To ask for any tactics on calming myself down?

[Tunnocks34]

We have an MRI today to find out if the 23 week old baby I’m currently pregnant with, will survive the pregnancy or if I will essentially be recommended to have a terminated for medical reasons next week.

I have OCD anyway, which has made this situation even more difficult to manage as I just cannot look at the situation logically at all and I’m spiralling.

I have had a panic attack this morning. I’ve mmanaged to calm down using CBT techniques but I can feel the panic like a ball almost in my chest and belly.

To top it off, my granny is in hospital currently and I am going to visit her before the MRI as she may need to be transferred to a ward for higher dependency today.

I feel like I’m falling apart. I’ve already had to ring in sick for work as I’m just not mentally strong enough to control classes of 30 teenagers at the minute without crying.

Any advice, or even a hand hold will be greatfully accepted!

Hi my lovely, what a difficult day for you 💐

It was a very good call to take the day off, it could only have ended badly - tears or shouting. It’s a bloody difficult job when you’re on form, days like today...not worth contemplating x

I’m sorry to hear about your granny. I hope it’s better news than you think it might be.

As for your MRI, there are no words to take away your worry, just know we’re thinking of you and hoping for the best possible news for you x

Techniques: TRY to keep focussing on the here and now. What can you do that’s quite absorbing? How are you feeling physically? Are you up to going for a good walk somewhere you haven’t been before? Or maybe a short walk and some marking of work that takes a lot of concentration? There’s always the batshit MN threads that draw you in, get you worked up and so involved you can lose hours...

Definitely get some fresh air and a walk if you’re up to it and try not to think beyond ‘this is what I’m doing right now’.

What time are you going to see your Granny?

Hand hold I can do. Life is tough sometimes. So sorry it is really difficult for you at the moment.

Massive handhold @Tunnocks34

You are incredibly brave. All I can suggest is breathing techniques. I had major surgery a few years ago and the breathing app on Fitbit worked wonders (although I appreciate your situation is much more stressful)

Will be thinking of you xx

Hand hold.

Focus on the here and now helps me a lot, plus a mantra I can repeat over any distressing thoughts that start spiralling. Keep using your CBT techniques. You are doing amazingly well.

Definitely take all the time off work you need. Your mental health is more important.

This all sounds really shit. It's no wonder you're panicking. I really hope you get a good outcome today for you Gran and your baby.

Tunnocks34 I really hope you get good news today. Big deep breaths you can do this.

Thank you. Never thought I’d be in this position. I know no one does.

I hope everything has gone okay OP. I just have to focus the fact that it is my anxiety and not a rational reaction and I ping an elastic on my wrist or pinch myself (gently) to ground myself.

It is no wonder you feel anxious OP so for you.

Thinking of you 🌷

Update: my baby is ok! I mean he has cysts in his middle lobe on his right lung, but, the specialist said that he will be absolutely fine. His other organs are perfect, his heart isn’t being squashed by his inflamed lung. The specialist said the cysts will shrink by the time I deliver, and any remaining cysts will be removed via keyhole surgery when he is one.

Thank you for all of your support and well wishes. I am crying tears of relief!

Oh wow! That’s such great news, so pleased for you x

Brilliant news. happy for you Op.

This is my favourite post today!!

Fantastic news x

That’s fantastic news, congratulations!

I am so pleased for you! Wonderful news. Thanks for posting the update.

That is such good news I am so happy for you

Best post I have seen in a while, I love a bit of good news. I am so happy for you. Hope you Granny is ok too.

Amazing news OP

Great news xx

😂 what a HUGE relief!!!

I am SO SO pleased for you. So pleased. It’s such incredibly fabulous news! The BEST thing I’ve heard all day!

Sleep well tonight and start looking forward to all the lovely baby things 💕