Hi Everybody. I've just survived 3 SCA's in 2 days (with the help of an AICD) and have been experiencing alot of Anxiety and nervousness. I've been afraid to go to sleep, and as I drift off, I keep waking myself up as the feeling of drifting of to sleep reminds me of drifting of to..... well, you know.
I was prescribed a small amount of Ativan, which is helping alot. My Cardiologists refused to give me any more though stating they were addictive.
He stated it was fine to be nervous.
What a crock of chit, you know. Another Dr. who has never experienced anything close to what he treats. Anyway, have any of you had any good experiences with these type of Anti-Anxiety drugs. I really don't give a crud if I get addicted to anything at the moment, I'm just trying to survive this deal, you know?
Any words of wisdom for me?
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Drugs to help relax while recovering?
- By socalfun64
- Posted June 4, 2009 at 10:24 pm · 7 replies
- In Surviving SCA
- Shared with the public
- Edited June 4, 2009 at 10:25 pm
7 replies
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- By Jifizap
- Posted June 5, 2009 at 2:36 am
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Have you tried asking your primary care doctor? Or maybe ask for a referral to a therapist for the anxiety; a therapist might be more likely to prescribe anti-anxiety drugs. I have taken Ativan for a few years, but I only take about 5 a week--when I really feel like I need one, and then only one (or sometimes just half of one). I find it a huge help just to know I have them -- a lot of times that makes it possible for me to deal with the anxiety without taking a pill. I wish you luck with this, because I think the anti-anxiety drugs are a lifesaver and enable you to get on with your life.
- By sgriggs89
- Posted June 5, 2009 at 11:38 am
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I have come to the conclusion that no one else can really grasp this experience other than the people on this site who have been through it. How long has it been since your 1st SCA? I'm only 3 months out from my first, but my dad has been a cardiac patient for almost 20 years. My mom once poured a bottle of my dad's Ativan in the toilet as it seemed to increase his anxiety and psychotic symptoms. Mom and I actually just talked about it yesterday, and I remember it as a time when he was clearly not himself. I'm sugar-coating it here out of respect for him. I agree that maybe an internal medicine doctor, someone other than your cardiologist, can better look at your overall picture and prescribe the best medicine to help you through this. If you had been struck by lightening 3 times in 2 days, people would have a better understanding of your reaction I think, because an SCA is something more difficult for them to grasp. If their odds of being struck by lightening each day just jumped to 50%, their buttholes would be cinched up a little tight, too!!! Sorry, I'm a redneck and my humor gets the best of me. Keep us posted, and maybe some of the veterans here can give you some helpful advice!
- By brodielad
- Posted June 6, 2009 at 2:53 pm
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hey buddy , welcome to the made it club , i had my scd in dec 08,and i have had a lot of medication since then , i went to my dr and explained how i was feeling about things and he put me on antideppesents and stuff , and some nerve calming stuff , and i was just telling my wife this morning how great i feel , not to worry about sod all ,take the meds , deal with the other stuff later,the last thing we need is to worry about what if,,, get better and stronger, put this behind you , work on your fitness,and your life, once you have been were we have the rest dont matter ,,, good luck
- By socalfun64
- Posted June 6, 2009 at 5:19 pm
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Thank you guys so much. Just being able to share experiences with folks who have been there, is helping alot. I hope I can help someone out with my experiences as well. I'm going to schedule an appointment with a head shrinker and see what happens... LOL!! :)
My first VT/VF was back in Jan 08 and I got lucky by driving myself to the ER in time to be saved. I had 3 Ablations after that. I had an episode of AF after that, that they couldn't explain (again) and so they decided to implant the ICD. If they hadn't, I wouldn't be here now. Just a couple weeks ago, I had 3 SCA's in 2 days. The Medtronics rep told me, all 3 were non- survivable. I'm only 44, it seems crazy.
Thanks for the support everybody.
- By Jifizap
- Posted June 9, 2009 at 2:47 am
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My SCA happened when I was 44, too, and I got an ICD a few days later. I got zapped 8 times in the first 2-1/2 months--my record was 4 times in 4 days. I go straight to VF, pass out, and get zapped. But after that initial few months, I've only been zapped once in 2000. Now I'm 55, on my third ICD, and haven't even taken anti-arrhythmic medication for years. Hang in there, and keep sharing. I found the message boards much more helpful than my doctors.
- By socalfunwife
- Posted June 9, 2009 at 2:11 pm
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Thanks for all your responses, as a wife of a survivor you feel so helpless and don't know what to say. Obvioulsly i don't know how it feels but, reading all your comments helps me understand what my husband is going through.
Thank you so much!
- By MARYCORINNE
- Posted June 15, 2009 at 3:30 pm
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Hey there, I too take Ativan in a very small dose. It REALLY helps when my chest is so tight I can't stand it!! My general Dr prescribes it for me, as my cardiologist feels the same way your s does. Who F------g cares if it is addictive, when you already have a laundry list of issues to deal with !! And you are right, the Dr's do not have a clue what we are going through. Remember they work for you and you are the BOSS. Best reguards :) MaryCorinne
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