Anxiety Issues (with added GERD)

I finally got a appointment for gerd anxiety

I have had anxiety and anxiety attacks for about 3 years now. The feelings of nervousness, nausea, doom, etc. are horrible. Mayo ran me thru a battery of tests — all came back normal. I think this is the new me whether I like it or not. Aging likely has something to do with the imbalance — my nervous system is not as fine tuned as it once was and I can’t handle stress as efficiently. But I’m working on it!
I completed a course on transcendental meditation and have been faithfully practicing the technique. It has really helped me. I also take Escitalipram.
I never completely feel anxiety free, but with these aids I’m handling it better.
Hang in there, try different methods to find relief, and have faith. It’s a rough road, I know.

I trying to hang in there thanks

Hi, @trellg132 - is your appointment coming up soon for the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) anxiety?

@annedodrill44 - will you share more about how the transcendental meditation practice helps with your anxiety? Have you found the effects to last a while?

I am only a month into TM, but I feel vastly more relaxed after meditating. You need to be taught the technique by an experienced, qualified TM teacher. The science and research that has gone into this method of healing the nervousness system and maintaining its health, is impressive! You spend 20 minutes twice a day achieving “full consciousness” — a deep relaxed state of physical and mental being. Do research TM and you’ll learn far more than I can share here.

Its on the 24th of this month

This same thing happened to me, believe me this is not in your head. After back to back hospitalizations 2 months later they found out the herd was related to my esophagus. That’s why your chest is tight and have breathing issues. I have a new now to if it happens again with the breathing. I have the same anxiety meds as you. I severe anxiety and panic disorder. I should be on more but I do not want to be a zombie. Ativan works but knocks me out. Sometimes I’ll call it a rough patch I’ll get Xanax. I became agoraphobic would not leave the house.. If you say you have anxiety some doctors will say it’s all in your head. Listen to your body. I got really skinny because I could not eat. Hang in there remember stay in the present and it will work out

I’ve had acid reflux for years. Also on medication for it for years. I wasn’t diagnosed with anxiety until way after the reflux. I was on Celexa for years but I took myself off of it back in early 2020. My psychiatrist stopped seeing patients. Now he’s back and I’ve been seeing him again for about a year. I suppose I must of gradually weaned myself off of celexa because at the time I didn’t have any problems. He’s tried several different meds for anxiety but I’m very sensitive. I get side effects very easily and can’t tolerate them. Even tried going back on Celexa. Couldn’t do it unless dosage was too high. Tried Pristiq and it wasn’t good. Pure hell to wean off of that. I was on low dose 50mg a day for 5-6 weeks. Wasn’t feeling right. He had me wean off of it in 13 days. Then put me on propranolol (beta blocker) for anxiety. Since being on all different meds, especially Pristiq sometimes I lose my train of thought. He has me on Nexium twice a day for awhile for the reflux. In the past I would only take it twice a day if reflux acted up. Read beta blockers can give heartburn and weaken the splinter to your stomach. In turn cause reflux problems. Has anyone with anxiety and reflux experience any of this? If so, what did you do? Thank you.

I was on celexa and weaned my self off twice for the same reason. I also have Gerd and Functional Dyspepsia. I also take propanonol. The only thing that helps is not eating much. I wish I could see a therapist to talk to. I feel I need mental health options to get through. I tried the Mayo where I Dr and theysay their Drs are not taking new patients as they fro not have enough Drs.. It is so frustrating when you have gone there for the original diognoisis. I feel abandoned and hope some one has exercises to help with anxiety.

You are not alone. There is a change going through Mayo that is deeply troubling to many patients. We will resolve this.