Back to back panic attacks?!

Hi all! I'm new to this site and I'm just trying to connect with others who experience the same type of thing as I do.. I've recently had a drastic change in my life and I think that's what's causing the constant panic attacks. about a week or two ago I had my first attic in several months in a restaurant. It came out of nowhere although i knew I was feeling anxious. Numbess in my extremities, feelings of doom and death, it felt like the entire room was moving fast and slow all at once. It subsided eventually .. I got up and went to the bathroom and splashed some cold water on my neck and face..

For the last week I've had a cold as well as some shortness of breath on ocassion. (Naturally I convinced myself it was pulmonary emboli or DVT-- but I'm 25, healthy and workout regularly) anyway.. Tonight I had what I can only describe as back to back panic attacks. Shortness of breath began and before I knew it I was in a full blown panic attack.. My heart was beating out of my chest and all I wanted to do was go to the hospital .. I didn't. The panic attack stopped only to begin again several minutes later when I began to wonder if I have an underlying heart condition. This all sounds so crazy as I type it. But I was thrown into another attack only a little less severe than the first. Then my panic attack aftermath began.. Chills, nausea, left Arm pain... I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced more than one panic attack in a row? This has never happened before. Also does anyone else get the after effect symptoms ? Since these have been happening more frequently than normal I will definitely be making an appointment with my PCP. I look forward to hearing back from anyone with some insight .. Thanks !

Hi NZ and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your currentl A/P struggle.:( Yes, I too have been in that cycle of panic...awful!

I too am glad that you are going to be consulting with you doctor, as this is the logical first step. At this time, you can discuss treatment options such as medication, therapy or both.

For now, you can check out these self-help ideas that you can get started on right away. They can be done anytime/where, and are really effective if practiced regularly!

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Keep talking with us as well. We understand what you are going through, and will be here to listen anytime. Support is key!

Talkt to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

I've recently had two days when I would get really anxious can not sit still heart would get faster and faster and the next thing is a full blown panic attack pulse of 160 and I call everyone to get my kind of it then it lessens for about 5 min and then again it comes back and the whole back to back episodes last an hour , i have taken Xanax both times and I hate taking the pills knowing how bad they are for you , now I'm scared of these attacks thinking everytime when these attack come will I run to Xanax and not have courage to act them , it's really scary before my attacks would last about 20 min that's it, I would e anxious after the attacks but never had I had back to back like this , I think my body is sick o dealing with this for a year now so I bet my system is just over it .
Very scary though I can say I was lucky then with my single attacks :(