![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 8107 to 8131 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 10:56:12
In reply to Mrs. C/Jen Star And Other Hypochondraics- HELP!, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 9:30:35
Okay Captain, first of all being a hypochondriac myself I know that whatever I tell you will not stop you from worrying. A brain tumor is much more than experiencing vertigo. Most of the population has had vertigo at one point or another. Most people with vertigo do not have brain tumors. Are you still having vertigo? Brain tumor symptoms do not come and go. I think that you are okay. But I know that you are going to worry anyway. The only thing that can probably stop your worrying is to ask this lady more of her symptoms or to have your brain scanned again. Either way, it's a pain. Been there, done that. Increase your lex and take some xanax, talk to your doc about how nervous you are and be honest about it. Good luck, Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 10:58:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 14, 2004, at 23:15:24
Hey Jenstar, good to hear from you. I am feeling pretty good. I think my period had alot to do with the anxiety that I was feeling last week. Refresh my memory and tell me why you are going off Lexapro. Talk to you soon, Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:04:08
In reply to Mrs. C/Jen Star And Other Hypochondraics- HELP!, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 9:30:35
Hey Captain,
YOU DON'T HAVE A BRAIN TUMOR. I promise! You may be asking how I can know that, but from one fellow hypoc. to another -- you don't. Trust me!I'm sorry that your MRI was stressful. Mine were too! (I had 2 MRI's when I thought I had MS/ALS/etc and I had to take Xanax to get through them w/o freaking out.)
You know, after 6 wks on Lex you're probably JUST starting to stabilize on the drug. I know it seems like you've been taking it forever now, but it takes a long time, sometimes even 8-10 weeks, even 12, to reach a "steady state" and fall into a comfort level with the drug. It's very likely that the dizziness & other issues with slowly fade as you continue to take the Lex.
That being said, here's another example of how a person can magnify symptoms when they think they have them. (It's my story again...sadly, I have many of these...)
When I was SURE that I had MS, I kept watching for vision problems b/c I knew it was supposed to be one of the 1st signs, and "all" I had were the muscle twitches & periodic numbness.
I would sit on the couch and check my vision about 12 times a day: "From this angle, I should JUST be able to read the clock on the stove. Can I see it? Does it say 7:43? Or is it 7:48? Oh my God, yesterday I was better able to distinguish between a 3 and an 8. I am losing my vision. Is it better with the right eye? How about the left? Oh, darn, I can't remember which is worse anyway. But I'm SURE I could see better yest. Wait, now I can't see it at all. Is that a shadow over there or is it a blind spot in my eye caused by MS? Oh my God"...and so on...and so on.
I would do this literally every time I was on the couch, and naturally I became CONVINCED that my vision was failing. It became a negative feedback loop that got worse and worse until I had to remember that I actually could still see things pretty well. At the rate I was going, I was about to make myself blind by "wishful" thinking!
Also - the worst thing about my MRI was the other people. As I was waiting to go in, they were wheeling a guy out in a wheelchair. His family was there to greet him, and the doc actually came out and held up some Xrays/MRI printouts and said "This is serious, they're waiting for you over at Desert Sam, I gave a call ahead, you should go there now" or something like that. I panicked. It's one thing to THINK you have diseases...and then to SEE someone who has something awful just magnifies those scary thoughts. I couldn't believe that others in the waiting room could sit there calmly reading magazines (reading!?) and didn't seem as morbidly interested in this wheelchair guy as I was. How could they just SIT there??
The point I'm trying to make, after a LONG story -- the mind is a very powerful strange thing. It can manufacture and worsen sypmtoms based on fear and anxiety. This has happened to me and many others I know. It doesn't mean that every symptom you EVER have will be exaggerated, I just think some of your current ones are.
Sometimes muscles & discs & nerves can get irritated and inflamed just from overuse...from bad shoes...from overpronation of the feet...from poor posture...from PMS...from humidity and over-workouts with bad posture. Sometimes things just come and go on their own without any horrible underlying cause.
Think simplicity. It's been said that the simplist explanation is often the right one, and the simplest explanation here is NOT a brain tumor or other disease. Those are actually rather rare. You're going to be OK!
You're going to be OK. Keep us updated on the MRI. I am thinking positive thoughts for you and hope that you're feeling better & less stressed soon!
