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Posted 6/18/2014 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone is well tonight. I just had a small panic attack. I was just sitting watching TV with my husband and the familiar sensation of my heart "dropping" (don't know how else to describe it), light headed, heart started to race, trouble swallowing, and a need to "escape". Now my forearms feel weak. I think it all started when I thought that maybe the cough and shallow breathing I have had for the last week is really lung cancer. I think that thought crossed my mind and not a minute later, the panic attack came on. I have been feeling really good lately, it's been a few months since my last attack. It's crazy that no matter how long it's been or how often it happens, it still scares me SO MUCH every time it happens. Just wanted to vent to some others that know what it's like.

Best,

Gigi
Posted 6/18/2014 4:29 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, and I forgot to mention that the cough and shallow breathing are from a cold/sinus thing that I have had for the past week. Another girl I work with even had the SAME thing, so it isn't some random illness that I have come down with. :) When I breathe in I start to cough, so it is hard for me to take a deep breath. Then I feel like I can't breathe and then I start to get panicky. Tonight was the first time it became a full fledged panic attack though.
Posted 6/18/2014 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi M.G. and welcome back...

...though I am sorry that is is due to an attack.:(

You know, one of the things I learned in therapy that really stuck is how fleeting thoughts can have really powerful impacts on us...even subconsciously.

You may not even have been actively worrying about lung cancer, but that thought was enough to trigger an attack...incredible how our thoughts can affect us!

I hope that you are feeling better from the panic episode now, and that you can have a good night's rest...so that you can rest and recover from your virus.

Breathing issues do to cold and sinus issues can definitely be triggers for those who deal with A/P!

Wishing you wellness and no more attacks. Post anytime. :)

S.C.
Posted 6/18/2014 4:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks S.C....that's why I love you guys! I can come by anytime and always get caring responses from someone who understands. I'm feeling a little better. A little "off", but that's pretty normal for me and lasts for a while after a panic attack. I'm going to watch a funny movie or TV show. That always helps.

Oh, and you're right, it is so unbelievable how a fleeting thought can have such an effect. I wasn't even concentrating on that thought, but I'm sure that is what sent me into a panic attack.
Posted 6/18/2014 11:02 AM (GMT 0)
feel better mg. many healing thoughts i send.
Posted 6/19/2014 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Happy Turtle. Hope you are feeling well tonight.
Posted 6/19/2014 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hope you feel better soon.. My sinus's are terrible right now too.. Although my anxiety has been doing better, today I had a few heart palps.. I know it was from not breathing right. But I feel it has to be my heart or lungs. I hate all the things that can trigger this.. I have been doing much better and trying not to keep thinking about it.. Hoping your mind can relax soon too..
Posted 6/19/2014 9:04 AM (GMT 0)
thx mg. me a tad better. keeping strong. you do likewise okay. healing thoughts to you.
Posted 6/19/2014 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear your anxiety is doing better Paddi!! I hope you feel better soon!
Posted 6/20/2014 11:00 AM (GMT 0)
I've come to realize it doesn't matter if you have 1 panic attack or 1000, they ALL feel like the first time- scary and gross. Thankfully they're not deadly lol and if you can recall your scoping skills during, it's very helpful. Easier said than done sometimes I realize!

Hope you're feeling better!

-Lisa
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