please help!! need reassurance...

I have been suffering from these HORRIFYING episodes for almost 2 years...after uncountable trips to the E.R. and various doctors/specialists, all my test have come back clean; and therefore diagnosed with anxiety... HOWEVER, i continue to be in complete denial that I owe these episodes to nothing more than anxiety. I honestly feel I have some life threatening illness thats not been detected on the tests. Ever since these episodes have began occuring, I have not been able to enjoy life and I have been in denial to the fact that I'm going through a point of depression (due to worrying about my "condition"). I live in fear of these attacks because at the moment of the attack, I simply feel as though I'm living in my last moments. My symtoms include: increased HR, chest/throat discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness/dizziness, tremors, blurred vision, and tingling/burning of the arms, legs, and neck. For the life of me, I cannot accept that these horrific episodes are due to anxiety, mainly because they appear at the least expected/unstresful times....times when I feel my calmest (for example; shopping in one of my favorite stores)....Theres a possibility that my mind would be put more at ease if there was someone who has also experienced similar symptoms and knows that this sounds like nothing more than anxiety...please HELP... I anxiously await the day that my life is back to "normal" again :(

Sailorpizza said...
Mslady all of those symptoms can be caused by anxiety. I'm not a Dr. My words here are not advice on your medical condition. But I have been through the same ordeal. I had chest pain so bad I went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack AT 32!! All tests are normal, heart is fuctioning fine. I refused to believe it... went through every heart test the Dr's could give, all normal, End diagnosis.... Anxiety. And just like you, I couldn't buy it because the pains hit when I was sitting at home watching TV, or Strolling around my favorite craft store, or just cooking dinner. Why not when I'm at work up to my ears in stress? Why not in Martial Art class when I'm pushing my body physically? My arms and legs would burn so bad I would scratch at myself for relief, and end up with huge long scratches on my arms and hands.
Has something happened recently in your life? Something major? Are you dreading something? Maybe you've come to hate your job, or having to deal with something? My attacks always start around the time when there is something looming that I have to do and I either don't know how to do it, or dread doing it. And they hit when I'm not sitting there thinking "hrmm i have to do that task" I was just watching little house on the prarie and WHAM.. anxiety jumps on me in the recliner.

Sailorpizza...I dont feel anything major has occured in my life to the point of anxiety being the result. Other than experiencing some issues in my relationship for the past couple of years (thats had me alittle down), and my occupation being semi-stressful on a daily..(I'm a teacher, so you can imagine, :) I never felt I was overly stressed, however,  I'm possibly subconsciously stressing/worrying about things to a certain extent more than I realize???....But feels good to know that maybe my doctor DOES know what he's talking about after all   Thanks so much for the input....

marj said...
Hi MsLady

I also suffered from anxiety few months ago. we have the same conditions everytime anxiety attacks. [increased HR, chest/throat discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness/dizziness, tremors, blurred vision, and tingling/burning of the arms, legs, and neck.] I was rushed to ER several times last year because I feel like dying. I consulted a cardiologist and tests are normal. Since the only cure of this condition is proper mindset and worry-free mind, I made a conviction not to dwell on worrying about something dreaded in my health condition. Its not easy but as you properly handle your fears, anxiety will eventually disappear. Find time for yourself. Read inspirational books. Eat plenty of fruits, increase water intake. Avoid coffee and alcoholic drinks, take a cup of chamomile tea before sleeping at night. Always remind yourself you are not sick and your condition will be fine. Be patient, you cant do it overnight. Healing is a process. Find time to exercise. Watch feel-good movies, laughter is a big help. Talk to your family and friends more often. Don’t feel sorry for yourself because of your condition, it wont help. You are not alone, I’ve been suffering from that condition too. Find time to talk to God and pray.

Hi marj...I will definitely try all the pointers you've suggested above ...I've been also trying to remind myself that God is taking me through this for a reason. I will have a testimony in the end! Thanks so much for your input and suggestions!! God Bless :)

So far, attacks have not completely stopped but the frequency and intensity has tremendously decreased. Just hoping it will only keep getting bettter from here!!