Take Care.
jenStar> Hey guys - okay, so basically my hypochondria is in full swing. Here's the story. I had to go get an MRI this morning on my lower back for some odd sensations and numbness in my right foot. They think it could be a nerve/disc thing as I lift weights and do strenuous things with my back. So anyway, I am in there this morning and in the waiting room. They called the lady behind me to get checked in and were asking why she was there and she said she had a brain tumor in 02 that was removed but that her symptoms are BACK! They asked her what they are and she said DIZZINESS! (by the way, i take 10mg lex/day for anxiety - have no depression issues or anything and this is the first time i have ever taken anything besides xanax. been on lex about 6 weeks- 28 year old female)
>
> Now - many of you have responded to the post i posted originally about DIZZINESS. I have had vertigo apparently twice - but as a hypochondriac - you think that that isn't what you have. I had lingering dizziness post vertigo and it did not subside until several weeks on lex. I tried to attribute it to anxiety.
>
> I am now convinced that my lower back MRI will be normal and I will then believe that the problem with my extremities and dizziness (and sometimes vision) is certainly a brain tumor. I hate living this way! Do you guys have any advice? SHould i just demand an MRI of the head when I see my doc next?
>
> Oh yes, by the way, I have thought that I have had a brain tumor before and had a cat scan 6 years ago because I freaked out on the doc at a doc in the box and that was the first time i was given xanax. haha - of course i didn't.
>
> Oh and if you have never had an MRI...i hope you don't have to. That whole 20 minutes of being stuffed into a small machine with horrible sounds is enough to induce an anxiety attack on a dead person!
>
Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:10:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 10:58:28
hey Mrs. C,
I'm glad you're feeling good! Good for you! I'm trying to get off Lex because I have an underlying fear of taking drugs long-term. Also, I would like to get pregnant in the near future & would like to be off all medication when I do that. I've been tapering down for a few wks now and I feel more anxious & a bit more stressed, so I'll have to make a decision about whether to continue tapering or just stay on the Lex for a while. My husband thinks I should stay on it for a while. Any thoughts or recommendations??JenStar
> Hey Jenstar, good to hear from you. I am feeling pretty good. I think my period had alot to do with the anxiety that I was feeling last week. Refresh my memory and tell me why you are going off Lexapro. Talk to you soon, Mrs. C
Posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 13:25:14
In reply to Re: Mrs. C/Jen Star And Other Hypochondraics- HELP!, posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:04:08
You guys are the best! JenStar - thank you SO much for that post. It really makes me feel so much better. I have done the same thing with the vision - MS is one of my worries too. I cover up one eye with my hand to see if I can see anything and I swear to myself that it is getting worse! One of my friends from college was diagnosed a few years ago after numbness down one side and complete double vision, and she literally saw two of everything. I try to tell myself that.
I think the lex is really kicking in and working well for me, i just think that seeing this woman this morning and knowing what dizziness problems i was having - it really put me over the edge. On top of that, I have been under a great deal of stress. I have two very close girlfriends and ironically, one lost her mom suddenly in April and the other found out this week that her mom may not live through August (next month!). It has caused a great deal of anxiety for me as we hypochondriacs obviously have a fear of death and it is currently surrounding me. I love my friends dearly and don't know how to help them, and I am even more terrified of having to lose my own parents (who are only 54 and 57! - the same age as my friends mothers). I am even going to spend the night with my parents tonight.
I actually called a counselor today. I haven't been in years since I was in marraige counseling and I think it will be helpful to speak to someone about dealing with this anxiety of my friends and the death everywhere.
Thank you so much for your posts. I know you took the time to write a lot and those stories certainly make me feel sane agagin. My cousin had a brain tumor a few years ago and is fine now and her symptoms were severe - but i can certainly create a set of my own! :)
Thanks again you guys.
Captain
Posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 13:27:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:10:14
Mrs C., I saw you posted something about being on your period. I am having mine right now and this is the first one i have really had since the lex has really been in my system. I have been SO incredible emotional - flipping out and crying to my boyfriend and having more anxiety than normal. Is there a link between periods and lex? My doc has never mentioned anything to me!
This would explain a lot if so!
