I have suffered with it, anxiety, all my life. I believe my Fibro is genetically based. I have four cousins that have it, my sister has it, I also have 2 cousins with Lupus and an Aunt.
Anyway about the anxiety, it was so bad that when I went to the Dr. It over ruled everything else. So we never have gotten to the pain and fatigue. In the last 6 months I have been paying attention to what I eat, and realize some things trigger the anxiety more. The first was aspartame, then caffeine, red juices. I got off the aspartame completely, and my anxiety is so much better. So this next Dr. Visit I get to address some pain and fatigue issues and can get help there. The anxiety over rules everything, it is pure torment.
Lucy, I sure hope and pray you can get some relief..
I agree, some foods etc can trigger anxiety, I too have given up caffeine and also alcohol in any form, just half a glass of wine can make my heart race etc so I haven't touched alcohol for about 4 years now.
I haven't looked into aspartame, I will and see what foods it's in.
It is pure torment and even though I'm better than I was I don't think I'll ever now be able to come off the meds for it,
I have been diagnosed with chronic anxiety, but have learned to control it somewhat. I pretty much feel anxious 24/7, but I no longer feel the need to "run" to ease it. Breathing exercises help a lot! I have meds for it, but only take them when it gets intolerable or if I have to go to a place that I know triggers my anxiety. Definitely not fun!
Lucy, I agree too. I was just fine until I went to college with 5 young children. I developed severe anxiety during that time and have battled it ever since. Shortly after the anxiety diagnosis, I developed the never ending fatigue… And over time the crazy pain, then the brain fogs… I’m nervous to see what the future brings…
Kim, I can so relate to your story. I have asked myself the same question. I was a full time student with 4 small kids when my first anxiety came to the surface. About 1990. I was hospitalized and recovery was very slow. Thanks to one loving friend and a very understanding husband I made it through and actually got better. Then after caring for my very deserving Dad and Mom while working full time the fatigue and pain started. That was 2007. The pain and fog seem to be getting better with rest and proper nourishment, but the anxiety is awful.
I know.....once anxiety gets its claws into us it's hard to shake them off!!! Then you enter this spiral, where you anticipate the anxiety even when you think and know everything is going to be ok.
No amount of reassurance from anyone makes it better or makes it go away. Mine has eased over time, but it's taken 3 years to get where I am now and I still rely on medication and start worrying about events etc days before they happen.
I've made so many changes to my life to be in some sort of comfort zone....but I don't think it will ever really go now, it's been 5 years since it first took hold.
I'm just thankful for being able to make changes in my lifestyle, so many people have no choice but to battle on....I did this for 2 years and it nearly finished me off.
I wish you well, and remember, we're in this together.