Almost constant physical symptoms (new here)

I just need to know how common this is. I have turned into a hypochondriac that started in May 2013. I had a panic attack that wasn't diagnosed as that. I went to hospital experiencing numbness in myv left arm and face and after a head CT and EKG and blood work with nothing showing except low potassium the doctor told me I was having an adverse effect from the Adderall I was taking. (Long story, was on anti depressants that never worked, my friend got prescribed an abundance of Adderall and offered me some and they helped tremendously so I maintained a 5mg dose, which is very low, almost daily for over a year). I haven't taken an Adderall since that day, which was quite an adjustment. It took about 6 doctors including another ER visit before someone said I had anxiety which had become overwhelmingly constant to the point I was having a hard time with daily functioning. I got medication and xanax for emergencies (which I'm usually too anxious to take). I've been on and off the meds because I don't want to depend on them and I'm honestly pretty self convinced that there is something else wrong. I feel everything in my body and most of it scares me. This triggers my anxious thoughts. Anyone else have this? I'm sorry for super long post but I'm just fed up and broke from medical expenses. I have a fear that something is undiagnosed. I am thin but tried to start exercising at the gym to boost myself. Well the stupid heart monitor on the machines tell me my heart rate is 180+. Now I'm too scared to exercise because I don't want a heart attack. My doctor did an EKG in August that showd normal and offered me a 24 hour monitor which I haven't done yet but want to (financial). I am a single working mother of 2 young boys (father is completely out of picture over 3 years) and I'm terrified of something happening to me.

Welcome!

We all pretty much have the symptoms you talk about. And a lot of us have some level of health anxiety. After a panic attack, our bodies tend to become sensitized to any little feeling or anything we think is out of the ordinary. When the truth is, we have probably had all the sensations previously, but never paid them much mind. You need to break the fear cycle. Being scared feeds these symptoms that you are having and makes new ones. But it can be done! This disorder is totally treatable:)

A book that I like called Hope and Help for your Nerves by Claire Weekes explains panic attacks and anxiety to a tee. It reads a little old fashioned, but really, really helped me. It made me feel like I was not alone in having these feelings.

Hey 247 Panic...

First of all... welcome to the forum. :) Next, I want to re-assure you that I too walked in this same exact circumstance over the past 10 months. I am currently dealing with an extremely high heart rate while exercising, and it goes to 180+. I was previously dealing with major anxiety symptoms and the doctor and ER visits. Now I am mostly dealing with minor anxiety symptoms. And I am a Mom of 3. I was a single Mom for 9 years though, and know how hard that is. You are not alone in this.

The best way we can support you in your circumstance is for you to post here frequently! Friendships and encouragement have developed over time here and there are many familiar members who regularly support and encourage each other.

I hope you can keep posting here, and I hope you get to feeling healthier soon!

Thank you all so much. It's so hard when none of my family understands. They try but are quite dismissive. I've just (this week) started on my Wellbutrin again. It helped a little last time. I hate being on meds but in order to be healthy I think it's necessary for the time being. I'm going to start journaling because I think it will help me figure out my triggers. Unfortunately I've found it hard to keep up with counseling just with time and copays. I can freak about little things like shooting pains I get occasionally in my extremities and I get a lot of chest pain. I'm hoping to find it mostly subsides with the medication. Otherwise I'm going to end up back in the doctor asking for more tests. I'm excited to have somewhere to go and not feel like a crazy person now. Thank you!

I would also like to add my support. I know how you feel and if you can get on the right med  in time you will feel better. I'm also very sensitive to my body and really try anymore not to dwell on anything too much, but it's a constant struggle thats for sure.

I would freak out on the exercise machines too, it got to the point I had to quit putting my hands on the heart monitor, mine was like 150 something, but that scared me so bad that it jumped to like 160, the instructor came over and told me that was okay, but maybe I should slow down a bit, so I did and just would check my heart rate every once in a while.

I think most of us that have a panic disorder have experienced most of what you have been going through, I have been at the ER countless times, I have had every test ran on me and the only thing that was wrong the last time I went was I was a little dehydrated.

Hi 247 and welcome to the forum! You'll find, which I'm sure you already have, that we all share a lot of the same experiences. It helps so much to get advice and understanding from those that have been there! There was an exercise thread earlier today that you should check out. A lot of us have that same problem too. I don't take any meds, so I can't be of any help there, but plenty of others do. Just wanted to let you know I understand and we're glad you found us!!