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Worst panic attack in three years - followup 4/14

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Posted 4/11/2009 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
All,

I rushed off to the ER Thursday evening having the worst panic attack I've had in ages.

My husband and I had gone for a walk in the woods and I got breathless back at the house.  Some of you may know that I'm prone to phobias, and I'm not wanting the woods to turn into another source.  (I spent three hours in the woods last Saturday with only a little panic to show for it, so there's nothing there that genuinely can hurt me.  Please don't mention allergies, as I've been tested and will be again soon, and that a HUGE trigger for my HA.)

So I got very spooked after having had my small panic last week and took some albuterol 0 never done that before.  Then I insisted on going back into the woods, and when we were done (not during mind you)), I insisted we go to the ER.  On the way, I felt I couldn't breathe still - that's always my panic attack issue.  My larynx tingled for a breath or two.

ANyhow, I've been crazily wearing a BP cuff and pulse oxymeter when we've been challenging this pobia.  BP was high (NOT low) and pulse ox NEVER went below 98%.  I felt I couldn't breathe, yet was able to drive and talk with hubby the whole way.  Once there, readings were still all fine.  Doc looked in my throat very briefly but apparently saw nothing.  He's seen me before for PAs and talked with me about how I wasn't presenting like anaphylaxis (my HUGE fear - even though I don't have allergies).  I'm still VERY scared and have been challenging the phobia by going for walks in the woods twice a day since and then driving to the ER to sit in their wiating room until I don't feel scared.  We're off to do that again now.

Help, friends, please HELP!

percycat

Posted 4/12/2009 12:31 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Percycat,

I don't post here but I saw this and didn't want you waiting long for some support.  I am very sure your a/p buddies will be along soon.  I just wanted to tell you that you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Hang in there.  You sound just miserable and I feel terrible for you!!  I will be checking back to see how you are.  Please post with an update when you can.

I am sorry I can't offer advise, I have no experience with a/p.  I do hope you are feeling better very soon!!!

Posted 4/12/2009 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Gretchen.

We walked for twenty minutes tonight and then drove to th ER to just sit in their waiting room while I recognize that nothing bad is happening to me. They're very good about letting me do that; it makes me feel so much safer to know that if something really were wrong physically, that I'd already be at the hospital.

I got some of those jittery chills in my uper chest and upper arms like you do when you're frightened and anxious, and there were some throat sensations, but nothing that really even set off my "throat's tightening" fears, and nothing that affected my breathing or oxygen levels.

We stayed for about 45 minutes, until I felt able to leave - took an Ativan while there, and it kicked in over dinner. Now I am home feeling physically "normal," but drained emotionally, and wondering what will happen next.
Posted 4/12/2009 2:30 AM (GMT 0)

Percy,

I am so glad you are feeling better.  I wish you well and hope you can rest easy.  I am so glad you have such a wonderful and supportive husband.  He sounds like one in a million.  It says a lot about you too.  I sounds like the two of you have some excellent strategies for managing this.  Good for you. 

I know you are worried about the future but I am so very impressed with your techniques!!  Try to think of that!  You are doing this!  Hang in there.

Posted 4/12/2009 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Percy,

I think you are so strong and so wise for "challenging the phobia".....it's tough, I know, but so very important. I had to do the same when I started having terrible anxiety over attending a favourite night school class, and I made myself keep going so that I would not miss out on something I had grown to love and enjoy. I don't think you should be concerned about this becoming an ongoing thing (being in the woods associated with anxiety and panic), especially since you are working through it in such a persistent and careful manner. If it's any consolation (and I hope it will be!) I have not had any classroom anxiety since that earlier time, and I'm so glad I made myself work through it. I think your coping plan for the HA (sitting in the waiting room) is really smart, too......you seem to really understand what your triggers are, and how to best deal with them. And it sounds like you have a supportive husband, too, and I think that's great. I know the symptoms are scary......I felt like I was making my own check marks on a checklist when I was reading the symptoms in your post! Just try, if you can, to tell yourself that you are perfectly healthy and everything is okay. I repeat that to myself a lot when I am having those types of symptoms. And if all else fails, I will come and sing loudly in the car with you.....you know how we do it!! Hang in there.....you're such an awesome person, and you deserve to feel better asap. ((hugs))
Posted 4/12/2009 3:52 AM (GMT 0)

Percy,

Hey there my friend, I am sorry I have been gone.

