Anxiety

Sarah, I, too, had problems with continual anxiety. Now, I must first say that it is my husband who had his bladder removed because of bladder cancer. The anxiety was not about this.

I have a history of a couple of really rare conditions that took years to diagnose. During the times I was trying to get a diagnosis, I heard "It's all in your head" so many times from so many doctors, that I ended up with panic attacks and generalized anxiety, trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. Even after I had the diagnoses for both diseases, the anxiety continued, as did the panic attacks. The neural connections had already been formed, I guess.

I began seeing a counselor, and, although it helped some, the real help came when I found a psychiatrist who was willing to TREAT the anxiety, not try to talk me out of it. Once I went on the medication, I gradually improved. It took time, and I have been on the medication for several years. I find that I still am improving. Every once in a while, I can tell I have taken one more step. For instance, once I had a dream resolving a problem that would plague me in my dreams for years.
When I awoke, I had such a sense of relief, I couldn't believe it.

The anxiety is real, and there may be a real reason for it. I hope you can find someone who will take it seriously and help you find a treatment. It may take some time, but you will find the small steps are rewarding, and you may be able to look back next year, and say "I used to have a big problem with anxiety."

Keep us posted with your treatments.


Stephany in Iowa

Hello Sarah,

My diagnosis for invasive bladder cancer was in July this year and I had my op in September for my neo-bladder and all is going well with the new bladder. Not sure of the full diagnosis yet but have been told I had two positive nodes. N2 M0

The anxiety however does tend to rule my life at the moment, I guess I am slowly working through the issues we all deal with connected to cancer. Every odd feeling I have or niggle or pain...I think of the worse case senario.

I am waiting for a CT scan at the end of this month and my mind has made up many stories for the outcome of these scans. I know it is silly to think this way as common sense tells us not to worry until we know the facts. It comes with the territory though just like you said.

I try to keep myself busy just like you, going for walks with he dog and keeping busy around the home. Our minds follow us on all of our travels and negative thoughts can breed more negative thoughts very quickly.

All I can say is try to think positively and those positive thoughts will produce more positive thoughts. When you feel yourself slipping into a dip of anxiety recognize the feeling and think of something happier. Music always seems to lift my moods....my neighbours have heard me blasting out Madonna all summer when I have a dip...must be driving them mad...lol

I am have recently been prescribed Prozac for my anxiety and depression and hopefully the medication will allow me to get stability and rest in my mind. Obviously this path will not be for everyone and you make your own choices I am not advocating any drugs...what do I know I am no doctor lol

Sarah I hope my experience at least makes you feel that you are not alone. I also hope you find your way to healthy anxiety moments instead of consuming ones...

Kind Regards
Leigh

Hi Sarah,
Well, if you are certifiable then I am too. I have had a tendency to worry. Others who have moved past it have told me it gets better in time. The best thing I do that helps me when it gets super bad...I set my timer for 5 minutes. Then I let my worry go crazy usually I am clock watching well before the 5 minutes are up. If worrying tries to get me again that day - I just remind myself I already did that and do something else. Maybe that is weird - but it helps me alot.
God Bless, Holly
PS What a great saying, Don!

Try to relax and enjoy life. There is a saying: those that always worried about dying, never really live. Don

Hi everyone

I'm asking for help and advice, or even other's experiences of the anxiety that goes with this territory. I had T2/G3 with CIS dx'd in June 2006, neobladder July 2006. Have had my one year clear CT scan and am approaching the 18 month mark. Just blood tests now until an ultrasound in February.
My major problem is continual anxiety. Every ache and pain, every twinge and flutter has me worried again. I am doing my best to move on from here, I know this isn't doing me any good, but my sources of reassurance seem fairly light. I see a different doctor every hosptital appointment and whenever I raise the question of what to expect next they seem just to offer facts.
I feel quite isolated and worried most of the time, I just would like to feel more positive - I take myself and my dogs off for a long walk every day and am redecorating the house, but even keeping busy doesn't stop the niggles and hobgoblins!
Anyone else feel like this or am I certifiable??
:o