”Have a positive attitude towards life as you begin this day. I wish you strength to be able to make the best out of today.” – Anonymous
Well on the morning of March 26, 2024 I went to my Family Practice office. I see one of the Nurse Practitioners. My main reason for going was to discuss a few things that came up when I was going to all my appointments at Ohio State. First thing was almost every time I went to an appointment or one of my surgeries my blood pressure would be higher than normal. However, when I would be ready to leave it would be back to normal. I told the surgeon I would mention this to my NP next time I saw her. Second, when I went for my preop visit prior to surgery the physician that did my work up told me I had possible triggers for sleep apnea. She said now I can’t tell you that you have it, but it would be a good idea to get checked for it. Which my second surgery anesthesiologist agreed with that. Third, I wanted to see if I could get something for my anxiety.
I also thought I could be due for possible bloodwork so I made sure not to eat prior to the appointment.
Well while at the appointment the MA did a depression test which we know I have sometimes worse than other times. She also did a test for anxiety which I really don’t think I have ever done. After doing both of those it was apparent that I have anxiety worse than my depression which sometimes makes me want to wonder am I truly depressed or anxious now. I will stop for a minute as this is a good time to address that these are mental illnesses. Most people do not like to discuss this, or let other know they have them, but if we don’t then I feel we can’t learn from these diseases. If you remember in an earlier post anxiety is a trigger that can make essential tremors worse. Now it’s easy for us to say well just don’t be anxious; think happy thoughts. That is easier said than done for most of us.
After having my work up that day I had the new diagnosis to add to my chart of anxiety disorder. At first it upset me and then after a bit I realized at least I am seeking help for it. The NP ordered genetic testing to help her decide which medication would be best for me. We will get the results about two weeks from the appointment. She put me on a temporary medication right now called Buspar which seems to be helping.
The reason for this post is the anxiety is fighting against my DBS working a 100% for my tremors. Now I am not saying I am back to before surgery. I am still doing so much better and do not regret the surgery at all. I just have to tweak my programs to fit my daily needs and get a better grip on the anxiety which once I get fully medicated for it I should notice a huge difference.
Stay tuned for the anxiety treatment and the improvement it will have on my DBS.