Question:
Philip – my computer and I have not been on speaking terms for a few days and just read this thread. Sorry to hear your mom is so ill and proud you are able to stand by her this way. My thoughts are with both of you.
Thank you for your concern. Two weeks ago we were sure my mother was going to die any minute but she is busy pulling herself back to life. It’s amazing really. Still it’s a temporary recovery at best. But she may still have half a year or maybe even more. We have all learnt a lot lately. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Philip: I am so very sorry about your mom. Fourteen months ago I sat with my mother as she died, and I’m so very glad I was able to be there — both for her and for myself. Maybe primarily for myself, because she was unconscious… although I believe she could hear, still, but was too far gone to react. She died at home, after a few months’ fight with rapidly spreading cancer. I was able to take a lot of days off of work and drive the 40 miles to visit her while she was still conscious, and also during her last week when she wasn’t. The visits were even harder than you might think, because last fall (1998) I was not driving on highways because of my PD, and the longer route I took to my parents’ house expanded the trip from 45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes. As if to challenge me further, the week before she died, my "alternate bridge" (a low drawbridge) was closed for repairs, and I had to take an even longer detour, so each leg of the trip took 1-1/2 hours. If only I had started on Paxil the previous summer! I quite understand what you say, Anne. This is one of the instances where we can do more than we can because we feel we *have to* because the inerest of a loved one is at stake. I’m coping quite well too up till now. But I’m so glad I made all those long drives on the back roads to be with my poor sick Mom. I often thought of how many hours she had spent during my childhood watching by my bedside when I was sick, or staying with me in the hospital when I had my appendix out at age 12, or otherwise taking care of me when I was ill or in pain. Our roles reversed in those last few months, and I thanked God I was strong enough to help Mom for a change — sorting out her things as she supervised from a chair, planning her memorial service, singing to her, combing her hair, helping her with bedpans, giving her tiny sips of water. I have done those things too and I share your feelings of happiness for being able to care for my Mom who cared for me when I was a child. For someone as fearful as me, the idea of watching someone die seemed (at first) scary. But as Mom faded, and the medications that dulled her pain helped her slip into unconsciousness most of the time, I realized how normal and natural dying could be. I saw a few people die (under natural circumstances) and I didn’t get upset, actually I think death can be rather beautiful. Neither my dad nor my brother could bear to be in Mom’s sickroom when her pulse began to slow and she proceeded toward her death. I don’t judge them for that; everyone is different, and can handle different things. But I’m so glad that my husband and I were there, holding Mom’s hands, whispering to her that we loved her and would see her in another place, telling her it was OK to let go and rest, and finally watching her take her last breath. When my father died my brother wasn’t there and he didn’t want to see my father dead. I sat with him (?) for a few hours after he died and it was a very peaceful feeling. I wish you all good luck, Philip, and eventually, peace. Please do keep us posted if you feel you can share. Or e-mail me privately if you’d like… I myself relied so much last year on the support of other people who had been through the death of a parent. Thank you so much for your concern, Anne. At this moment I am at peace with the idea that my mother will die soon (although it may be another 6 months…nobody can tell). I do think, however, that it is different from most other cases (excepting children which is *terrible*) because one’s mother is one’s first relationship in the world, even before actually being born. I sometimes have the funny idea that later my motrher and I will look back on this period together and reminisce but the point of course is that this will not happen becauser she won’t be here anymore. Maybe I have some denial left… Best, Anne Philip — Evelyn Check out my woodcarving site at: http://home.swbell.net/lbiggio
Response:
Philip – my computer and I have not been on speaking terms for a few days and just read this thread. Sorry to hear your mom is so ill and proud you are able to stand by her this way. My thoughts are with both of you. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Philip: I am so very sorry about your mom. Fourteen months ago I sat with my mother as she died, and I’m so very glad I was able to be there — both for her and for myself. Maybe primarily for myself, because she was unconscious… although I believe she could hear, still, but was too far gone to react. She died at home, after a few months’ fight with rapidly spreading cancer. I was able to take a lot of days off of work and drive the 40 miles to visit her while she was still conscious, and also during her last week when she wasn’t. The visits were even harder than you might think, because last fall (1998) I was not driving on highways because of my PD, and the longer route I took to my parents’ house expanded the trip from 45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes. As if to challenge me further, the week before she died, my "alternate bridge" (a low drawbridge) was closed for repairs, and I had to take