Crazy in Wayne

[lori]

I have had a disorder of some type for about 2 years now.  I have seen several doctors and they tell me it is anxiety but nothing is helping. I know take Xanax that does seem to calm me some but not fully.  Six (6) months after my baby was born, I was sitting at my desk at work and started shaking all over, couldn't catch my breath and felt like I was choking. It last about 10-15 minutes and I was distraught for days over this.  Feeling like it could happen again anytime.  I no longer can stand to be alone or to drive a vehicle without an adult being in the car.  I have attempted several times to try to be alone but I just have an attack every time.  I have always considered myself to be very independant and I can't stand this.  I also developed gestational diabetes during my pregnancy; could that have anything to do with it? Could it be my thyroid?  Blood tests have been done and everything came back OK.  I also loose weight during pregnancy only to gain it back plus more after I deliver.  Sometimes I think maybe it's not anxiety and something hormonal. Is that possible?

[Me Too!!!]

I experienced the same exact symptoms shortly following birth, and I thought I was losing my mind.  I kept gaining weight unexplainably AFTER the birth, and I grew very depressed because my fiance was not very supportive of me.  Finally, I forced myself to do something and get help before I went insane.  Unfortunately, they misdiagnosed me with just depression, gave me Prozac, and told me it would soon end.  Of course it did not and I decided I would figure it out on my own.  I researched it and discovered it was PANIC ATTACKS!  I am still waiting for a miracle drug, hopefully I won't have a heart attack first.  Just get plenty of 2nd opinions, and it doesnt match your situation, go to the next person.  Help is out there somewhere. If you so happen to find that "miracle drug" please let me know.
Good Luck,
Rochelle in SC

[HFHS MD-JM]

Lori,

    It sounds like you are having panic attacks (brief intense periods of anxiety) and have been evaluated for physical conditions that can present similarly.  If physical illness such as thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus and cardiac conditions have been ruled out then it is very possible that this is panic  disorder.
    Xanax has been somewhat helpful to you however, there are other medications such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(Zoloft, Paxil,Prozac, Celexa, and Luvox) which can prevent attacks from occurring. Certain types of psychotherapy, specifically CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy) can also be helpful.
    I recommend that you discuss these issues further with your medical doctor and if he feels there is no physical condition present, then a referal for psychiatric evaluation could be helpful. Good luck.  Keep in mind that the intent of this forum is for general educational purposes only.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: Panic attacks/disorder, anxiety

[mandy]

Your symptoms sound like classic Panic Disorder. For the best info on the web got to http://www.algy.com/pdi/BBS/html
you'll also find an FAQ section there to be quite helpful. There is an MD who answers questions daily and lots of people who ask questions such as yours. There are people there who know a good deal about hormones. Post this question there and i'm sure you'll get the info you seek.