Panic Disorder

Panic_Disorder

New Member

Joined : Jul 2015

Posts : 9

Posted 8/9/2015 5:28 PM (GMT 0)

Hello I'm new here

I was diagnosed with panic disorder 2 months ago. I get symptoms of chest pain,arm numbness,shaking,hard to breathe. I've been to the ER more than I care to admit. All in fear I'm having a heart attack. After 7 ekgs,chest trays,and blood work. They say my heart is fine. I'm now on medicine and go to see a therapist in September. But I still get these pains and I feel like I'm alone. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms? I had blood work done on my heart last week and found out I have high cholesterol levels. But I'm diet and exercising to work on lower it. A friend suggested to check out this website until my therapist can see me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading

Nightcrawler65
Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2015

Posts : 376

Posted 8/9/2015 6:19 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome to the forum. If you haven't already, please check out the resources available. There is lots of information to help develop coping skills.

Personally speaking, I have little experience of chest pain in relation to anxiety, but I have seen a lot of posts since joining regarding this very issue. As a starting point, I would suggest adopting a positive mantra when chest pains are giving you problems as you have been assured your heart is healthy by numerous tests.

I like to think of it like this - before we had our anxiety troubles, we would not think catastrophically (usually) about any uncomfortable or relatively harmless symptoms/illness like heartburn and headaches. We just need some guidance to get back to that point.

Scaredy Cat
Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 8/9/2015 10:20 PM (GMT 0)

Hi PF and welcome.

I am sorry that you are going through this...I know how it feels, and it is miserable.

It is great that you have sought help...and your Rx should begin to help soon. (It can take several weeks to reach a therapeutic level.)

Also, the fact that you'll be starting therapy next month is fantastic to hear! I can't tell you how much this helped me!

So all in all...including reaching out here...you are on your way! :)

Check out our Resources at the top of the main page here for great self help material. ..including help for panic attacks and physical symptoms. .let me know if there is anything specific you would like me to pull up and post for you, okay?

Looking forward to getting to know you better. :)

Talk soon!

Scaredy Cat

AnxiousTexan
Regular Member

Joined : Dec 2014

Posts : 377

Posted 8/10/2015 12:24 AM (GMT 0)

Hey there, welcome! This is really a great group. Agree that before our anxiety/panic "troubles" began, we didn't give a second thought to a quick chest pain, tingling in limbs, headache, etc...

This nervous condition magnifies everything when we are feeling it and in turn catastrophises it also. What you are experiencing is common among we sufferers, so take some comfort in that.

A book I read that really helped me understand my overactive nerves was, "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes, a legend in the field of anxiety treatment. She wrote several books on the topic.

I've found a lot of success with therapy and meds, so glad you're starting both. Stay strong and keep close to us!

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