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Panic attack when lying down

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Posted 8/9/2017 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi folks,

First post on here. For the past 5-6 years I have been suffering from panic attacks if I am forced to lie down, i. E at a dentist or at the hospital. I was sent for an MRI a number of years ago and after getting strapped down I got the same old feeling of drowning, not being able to breathe and actually ripped of the straps and jumped out of the MRI. Last few weeks I have been going through test for potential heart problems, and when I had the stress test I freaked out when I had to have the pictures done in the CT scanner. Only way I can get through these things is taking prescribed adavan, last test I ended taking 3 1mg pills. This Thursday I have to take an angiogram and am freaking out. Will I be able to request to be totally out during the test. Really don't think it will be a good idea to jump off the table with a cathator in my heart.

Any ideas?
Posted 8/9/2017 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gazruss and welcome!

I am very sorry to hear about your difficult challenge and the concern about your upcoming test. I completely understand as I also am triggeref by feeling trapped as well as medical procedures.

I absolutely recommend calling ahead to the hospital and asking what can be done to help you get through your test. Explaining that you have this specific phobia that sparks panic will let them know they are dealing with a patient with more than the average pre-procedure jitters....and should provide you with extra care. 😊

After you get past this hurdle...I do recommend looking into therapy to help you gain the tools you need to help you gain some ground in anxiety management.

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

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

Let us know how it goes.

Scaredy Cat
Posted 8/9/2017 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure what exactly an angiogram entails, but I had a catheter ablation of the heart done years ago, and maybe something is similar? Anyway, for mine, the drugs they gave me for the test really knocked me out pretty well. They said I would need to be responsive to questions during the procedure, which freaked me out, but I really had no memories of anything afterward. Maybe yours will be similar? It's definitely something to ask about though, as you certainly don't want to find out halfway through that it's too much for you! Good luck!!!!
Posted 8/12/2017 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
So it all went very well. I was extremely anxious when i arrived at the hospital i figured that people who have not suffered from anxiety/panic disorders would not understand. This was in fact not the case. The whole team i was with did a fantastic job at keeping me calm and informed the whole time. When the pre med work was done the nurse put a post-it note on my file stating i suffered from panic attacks. When i got to the cath lab the anesthesiologist was amazing, she told me she would give me the right "cocktail" and she did, i was awake through the whole process but NEVER felt any problems, even with the X-Ray scanner head a few inches from my face.

If you have to have this procedure, just tell them before hand and i am sure you will be fine as was i.

Also got good news in that my heart is completely clear of any blockages.......
Posted 8/12/2017 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
That's fantastic!!! I'm so happy for you. And even with the drugs, count this one as a SUCCESS and look back on it for rough roads ahead. You did well!
Posted 8/12/2017 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, so glad to get it over with
Posted 8/12/2017 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
G.,

Up top my friend!!! I am so proud of you.😊

This is a fantastic report...and awesome news regarding your results.

Enjoy this feeling of relief and the knowledge that you are stronger now than ever!

S.C.
Posted 8/12/2017 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi G
I'm glad all went well
I still can't face my dentist as I keep postponing my appointment..
I live with this toothe ache everyday..
Keep well.
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