Question:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all: Found out I was pregnant last week Hey, it’s okay! You’re going to be a Mommy again! Don’t sell yourself short because you have to let go of some obligations. You are most important right now and you must remember that! Take things at a pace that is comfortable for you, and don’t hesitate to delegate responsibilities to others who are there to help you right now. You deserve that… And we’re so excited! ASAP is going to have a baby!!!! See, we’ve even taken ownership for you! We are all here on double duty for you, so hang in there and keep us updated! Taking it one day at a time here. And all of us doing the same with you. Linda
Dear Linda, Thanks for the wonderful reply to Kate. I had to edit, these things tend to grow out of control, but it was very uplifting! We’re lucky to have such a good support system:) Gretchen
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all: Found out I was pregnant last week Hey, it’s okay! You’re going to be a Mommy again! Don’t sell yourself short because you have to let go of some obligations. You are most important right now and you must remember that! Take things at a pace that is comfortable for you, and don’t hesitate to delegate responsibilities to others who are there to help you right now. You deserve that… And we’re so excited! ASAP is going to have a baby!!!! See, we’ve even taken ownership for you! We are all here on double duty for you, so hang in there and keep us updated! Taking it one day at a time here. And all of us doing the same with you. Linda Dear Linda, Thanks for the wonderful reply to Kate. I had to edit, these things tend to grow out of control, but it was very uplifting! We’re lucky to have such a good support system:) Gretchen
Yes we are, Gretchen! I want to thank everyone for their wonderful posts and e-mails over the past few days. It’s been 9 days since I quit the Ativan and I haven’t had a PA yet. The withdrawal symptoms only lasted 4 days, but it was pretty bad. Things would have been a lot easier if I could have gotten off the Ativan SLOWLY. I feel like I did 2 years ago, before I found anti-anxiety meds. But this time, along with the anticipatory anxiety and negative thoughts, I also have a great deal of knowledge and support, which I’ve gotten from ASAP. Those things are crucial in this fight against PD. I suppose I don’t feel like I did 2 years ago. Things are different now. Kate
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Hi all: Found out I was pregnant last week (this is a GOOD thing). In 4 days, I weaned myself off of 1mg of Ativan twice daily, after taking it for 2 years and not having any panic attacks. The withdrawal symptoms have been very uncomfortable, but they started to lessen yesterday. I looked up everything I could on Ativan and found that I am experiencing every withdrawal symptom listed and then some, with the exception of seizures (seizures are distinctly rare). I must note here that I weaned off of the medication VERY quickly, which I am sure contributed to my overall withdrawal symptoms.
<snipped What bothers me, is that after being panic-free for 2 years I found it so easy to dole out comfort and advice to some of you here on ASAP, but now I almost feel like a sham because I’m back to square-one. The anti-anxiety medication made me feel like superwoman, but now that I am off it, I feel like a big liar. At my natural state (anxiety-ridden), I feel like a mutation. While on the medication, I feel like a whole person. Is any of this making sense? I almost feel like I owe an apology to everyone I’ve offered advice to on panic disorder, during the time I myself wasn’t experiencing panic attacks. I do believe the perfectionism in me is rearing it’s ugly head.:)
<snipped Again, congratulations, Kate. Everyone else has said everything I could possibly say here, and said it so eloquently! About feeling like a sham — I’m sure we all feel that way. Sometimes when I’m feeling especially confident, writing under the influence of Xanax, I feel like I can jump big problems in a single bound. But later, when I’m feeling a bit shaky, all I can think is: what a pompous ass I was. <sigh Wish I could be a pompous ass all the time without any chemical assistance… Someday. You know, I get the feeling that the way we write when our confidence is up is who we really are. When we’re anxious, it’s hard to let our true selves show. That you took time when you were feeling better to extend comfort and support to other people, shows that you are a dear, caring person. Hope the next few months are filled with happiness. Anita
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Hi all: Found out I was pregnant last week (this is a GOOD thing). In 4 days, I weaned myself off of 1mg of Ativan twice daily, after taking it for 2 years and not having any panic attacks. The withdrawal symptoms have been very uncomfortable, but they started to lessen yesterday. I looked up everything I could on Ativan and found that I am experiencing every withdrawal symptom listed and then some, with the exception of seizures (seizures are distinctly rare). I must note here that I weaned off of the medication VERY quickly, which I am sure contributed to my overall withdrawal symptoms.
