Anxiety or...?

Hello.
So recently I've been having weird symptoms.
It all started with a lump in throat and occasional shortness of breath when laying down or just sitting. (Admittedly, I have not the best posture and it might be just back problems... But I can't confirm just yet)
Then one day I had a full-blown panic attack in the night.
A few more followed, and I started getting extremely anxious about... Everything. As though every small thing in my body signaled me about some kind of disease.
Now I'm anxious about having... oh god, it's easier to say what I'm NOT anxious about. And I'm too broke to afford any kind of diagnostic .
So anyway... What I feel now:
-Occasional shortness of breath when I bend my back or lay on left side.
-Had pulsating temples for a couple of days. Maybe they aren't that much of a deal...
-Breast muscle pain. (I suppose it's about muscle itself only, since pain is around most of the time, gets easier after exercise and can be reproduced by massaging painfuil points.... But it keeps me on the edge ).
-Nighttime palpations. Sometimes I wake up with my heart rushing - not to mention it's very distrubing. I learned to deal with it with meds, but still...
-Something like throat pressure. Not too acute, only surfacing occasionally on inhaling, not sure what triggers it.
I had two ECGs and blood tests. They all returned clear, except for "sinus tachicardy" or something like that. Nothing was said about it being a serious issue. Blood pressure remains normal most of the time, the most I had is 160/100 during panic attack, other times were around 140/90.
I was told that at my age (24) heart problems are unlikely and the cause is most likely anxiety.
So... What do you think could cause this kind of breath shortness? Can it be just result of muscle weakness and poor posture? Maybe, bulging discs or something?
Also, when I walk, or exercise, I don't feel any inconvenience - if antything, I feel more at ease.
I'm very disturbed about the issue, but wasn't sure where to post . Any ideas? What should I do?
Neurologist says it's anxiety and I need tranquilizers. Gastroentherologyst suggested GERD treatment (admittedly he has a point, but I don't know if it's the actual cause).
Sorry for poor English, I'm not a native speaker and even now I'm in a somewhat panicked state.

Post Edited (madotsuki) : 12/16/2016 5:25:18 AM (GMT-7)

Hello Madotsuki and welcome!

I am so sorry you are going through this confusing and worrisome experience. I know just how you feel...in fact your situation sounds almost identical to my early days or dealing with anxiety...right down to it all starting off with the lump in the throat and panic.

Please take the advice of your neurologist and seek treatment for the anxiety. Medication and or therapy are the usual options to be discussed.

As member Gilly mentioned, self help is also so valuable, and something you can get started on right away! Looking at the top of the main forum page here for great material in our Resources is all it takes.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat

Thank you very much for kind words .
I feel significantly better today. My condition in general seems greatly unstable, because it swings a lot from day to day.
I still have these thoughts that cause anxiety usually, mostly about having some terrible disease - but they don't cause as much discomfort.
Some things still cause me bother, but I guess it can't be helped. Again, it's nothing terribly impairing, but unnverving.
Blood pressure, incidentally, is so far perfect today.

As far as visiting neurologist goes, I did, and that's why I need MRI of brain and some more blood work.
But the greatest caveat is, he said I need to check with epileptologist. See, I was prescribed Depakine Chrono 500 at the age of 14 when I had two seisure episodes. I take it to this day, albeit irregularry (which I'm correcting now).
Neurologist claims that the drug I need, Atarax, doesn't mix well with Depakine. However, I feel very reluctant about visiting epileptologist...
Yet I'm dead set on doing whatever tests I can to see if I'm healthy. So far, so good. Yet the feel of unrest stays strong...

