New here :) / :(

Hey all.

It's nice reading about other people who are having the same struggles as I am. For instance this week I've been laid up in bed with 'a virus' and my panic attacks have gone mental as maybe I have.

This 'virus' is troubling me though as I'm feeling weak, very dizzy, light headed, cold especially in he hands and feet, cold and warm sweats, short of breath and right in the chest. I did see a doctor on Monday who said my chest was clear and it should only last a day (pff). I still feel dodgy though and I wheeze when I breathe in (which isn't exactly a 'clear chest').
To make matters worse I've also been having heart palpitations or at least it feels like it (seems to be bearing normally though).

On the panic side of things it has got very bad because of this and I frankly cannot leave the house, mainly because I'm dizzy and mainly because I totally freak out (fast breathing, scared, generally mad panic).

Aside from all the downers are there any drugs which actually work, I've spoken to a doctor about anti depressants but she didn't think they would help all that much.

What actually works? Drug wise? I've had Cbt before which didn't help me all that much.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the reply :).

I'm still keen to learn about the meds side as for the past 5 years I've not managed to believe nothing is wrong with me so think I need a little help with the irrational thoughts and/or chemical balence.

Having m.e. as well really doesn't help with the being calm philosophy but I do occasionally manage it, like tonight (cheer)!

Hi bettsann,

Over the years I have always been upfront with my doctor as I literally went 4 times a week before I got diagnosed with M.E.

The problem now is that that the doctor just puts everything down to my m.e. Which is fine if the problem does meet the criteria. I've even seen many different doctors and they all blame it on the m.e. To be frankly honest I was too the one that suggested I might have m.e. Based on the symptoms and that my auntie has it.

I do need to see the doctor again about medication but my anxiety is so bad at the moment I literally cannot leave the house without totally freaking out and rushing home, thinking 'if I'm going to die, I want to be at home'. Getting home doesn't make me feel wonderful either, I still panic, just get relieved to be home. My normal calming techniques have no effect including slowing the breathing, talking yourself down and reassuring myself. (Sounds bonkers I know but it's the truth). I'm hoping it's just a 'rough patch', as I've been having balance issues, numbness, cold hands and feet. Not to mention generally cold, tight chested and generally irrational. All being new symptoms expect for the irrational bit haha.

So yeah I really feel I need some form if medication I aid in relaxing me. I have managed with just self help for the last 3 years but now, let's say, my m.e's bad I'm struggling to say the least. I will research the meds tho.

Take care folks.

Panic'in,

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well! Hope you start feeling better soon!

I don't have much advice on the med side of stuff. I have tried a million and have found some that work for my depression, but not so well for the anxiety. The search continues.

Anyway, the reason I am writing is because of what you said about the doc blaming everything on the "mental probs". My primary care doc was like that, even though I was on meds when I started with her, and I was the one who recognized it in myself. Anytime I had an illness and would go see her, her first thought was that i was depressed again. Her other favorite "treatment" was to say, "well, let's give it a couple weeks (no tests, no treatments), and see what happens." I have had docs all my life tell me that physical problems were "all in my head". It took me until the beginning of this year to realize that my doc was not the right fit for me. I was seeing her because it was convenient and I liked how the clinic had a lot of different services under one roof. NOT a good reason to stay. I have gotten a new doc, who sees that the mental illness is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole darn puzzle. I hope that when you are feeling better, you will think about finding a new doc.

Take Care!

Hey again, thanks for some great responses. Much appreciated.

Just thought I'd update my situation. Well after a week of being in bed and feeling terrible, including 2 nights of little sleep (thick with worry) it all came to a relatively dramatic head today when I freaked out and calling an ambulance. Not something to be proud of but I thought I was a gonner, being especially bad though (anxiety wise).

Thankfully the crew were very kind and helpful, performed all the tests on me ( SATS, EKG, Suger, BP and more), telling me I didn't need to go to hospital which was indeed a weight of my shoulders. Weirdly with that my flu like symptoms also cleared up with a few minor exceptions like dizziness, lightheaded and a stuffy nose. It's all new territory for me as Ive never had it this bad before. Quite frankly amazed at how much I was creating in my head :(.

Tomorrow, All being well I will see my doctor and finally have the 'I need help' chat and am hopeful I'll start climbing back up the hill to sanity.

On a lighter note one funny thing happened today. When talking with one of the ambulance crew, I said I didn't want a particular medication (for dizziness) because one of the warnings were increased anxiety! To which she about spat her teeth out and said "I don't think your anxiety can get any worse!" Make me laugh anyway :).

Anyway... Here's to a better tomorrow.