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I am new, with all the same troubles as everyone else....

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/17/2013 6:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone. I am a 36 year old male that has been visiting this forum for a while now trying to cope. Two years ago I woke up in bed and could hear/feel my heart beating in my ear I was laying on. It was not long before the beating became irregular. I then started to feel like my chest was getting tight and I could not breath. I told my wife I was going to ER and left. I made it a mile down the road and almost passed out. Long story short I ended up in an ambulance and the ER sent me home with a panic diagnosis but wanted me to follow up. A month later I had the same thing happen during the day and had a family member drive me to ER.
In sept. 2011 I saw a cardiologist and went through the normal routine and at the end of it all he assured me that I had no cardiac issues. Since then I do get the heart beating out of my chest panic attacks from time to time but manage to stem them somewhat.
Of course like the rest of you I have to struggle to keep things in check. I am a hypochondriac like everyone else. Last night I woke up drenched in sweat and I have been having this pain in my left arm and breast for about a week now. Tonight it happened again and this time when I got up my arm went numb on the inside. So I told myself that I need to relax. I sat up in bed and did a little breathing and everything was going well until I closed my eyes and it seemed like I was getting smaller and smaller inside my body as if I was fading away. I told myself that I need to get up and head for HW. So here I am. I know I am going to be o.k. but I keep wondering if I have stressed myself into a cardiac issue by worrying so much. This is all exaggerated by the passing of my uncle a few days ago who was only 57 and had a heart attack and was one of the healthiest people I can think of.

Thanks all for listening
Posted 7/17/2013 7:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi RJB and nice to meet you! Sorry to hear that you're here with the same issues as most of us. lol!

The arm numbness is pretty common with anxiety. Actually, I think it's common with everyone - we just notice it more! :) Try to think of pre-anxiety. How many times did you wake up and shake your arm because it was numb without ever giving it a second thought? Lots, I'd be willing to wager.

I don't think you've worried yourself into a cardiac issue. If that were very common, each of us here would be up a creek without a paddle!

I'm pretty sure one of the nurses at the hospital told me that wasn't possible during one of the trips when I've taken my husband.

If you're really concerned that you've given yourself cardiac problems, you might check on another check-up with your primary care provider. I think you're fine, though.

Here are some of the things that help my hubby when he thinks it is his heart - focus on the things that DO feel normal. For example, sometimes his breathing is fine when the rest of him isn't. Or, maybe he isn't nauseous. Just whatever is normal.
If you take medicine for breakthrough anxiety, take a dose. If you start to feel better, then your symptoms are coming from anxiety.

One of our members, Larry, sometimes suggest that you start at 100 and count backwards.

I'm glad that you know you're okay! I have OCD about causing harm or allowing harm to other living things, so sometimes I freak out a little trying to tell people they'll be okay. haha

Again, nice to meet you and welcome to the group!
Posted 7/17/2013 7:07 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply BeRock. I was prescribed meds but I refuse to take them. I figure if this is all really in my head, then why can't my head turn it around.
I am going to try and go back to be now. I will try hard tomorrow to check in though. Thanks!

P.S. The stressing myself through worry is my biggest fear, it is good to be reminded that we all would be s.o.l. if that was possible.
Posted 7/17/2013 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RJB

I too am 36 and suffer from horrible health related anxiety. I have been having a rough time the past week. I can usually chalk up my symptoms to anxiety, but when it comes to my heart, I go into panic overload (which, of course, makes the symptoms much worse).

I do the worst thing you could do - I google my symptoms. On more than 1 occasion I have convinced myself I had some horrible terminal illness (though I only had 1 symptom).

So sorry to hear of your uncle's passing. I can understand how you would worry more about your cardiac symptoms. Just try to relax - I know it is much easier said than done for us.

Hang in there!
Posted 7/17/2013 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks LB, I gave up google a long time ago. This waking up sweating and numb arm really bug me but as soon as I got up and sat at the computer it faded. I still had some discomfort but I think we all do when we go into overdrive.

I always have some horrible disease. I am just choosing to not believe it.

I must give a thanks to BeRock for the suggestion to focus on what does not hurt. That worked for me last night. I laid back down and was feeling off again. A while back I had this horrible pain in my groin and a lump and was convinced that I had testicular cancer. Last night I focused on the fact that I did not have that pain any more.

If we all stick together we will be fine, I am sure of that.
Posted 7/17/2013 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RJB

I'm so sorry you've got anxiety issues....its so hard and disruptive sometimes. I'm glad to hear you are managing without medication. I am managing without prescriptions as well.

I enjoy hearing my heartbeat, let's me know its still working! If a fast irregular heart beat freaks you out I would suggest going for a vigorous, depleting, tiring and exhausting run. If you can't get your heart to explode after an hour of exercise its likely going to be just fine otherwise.

Hope you are feeling better soon!

Joshua
Posted 7/17/2013 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Yup, pushing the cardiac limits is what keeps me optimistic but lately I have not had time and it is waaaayy to hot here.
Posted 7/17/2013 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RJB and welcome.

I am also sorry to hear about your uncle going home too soon.:( This has undoubtalby saddened you and certainly can explain the jump in your health related anxiety.

I hope that you were able to get back to sleep last night, and that you are feeling better today.

Have you considered the treatment option of therapy? If it is a possiblilty for you, I highly recommend it as an alternative to medicine...if you are seeking to not start an Rx. Many people do both, but it is a very personal choice...and if you choose not to take meds, I believe therapy is going to be an important part of recovery that you should consider.

I recovered from daily (and nightly) panic attacks through CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and can now manage my panic well. I also have found that self-help books and coping skills, as well as having a support system here, has been the combination of help that I needed.

We have a great Resource Guide here on our main page (1st post) that is full of great things to get you started...including video links to breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises that help to relieve overall stress and avoid/shut down attacks. Also there are book recommendations including some good books regarding health anxiety, that you may find comforting.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand and are here to support!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 7/17/2013 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad you got some rest, friend! :)
Posted 7/18/2013 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all, thanks for the well wishes. I am still up tonight but some things are beyond our control.
Posted 7/18/2013 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Insomnia?

Popping benadryl over here, and still wide awake. At least I know I'm in good company! :)
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