Hey I Just joined today

[atomic811]

I will tell you a little about me I have agoraphobia I have basicly been inside for 2 years. I am a 30 year old male. I have tried paxil in the past for panic attacks and it helped some and ever since I came off it I have been scared to go back on any meds. I have major fears/phobias of fainting, blood , the dentist and seizures (I have never had a seizure but I worry about it daily and thats why I fear many meds like SSRI's that can increase the chance of that) I suffer from alcoholism and recently stopped (yes I know alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures which is why I came off slowly and called my doctor about it..I couldn't get up the nerve to go see him)

I have to have several root canals and a lot of fillings in Oct. I start going.. frankly I have no idea how I am going to full it off.. I mean I can't even leave the house but my teeth are breaking. I can't be given valium because of alcoholism and the dentist who I have seen before doesn't believe in it and isnt that great with people who have anxiety... however he is good and I trust him and too scared to try someone new. (he did a root canal for me 3 years ago and I had no pain)

The reason I fear the dentist is because of my phobia of fainting.. (I have fainted once and it was awful for me after my blood was taken..that was the start of the blood dental fainting phobias) I am not scared of fainting while I am laying down in the dental chair but fainting while I am paying when I am done. (thats what happened when I fainted from the blood I was paying and I got cold and heart was weird ect ect got dark..and for someone with panic attacks that just sent me threw the roof..must be why I didnt completely go out)

I would like to see a therapist but fear the pressure of being lectured about how I need meds..also I have been to so many therapists it may sound silly but I am tired of explaining my illness..and tired of hearing about fight and flight/ breathing ect ect ..I know all this ...sometimes I think people do not understand how bad this is..I know you guys do..I mean people without this disorder..I feel a depression coming on and that scares me because I had a major depression back in march 2006 where I ended up calling a suicide hotline in tears and could bearly get out my name..I wasn't going to kill myself I have no intent on that but I was so sad I just wanted to hear a voice talk to me.

Anyway thats me thanks for listening.

[Bubbywu]

I used to work for a Dentist for 8 years and just to let you know, through training and lessons, the most feared Doctor to see, Especially in men is the Dentist. You can always ask for a specialist who has General Anesthesia ( put you to sleep) . They have them for every specialist. Even Endodonists for Root canals. Just ask for one who has that. Plus I tried Paxil for 2 weeks and couldn't take it so I understand your fear of meds. I have a rare heart condition too that makes it hard for me to take anything. Glad you're working on getting off booze. I was also a Bartender that didn't drink, I smoked pot instead. We use it to numb the anxiety. Detoxing will help the anxiety go down, and lay off caffeine too. You'll be amazed. Wish you well!!


Chele