Greetings from Panicville

Hi,

I'm a 35 y/o married woman diagnosed with panic disorder and OCD. I had went almost 16 months without a "BAD (having to go tot he ER)" panic until March. In March I had a MAJOR one and HAD to go to the ER. They said they thought it was os bad because I also had a severe tooth absess that was on the sinuses and the ear canal nerve (I suppose that is possible). Finally got the teeth out but still having issues.

So scared again. I was going out, going on trips, having fun, etc. Now, I am scared to do much and am trapped in the house. I'm even scared in the house.

I also get "floaty" head feeling, chest pains (I have IBS-D and extreme gas EKG and other heart tests performed) but this makes it MUCH worse.

Any advice for the panic or gas that makes me feel like a heart attack which causes the panic attacks as of late? I am tired of being a prisoner of my own mind.

Meds: Zoloft/Klonopin/Neurontin/ Ativan (as needed)

Diagnoses: SVT/Panic/OCD/IBS-D (A really)/GERD

Thanks in advance and God Bless -- so tired of being scared and HURTING from the IBS. Between the two life is miserable.  

Hi an welcome.

I am sorry to hear that you have started having an increase in your anxiety and symptoms lately.:(...I am really glad that you have joined us however, as I know that you will get a lot of support and understanding here, and that in itself is very healing!

Have you sought any help with therapy for the panic? CBT is especially helpful in dealing with the negative and fearful thinking that keeps perpetuating the anxiety and panic and resulting symptoms.

If you haven't tried therapy as part of your treatment plan, then I highly recommend it! Many members including myself have gained steps to recovery in this way.

I can also recommend taking a look into our Anxiety/Panic Resources (main page, 2nd post. It is full of good self-help ideas that could help you right away.:)

Keep talking with us as well. We are glad that you have joined us and look forward to getting to know you better.

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

I am not a doctor, so take this for what you will, but when I was on 200mg Zoloft I would get a floaty feeling from time to time. Sometimes it would almost feel like I had just stepped off an elevator. Zoloft on that high of dose helped me, but lost of side effects seemed to crop up once I crossed into the higher dose, and they stuck with me for the whole year I was on the 200mg dose. Everyone is different though, and reacts to meds differently, so I don't want to seem like I am telling you that it is just the Zoloft or anything, it was just my experience.

My recommendation is to also talk to a Psychiatrist. Not just a therapist. I found that my psychiatrist seemed to know more about medications and was able to quickly find a better fit for me. Zoloft saved my life and stabilized me, but different SSRIs impact different people different ways, and I found one that was a better fit. Don't do anything just based on my advice, always listen to medical professionals, and don't mess with your meds at all until you do (changing dose and all that can cause its own effects).

My heart goes out to you. I have battle that crippling anxiety my whole life as well. Time will give you the skills to be a happy and functional person, it just is terrible to have to wait at all for it. But so many people are successful and you are not alone.

You are welcome . It is always nice to know when you are not the only person experiencing something! I always hated that elevator feeling. My best wishes to you, and don't let those pesky side effects hold you back.