an even longer detour, so each leg of the trip took 1-1/2 hours. If only I had started on Paxil the previous summer! I quite understand what you say, Anne. This is one of the instances where we can do more than we can because we feel we *have to* because the inerest of a loved one is at stake. I’m coping quite well too up till now. But I’m so glad I made all those long drives on the back roads to be with my poor sick Mom. I often thought of how many hours she had spent during my childhood watching by my bedside when I was sick, or staying with me in the hospital when I had my appendix out at age 12, or otherwise taking care of me when I was ill or in pain. Our roles reversed in those last few months, and I thanked God I was strong enough to help Mom for a change — sorting out her things as she supervised from a chair, planning her memorial service, singing to her, combing her hair, helping her with bedpans, giving her tiny sips of water. I have done those things too and I share your feelings of happiness for being able to care for my Mom who cared for me when I was a child. For someone as fearful as me, the idea of watching someone die seemed (at first) scary. But as Mom faded, and the medications that dulled her pain helped her slip into unconsciousness most of the time, I realized how normal and natural dying could be. I saw a few people die (under natural circumstances) and I didn’t get upset, actually I think death can be rather beautiful. Neither my dad nor my brother could bear to be in Mom’s sickroom when her pulse began to slow and she proceeded toward her death. I don’t judge them for that; everyone is different, and can handle different things. But I’m so glad that my husband and I were there, holding Mom’s hands, whispering to her that we loved her and would see her in another place, telling her it was OK to let go and rest, and finally watching her take her last breath. When my father died my brother wasn’t there and he didn’t want to see my father dead. I sat with him (?) for a few hours after he died and it was a very peaceful feeling. I wish you all good luck, Philip, and eventually, peace. Please do keep us posted if you feel you can share. Or e-mail me privately if you’d like… I myself relied so much last year on the support of other people who had been through the death of a parent. Thank you so much for your concern, Anne. At this moment I am at peace with the idea that my mother will die soon (although it may be another 6 months…nobody can tell). I do think, however, that it is different from most other cases (excepting children which is *terrible*) because one’s mother is one’s first relationship in the world, even before actually being born. I sometimes have the funny idea that later my motrher and I will look back on this period together and reminisce but the point of course is that this will not happen becauser she won’t be here anymore. Maybe I have some denial left… Best, Anne Philip —
Evelyn Check out my woodcarving site at: http://home.swbell.net/lbiggio
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::::Snipped:::: sorry, maybe I shouldn’t write this here, on the other hand in a way it’s on topic again as anxiety pervades all aspects of our lives and mine isn’t getting any better lately. I love my mother and although I’m quite prepared to let her tired life come to a peaceful end – which it will – and be her companion on this last trip, I am not *rejoicing* in it. Philip Dear Philip, I don`t want you to stop writing at ASAP about what you are going through in real life. You have always been here for so many of us, please let us be here for you. I can`t imagine what it is like to *watch* a parent die…….my father passed away unexpectedly, so I didn`t have that to deal with. You are a really *good* son Philip, to be with your mom during her last days. I know that people leave this world alone, with no loved ones at their bedside. When we are born we are surrounded by people who love us……and that is how it should be when we die. Please take care of *you* too…. we care for you very much. Love, Jackie Piggybacking…. I don’t have much more too add to what Jackie said, but I feel the same way. {{{{{{Philip}}}}}} Maria
Aw…you are all so kind. My mother is actually a bit better physically but she really feels like calling it a day, not being sentimental about it. She has no fear of death. We have talked a lot about dying and also about her and me. I feel no things are left unsaid. Still, it’s totally unclear how long she will live, there’s still a lot of strength in her. For the time being we go on doing what we are doing. Philip
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Philip: I am so very sorry about your mom. Fourteen months ago I sat with my mother as she died, and I’m so very glad I was able to be there — both for her and for myself. Maybe primarily for myself, because she was unconscious… although I believe she could hear, still, but was too far gone to react. She died at home, after a few months’ fight with rapidly spreading cancer. I was able to take a lot of days off of work and drive the 40 miles to visit her while she was still conscious, and also during her last week when she wasn’t. The visits were even harder than you might think, because last fall (1998) I was not driving on highways because of my PD, and the longer route I took to my parents’ house expanded the trip from 45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes. As if to challenge me further, the week before she died, my "alternate bridge" (a low drawbridge) was closed for repairs, and I had to take an even longer detour, so each leg of the trip took 1-1/2 hours. If only I had started on Paxil the previous summer!
