It happened three days ago

As the title states, it happened to me three days ago as I was driving from Cleveland to Chicago. I was happily eating my blueberries and listen to my audit book. Out of the blue, I started to feel short of breath. I stopped by an exit, got off and walked around for 10 minutes. When I felt I was okey enough to start driving, I got back on the road. 1 minute after I got on the highway, I couldn't breathe then I experienced my first full blow panic attack. I had to park on the side of the road and call 911. Honestly, I thought I was dying as I couldn't breathe. Then I started shaking uncontrollably and couldn't feel my arms and feet. EMS came and the guys sat me down for about 15 - 20 mins to talk. I stopped shaking but the lump in my throat never went away. It's been three days and counting. I went to see my family doctor today and she prescribed Prilosec for reflux, meloxicam for shoulder and neck pain and Alprazolam in case I freak out. I took a day off today and tomorrow will be my first day at work. Fingers crossed that I don't freak out, choke or panic.

I read about this topic and mayo website suggested CBT. I signed up for one and hopefully that'll help. I noticed that when I concentrated on working, I forget about the lump in my throat and I breathe normally. As soon as I got distracted, my short breath came back and I start to freak out. What's worst is the lump in my throat. I have been avoiding drinking water, eating so I don't have to swallow as sometimes it blocks my wind pipe, which makes me feel like I couldn't breathe and cause panic.

I am still having a hard time driving. I tried singing in the car, which helps with the sensation of not able to breathe normally. I tried talking to myself and reassuring myself "everything is going to be okey." It actually helps a little bit. I haven't had a full blown panic attack yet but mini anxiety events popping up every hour, even when I went to the grocery store and tried to check out.

I hope this will go away soon but I am prepared for a long battle. I can't believe that I worked so much that the stress finally got me. Oh well, live on, what else can I do. I have a CBT next monday. Will keep you guys posted. Like they say, one day at a time...

Hi Soflida and welcome! I am sorry that you are going through such a rough time of it right now.   I know how frustrating anxiety and its symptoms can be...so I hope that by reaching out here, you can start to feel some support and relief. Most   anxiety happens at the subconscious level.  Just because you don't feel consciously anxious or had a day or two of calm doesn't mean your mind & body are relaxed.  It can take months of reduced anxiety before a body goes back to a more non-reactive state.  I applaud you for recognizing anxiety and accepting that this may be a long haul until you learn skills to help you deal with the sudden panic attack symptoms.  Signing  up for CBT was a brilliant move and doing it right away should help you start making progress sooner. Keep posting here with us as well.   We are a caring group that understands, and are always here to listen! Kindly, Kitt  

Wow, you are strong and determined and it is what will get you through all this. The worst thing we do is let it (anxiety) rule us, but your ruling it. Way to go.

Xanax and Ativan are from the same classification of medications - benzodiazepines.

 

If used per Drs. instructions re your dose and frequency you should not have any addiction issues - however please discuss this concern with your Dr.

Link you may find helpful:

http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/benzodiazepines-for-panic-disorder

More updates. It has been 2 weeks now and honestly I think I have a much better control of my body and reaction.
First week was shaky. I worked hard on getting rid of my symptoms especially the breathing part with the help of excise and Meds. That Friday when I got into the car, I had a small panic attack but I was on my way to a massage. The massage completely relaxed my body. My body acred for two days after it. I didn't realize that I was that tense. One more thing I realized is that there are good days and bad days. I shouldn't exert myself just because I had a good day.
The next Monday morning I woke up feeling anxious and decided to do a yoga practice. Honestly I felt like a new person after that. I have been holding on too much grudge and negativity lately and made an enemy of everybody around me. That day I decided to forgive myself and everyone. Embrace life with only love. I felt the burden has lifted my
Shoulder since that day. I gradually gain control over my anxiety instead of letting it rule me.

I went to two therapists so far the CBT and just a regular one. Honestly I didn't like CBT guy. He didn't even listen to my story and the moment I said panic attack he said so what? He then repeatedly saying that what worst could come out of it and asked me to dismiss the thought and fear for panic attack all together. No techniques or suggestions and a lot about him and his experience. He didn't tell me anything that I didn't know and definitely not my type of therapist. The other therapist I saw was more conversational instead of lecturing. She taught me progressive muscle relaxation which I practice everyday and it helped with my sleep tremendously. I am able to sleep till 7am everyday without waking up in the middle of the night.
She suggested two books:
The anxiety and stress workbook
Too perfect

I am taking a long trip this coming Monday and hopefully I can completely unplug. I know this sounds like everything you have heard already, it's all mental. Whatever bothers and bothered you, you have to make peace with it. Otherwise we are just treating the symptom at least what's what I thought.

about Xanx, I took two so far and I only take it when I felt like I am losing control. Even when I had my mini panic I didn't take it. I don't recommend taking that approach as I was saved by my masseuse. But I didn't want to rely on Meds or become addictive. I would say until you have a better control of yourself and your body, follow your docs instruction and take it as needed.

Good luck ladies and hopefully by the next update, I will be rid of all my symptoms.

Namaste!