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Posted 7/14/2007 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hello again,

Just need to vent and hear from anyone who can relate. It is my husband who has panic attacks.

They are DAILY. They have been worse this week, as bad as when he went to the ER. He feels like he's dieing and on top of it is now getting numbness. One day it was in his feet and arm, yesterday his whole face, plust twitching throughout his body. Ativan helps but this whole thing plus my chronic pain has been way too much to bear. It's been 2 years of chronic pain wiothout good answers for me and it will be 2 years of daily panic attacks in Dec. for my husband. I am pretty down about it and will not take anti depressants for these real troubles. I just want us to be well. I pray daily and doctors haven't helped.

I guess I'm asking, has anyone here had daily attacks or had the numbness. He felt so bad yesterday, it's breaking our hearts.

Thanks

Posted 7/14/2007 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there Denim! I just wanted to let you know about my experience with panic attacks. I have never had the numbness the way you have described, though I have felt some numbness on some occassions.

As for the daily attacks, absolutely so! I lived for 3 months in what felt like one big panic attack. It was terrifying, and it hurt, mentally and physically. It had me to where I couldn't leave my house at all, I lost my job, and even my friends and family were confused as to what I was going through.

I have dealt with panic and anxiety on and off for 8 years, but in the past few months, it was worse than ever. I thought I was dying, and to be honest with you, eventhough I am on some meds now and starting to feel better, I can't say that I stilll don't wonder if I am dying sometimes. There are days I still wake up and wonder if I am going to make it through the day, because I feel so bad.

What kind of meds is he on? Is he working with a doctor? How long has he been like this for?

I seriously hope he is able to get the help he needs to feel better, because I know what he is going through. I can seriously relate to him, and I am sorry for him, and for you and whoever is around having to watch him go through this.

I will pray for you.
Posted 7/14/2007 6:44 PM (GMT 0)

numbness is common from anxiety, husband should try an antidepressant and learn CBT

a large enough dose of ativan helps a lot with panic attacks but long term the help is reduced

Posted edited, violation of rule 

3. No posts that attack, insult, "flame", or abuse members or guests.   Respect other members of the community and don’t belittle, make fun off, or insult another member.  Decisions about health and well-being are highly personal, individual choices.  "Flaming" and insults, however, will not be tolerated. Agree to disagree. This applies to both the forums and chat.


Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 7/14/2007 5:35:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/14/2007 8:26 PM (GMT 0)

harry4 said...

numbness is common from anxiety, husband should try an antidepressant and learn CBT

a large enough dose of ativan helps a lot with panic attacks but long term the help is reduced

he sounds too stubborn

He has tried anti depressants, I can't count how many he has tried. I guess you didn't understand. Maybe I should have said why he won't take anti depressants, it's because they made him sick and various other side effects. I know one thing, I didn't appreciate you saying that he sounds too stubborn. That was a pretty inappropiate and cold thing to say to me.
Posted 7/14/2007 8:37 PM (GMT 0)

TammyGrl0528 said...
Hey there Denim! I just wanted to let you know about my experience with panic attacks. I have never had the numbness the way you have described, though I have felt some numbness on some occassions.

As for the daily attacks, absolutely so! I lived for 3 months in what felt like one big panic attack. It was terrifying, and it hurt, mentally and physically. It had me to where I couldn't leave my house at all, I lost my job, and even my friends and family were confused as to what I was going through.

I have dealt with panic and anxiety on and off for 8 years, but in the past few months, it was worse than ever. I thought I was dying, and to be honest with you, eventhough I am on some meds now and starting to feel better, I can't say that I stilll don't wonder if I am dying sometimes. There are days I still wake up and wonder if I am going to make it through the day, because I feel so bad.

What kind of meds is he on? Is he working with a doctor? How long has he been like this for?

I seriously hope he is able to get the help he needs to feel better, because I know what he is going through. I can seriously relate to him, and I am sorry for him, and for you and whoever is around having to watch him go through this.

I will pray for you.

Hi Tammy, thanks for responding and thanks for your concern, I'm sorry that you go through this thing also. My heart goes out to you. I just now prayed for you and thank you for your prayers.

This started in Dec 2005. He has seen various doctors and therapists. Ativan seems to be the one thing that calms him down and helps. He has tried anti depressants(many) and blood pressure meds. He is very sensitive to the meds but tolerates the ativan well. He has tried klonopin, valium, buspar, most of the ssris.

My hope remains in the Lord, doctors haven't helped, many just can't. It is such a strange thing, these panic attacks. I wish there was a solution. He calms himself down but as you know, they come anyway. He has watched what he ate, has tried what they say, but to no avail. I don't blame him for taking the ativan if it helps. He doesn't want to, but has no choose, that's how we both look at it.