I quite understand what you say, Anne. This is one of the instances where we can do more than we can because we feel we *have to* because the inerest of a loved one is at stake. I’m coping quite well too up till now. But I’m so glad I made all those long drives on the back roads to be with my poor sick Mom. I often thought of how many hours she had spent during my childhood watching by my bedside when I was sick, or staying with me in the hospital when I had my appendix out at age 12, or otherwise taking care of me when I was ill or in pain. Our roles reversed in those last few months, and I thanked God I was strong enough to help Mom for a change — sorting out her things as she supervised from a chair, planning her memorial service, singing to her, combing her hair, helping her with bedpans, giving her tiny sips of water.
I have done those things too and I share your feelings of happiness for being able to care for my Mom who cared for me when I was a child. For someone as fearful as me, the idea of watching someone die seemed (at first) scary. But as Mom faded, and the medications that dulled her pain helped her slip into unconsciousness most of the time, I realized how normal and natural dying could be.
I saw a few people die (under natural circumstances) and I didn’t get upset, actually I think death can be rather beautiful. Neither my dad nor my brother could bear to be in Mom’s sickroom when her pulse began to slow and she proceeded toward her death. I don’t judge them for that; everyone is different, and can handle different things. But I’m so glad that my husband and I were there, holding Mom’s hands, whispering to her that we loved her and would see her in another place, telling her it was OK to let go and rest, and finally watching her take her last breath.
When my father died my brother wasn’t there and he didn’t want to see my father dead. I sat with him (?) for a few hours after he died and it was a very peaceful feeling. I wish you all good luck, Philip, and eventually, peace. Please do keep us posted if you feel you can share. Or e-mail me privately if you’d like… I myself relied so much last year on the support of other people who had been through the death of a parent.
Thank you so much for your concern, Anne. At this moment I am at peace with the idea that my mother will die soon (although it may be another 6 months…nobody can tell). I do think, however, that it is different from most other cases (excepting children which is *terrible*) because one’s mother is one’s first relationship in the world, even before actually being born. I sometimes have the funny idea that later my motrher and I will look back on this period together and reminisce but the point of course is that this will not happen becauser she won’t be here anymore. Maybe I have some denial left… Best, Anne
Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::::Snipped:::: sorry, maybe I shouldn’t write this here, on the other hand in a way it’s on topic again as anxiety pervades all aspects of our lives and mine isn’t getting any better lately. I love my mother and although I’m quite prepared to let her tired life come to a peaceful end – which it will – and be her companion on this last trip, I am not *rejoicing* in it. Philip Dear Philip, I don`t want you to stop writing at ASAP about what you are going through in real life. You have always been here for so many of us, please let us be here for you. I can`t imagine what it is like to *watch* a parent die…….my father passed away unexpectedly, so I didn`t have that to deal with. You are a really *good* son Philip, to be with your mom during her last days. I know that people leave this world alone, with no loved ones at their bedside. When we are born we are surrounded by people who love us……and that is how it should be when we die. Please take care of *you* too…. we care for you very much. Love, Jackie
Piggybacking…. I don’t have much more too add to what Jackie said, but I feel the same way. {{{{{{Philip}}}}}} Maria
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::::Snipped:::: sorry, maybe I shouldn’t write this here, on the other hand in a way it’s on topic again as anxiety pervades all aspects of our lives and mine isn’t getting any better lately. I love my mother and although I’m quite prepared to let her tired life come to a peaceful end – which it will – and be her companion on this last trip, I am not *rejoicing* in it. Philip Dear Philip, I don`t want you to stop writing at ASAP about what you are going through in real life. You have always been here for so many of us, please let us be here for you. I can`t imagine what it is like to *watch* a parent die…….my father passed away unexpectedly, so I didn`t have that to deal with. You are a really *good* son Philip, to be with your mom during her last days. I know that people leave this world alone, with no loved ones at their bedside. When we are born we are surrounded by people who love us……and that is how it should be when we die. Please take care of *you* too…. we care for you very much. Love, Jackie