Gretchen, thank you and please do join us anytime. Everyone is welcome in A & P as most people have some anxiety in their lifes so were here for all.  You always have such a nice calming manner and you can sure post to me anytime.  I need a calming influence. :-)

Percy, may I suggest while your desensitizing yourself to your fears that you go ahead and use the Ativan before you go out into an area that may trigger your panic.  Remember to talk to yourself and tell yourself you are just fine.

Here is the name of a book my  Pdoc suggested for me as I am always letting my mind spin tales on me and have trouble stopping the "stinkin thinkin".

Don't Let Emotions Run Your Life
How Dialectical Behavior Therapy Can Put You in Control

By: Scott A. Spradlin, MA

I have not ordered it yet but I plan to. 

Please know I am here for you and keep on talking to us Percy................we are all here to support you.

Hugs
Kitt
Posted 4/12/2009 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
Kitt,

Thank you for that warm welcome.  I just happened upon Percy's post and was sharing her pain.  I have been lurking on this board for a while.  I don't have anxiety and panic but I have suspected for a short time now that I may have a bit of OCD.  I think this may be from some brain damage I have incurred from my MS.  I am somewhat concerned and looking in to that.  I am definitely not enjoying some of my behavior these days.  I am following up with my neurologist on this.  Again, I appreciate your welcome and I will post when I feel like I can add to a thread.

Posted 4/12/2009 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Percy,

I think it is great that you are facing your fear head on. But I had a couple questions for you. You said you took albuterol and you never did that before. Do you have asthma? If I recall you got a prescription "just in case." I recently got over bronchitis and had an inhaler and I know it is very hard to tell the difference between anxiety and actually needing the inhaler. But, if you take it when you actually didn't need it you are probably going to feel more anxious. It causes a slight increase in your blood pressure and cauing your heart rate to speed up some. My advice would be that if you think you are having a/p issues to hold off on taking the inhaler.

I also know you said not to mention allergies but I am just going to mention one thing that should be assuring not frightening. I have never heard of someone have an anaphalactic allergy from something not injested (or from being around a food allergen) or from a bee sting or something. People typically don't get anaphalactic from seasonal pollen type allergies. If you think you might have some seasonal allergies take a generic claritin (over the counter called loratidine) before you venture out in the woods. Also, I agree with Kitt that you should take your anxiety medication BEFORE you put yourself in a frightening situation.

I would also suggest ways to wean yourself off the ER visits. Maybe when you feel a little more confident you could just go and sit in the parking lot for awhile, rather than the waiting room. Or, you could go sit in the hospitals coffee shop or cafeteria rather than the ER. Next, try a coffee shop near the hospital but not part of it, etc.

Good luck!
Posted 4/12/2009 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Fitzy,

Thanks so much for the advice. The albuterol may have ratcheted things up - perhaps the tingling larynx was due to that stimulant. And your words about allergies were indeed reassuring.

Kitt,

Thank you so much, my dear friend, for checking in given everything else you're going through. I will take a look at the book you mentioned.

Raniah,

Just knowing that someone else has my same symptoms and that all you and I have in common health trouble-wise is anxiety really helps too.

All,

I did go to the ER again today - to be seen. I got short of breath during church, and since we were in the town where the hospital is, I asked hubby to take me there. I was hopeful that a second chat with the doc could ease my mind. He was (different doc) very adamant that I am not experiencing anaphylaxis. He also reassured me that he sees nothing going on that means my stopping breathing is "imminent." However, he does think I may be having an allergic reaction. *That* information is not soothing, and I have to live with it until Tuesday when I
1) get blood drawn for a series of RAST allergy tests
2) can talk with my own PCP about all this.
The ER doc wanted to give me Benadryl, which might have make me feel safer, but I don't want to possibly mess up the results on my RAST Tuesday.

I think I'll post both of these in the allergy/asthma forum too, and we'll see if that helps.

Love to all,
percycat
Posted 4/12/2009 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Percy - I am allergic to some perfumes. It will make my throat hurt, give me a headache, and make me feel like I can't take a really deep breath. But I will NOT stop breathing from it. Church is one of those places where you are surrounded by SO many smells. That kind of allergy will not kill you. You are right not to take an allergy medicine before a RAST test. However, the RAST test can not detect every allergy. If it is from something man made (like perfume) it might not register it. Try to relax. The ER doc would not send you home if you were going to die.

