It just doesn't make sense...

[JinLondon]

Hi guys-

Just saw (yet another) doc about "episodes" I have been having since beginning of February. The quick story is that several times a week I collapse (usually losing conscience) and start shaking. I feel it coming on and during this time periode I can't speak/ understand properly am confused, sometimes get headaches and tunnel vision, I also get super weak. After the actual collapse (that usually takes only about 1-2min or in total the shaking starts in my right arm) I am incredibly tired, still confused and it takes a bit for me to be able to speak/ understand again.

As I am sure you guys can understand this has been very difficult for me, especially with these episodes happening all the time, EVERYWHERE (at work/ at home alone/ on the street/ on the tube... and so on). It's happened sitting down and standing up, just all the time.

As far as I have been able to figure it out there is only one common factor which is that it gets worse when I am tired. Other than that I can't see anything that seems to affect it.

Anyways so went to see Doc today and he thinks it's either rare type of epilepsy (which is what GP thinks) and says have to do EEG, etc, or and I think he thinks that's more likely a mix of migraines and syncope, by which I know he meant Panic Attacks. He obviously thought I was a moron (deeply patronizing) and basically didn't listen to a thing I said. He told me he thinks it may be caused by stress (told him I wasn't stressed till this started), which in turn is caused by too much Coffee, Tea, Soda, Cocaine & Drugs (once more told him that I actually don't take any of these, apart from soda maybe once every two weeks or so...). He told me to do breathing exercises (which I told him I have been doing for weeks along with muscle tensing exercises against syncope which GP told me about initially and nothing seems to prevent attacks). Then he told me I should develop faith and should join a religion.... I mean WTF??!?!?! He also said he doesn't think that applies to me, but apparently most people who develop these tend to be Rushed/ Self- Rightous/ Unkind/ Selfish.... once again WTF!!!...

While I gather there are several types of panic attacks and what's been happening to me might very well be one of them, I feel so stupid and helpless as I feel like nothing Dr said actually seemed to apply to what's been going on and I am just yet again shoved along to another doctor with absolutely nothing to actually improve the current situation.

I have done a week long ECG, because cardiologist wanted to rule out arrythmia, don't know results yet, but don't really think that's what's going on. He also wanted me to neurologist, which is an appointment I am still waiting on (and will probably continue to for another 26566 years).

So here's my question (thanks for actually sticking with my long rambling post this long): Any better suggestions as to what to do to control this if it actually is a panic attack??? Anyone have similar ones?

[JinLondon]

Thanks for caring guys! I went to work and told friends there about my "character traits" (which by the way on top of the other ones I mentioned also apparently include: Greed, Angriness & Selfishness) and after an hour of them taking the **** I was feeling much more cheerful and can now see the funny side and that "DR" is a tosser.
And JSGeare....bingo....live in London.... god bless the NHS *disclaimer: serious sarcasm!!!!*.
Hopefully I will get Neuro appointment soon so I can rule out anything like epilepsy.

[JSGeare]

I don't know what you have medically, but I do know that you have a serious case of WD (WRONG DOCTOR). This guy is a horse's *ss and its time to say good-bye and oh by the way he can take his bill and shove it. Intolerable.

Move on -find the doctor with whom there is a good fit.

As to the rest of it, I have no clue but the neuro thing sounds like a reasonable approach. Next you'll tell me you are from Canada or GB and dealing with socialized medicine. Good grief.

I wish you the very best.

[nursegirl6572]

I tend to agree with shadow.  While panic attacks commonly cause dizziness and lightheadedness and the FEELING as though one will pass out, it RARELY ever happens.  As a matter of fact...my psychiatrist told me that she has NEVER come accross someone who ever actually fainted during a PA.

I'm not saying it is impossible...but the symptoms sure sound more physical to me than anxiety.

Follow up with your doctors,,,,get to the Neurologist first and foremost...that's where you'll likely find your answer.  If everything physical is ruled out, then you can cross that bridge.

Let us know what happens ok?

[shadowserpent]

wow i cant believe he actually said to find faith!
and said most this kind of thing happens to selfish and unkind people! that isnt true!
and i have never heard of panic attacks doing what they are doing to you, im guessing this is a medical problem not a mental one!
just keep seeing doctors, maybe theyll find something, and if it is proven to be panic let me know as im very curious about panic causing your symptoms as it sounds so bizzare to me!
good luck sweety, try not to get to aggravated, it sounds like your psych has no idea whats going on either!