So heres my story... I need advice.

[jxm90]

So here my story. As a child I had OCD(obsessive compulsive disorder). Particularly with washing my hands. I would easily break 100 times a day and my hands would bleed in the winter from cracking. At about age 9. It went away. I had no idea why. The doctors just said I grew out of it. Life went on till about age 17, I started regularly using marijuana. I was a smart kid and I always new that I wasn't going to be a lifetime user. The day would come where I needed to get my shit together and quit. I'm 22 now. A few months ago I started getting cramps in my upper stomach. I couldn't sleep because of it so I went to see a doctor. Keep in mind this is the first doctor I've seen in years and she has never seen me before. And she did not have my past records I don't believe. She diagnosed me with a hiatal hernia and possible GERD. I was convinced she was wrong after a week of eating healthy and still having pain. I researched the internet extensively trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I quit smoking marijuana while all this was going on because I read that its bad for a hiatal hernia. I received an ultra sound and cat scan. I finally accepted today that it was GERD. A little internet searching. And I found things that say if you have an anxiety disorder your most likely going to develop GERD. This is when it all fit into place for me and it clicked. Did I grow out of my OCD or did my anxiety soothing activity just become something else? I'm tired of feeling sick all the time. I'm tired of feeling like crap and i'm just now realizing its been anxiety all along and its started to take its toll on my body. I recall last month being at a small gathering with some unfamiliar people and I was invited by a new friend. I was awkward extremely awkward. I got silent and I didn't say a damn thing the entire time I was there its like my lips swelled shut and I just afraid to speak, and I have no idea why. Me and my gf always fight because I'm always wanting to go out and be social. And she's acts as though I depend on other people too much. Where im starting to realize maybe I desire these socialization activities more than her because I'm terrible at it and feel as though I need to be resocialized. I feel as though I've missed out on what most people have. Anyways I'm hear to ask. Do I have anxiety? Are my conclusions about myself most likely true? Do I need xanex? I've thought about it, and cringe at the idea of going to my doctor and saying I have an anxiety disorder because I hate the idea of someone thinking i'm a drug seeking pill popper. And I also dont like the idea because I was depending on marijuana for a few years, and that in itself may show that I have an addictive personality. I dont know what to do. And have no idea how to cope. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
Joe

[Dana1964]

Joe, my story is different from yours, I was diagnosed with Major Depression and Anxiety years ago. It just seemed to come out of the blue. I go through a couples years where I am fine and then another bout hits me. It sounds to me that maybe you are having some anxiety issues. Anxiety can make you feel terrible...why don't you talk to the doctor again and be honest and open and let them know the struggles you've been having. Maybe you desire going out and being social because being around people makes you feel a little better. I don't know if I've helped but I sure do wish you the best. ~Dana

[Lin]

I agree it sounds like anxiety and depression could be causing a lot of your symptoms and it is best to discuss it honestly with your Dr so that they give you access to the type of help you need, not necessarily just medication. There are lots of other therapies available once you find access to them.

[alankay]

Joe, don't get ahead of yourself. Just because you smoked pot(I did too) doesn't mean squat really. You're not seeking drugs, but help. Help with what sounds like could be some anxiety. Yes stomach issues and anxiety often go hand in hand like heart worries/fears. You may have some social anxiety as well like me.
Give the ganja a break for a while and have an honest talk with a counselor and see if you can find why you might be anxious. You can talk with the doc about anxiety too but as for xanax, ask about a longer acting one like ativan or klonopin. I'd start with a counselor if you can arrange that. Alankay

[Alex010096]

Do you think you were turning to marijuana to cure some of your anxiety issues? I find that I drink socially because I am terrified of social interactions. Some of that can definitely be replaced by medication. When I started on Zoloft, I found I needed alcohol a bit less when out with friends. However, medication isn't the cure. It goes hand in hand with working on yourself.

[Lin]

Medication works if it is the right medication for you and you look after your body in other ways too like exercise and healthy eating. But if you don't want medication other therapies could work for you and you need to find out what is available to you and try them to help you.