Panic Attacks with new diagnosis and fear of the unknown: What helps?

I know I have mentioned “fear” before…but…I’m really struggling with it still. Waiting to hear from NJH re when appointment will be…..I feel so fearful that I am isolating and I feel vulnerable….Talking to God often…….I see others seeming to cope better than I….they seem so strong….my husband said once I talk to the drs at NJH and actually have info….I will feel much better. ( I have not had discussions with drs about my case yet….I’m in the dark right now. ) Could you all share how you felt when you first found out about having MAC…..and how you manage to smile again? I’m being totally honest with you……..I never smile anymore. It’s very scary to me, the whole thing. Thanks Bon

I’m at emergency room. I can’t handle the anxiety. I think they may send me to a psyche unit for a couple days. I need help.

@healthybon
All cases of MAC are not doom and gloom. They don't all need to be treated. I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis years ago and MAC almost a year ago. I am not being treated because of my age and also because I do not have severe symptoms. I do air treatments with levalbuterol and 3% saline and use my Aerobika and try to stay as positive as I can. Because I can only control this so much. I wish you the best when you see your Pulmonologist and hope you will also have a referral to an Infection Control MD. Think positive and keep busy.

You really comforted me. I am at the E R waiting to go to a psyche facility due to anxiety about fears of this. Thanks so much for your response.

I think we all feel this way when we first get diagnosed. NJH was very helpful & informative. Unfortunately, this is something we have to live with. I agree with everything Leilam said 100%. Remember @healthybon you are not alone in your journey!

Bon,
I'm 78. When I was ten, I heard Psalm 23 and it was so beautiful, I memorized it all.
My brain isn't as good as it was, so I can't recite it all perfectly, but read over it and
see all the beautiful promises in it. About five years ago, I had an insight: It says
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil
for you are with me..." I looked and looked and I couldn't find the part where it
says everything is going to be o.k., we are going to have fun, it's going to be a
piece of cake, etc. It does say that God will be with us.
Our bodies are amazing things and if we give it some help, it will usually fight off
anything. Clean up your diet. Get exercise every day. Take probiotics and prebiotics.
Do things to help your immune system. Get air filters for most of your rooms.
Get rid of clutter. Meditate for xx minutes every day.
Over 100 times in the Bible it says "Be Not Afraid" in one form or another.
Do you believe?
Harry

That is so true Harry. I remember reading about the 23rd Psalm, and the comment was, “ Would you rather be hit by a truck or run “over” by a truck? In the psalm it says, “.. though I walk “through” the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Not so much pain walking “through” something ! Ever since then I realized that being afraid of things in life will still happen because we are human, but I always remember that reading and am comforted by it as I understand the psalm. Any disease is scary , but the good God has the bigger picture and will see us “through” it. ( Irene)

At 13 years from diagnosis having tried and failed the Big 3 early on, I'm here to assure you that there is life with NTM - not one without huge bumps and big potholes on occasion, but one that is manageable most of the time. As far as I'm concerned anxiety is a given. One doesn't live with this disease without some fear. But as others have said, faith is a large part of how I roll. Having said that, I'm to see an Infectious Disease doctor this morning because the cavitary nodule in my left lung has doubled in size since August. My local pulmonologist is closing his practice and I'm left wondering how in the heck to proceed. I'll see what this doctor has to say and then what my NJH doctor has to say when I see him in July. Life remains uncertain, but I'm still alive, still grateful for every breath I take and still believe there is light at the end of this tunnel. My light may be different from yours but I do believe God has a plan (and I sure wish He'd let me in on it!) Blessings to all who are having a good day, a mediocre day, and one that seems impossible to get through - you will!

Does anyone experience headaches possibly related to anxiety? I found the more I learned about Bronchiectasis and bugs we can pick up the more my anxiety and headaches increased. In the past I’ve attributed it to sinus problems, but now I’m starting to wonder if it’s related to anxiety or some mix.

We all have fear. Life is uncertain for everyone. I also wake up in panic at times. It helps me to listen to Eckhart Tolle on loss and grief on YouTube. You may want to talk to a therapist about your fears. I also have bronchiectasis and Mac and refuse to take the big 3.
My philosophy is that no one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. Try to stay in the day. There are no guarantees in life. Pray and meditate for courage and strength. You are in charge of your body. Good luck to you and all of us. If you really think about it, no one knows what’s going on inside of their bodies. Breathe. Come back to the present moment and try to write down several things you are grateful for. Stay well and good luck. Carol W.