Anxiety, Panic Disorder

A few weeks ago, I suffered a severe panic attack. I'm sure it was brought on by cigarettes, as it happened in stormy weather in which I couldn't breathe properly. I rang for an ambulance, as I thought I was having a heart attack, and was brought to AE (accident and emergency). They did a ECG and every thing was normal, except my heart rate of 195. I was let home the next day as they confirmed it was a Panic Attack.

Ever since then I have been in a constant state of Pure undiluted Fear that there is something wrong with me. Mostly my heart is going to stop or I am going to die in the most excruciating pain from a Heart Attack.

I got medication from the doctor, Anxicalm (diazapem 2MG) to be taken 3 times daily. For a short period of course. As I am aware of its addictiveness. And also Amitriptyline 25MG to be taking at night. Due to my panic attacks I get when I fall asleep. (even in my sleep I am been tortured as I feel like I am stopping breathing or my heart is failing).

I remember when I was a young teenager I got anxiety for a few months, but it just disappeared. Don't know how. But the panic attacks at night time as I go to sleep has been happening for a little bit over two years now. I just though they were nightmares/night terrors.

The doctor reckons it is Genetic based, as it does run in the family. My grandmother suffered terrible from it, and spent most of her life alone.

I know I am strong to get over it again, but this time it feels different. Are the chest pains normal during a constant state of anxiety?
The pains are on the left side(arm and hand), and sometimes they are a itchy irritable feeling. Even now that I am taking Anxicalm, I get the pain at times.

At this stage, I feel like the Grim Reaper putted his hand on my shoulder and sent my life down a stairway of DOOM.

admiralgeek

Many of our members have chest pain and tachycardia with their  anxiety but I would like to suggest that if this is continuing to be an issue for you that perhaps following up with a cardiologist for further testing would be wise.

I believe that making sure you do not have a medical condition causing the chest pain should be ruled out.

I have had anxiety for 26 years and more then once have had something that did not seem right medically turn out to be anxiety but I still felt it best to see my physician and not assume it was just the anxiety.

Do stick with us and know we are glad to have you onboard.

Kitt

Thanks every one! It is really helpful to know I am not the only sufferer that is feeling these conditions. It will be hard to try and block out the physical events. But I am sure with time it will improve.

There is just one query, is there anyway to prevent the tiredness of the Meds? I programme for a living, and today my logic was out of sync. I'm not allowed caffeine, which I use to drink by the litres each day.

Welcome! Chest pains are probably my most consistent symptom of panic & anxiety. The vary by degree, but I almost always feel as if I am having a heart attack (my heart is fine - has been checked out, have had attacks for 20+ years since childhood - still ticking away!). It is also the scariest symptom. It can go hand in hand with shortness of breath - barely breathing is my lucky symptom #2.

I also carry stress in my back/shoulders and carry children all day long - this combined has caused pains down my arms/numbness in my extremities and so forth - so sometimes the stress can be leaking down your arm without necessarily a heart condition behind it...obviously, if the chest pain persists, please please see a doctor and have it checked. But, from what you have shared, it is most likely anxiety-related.

You mentioned genetics - my anxiety/panic has a hereditary basis as well (father, uncle, grandparents - busy little family tree of it) - for me, it actually makes me feel relieved. As if I have inherited part of this condition and it is out of my control - nothing is "wrong" with me, per se - it's just a side effect of my ancestors.

Anyway, I hope that you are able to relax - if you have access to any relaxation CD's/exercises, I would try them. I particularly like progressive muscle relaxation. I'm a tense person and it helps me - you can probably download it somewhere.

Keep up posted!

These are all signs of anxiety/panic attacks. I get chest pains, the shakes, constant fear of dying from a heart attack, I get sweaty and then cold again, and I have trouble breathing. It's a horrible feeling as you already know. Just try and stay calm during these, (I know it's hard as I have problems staying calm myself), and try and stay in the moment. I have started to do some yoga at night before I go to bed and it has been helping me along with my medication. Yoga is very relaxing for me with some nice soft music. Just a suggestion. Hope all goes well and Welcome to HW.