Anxiety/Palpitations/Stress

[FashionDoggy]

I'm going through one of the most stressful things I've ever had to deal with. I have a parent who is terminal Ill and is failing in front of my eyes. I've had to take on the role of being practical and sorting out everything.

I already am a sufferer of anxiety but this has just kicked it all off times 1000. I've been getting palpitations that are lasting hours at some points, GP has prescribed me beta blockers. She listened to my chest and said my heart was racing and bp is slightly high but everything sounded ok and given what i told her it was not surprising.

I haven't taken a beta blocker yet as im anxious about taking them. I used to take them years ago but only 10mg, this GP has given me 4g to take when required.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can calm myself and stop getting in a state of anxiety? Im struggling to eat because I feel sick im tired but can't sleep properly.

Any tips would be greatly received

Firstly I am so sorry to hear of your situation OP; that is terrible and I wish your family all the best.

Are you sure about the 4g beta blocker dose? Usually they are given in mg and 1000mg is equal to 1g. Is it maybe 40mg? I would take the prescription as given as it will help that panicky feeling which will help calm you in general.

best wishes xx

Apologies I did mean 40mg of propranolol. I'm going to take one tonight before I go to bed.

So sorry to read this. I have been there first time ten years ago with my darling hubby who had a cancer and then last year with an elderly parent. I like herbals and found lavender a great help. I made lavender tea, put some near my pillow in bed and it soothed me. I will be thinking of you all

Always listen to the doctor please.

I will listen to the GP and I am going to take one tonight before bed.
I know it's the stress of my parent being ill causing it, but because I'm already an anxiety sufferer it makes me panic.

I have taken some rescue remedy today and that seems to have helped a little

I felt like that about propranolol too. I quite often get random palpitations and during a period of huge stress these got worse and I did start taking it and found it really helped. I've had a lot going on for a few years and now have it on repeat if needed. I do find its best if I take it before lunch time as otherwise I really struggle to sleep due to some quite full on visual disturbances and nightmares but not sure how common that is as a side effect. It's not helpful if things are already tough! But if taken earlier I don't have any side effects at all.

When I used to take 10mg I was fine and took it anytime I needed it. That was a long time ago though, I read they're best being taken at night when you first take them in case of dizziness and other side effects.
They haven't been too bothersome today- just the odd random ones.

I had an ECG and bloods taken at the doctors and they were fine. The palpitations did stop for around a week but they have started again - this time only not as strong as they were a few weeks ago.

I haven't taken a beta blocker as I didn't need to because they stopped, but I'm thinking about taking them now with them starting up again.

I've spoke to a GP and he wants me to go in for a full check over. He's also referring me to cardiology just in case it isn't anxiety related.

My Dad just passed away 5 weeks ago following a horrific 6 month terminal illness with liver cancer. I had the exact same things - palpitations, constant nausea, pain in my chest. I had to be really careful with caffeine - people are very generous offering you constant cups of tea but it reallly didn't help me and once I started to watch what I was drinking, that helped. I carried teapigs lemon balm tea in my handbag!

It does ease - slowly. I'm sorry you're going through this, and I think it's very common. It's the constant adrenaline and cortisol, but if your GP has recommended medication I would try it. I wish I'd gone to the GP too in hindsight but just soldiered on.

They do keep coming and going so I'm trying to persevere with not taking the medication.
I had a solid week of them then it stopped for over a week. They're mildly there again now.

You are right about the tea though! I'm not a huge tea drinker but just lately I've been drinking much more. Last night I had a small amount of alcohol and they definitely kicked it off again.

I'm sorry for the loss of your Dad.