How do I stop worrying?

Journaling may help a little.

Hi, @shauna3. Like, @my44 and other transplant patients, I can understand your anxiety. The medications, health issues, and the unknowing are definitely affecting your mood. As a recipient, I am glad that you are speaking with a therapist during this time of uncertainty.
I see that you are scheduled for evaluation for a heart transplant early in the new year. I am a liver/kidney recipient, so I don't know much about the heart transplant process. However, I want to share some links to some of the heart transplant support groups. As a Connect member, you are welcome to read, and/or participate. I do know that any one of these members will be happy to answer to meet you and to share their experiences or answer any questions that you might have.
- Preparing for a heart transplant: Would love to chat with others https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/preparing-for-a-heart-transplant/
- Heart Transplant Process: What do we need to know?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/heart-transplant-process/
.
By the way, Shauna, I was age 60 when I received my transplant. I'll celelbrate 16 years in 2025!
Where will you be going for the evaluation and transplant?

@streety1997
Worry is natural when something happens to us and we don’t understand why or what it is…
I’m not a doctor. The irregular flutters could be caused by too much caffeine, or A-Fib.
A-Fib can be diagnosed by EKG only when the symptoms are present. Otherwise. It isn’t seen by the doctor.
So when you have the symptoms you must get the EKG.

I understand about worry. I am going to be tested next week for an enlarged heart.
The symptoms are getting worse every day.

Life is hard sometimes so I am trying to concentrate on something that is fun.

Hi Rosemary, I will with Mayo in Jacksonville Fl. Thank you for sharing and reaching out.

maybe the anxiety is redirected from something else that is worrying you, or maybe you are hypochondriac (sorry about my spelling), maybe consult with a health professional like a theraupist (sorry about my spelling again), I'll suggest seeking guidance about it if you haven't find that

I felt so anxious leaving my apartment this morning to go for a a walk. You see, I have dangerous neighbors who sometimes stand around and use apparent illegal drugs and have threatened me for no reason other than walking to the front door. I live in a nice place, too! So as I made my way back to the apartment after an hour walk I was so much calmer. If the men were out there I would just walk on confidently and if they tried anything I would of be able to react much better and much more effectively. Talk with your doctor about walking! If they give you the go ahead, then go ahead and try it!

I do the same but I am overwhelmed and crying over the state of the US. One thing keeps happening after another. On January 1 2025 I will be in origional medicare. No more medicare advantage. I had to change pharmacies set up home delivery find a new primary doctor and dental care. I have what is known as extentions dread and yes I have fear and anxiety from what has happened to the US. I have ptsd too. I have a to do list. I am doing deep breathing. Plus more coping skills. I am sorry you are experiencing this. Self care is number one.

I was a chronic worry-wart.

I finally said, "Okay, come get me. If what I'm doing is going to kill me, get on with it. Because one way or the other, *I'm not living like this anymore*."

Needless to say, I survived.

Was it that simple? Nope. I have to repeat that exercise every now and then.

Please. Help. I have learned fear in a way I never thought I would. From my husband. Always talking about current events etc. Catastrophic thinking etc. I have a good peer support person who recommended letting him talk for limited time etc. This did not work. I need quiet time time for meditation deep breathing etc. I survived bacterial meningitis of my brain. He does not seem to get this is all to much for me. I cry scream from the pain of our discussions about all this. We probably need to go our separate ways but it would be bad for us financially etc. Do I say no more to him? I think I do say no more to these discussions with him. Thank you

What happened to me is similar to you. Bacterial meningitis of my brain may 2014. Craniotomy to remove access left temporal lobe. Septic multi organ failure medically induced coma. I was coded. I had to learn again how to talk walk etc. Learn and re learn medical knowledge. I was an RN. Now retired. I drive. I walk about 3000 steps daily. I have been seizure free the whole time. I just subscribed to your you tube channel. Thank you. On 12/26/24 I will attend virtually my first meeting with BIAA. Brain Injury association of America. I cannot change or control anyone but me. I have ptsd from my illness so I have had a lot of trauma therapy