Panic attacks -- can no longer drive :( Herx?

Symptom or herx? Got back on doxy I guess a week and a half ago after a quick escalation of symptoms. Since then, I've developed more symptoms, including air hunger and now a new issue -- anxiety. Had my first panic attack ever while driving my son home from school on Tuesday -- a fiasco involving an ER trip. Today I was driving him to school and I felt another one coming on. Felt like my scalp was crawling and I was going to pass out. I had to pull over and have his dad come take him. I waited and breathed and listened to a calming CD and was finally able to drive home with difficulty. The way back home was a road that had shoulders. The part I couldn't do is a winding road with no shoulders. I don't think I'll be able to do that road anymore.

I drive a ton for work and for this kid's school. I have two part-time jobs and one is about an hour away. I will no longer be able to go there until this is solved. Now it looks like I can't even drive my son to school (about half an hour away). He may have to drop out of his private school if this continues because his dad can't drive him both ways every day and there is no one near us to carpool with. (He loves his school and didn't do well in public school.) I feel like I'm dropping all of the balls I've been juggling.

I have a new patient appointment at the Jemsek clinic next week, if I can figure out a way to get there.

I'm wondering if I might have caused a massive herx by taking nattinokinase for weeks when I wasn't taking abx or herbs. Did I release a ton of lyme, and now the doxy is causing a huge die-off?

Also, I was starting the doxy slowly, 100 mg twice a day. I just upped it to 200 mg in the mornings. Should I back off to the lower dose for now?

Should I try something for detoxing today? I take sarsaparilla and I'm supposed to be adding chlorella (which I haven't gotten yet) and charcoal tabs (which I haven't managed to work into the schedule yet). Would it stir more of this up if I try epsom salts?

Post Edited (Dahlias) : 9/28/2017 8:29:55 AM (GMT-6)

Yes. I would add something for detox. Try epsom salt. If you've never done it before, try a foot soak first with about 1 cup of epsom salt. If you don't have any problems, you could try a soak in the tub the next day. I would not use more than 1 cup to start and comfortably warm, not too hot, water.

Drink lemon water as much as you can. Take 2 charcoal capsules, even if you can only get it in once a day. Take 1.5-2 hours apart from other meds/supplements and food. I take mine in the afternoon between lunch and supper or right before bed.

Don't worry. The panic attacks won't last forever. It's just another symptom. You'll figure out how to get rid of it.

Dahlias -

I posted about this in the other thread about ketosis - but the gut is connected to the brain through blood vessels. Often, neurotoxins present in the gut (through the yeast/fungal die off process involving ketosis) like ethanol get into the brain and other gut dysbiosis and die off debris, which can cause the neurological-psychological or neuro-psych symptoms like the panic and anxiety.

This is one reason why it's important to use GI binders when dealing with yeast/fungus - remove the debris as quickly as possible to reduce those symptoms.

-p

Dahlias - so sorry you're experiencing this.

I have an issue being passenger in a car when there is a drop-off and no barricade....but I'm usually okay if I'm the driver.
So, I understand the fear/panic you must be experiencing.

Since you're seeing Dr. Jemsek in a week - I wouldn't worry about treatment before then. Back down the doxy or even stop if necessary...and up your detox.

Be sure to tell Dr. J. about this.

You need to be detoxing everyday...not just when you're feeling worse.

But, start one or two methods at a time...and every few days add in another one. Do not start off with several methods all at once.

I was driving hubby and I to the restaurant to have brunch with relatives when I had full blown lyme symptoms. I have driven there for years. And I was a professional driver. I drove right past it!

I started crying and my sweet hubby said "It's okay honey, you're just on the short bus for awhile."

I laughed like crazy and quit crying. He always is so good at making me laugh.

Then he got lyme and it was my turn to make him laugh. He didn't have much brain fog, but huge anxiety.

Girlie, being a passenger in situations like that gets to me too. I'll tell his staff for sure, and detox daily but gradually.

Jo, calling a friend and changing the scenery are great ideas. I'll try them. Thinking of trying sunglasses next time -- they feel calming and it will make things look different.

PeteZa, so sweet!

Thank you, Denise! So interesting that worrying your feelings helped. It's the opposite of trying to distract yourself from them. I'll have to try both ways.

I tried an Epsom Salt foot bath yesterday and I think it helped. Trying to make myself get up and get in the tub now, ha. I just want to sleep after work. Anyway, I'll try that method. Thanks so much for the detailed response!

Hi again Dahlias,

Yes, writing down what I was feeling during an attack helped me a lot plus controlling my breathing (hold my breath and then breathe slow).

I was in a very bad accident (almost died) when I was 17 where a car hit me in my legs when I was crossing a street and I suffer from PTSD from that accident. To this day I will not cross a very busy road so yes, I am left with emotional scars (I did seek professional help afterward which helped somewhat).

Also, I used to listen to a tape (this was before CD's were invented, golly, I am really showing my age!) where I did muscle relaxation, tighten my muscles and relax them and that also helped me.

Anyway, I found this site about how to deal with anxiety and panic attacks, maybe it will help you more:

www.wikihow.com/Calm-Yourself-During-an-Anxiety-Attack

Let me know how the Epsom salt baths work for you. After I take one I feel soooooo relaxed and sleepy which is why I take them at night..

Denise

Lila - sorry you're experiencing that.

I had it for awhile, too. Dropping off to sleep, then feeling like I'm falling and jerked awake.

I started taking Valerian, about 15 minutes before bed.
It got me to sleep for a few hours...and then I'd wake in a panic, gasping for air....but at least I got those few hours of sleep.


I don't know if the ER is going to be any help.

Does soft music help soothe you? You could have music on in your bedroom...softly...unless of course you have a partner that may not like that.