Hi Kate – congratulations on your good news 
I think I can understand why you pulled the plug on your Ativan so quickly, but I’m sure you also know that you’re paying the price for having done this. I don’t know if this will help, but when I had the absolute *horrors* caused by SSRIs I wandered around muttering to myself "It isn’t *me* it’s the drugs" and, curiously, that helped a great deal. I found that knowing the *cause* really helped. Once this withdrawal is over, I’m sure you’ll feel *much* better. <words snipped to save space What bothers me, is that after being panic-free for 2 years I found it so easy to dole out comfort and advice to some of you here on ASAP, but now I almost feel like a sham because I’m back to square-one. The anti-anxiety medication made me feel like superwoman, but now that I am off it, I feel like a big liar. At my natural state (anxiety-ridden), I feel like a mutation. While on the medication, I feel like a whole person. Is any of this making sense? I almost feel like I owe an apology to everyone I’ve offered advice to on panic disorder, during the time I myself wasn’t experiencing panic attacks. I do believe the perfectionism in me is rearing it’s ugly head.:)
Kate, please, *please* don’t castigate yourself this way. I sit here dolling out advice day after day – all of it well-intentioned (hey! On good days some of it may even be right!) but I can still be reduced to a gibbering wreck if the right buttons are pressed. May I suggest that you look at it another way? That it is *because* you are still vulnerable to attacks that your advice is so valuable? We’ve all, I’m sure, had well-meaning but utterly *useless* advice from friends and professionals who have never experienced anxiety problems. The fact that you have *been* there makes yours *useful* advice. Over the next 8 months, I’m going to miss the life I have had during the past 2 years, but it will be worth it when I finally hold in my arms, the new life growing inside of me now. Taking it one day at a time here.
Please keep posting and let us know how you are. One thing’s for sure – you’re guaranteed an ocean of support — Gary Cooper
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Hi Kate First off – CONGRATULATIONS!!! Now down to business: What bothers me, is that after being panic-free for 2 years I found it so easy to dole out comfort and advice to some of you here on ASAP, but now I almost feel like a sham because I’m back to square-one. The anti-anxiety medication made me feel like superwoman, but now that I am off it, I feel like a big liar. At my natural state (anxiety-ridden), I feel like a mutation. While on the medication, I feel like a whole person. Is any of this making sense?
I hear you, but it’s absolute rubbish. You are in a very sensitive frame of mind at present. Over the next few weeks you will see that your *natural state* is not how you feel now, in withdrawal, but something else entirely. You mark my words on this and remember it well. I took Ativan for 5 or 6 years way back and remember the withdrawal effects. Went *cold turkey* a few times then later gradually withdrew with little side-effects. I’m convinced that much of the dependence is psychological. When you settle down a little you will certainly find these effects begin to wear off. Don’t assume that what you feel now is simply *you* without the Ativan – I promise it isn’t. If you dwell on that aspect you will only become more upset which is not the best thing in your condition. I almost feel like I owe an apology to everyone I’ve offered advice to on panic disorder, during the time I myself wasn’t experiencing panic attacks. I do believe the perfectionism in me is rearing it’s ugly head.:)
Kate, if you weren’t pregnant I’d put you over my knee. An apology for what? Help and support? Arrrggghhhhh…. :-) Over the next 8 months, I’m going to miss the life I have had during the past 2 years, but it will be worth it when I finally hold in my arms, the new life growing inside of me now.
