in neck which affects my head with different pains, tenderness and creeping/crawling feelings, as well as oa in the lumber part of my back.
Today i had a really bad panic/anxiety attack. I do not know if this happened because i worry about my head,or the pains i get in my head ar through anxiety which lead to panic attacks. All i know its a horrible feeling. I do get depression, as i know most of us probably do, has this happened to anyone else :(

Monica :( .

Comments

  • theresa4
    theresa4 Member Posts: 696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    09angel11 wrote:
    I have written on the site stating that i have OA in neck which affects my head with different pains, tenderness and creeping/crawling feelings, as well as oa in the lumber part of my back.
    Today i had a really bad panic/anxiety attack. I do not know if this happened because i worry about my head,or the pains i get in my head ar through anxiety which lead to panic attacks. All i know its a horrible feeling. I do get depression, as i know most of us probably do, has this happened to anyone else :(

    Monica :( .
    [HI MOnica
    I have RA and have found as my pain and noticeable limp increases and my mobility decreases my self confidence has reduced dramatically and I often have panic/anxiety attacks in busy places, or when in any debate/arguement as soon as my adrenalin kicks in I get hot sweaty and breathless and my heart races.
    I have put it down to my self esteem being lower as I dont have these problems when I have a depo steroid which alleviates my symptoms.
    Hope you feel better soon x
    Theresa x
    There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those. --Michael Nolan



    Theresa xxx
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Monica,

    I am so sorry to read of your pain and of the anxiety/ panic attacks.
    It's rotten to have arther and worse to have everything else you've described on top....
    I just wanted to send you hugs ((()))) and hope tomorrow is a better day for you. Irisx
  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Monica
    We seem to be doubles, I can sympathise with your feelings and anxiety/depression. I was talking to my Dr and he said there is certainly a link between the two, sometimes in reponse to prolonged pain, frustration, knowing that you cannot do what you used to do, side effects of the bucket load of pills that are taken every day, they all add up and sometimes things come to a head. I can find myself shaking, for no particular reason, yes, that is partly due to the nerve compression in the neck, but it is also unexplained anxiety. I could not pick a cup up when it starts. You just have to take your medication, do something different and try to relax :shock: I know, easier said that done. Some days you feel as if even talking is too much trouble and your head is totally off somewhere else.
    Tomorrow is always another day and will be different. Sometimes better, sometimes not, but I always say each day is a plus, even if it is a trial at times.
    ((((((((((((XX))))))))))))
    Bubbles
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    I agree with you too. It really does go hand in hand, anxiety and depression, I suppose its just when you feel down, you notice more of the symptoms, or the symptoms are worse so you get depressed and anxious. :?

    It can be really hard to find something to do to help, as thats the last thing you feel like doing. I know, sometimes, I go over all the sad things and feel really sorry for myself and have a good cry, knowing how silly it is!

    I think sometimes you just have to except that you feel depressed and anxious for a bit, but keep telling yourself it won't last forever. Thats all I can do sometimes. It saps your energy.

    I hope that you soon begin to feel better, give yourself a treat!
    Love Sue
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    I agree with you too. It really does go hand in hand, anxiety and depression, I suppose its just when you feel down, you notice more of the symptoms, or the symptoms are worse so you get depressed and anxious. :?

    It can be really hard to find something to do to help, as thats the last thing you feel like doing. I know, sometimes, I go over all the sad things and feel really sorry for myself and have a good cry, knowing how silly it is!

    I think sometimes you just have to except that you feel depressed and anxious for a bit, but keep telling yourself it won't last forever. Thats all I can do sometimes. It saps your energy.

    I hope that you soon begin to feel better, give yourself a treat!
    Love Sue
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,882
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Monica

    Probably there is a link.

    I have had panic attacks before now - many times and it is really scary. I have had them at home and had chest pains (they started after my Dad died) and sometimes think I will have one in shops. I feel disassociated with myself and confused.

    I hope you feel a good bit better soon.

    Love

    Toni xx
  • 09angel11
    09angel11 Member Posts: 87
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi to everyone who answered my problem, its lovely to know so many people take the time to read and reply. It has put my mind at a sort of peace knowing that i am not on my own, also you all know the problems i am having and what it is like because unfortunately you hav gone through them yourselvs. It is nice at the same time knowing you are not on your own. It is lovely knowing you can turn on your pc and get in touch with people who care. I have had a better day, but i have also had alot more tablets, but i am waiting to get this mri over and see what happens after that.
    Thank you all again.

    Love and hugs to all

    Monica xx :D