Captain
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 15:04:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 13:27:18
Captain, there is absolutely a connection. Almost every girl on the board has some sort of increased anxiety around their periods. It has happened to me almost every month since starting Lexapro. It happens like a week before my period is due and it makes me more stressed and I worry about my many "illnesses" alot more during that week. It's almost like the lex poops out that week. Strange but good to know for you new users. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 15:07:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:10:14
Jenstar, I remember now! Sorry. My memory has really taken a plunge since starting Lexapro. I don't have any thoughts either way, just do what your doctor says and what feels right for you. I just know that while I was pregnant it was the most relaxed time of my life. Something with the hormones I think. I had no anxiety or worries about my many "illnesses". I just concentrated on having a healthy baby. I wasn't on lex at that time but I should have been. Pregnancy was a peaceful break from my anxiety. Good luck. Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 15:39:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 13:27:18
hey guys,
poor Captain - you ARE having rough issues right now. I'm sorry about your friends' moms...that is sad. I too am afraid of death & like to be insulated from it. I don't have any good advice about that, b/c I like to "ostrich" and pretend it doesn't exist.I guess -- just take joy in the fact that you are young and strong and healthy (even despite your worries, you're still walking & talking & living life!) Going to a funeral or talking to your friends won't change that.
About PMS - Lexapro helped me; I used to have really terrible emotional roller-coaster symptoms and now it's smoothed out some. I still get vicious cramps, though. The longer I took Lex the better it helped with my PMS, although like Mrs. C -- I still get more emotional & sad & worried around my period.
I read that some people are actually taking SSRI's (Lex or others) JUST because it helps with the horrible PMS issues!
I know what it's like to listen to a friend describe a disease nd then then you have it. I have a friend with MS, too, and even now I'm sure that my symptoms are similar to hers. I try to not obsess about it b/c I had all those tests, but it's easy to get sucked into the "I have this too" fear. Of course, keep in mind that doctors and meds these days are awesome. MS is NOT a death sentence; many people live huge, long rich lives with it. So too with brain tumors -- surgery is excellent and people get cured. You don't have those, but even if you did -- it's not a death sentence! :) Remember this: They operate routinely on people in their 70's and 80's - even tricky stuff like triple bypass & stuff!! And those people live and do well! Medicine is so advanced.
anyway, I hope things are going well.
talk to you soon!
JenStar
> Mrs C., I saw you posted something about being on your period. I am having mine right now and this is the first one i have really had since the lex has really been in my system. I have been SO incredible emotional - flipping out and crying to my boyfriend and having more anxiety than normal. Is there a link between periods and lex? My doc has never mentioned anything to me!
>
> This would explain a lot if so!
> Captain
Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 15:41:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 15:07:44
that is so good to hear. It makes me feel more confident that I could go off the meds if I get pregnant! (Those hormones are good for something after all, eh?)
thanks!
JenStar
Posted by mystic on July 15, 2004, at 16:00:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 15:07:44
Hey everyone...Just got back from the drs and they want me to try out the Wellbutrin now really nervous about that..I hate new meds and I hate going off one even though the lex didnt work for me...have been feeling pretty good the last couple of days though it fugures...but have lost my pocket book twice and (someone returned it both times to the store)and lost my ATM card yesterday so this not working my memory is just shot...So I will wean off and see my regular dr next friday...SO any help on the wellbutrin information would be greatly appreciated and the weaning off the lex..
Another issue...period time horrible just horrible that is another reason going off the lex...my dr also suggested maybe a low dose birth control pill to control the hormones..but you know me with meds cant take them huge phobia...My daughter jenstar just had a baby and has terrible anxieties also at times of stress and her pregnancy went wonderful and she never felt better and before she was pregnant she had taken I think celexa but went off it as soon as she found out she was pregnant and didnt have any problems at all she felt happy the whole time!!!.so just an FYI...
Obsessive thoughts of terrible things happening...I am absolutely petrified of death and have thoughts that consume me all the time... and when I was at the drs today couldnt help but have her check a lump on the back of my head that I was absolutely certain that it was a brain tumor and that wouldve been the root of all my problems..but once again it was nothing a gland or something (even though not sure she really knew for sure and that she was just trying to keep something from me ahahha) and since that was nothing I decided to have her check a small mole like thing on my stomach because i was sure that was cancer but yes once again it was nothing...ahh until the next drs appt...what can I think of next..so right here with you all..!!!! hahahah (not funny)
Whatever works for everyone is what you should do...I'm trying to do that myself trying to go with the flo...Mrs C will talk to you later..Your friend Mystic
Posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 16:18:59
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 15, 2004, at 16:00:23
Sounds like we are just 4 peas in a pod! haha - It is so nice to know there are other people out there like me! I am especially glad to hear that peoples pregnancies go well because even though I won't be pregnant for a few years, I already imagine that I will be LIVING at the doctors office with every ache and pain! :)
Thanks for all of the advice everyone! I hope you have a healthy evening!
