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Panic help... :c

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Posted 10/22/2011 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
Well my doctor thinks I have IBS and I get panic attacks because my dry mouth and the feeling something is stuck in my throat. I'm getting an endoscopy and since I'm anxious already I'm scared the medication might just freak me out, same with being awake while they do it. shakehead I also wonder if this lump in my throat is common for anxiety and IBS.... I always get attacks because it feels like I'm choking or can't breathe or something is stuck. It happens every time I swallow and I have trouble swallowing already. I'm not really sure what to do while waiting for my endoscopy appointment. shakehead
Posted 10/22/2011 9:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Serah nice to see you joined, im new to this site too and the support has been terrific! i recently just found out i had Anxiety and Panic issues, and that was one of my first symptoms was having a hard time swallowing and when i couldn't get that full gulp i would start getting that panic feeling. After a while i realised i was trying to swallow because i thought i wasn't getting enough air when i really was but my thoughts were making my body feel that way. Same with trying to keep taking deep breaths over and over again quickly, until i couldn't get the full breath and start to panic. I found out that when that kind of stuff is happening if you try to slow down and just concentrate on taking slow deep breaths through your stomach and relaxing it could help alot, or at least enough where you wont get the panic feeling. And also i never wanted to take medication my whole life and was nervous when i started on this issue, it helped me alot and would most likely help you too. This is just my case and my oppinion. but see if works :)
Posted 10/22/2011 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Serah and welcome! You have received some great advice from Ty already, so I will just add a couple of ideas about your swallowing trouble.

This is a very common anxiety symptom, and in fact was the first one that I experienced. It is called globus, which means 'ball', referring to the sensation of having a lump in your throat. If you do a search here at HW, you will find many articles on this subject!

That is not to say that you shouldn't follow through with your appointment and test...but I would not be suprised if you check out all clear. (if you are extemely nervous about your appointment, ask your dr. for something to help you relax beforehand.)

As far as relief, sipping water almost constantly helped me, as did lozenges/hard candies, chewing gum. Keeping the throat hydrated seemed to be crucial.

I also would tilt my head back and let my mouth hang open, while gently massaging the neck muscles around the throat area. When anxious, they become tight, causing the problem.

I hope that this helps, and that you can start to feel better soon. Keep posting here if it helps, and let us know how you are doing soon.

Take care,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/22/2011 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice! The doctor said I was very dehydrated, so I drank a full bottle of gatorade, but now I'm sipping on water. For some reason though, the water seems to dry out my mouth and throat even more. I'm not sure if that means things are more serious or if I'm thinking about it too much. <=(
Posted 10/22/2011 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
The Gatorade is actually full of sugar and salts, and should probably be avoided unless your electrolytes are low, (due to excessive exercise, or from being ill with a stomach bug) it could actually exacerbate the dehydration.

Keep on with the water, or tea, or a flavored water for some variety:)

Let us know how your test goes, and best wishes:)

S.C.
Posted 10/22/2011 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Is water supposed to dry my mouth and throat out though? It's really weird. Maybe flavored water would help, I'll try it tonight!
Posted 10/23/2011 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
Serah-

I have seen a commercial for a new product that is supposed to help with dry mouth. I believe it is a rinse or something. Dry mouth can cause it's own problems in the mouth. Some of my meds cause dry mouth and I too have felt that plain water feels like it doesn't help at all.

As for the endoscopy goes, most GI's give you sedation for it. I have had a lot of them and normally don't remember any of the scope.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 10/24/2011 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you! I'm worried about aspiration also even though I don't have a fever, but since I have trouble swallowing I am paranoid :c
Posted 10/24/2011 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to HW it is always good to see new members you have found a great support network and will meet others who know what you are going through. You have received some great advise so I just wanted to pop in and say hi.

Hibee
Posted 10/25/2011 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Well I'm back from my endoscopy. It was really uncomfortable... I'm glad it's over lol. Anyway they found nothing bad apparently, the biopsy results are still waiting for me though and I'm kinda nervous. Hopefully it's nothing. I also had a BAD panic attack when they put the IV in my arm so bad that my limbs contracted. XD but they gave me oxygen through a tube and then I was fine.
Posted 10/25/2011 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, I am glad that it is over and done with Serah! Good job on being brave and getting through it!

I am sorry that you had some panic...I hate IVs as well:(

What is the biopsy of? I am sure that it will be a good result...but the waiting is really hard I know. Try to keep distracted and remind yourself that it is not time to think or worry about it until you do receive your results. (and then you'll see that it is fine, and there was no reason to stress!)

Take care and let us know how it turns out...for now get some rest!

S.C.
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