Advice about anxiety

Has he talked to his doctor about his anxiety? I'm sure there are several options could be taken to help him.

Google Talking Therapies. I would think cognitive behavioural therapy could help. You can either self refer or get a GP referral.

No - I keep telling him to mention it but he is so fixated on his back that is all he talks about to her. It is odd as he has a heart c ondition and pacemaker and totally deals with that.

Last year his back went into spasm and he was so fearful of moving he didn't get out of bed for a week and got pneumonia and I am determined this won't happen again so I am looking for a physio home visit to get him up if he can't/won't move again. But thought if I could get his head sorted. Bloody men!

Just googled and yes there is some stuff I can follow up. Thanks for that.

Get him to read about Talking Therapies. I went after I had cancer and was suffering from terrible anxiety. They really helped me.

Could you talk to his doc? Perhaps on the phone even? She might, at the very least, reassure you.

Sounds like it may be Health Anxiety. No matter what type CBT can really help. GP should be able to refer for CBT or depending on your area you may be able to self refer. The anxiety is understandable but of course debilitating. Good luck. Hope there can be some relief from it soon.

I have thought about that jing but unsure whether she would be prepared to discuss anything with me. Well I suppose she can only say no.

I think she probably would. You're his wife. You're concerned about him. Has he got an upcoming appointment with the doc? Or is he just waiting for the physio appointment? If not, you might have to persuade him to go back and see her, after you have spoken to her.

My understanding is that the GP will probably listen to your concerns, or at least she should. I think though that patient confidentiality would prevent her from actually discussing anything with you that would divulge information.

Do you go to appointments with him? That could be a way into helping him, as in a consultation you could chip in.

Thanks for all your help lovely ladies. See DH and heart attack! What a life?

I hope you get Physiotherapist soon as it is fantastic for long term back pain,and have found that the treatments are very relaxing which would help with they anxiety. Do you know that Diazepam is also a muscle relaxant( when back in spasm) as well as for anxiety. Therefore two birds with one stone Discussing this with GP a short course may be helpful.

Taking all your advice in. DH suffers from progressive neurological condition, and anxiety is a big factor. At the moment I'm waking to find him pacing, worrying about the latest drop in share prices. It makes me anxious, as a result. Going to town today, but wondering if I really should spend any money!!

I have suffered with anxiety for many years but found CBT a great help and really feel I have moved forward now. Hope you can get the help he needs, am sure your GP will refer you and offer further ideas to help.

Totally sympathise with your DH and I know my DH would understand how you feel but all I would say is walk a day in his shoes.
You mentioned injections that did not work. I have had many different people try to give me advice but then I met one doctor who at last understood.
I have over the last 2 years been having radio pulse therapy from my consultant rheumatologist who is also a pain management doctor. Please look into this for your DH. It has helped me to get about with reduced pain. The treatment is done under sedation.
It might work for your DH. You never know. Good luck.

Just a note of caution. CBT is not available on the NHS in many areas, they often offer counselling instead which is very different!

Hi Whitewave - CBT can be very helpful. So can a new mindfulness based approach known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. You can read about how it works to alleviate anxiety in my book 'Overcoming Anxiety'

www.amazon.co.uk/Overcoming-Anxiety-Reassuring-Stress-Calmer/dp/0857086308/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453286940&sr=8-2&keywords=overcoming+anxiety

Pilates is brilliant for back pain.

I agree PPP as long as you get a good teacher. My experience is that the ones who teach in gyms teach lots of other things too and are not very good. Our is properly trained and is a physio as well.

About 7 years I was in a similar position. I had chronic back pain and ended up bedridden and totally stressed. I also had an injection which didn't work. I was eventually referred to a pain specialist who helped to turn my life round. He talked to me about my pain and explained how the way your mind processes pain plays a large part. He referred me to an amazing physiotherapist who completed my transformation back to a normal life. That is what helped me but everyone is different.

I reluctantly tried acupuncture for a long term pain and it was like a miracle. The NHS physiotherapist suggested it and carried out the treatments. Had 6 sessions now and almost pain free. Maybe it would help his pain and thereby the anxiety. Do hope the problem is solved soon.

Do go to GP for referral for CBT some brilliant techniques for anxiety. There are some good websites where they explain these and you can print out helpful information, try Moodgym or google help for anxiety and stuff will come up. If you can afford a private therapist go to BACP which is the main professional body for therapists and they have a choose a therapist section which will help you find one in your area, tell you their expertise, qualifications, fees etc. If they are on the BACP website they are kosher! Anyone can set themselves up as a counsellor always check them out, good therapists will always be happy to reassure you.

Anxiety is helped by distraction so the brain turns off the adrenaline which is causing the physical symptoms of anxiety. Anything will do visual distraction is good or repeating simple ideas in your head out loud if you're on your own.

I'm happy to pm you if it would help I work as a therapist and see people with anxiety all the time.

PS Acupuncture is great for pain if anxiety linked to that

I don't know if you have a good osteopath in your area but I go to a wonderful lady who helps me with neck and back pain when ever I have a problem. I don't think anyone suggested an osteopath.