Anonymous
Participant
Post count: 93172

Hi Jeff,
I agree with everyone who has replied to your e-mail that it will take a while for you to feel normal again. I was diagnosed in April of 98 and I am currently in remission following a year-long anti-thyroid drug regimen. Even now, I still struggle somewhat with anxiety. I was on anti-anxiety benzodiazepines for about 1 1/2 years and underwent cognitive therapy for about a year. I still currently take an SSRI for anxiety. I can’t say that my life is anxiety free but whereas two years ago I couldn’t leave my house I am now able to live a normal existence including travelling etc. I must stress though that my return to “normalcy” was very gradual and took quite a long time(more than a year). I think you should focus on small victories and have faith that in the long run things will go back to normal. I was also very focused on my heart and now I rarely think about it unless I have an occasional palpitation. I would recommend getting psychiatric help with your anxiety and also be an active and aggressive participant in overcoming it.

Good Luck,
george