Now for the good news. Pregnant ladies usually find their anxiety-panic symptoms go into remission during fetal development. Something to do with your hormones and all that rubbish. Get through the withdrawal and you will begin to feel better than you have in a long time. We’re all with you Kate. Take care and try to relax a little. You’re gonna be fine and it’ll all be worth it in the end. Love and best wishes — ROB… "high mileage but reliable!"
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Hi Kate First off – CONGRATULATIONS!!! Now down to business: What bothers me, is that after being panic-free for 2 years I found it so easy to dole out comfort and advice to some of you her=
e on ASAP, but now I almost feel like a sham because I’m back to square-one. The anti-anxiety medication made me feel like supe= rwoman, but now that I am off it, I feel like a big liar. At my natural state (anxiety-ridden), I feel like a mutation. While o= n the medication, I feel like a whole person. Is any of this making sense? I hear you, but it’s absolute rubbish. You are in a very sensitive frame of mind at present. Over the next few weeks you will see =
that your *natural state* is not how you feel now, in withdrawal, but something else entirely. You mark my words on this and remem= ber it well. I hadn’t thought about it like that, Rob. I guess this couldn’t be my *natural state*, withdrawal symptoms do go away. I took Ativan for 5 or 6 years way back and remember the withdrawal effects. Went *cold turkey* a few times then later gradually withdrew with little side-effects. I’m convinced that much of the dependence is psychological.
Yes, I was very psychologically dependent upon the Ativan. When you settle down a little you will certainly find these effects begin to wear off. Don’t assume that what you feel now is simply *you* without the Ativan – I promise it isn’t. If you dwell on that aspect you will only become more upset which is not the best thing in your condition. I almost feel like I owe an apology to everyone I’ve offered advice to on panic disorder, during the time I myself wasn’t experi= encing panic attacks. I do believe the perfectionism in me is rearing it’s ugly head.:) Kate, if you weren’t pregnant I’d put you over my knee. An apology for what? Help and support? Arrrggghhhhh…. :-)
Hmmmmm….a good spanking? I’ll think about that one. Over the next 8 months, I’m going to miss the life I have had during the past 2 years, but it will be worth it when I finally hold in my arms, the new life growing inside of me now. Now for the good news. Pregnant ladies usually find their anxiety-panic symptoms go into remission during fetal development. Something to do with your hormones and all that rubbish. Get through the withdrawal and you will begin to feel better than you have in a long time.
Maybe this pregnancy will be different. We’re all with you Kate. Take care and try to relax a little. You’re gonna be fine and it’ll all be worth it in the end. Love and best wishes — ROB… "high mileage but reliable!"
Thank you so much for the kind words, Rob. You too, Annie Pang. This is a great group. Thank go… goodness we don’t all think alike or it would be sooooooo BORING!!!!!! Love, Kate
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Kate, your post really touched me. While I’m not pregnant, I did go off of my meds last year for a short period of time. I went through the exact same symptoms you’ve described (the old thought patterns coming back, and feeling like a failure for being back to square one). I can almost bet that when you were typing that paragraph about feeling like you should apologize for the advice you gave, you had tears in your eyes. I had them with you. I was also very (pleasantly) surprised that your doc told you to stay on the Prozac. I’m very concerned about meds and pregnancy, since I’d like to get pregnant within the next couple of years(I think you and I talked about that once). Anyway, I didn’t write all of this to upset you, I just want you to know that I’m really happy for you, and remember that we’re all here when you need us. Feel free to Email me anytime. I’m really good at reassuring, and I love to give my advice out since I don’t use it! Michelle
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Kate… Thanks for all your posts and keep us posted! Jody
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Hi all: Found out I was pregnant last week
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! My OB said that I may safely continue the 25mg of Prozac that I have also been on for two years. He also told me that I may take 25mg of Benadryl every 6 hours to "take the edge" off of the anxiety. I’ll start the Benadryl today and keep you posted as to how I do on it. Note: Please check with your doctor before taking the Benadryl avenue yourself, or ANY medications while you are pregnant or otherwise.
