Has anyone else also started getting severe anxiety & panic attacks since beimg diagnosed w/ AVM?
Britt, I do have panic attacks every now and again. My AVM is gone but this all started post bleed/surgeries. I usually know what will bring on an attack so I have a prescription for Xanax that I take when I know I'm going to be in a situation that will cause me to panic. For me triggers are loud, busy places, riding in a car on the interstate, anywhere there are lots of people. It's not fun, but it is managable.
Britt...Perhaps talking to your doc would be a good idea...as both Trish and I have the exact same issues since we had our brain bleed, I also am on a med that will prevent me from having a panic attack. Stay Strong!
I am so interested to hear everyone talking about loud noises. My dtr freaks out with loud noises like screaming, the bus, cafeteria at school…she says it makes her feel like shell throw up. Not sure if it’s her interpretation of anxiety or if it causes headache with nausea … Ideas? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Hey Trish!
Sorry to hear about your anxiety and panic attacks. An AVM is huge and many worry about it, so no you're not alone in that. Sounds like you've gotten some sound advice here (thanks everyone) and make sure to talk to a doctor about it. Needed medication is nothing to be ashamed about and it can only help. Best of luck! :J
See I was reading Trish's post and I called you that. SO sorry. Please forgive me Britt. Britt. Britt. There... that's better :J
But you too Trish... :J
Hi Britt! Unfortunately, I think that anxiety and panic attacks go hand-in-hand with an AVM diagnosis :(! I also had a bout with this until I got some PTSD counseling and a much deepter faith after my bleed. Now, I realize that there are some things that are just out of my control and know that nothing is going to happen to me that the Lord and I can't handle together! While I was on Atavan shortly after being discharged from the hospital after my bleed, I now rely on my own inner strength and faith to help me thru each day which helps me to stay calm and positive mitigating against those dreadful anxiety and panic attacks that can come out of no where.
Hang in there; this too shall pass!
/Michele
Rascals mom...definitely sounds like anxiety issues. Loud noises are a common trigger for folks with brain injuries. The noise and commotion issue was what caused my first major panic attack. I was at my daughter's school. There were tons of people, lots of screaming, etc. I felt the overwhelming need to cover my head and I had to get out immediately! It's the fight or flight reflex that is common in anxitey disorders. Hope that helps.
yes i have a lot of anxiety since my avm. Mostly, it is over issues related to my care and paying bills. i try to calm down by breathing deep and by saying it is happening because of the avm (something i do not have control of). I also take paxil which helps.
Thanks! There are so many facets to this ... hard to help her navigate this without a map!
Its such a terrible feeling cause i also go through it...just try and be positive and seek professional help and let your neuro know...my neuro always makes me feel better after i see her and its been 3 years now and still things are the same but im learning to live with it...Xanax is what i use when im anxious to help relax me...a small 1mg...God bless