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on July 15, 2004, at 17:51:30
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 15, 2004, at 16:00:23
Hi,
I have been suffering from severe, chronic g.a.d for seven years. Been on just about everything, lexapro is not available in canada yet, but I was wondering if it really does alleviate anxiety?
Thank You
Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 18:15:53
In reply to Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by hockeygirlcanada on July 15, 2004, at 17:51:30
hi Hockey Girl,
Lex did help my anxiety. I've def. felt better, calmer, less scared & worried since I started taking it.I don't have experience with any other SSRI's, so I can't compare how well it works compared to Paxil, Celexa, etc.
Interesting that it's not yet approved in Canada! I guess Europe goes first, then USA, then others?
Good luck! Let us know if/when you start Lex. Feel free to read posts here, and see how we're all doing. :)
jenStar
> Hi,
> I have been suffering from severe, chronic g.a.d for seven years. Been on just about everything, lexapro is not available in canada yet, but I was wondering if it really does alleviate anxiety?
> Thank You
>
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 23:33:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 18:15:53
I agree with Jenstar. Lex has helped me to be a more relaxed and easy going person. Good luck to you. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 23:37:06
In reply to RE:: Hey everyoneMrs CJenStarMystic, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 16:18:59
I loved being pregnant cause all of my aches and pains I just told myself were caused by being pregnant. Worked for me! Mrs. C
Posted by Scribbler on July 18, 2004, at 15:46:45
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 15, 2004, at 16:00:23
It is reassuring to read how obsessed we all become about our health, by powers of "suggestion." I definitely suffer from that, too. Can I join the Hypochondriac Club? I have been writing a biography of a woman who ends up with a tumor behind her left eye...and for the last six weeks I've been having vision problems in my left eye (ever since I moved up from 10mg to 15mg of Lex). I guess there are a lot of us who play that painful "what if" game, with the worst possible scenario. But I do think Lexapro helps me not continually think about it and worry as much as I used to. Some habits are really hard to break, though, and it's almost as if I've practiced and trained to always imagine the worst.
Posted by captain on July 19, 2004, at 8:43:48
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by Scribbler on July 18, 2004, at 15:46:45
Hey Scribbler - I know EXACTLY what you mean. I think I struggle the most with the fact that i actually DO feel these things in my body and a lot of times I have just read or heard about someone else having some awful disease and days later will feel symptoms of it. I struggle with making myself BELIEVE that they could be in my head or that stress can do that or that my own brain cause cause them. It is easier for me to believe that it is a disease of some sort.
I actually developed a sinus infection over the weekend and have to go BACK to the doc today as I have to fly to TN on Wednesday for a huge meeting and my ears already hurt just sitting here typing! I hope i can knock this cold out. However, I am sure all of my co-workers are just SICK of me being sick. If only they knew how much I hate it as I think they think I enjoy it.
I am convinced I am picking up germs from all of my doctor visits! haha - it is probably true!
Anyway -i hope everyone has a healthy week - hypochondria free!
Captain
Posted by Mrs. C on July 19, 2004, at 21:52:41
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by Scribbler on July 18, 2004, at 15:46:45
Hey Scribbler, I know what you mean about it being a habit to worry about illnesses. I find myself actually going through all of the things that I am worried about every morning when I wake up. Lately it's been nothing! Lex has helped me alot with that too but if I have any symptoms, I obsess myself to death! Drives me insane! Mrs. C
Posted by mrshmlow on July 25, 2004, at 19:49:27
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO Migraine headache » Mystia, posted by jane d on September 17, 2002, at 21:40:09
I just took Lexapro for the first time yesterday 7/24/04 and after feeling whoosy and spastic all day and generally weird, as I was "coming down" I had a full blown migraine! I am prone to migraines around my period but was not due for one at this time. I am almost certain now after reading your post (thank you) that this was brought on by the Lexapro. Thanks for posting as nobody else believed me but at least now I have another's experience as evidence of the possibility.
mrshmlow
> > I just started taking Lexapro on 9-13-02, after stopping Paxil on my own about a month ago. I suffer from severe migraines and I have had them every time after taking the Lexapro (I usually only have 1-2 migraines/week). Anyone had similar problems? Also does anyone know anything you shouldn't take (esp. herbs) while taking Lexapro?