Kate, although I am not pregnant ( thank goodness!! ) I too am taking Benadryl. I haven’t had any side effects other than some drowsiness the first few days. I hope it works as well for you! The anxiety is definitely back in the form of: a racing mind, difficulty concentrating, hyperstimulation of the senses in places with a lot of people. I also feel my old mindset coming back, meaning, avoidance behaviour and much anticipatory anxiety. I have serious doubts about whether I’ll be able to continue my chairmanships in two different clubs I’m currently a member of.
Hey, it’s okay! You’re going to be a Mommy again! Don’t sell yourself short because you have to let go of some obligations. You are most important right now and you must remember that! Take things at a pace that is comfortable for you, and don’t hesitate to delegate responsibilities to others who are there to help you right now. You deserve that. What bothers me, is that after being panic-free for 2 years I found it so easy to dole out comfort and advice to some of you here on ASAP, but now I almost feel like a sham because I’m back to square-one. The anti-anxiety medication made me feel like superwoman, but now that I am off it, I feel like a big liar. At my natural state (anxiety-ridden), I feel like a mutation. While on the medication, I feel like a whole person. Is any of this making sense?
Kate, a lot of us are like little bouncy balls. We go back and forth from square one to the top and back again. You are not a liar! And you are most certainly not a mutation. When you start doubting yourself, just remember the fantastic feat you are performing this very minute. You are creating a child and that put’s you at the top of the "greatest feats performed " list! When we are on top, we come here and give advise and encourage others. When we happen to bounce down, we come here to receive the same. That’s what ASAP is all about. You are just as important a member now as you ever were. And we’re so excited! ASAP is going to have a baby!!!! See, we’ve even taken ownership for you! We are all here on double duty for you, so hang in there and keep us updated! I almost feel like I owe an apology to everyone I’ve offered advice to on panic disorder, during the time I myself wasn’t experiencing panic attacks. I do believe the perfectionism in me is rearing it’s ugly head.:)
Now Kate, do you honestly think that we are all going to second guess your advise, either past or future, just because you are craving Chili with sardines and wearing a lovely glow?!?!? Come on now! You should know this group better than that! Over the next 8 months, I’m going to miss the life I have had during the past 2 years, but it will be worth it when I finally hold in my arms, the new life growing inside of me now.
You betcha! Taking it one day at a time here.
And all of us doing the same with you. Linda
Response:
Hi all:
Found out I was pregnant last week (this is a GOOD thing). In 4 days, I weaned myself off of 1mg of Ativan twice daily, after taking it for 2 years and not having any panic attacks. The withdrawal symptoms have been very uncomfortable, but they started to lessen yesterday. I looked up everything I could on Ativan and found that I am experiencing every withdrawal symptom listed and then some, with the exception of seizures (seizures are distinctly rare). I must note here that I weaned off of the medication VERY quickly, which I am sure contributed to my overall withdrawal symptoms. My OB said that I may safely continue the 25mg of Prozac that I have also been on for two years. He also told me that I may take 25mg of Benadryl every 6 hours to "take the edge" off of the anxiety. I’ll start the Benadryl today and keep you posted as to how I do on it. Note: Please check with your doctor before taking the Benadryl avenue yourself, or ANY medications while you are pregnant or otherwise. ** Kate, first congratulations. It’s great that you’re happy with the pregnancy! I’m not familiar with the meds, and of course different people react differently, BUT, is the OBGYN the best qualified to help you with the area of *panic* and meds? I don’t question his knowledge of what you shouldn’t be on, BUT, you may wish to check with a/the therapist who was treating you for your panic. Maybe, in this case, two heads are better than one. Seems like you came of your Ativan pretty abruptly. Maybe a consult between your therapist & OBGYN will keep you panic free (as possible) during this time of bliss & anxiety. I have gone 5 days without the Ativan today and have not had a panic attack. I feel it’s not a matter of IF I will have a panic attack, but WHEN.
