Question:
My birth great-grandmother was agoraphobic at 21, married at 17. My birth mom still living at 56 is on Paxil and X (due to liver problems, unable to take TCA’s which have worked for me). Both my bbrothers have some problem with GAD/PD. She’s been on net for 1 1/2 years and just now is learning how to email, so don’t expect to see here any time soon here. She has yet to get past here ISP’s front page. Tim Philip – there seem to be more "old" agoraphobics than I ever imagined. Being one myself (48), it’s nice to know I’m not alone. I was "cured" for 18 years, but IT has been back for almost 2 now. No clue as to why and it’s worse than ever. Maybe I should consider myself lucky that I had a "normal" life for awhile. The first time out, I couldn’t imagine being "that way" for the rest of my life. I hope that we all will be rid of this some day and be able to enjoy what time we have left on this planet. I’m new at this on-line thing so
– God grant me patience, and I want it right NOW!
Response:
This is not new to some of us and mine came and went for many years but until I was 56 doctors could not figure out what was wrong, just said we can operate and do exploratory surgery and see if we can find out what it is. I told them no way, if they did not know what they were operating for then count me out. Just about 2 years back I thought I was having a heart attack and that is when they said it was anxiety attacks. I am on Xanax, genertic brand and use those only when I feel an attack coming on for I am allergic to so many things I do not want to overuse these so I won’t be able to find relief when I need them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Philip – there seem to be more "old" agoraphobics than I ever imagined. Being one myself (48), it’s nice to know I’m not alone. I was "cured" for 18 years, but IT has been back for almost 2 now. No clue as to why and it’s worse than ever. Maybe I should consider myself lucky that I had a "normal" life for awhile. The first time out, I couldn’t imagine being "that way" for the rest of my life. I hope that we all will be rid of this some day and be able to enjoy what time we have left on this planet. I’m new at this on-line thing so
Response:
: : Pretty new here also. My kids had a terrible time convincing me to get on : the net. When I first did it just made the anxiety worse but I kept at it : anyway. Don’t think I would have tried if not for them pushing me along. You sound just like my mother! (grin) My brothers and I had to patiently urge her into the wonderful world of computers (word processors, e-mail, etc.). After a few years of uncertain starts and stops, she now seems to be getting somwhat comfortable with the technology. My stepfather, however, is still rather reluctant to touch a computer. Fortunately, my father has been comfortable with computers since the 80s, and only needed a small nudge to embrace the net. Learning new things is always somewhat awkward. Just always remember that the awkwardness is natural, and not a bad sign. Best Wishes, Arthur
Response:
I have been having panic attacks for 45 of my 55 yrs., experienced gen.anx., depression and agoraphobia at various times and degrees.
Hi Marsha, Welcome to the group, I’m afraid you have me beat there (thank God). I’ve "only" had this for 22 of my 48 years (creeping very close to 49 now, yuk). Twice in this time span I’ve had some "normal" time, for short periods, then it’s back. I’ve had panic since I was 26, before that it was "just" general anxiety from about 8 years old on – I don’t count that though cause it just wasn’t half as bad as the panic and agoraphobia. I am new at this ‘puter thing and had no idea what I was missing. The sharing and support really helps.
Pretty new here also. My kids had a terrible time convincing me to get on the net. When I first did it just made the anxiety worse but I kept at it anyway. Don’t think I would have tried if not for them pushing me along. Besides I knew if I messed things up to badly – they could always rescue the computer, that did take some of the stress out of it.<BG I continue to suffer from gen. anxiety and some depression but feel I have reason to be depressed. In general I am much better than I have ever been these past 45 years.
I honestly don’t think anyone can have this problem for any length of time without getting depressed. I know I have gone through some nasty bouts of it, sometimes better, sometimes worse.:-( Anyone sincerely interested in sharing with me is welcome to e-mail me. The only "fee" I request is your honesty and integrity and sincerity.
The same goes here Marsha, you are welcome to email at any time. I hope you’ll come back here to the newsgroup and put your 2 cents worth (or more) in also. This newsgroup is wonderful, I have learned sooo much and the people are very helpful and caring. Here’s to a better future, Barb – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Response:
Philip – there seem to be more "old" agoraphobics than I ever imagined. Being one myself (48), it’s nice to know I’m not alone. I was "cured" for 18 years, but IT has been back for almost 2 now. No clue as to why and it’s worse than ever. Maybe I should consider myself lucky that I had a "normal" life for awhile. The first time out, I couldn’t imagine being "that way" for the rest of my life. I hope that we all will be rid of this some day and be able to enjoy what time we have left on this planet. I’m new at this on-line thing so
Response:
: : Subcommander Chuck, : : You have risked exposing our plot to conquer this : planetoid! Therefore, I must order you to five : extra work-cycles of saucer hygiene duty! And if : I find so much as one space bug on your saucer : fender, you will be taken to … the CBT chamber. : : (evil alien laugh) : : Dear Highcommander Arthur, : : Please reconsider your order to me, please… You know I hate cleaning. Yes, I : know this is questioning your orders, and I could suffer the pains of the CBT : Chamber with that human prisoner, David, but it’s almost Christmas and my human : family wouldn’t understand my going to… oops, almost said where our saucer : is… sorry. Clumsy underling! I should make you stand in the atom stream for such gross insubordination! : Oh, BTW, haven’t you given our plan away by posting this to the whole world? : Just wondering, Highcommander, sir. Ah… Er… Oh no! Here comes the imperial enforcement drone. Let’s just pretend this didn’t happen, OK? (humming noise of approaching drone…) Best Wishes, Arthur
Response:
: : Ha! I’ve got you all beat. I’m 306 years old. So there… now, prove me : wrong, or did you think Arthur was the only alien here. <G Subcommander Chuck, You have risked exposing our plot to conquer this planetoid! Therefore, I must order you to five extra work-cycles of saucer hygiene duty! And if I find so much as one space bug on your saucer fender, you will be taken to … the CBT chamber. (evil alien laugh) Dismissed!
