Long time no post!

Hello all!

I'm sure alot of you don't know who I am, but I was fairly regular on this board about two years ago, and then sporadically about a year or so ago.

Short background: Uncle and Aunt both passed of heart conditions over the past 5-10 years; father (who was in immaculate shape and ran 10 miles a day) passed of cardiac arrest last November. about two years ago, I started having anxiety and worrying about having a heart attack. At this point, I've had: echocardiogram, ekgs, cta angiogram, ct calcium score, stress test, blah blah blah. All say I'm in fine health. Still can't stop worrying of something happening. I'm a 32 (33 on 1/31!) male.

Well, over the past two months or so, panic attacks have started. The first time I had one I was riding shotgun with my wife to her aunt's in WV. I thought I was having a heart attack. It was extremely rough, but got through it. Now, over the past two months, panic attacks have sprung up here and there. Sometimes to the point where I have had to leave work or call off altogether, one time resulting in an ER trip. I starting seeing a CBT along with a Psychiatrist. Also spoke with my GP. Currently on Lexapro (had a month of 5mg, 2 days on 10 mg) with Ativan has a back up. I usually will take a .5 Ativan with my Lexapro when I wake up. Luckily, with the Lexapro, I haven't had any side effects really, tho since upping to 10mg I have felt more anxious which doc said could happen.

Anyways, long story short...I've missed you all and I'm sure we will all get through this somehow. I've even been reading self help books and using apps for meditation, and I never thought I'd be that guy.

Stay strong everyone, we got this.

Thanks Cilly!

I've been working hard to lower my cholesterol...no red meat, barely any chicken, usually only fish and vegetarian options. My wife thinks I'm worrying too much about it but I told her you can't be too careful about it.

Blood pressure hasn't been an issue, at least at all doc/cardiologist appts they haven't mentioned it.

Good to be back!

Hi Z.!

I am really sorry to hear about your recent panic attack challenge. :/ I know how difficult that is.

I am glad however that you came back to post, so we can be of support.

It is great that you've taken proactive steps with your new Rx and starting therapy for recovery.

It will take some time/effort, so be patient with yourself and the process.

With all that you are doing, there is much reason to feel hopeful that you'll make great strides...so keep us updated, so we can be cheering you on.

High fives friend!

S.C.