I had a really good weekend. One because I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) which is not a serious dissese. It's an abnormality in the heart but not at all related to heart dissease nor can it cause heart dissease. It does have some symptoms under stress like, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and panic attacks. It feels good to know that I wasn't imagining these pains, and most of all that it's not my heart.

Another reason why I had a good weekend is bc I made it through a U2 concert which was awsome. I sat through loud noises, bright lights, thousands of people... and did'nt die. In fact I had fun once I got over the symptoms. For those who are on the discouraging end of anxiety.... there's hope, better days are coming. I didn't believe it myself until I saw it myself. Try to have the courage to go out there no matter how hard at first.... It will get better.

Way to go! It's truly inspiring to read a positive story like yours. Congratulations!

Helen

Hi Claudia,
I can understand that finding MVP was a relief for you. It provides a nice convenient explanation for many symtoms. I am going through an uncertain period where I have I am wondering what is wrong with my heart. I had an echo done earlier this week so I hope to know soon if it is MVP that is causing my rapid heart beats, high bp, chest pains, anxiety, panic, etc. My only fear is that it is not MVP and I have blocked arteries! Yikes! Tell me more about your experiences. Do you take anything for it like a beta blocker, etc? There are other people on here that have MVP also.
-Ben

I hope it's not heart related. Just keep in mind that alot of people with anxiety are sure they have heart problems and most of them don't so hopefully it's just anxiety. My experience has been something else. It starte last summer when I reached my stress limit and had a nervous breakdown. I couldn't get out of bed for 2 mo. I was on Zoloft and Ativan for emergecy for about 4 mo. and they helped some. I was also in theraphy. That helped alot. Biggest reason I appreciate this anxiety (yes you heard right) is the fact that I got closer to God. He is thaching me to let go of the past, love myself, bc He loves me. It was also a good warning before anythig serious could have happened. I learned to take easier. As far as the MVP, it's pretty mild and at this point am only treating it with rest. When I feel the pains I take a break a nap something to let it calm down. \

Let me know how your tests came out.

congrats claudia.... ;D

I too hate crowds, but i'm trying to deal with them..... I do enjoy concerts myself.

Im still trying.... to get the good help I deserve... its just a matter of time and effort.

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www.NuEworld.com/evans

Hey Claudia,
Lost the thread on this one so that is why I didn't reply! About 2 weeks ago I found out that have MVP also. It was a real relief! the only problem is that I thought that my symtoms would go away magically away but they haven't. I guess I am just trying to learn to deal with it. I still get those same scary thoughts that maybe something else is wrong and it isn't just the MVP.

One of the biggest problems I am having with overcoming anxiety and the MVP is that I am really lacking the discipline to make real changes in my life. For example, I should be exercising, I should be eating better, I should be meditating, using the relaxation tape, heck....I should complete the program!

I do not drink everyday but I tend to be a heavy drinker in social situations and that is proving very difficult to give up. It really worsens my symptoms after the alcohol has worn off but I it is nice to feel oblivious for a while!

The struggle continues!

-Ben