how long can this last?

Hi everyone, im new here. Well, kind of.  Ive been reading a lot of the info on here since october.  I want to say im sorry ahead of time if this is all over the place, but thats how i feel inside right now...

In October i had my first ever full fledge panic attack, (im 27) After the panic attack subsided i was left with the "derealization" feeling that ive read so much about here.  It scared me so bad that i ended up going to the emergency room, where i sat for a hour, they gave me a pill and told me to go home and relax.  A few days later i went to my regular doc, they did blood work and ruled out thyroid disease and anemia.  They gave me the lowest dosage of Valium they could give me and told me to see if it helped.  It made me sleep, so i was so groggy i couldnt tell if it helped or not.

Finally after a week or so my heart relaxed, the derealization slipped away and i felt pretty much normal.  But it didnt last, about a week after feeling good i was getting a tattoo worked on and before i knew it i was in the middle of another panic attack, and the derealization came along with it.  I told myself it would go away like it did before, but it didnt.  So i went back to the docs where they put me on 20mg of Prozac,  i do not want to be on a pill for the rest of my life to make me happy/sane...but i gave it a week, and started feeling depressed and worse than before, so i stopped.  I know it takes up to 4 weeks to really work, but the bottom line is, i dont want to be on it.

So that brings me to today.  i still always have somewhat of a derealization sensation, sometimes its much worse than other times, but still its always there and it makes it extremely difficult to do anything productive.  My appetite is out of wack, i lost 5 lbs.  im hungry one second but when i go to eat i start to gag, and i have a upset stomach most of the time.  I started taking omega3 fish oil, and magnesium yesterday hoping it will take the edge off.  What i really need is my life back.  Im losing myself in this, i feel like ive been on a different planet for the past 3 months.  

So im wondering,  does eventually your mind and body grow desensatized to the symptoms of panic disorder?  Like, it gets old and you get used to it and get over it? or does it stay.  I hate this.

Sorry this was so long, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

A/P can go away. For those of us for who it doesnt, I myself find the symptoms easier to cope with after 10 years.

Therapy (CBT, relaxation, etc) is a very important part of treating A/P. Some also need some meds - either short or long term. I dont take any special vitamins or such, but many here do...

Keep in mind that A/P can be like a vicious circle. It will cause physical symptoms (stomach, dizziness, headach, etc, etc.). Once started, the physical symptoms can feed more anxiety! For me, it's "Oh no, my stomach is acting up, here comes the anxiety!" I find treating the symptoms (when possible) also helps alleviate the A/P.

Keep a positive attitude and good luck!
Karen

I have had it worse than I do now so yes it can subside wit doing things to help it
I am so glad you found us here at HW
There really is no shame in having to take meds some just do
Hoping you continue to post and keep us in the loop on how you are doing
You be well and know you are now no longer alone
Lyn

I was told by my Dr that the lowest dose of valium 2.5 mgs -problably isnt strong enough to give someone much relief and valium will not cause a panic attack to end but will help with the reduction of anticipatory symptoms as has been stated. I truly believe a combination of things is needed to have lasting relief. I was extremely agoraphobic (couldn't leave the house) less than 9 months ago and I am currrently writing this 2500 miles away from my residence. I must disagree with the previous poster's comments about not going to a psychiatrist. had I not gone to a psychiatrist, I could not have learned that a trigger of much of my anxiety stemmed from the transactional basis of many of my relationships. Anxiety is a nature(genetic) and nurture condition you will have the biological component forever but you can do things to cause the nurture (triggering) part to be less prevelent and can thus deal with the anxiety better. To me and many people, meds (an ssri and valium in my case)and therapy designed by a learned professional in the field of anxiety is the way to go. You really need to have a seriousness about recovering, just wanting to isnt enough. Books can be helpful but your case does and will have traits that need to be dealt with individually. Also many times reading about thereputic measures is an excuse for not getting out and doing them.

Good luck with your recovery

I'm with Cyber and Lyn on this one. My Therapist helped me tremendously. I needed the grounding of having a professional and "normal" person tell me I could turn things around, show me how my thought processes were triggering the A/P, and to help me learn the coping skills. I couldnt have done if from a book. The books are great refresher courses for me though! Just like giving and recieving advice and support from this site helps too!

I now only have panic attacks a few times a year. Anxiety is a bit more often, but not nearly constant like it had been. BTW, I have stayed on a low dose of paxil in addition to still utilizing the coping skills.

You will just need to find out what works best for you.

Karen

Welcome Luckford
Thanks for your input '
** could i ask you a favor please and that is to take off caps lol
Makes it seem like you are yelling ............
You make good points here and I hope you become an active member here at HW
God Bless'
Stay strong and
Fight the Fight ..........


Karen
great input as per the norm from you
thanks hun
appreciated muchly
Luvs
Lyn

Yes it can and then with some it can also subside 'I have had it severe for many yrs I started at 8 and I am 52 almost 53 and the last couple of yrs have been so much better
I have come along way with the peeps here support and doing things I need to do for me
Take care
Lyn