I need some advice pls

[Amethyst1974]

Hi all,
I think I need a little bit of reassurance or advice. I am an anxiety sufferer since 2004 (without medication). In November 2009 I suffered for a week the highest anxiety ever in my life. I could not sleep, eat or drink. I was shaking the whole time and had the weirdest thoughts in my mind. I had so much going on at work, home etc etc and could not cope with everything and broke down. I continued fighting it without medication but in February this year I lost the battle. I went to my GP and he prescribed Lexotan (bromazepam, a benzo) 1,5 mg in the morning. I am also taking Bystolic (nebivolol, a betablocker) 5 mg at noon. I have mild mitral valve prolapse with mild regurgitation. I think I also have an undiagnosed Mitral Valve Prolapse Dysautonomia. I have seen a psychiatrist in March and April and I felt so much better. He also prescribed Klonopin 1 mg as needed for panic attacks.
Next week will be a challenging week for me and I am anxious already. I think everything I learned so far will be put to the test. My mother is sick and the dr does not know what she has. On Tuesday (11) my husband (my security blanket) is undergoing a surgery. My husband tried to pospone the surgery but it was not possible. On Wednesday (12) is my sister civil wedding and on Friday (14) is my sister church wedding. I am the matron of honor. I am all alone in this and I fear having a panic attack at church in front of everyone or not be able to cope with everything. Pls give me some advice.
Amethyst

[29sillygirl]

Hi there,
You are a warrior.  A good thing. Suffering from an anxiety disorder with no help from meds requires a strong will.  

But as you have said: when life hands you an abundance of challenges what is the best course of action?  Think you know the answer.

Take the medicine.  If you have learned techniques for dealing with panic use them too.  But I believe you want to stay focused on your goal: getting through a stressful week.  You need to be strong for those who are counting on you and whom you love.  Being the matron of honor @ sister's wedding is the biggie.  I don't want to put any more anxiety in your head, but let me just say that you really will need to take something to make it through the wedding: ask doctor about this.  I think a bit of klonopin should avert panic.

Anxiety gallops through our family, and my youngest nephew wasn't diagnosed until he passed out at his best friend's wedding.  It didn't need to happen.  It won't happen to you if you take your medicine.  This is an event you want to remember with happiness: so go for it!  

Last Sunday one of my recently deceased son's girl friends stopped by and surprised me by showing me a beautiful picture of me with him @ our high school's 50th anniversary of a football game.  I was glowing/pom pom and all and he was beaming with pride. Someone has just asked his girl friend who I was as I didn't look old enough to be his mom.

I well remember the horrible anxiety I had that night....and finally getting up the courage to take my klonopin and go to a highly lit stadium and pretend to be a cheerleader again in front of about a thousand spectators. The picture brought it all back.  The pride in my son's eyes is such a gift to me now.  I did it for him and my other three children.  So do it for the people you love!  

[Sunny3924]

Doxepin is an older antidepressant that does a fantastic job of dealing with anxiety as well.  My experience has been that, when taking Doxepin, I am able to do without any anxiety medication such as Xanax, Klonopin, etc.  It helps with sleep as well.