Anxiety Disorder

About 2.5 years ago stresses occurred before, during and after PM led to anxiety disorder which has been managed with diazepam (Valium). Life has been a struggle. After weaning off the drug last year, the disorder persists and requires Valium. Does anyone have long-term anxiety/stress disorder due to heart problems? Thanks.
---Al


1 Comments

Anxiety over PM? Yes!

by mick655 - 2016-03-09 07:03:03

Even though I have had no problems with my PM (to be upgraded in a few weeks to a 3-lead) since 2011, right after its implant I developed anxiety -- over driving, over plane travel, etc. Am using klonopin to manage when it gets bad. Never too far from my mind that I am 100% PM-dependent (always pacing). But without it, life would be awful and I keep telling myself that and it helps. Have also been undergoing DBT to try and stay in the moment. I tend to get negative thoughts...and we have to remember that they are JUST thoughts and not reality. I know it's hard -- believe me -- but if I did not have a pacemaker I would have a heart rate of 30-40, in essence vegetative living.

I am very anxious about making a date for implant of new 3-lead PM over next couple of weeks. Klonopin usage has gone up from PRN to almost daily, depending on how I wake up. But again, bad thoughts and not reality are making life worse than need be. I know people dealing with stage 3 cancer and they have a better spin than I do about my PM -- which is totally minor in the scheme of things and does enhance life. Hope this helps knowing you are not alone.

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