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Newly diagnosed and can’t get a handle on my anxiety
Hello All. I am very happy to have found this group. I am awaiting my cultures but I have been advised to expect an NTM diagnosis. My nodules and other pulmonary changes were found incidentally with a Calcium scoring test.
I am 68 y.o. “healthy” female and my entire adult life has centered around an active and healthy lifestyle. I run, swim, bike ride with my husband and it’s what our life is all about. Since my diagnosis, I am in an extreme state of anxiety and panic and cannot “settle myself down”. I am not sleeping well and I have a horrible knot in my stomach.
I am filled with grief and sadness. I am overwhelmed by the amount of information and now feel completely constrained from living a normal life. I’ve ordered .2 micron filters for the tap and my shower as well as the Life Straw and Steri Pen. I am terrified now to do anything- go out to eat, shower, ride my bike if windy and chance of dust blowing.
I guess my question is related to feeling this way and I wonder how long this stage lasts until I can find a balance and some type of normalcy. At this point, I do not see how I am going to deal with this diagnosis and enjoy my life. Please share how you were able to deal with these feelings and any tips to get out of this horrible state of mind. Thank you all so much, Lynda Saathoff
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Welcome to Mayo Connect. Sorry you had to go looking for us but glad you found us. I'm sure others will weigh in with their various coping mechanisms and tips.
Since one of your worries is related to your environment you might want to watch this webinar about how careful do we need to be. Many have found it helpful nd reassuring.
Jenn Honda presentation - environmental dangers
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1 ReactionThank you so much!
lbsaathoff @lbsaathoff:
I am 81 and was diagnosed 3 years ago. I am on no meds. I do follow the basic protocols. For the past 5 months my sputum samples from National Jewish Health (NJH) have shown no AFB. Prior to that the samples showed either MAC or MAI. I am sending a new sputum sample to NJH this week and although the earlier samples show no active lung infection, there is the possibility this newer one will show it. I also have BE and a lung fungal infection. Keep in mind you are more likely to die with this health issue than of it. Enjoy your running and swimming and time with family. I was a runner many years ago and have been on a Mediterranean diet for years and my doctor thinks that may be the reason I am doing as well as I am. I walk 1-2 miles daily and focus on the things that bring me joy. I don't focus on my health issues because that causes stress and is contrary to the way I feel. Wishing you the best!
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6 ReactionsHi Linda,
I’m 66 and I too am active and have been healthy until this stuff. I was very anxious at first, and also felt mad as hell about it! (Ha as if that was going to help). My angst didn't last long thank goodness, and I credit knowledge from these sites for that. And it was a very big relief to find out that you generally don’t die OF it, but WITH it.
First I got going on what things I decided I was going to do. Once I got myself set up for the cleaning, nebbing and everything else I had decided to do, it’s all just gotten to be so routine and easy! I scan this form and the NTMir connect forum regularly and readjust as I learn. Seriously, I now don't feel it’s that much of a life disruption for me as I thought it would be!
You don’t have to do EVERYTHING you read. It’s a personal decision, which helps me feel more in control. Just get started setting your processes and equipment up, and u can add stuff or stop stuff as you learn more!
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4 ReactionsBy the way I bought one of the Pari E-rapid nebulizers, and that helped A TON by cutting way down on my nebbing time and the aggravating loudness of the traditional compressors. It’s very expensive though, unfortunately☹️
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2 Reactions@sarahlynn1960 Thank you so much for the info! I appreciate your advice particularly that I don’t need to do everything as it’s very overwhelming. And you are so right that I think I will feel more in control when I figure out the equipment and get in to a routine.
@sarahlynn1960 Sounds like it will be worth the money!
@pmmar1 Thank you so much! I am hoping that being in good shape to begin with will be of benefit as I start this journey. I love you advice to enjoy life and finding joy instead of focusing on stressful health issues. That is my goal!