Response:
I am new at this ‘puter thing and had no idea what I was missing. The sharing
and support really helps. Hi Marsha, Welcome to ASAP and the on-line world of sharing info! Your a step ahead of me as I have been doing the net thing for 5 years but suffered in silence for 4 years. I had no idea this group was here until September and I am ever so thankful I found it! You are not alone, and it’s nice to have you on board.. Be well, Kathi
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Marsha, Sorry, you’re not Earth’s oldest agoraphobic. Unless someone else also speaks up, I qualify as the oldest. I’m going on 59, and have been suffering with this thing most of my life. I happen to know a few PD-colleagues in their late sixties! And there is at least one guy on this ng, mostly lurking but sometimes posting, who is in his sixties as well. Philip (50) Ha! I’ve got you all beat. I’m 306 years old. So there… now, prove me wrong, or did you think Arthur was the only alien here. <G — Chuck
I would be careful if I were you, Chuck, or you may be permanently exiled to an IRC-channel 
) Philip (BTW I thought you were older) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Philip is from Mars, the rest of us are from Earth 
Well, maybe not ALL of us…
Response:
Hi Marsha, Sorry, you’re not Earth’s oldest agoraphobic. Unless someone else also speaks up, I qualify as the oldest. I’m going on 59, and have been suffering with this thing most of my life. I’ve only been venturing out, thanks to Xanax, since the end of 1991. Can only go to places where I can hang onto a grocery cart. Still can’t go to restaurants, stores without carts, etc., but at least I’m not going hungry anymore now that I can go to grocery stores. I pretend I’m "normal" when I go. How are you doing and are you progressing? I don’t write here often, but felt a little more secure to see someone closer to my age. I read ASAP everyday, but mostly I’ve only written to defend Xanax when somebody bashes it. It has given me somewhat of a life. I’m not just existing anymore, and hope to improve more in the future. I’d be glad to e-mail with you if you’d like. Nancy N.
Response:
Hi Marsha, Sorry, you’re not Earth’s oldest agoraphobic. Unless someone else also speaks up, I qualify as the oldest. I’m going on 59, and have been suffering with this thing most of my life.
I happen to know a few PD-colleagues in their late sixties! And there is at least one guy on this ng, mostly lurking but sometimes posting, who is in his sixties as well. Philip (50) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Response:
I really admire you people for hanging together and searching for some answers. Isn’t it ironic that the ’90s was designated the decade of the brain by a Congress that doesn’t have one? So much research just not being done… I have been having panic attacks for 45 of my 55 yrs., experienced gen.anx., depression and agoraphobia at various times and degrees. I am new at this ‘puter thing and had no idea what I was missing. The sharing and support really helps. By the way, I was last of 7 children, but 9 years between me and next to youngest. My mother suffered from p.a.s but didn’t know what to call them back then… I continue to suffer from gen. anxiety and some depression but feel I have reason to be depressed. In general I am much better than I have ever been these past 45 years. Anyone sincerely interested in sharing with me is welcome to e-mail me. The only "fee" I request is your honesty and integrity and sincerity. Marsha Let me do some good in this life, for I shall not come this way again…
Response:
Hi Marsha, Welcome to ASAP!
: : Isn’t it ironic that the ’90s was designated the decade of the brain by : a Congress that doesn’t have one? So much research just not being : done… Well, I appreciate your sentiment here and I’m sure some degree of grant money was wasted on questionable programs. However, I also know grant money boosted education and good research as well. : I have been having panic attacks for 45 of my 55 yrs., experienced : gen.anx., depression and agoraphobia at various times and degrees. Wow. I’ve only been having panic attacks for 7 of my 35 yrs. I’m very interested in the history of panic disorder, so I’d love to hear any stories you may like to tell; most especially the changing views of doctors and psychologists over the years, and changing social views. : I am new at this ‘puter thing and had no idea what I was missing. The : sharing and support really helps. Yes, it helps very much. I’ve learned quite a lot here. : By the way, I was last of 7 children, but 9 years between me and next to : youngest. My mother suffered from p.a.s but didn’t know what to call : them back then… For the most part, it’s been called hysteria, or nerves, or neurosis, or other such names. I feature a historical chronology in the ASAP Dictionary of Anxiety and Panic Disorders which you may find interesting. http://www.netaxs.com/people/aca3/AD-ENG.HTM (note: capital letters at end are important) : I continue to suffer from gen. anxiety and some depression but feel I : have reason to be depressed. I agree. Considering the torment and losses that panic and anxiety disorders often cause, it should be no surprise that we often encounter depression. : In general I am much better than I have : ever been these past 45 years. Glad to hear. : Anyone sincerely interested in sharing with me is welcome to e-mail me. : The only "fee" I request is your honesty and integrity and sincerity. Once again, welcome to ASAP, and please feel free to post here any time. Best Wishes, Arthur
If you like this post and would like to receive updates from this blog, please subscribe our feed.