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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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Hi @sarahlynn1960 I live in Raleigh, too and see Dr Daniels at UNC. We are really lucky to have them!
I was diagnosed with BE and MAC over a year ago. Main symptom was unrelenting cough and excess mucus. There is no way to know how or why some people get this and others don’t . I do nebulizer with Levalbuterol, saline and Ipratropium twice daily. I use Breyna inhaler 2xday and Ventolin rescue inhaler as needed for coughing and mucus attacks. I use Promethazine DM syrup at night for cough and Mucinex DM during day. Also take 3 antibiotics for MAC. Since I am only subduing symptoms briefly I have recently decided to take the Brinsupri in hopes of reducing inflammation in my airway. I don’t let this disease stop me from being outdoors in my garden as I need that for mental health. If you need help with anxiety, ask your doctor for something. But whatever it is, you have to be proactive in asking for every possible treatment available. I did buy a nebulizer that uses vibrating mesh technology which goes much faster than the standard one covered by Medicare. If you aren’t having symptoms and it was just found by accident, I guess that is a blessing.
The nebulizer I bought was Pari.trek portable by Neboligy for $171.00. So worth it. Requires a prescription.
@chch1 I will be asking for a referral to the clinic at UNC next week.