Something's gotta give...

Okay, So two weeks ago I call for an ambulance thinking I'm having a heart attack. Lost feeling in both arms, heart uncontrollable, sweating profusely, sick in the stomach.
So, I go in, get all kinds of tests, EKG, Chest XRay, blood work to check the heart.
They say the heart appears completely fine...may have been an esophageal spasm or anxiety/panic attack.

Then, Saturday I'm at a ball game. Heart starts racing, feel a bit sick. Had a doctor who I went with tell me that I just needed to breath, probably some panic attack.

So, Monday on my way to work, same major symptoms only worse. i'm an elementary teacher and my principal tells me to go to the doctor. Made an appointment. Got there. He listened to my heart, looked at the hospital records, had me do a thyroid blood test, and wore a heart holster for a day. (Not sure the results of thyroid or heart holster).

Now the UPPER middle of my chest feels quite a bit of pressure, and I'm having trouble with swallowing. It almost feels like something is stuck in my throat. I keep making myself burp, which has been of temporary relief. And when I drink water it almost burns.

I am an idiot, so I looked up heart attack vs. anxiety disorder. Now I'm not sure which I'm having! All I know is that it feels funny (almost like an annoying tickle) when I breath deep, I'm short on breath, and my chest is tight.

Is this normal of anxiety? I thought it was something that comes and goes, not something that is constant. Also, How long until this Paroxetine kicks in if it is anxiety?

I can't live like this. I can barely teach a whole lesson.

Thanks for listening to me. Any response would be appreciated.

Yes Lyn, and thank you.

I have xanax when the feeling starts, but can only take it twice a day. It helps to bring me down, but that throat feeling remains. I'm also on prilosec for my acid reflux. I love it when I'm able to interact with people and keep my mind off of it. However, even then It slips into my thought process and seems to retrigger it.


I am really excited about finding this site. Reading about others with similar issues helps me a little. Knowing I'm not alone! My wife just doesn't get it, and isn't very sympathetic.

Welcome to the forum! I have an anxiety disorder, but it has never reached the level that you are dealing with... My heart goes out to you, and I hope that you find out what exactly is going on, cause it can be scary--thinking one could be dealing with a life/death situation... When that feeling of panic, and of being totally out-of-control sets in-- it is frightening. Don't let others make you feel like what you are going through is no big deal,< for you it is> and you need the support of loved ones <and us> to get through it. Keep posting and let us know how the tests turned out. Take care...