Also, don't forget you have a/p too. Church is a big trigger for me. ESPECIALLY on Easter or another holiday. It is crowded and cramped and hot. You are supposed to sit there in silence. If you so much as sneeze everyone will notice. Right? So you feel trapped, like you can't get up and leave like you can't just reach over and open a window. That alone is VERY likely to make you short of breath. Just some food for thought.
Posted 4/12/2009 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
I have seasonal allergies. That are year round..lol I do get the feeling like I can't breath. But yet I can stop and take a deep breath. Its one of my "signs" I need to take my zyrtec. Food/insect allergies are different story then airborne allergies. Airborne allergies cause discomfort of the eyes,nose, chest, and sinus area's. Food/insect allergies signs are different then airborne.

Airborne you will have the tighting of the chest (congestion). which in turn will feel like you can't breath. Pressure in the sinus cavities (eye brow and upper check area) water itchy eyes, runny nose. These are a few of the common symptoms.

My symptoms are only 2 of the above. The tighting of the chest. And the pressure in my sinus cavities. I do NOT have the "t.v" symptoms of allergies. When mine kick in I go take a shower to make sure I wash off any pollen,dust, pet dander etc. I have no clue what I'm allergic to. I know one of my 5 cats sets me off. I can't have her on my lap or close to me. The other 4 are not a problem. I have one cat that sleeps in my face. If my older cat was to do that I would be suffering big time. But this type of allergy can come on out of no where. But you will not die from it or go into shock from it either.

I am no expert about food/insect allergies. Except I know it takes ingestion and/or actual contact and the reactions are much more noticeable. Most people who have food/insect allergies know of them at a young age. And they don't suddenly appear.

As someone suggested before. I would take an allergy pill of some kind BEFORE you go for your walk. Normally an hour is best. Or first thing in the am if its a 24 hour pill. My doc put me on zyrtec before it was otc. Because it has the least amount of side effects. Only dry mouth is all I get. You can also take benadryl. It is also used in children who have anxiety as a relaxing agent. (half a pill puts me to sleep)

Good luck with your doctors appt. I hope they can help you further and easy your mind!
Posted 4/12/2009 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Fitzy and Allestaria,

Thank you both SO VERY MUCH for your reassurance. The feeling like I can't breathe when my oxygen levels are fine is the only thing I have going on. Hearing from you two that you experience something similar, and that it cannot make us die helps my anxiety SO much.

Even if this is a new allergy for me, it will be treatable, and I will be able to hold out until testing on Tuesday. It turns out that I may be able to take Benadryl prior to the RAST tests, as nothing on my test orders indicates otherwise. however, I'm going to try to hold off and just get by with my new Ativan if i can. I'd rather there were absolutely no compromising factors going on, even for the blood tests.

For now, I'm trying to settle me thoughts and fears, thanks to your sharing. It's so helpful to hear about situations that aren't worst-case scenarios.

I suspect my PCP and I will have a long tlk about regular ativan on Tuesday, though, rather than just as needed. I know that's tricky, and I've wanted to avoid adding to my list of scripts, but if it makes a positive difference in my life, there's no hesitation.

Love and grateful hugs,
percycat
Posted 4/13/2009 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hey PC! =)

I'm going to come right out and suggest something here. I've read that panic attacks are basically our normal fight or flight response gone a bit haywire. Basically, what normally triggers us to prepare ourselves for danger is being triggered when nothing bad is really happening. It's not something we can control. Once the physical process is started, it HAS to progress through the normal stages until all the various chemicals that fill our bodies in these situations have been depleted.

What basically happens is, we percieve danger. Our body responds by immediately pumping loads of adrenaline into our systems. This speeds up our heartbeat and respiratory rate to load our muscles with oxygen so that we have reserves of energy to either "fight" or "Flee" (run away to safety). This oxygen loading is also what makes our limbs tingle and gives us that lightheaded or dizzy feeling. You can test this by making yourself breath rapidly and deeply, which artificially oxygenates your body in the same way. The feeling is indistinguishable from a real panic attack!

Where we get into trouble is when we try and fight against something we cannot control. We can't make the process go away once it's started, We can't make our bodies immediately eliminate the extra oxygen and adrenaline that's flooded our bodies, and that lack of control makes us even more panicky! So our body responds by tossing MORE adrenaline into our system, and we're caught in a vicious cycle... SO

I know it sounds strange, but I've tried this, and it HAS helped me. Think of your panic as a protective friend who means well but is not helping you. Thank them for their concern and well meaning (our fight-or-flight response is there to protect us from real danger after all!). Invite this "friend" to hang around for as long as they wish to see for themselves that there is no real danger. Even mentally give that friend a hug of thanks for being vigilant in their desire to keep you safe!

