How powerful our minds are..

[KateofSpades]

Currently having a health anxiety "relapse" after several years (at 29 years old)

Around 2014 I had the most unbelievably real feeling neurological symptoms. Facial and hand numbness that was CONSTANT (did not come and go, to my dismay) and blurry vision. Well, you bet I was certain I had MS, or worse, ALS. Spent hours online searching (biggest mistake). I cried constantly, would wake up in the middle of the night, feel my face, and panic. My symptoms were so convincing that a neurologist agreed to give me a full MRI. Surprise, surprise, no lesions = no MS. After beginning lexapro, the symptoms magically vanished.

Fast forward to this year, I took myself off of the lexapro (was tired of dead libido and weight gain) in October. By late November-early December, it's ON again. This time, presenting like a women's health issue. Specifically prolapse (which is when one or more organs fall down into the vagina... weird I know). Made an appointment with a gynecologist who has an excellent reputation. In the meantime I panicked, cried, and yes, searched the internet insanely. I was CERTAIN I have a full feeling inside (like something was coming down) and even a leaking sensation. My appointment was last Friday. She said based on discharge she would conclude Bacterial Vaginosis (a very common infection) and prescribed antibiotics. She also did a pelvic exam and said "I can see your cervix, it's exactly where it's supposed to be". I walk out of the appointment so happy, like everything is going to be OK.

Two days later and back at square one. Still feels like I'm leaking all day (is it urine? is it from the back? am I incontinent now?) OR.... is it that I am yet again manifesting symptoms with the power of my mind. I'm considering going back to see a psychiatrist to get evaluated for medication again, feels like a failure though.

PS. I'm a counselor by trade, in case you like irony!

 

[Rinka]

Uh a typical example of people in the mental health tread having mental health issues
I suppose you know the helper syndrome.
But please don’t get me wrong, I’m a social worker working with mental health challenged people and am challenged myself.

In regards to your womanly issues, vaginal discharge is relatively normal also discharge out of the urani tract, feels a bit like incontinece, but is normal discharge.
I have the feeling that going off your meds has lead to a relaps.
If you are interested, have a look at cbt (Cognitive behaviour therapy) or mindfulness, this can help reduce your symptoms.
As a counsellor you might have access to therapy or counselling yourself to help you.

Anxiety in regards to my feminine body is my main issue, so please feel free to share your experiences you will not be judged.

 

[_Lukas]

Yep, a fair amount of people in the mental health field have mental health issues themselves! I'm a graduate student in the psychology field and studying to be a social worker myself (and I have complex PTSD and I'm disabled).

I agree with Rinka- going off your meds may have caused a relapse in your symptoms. Therapy would probably be helpful for you- even if you don't want to be on medication, which I completely understand, at least you would have someone to talk to who could be a voice of reason when you're stressed out.
I'm male so I probably can't be helpful in regards to advice about female reproductive health (I can try though), but I'm always here if you need someone to talk to.

 

[Richard G]

Currently having a health anxiety "relapse" after several years (at 29 years old)

Around 2014 I had the most unbelievably real feeling neurological symptoms. Facial and hand numbness that was CONSTANT (did not come and go, to my dismay) and blurry vision. Well, you bet I was certain I had MS, or worse, ALS. Spent hours online searching (biggest mistake). I cried constantly, would wake up in the middle of the night, feel my face, and panic. My symptoms were so convincing that a neurologist agreed to give me a full MRI. Surprise, surprise, no lesions = no MS. After beginning lexapro, the symptoms magically vanished.

Fast forward to this year, I took myself off of the lexapro (was tired of dead libido and weight gain) in October. By late November-early December, it's ON again. This time, presenting like a women's health issue. Specifically prolapse (which is when one or more organs fall down into the vagina... weird I know). Made an appointment with a gynecologist who has an excellent reputation. In the meantime I panicked, cried, and yes, searched the internet insanely. I was CERTAIN I have a full feeling inside (like something was coming down) and even a leaking sensation. My appointment was last Friday. She said based on discharge she would conclude Bacterial Vaginosis (a very common infection) and prescribed antibiotics. She also did a pelvic exam and said "I can see your cervix, it's exactly where it's supposed to be". I walk out of the appointment so happy, like everything is going to be OK.

Two days later and back at square one. Still feels like I'm leaking all day (is it urine? is it from the back? am I incontinent now?) OR.... is it that I am yet again manifesting symptoms with the power of my mind. I'm considering going back to see a psychiatrist to get evaluated for medication again, feels like a failure though.

PS. I'm a counselor by trade, in case you like irony!

I can relate about health anxiety relapses after discontinuing medication..in my case Lexapro too, for the exact same reasons you cited. Now on Clonazepam but soon to start Paxil, which I know can have the same side effects Lexapro does. But, there is a trade-off: Feeling anxious all the time or deal with the meds side effects? This is my debate ongoing.

 

[janemariesayed]

There are symptoms that we go through when we come off medication. It has to be done in a certain way because our bodies have become used to taking it. So I think it is very feasible to expect some kind of sympto9ms when taking ceases.