Any take any anti anxiety drugs to help get thru some of this?

dianehelen
dianehelen Member Posts: 131
edited November 2012 in Breast Cancer #1
I am just a mess. I have lived thru all kinds of challenges in my 62 years, I have lived thru hurricanes, being alone in Boston, during 9/11 on a business trip, breaking down in a rental car on a deserted road in a rain storm in the middle of the night in a strange city, really intense 6 hour route canals... and other life challenges.

BUT, I have NEVER ever felt such intense fear and anxiety as I have been experiencing with this, mostly about the dye injection and surgery part of this journey. I have a really intense, probably irrational fear of surgery (from a past bad experience), and pretty much medical procedures in general.

When I had the appointments with all the doctors last week, they saw how hysterical I was and suggested getting some anti anxiety meds, like Xanax. I have never taken any of that stuff and dont know what to expect.

Today at 10am I have an appointment (they set up for me) with a Psychiatrist to get some, maybe. Now why, after seeing 4 MDs, they could not just write a Rx, is beyond me, makes my cynical brain think, they just want to spread the wealth, and get as many of their cronies as possibnle in on the billing venal drip, but thats just me.

So, this is my long winded way of asking, has anyone else experienced such intense fear/anxiety over this, and went the route of drug assisted anti anxiety meds? And if so, did it help?

I cant believe Im going to a Psychiatrist, I have never been, Im normally a very well adjusted happy person, but this has just done a major number on me :(

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Comments

  • PADANAG
    PADANAG Member Posts: 20
    anti anxiety drugs
    They do help...I never took any either but when i was going in for my first chemo i was a hysterical mess, they gave me Xanax first then the treatment. It mellowed me right out. I never had trouble with MRI's either until this past summer so i just ask for it now...the last thing we need is additional stress so just take advantage of what they have.

    Hugs and prayers
    Dana
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    PADANAG said:

    anti anxiety drugs
    They do help...I never took any either but when i was going in for my first chemo i was a hysterical mess, they gave me Xanax first then the treatment. It mellowed me right out. I never had trouble with MRI's either until this past summer so i just ask for it now...the last thing we need is additional stress so just take advantage of what they have.

    Hugs and prayers
    Dana

    Thank you Dana, thats
    Thank you Dana, thats encourating and good to know.

    What does it make you feel like? dizzy? spacey? tired? sleepy? I really have no idea what to expect. Ughhh Im even anxious about what anti anxiety meds feel like..
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    Hi dianehelen, I think your
    Hi dianehelen, I think your avatar says it all. I was in that state 4 years ago.

    Don't be afraid to take xanax and possibly an antidepressant while you are going through treatment. I certainly needed help during treatment. I found that xanax made me sleepy, too sleepy to drive and I needed to drive to work. I took Klonopin instead; it is shorter acting.

    I felt a little funny going to a psychiatrist as well, but it turned out fine. I didn't like the first one I went to. It's OK to switch.

    In all honesty, I think most of us diagnosed with cancer are depressed and anxious to some degree. It is normal to feel this way under the circumstances. Thank goodness there is help. You might want to consider trying relaxation and meditation or yoga as well. All of these helped me.

    In hindsight, I am glad that I took advantage of every bit of help available. xoxoxoxo Lynn
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    I took Xanax years ago but
    I took Xanax years ago but not for medical...mine was family issues (Teen). IT helped me...I know going off it it was very very slow and had to be in spring. (less depression when longer days)

    I hope you find something that helps you and have some peace.

    Denise
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    I took Xanax years ago but
    I took Xanax years ago but not for medical...mine was family issues (Teen). IT helped me...I know going off it it was very very slow and had to be in spring. (less depression when longer days)

    I hope you find something that helps you and have some peace.

    Denise
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    I took Xanax years ago but
    I took Xanax years ago but not for medical...mine was family issues (Teen). IT helped me...I know going off it it was very very slow and had to be in spring. (less depression when longer days)

    I hope you find something that helps you and have some peace.

    Denise
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    I took Xanax years ago but
    I took Xanax years ago but not for medical...mine was family issues (Teen). IT helped me...I know going off it it was very very slow and had to be in spring. (less depression when longer days)

    I hope you find something that helps you and have some peace.

    Denise
  • kacee999
    kacee999 Member Posts: 110
    Absolutely!!!!!!!
    My MO was VERY happy to give me additional antidepressants. I take Prozac and it has made a huge difference. All doctors know this is a time of extreme anxiety for those involved. And if you are already anxious about "medical procedures" per se, this exaccerbates it tenfold. Don't be afraid to ask outright for anti-anxiety meds and/or anti-depressants. The anti-anxiety meds are a "one at a time" thing. You take it when you need it, but it won't help your overall attitude. Anti-depressants will help take the overall "edge" off. Frankly I prefer those because I don't feel like I am being "tranq'd" up. Good luck, stay strong and don't feel bad at ALL about demanding these!!!!!
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    sorry for post and post and
    sorry for post and post and post...how do I get rid of all but one?

    Denise

    when I clicked post and was in thinking mode long time.
  • kacee999
    kacee999 Member Posts: 110

    sorry for post and post and
    sorry for post and post and post...how do I get rid of all but one?

    Denise

    when I clicked post and was in thinking mode long time.

    don't worry about it....
    %$#@ happens. I acccidentally did a quadruple post once. It's a computer hiccup.
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    Yes
    Ativan was prescribed for me per surgery. I, too, was very apprehensive and it helped immensely. Have taken it several times since as needed for anxiety. Just ask your doctor.