ditto what you are experiencing is valid and you are expressing it. One way or another you are best off expressing your feelings your thoughts your hurt either here or e-mail. This is a rough road and a part of life we all participate in regardless of our differences the love of a child the love of a parent is an endless and boundless thing. You have many friends here to listen to be there for you as you have for them. btw-don’t vent anger at your mothers internist even with transphenoidal hypophysectomy (nuerosurgical removal of pituitary) reocurence of either additional tumors or pathologic growth of the gland is common. He may have been able to head off some damage earlier but there were no cat scans or mri’s then and reliance on blood tests and myolograms were less then perfect. It’s just one of those things. On a very personal note imo-if there is something you wish to say to her or something you wish to ask her this is the time. Things left unsaid cannot be again. You don’t need to answer this just know there are those who care and are very happy there are people like you in this world-your mother has a right to be proud that she lives on in you. regards LM
Response:
::::Snipped:::: sorry, maybe I shouldn’t write this here, on the other hand in a way it’s on topic again as anxiety pervades all aspects of our lives and mine isn’t getting any better lately. I love my mother and although I’m quite prepared to let her tired life come to a peaceful end – which it will – and be her companion on this last trip, I am not *rejoicing* in it. Philip
Dear Philip, I don`t want you to stop writing at ASAP about what you are going through in real life. You have always been here for so many of us, please let us be here for you. I can`t imagine what it is like to *watch* a parent die…….my father passed away unexpectedly, so I didn`t have that to deal with. You are a really *good* son Philip, to be with your mom during her last days. I know that people leave this world alone, with no loved ones at their bedside. When we are born we are surrounded by people who love us……and that is how it should be when we die. Please take care of *you* too…. we care for you very much. Love, Jackie
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1. Are there any kind of known physical conditions that could cause this i.e thyroid, adrenal glands, etc..? 2. When I go for my workup what should I ask for to make sure that this isn’t a physical condition, ie bloodwork, some type of thyroid test???? I want to make sure that everything is covered thoroughly. 3. What’s the possibility of having ones Adrenal glands removed? Has this been done to treat chronic anxiety? I am at that point. 4. Are there any irc chat groups pertaining to this subject? 5. What is the best website that addresses these issues? Email me if you’d like to trade icq numbers or have any suggestions. Thanx in advance there are many illnesses that can create anxiety symptoms ranging from a brain tumor to addisons disease-your physical should include a complete blood profile a sma 20 a cbc, a thyroid panel, and a soft nuerological exam. If the doc or you wish you may follow with a cranial mri or cat scan to completely rule out any brain disorder-an eeg can also be ordered if something looks supiscious. You cannot live too successfuly without adrenal glands as they produce many hormones needed by your body and the consequences of their ommission would be grave-once you have been physically exonerated and know it is a psychiatric condition then by all means seek the assistance of a specialist in anxiety disorders. best of luck LM My mother’s adrenal glands were surgically removed in the late fifties because of Cushing’s disease. The steroids that were prescribed to her as replacement worked only partially as they don’t know *all* of the adrenal glands’ functions and anyway being on a constant dose is artificial as there is no possibility for the body to make more (or less) stuff and react flexibly to situations which require that. So she’s been emotionally very unstable since then. Why do I write this down? It’s really off-topic – probably because she’s in the process of dying (which may last weeks or months, the *experts* can’t tell) and I’m rather preoccupied with that now. Philip
these days the treatment for cushings relies less on surgery unless there also exists mitigating circumstances (tumors etc) a life on steroids at these doses would send a panic sufferer into hell. It must have been a very tough course for her almost 40-or better years- The surgeries used today if irradiation doesn’t help are a bit more specific -but in severe cases the knife is still used with variable outcomes-And recurrences of acth and pituitary disfunction still occur-basically it’s a bitch of a problem and the steroid replacement leaves a lot to be desired. What a strong women! LM
Response:
