Anticipatory....Help!

FormerMember over 11 years ago

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Unfortunately I seem to have developed what I've been told is anticipatory nausea & vomiting...initially thinking I had actually turned crazy, my team have reassured me its not 'crazy', that whilst it is brain and psychology driven there's a real science behind it & why it happens. I've been given diazepam to take before chemo. I literally just take it then because I know it can be addictive if taken for a long time. My problem is I seem to generically associate the hospital with sickness which is miserable having to go there so much - antiemetics don't work & it seems stupid me having to take a sedative every time I go near the hospital! But equally it's highly unpleasant...and slightly embarrassing. Today was no exception (I went for a line flush, hardly vomit inducing under normal circumstances!) - I'm going to discuss it at my next appt but was wondering if anyone else has had this? And if so is there anything you've found helpful? I'm fully aware it's psychologically driven but even though I know that my brain won't seem to listen! Arrrrggghhhh Sorry for rant!

moomy over 11 years ago

Claire, totally understandable! But even though you know it, I know it, your team know it, still your mind is inextricably linked to your body and it happens! Does your hospital have psychology services? There are a number of techniques which could help, hypnotherapy, counselling, acupuncture, even cognitive behavioural therapy! I dare say it feels like mumbo jumbo, but the mind has a profound effect on the body and often 'takes over'! Do seek some professional help, sooner rather than later.....if your hospital doesn't have these services then get them to refer you speedily to a place that does, you can't go on like this.......sending big comforting hugs xxx

Moomy

FormerMember over 11 years ago

Hi Claire

I take Larazopam before going in now - can't even watch Holby any more ; )

It does seem pretty common. Even this site reminds me of drips and makes me feel ill now!

Keeping my head down. 1 more cycle to go....

FormerMember over 11 years ago in reply to FormerMember

I had six cycles of Chemo and the whole it it made me feel very anxious, I couldn't watch a thriller on TV as it couldn't cope with the anxiety of it! My Oncologist prescribed Ativan (my treatment was in Singapore), here I think it is Lorazapam here in the UK. I too wasnt keen on taking it and worried about the addictive effects but after discussing it with the Doctor he advised that it was better to take it to help me through the months of treatment. I did take it 3 times a day and it helped so very much. I am 10 weeks post my last treatment and have completely stopped, cutting down gradually. So my advice would be take it now while you need it and do not worry.

Take Care

FormerMember over 11 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Thank you all for the advice, you're right I do need to get on top of it! Especially given that my line of work is healthcare related! Otherwise could make for an 'interesting' future at work! Congrats Joy on finishing treatment, and awesome news that you're nearly there too Vanessa! And moomy, I'm happy to try anything, 'mumbo jumbo' sounding or not! Thanks again for advice :)

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Thank you so much for this post. I have anticipatory nausea, I’m never sick, but I’m sort of phobic about vomiting. I’ve got 2 more chemo to go through, and after the last one, just thought I can’t do this again. I’ll ask my team what they can offer. Good to know I’m not alone. I’m also struggling to watch people on pretend drips in dramas!

Thehighlander over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi , welcome to the Community and good to hear that you are well through your treatment and doing ok.

You will notice that this thread is over 8 years old but some of the members may still be around.

I would always recommend new group members to put up their very own post and introduce yourself to the group.

Mike (Thehighlander)

It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

My cancer story

HayleyAY over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

I totally sympathise, I got to the point where the sight of the leaves used on my lunch when I was having my treatment made me nauseous when I saw it in the supermarket. It's been some years since my treatment but I was offered a drug called Emende which completely stopped my nausea. It may not be available any more but it saved me!

Hayley xxx

moomy over 4 years ago in reply to HayleyAY

Emend is still around and can be prescribed but as it’s not cheap it’s not offered first of all

hugs xxx

Moomy

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Anticipatory....Help!