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Panic disorder or heart problems?

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Posted 1/1/2013 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to this forum, but wanted to see if others have gone through what I'm going through. I have had anxiety for 20 years. I'm a 42 year old female, happily married with 2 children. I have been on Paxil for about 15 years. It's been helping my panic attacks.
In the last few days I have had what I would describe as palpitations. Also, nausea, dizziness, and pressure in my head. I had a doctors app. Yesterday and had an EKG and blood tests. I'm waiting for results! The doctor didn't seem to be too concerned, most likely because of my anxiety history! I feel like I will never be taken seriously about my health because of my past with panic! Any thoughts?
Posted 1/1/2013 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum! I'm also a pretty new member and I've found the people here to be incredibly supportive and compassionate.

I'm sorry that you're experiencing such bad symptoms right now. I hope that you feel better soon!

A lot of doctors don't take anxiety patients seriously. If you feel as though this doctor is not taking your symptoms seriously enough, it might be worth it to get a second opinion.

I'm guessing that these symptoms are not your usual anxiety symptoms, or you would not be getting these tests? It sounds similar to what I experience with anxiety, but if this is not usual for you it is definitely worth getting checked out. A lot of physical illnesses can mimic the side effects of anxiety.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing.

Best wishes for the new year.

Av
Posted 1/1/2013 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Cdnnlln Welcome to Healing well and the A & P Forum. This is the place to come if you have questions or concerns about anxiety/panic, related medications and their side effects and recovery. Some of our members have been living with anxiety and related disorders for years, while others are new to this disorder.     This can be a difficult question and finding the answer to what is causing your symptoms can be a long journey for some.  There is a difference between cardiac pain and heart attacks versus anxiety attacks.  If you have seen your Dr. and have not heard back from him, than I would encourage you to call him as interpreting an ECG and labs is not a huge issue.  Most Drs. will give you the results of your ECG as soon as it has been completed.   I have had anxiety for 30 years and I understand the feeling of not being "taken seriously" by the medical profession.   Do not hesitate to seek out a second opinion if your sx continue.
Posted 1/2/2013 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
omg, same here. I have panic and anxiety...I have been on paxil cr for 11 years and have been great. The last few months I have had feeling my heart beat, not very hungry (lost 9 pounds) and most recently the head pressure. I feel the same way, because of anxiety no one takes me serious. I had an EKG which they said was fine. I also had a stress test in September which they said was ok. I feel like crap and my ears and head have pressure. I do not know what to do. It is interfering with my daily life because I am paniced all day long.
Posted 1/2/2013 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
I'm waiting for my test results to come back, but if they come back okay I think I may have to go up in mg on my Paxil. I'm at 10mg right now. Maybe 20 will help? Gizmofab, have you adjusted your meds?
Posted 1/2/2013 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Cdnnlln

I have adjusted my meds many times and the trick is to give the adjustment a fair trial.  Some meds are rough and we just don't tolerate them but if you feel the Paxil is working some than increasing your dose may be your best bet if this is what you and your Dr. decide to do.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 1/2/2013 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Kitt, I appreciate your input.
Posted 1/2/2013 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
You are very welcome.  I am the queen of "let's try this me/let's try that med" and it has taught me a lot - most of all advocate for myself.

Kitt

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