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Another attack? I can't deal with this!

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 6/9/2013 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
So, tonight hubby, kids and I had to make a trip to local Home Depot....it was horrible for me. My chest was soooo tight and having pains....Ugggg. I was even having pain shoot from the center of my neck up to the back of my head (new one). I can't imagine what my blood pressure might have been. All I was picturing was paramedics wheeling me out of there and how embarrassing that would be. Then, of course, kids thought they were starved....NOT. So, we had to go to a restaurant (which gives me increased anxiety because I can't swallow). Needless to say, another horrible day for me and it seems to be getting worse regarding frequency and intensity. I'm making an appt. with a doctor on Monday, but I don't have a family doctor as mine left the practice to teach at local university. I just don't know who to go to or if certain doctors are better suited in this discipline. I feel as though I'm losing my mind and cannot function normally. I know some of you will give me great advice and calm me down.....I need it! Also, I've been to doctors in the past who checked me out with EKG, thyroid tests, etc. and I was told panic attacks, but that's been at least 5 years ago or so. Help!
Posted 6/9/2013 5:49 AM (GMT 0)
Whoever you see will be able to help you or refer you to someone who can. The doctor who is helping me was new to me, as well, as my previous PCP closed her clinic to work at a hospital. You will be okay - they will be understanding. If not, they are in the wrong field.

The important thing is that you've committed to seeing someone and are going to get help. That's the first step. After that, just keep going. One foot in front of the other.

I'm not sure about your insurance, but with mine, I have to start at a primary care provider and let them refer me from there. I went today to see a psychiatrist, though. I just paid for it. Well worth it. Certain doctors can dispense medication and some cannot. In my state, for example, a nurse practitioner cannot dispense narcotics in most cases. That might be something to consider. Still, I do believe that whoever you see will either help you or refer you to someone who can.

Have you checked out the breathing exercises on the resources page? That's the first thing my pdoc did today after talking, teach me breathing exercises.

You can handle this. Just try to hang in there.

I know it's difficult, but when you panic, try not to imagine the worst case scenario if possible. Also, though I doubt it's going to happen, if you ever did need paramedics for something, you don't have to be embarrassed. They exist for a reason. You won't be the first person to need them, nor the last.

Best wishes to you! :)
Posted 6/9/2013 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks BeRock. I'm feeling much better this morning. :)
Posted 6/9/2013 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Many people do not want medicine to help with this but I don't think I would have made it without something
to shut down the panic/anxiety. I did not use them routinely but when they would overwhelm me I would
take half, and wait sometimes for an hour if it was easing up I wouldn't take any more but as you well
know some days are horrible. Just be open with the doctor and let him/her guide you remember you will
not be the first PAD patient they ever saw. Good Luck and Peace!

PS:Your going to be ok!

Larry ***

Post Edited (lgm1942) : 6/9/2013 10:42:29 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/10/2013 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Larry! I'm gonna try to make appt this week.
Posted 6/10/2013 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you're feeling better today! Looking forward to hearing back from your appointment. :)
Posted 6/10/2013 10:18 PM (GMT 0)
let us know how you are doing???
Posted 6/11/2013 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
Abulan please let us know how it go's, we really do care! Peace!

Larry ***
Posted 6/12/2013 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Going Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. I will let you know how it goes....I also get really anxious going into a medical facility period....let a BP cuff in my view and its all over.....BP through the roof. Talk to you guys Tuesday if not before. I've felt great today! Thanks for your concern.
Posted 6/12/2013 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you've had a great day! I can sympathize with the high bp at the dr's office. I've had that problem since wayyyy before the anxiety. My mom is a nurse and she calls it "white coat pressure" lol
Posted 6/18/2013 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
Going to the doctor in the morning for my craziness.....lol. I've been pretty good this week except while in the movie theater watching "Man of Steel".....I felt like I couldn't breathe good and chest was tight as a banjo string....Ugggg...I hate that feeling. I think I have panic episodes when around a large group of people....wish me luck in the a.m.
Posted 6/18/2013 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck and let us know how it went!
Posted 6/18/2013 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Back from doctor who prescribed Sertraline 25mg taken once daily. They took 3 vials of blood which I felt like I was gonna pass out...waiting on bloodworm results, but doctor thinks I have social anxiety disorder. I hope medication works for me.
Posted 6/18/2013 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear that you saw your doctor.

Social anxiety disorder is difficult to deal with, but recovery is a possibility. People who run into my husband these days are always amazed at how far he has come. He rarely has true panic attacks anymore. :)

Try not to be disappointed if you don't feel immediate relief from the medicine. A lot of medicines take a while (some even 6 weeks) to reach their full therapeutic level. For someone who was in need of relief before they ever got the medicine, that can seem like an eternity, but it isn't. In the end, it's worth the wait. I'm not familiar with your particular medicine, so it may work more quickly, but I just wanted to give you that heads-up.

Also, if the medicine doesn't work, there are a LOT of options out there that can help with social anxiety. Just stay in communication with your doctor, take as prescribed and put one foot in front of the other. :)

Will be thinking of you & praying for you.
Posted 6/18/2013 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
BeRocks part about the vast array of meds is totally true, so give this one a fair chance and stay with us
that part about the Prayers go's without saying! Peace.

Larry ***
Posted 6/20/2013 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Just got my bloodwork results back and everything was fine.... Big relief. Now, hoping this medicine works, which I discovered is generic for Zolaft...any comments on Zolaft and social anxiety. I'm on 25 mg daily.
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