Panic attack symptoms: rapid pulse, shortness of breath, fear, dizziness

Hello, all,
Just want to inform you of a very unheard of nervous system disorder called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). I have it and was finally diagnosed last year after having six years of baffling issues and countless appointments. More than anything else throughout that time period, I was told I had anxiety, but I always knew that wasn't my problem. However, given how similar symptoms of both can be, I understand why there was such a long, confusing struggle.
I joined this site to try to help others and to spread awareness. I have seen several posts that contain questions of whether or not anxiety is the true underlying problem for some of you. Also, I have talked to many people with POTS who were either misdiagnosed or fooled into thinking they had anxiety/panic attacks when they really did not. If you feel in your heart that something about your diagnosis doesn't fit, please, I urge you to remain persistent until you find what you need. Proper treatment, for any illness, is important and can be extremely life-altering.
I won't go on and on, as I realize it is possible none of you have POTS. Just keep this information in mind, and feel free to message me with any questions, or just to chat.
Thank you, and best wishes to you all!
B

Thank you!! Some people have not been as kind or grateful for my posting this information, so I appreciate that you did not remove it.

My best to you, also! Take care.

\madamebrianne,
I appreciate what you are trying to do by educating people re POTS as it is a pretty new disorder that many people have not heard of. I did post a new thread re POTS so the members would understand what exactly POTS is.

I did not delete any of your posts thow I did make some comments that you may have taken the wrong way, however, that was not my purpose. I would have emailed you re my posts but your email is not available in your profile.

I have personal experience with having a physical problem that was blamed on my anxiety/depression so from a mental health point of veiw I understand what it feels like to have your Dr. blow off your concerns by assuming it is just all mental health issues .

Starting in December of 2011 I began to be extremely fatigued, washing my hair was even a chore. By May I was starting to lose weight and I just was not very hungry and yes I did see my PCP as well as my Psych MD. It was recommended that I increase my supplemental Vit D.

On July 25th I saw my PCP for my annual physical and she noticed I had some tenderness in my abdomen right below my waist - so now we did tests. To make this story short - On August 10th I was diagnosised with a very larger colon cancer tumor that was nearly obstructing my bowel. It turn out to be a nasty tumor with a bad attitude - a Stage IIIC.

My point is I agree with you that we all need to be our own best advocates and when we sense something is not right that we look to another Dr.that will listen to us and not assume it is just our anxiety or depression kicking in. No not everyone will be dx with cancer or POTS but for the few of us that are we feel cheated that nobody thought to look at other causes for our symptoms.

Continue to advocate for what you belieive in and I wish you well.

Kindly,
Kitt

stkitt,

Thank you for taking the time to message and for appreciating my efforts. I just feel so much for anyone who has to suffer for any reason, so whatever I can do to help, I will do, even if some people don't like it or understand.

Despite your hardships, I am so glad you found your problem and recovered! Always good news.

My best wishes to you, and again, thanks for your time!

Brandi