Needing some advice

[Sondra Elmore]

Hello.  I'm a 34 year old female, overweight with a history of panic attacks starting four years ago after the sudden death of my mother followed by other traumatic events.  I had countless ER visits, eventually being seen by cardiologists, gastro doctors, and my family physician.  I was diagnosed with a trace tricuspid leak, that was considered normal by my cardiologist.  All other tests were normal.  Even though I've been told I'm medically okay, I continue to fear something is really wrong and just not diagnosed correctly.  In my mind I know how horrible that sounds but the fear exists.  My panic attacks are rare, about three or four a year.  Tonight I was sitting, relaxing and all of a sudden I had this fear of dying, my heart started racing and I was extremely frightened.  It passed within minutes and now I'm fine with the exception of being tired.  Is this classic anxiety?  I guess I just need some support and feedback on this.  I'm a professional, with a good amount of stress - these attacks never occur when I'm busy or my mind occupied, it is always when I'm in a "relaxed" environment - maybe my mind is bored?  Any advice or support is greatly appreciated.

[hangin'in there!]

How are you going these days?  Have you been tosee a doctor about your anxiety?  I suggest you do so.  Even if what medhelp. said is true, it's possible medication would help you deal with these real life stresses a little more constructively and stop you worrying about when the next panic attack might happen.

Just a thought to leave you with;

While it seems to be true that you are suffering an anxiety disorder, your symptoms need to be carefully evaluated by a professional.  You mentioned several "traumatic" experiences that suggest to me you may even have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Medhelp. seems to agree that a traumatic event/s needs to be revisited as you still have unfinished psycological business somewhere from your past. So if you were to consider a prescribed medication I believe it would be prudent to couple that with counselling of some kind.  In your case I would recommend seeing a psycologist for guidance, as the meds. will help you relax enough to sort out your thoughts/feelings about the past and what it has robbed you of today.

Cheer up!!  It should get better if you can keep a level head.  Good to see you're out there seeking support!

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

the key here is the sudden death of your mother, and that is what bubbles up when you are relaxed but not ready for what you are feeling. You have unfinished grief and fear related to that, so dealing with it, possible in therapy, is your best defense against reoccuring symptoms.

[sdc1213]

I know exactly how you feel ... I feel as if my mind is in a fog and I'm confused and don't know what to do anymore. It sure does sound like the classic symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Best medication (from my point of view) would probably have to be buspar for that also a good councelor is a good start also if you want to try the natural remedies.

(Not A Doctor)

Good luck,
Steve

[Sondra Elmore]

Thank you!  I'm in the after-effect period now - those few days after a bad panic attack where you're still on edge, anticipating the next attack.  Your support is appreciated.