Aa
Panic disorder
Hello, I was wondering if anyone can relate to what im going through. I have had panic attacks sence i was a child im 31 now. Ive delt with them all these years, till just recently the panic was so bad, i thought i was dieing of heart problems. Ive had echo's, stress echo's, xrays, and blood work, all say my heart is normal with a little MVP. I asked the doc how could my heart be normal when my pulse is 120-140, this is during the stress test in which i was having a constant panic attack for several days, she blames it on the panic attacks, which makes sence, but what i dont understand is when i have these panic attacks my oxygen DROPS to 85%, they caught all this while i was doing the stress test. And also when i first got to the doctor and they were doing the routine vitals, my Oxygen was LOW. So she put me on oxygen therapy, and Xanax. Ive never taken Xanax before now, Ok i didnt like how it made me really sleepy for the first hour after taking it, but the releif from the panic attacks is wonderful.... So my main concern here is why is my Oxygen so low, she never told me any reasons of why or told me to go to a lung doc, or even asked me to check back with her n a week. I feel like im just left hanging. Could the lack of Oxygen be from the panic attacks?
You mentioned that the panic attacks should not drop my O2... well i find myself not breathing when i get a panic attack, ive addressed this on my own, now when i get the panic attack i concentrate on just my breathing not the crazy pounding of my heart.
Thank yall so much for the info.... Anyway i should be on a beta blocker because i do have a connective tissue disease called Marfans Syndrome, the doctors are telling me that my heart and MVP arent bad enough to be on them, but my son is on atenalol, sotalol and enalapril for his heart problems due to the marfans, his doctors have him on the beta blockers to keep his heart from getting worse. I think these panic attacks are really bad for my heart, putting wear and tear on my arteries which could be weak from the marfans. My thyroid has not been checked and i dont know why these doctors ive been to arent taking anymore action, its like they really dont care or something.. Im doing so much better, the Oxygen has really helped but i dont want to be on O2, im only 31, i love playing softball, and thats another thing, the doctor isnt trying to find out WHY my oxygen is low, she just thinks its from the panic, which it could be cuz the soonest i took the Xanax the presure in my chest went away and i could finally take a satisfying deep breath, I will be going back to the doctor next week with loads of questions and demand she listen and i will mention my thyroid being checked, i do have so much trouble gaining weight so it could be hyper.
Welcome to the Anxiety Community!
Danie gave you some great info above. She's right in that thyroid disorders should always be ruled out when someone presents with anxiety and panic symptoms. If your doc hasn't done so, request that he/she does.
MVP and panic disorder are frequently present together and there is a big correlation between the MVP and a person's predisposition to panic. Docs aren't real sure of the exact reason behind it, but a large portion of people with MVP have problems with anxiety and/or panic. The beta blockers danie suggested are also an excellent option for you in this situation b/c of the MVP. It will help with any symptoms (ie palpitations, PVC's) related to the MVP, while also helping with the anxiety. Many people with concurrent MVP and panic disorder do very well on a beta blocker. Ask your doc about it.
While the symptoms of a panic attack are super scary, including the increase in pulse, BP, they won't harm you physically. Also, you've had very thorough testing when it comes to your heart, so try to take comfort in that.
The oxygen situation is a bit more unusual. Even during a severe panic attack, most people's O2 levels would remain normal (99-100%). In cases of severe hyperventilating, you could see a drop in oxygen saturation. It may simply be the way YOUR body reacts to the situation. Do you have asthma or any other pulmonary condition? I would ask your doctor what he thinks about that specific finding. If you're not having any obvious shortness of breath, wheezing (in times of calm), then it doesn't sound too worrisome. If you remain worried, you could always ask your PCP for a referral to a Pulmonologist, who could do some PFT's (Pulm Function Tests) and other studies just to be sure everything is okay.
Keep working with your docs to address the anxiety. It's a hard road and may take some time, but with some work, you CAN get the anxiety and panic to a more manageable level.
Danie gave you some great info above. She's right in that thyroid disorders should always be ruled out when someone presents with anxiety and panic symptoms. If your doc hasn't done so, request that he/she does.
MVP and panic disorder are frequently present together and there is a big correlation between the MVP and a person's predisposition to panic. Docs aren't real sure of the exact reason behind it, but a large portion of people with MVP have problems with anxiety and/or panic. The beta blockers danie suggested are also an excellent option for you in this situation b/c of the MVP. It will help with any symptoms (ie palpitations, PVC's) related to the MVP, while also helping with the anxiety. Many people with concurrent MVP and panic disorder do very well on a beta blocker. Ask your doc about it.
While the symptoms of a panic attack are super scary, including the increase in pulse, BP, they won't harm you physically. Also, you've had very thorough testing when it comes to your heart, so try to take comfort in that.
The oxygen situation is a bit more unusual. Even during a severe panic attack, most people's O2 levels would remain normal (99-100%). In cases of severe hyperventilating, you could see a drop in oxygen saturation. It may simply be the way YOUR body reacts to the situation. Do you have asthma or any other pulmonary condition? I would ask your doctor what he thinks about that specific finding. If you're not having any obvious shortness of breath, wheezing (in times of calm), then it doesn't sound too worrisome. If you remain worried, you could always ask your PCP for a referral to a Pulmonologist, who could do some PFT's (Pulm Function Tests) and other studies just to be sure everything is okay.
Keep working with your docs to address the anxiety. It's a hard road and may take some time, but with some work, you CAN get the anxiety and panic to a more manageable level.
Just out of curiosity, have you ever had your thyroid tested? Hyperthyroidism or even hypothyroidism can cause panic attacks that last for several days. I only ask because I have experienced the same thing for the last 10 months (panic provoked by thyroid issues). I hope you find some relief soon. I don't know about the low oxygen. I would guess that it might go low because your breathing is not controlled during the panic attack. I could be wrong though. Maybe others can help with that.
I also have read that MVP can cause panic attacks and shortness of breath. Have the docs mentioned this?
Finally, have they tried a beta blocker? It helped me more than xanax. It will block all that adrenaline in your body to the point where you can't physically even have a panic attack. It has been a life saver to me. It also will slow down the heart and regulate it if you get palps. If you ever go this route, the extended release might not be the best option. I believe atenolol and propanolol release it all at once, and make you feel better! Some people complain it makes them tired, but I think with people that have panic, we need the sedation just to feel normal.
I really help you can get it all figured out! Good luck.
I also have read that MVP can cause panic attacks and shortness of breath. Have the docs mentioned this?
Finally, have they tried a beta blocker? It helped me more than xanax. It will block all that adrenaline in your body to the point where you can't physically even have a panic attack. It has been a life saver to me. It also will slow down the heart and regulate it if you get palps. If you ever go this route, the extended release might not be the best option. I believe atenolol and propanolol release it all at once, and make you feel better! Some people complain it makes them tired, but I think with people that have panic, we need the sedation just to feel normal.
I really help you can get it all figured out! Good luck.
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