I'm just back from seeing the doctor, who has strongly encouraged me to take a week off work.
She listened patiently to me describe my symptoms, asked a lot of questions about how I've been feeling and generally couldn't have been nicer. She hasn't diagnosed stress or anything else, but did say it was the most likely cause of the problems I've been having.
The doctor wasn't dismissive of my fears about aphasia etc but she did remind me of how rate it would be and suggested we look to deal with a possible case of stress/anxiety in the first instance. If the symptoms have not improved after that then she'll look for an alternative cause and seek a different treatment route.
I'm getting some blood samples taken next week and have to make a follow-up appointment for results and to report on how I'm feeling after resting up for a bit.
Here's hoping.
For sure on occasion (so much so, that I tend to avoid being in such situations in the first place). However, I recognize the source (untended anxiety that's slipping out of control) so see it as a reminder that I need to knuckle down on my routines (and reduce mindless stimulation like PC/TV use which tends to aggravate my condition).
Scalpmassager - do you have dificulties finding words and other issues I mentioned?
Hi Scalp,
I've been diagnosed as having anxiety/compulsion problems in the past so I'm sure the doctor will cover that possibility.
Apart from one takeaway a week my diet is pretty healthy (plenty of oily fish, hardly any red meat, five pieces of fruit and veg, 2 litres of water a day etc) but I need to get more exercise. Pressures of work and other commitments I've had very little time for walking of late. I used to walk at least six miles every day but this is down to 1-2 now.
Thanks for the advice. I know how important diet and exercise is so I will endeavour to improve this further. I will also think about the calming measures you mentioned and what is likely to work for me.
For starters, I recognize much of the symptoms as my own at times (and I've a serious anxiety disorder I contend with) so believe it could be a simple anxiety syndrome (leading to a lack of focus, being distracted somewhat by inner thoughts). To test that, you could ask the doctor for an anti-anxiety med to try (eg. oxazepam/serax is marvellous, not at all suitable for long term use [tends to become addictive & far less useful over time], but excellent for short term use and acts within 30-40 minutes).
If that largely or completely cleared up your problem most of the time, then I'd strongly recommend lifestyle changes including healthier diet, avoiding bingeing on booze even once a year, seeking out and using calming routines to help settle your mind down [puzzle books, long walks, reading, meditation, that kind of thing].
Height is 1.82m, weight 189lbs, waist 34".
Absolutely no problem with aspirin.
I normally have 4 beers on a Friday night and maybe a couple on a Saturday. I probably only exceed that six or seven times a year.
Your weight, height and waistline measure? Do you tolerate taking aspirin well? (some people find it troublesome)
How often do you drink to excess these days?