Paranoia

[Michelle D]

I hate taking pills, I am paranoid about the side effects. My cardio switched me from my Xanax ambien combo to just Valium. I've taken it before but I'm always afraid of taking pills. Hopefully it will kick in and I'll stop being paranoid. I worry that I'm going to get ulcers from aspirin and motrin, I think my kidneys and liver are being destroyed by lasix and sotalol, etc. Anyways I hope I can sleep more than three hours. Is it just me?

 

[Greg a]

I................... Is it just me?

nope

 

[Cooker]

Michelle ... I am sorry your are experiencing this ... IMHO, we are turned upside down by OHS, physically, mentally and spiritually ... Have you talked to your doctor? ... I also would suggest counseling if these feelings continue ... I am not a doctor so I can not speak to your situation but I have taken all the meds you have mentioned with no problems ... I wish you well and hope you get this resolved soon.

 

[Michelle D]

I often think I need therapy but that is actually what I am in grad school for. Unfortunately the numbers don't look good for rehabilitating hypochondriacs. But I have had horrible side effects from some medications in the past, and combined with the misdiagnoses of my heart problem for years, and the surgery I feel like perhaps my fears are justified and not irrational.

I was afraid of taking the Valium last night because the last time I took it coincided with my CHF shortness of breath that landed me in a medivac jet to Cleveland for emergency valve repair. Last night I took it, I was okay

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I hate taking pills, I am paranoid about the side effects. My cardio switched me from my Xanax ambien combo to just Valium. I've taken it before but I'm always afraid of taking pills. Hopefully it will kick in and I'll stop being paranoid. I worry that I'm going to get ulcers from aspirin and motrin, I think my kidneys and liver are being destroyed by lasix and sotalol, etc. Anyways I hope I can sleep more than three hours. Is it just me?

You might also want to talk with your PHARMACIST about your medication fears.
Pharmacists may actually have more knowledge and understanding of Side Effects
and Interactions than your Doctor and the consulatation is FREE

Are you taking Enteric (coated) Aspirin? The coating protects your stomach while the tablet passes into your intestines (where food and medicines are actually absorbed into your body).

I've never heard of Lasix and Sotalol "destroying your liver" Many of our members take BOTH with NO reported issues. ASK your Pharmacist about those concerns. Are you taking any Potassium Supplements or using dietary sources of Potassium such as Fruit Juices with added Potassium to replace the Potassium Lost due to Lasix? Is your Doctor ordering occasional Blood Tests to check your Potassium levels?

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Jkm7]

I often think I need therapy but that is actually what I am in grad school for. Unfortunately the numbers don't look good for rehabilitating hypochondriacs. But I have had horrible side effects from some medications in the past, and combined with the misdiagnoses of my heart problem for years, and the surgery I feel like perhaps my fears are justified and not irrational.

I was afraid of taking the Valium last night because the last time I took it coincided with my CHF shortness of breath that landed me in a medivac jet to Cleveland for emergency valve repair. Last night I took it, I was okay

Is it possible you are suffering some Post Traumatic Stress? Perhaps some counseling in that direction could be helpful?
You've been through so much.

 

[Michelle D]

Yes I'm taking potassium and just had a CBC and electrolyte test done yesterday. My cardiologist just called and said everything was fine.


As for PTSD I think I have something along the lines of PTSD but not classic PTSD according to the DSM criteria. I've always had general anxiety disorder and have on and off been a hypochondriac, and it never goes away for me but will go into remission. This surgery has brought it back.

I've made a decision that I will not take any sleep aids or benzodiazepems anymore with the exception of Xanax for panic attacks. It's not worth it. I'm feeling better than before surgery besides the insomnia, PVCs, plueral effusion (again) and sternum soreness. So I am past the point where I can't use therapy to deal with my problems. These meds I'm on are not good for long term cases like me, xanax is good to have around though, it's like a security blanket. I'll just take it when I need it.