** Kate, maybe you will have a panic attack. So what? You are one who has shown that you know how to deal with it, and keep it *in it’s place*, so don’t let it get the best of you. You have the mental tools, to deal with it. Don’t sell yourself short !! I am not one of the fortunate women who don’t have attacks during pregnancy. I have 2 boys, ages 2 and 4. I am trying my hardest to be positive as I progress one day at a time. The anxiety is definitely back in the form of: a racing mind, difficulty concentrating, hyperstimulation of the senses in places with a lot of people. I also feel my old mindset coming back, meaning, avoidance behaviour and much anticipatory anxiety. I have serious doubts about whether I’ll be able to continue my chairmanships in two different clubs I’m currently a member of.
**Kate, I’d certainly be anxious if *I* were pregnant:) Maybe all women don’t have panic attacks during pregnancy, but you’ve not only been through this before, but you both survived AND recovered. Many women who have children never recover (and I don’t mean from PA’s), as they see their life style change. You’re at the very early stages, so it only makes sense that you’re old feelings are coming back….if those are the feelings you had before. USE THOSE TOOLS YOU HAVE !!! What bothers me, is that after being panic-free for 2 years I found it so easy to dole out comfort and advice to some of you here on ASAP, but now I almost feel like a sham because I’m back to square-one. The anti-anxiety medication made me feel like superwoman, but now that I am off it, I feel like a big liar. At my natural state (anxiety-ridden), I feel like a mutation. While on the medication, I feel like a whole person. Is any of this making sense?
**KATE, you’re making perfect sense, except that you’ve helped so many others, and now you need some. Accept it a a return in kind. You’ve been the saftey net for others, so now you have every right to ask for it in return. You’re not back to square one…you passed that long ago. In the game of hop-scotch, you’ve already gone to the end, and are on the return trip. You know the way. I almost feel like I owe an apology to everyone I’ve offered advice to on panic disorder, during the time I myself wasn’t experiencing panic attacks. I do believe the perfectionism in me is rearing it’s ugly head.:) Over the next 8 months, I’m going to miss the life I have had during the past 2 years, but it will be worth it when I finally hold in my arms, the new life growing inside of me now. Taking it one day at a time here. Kate
*Kate, no apologies needed and none accepted. *I’d* feel the need to apologize if I didn’t offer my full support to you now, in *your* time of need! Just don’t name the baby bob:) See you on #anx/pan for the next 8 months….we’ll all hold the baby together…all your friends. YOU’RE NOT ALONE…..EJK
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< snip My OB said that I may safely continue the 25mg of Prozac that I have also been on for two years. He also told me that I may take 25mg of Benadryl every 6 hours to "take the edge" off of the anxiety. I’ll start the Benadryl today and keep you posted as to how I do on it. Note: Please check with your doctor before taking the Benadryl avenue yourself, or ANY medications while you are pregnant or otherwise.
< snip Hello Kate, I am sure your OB is correct about the Prozac, but I vaguely remember something in the newspaper or TV last week about Prozac and pregnancy indicating there was a *chance* of some sort of problem. Sorry I didn’t pay attention to it, but since neither I nor my spouse take Prozac, it was sort of unimportant to me. Regards, John Daly
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi all: Found out I was pregnant last week (this is a GOOD thing). In 4 days, I weaned myself off of 1mg of Ativan twice daily, after taking it for 2 years and not having any panic attacks. The withdrawal symptoms have been very uncomfortable, but they started to lessen yesterday. I looked up everything I could on Ativan and found that I am experiencing every withdrawal symptom listed and then some, with the exception of seizures (seizures are distinctly rare). I must note here that I weaned off of the medication VERY quickly, which I am sure contributed to my overall withdrawal symptoms. <some snipping I have gone 5 days without the Ativan today and have not had a panic attack. I feel it’s not a matter of IF I will have a panic attack, but WHEN. I am not one of the fortunate women who don’t have attacks during pregnancy. I have 2 boys, ages 2 and 4. I am trying my hardest to be positive as I progress one day at a time.
