[RiverNurse]

YES! And it has had an impact on me during my tenure at nursing school. If you would like to correspond to me privately, I would be willing to discuss this with you.

I am glad for this forum.

Take care,

Shawna

[sharona97]

Hi Shawna,

I'd love to chat.

Sheri

[earle58]

Originally Posted by rehab nurse

Of course, one of the meds insurance wouldn't cover, so I couldn't get it, but my friend who's a doc has some in his office that he'll give me. Thank God for him. They wanted 258 dollars for 30 Cymbalta. What a joke.

my np prescribed cymbalta for me.
she told me that my insurance wouldn't cover it, and that she would be required to fill out a prior authorization form...
which she did;
sent it back to my insurance, and i was then approved.
why can't your doctor fill out this form?

leslie

[sharona97]

Try a second opinion on documentation questions u have susanna23, not every doc practices the same way. I found mine after a call to the crisis center. He's great and explains all questions and is really nice and social.

[dpbrown523]

I would suggest online classes. That way you could be near a restroom and able to go at any time. Less stimuli to provoke a panic attack too. Just my 2 cents worth

[sharona97]

Don't mean to be "nosey" but what are some of the triggers for PTSD? I have a history of panic attacks, not severe, but at times tough to get through and I have been given the DX of PTSD. It makes me curious to ask does thecart come before the horse thing or what just happened and why. I understand the panic attack sx's, but the triggers on hte other just made me think differently about my physical responses. I'm tired, hope this makes sense. Thanks for any info.

Sheri

[nyapa]

Originally Posted by Susanna23

Hi,
Thanks to all of you for your input. I'm actually on medication prescribed by my psychiatrist and in therapy. I mean I'm doing wonderfully lately..it's like night and day. However, it's just the fear that it may hinder my progress in school that causes more anxiety. I usually talk with the professor in each class to make them aware that I may have to walk out to catch a breather. I feel trapped in the classroom and that contributes to my panic attacks. I've been exposing myself to situations that are very similar to those in a classroom, and I have been doing great. Despite, my fear, I have built alot of confidence this past year. Therapy and meds have helped alot. My school recommends I go on disability for my panic attacks. However, my therapist nor my psychiatrist are willing to write me documentation. They believe, that it will give me less incentive to overcome my anxiety. Any thoughts on this??
Susanna

I would find out why the school wants you to take out disability assistance. Take their reasons with a grain of salt. They are not automatically right. Do they have someone with the qualifications to say this? Also, find out why your therapist / psychiatrist won't write you up.

I am also on meds and was using therapy for a long time. I couldn't walk into my work situation without having a panic attack. So I did what you were doing; I desensitized myself, with the guidance of my counsellor. I am of course different than you but these methods worked for me.

It sounds like you are under a lot of pressure, are trying really hard, are happy with your progress. Don't let someone put you down if you are succeeding. My thoughts are with you...

[nyapa]

Originally Posted by sharona97

Don't mean to be "nosey" but what are some of the triggers for PTSD? I have a history of panic attacks, not severe, but at times tough to get through and I have been given the DX of PTSD. It makes me curious to ask does thecart come before the horse thing or what just happened and why. I understand the panic attack sx's, but the triggers on hte other just made me think differently about my physical responses. I'm tired, hope this makes sense. Thanks for any info.

Sheri

Hubby has PTSD. As I understand it, each person has their own 'triggers' or certain experiences that can set off panic attacks / flashbacks/mood swings etc. My husband experienced violence through his job; any conversation about that job, or going anywhere near that place/or somewhere similar/meeting ppl who worked there whom he associated with the trauma, or even situations that to me seem unrelated can set them off. Apparently the main trauma is linked to earlier traumatic experiences in his life too. If he is under extra stress it seems to be worse, in fact stress in itself seems to be a trigger for him. If I talk about my work then it stresses him out because in his case he cannot work, and he can't stand not being able to work (a number of conditions including the PTSD have resulted in this difficulty for him).

This is of course written by an outsider (me) to someone who is going through it (you), and the only knowledge I have is what I have experienced with my husband. But I hope this information helps...

[Glad2BAnurse]

Hey yall,
I too suffer from depression-i have had it since i was young. I have been having panic attacks lately and have been put on Blood Pressure meds. I made an appt with a pshychiatrist for next week. I am embarrassed by this b.c i am a nurse and when i start the transition program they will do drug test and will know what meds i am taking. I am currently on 20 of Lexapro and 150 of Wellbutrin. Seems to help(or i can notice if i go a day or 2 without it- i feel mean and sad) I seriously hate this depression/anxiety issue. I would just like to feel happy like "normal" people do i guess. (sorry so long) Appreciate any replies!

[Zookeeper3]

I've been diagnosed with "anxiety". I explain it as an uncontrollable urge to choke the crap out of those that irritate me, to the point that I'm on BP meds, had the cardiac work up as well. Small things set me off, I hold it inside, it boils my BP.

ex. son eats chips from a bag during movie night, the constant crinkle of the bag makes me want to explode, can't explain it.. but I simply say.. "Ben, grab a bowl please".

So they started me on lexapro and it has helped sooooo much. I was never "anxious", but always easily "angered". Well I guess its the same thing, different response. Since I started on my meds a month later, people are commenting on how much nicer and calmer I am.

So while I've never been a pill popper, I guess I need this. I'm OK with that. I don't see it as a weakness, going off verbally and attacking others because I couldn't tolerate more was weak. I'm OK, feeling pretty good and I function better.