Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
I had my annual mammogram last Friday. I just got a call to come back for more views of one of my breasts. I had to do this for the first time a year ago and everything checked out fine then. When I got the call a year ago, I burst into a puddle of tears right on the phone as I hadn't experienced that before and I was so frightened. I'm 62 and my mom had a breast removed in her 30's. She died at 58 but not from that. In fact, she never did have a reoccurance of any type of cancer after that first scare.
Now for the positives. This time when I got the voice mail message to call them back, I did not burst into tears and wasn't overcome with paralyzing fear. I would say the nervousness I felt was probably what someone would "normally" feel.
Now for the negatives. When I called back this morning, they can't get me in until 2 weeks from now. The last time they got me in within a couple of days. So I wasn't prepared to have to wait that long. Anxiety level is a bit more increased this morning because of being "out of control" for 2 weeks. She did say I could call to see if there were cancellations between now and then and I'll do that. I'm only on Adventure Guide's week 1 lesson, so am just focusing on what I'm feeling. I'm about ready to move onto week 2. Maybe that will help me some.
80% of the time, my first inkling that something is wrong is the anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach. They I become hypervigilant on focusing on that feeling. Occassionally, the first feeling I have is a feeling that I'm going to faint, which immediately is followed by fear and the adrenalin rush. I've only had that happen maybe 10 times since 1991 though. After I am aware that I'm anxious, then I become nauseas and overwhelmed with the crazy thoughts. I focus on my BP, my blood sugar etc. Sometimes, I'll feel as if I am a little outside of myself and have trouble focusing on what I'm doing. Most of the time though, it's just generalized anxiety for no reason.
Today, the anxiety is for a reason and at least then I can talk myself into looking at the past. I have only been called back once and it was a good outcome. No reason to think this time will be any different. Having to force myself to eat because when I get really anxious, I have absolutely no appetite. As I am about 70 pounds overweight, I can stand to lose a few. :-)
Hanging in there. Linda
Now for the positives. This time when I got the voice mail message to call them back, I did not burst into tears and wasn't overcome with paralyzing fear. I would say the nervousness I felt was probably what someone would "normally" feel.
Now for the negatives. When I called back this morning, they can't get me in until 2 weeks from now. The last time they got me in within a couple of days. So I wasn't prepared to have to wait that long. Anxiety level is a bit more increased this morning because of being "out of control" for 2 weeks. She did say I could call to see if there were cancellations between now and then and I'll do that. I'm only on Adventure Guide's week 1 lesson, so am just focusing on what I'm feeling. I'm about ready to move onto week 2. Maybe that will help me some.
80% of the time, my first inkling that something is wrong is the anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach. They I become hypervigilant on focusing on that feeling. Occassionally, the first feeling I have is a feeling that I'm going to faint, which immediately is followed by fear and the adrenalin rush. I've only had that happen maybe 10 times since 1991 though. After I am aware that I'm anxious, then I become nauseas and overwhelmed with the crazy thoughts. I focus on my BP, my blood sugar etc. Sometimes, I'll feel as if I am a little outside of myself and have trouble focusing on what I'm doing. Most of the time though, it's just generalized anxiety for no reason.
Today, the anxiety is for a reason and at least then I can talk myself into looking at the past. I have only been called back once and it was a good outcome. No reason to think this time will be any different. Having to force myself to eat because when I get really anxious, I have absolutely no appetite. As I am about 70 pounds overweight, I can stand to lose a few. :-)
Hanging in there. Linda
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I did the dumbest thing today. I charged my earbuds, unplugged the block and put the block in my little bag instead of the earbuds. I wasn't happy about that when I got to the gym. What a dummy!
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Years ago, I won a mirrored armoire from my job. It's in my bedroom but I rarely stand in front of it. Yesterday, I had to have a dexascan done so I had to change into a gown. There was a full length mirror in the changing room. I'm aware that I gained 5 to 7 pounds over the last year from cheating on Keto but I didn't know what it looked like. It was a reality check.
Well, I can totally understand the nervousness you're feeling right now about your mammogram. It's so hard to be in the dark about this stuff and have to wait to find out more information. But I'm glad you feel like you're handling things better than last time. And, I'm not sure if you see a counselor for your anxiety? If so, maybe they could give you some help as far as how to stave off the worry in the meantime. Also, I find just keeping myself busy and my mind occupied with other things is helpful. So, get together with friends as much as possible, indulge in your hobbies, etc. But I'll definitely be praying that this will turn out to be nothing, and that you'll feel peace about this situation. Keep us posted on how things go, OK?
#girlluvs2garden#
I would say if they can't get you in for 2 weeks, to try and have an alternative thought about it since it is bringing you anxiety. They may have not gotten great images and would like more. If they are allowing there to be a 2 week wait, they likely do not feel the need to have the images imminently.
Mind you of course you are still anxious and with GAD, very little can stop the worries especially in this type of situation with a waiting game. You have a good approach from reaching out for support and actively trying to take care of your emotions. You can call to check in for cancellations and that may bring you a sense of control to the situation.
You are doing the best you can with the tools you have. Will think of you and reach out for support whenever you need it!
Although I'm sorry others are going through anxiety, I'm glad to have support and know I'm not alone. Not seeing a counsellor right now. I have in the past though. I'm so much better than I was in 2004 when I went to a counsellor the first time. Except for work, I could barely leave the house then. Prior to 1991, I'd never had a panic attack. It just got steadily worse until I went to see someone. I've done a lot of work on myself and just need more tools to use every now and then. Looking forward to working the 12 weeks Adventure Guide is posting..
The doctor was glad to accommodate the procedure and now they have it as an option for anyone, since the other technicians said the difference in relaxed position made it much easier to complete quickly.
Every time I thought about the process, I just said, they will be there with me, so relax, enjoy this moment.
You'll do fine, I know, usual saying, just tell your anxiety that it will be fine.
Best wishes.
I can't tell you not to worry, but I can tell you that mammograms very often catch things that aren't cancer but do require a biopsy just to be sure.
I have an issue with my pituitary gland that they have to keep an eye on and the way I deal with it is to focus on how good I feel. I just stay busy with day to day life. I do get a little uptight when I have to get my blood test done (every few months) but I'm getting used to that too. I realize there's not much I can do about it, so I may as well not worry. Took me awhile to get there.
In terms of women's health, I really enjoy reading and listening to Dr. Christiane Northrup. She has such a positive outlook. Might be something to look into.