Aa
Please help me convince myself and then cope.
I've been reading through TONS of posts on here, trying to find some peace of mind without actually posting myself... But I think I'll feel better to get some personalized responses.
About a month ago, I had a panic attack for the first time. It woke me from sleep a few days after a heart scare (which they called a pinched nerve). I wasn't convinced apparently. Everything has gone basically down hill ever since.
After considering food poisoning, I came to the conclusion I was panicking (nausea, racing heart, sweats, CRAZY shaking all over). It passed, and I called my dr in the morning to follow up about that and my heart.
3 ER trips, 3 EKGs, a hydration IV, a failed attempt to start Celexa, a few visits with a psychologist, an Ativan prescription, blood tests, and countless dr appts later, I'm now abroad toward the end of a vacation that has been near impossible to enjoy.
I'm especially bad in the mornings, occasionally at night, and just have these seemingly out of nowhere symptoms: rapid heart rate, pounding heart (which I hate being able to feel), nausea, lack of appetite, a strange sensation similar to dizziness but not quite, unfocused vision, chest pains (especially under my left breast area), not quite numbness in my hands, a need to take deep breaths, and a feeling of faintness if my head isn't rested on something. I've also had a few bouts of just before falling asleep, I feel as if everything shuts down, and I wake with a start.
I'm educated in psychology. The rational side of my brain (what's left of it) agrees with docs, it's anxiety.
But the fact that it hit me so fast and so hard and won't relent makes me question. Why am I waking up feeling so crappy? I'm sleeping decently enough (except for the few nights I dream about my symptoms).
Heart was reasonably ruled out. Should I continue to pursue other possibilities? Or how can I get on the path to health?
PS the side effects of Ativan are more trouble than the relief is worth, for me.
About a month ago, I had a panic attack for the first time. It woke me from sleep a few days after a heart scare (which they called a pinched nerve). I wasn't convinced apparently. Everything has gone basically down hill ever since.
After considering food poisoning, I came to the conclusion I was panicking (nausea, racing heart, sweats, CRAZY shaking all over). It passed, and I called my dr in the morning to follow up about that and my heart.
3 ER trips, 3 EKGs, a hydration IV, a failed attempt to start Celexa, a few visits with a psychologist, an Ativan prescription, blood tests, and countless dr appts later, I'm now abroad toward the end of a vacation that has been near impossible to enjoy.
I'm especially bad in the mornings, occasionally at night, and just have these seemingly out of nowhere symptoms: rapid heart rate, pounding heart (which I hate being able to feel), nausea, lack of appetite, a strange sensation similar to dizziness but not quite, unfocused vision, chest pains (especially under my left breast area), not quite numbness in my hands, a need to take deep breaths, and a feeling of faintness if my head isn't rested on something. I've also had a few bouts of just before falling asleep, I feel as if everything shuts down, and I wake with a start.
I'm educated in psychology. The rational side of my brain (what's left of it) agrees with docs, it's anxiety.
But the fact that it hit me so fast and so hard and won't relent makes me question. Why am I waking up feeling so crappy? I'm sleeping decently enough (except for the few nights I dream about my symptoms).
Heart was reasonably ruled out. Should I continue to pursue other possibilities? Or how can I get on the path to health?
PS the side effects of Ativan are more trouble than the relief is worth, for me.
I feel for you, dear! I went through something similar. A few times, actually. I had no appetite, I was heavy headed, kinda dizzy. My heart would pound and wake me up in the middle of the night. I couldn't smile or be present in my life. I was miserable! Doctor visits and they all said I'm fine. I still didn't believe them. Well, I forced myself to go to work and even though I could hardly function and had no sleep, I pushed myself out of the house. Then I realized, my body knows when I'm anxious before I do! I thought long and hard and figured out it was a life changing event I went through (moved in with my now spouse). It was a big adjustment for me. Once I accepted that it was anxiety is when I started to level out and get better. Sounds easier than it is. I know. But trust me. Go outside even if you don't want to. Get out of bed. I find puzzles and fun apps make me concentrate on that instead of my body. Adult coloring books, comedy, and reading helped too. There is also an app for guided meditation called HeadSpace. It's free for the beginners course and you can repeat as many times as you want. Soothing smells and sounds. Essential oils on your feet. Some medicine to make you sleep such as Melatonin or Benadryl. Eat small meals even if you have no appetite. Once you let your body get weal and tired it's hard to put mind over matter and you end up driving yourself crazy! I am here if you need to message me privately. Hang in there and don't let your thoughts get you thinking that you aren't okay. You are, I can promise! Much love! <3
I gather they tested your thyroid thoroughly -- not just a Tsh test -- and blood sugar and hormone levels. Lots of things can cause anxiety. But if it is a chronic anxiety problem, they happen when they happen -- usually if you look back you can see it was coming but when it really breaks out it always feels like it was sudden. And most of these problems happen at a certain age. When you saw a psychologist did you see one who specializes in anxiety treatment, especially CBT, or just somebody who "chats?"
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