Rough Month

Hello,
I've been quiet on here, aside from the Chat room (which is great by the way). However my weeks have not. Previously in February I had two ER trips that came up with little result. I've had multiple follow-ups with my primary in between then. I had a CT scan of my abdomin last Friday and I received the results Tuesday. Everything clear. I had an appointment with my cardiologist Wednesday and he reviewed last year's echocardiogram and holter monitor. He seems to think everything looks ok. He said he wants me to do a sleep study as it is possible that I have sleep apnea of other sleep conditions. He also wants me to wear a 14 day looper event monitor. Anyway with all that in consideration I have been doing "ok", until today. Today I was going to drive to my hometown to visit family and afterwards go on vacation. Well I felt off this morning so I checked my BP, fairly good but my pulse was elevated 100-115 resting. I went ahead and finished getting ready. I was alright for the first 2 1/2 hours but I got to the point where I couldn't breath and my chest began hurting really bad. I honestly felt like this was the big one. I had no option but to call 911 family and relatives were 3 hours away either way. I was transported to the hospital and they ran the usual array of test. Of course everything came back clear. No explanation about why it happened. I guess you could call it a panic attack but I'm not completely sure. I've only felt bad enough to call the ambulance one time before and that time I had my parents take me. This is all just frustrating. I know I can't expect to just have answers but this has been such a tough month and I'm tired of being sick.
-Rxclusion

I've been there, had the whole 9 yards like you have, heart racing sometimes higher blood pressure, sometimes not, sometimes can't breathe sometimes I can, sometimes super tight chest, sometimes not, sometimes palpitations, sometimes not... and all of these will be mixed together at random all these different feelings, and every time my heart has come back fine after many trips to the E.R. and with holter monitors and all.

If your tests are all coming back fine and clear, then you are fine and clear, it's just this ***** of a thing we call anxiety/stress, it gets the better of you some days, try not to think about anything heart related, and try to keep yourself busy, it helps wonders.

I sincerely hope you get to feeling better, if I could take anxiety and stress away from everyone else but bare it on my own shoulders, I would, I know how hard this can be and I don't wish it on anyone.

Try to keep your head up though, all tests are coming back good, remember that every time you start to feel upset.

If it happens again take some slow deep breaths, in your nose, out your mouth and try to meditate for a bit, see if that helps.

-Jessica

Hi Rx,

I am so sorry that this happened today.:( Did you have to cancel your vacation? I hope not!

I remember you mentioning before that your doctor and therapist did not think that all of your issues were solely anxiety driven.

I meant to ask you if they had given any indication as to why they thought this?

I have heard of some people becoming almost completely incapitated with anxiety symptoms...yet on paper, physically they were completely healthy...so I am just wondering if they have seen some signs of an actual medical problem with you?

Keep working on your coping skills. Even if you do not have much confidence in them...it does start to help. Be as consistent as you can, this is key. Days when you feel good are tempting to 'take off' from the practices, but that can be counterproductive.

Know that we are here for your support. We feel for your current setback. However, we have been there, and know that better days are going to come for you!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.

Oh, I do remember you saying that your symptoms were not relieved by medication...

Can you remind me what you tried? Did you do an SSRI and benzo combination. Did it do nothing at all?

Sorry for the interagation...just trying to get the whole picture!;p

Also, I think that it might be a good idea to see another therapist, if for no other reason than to get another opinion...and to see if he/she had another take on your situation, or could see a new angle.

I don't know if I agree with the CBT/analytical mind not meshing statement of your current therapist. I am really analytical and I found it helpful!:)

Keep searching for the answers that you need. They are there, it is just a matter of finding them. I know it can get frustrating, but don't give up...

...and know that we are here to support you along the way!

S.C.