HI Jamie, This is instructions for our chat. http://www.skcldv.demon.co.uk/anxpanw.htm Also see a post entitled "Virtual Christmas and New Year in #anx/pan" Cathy — P.H.O.B.I.A. Off line Panic/anxiety support group, NJ http://community.nj.com/cc/phobia
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, long time reader of the group, but have never posted. I’ve been dealing with anxiety for as long as I can remember. After high school I joined the marine corps (92), this is when I had my first panic attack, the attacks continued and progressively worsened to the point that I finally went awol for 2 weeks. After spending a month in the brig I decided to confide in a military doctor who of course didn’t really know what the problem was, over the years I consulted several different military doctors until finally I was diagnosed with panic disorder and eventually medically discharged for this condition in 98. Knowing that military docs aren’t exactly state of the art I began to consult civilain docs, I was on klonapin for several years up to 4mil p/day. I’ve tried nearly every anti-depressant and nothing seems to work, even with the 4 mil of xanax, I still have very bad days and sometimes housebound for weeks. Fortunately I’m married to a very supportive woman and she makes enough mula to support the both of us, I haven’t worked for over a year which only compounds things. I personally feel that I have GAD, Social Phobia, and Panic Disorder, the whole ball of wax….. Tomorrow I am going to see a regular physician about having a full medical workup, so here are my questions. 1. Are there any kind of known physical conditions that could cause this i.e thyroid, adrenal glands, etc..? 2. When I go for my workup what should I ask for to make sure that this isn’t a physical condition, ie bloodwork, some type of thyroid test???? I want to make sure that everything is covered thoroughly. 3. What’s the possibility of having ones Adrenal glands removed? Has this been done to treat chronic anxiety? I am at that point. 4. Are there any irc chat groups pertaining to this subject? 5. What is the best website that addresses these issues? Email me if you’d like to trade icq numbers or have any suggestions. Thanx in advance
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -1. Are there any kind of known physical conditions that could cause this i.e thyroid, adrenal glands, etc..? 2. When I go for my workup what should I ask for to make sure that this isn’t a physical condition, ie bloodwork, some type of thyroid test???? I want to make sure that everything is covered thoroughly. 3. What’s the possibility of having ones Adrenal glands removed? Has this been done to treat chronic anxiety? I am at that point. 4. Are there any irc chat groups pertaining to this subject? 5. What is the best website that addresses these issues? Email me if you’d like to trade icq numbers or have any suggestions. Thanx in advance
there are many illnesses that can create anxiety symptoms ranging from a brain tumor to addisons disease-your physical should include a complete blood profile a sma 20 a cbc, a thyroid panel, and a soft nuerological exam. If the doc or you wish you may follow with a cranial mri or cat scan to completely rule out any brain disorder-an eeg can also be ordered if something looks supiscious. You cannot live too successfuly without adrenal glands as they produce many hormones needed by your body and the consequences of their ommission would be grave-once you have been physically exonerated and know it is a psychiatric condition then by all means seek the assistance of a specialist in anxiety disorders. best of luck LM
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, long time reader of the group, but have never posted. I’ve been dealing with anxiety for as long as I can remember. After high school I joined the marine corps (92), this is when I had my first panic attack, the attacks continued and progressively worsened to the point that I finally went awol for 2 weeks. After spending a month in the brig I decided to confide in a military doctor who of course didn’t really know what the problem was, over the years I consulted several different military doctors until finally I was diagnosed with panic disorder and eventually medically discharged for this condition in 98. Knowing that military docs aren’t exactly state of the art I began to consult civilain docs, I was on klonapin for several years up to 4mil p/day. I’ve tried nearly every anti-depressant and nothing seems to work, even with the 4 mil of xanax, I still have very bad days and sometimes housebound for weeks. Fortunately I’m married to a very supportive woman and she makes enough mula to support the both of us, I haven’t worked for over a year which only compounds things. I personally feel that I have GAD, Social Phobia, and Panic Disorder, the whole ball of wax….. Tomorrow I am going to see a regular physician about having a full medical workup, so here are my questions. 1. Are there any kind of known physical conditions that could cause this i.e thyroid, adrenal glands, etc..?
