Found a new doctor. I went the internal medicine route. There was only one internist in this area taking new patients. Luckily he is a very nice man and a very thorough diagnostician. When I went in for my new patient exam, he carefully went over all my ailments, medications and concerns. I told him about the increasing frequency and intensity of my anxiety.

After hearing my ramblings, he took into account my history of thyroid problems and recent weight gain. He ordered blood tests to rule out thyroid disease, diabetes and something else. He told me to return in three weeks for a follow-up. I was a little downtrodden for not getting an instant remedy for the anxiety but I understood his hesitation.

I was sneaky and made and appointment for two weeks out instead of three. I know it does not take fifteen business days to process in-house routine labs. I knew I could not make another three weeks of daily anxiety attacks.

I returned for my follow-up visit on Tuesday morning. All my labs were fine. Damn, now I have nothing to blame my fat ass on. I was a mess when I went in. I had been having multiple attacks each day. My blood pressure was up twenty points on both sides from two weeks before. He doubled my Effexor. Yes. I know take Effexor XR twice a day. I never ever thought I would be so medicated.

I took my first evening dose Tuesday night. I was a little drowsy the next morning, but that is more likely caused by staying up until 1:30 watching DVR shows and falling asleep on the couch. I went a whole day with now attacks. I was clear headed and focused most of the day. There was a short time when things got foggy, but I hadn’t eaten much all afternoon and it got better after I ate.

I would like for this twice a day dosing to be a temporary thing. I also fully understand the role heredity plays in mental health. Depression runs in my family. I am not making any long term medication plans at this point. I have a follow-up in a month to check if this is a full solution. Thankfully, there are a plethora of options available for treatment of depression.

I am excited about things to come. I have a successful giveaway running at Type-A Mom. I have found some contract administrative work. I have two small time blogging gigs and a big announcement to make soon. School is going well. I finished the research paper that I had been attempting for a week last night. I have a meeting with my adviser next week about completing my Web Design certification and maybe some others.

S’all good.