New to panic attacks

Actually, I don't even know if what has happened is for sure panic attacks. I am in the process of going to doctors to determine it is not neurological or heart related. But I have been reading a lot on the internet, and all of the symptoms point in the same direction. After today, I feel most certain I am afflicted with this problem, and I am terrified.

I am 32 years old. My Mother has suffered from high anxiety her whole life. Last Wednesday (July 4th), I was in the middle of Transformers (the movie), and all of the sudden felt as if I couldn't breathe. My heart started pounding, I felt disconnected and dizzy, and I lost all feeling in my hands. I was afraid I was having a heart attack. My fiance helped me to the car, and the feeling went away. Then two days later, the same thing happened again.

The really bad side is that I started a new job today. I was fine this morning, but my new boss wanted to take me to lunch, and as soon as we got in his car, I felt a little dizzy. Immediately, I began to think I was going to have another attack, and that I would not be able to do anything because I was stuck with my boss (not to mention being terribly embarrassed if it happened). Then from there, I was in "panic" mode all day. I didn't have an attack, but I was so worried and stressed out, it caused me to focus on my breathing, and quite honestly, I have no idea what he said or what I said from 12 o'clock on. I kept counting numbers in my head to try to prevent myself from having an attack. Now I've found out I have to drive in a car with three other people for an hour and a half on Wednesday and sit in training. I am terrified. I have no idea how I am going to manage this, and I can't get out of it without risking losing my new job. I am in a corporate level position at a bank.

I don't really have any questions, but I don't know anyone else who has suffered these problems. I can't really get any medication until I get on my new insurance in September. Right now, I'm just trying to figure out if I can make it through Wednesday.

I'll appreciate any sympathizing or if anyone has any great ideas. I haven't figured out how to calm myself yet as I only started dealing with this on Wednesday. I am so afraid of having another attack, I'm going to cause myself to have another attack.

Thanks for listening/reading.

Welcome to our lil family
So glad you found us here
Some drug companies from my understanding will help you out with meds.....if you have RX for them at present and explain your predicament ..........''
I know others that have posted and taked about this I believe Janet did if not mistaken
In the interrim Kitt is right
Anticiapatory Anxiety is the worst
Stay with us hun and get the support you need '
As for this long car ride how about going at it in a "lil Journey " type thing and leaving the a/p out of the pic
YES it may be hard but at least give it a shot
DONT forget we are all here to lend our support and caring
LYN

that is EXACTLY like me, seriously. I was getting heavy nausia and sickness and then i felt as though i couldn't breathe. Somtimes i would be fine, but the second i felt i wasn't in controll of my enviroment and that i couldn't get an easy escape if i needed too, i would start to think "do i feel sick, am i having an attack?" and sure enough, that triggered an attack, or at the least made it hard to breath, because i was focusing on it so much.
I don't know if this is too late now, and i'm really sorry if it is too late and you have already had your meeting, but try this site http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23069094 My therapist showed me it, and it did actually help me quite a bit. Also i find music helps me, if you could maybe get a personal player with you without seeming unsocial? Or if that wasn't an option, maybe planning something you have to do later in EXACT detail in your head, getting on a thought trail. That kind of thing helps me a lot. I really admire your bravery in all this, it takes a strong person. If it does happen, think to yourself "i remember this feeling from when it happened before, and i was actually fine in the end before, this is just a panic attack and is caused completely by my mind." I know thats easier said then done, but try and keep that somewhere in your mind.
i really hope this has been of some help, sorry its a bit long, i tend to go on a bit! I really hope the best for you on this work journey and for the new job in general.

Hi, I suffer from panic attacks and I understand what you are going through. Oten times the anticipation of tne attack or anxiety is worse than the actual attack. It is true that you need to tell yourself to stay in the present, here and now. I take Lorazepam for my attacks and I have also had cognitive behanvioral therapy which may or may not work. Just know that you are not alone with this problem. Exercise helps to relieve anxiety and you might talk to your Dr. about some medication. The one thing I know for sure is that you will not expire from a panic attack even though it feels that bad. Try to think positive thoughts and remember they only last a short time. You are very brave to drive by yourself! Driving is the one thing that is difficult for me so limits my world. Take care.

How are you doing today
Feeling a bit better knowing you have support and caring does help out immensely
LYN