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panic disorder or something else?

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Posted 4/3/2011 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. I'm a new member. Here's my story:



Last week I started experiencing symptoms that I thought might be related to panic disorder. I wake up very lightheaded and dizzy. I get random chest pains throughout the day and I get very fatigued from the simplest activities (walking, simple household chores, etc.) The fatigue often makes me feel like I am going to pass out but I never do. After the fatigue sets in is when I start to panic. I feel like I am going to pass out. My heart races, and when chest pain is involved, I feel like I am going to have a heart attack. I have also been dealing with some acid reflux problems in the past several months (heartburn, stomach pain, etc.).



I went to the doctor this past week and he said it could be anxiety or a thyroid problem. I had my blood tested for any thyroid problem and the results came back normal. He prescribed me with a beta blocker (inderal - 20 mg), but so far I haven't felt any different. I may go back to the doctor next week to get a complete physical.



I guess what I am most worried about right now is the extreme fatigue I am constantly feeling, and the stomach/intestinal pain. The extreme fatigue has been very debilitating as I cannot work and can barely walk around without feeling tired and lightheaded. I know that everyone with panic disorder has different symptoms...but are the symptoms I've described common??? Or do I most likely have a different problem??? Any help or advice is very appreciated!!
Posted 4/3/2011 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
chadwickb

Welcome to HealingWell. I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well.

I am womdering if anyone has thought of checking your gallbladder ? Even a heart attack may mimic a gallbladder attack as well as reverse.

Also GERD may be a cause of your sx.

Heartburn usually is described as a burning pain in the middle of the chest. It may start high in the abdomen or may extend up into the neck. Sometimes the pain may be sharp or pressure-like, rather than burning. Such pain can mimic heart pain (angina). In other patients, the pain may extend to the back. Typically heartburn related to GERD is seen more commonly after a meal. Other symptoms of GERD include:

Hoarseness. If acid reflux gets past the upper esophageal sphincter, it can enter the throat (pharynx) and even the voice box (larynx), causing hoarseness or a sore throat.
Laryngitis
Nausea

Sore throat
Chronic dry cough, especially at night. GERD is a common cause of unexplained coughing. It is not clear how cough is caused or aggravated by GERD.

Asthma. Some of these nerves that are stimulated by the refluxed acid stimulate the nerves to the lungs, which then can cause the smaller breathing tubes to narrow, resulting in an attack of asthma.

Feeling as if there is a lump in your throat.

Bad breath

Earaches

Chest pain/discomfort

If you are still having problems you may want to see a GI Physician.

Take care and stick with us.

Kindly,

Kitt
Posted 4/4/2011 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the response Kitt!

I thought at one point that it might be a gallbladder problem, but isn't gallbladder pain generally on the right side of the abdomine? I haven't experienced that yet. I'm thinking I could have GERD, but I'm still really confused as to what is causing my weakness and fatigue... I guess with a symptom that vague, it could be anything...
Posted 4/4/2011 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome! I am sorry that you are going through all of this. When I was at the peak of my panic disorder, I was so wrung out and miserable, everyday felt like an effort to get through.

How long have you been dealing with A/P? How acute is your panic disorder, ie., attacks everyday? Is it affecting your sleep? (not able to fall/stay asleep, waking early, disturbed sleep by nightmares or nocturnal attacks?) All of these things could be contributing to your fatigue.

I do think that a thorough check-up is an excellent idea. Not because there is any cause for worry, but rather because it is a good idea for any individual to have regular doctor's visits.

Also, take time to do your breathing/relaxation exercises to re-charge during the day. These will go a long way in battling the A/P and helping you to feel better overall. We have several great links in the A/P resource bulletin at the top of the boards.

I hope that you can get the help and answers you need soon. Post anytime with questions, sharing and updates. This is a great place for information and support!:)

Take care,
Scaredy Cat
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