Yes, to both. You are wise to get a full workup. My wife has a cousin that had panic attacks caused by a adrenal tumor, once it was removed, he was fine. 2. When I go for my workup what should I ask for to make sure that this isn’t a physical condition, ie bloodwork, some type of thyroid test???? I want to make sure that everything is covered thoroughly.
I’d say yes. 3. What’s the possibility of having ones Adrenal glands removed? Has this been done to treat chronic anxiety? I am at that point.
I’m not a Dr., but that seems like a bad idea even if you do have PAD. 4. Are there any irc chat groups pertaining to this subject? 5. What is the best website that addresses these issues?
There are lots and lots. I’m sure you will get some posts with the good ones. Email me if you’d like to trade icq numbers or have any suggestions. Thanx in advance
God bless, Mark Before you buy.
Response:
Hi all, long time reader of the group, but have never posted. I’ve been dealing with anxiety for as long as I can remember. After high school I joined the marine corps (92), this is when I had my first panic attack, the attacks continued and progressively worsened to the point that I finally went awol for 2 weeks. After spending a month in the brig I decided to confide in a military doctor who of course didn’t really know what the problem was, over the years I consulted several different military doctors until finally I was diagnosed with panic disorder and eventually medically discharged for this condition in 98. Knowing that military docs aren’t exactly state of the art I began to consult civilain docs, I was on klonapin for several years up to 4mil p/day. I’ve tried nearly every anti-depressant and nothing seems to work, even with the 4 mil of xanax, I still have very bad days and sometimes housebound for weeks. Fortunately I’m married to a very supportive woman and she makes enough mula to support the both of us, I haven’t worked for over a year which only compounds things. I personally feel that I have GAD, Social Phobia, and Panic Disorder, the whole ball of wax….. Tomorrow I am going to see a regular physician about having a full medical workup, so here are my questions. 1. Are there any kind of known physical conditions that could cause this i.e thyroid, adrenal glands, etc..? 2. When I go for my workup what should I ask for to make sure that this isn’t a physical condition, ie bloodwork, some type of thyroid test???? I want to make sure that everything is covered thoroughly. 3. What’s the possibility of having ones Adrenal glands removed? Has this been done to treat chronic anxiety? I am at that point. 4. Are there any irc chat groups pertaining to this subject? 5. What is the best website that addresses these issues? Email me if you’d like to trade icq numbers or have any suggestions. Thanx in advance
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1. Are there any kind of known physical conditions that could cause this i.e thyroid, adrenal glands, etc..? 2. When I go for my workup what should I ask for to make sure that this isn’t a physical condition, ie bloodwork, some type of thyroid test???? I want to make sure that everything is covered thoroughly. 3. What’s the possibility of having ones Adrenal glands removed? Has this been done to treat chronic anxiety? I am at that point. 4. Are there any irc chat groups pertaining to this subject? 5. What is the best website that addresses these issues? Email me if you’d like to trade icq numbers or have any suggestions. Thanx in advance there are many illnesses that can create anxiety symptoms ranging from a brain tumor to addisons disease-your physical should include a complete blood profile a sma 20 a cbc, a thyroid panel, and a soft nuerological exam. If the doc or you wish you may follow with a cranial mri or cat scan to completely rule out any brain disorder-an eeg can also be ordered if something looks supiscious. You cannot live too successfuly without adrenal glands as they produce many hormones needed by your body and the consequences of their ommission would be grave-once you have been physically exonerated and know it is a psychiatric condition then by all means seek the assistance of a specialist in anxiety disorders. best of luck LM My mother’s adrenal glands were surgically removed in the late fifties because of Cushing’s disease. The steroids that were prescribed to her as replacement worked only partially as they don’t know *all* of the adrenal glands’ functions and anyway being on a constant dose is artificial as there is no possibility for the body to make more (or less) stuff