Its really kind of strange to explain but the best way I can explain it is like this... I know everyone around me, I know where I am, what day it is, what time it is, what the date is but its like Im not there. Its like living in a dream. Whenever I have a stressful situation it seems to get worse. I really dont know how to explain it other than that. If anyone here has experienced this please let me know what I need to do.

Thank you,
Billy

Billy,

What if any meds are you on...I would be suspicious of one of them with your symptoms. I am not a medical professional though.

Also, when blood flow to your brain is compromised just a little, it will give you that out of body feeling...kind of the same feeling you might have before you faint.

With your history and neck disection, I would consult with a doctor if it continues. I would for sure chart when and how it happens so you have some history to help.

Deb

I was on Xanax and Abilify but I have quit taking both of them. The Xanax was making anxiety worse. As far as when and how it happens, its like a steady thing that seems to get a little worse when I experience a stressful situation. My wife thinks the reason it is a little worse right now is because I am going through withdrawal from the meds. She thinks once the meds are out of my system that the whole situation will get better.

Thanks for responding,
Billy

Billy, anyone who's been through what you've been through may very well suffer post traumatic stress disorder. Probably all of us do to some degree though none of my caregivers have mentioned anything about it. Just like servicemembers returning from combat, we're kind of on our own in figuring out things like that. You're symptoms could well be associated with that.I am not at all a professional, just mho and maybe something to think about. Best of luck to you;
David

You may be right there David and thanks. I know one thing for sure, this can be pretty scary at times.

How is your blood pressure? Mine was really low (78 over 58) and made me feel like that sometimes. Sometimes Im a bit foggy. There is also the 'chemo brain' syndrome some people mention.

I think that anyone that survives this is a bit like humpty dumpty - all of the crazy glue in the world isn't going to find or position every little piece back to where it was. I don't think that I will ever be the same person I was. I hate the vocabulary that I have had to acquire, the optimism that died, the stress on my marriage, finances, etc. Just the mortality thing alone keeps me up a lot at night. Then there's the second thoughts about virtually everything and days that I just can't get it together. And I'm one of the "lucky" ones. I'm still on this side of the grass. I was Dx'd with PTSD after the shouting was over but I refused to take the Prozac. I'm still trying to figure out why I was spared... (at least for now). Then there's the guilt. I whine about my minor little issues when many here are really suffering. I can relate to feeling out of body on some days and other's I'm focused like a laser beam.

And yes, Zanax is a pretty potent drug and there is a long withdrawal from it. See:

http://www.xanax-effects.com/xanax_withdrawal_symptoms.html

When I quit taking the Xanax I felt alot of these symptoms. It has eased up but I am now back on the Abilify and on Larazapam instead of Xanax. I thought I was going to die for the first few days after getting off of the Xanax.

I guess Im going to have to get used the "spaced out" feeling that I am experiencing. Hopefully it will go away one day. I am doing well otherwise. Thanks for all of the replies, I really appreciate it.

Billy

I felt my husband displayed symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following treatment. He was treated with Effexor with some relief but I thought he could have also used some psychological help as well. I think I remember a member writing some time ago that everyone undergoing cancer treatment should receive psychology support as part of the treatment. All are facing a life or death situation which can take a tremendous toll on the psychy. Unfortunately I don't think there is sufficient attention paid to that problem. I wonder if there have been any studies done on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following a catastrophic illness?

It's the other way for me...Everybody around me is feeling stressed and all. My GF wanted me to go on some meds but I was like, "why?" She was like you're not doing anything....I was like (mumbled), "I'm only a few days after surgery..." Everyone around me has IBS and sore necks and headaches. A lot of them think I'm going to die. I'm not saying I don't have my days...and I do...They just don't last long. I'm not against medicating...it's just not for me...Unless it's for pain.

My friends father says, "Expect the worst and you'll never be disappointed..."

I think I'm just going to be...well...I'll keep on starrin' at the grass and make sure I don't see a whole bunch of roots!

best wishes