Writing again, just to capture the moment.
Been having a weird "cold" feeling sometimes on rigth side of head. Just today. Maybe also anxiety... but really freaking me out.
It doesn't hurt or anything, but combined with temples thing - terrifies the living hell out of me .
I am always scared .
Even when seemingly calm, there is always this fear in the back of head. Fear of death, disease, being left helpless, losing what I have, being devoid of my future... It gets even worse at night.
I hate it. I don't want to fear anymore. I want to be healthy - and maybe I am, but all of this makes it so hard to believe.
Got enough money for only one MRI scan right now. Will be able to have another later next week.

time2reclaim
Thank you very much for reply.
Maybe I do have GERD but it can't possibly be the cause of everything I'm experiencing.
I actually do suspect back problems, as some positions when laying down provoke more breathing difficulty, and shifting around does fix it. That could also explain (possibly) pinched nerves maybe?
God... I'm such a mess Even when calm like this, lingering uneasiness in always there like a beast that only stays in cage because it's too lazy to break out.

Hi Mado
Health anxiety does a right number on our normally rational mind making the anxiety mind run riot.
I feel your pain... I was just the same any twinge, sensation cold feeling , hot feeling anything at all sends signals of panic all rational thinking goes out the window..Then anxiety has got hold and you can't shake that.
That is why coping skills of every kind are so important.. What ever works best for you as it can be a personal thing.

I find guided relaxation and meditation good , I use my own personal mantra ( once you have got the knack of that it is very powerful at diffusing an anxious situation)

Preparation is key.. I have a couple of apps on my phone in case needed when I am out or working there are free ones. I never get out of bed without doing a 10 minute start of the day positive meditation ( I use one of you tube that suits me) breathing exercises when ever I can and evening repeat of the morning. I also made myself get more fresh air and walks at weekends when off work.

Sorry about the waffling lol , I just want to help as anxiety sucks big style and I get so darned angry when I read how it is affecting so many people...

You will get through this it does get better and it makes you stronger xxx
Love ,strength and encouragement to you xx


I hope some of these tips work for you

Hey you must never feel guilty about your posts... That is what HW site is for, You have to unload your fears getting them out and sharing showing your not alone ....
We are all hers to support each other.....
Unless someone has experienced true anxiety and how it reeks havoc they cannot fully understand how it feels.

So there is the lack of understanding sadly .. My other half really didn't have a clue when I was at my worse bless him...

It is good how you can actually describe your symptoms and fears not everyone can do that.
Keep up your positive side ... It is strong and will help you xx

Madotsuki,

You did a great job of pulling out of your panic the other day...well done...and may you continue to feel better! Post ANYTIME...that is indeed why we are here!! Glad to here you are planning in taking advantage of our Resources. ..there is a lot in there to add to your 'tool belt'

Kayleenicole,

Welcome! I am sorry to hear about your struggles. I hope you can talk to your doctor about a plan of action soon for anxiety management. Whether it be meds, therapy or both...you can find recovery!

For now, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. Practicing the suggested exercises daily will make a big difference in how you feel.

Please start a thread of introduction for yourself anytime you feel comfortable doing so....so that we can better get to know and welcome you.

Take soon,

Scaredy Cat

Hi Madotsuki,

Welcome to the Forum!

GERD / stomach / GI tract problems are real for many and can cause anxiety and other nervous conditions from what I've read. Something to do with your body's vagus nerve and being overstimulated. This can cause symptoms of anxiety/panic, feeling faint, dizziness, etc...

While not totally the cause of my anxiety, I do think my stomach and GI tract can cause or increase anxiety. I tend to see real anxiety relief when taking Nexium on those occasions when my stomach is having problems.

Quick follow up.
Blood pressure - 165/100 with 136 heart rate.
I don't want this. Just let me be healthy.

Oh sorry you have had a set back....
Until you can see your doctor use as many coping skills as possible to get you through xx

Support and encouragement coming your way xx

She could help you by taking you to see your doctor to get a management plan going...*hint, hint*

S.C.

And you will reclaim your life xx
Just a bit of time and patience is needed and be kind to your self xx
Sending you love and support for your progress
xx

Ah I understand. Sorry, I got a little mixed up here.
I certainly will but I also want to rule out potentially dangerous conditions.
On a side note, I'm going to go on a New Year trip, hoping a little travelling does well for me.