To get this attacks daily is torture. No one can understand if they haven't been through it, I just see what happens. But this last week with the numbness and his whole body twitching was scary and to say just calm down or let it pass is pretty ridiculous when you really feel like you're dying. I just hold him, and tell him, he'll be ok until he feels better. I sympathize with everyone going through this. It is awful.

Bless you Tammy and hope your days get better. 

Posted 7/14/2007 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
First off, Bob Dylan rules.

Secondly, that's strange that he can tolerate Ativan and not Klonopin. How long did he try the K for? From all the reading I've done, Harry was right when he said that in the long run, daily use of a short-term benzodiazepine might make people worse. It's different from everyone, but every time one is ingested it works and then he comes down. It's a roller coaster. I'm no doctor, of course, but Klonopin sounds more suited for him because you take it twice a day at twelve hour intervals whether you're experiencing panic attack or not. It builds to a steady state in the bloodstream and prevents panic before it starts.

There are other drugs in that category, such as valium. And there are some non-benzos that have been known to help out, too.

I wish you all the luck in the world. I know what he feels like, and I don't know what I would've done if I hadn't found relief when I did. Don't totally give up on the doctors...one day you'll find one that can treat him.
Posted 7/14/2007 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denim,

I am so glad you posted re your husband. I used the Ativan for sleep 4mg as that was when I had the most anxiety and panic attacks. I am now weaning off the benzos and have substituted the Valium for Ativan as it has the longest 1/2 life and keeps steadier dose of the med in the blood stream.

Klonopin is the current drug most popular for Anxiety Disorder it appears at this time.

I understand your problems and I am so sorry that you are in pain as well as your husband. Please keep following up with your physician until yo get a med that will work for the anxiety.
Posted 7/15/2007 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, Bob Dylan does rule! smile
He tried the konopin for awhile. He felt it was too strong. I do understand what you are saying. It's his decision though. Thanks so much. We won't give up. Blessings to you.
Posted 7/15/2007 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
]Thank you very much Kitt. This board is great, you do a wonderful job and I always get good responses. We will be following up, thanks everyone for your input. It's much appreciated.
Posted 7/15/2007 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Denim...thanks for your prayers...and keep me and us updated on how your husband is doing. I would like to know for sure. He is very lucky to have you in his life, as you seem to be so caring, and understanding, and that is so important when someone is dealing witn this.
I seriously hope things get better for you guys. Please, keep us updated!!!! And yea, definately, keep talking to the doctor, there has to be something that will help him.
You said he has tried anti depressants....I know he is having issues with the meds. has he tried Lexapro? The only reason I ask is because I have been on it for about 3 weeks now, and it is working wonders for me...thank God...So, it might be something worth you looking into. Just a thought.
At any rate...again, keep us updated.
(((((HUGS)))))
Posted 7/15/2007 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
Tammy, you are very kind and sweet, you are welcomed, I love to pray and especially for someone who seriously needs it.
He has tried lexapro, gave it a good chance, but had problems with that too. I'm so glad it is helping you. I pray that it continues to help you and totally breaks this panic mode for you.
I'll try to keep you updated. I believe something's got to give.
Take care, Tammy and thanks again.
Posted 7/15/2007 11:53 AM (GMT 0)
Good Morning Denim,

I just wanted to wish you a sunny Sunday and I wish for you peace and happiness on this new day.

Please keep us posted as you are an important member of our family.

Gentle Hugs
Posted 7/15/2007 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denim,

I'm sorry to hear what you are going through.
Don't give up hope! There has to be something out there that will help him!
Keep checking with your doctor.

Your in my thoughts and prayers. Good Luck dear!

Hugs,
Mary
Posted 7/15/2007 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Kitt and Mary, I very much apprciate your kind words and prayers.