What this basically does is put you in a position where you refuse to fight a battle you cannot win, which is your bodies reaction to percieved danger, whether it's real danger or not. You won't necessarily feel better immediately, because you'll still have that initial adrenaline and oxygenation in your system, but this stops the vicious cycle, and can lessen the length of our panic attacks. It takes practice, and it does feel a bit wierd to make a friend of your panic, but as I've said, it's helped me alot, and may help you or others.

Regardless, I admire you for taking a stand against your PD and getting "back on the horse"! =)

Ross
Posted 4/14/2009 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi.

I remeber going to the ER several times w/shortness of breath.  When my pulse ox was checked, it would be at least 98%.  It's weired that we can feel that way and yet the reading is normal!

It could very well be allergies especially this time of year.  Grass, flowers, and trees and blooming.    I suffer with all types of allergies and do feel short of breath sometimes.   It is a scary feeling, but I remind myself its allergies so I don't get into a panic.

Good luck w/your testing tomorrow. 

Take care,

Mary

 

Posted 4/14/2009 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
All,

I'm feeling very low in fighting this health anxiety. Today I saw both my new allergist and my PCP. The allergist insists that I will not stop breathing. He does not suspect asthma, as I had a methacholine challenge that was negative just last year and because I am not wheezing and was able to speak during my shortness of breath, with no coughing. My PCP, who knows me much better, is also convinced that I will not die of shortness of breath. He firmly believes that I am suffering only from a (work-seasonal) increase in anxiety. He has told me that so long as my peak-flow meter is above the limit for my age and height (360 is the cut-off), that I am not suffering an asthma attack. My numbers have always been 500-550. I do have a breathing treatment (albuterol) that I can take if a problem arises. So, it seems like I've done what I can to keep myself safe. (PS - for Allergies and Asthma forum folks, I took a puff of albuterol on Thursday before my horrible panic attack - possibly, taking it when I didn't need it exacerbated my anxiety.)

So, friends, I am struggling mightily to believe my doctors, given their clear reasons, and despite my outrageous fears. I am beginning a higher dosage of Paxil for better anxiety control and may also take ativan regularly for a bit instead of just "as needed."

Comfort and encouragement would be very much appreciated - sorry I'm so wrapped up in my own issues that I can't reciprocate so well right now.

Love and healing to all,
percycat
Posted 4/15/2009 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Percy,

I'm sorry you are feeling so low.  ((((big hugs)))) to you!!!  I'm encouraged to read that you saw two doctors today, one who is new to your situation and one who knows you well, and they both gave you a confident and positive assessment about your shortness of breath, and stated that you will NOT have serious consequences from this.  You've said it yourself: you have done what you can to keep yourself safe.  You should feel very good about that.  I'm glad that your meds for anxiety are being adjusted to help you with this, and I feel very strongly that you WILL be feeling better soon.  You have a supportive and loving husband at home, and the love and support of your 'family' here, and I hope that will help to lift your spirits.  You are in my thoughts and prayers, Percy, and I hope each day will bring greater relief and more peace of mind.  All the best to you.  :-) 

Posted 4/15/2009 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
All,

Drat! Another trip to the ER - it seems that it IS an allergy.

I was just fine all evening at the computer. Then the cat came in from the woods and - poof - I can't breathe! Even putting on my surgical mask and taking a Benadryl didn't help much, and I got to where I couldn't swallow. At the ER, they gave me a steroid shot (decadrone - or something) and I finally got to feeling better.

I'm just so SCARED that something outdoors is going to kill me! I try to rest assured that the shot has protected me for a bit, we're not letting the cats out for now, and I've been mostly okay so long as I avoid the woods. Plus I'll begin taking Zyrtex tomorrow to stave off any more problems, and the ER doc is sure that big Benadryl will help if this happens again before my skin tests for allergies next week.

I hope I can let this go and trust that my docs will sort out what's wrong.

