could somebody help me"?

Posted by T.J. on May 12, 1999 at 21:07:26
It started in March, I was in a meeting and my boss was telling us about this guy that went into cardiac arrest. he was saying how the guy was just standing there an then BAM!
The guy's heart just stoped. So as I sitting there listening to his story I feel my mind taking off thinking that could be me. Over & over this played in my mind I could feel my self getting work. Then all of a sudden my heart stared racing i could feel it pounding in my chest> I was thinking I;am about to die. needless to say i did not. About five days later It happend agin this time with out warning while driving so i drove myself to the nearest E.R. all the test came back o.k. so i went home. after visting my own doc. he   said every thing looked o.k. to him. an said that it might be panic. So now iam wondering
can all these symtoms (symptoms) be just panic. I often feel sad because i think iam going to die of a heart attack i feel chest pain dizzy like im just going to fall out,have some troble sleeping i wake up gasping for air my eyes hurt i dont eat like i use to either.
I know theres more but i want take all your time ... what do you think? What should I do ... I would like to add that what ever this is its making me realy sared i dont like going out or being at home by myself when either is about to occour i get really gittery.... i hope someone can help....    
    

Posted by HFHS M.D.-SW on May 20, 1999 at 10:07:03
Dear T.J.,
From your discription and your physician's evaluation, you maybe
suffering
from panic attacks.
A panic attack is an episode characterized by some of the following
symptoms; shortness of breath, dizziness palpitations, trembling,
sweating,
choking, nausea, chest pain, and possibly a fear of going crazy. A
person
may suffer a number of these attacks in a short period.
Fortunately, treatment is a available. I recommend you see a psychiatrist.
If you live in southeastern Michigan you may contact Henry Ford
Behavioral
Services at [phone] and they can direct you to a specialist.
Medication along with psychotherapy can help reduce or even alleviate
the
frequency and intensity of these panic attacks.
This reply is provided as general information only. Contact your physician
for health care concerns.
Sincerly,
  HFHS MD-SW
*Keywords: Panic attacks, Anxiety attacks