Hi Kate, A very warm congratulations on your pregnancy!! I think you have done wonderfully so far and you know you have everyone’s support here! : ) What bothers me, is that after being panic-free for 2 years I found it so easy to dole out comfort and advice to some of you here on ASAP, but now I almost feel like a sham because I’m back to square-one. The anti-anxiety medication made me feel like superwoman, but now that I am off it, I feel like a big liar. At my natural state (anxiety-ridden), I feel like a mutation. While on the medication, I feel like a whole person. Is any of this making sense?
Kate, I really think you are beating yourself up for nothing. I sincerely doubt that anyone here on asap would ever think in these negative terms about you. Still, I know how badly my self-esteem can suffer when I am in a high state of anxiety so I guess I can relate to why you might be feeling this way. Give yourself some slack. You deserve the best care and it needs to start with you. : ) I almost feel like I owe an apology to everyone I’ve offered advice to on panic disorder, during the time I myself wasn’t experiencing panic attacks. I do believe the perfectionism in me is rearing it’s ugly head.:)
I’ll second that!! Please don’t be so hard on yourself. You should be proud of all you’ve accomplished and especially the big little project that you are working on. I tried to do this but couldn’t ..so you have my admiration and respect. Over the next 8 months, I’m going to miss the life I have had during the past 2 years, but it will be worth it when I finally hold in my arms, the new life growing inside of me now.
You bet!! I’m turning green with envy here <G!! Don’t forget you have all of us to cheer you on too!! Taking it one day at a time here.
The only way there is….. Kate
Again, Kate, congratulations and please feel free to lean on asap for any support you need. It will be forthcoming…you can count on that!! <<<HUGS Annie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
Response:
Hi all: Found out I was pregnant last week (this is a GOOD thing). In 4 days, I weaned myself off of 1mg of Ativan twice daily, after taking it for 2 years and not having any panic attacks. The withdrawal symptoms have been very uncomfortable, but they started to lessen yesterday. I looked up everything I could on Ativan and found that I am experiencing every withdrawal symptom listed and then some, with the exception of seizures (seizures are distinctly rare). I must note here that I weaned off of the medication VERY quickly, which I am sure contributed to my overall withdrawal symptoms. My OB said that I may safely continue the 25mg of Prozac that I have also been on for two years. He also told me that I may take 25mg of Benadryl every 6 hours to "take the edge" off of the anxiety. I’ll start the Benadryl today and keep you posted as to how I do on it. Note: Please check with your doctor before taking the Benadryl avenue yourself, or ANY medications while you are pregnant or otherwise. I have gone 5 days without the Ativan today and have not had a panic attack. I feel it’s not a matter of IF I will have a panic attack, but WHEN. I am not one of the fortunate women who don’t have attacks during pregnancy. I have 2 boys, ages 2 and 4. I am trying my hardest to be positive as I progress one day at a time. The anxiety is definitely back in the form of: a racing mind, difficulty concentrating, hyperstimulation of the senses in places with a lot of people. I also feel my old mindset coming back, meaning, avoidance behaviour and much anticipatory anxiety. I have serious doubts about whether I’ll be able to continue my chairmanships in two different clubs I’m currently a member of. What bothers me, is that after being panic-free for 2 years I found it so easy to dole out comfort and advice to some of you here on ASAP, but now I almost feel like a sham because I’m back to square-one. The anti-anxiety medication made me feel like superwoman, but now that I am off it, I feel like a big liar. At my natural state (anxiety-ridden), I feel like a mutation. While on the medication, I feel like a whole person. Is any of this making sense? I almost feel like I owe an apology to everyone I’ve offered advice to on panic disorder, during the time I myself wasn’t experiencing panic attacks. I do believe the perfectionism in me is rearing it’s ugly head.:) Over the next 8 months, I’m going to miss the life I have had during the past 2 years, but it will be worth it when I finally hold in my arms, the new life growing inside of me now. Taking it one day at a time here. Kate
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