Peace and good health to you also

~Barbara~
Posted 7/18/2007 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Barbara...just wondering how thigns are going for you. If you are out there, how bout an update? I hope all is going well for you and your husband!!!
Posted 7/18/2007 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, Tammy, thanks for thinking of us. Things are about the same. He often will have good mornings, unless he had a bad night, but it's still a daily thing. And if he falls asleep in the daytime, he'll wake up feeling worse. He is suppose to see a cardiologist. Other than that, no help, just taking ativan.
For me, seeing a new family doctor seemed worthless. He wasn't even open to my back problem and stenosis. My legs are killing me and he's saying what I describe doesn't sound like stenosis(even though my mri says I have it along with bulging disks on every level) but that shouldn't effect me legs???? My hip hurts too and all he suggests is an xray. What would that show? arthritis? I know that. The arthargram(sp) looked like a tear. Shouldn't we be going for a mri? Or am I crazy?
Anyway, very frustrated, looking to the Lord for help. Can't seem to find human help anywhere.
I sincerely appreciate your concern and writing me, it means alot.
How are you doing?
~Barbara~
Posted 7/18/2007 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I am happy to hear that your husband is going to see a cardiologist. That is a big deal, and it will be good to know if we are talking about the heart or not. So, good luck to him on that. I hope all goes well there.
I am sorry he is still doing so poorly though. That is terrible. I was hoping for better news. I use to have that same issue if I fell asleep during the day, I too would wake up feeling worse. I wanted to sleep to get rid of my suffering, but I was scared to wake up. It is a lose lose situation.
I am sorry to hear you are not doing so hot either. Your doctor seems confused to me. The only reason I say that is because you say he is saying that based on what you described, it doesn't sound like Stenosis, eventhough your mri says you have it? That just seems odd to me. I would think you should be looking at an mri as apposed to an xray, but, I am not a doctor. LOL. I seriously hope you are able to get things situated. Both you and your husband deserve to feel better!
As for how I am doing...Not too bad actually. I wish you had the news I am about to give. I am finally starting to feel like my old self again. I am not 100% yet, but I am getting out and doing more, and I haven't had the need for a Xanax in like 8 days. That is AMAZING considering I was using up to 3 or 4 a day there for a while. They are prescribed to me to use as needed, and still, I was using them that often. I am starting to feel better though, so that news is good.
I can't wait to you come here with the same kind of news. I know it doesn't feel like it now, but that day will come for you, I am sure of it!!! I will keep praying for you and your husband. I wish you both all the best!
(((((HUGS)))))
Tammy
Posted 7/18/2007 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Barbara,
Hello, I am so sorry that you did not get satisfaction from your physician.
Diagnostic imaging studies for spinal stenosis patients include either an MRI scan or a CT scan with myelogram (using an x-ray dye in the spinal sack fluid), and sometimes both. Unenhanced or plain CT scans are of limited value unless made with very fine segmental scan slices. MRI's are really the standard of practice now.

Surgery for spinal stenosis is mainly designed to increase a person's activity tolerance, so he or she can do more activity with less pain.
There are other treatment modalities, steroid injections, PT etc. depending on how severe your stenosis is.
I think you would surely benefit from a second opinion.
I will say a little prayer for my friend, Barbara. (((((((HUGS)))))))))
Reference: Brunner & Suddarth, Ninth Edition
Posted 7/18/2007 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Tammy, that's wonderful news for you!! I'm very happy for you. May I ask, what happened? The anxiety and panic attacks just stopped?
I would say that is pretty miraculous and from God! I hope you continue on this path of wellness. May God continue to bless you and keep you anxiety/panic free.
Thank you so much for your prayers.
~Barbara~
Posted 7/18/2007 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barbara. Actually, I started taking Lexapro about 3 weeks ago, and since taking it, I feel myself getting better every single day. I was using Xanax with it at first, but now, I am comfortably off the Xanax all together, though I still have it incase I need it. I haven't done any therapy...due to insurance reasons...but I will be doing that in August when I am fully insured. It is all thanks to the Lexapro right now. That is why I was suggesting your hubby try Lexapro...sadly you said he can't use that.
Thank you for the update about you and your hubby. When you get some good news...(note I say when, and not if) come back and tell us all about it! ANd, if you need anything at all before then, don't hesitate to come here for support!
(((((HUGS)))))
Posted 7/18/2007 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Well, praise God for lexapro. I'm so glad it has helped you. Did you have any adverse reactions to it at first? In any event, I think it's wonderful. Thanks for all of your support!
~Barbara~

Posted 7/19/2007 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Barbara. Yes, actually, I am dealing with several side effects as of right now even. They are minor, and havent' caused me much concern, however, they are there. I am more hungry than usual. I get very tired right after taking my pill, so I take it at bed time. I was actually constipated for like 3 days, but that is gone. ALl the things I am dealing with are so minor, and so much easier to deal with than the anxiety, ya know?
No problem for the support...that is what I am here for. Stay with us!!!
Posted 7/19/2007 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds good Tammy, they do sound minor in comparison for sure. Good idea to take it at night if it makes you sleepy. May it get better and better for you.
Best wishes,
Barbara
Posted 7/19/2007 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
HI Barbara,
See post ~ Posted Yesterday 1:31 PM (GMT -6)
Glad to see you and Tammy are able to help each other. That is wonderful to know that you are able to communicate so well. Bless you.
Posted 7/20/2007 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kitt, Thanks for directing me to your post, I never did see it. And today, all day until now, my computer was not allowing me to get from page to page. Anyway...thanks for your response. I have seen various doctors and have gotten injections, pt. I haven't had much sucess. I haven't given up and appreciate your prayers. Thanks so much.
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