John panicking

[Scoobysnack]

Hi all my father in law has come home from hospital today , but when we got home ( he is staying at my house for a few days) he was shaking sweating and really scared . He was eventually OK and calmed down but this isn't the first time . As anyone else experienced this panic and would it be wise letting gp know x

[Ruthus]

Hi there

I would most definitely see your G.P. My G.P has been wonderful. In fact I have been with this practice for many years. It's a small practice and they were shocked when I was diagnosed. They have basically said they will do all they can in supporting me and my family. I felt incredibly anxious in the New Year. My G.P has prescribed medication to help with the anxiety and it has really helped. There is plenty of medication which can help. I know some maybe ambivalent regarding taking medication but personally for me it's incredibly helpful.

I am also starting a mindful meditation group run at local cancer support centre. It might be an idea to look at support centres for cancer as they can offer alternative therapies and support.

BW

Ruth

[Ruthus]

I have just re read your post and may have wrongly assumed the problem is anxiety. You have mentioned he is sweating and panicking so you maybe worried about the physical symptom. Either way I would see his G.P or speak to link specialist nurse.

Ruth

[Scoobysnack]

Hi Ruth I am worried about how panicky and worried John is getting. When he is going any where outside or at bed time , he has told me he is scared of dying in the night. It must be terrible to know what's happening and can't change anything. I calm him a lot of the time but maybe the fear is always lurking. As for the symptoms once he calmed down the all disappeared. Thanks for your help I will speak to go on Monday x

[J_T]

hi, talking candidly with his Macmillan nurse might help. They are gentle and good at getting people to talk. He may get upset but I think it would help, it certainly helped my husband. Even if he doesn't want to open up she may come up with some good strategies to help him.

Good luck.

Julia

[Proud Wife]

How's John today? I happen to agree with Ruth, medication for anxiety could very well help. I can totally understand his fears. Hopefully you will get some help tomorrow xx

[Scoobysnack]

Hi John is really trying to get himself going today found a new thing he like s to eat ( ready brek ) so he has had two small bowls. He has a golf meeting tonight and is being made captain but tried to go to the front door and had a total meltdown. Doctor has been and gave him antibiotics for his chest and diazapam to calm him down he said they will help to get him out . Hopefully as my mother in law is terminally Ill with mnd and in care and john can not go to see her because of panicking, he has never missed a day in the time she has been in there. Hope the tablets work and get him moving again . Hospice nurse took details about John and was rather worried so is coming today or tomorrow but at least it's a start . Thanks for all your help .

[Ruthus]

I am really glad his G.P has prescribed some diazepam. I have worked in mental health for 24 years and understand how anxiety can become so debilitating for people. When you are facing a serious illness it is no surprise that anxiety will be experienced and this can become the over riding problem when already facing enough difficulty. Valium can get bad press but can be very helpful in alleviating anxiety in such circumstances.

It may be a good idea to discuss an antidepressant medication with the G.P as some work very well in reducing anxiety. It can take 4-6 weeks for an antidepressant to build up and have effect so taking diazepam in the meantime can help. Of course your G.P will need to prescribe and agree on the treatment plan but I would recommend discussing an SSRI antidepressant with his G.P.

I hope the diazepam gives some relief, Ruth x

[Scoobysnack]

Thank-you for the advice

[Proud Wife]

Just wondering how John is doing? xx