I'm in a constant state of anxiety :-(

Hi, I am new to the forum, i'm glad i found this place it's nice to know i'm not the only one that suffers from this.

I've had very mild anxiety for a few years, a few small panic attacks here and there but nothing i couldn't handle, until about a few months ago. I was driving with a friend when I was over come by the worst attack i have ever had, it felt like i was suffocating, my hands started to shake, i felt light headed and dizzy like i might pass out, my vision was blurry and i was convinced i was going to stop breathing and die. Now i'm suffering like this on a regular basis. I went to my G.P and he diagnosed me with free floating anxiety and referred me to a psychologist.

I have also been suffering from a feeling of something stuck in my throat on and off for the last 10 years. I have had a lot of tests done and have been diagnosed with cricopharyngeal spasm. My G.P has told me that it is nothing to worry about and it won't hurt me but I can't seem to convince myself of that and it makes my anxiety so much worse. I constantly worry that i'm not going to be able to breathe and i've stopped eating solid food cause i'm scared that it will get stuck. I feel like i'm going insane. I've told my Psychologist about it and she just tells me to try and relax and not think about it, but that's easier said than done.

Argh I just don't know what to do, i feel stupid for feeling this way :-( i wouldn't wish this on anybody it's ruining my life

Hello,
Don't feel stupid for your anxiety! It's a mind game you are playing on yourself :(.
I think often the same thoughts but I remember that I don't have control over my anxiety nor should I try to control it. To me anxiety is like a virus or a condition (like diabetes) that you manage. If you try to fight it it will win because you are giving it fuel. Have you had an appointment with a GI specialist? It is definitely easier to say "relax" than it is when you have very PHYSICAL symptoms going on. I understand this and go through it everyday. I am just searching for answers and though I sometimes get frustrated I understand this is something I need to try to not let take control over my life. This past week I have been off on vacation, but mostly just been at home because of an ER trip the day I was supposed to leave for the vacation, and I think being off so much made everything so much worse. I feel like whenever I have work it is not such a big deal to me. Anyway Scaredy Cat will be along soon with some very sound advice and direction to where you can learn more about anxiety. I am sure a man named Larry will also come in and give you equally sound advice coming from someone with over 20 years of Anxiety/Panic Disorder experience. Both are an inspiration to me and both are really great listeners.
I hope my advice finds you well and welcome to the forums.
-Rxclusion

Thank you all, its comforting knowing there are people here to offer advice and support.

I used to have weekly sessions with my psychologist, she has just changed them to fortnightly. She has been encouraging me to try a few relaxation techniques to help manage my anxiety but depending on how bad i'm feeling i find it hard to do them.

I haven't tried any medication yet, my G.P has written me a prescription for diazepam which i haven't filled yet, I don't really like the idea of taking medication I had an allergic reaction to painkillers last year which has made me scared to take anything i haven't been on before.

The cricopharyngeal spasm is a major player in my anxiety, i have read about it and i know my anxiety plays a big part in it, the more i worry about it the worse it feels but the problem is i have half convinced myself that the doctor was wrong and it is something that might close off my airways or something, i think i need to see a specialist (again) for them to look and tell me it is nothing dangerous, hopefully that will give me a little piece of mind.

Thanks again its good to know i'm not the only one who struggles with this type of thing, makes me feel that i'm not alone

I haven't been to a G.I but i have been to an E.N.T (not sure if they are similar?) I have had barium swallows in the past and an endoscopy but because the sensation in my throat feels different than it used to my mind has convinced me that there is something wrong other than a spasm which is making me panic. It is a horrible feeling that i wouldn't wish on anyone i just wish i could convince myself that it won't hurt me ive tried a few relaxation techniques but most of the time i find it difficult because the sensation feels so bad i just can't stop worrying about it :-(

Sezz,

I have swallowing issues so I know how scary it is. There's been a few times we've called 911, once I was taken to the hospital. Mostly I choose to just try to get through it on my own.

My gastronologist stretched my esophogus during a endoscopy and that helped me but I heard it only lasts for a certain amount of time. I began having swallowing issues again 6 mos. later.

What has also helped me is seeing a neuromuscular massage therapist. They do much more than a massage therapist. My neck has tight muscles and this affects my swallowing. She does help me.

Good luck.

Sezz I guess most of this swallowing problem may well be psychosomatic but over the years I have noticed that some foods and drink also make me feel like my throat is constricted, milk products and sugar products cause me the most trouble. I well understand the suffocation sensation it was a factor in every major panic attack I ever had, going back to the throat thing I also noticed that anything that affected my sinus made me feel like I couldn’t breath, then the process would start, I am a big wouss, that’s why I take the xanax because it pushes the panic/anxiety down and I can think my way around the problem.
If one was to pass out from P/A breathing our system will go on automatic and regulate itself we will not die
stay here with these good people and you will find resources, compassion, and Brotherly/Sisterly Love.
Larry ***