>
> Mystia,
> I'm afraid I don't have any specific information for you but if it were me I would stop the Lexapro now. If you don't want to do that at least call your doctor. It's true, as another poster stated, that Paxil can have long lasting withdrawal effects but it seems unlikely that those effects would start a month later, just coincidentally after you started another drug, and that it would occur every time you took that new drug. It's far more likely that you are reacting to the Lexapro. The fact that a side effect is not reported in the initial trials does not mean it won't occur.
>
> Jane
Posted by sexylexy on July 25, 2004, at 22:18:14
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO Migraine headache, posted by mrshmlow on July 25, 2004, at 19:49:27
Hey There,
Seems like you may have gotten the "lexapro flu". No need to stop just yet, lexapro is a really helpful drug. What are you taking it for? I am on it for counter acting a bad reaction to birth control and then some situational depression, which also made me anxious. It was a bad bad bad situation. Lexapro kept my head above water during that situation and now that it is over it is really helping me stay even while my family has moved ect. Been to hell and am climbing my way back and lexapro has helped a lot in the battle.
Not that it was not without side effects. I went though a few weeks of complete fog, had some strange dreams but I am glad that I went though it. Good luck with everything. Feel free to ask me any questions!
Cheers!
Lexy
Posted by nemokitty on July 26, 2004, at 3:34:25
In reply to RE::: hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 11, 2004, at 15:37:20
> Hey everyone...has anyone had any good luck on wellbutrin by itself???...thanks..mystic
I am on Wellbutrin by itself. It is not as effective for depression as ssri's, but it helps some. I used to be on Lexapro (which was the best one I thought...paxil, zoloft, effexor all made me have bad side effects.)Lexapro gave me a peace that I had never felt. I just had a hard time sleeping at night and I was hot all the time.
I am on Wellbutrin sr now and I am still crying atleast 3-4 times a week. I feel worthless and like a failure. My kids are 4 & 5 years old. My husband works ALOT!! I am really depressed. The WB is not enough. I am thinking of going back to Lexapro even though I hate taking ssri's.
I just want to be happy and not worry about and dwell on evey little issue. I hate myself most days.
Posted by ednababish on July 26, 2004, at 9:17:45
In reply to RE::: hey everyone, posted by nemokitty on July 26, 2004, at 3:34:25
Dear Mystic and Nemokitty (?),
I am under the impression that a combination off wellbutrin and lexapro works very well and I am considering the combination myself. I, too, hate to add a medicine, but I went to 20mgs of lex in April, which was great but now is not working for some irritability, trouble with concentration, and sexual side effects which were not as apparent at 15 mgs. I have also thought about switching back to celexa because the sse's and the concentration weren't as bad, although celexa did not work as well for anxiety and panic--which was what initially sent me to the doctor last summer. Nemokitty, I would look into a combo since your response to lex was good. Mystic, I would try the combo too, even though you have some med phobia issues. My doctor told me that in a LOT of cases, one AD alone is not enough to treat the problem and combos are the way to go. If it's any consolation, you are not alone and using combos is pretty common.
Edna Babish
Posted by nemokitty on July 26, 2004, at 10:15:09
In reply to Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by ednababish on July 26, 2004, at 9:17:45
Thanks Ednababbish....
As usual I woke up feeling sorry that I caused a fight/scene with my husband. I am so up~and~down. I feel good today, so far. I do feel
like a combo of lex & wellbut. may work. Maybe a low dose of the lexapro. I will ask my Doctor.
Thank you for the encouragement and advice.
Nemo
Posted by Mariposa on July 26, 2004, at 11:19:36
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO Migraine headache, posted by mrshmlow on July 25, 2004, at 19:49:27
Lex gave me intense migraines first few days, took Tylenol and Ibuprofen for relief, and after about 1 week that got better and went away. Have not had anymore unless I skip a dose by accident.~~~8|8
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.