Guest guest Posted January 18, 2012 Report Share Posted January 18, 2012 In reflection, it is highly likely that I've had PA since I was 19 (the time of my first 'nervous breakdown'). Anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, etc., ruled my life off and on for the next 20 years. Even with an adenoma finally revealed, no one ever considered PA. Given my background, all the psych issues made sense and I assigned the HTN, etc., to that stress. So I had normal times and abdormal times... feeling okay times, and feeling like shit times. But in the whole big middle of all of it, I raised 4 kids, graduated magna cum-laude, worked 2-3 jobs until graduation, etc. Translated: I fought feeling the way I did and just bulled my way to the other side. So here's the question: It seems like many here have taken on the identity of victimized PA patient and have imbedded themselves in this singular identity. Why is that? Everyone here is much more than a diagnosis. Sure... many have had no answers. For me, it's been 45 years in the making. But, if all I have left is this tag, I might as well dig a hole and jump in. What I have learned over the years is that my response to what befalls me can make things a whole lot worse. When panic and anxiety settle in, I observe it and let it run its course. Then I go back to the 'real' things that define me. I suppose what I'm saying is that I am much more than this diagnosis and investing at this level is counterproductive as I see it. Your thoughts? Regards, Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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