Love,
percycat
Posted 4/15/2009 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Percy,

I'm sorry to hear that you had to go to the ER again, and that you have an allergy. :-( The ER doc has given you the thumbs up on big Benadryl, and I hope that this will be of some comfort to you. Try, if you can, to get through this one day at a time, and keep reminding yourself that you are doing all that you can to take very good care of yourself. Now that you know this is allergy-related, you and the docs will be able to narrow this down and get a plan together to help you get some peace and confidence back. Please keep the faith, and rest assured that they'll find a way to make this okay! You did the right thing by going to the ER, and now you have a better idea of what you're dealing with, and that's a positive step in the right direction. ((hugs))
Posted 4/15/2009 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
I take Zyrtec and it helps me with my allergies. 

When I feel short of breath from my allergies I drink a hot cup of tea and it seems to help my breathing. 

Also, try and take slow deep breaths.

I would stay indoors until you start the zyrtec.

Give it a chance to build up in your system.

I'm sure the doctors will get this under control.

((((Hugs))))

 

Posted 4/15/2009 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
All,

I get that horrible throat-closing feeling - the one so many of us know from anxiety. That's sort of my only symptom, so the docs are reluctant to pronounce true allergies. Everyone says it's just anxiety because I can always blow really high on the puff-meter that asthmatics use, which my PCP insists means my lungs and throat aren't closing. Yet I have that terrifying feeling.

If anyone with shortness of breath from allergies wants to email and let me know how you get by these days, I'd surely appreciate it. I don't know how much longer I can keep functioning like this. I feel like I want to go into the hospital, either for the airway or for anxiety, and I fear how that would affect my job.

percycat
Posted 4/15/2009 12:50 PM (GMT 0)

Good Morning Percy

((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))) my dear friend.  I am sorry you are going through this.  Just a thought, wondering is treating the anxiety around the clock would help?  I take Buspar twice a day and find it very helpful.  It is not a benzo so none of the side effects you would get from increasing your anxiety med your already on.

It is an old drug and my P-doc added it about 4 months ago.  It has really helped me.

BuSpar (buspirone) is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, tension, irritability and dizziness. BuSpar is an anti-anxiety medicine that affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

What works for one does not always work for another but it may be worth discussing with your physician. 

I do not have seasonal allergies but I am deathly allergic to Tetracycline and had a full blown anaphylactic reaction years ago so I know how scary it can be to rush to the ER.  You are in my prayers and always in my heart my friend.  You take care and email me anytime...........I am here for you.

Love
Kitt

Posted 4/15/2009 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Percycat, my goodness! You are going through a lot. I've been there! I had episodes of being afraid of hyperventilating, my throat closing, etc. It's not fun and remember it will pass. Doesn't Albuterol have epinephrine in it?

I absolutely love Benadryl. A doctor suggested I take it for anxiety. It's not habit forming. I loved it! I used it many times when I needed to relax. I always took the lowest dose and it really helped.

It may help you to figure out if anything in your life is upsetting you. You definitely have a phobia of your throat closing up and being unable to breathe. It's scary and it will pass! Lastly, you're very lucky to have a husband that will take you to the E.R. and sit with you. I would be on my own. My husband thinks it's all bull. Feel better!
Posted 4/15/2009 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
You are so brave at trying to to fight the phobia. This was just a set back and you will learn from it. Don't get too down on yourself. You are woking through this thing and should give yourslef lots of credit for trying. Hang in there lady!! smilewinkgrin
Posted 4/16/2009 5:03 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Percycat,

I do not have allergies that I know of, but have very bad anxiety/panic/health anxiety. I have a inhaler that I was just supposed to use during a bad cold, I have a peak flow meter, and on my treadill, it will check my pulse. I am always using the peak flowmeter, and even when I cant breath, I always blow the same, so I know im breathing ok. I constantely check my pulse, go to ER or urgent care often, and lie,  I might add, since if I tell them I have a pain in my chest or cant breath, they say go to ER, and the mental health part, go to ER.I just saw myself in your post, minus the allergies.

Posted 4/16/2009 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Percy,

I'm sorry I have not been around for awhile, and I don't know what much to add after all of the great advice. I just wanted to let you know that I do understand about the allergies and not being able to take a deep breath due to asthma/allergy issues my entire life, and I feel for you. I am glad you are taking steps to combat your anxiety, because these problems just exacerbate the symptoms. Definitely take the benzos if needed, and I like Kitt's idea of substituting Buspar if you worry about the addiction.

Take care my friend and you are in my prayers.

Your Bro Sam
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