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PANIC ATTACK OR WHAT???

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/16/2013 10:51 AM (GMT 0)
I'm 32. Been through a lot the past
2 years. Lost my dad after a long
battle with leukemia (CLL), lost my
sister-in-law to eclampsia. Had to
fend for the entire family when my
brother lost his job. And a lot of
issues at work.
In August, I suffered a panic attack.
I go through this almost on a daily
basis. Lately, I was so scared I had
a heart condition (shortness of
breathing, dizziness, gas in the
throat only). Even after doctor's
examination with my BP 130/80,
pulse rate at 72bpm and his
assurances that it was "only a panic
attack" I insisted on an ECG. The
result is not out. I'm so worried. I
find it difficult to sleep. I almost
feel as if I'm choking or my heart is
going to stop whenever I shut my
eyes.
What's wrong with me? Can someone
talk to me? Anyone with any helpful
words, experience or information?
Posted 10/16/2013 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
hi manuel, sorry to hear you're having such problems. once you get the result of your EKG, you will have a better idea of what you are dealing with. i would suggest you talk with your regular doctor to find out if there are actually any health concerns, or if it's just anxiety.

if it is just anxiety, there are still things you can do. there are some resources on page 1 of this message board. you can do a lot for yourself with deep breathing, relaxation and stopping negative thoughts.

you also might consider a therapist or counselor. they are trained to help people with severe anxiety. talking about it with someone like a therapist will hopefully calm you down, and they can help you with the negative thinking you have that something is wrong.

i also suggest you keep posting here. you will get a lot of good feedback, and you are among people who understand.

best wishes.
Posted 10/16/2013 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
It definitely sounds like anxiety to me. many folks think it is a heart problem when they're first dealing with it. I'd practically guarantee you that your heart is okay.
You are under a lot of stress and pressure and you are feeling overwhelmed. This is probably the source of your panic attack. Panic attacks are hard to put up with, but they can't kill you. There are things you can do to feel better though! There are great resources here. Also, talk to your doctor about your anxiety and see what they may can do to help!
take care!
jl
Posted 10/16/2013 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
(I erased your other duplicate post...as I had responded to that one first, then found this new thread started by you.:)  I have copied my response here...which repeats pretty much what awesome members Display and Janet Lee have already advised, but anyway, here it is.:)


Hi Manuel and welcome!


I am sorry to hear of your losses and the anxiety that it has stirred up for you. It is not unusual for anxiety to be triggered by a loved one's illness/passing.

I am sure that your EKG results are going to come back fine. We have had many members (understandably) who have had concern for their hearts....because panic and heart issues can be very similar.

When you go in to see your doctor about your results, it would be a good time to talk about your treatment options. Therapy and or medication are the usual choices for anxiety management.

However, we have some really effective ideas in our Resources here. (main page, 1st post) Take a look at the breathing, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation exercises in there. They will help to bring down overall anxiety levels, and reduce symptoms. There are also great articles and book recommendations included.

Keep posting with us as well. We are here to listen, understand and support.

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

Posted 10/16/2013 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, beautiful people.

It's so liberating hearing those words. Will get back as soon as I pick up the ECG report.

Bless you.

Manuel
Posted 10/16/2013 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Yes please do follow up with us and allow us to support you through this time, and help you to navigate through what is most certainly anxiety.

We understand how you are feeling and are here to listen and help in whatever way we can.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/16/2013 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, nice people.

Some relief! Phew!

My ECG report is out. It reads: RATE= Normal, AXIS= Normal, SINUS RHYTHM: PR Interval= N, ORS COMPLEX= N, OT INTERVAL= Normal, R/S in V5<1, SV1+RV5= Normal, PROMINENT T WAVES V2-V5 (Normal Ver.). SUMMARY: "ESSENTIALLY NORMAL ECG"

Met the specialist. He confirmed what most of you said: that I'm suffering from "Panic Attack." I'll be seeing a therapist next week. However, I was giving Propranolol Hydrochloride and a sleeping pill.

NB.: I suffered a terrible bout of panic attack earlier today. This was after receiving the news of the death of my office guard who slumped Monday evening on his way home. This triggered some crazy thoughts! I was breathless, sweating, numb, my mouth was dry, intense fear as if I was going to slump!

I had to run out of the house to see some friends. Got well when I was with them. Better when it was confirmed that my heart was fine.

I'm about taking the drugs now. 'Heard of the side effects of Propranolol i.e. nightmares, insomnia (the sleep pill should counteract this I guess).

I want to thank you guys for this platform. I felt I was suffering from some strange ailment, hitherto.

Lots of love from me and my friends!
Posted 10/16/2013 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Great news!

I am so glad for you and the good results.:) I am also glad to hear that you have received a good Rx (Propranolol/beta blocker has helped many people with their anxiety/panic issues) and are planning on attending therapy! This will all make a huge difference in the way you feel, and help you to manage the anxiety.

Keep posting with us if you find it helpful. Let us know how you are doing soon with your treament plan.

S.C.
Posted 10/17/2013 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
It's great that you felt better with your friends around. Some people with panic issues want to withdraw from others, except maybe their immediate family members. As to the Propranolol, I was on it for a short time and it does help you not to spiral into a panic attack (it's something that some musicians have used to be able to face an audience despite stage fright!). however, if you start feeling extremely tired and deeply depressed, you might want to check with your doctor. The dose I was on was too high and all I wanted to do was lay on the sofa and cry. After he lowered the dose, I was okay.
Anyhow, it sounds like you're doing aall the right things! keep up the good work and don't give up!
jl
Posted 10/17/2013 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
Worried again!

I'm worried at the long list of side effects attributed to Propranolol Hydrochloride!

Is there something else that would work with lesser or less harmful side effects?

Advice please?

Manuel
Posted 10/17/2013 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
M.,

Any medication has a risk of side effects, and everyone will have a different experience, as these are highly individual.

Ultimately you just need to give it a try and see for yourself how you do. Remember your doctor evaluated you personally, and picked the best medication for you and your situation, so you can feel good about that.

To my knowledge, your Rx is fairly low on the side effects scale...but again, you will just have to try and see how you feel and do.

To help you to relax and be able to take your medication without so much worry, you may first want to get to a calm place by lowering your overall anxiety with coping skills. You can try some of the breathing and progressive muscle relaxation and meditation found in our Resources.

I wish you the best. Know that many people here understand how you feel and are cheering you on.

Keep posting!

S.C.
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