Hi all, for the past few years I have had what I can only explain as feelings of claustrophobia. I have been driving and all of a sudden have a very strong urge to stop the car and get out. I have avoided crowds as I feel claustrophobic around too many people. I even get the claustrophobic sensation sometimes if I am sitting down watching TV. I have to get up and move around. I did mention it to my GP once, I was referred to a mental health team, nothing there helped. I never thought I suffered with anxiety, but since being diagnosed with stage 3 CKD I have done some reading and there is a lot of information linking CKD with anxiety and depression. Toxins in the blood can alter the brain. Plus the worry of having a chronic condition doesn’t help. I am going to see my GP again regarding this. Does anyone here have experience of this?
Hi Gav, mental health and chronic illness is a link for sure.
Stage 3 does have its issues and if it’s anything like mine was a few years ago, I know that the constant bloods and appointments and travelling to the docs and back can be a worry and a drain mentally.
Toxins can impact our minds but also searching and reading what may or may not be linked to CKD can also be a drain.
I empathise with the anxiety, I have had similar anxiety attacks and issues, I’ve had long term counselling for all sorts.
Thankfully I have found many techniques to eliminate or control the anxiety for most of the time, and now focus on not being concerned what on others think, which isn’t always easy.
I hope the GP can support you to work on getting through this, as it’s manageable I’m sure and you’ll work through it.
Hi, thanks for the reply, it is a help 