    I am so sorry for all you are going thru. From your post, I can see how strong you are. Rely on that strength and do ask for something to relieve your anxiety.

    Hugs,

    Sue
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    sbmly53 said:

    Yes
    Ativan was prescribed for me per surgery. I, too, was very apprehensive and it helped immensely. Have taken it several times since as needed for anxiety. Just ask your doctor.

    I am so sorry for all you are going thru. From your post, I can see how strong you are. Rely on that strength and do ask for something to relieve your anxiety.

    Hugs,

    Sue

    OMFG
    So I go to this appt

    OMFG

    So I go to this appt that was set for me, to see this doc to get some meds, I walk into the office, first of all its like 100 degrees in there, and there are about 15 people sitting waiting. I ask the receptionist, if all these people are waiting to see this one doc, and she says yes. I ask about how long the wait it, she says, oh its over an hour!!

    Really? over a HOUR in a waiting room thats 100 degrees, to see someone that deals with people with anxiety issues? Really?

    Ughh Im more upset than ever now.. I walked out, she said to come back at 1pm. I have to see if I even want to go back to that place..
  • kacee999
    kacee999 Member Posts: 110

    OMFG
    So I go to this appt

    OMFG

    So I go to this appt that was set for me, to see this doc to get some meds, I walk into the office, first of all its like 100 degrees in there, and there are about 15 people sitting waiting. I ask the receptionist, if all these people are waiting to see this one doc, and she says yes. I ask about how long the wait it, she says, oh its over an hour!!

    Really? over a HOUR in a waiting room thats 100 degrees, to see someone that deals with people with anxiety issues? Really?

    Ughh Im more upset than ever now.. I walked out, she said to come back at 1pm. I have to see if I even want to go back to that place..

    Why not talk to your MO???
    Get your oncologist to prescribe them to you. Not necessary to go to a psych anymore. GP's will prescribe as well, but your MO knows your "state of mind" and should be more than happy to prescribe!
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    kacee999 said:

    Why not talk to your MO???
    Get your oncologist to prescribe them to you. Not necessary to go to a psych anymore. GP's will prescribe as well, but your MO knows your "state of mind" and should be more than happy to prescribe!

    Called her office (MO),
    Called her office (MO), called the RO, NOPE, they wont do it.. Back to my suspcicions of greed, and how they want to get as many into the billing pie as possible.

    I now have a call into my surgeon, to see if he will . Spoke to his nurse, she is very touchy feely, maybe more than my taste, but is very nice.. keep a good thought for a good phone call back

    UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
  • kacee999
    kacee999 Member Posts: 110

    Called her office (MO),
    Called her office (MO), called the RO, NOPE, they wont do it.. Back to my suspcicions of greed, and how they want to get as many into the billing pie as possible.

    I now have a call into my surgeon, to see if he will . Spoke to his nurse, she is very touchy feely, maybe more than my taste, but is very nice.. keep a good thought for a good phone call back

    UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

    Good grief!
    I've never heard of this! People must be nuts!
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    update
    So my surgeon office nurse called back, says he can call in valium. I asked for xanax.

    She has to go back now and ask again.

    How is valium compared to xanax?

    Ugh this is making me more anxious instead of less
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    Update 2
    OOOOOokkkk

    Nurse Touchy Feely just called back, and thank heavens for her, and the surgeon, who apparantly has more heart than the other docs.. He IS calling in a Rx for me for Xanax now.. He also suggested I start taking it now, to help get thru the rest of the week.

    Any thoughts, should I start it now? or wait for Sunday (dye injection day)
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member

    Update 2
    OOOOOokkkk

    Nurse Touchy Feely just called back, and thank heavens for her, and the surgeon, who apparantly has more heart than the other docs.. He IS calling in a Rx for me for Xanax now.. He also suggested I start taking it now, to help get thru the rest of the week.

    Any thoughts, should I start it now? or wait for Sunday (dye injection day)

    If you are fried, take it
    Just remember - no driving or drinking while on it!

    I've had both Xanax and Valium - they are about the same for me. (My breast surgeon gave me Xanax as I have gone through my recent ordeal.) I can't say I prefer one to the other.

    However, anti-anxiety meds are often useful as we travel this road. And yes, I see a psychiatrist. He's been wonderful.

    Hugs,
    Alice
  • sdukowitz
    sdukowitz Member Posts: 250
    If you find a good
    If you find a good psychiatrist, I would highly recommend him or her ... they know a lot more about some meds for anxiety and depression than a gp most of the time and most even call you in person to return a phone call! As far as anxiety I found klonopin to be the most helpful for me with little side effects .... but we are all different and .....always start with a low dose as that is sometimes enough to see how you react to it .... good luck ..Sue D
  • dianehelen
    dianehelen Member Posts: 131
    sdukowitz said:

    If you find a good
    If you find a good psychiatrist, I would highly recommend him or her ... they know a lot more about some meds for anxiety and depression than a gp most of the time and most even call you in person to return a phone call! As far as anxiety I found klonopin to be the most helpful for me with little side effects .... but we are all different and .....always start with a low dose as that is sometimes enough to see how you react to it .... good luck ..Sue D

    Well I think the key word
    Well I think the key word there is "good" psychiatrist. This one that I attempted to see was not! Any doctor, especially one that is dealing with people with serious emotional or mental issues , should never overbook appointments to the point of having 15+ in a waiting room that is hot and crowded facing over an hour wait. That is just NOT a good doctor, in general.

    Once I get more into the hell of my new life, I may see how I feel and seek out some additional professional help. For now, Im grateful my surgeon took the high road and helped me out.

    I will take my very first ever Xanax today, to see how I feel.