and react flexibly to situations which require that. So she’s been emotionally very unstable since then. Why do I write this down? It’s really off-topic – probably because she’s in the process of dying (which may last weeks or months, the *experts* can’t tell) and I’m rather preoccupied with that now. Philip these days the treatment for cushings relies less on surgery unless there also exists mitigating circumstances (tumors etc) a life on steroids at these doses would send a panic sufferer into hell. It must have been a very tough course for her almost 40-or better years- The surgeries used today if irradiation doesn’t help are a bit more specific -but in severe cases the knife is still used with variable outcomes-And recurrences of acth and pituitary disfunction still occur-basically it’s a bitch of a problem and the steroid replacement leaves a lot to be desired. What a strong women! LM
Recently (about two years ago) is was discovered that she had developed Nelson’s Syndrome which is a adenome of the pituitary and can be a consequence of a Cushing. This adenome had started to bleed and from then on her sight slowly got worse until today she can only see light and dark and some countours…. I blame her internist who regularly gave her a checkup but never made a scan of the pituitary region. Had he done so in time (and he had more than thirty years to do that) she probably wouldn’t have gone blind. In addition to all this fun she now has liver cancer (as a metastasis of a carcinome of the colon which was succesfully treated eight years ago), breathing problems (which may either be a result of the big liver pressing against the lungs or a case of angina pectoris) and a mysterious permanent orthostatic hypotension (85/55); the angina pectoris cannot be treated because the medication for that lowers BP and also because it’s simply over and done with, her old body is *wasted* and can’t take more. Oh, she has only half a thyroid (surgery some decades ago). She wasn’t *supposed* to get old but here she is at nearly 83 finally giving in……. sorry, maybe I shouldn’t write this here, on the other hand in a way it’s on topic again as anxiety pervades all aspects of our lives and mine isn’t getting any better lately. I love my mother and although I’m quite prepared to let her tired life come to a peaceful end – which it will – and be her companion on this last trip, I am not *rejoicing* in it. Philip
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1. Are there any kind of known physical conditions that could cause this i.e thyroid, adrenal glands, etc..? 2. When I go for my workup what should I ask for to make sure that this isn’t a physical condition, ie bloodwork, some type of thyroid test???? I want to make sure that everything is covered thoroughly. 3. What’s the possibility of having ones Adrenal glands removed? Has this been done to treat chronic anxiety? I am at that point. 4. Are there any irc chat groups pertaining to this subject? 5. What is the best website that addresses these issues? Email me if you’d like to trade icq numbers or have any suggestions. Thanx in advance there are many illnesses that can create anxiety symptoms ranging from a brain tumor to addisons disease-your physical should include a complete blood profile a sma 20 a cbc, a thyroid panel, and a soft nuerological exam. If the doc or you wish you may follow with a cranial mri or cat scan to completely rule out any brain disorder-an eeg can also be ordered if something looks supiscious. You cannot live too successfuly without adrenal glands as they produce many hormones needed by your body and the consequences of their ommission would be grave-once you have been physically exonerated and know it is a psychiatric condition then by all means seek the assistance of a specialist in anxiety disorders. best of luck LM
My mother’s adrenal glands were surgically removed in the late fifties because of Cushing’s disease. The steroids that were prescribed to her as replacement worked only partially as they don’t know *all* of the adrenal glands’ functions and anyway being on a constant dose is artificial as there is no possibility for the body to make more (or less) stuff and react flexibly to situations which require that. So she’s been emotionally very unstable since then. Why do I write this down? It’s really off-topic – probably because she’s in the process of dying (which may last weeks or months, the *experts* can’t tell) and I’m rather preoccupied with that now. Philip
If you like this post and would like to receive updates from this blog, please subscribe our feed.