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panic attacks
i didnt know if this could be a sign of something more serious but lately hve been feeling a feeling of like i m going to pass out sweaty palms and spacey vision could this be from hep c or is it just me being so scared of this new thing...i go see doc on the 9th for first time since positive test from home office.
Hi Dusty, I went through something very similar. When I received the call that I had Hep C I was so upset and thought that this meant I was going to die. Once I stopped I had what I think was a panic attack. I was anxious, sweaty, dizzy, uncomfortable in my own skin
It took a while for that to go away. It takes time to wrap your brain around the feelings. I believe it is completely normal though someone more experienced may come along. Everyone is very helpful on here.
Bes of luck to you
Dee
It took a while for that to go away. It takes time to wrap your brain around the feelings. I believe it is completely normal though someone more experienced may come along. Everyone is very helpful on here.
Bes of luck to you
Dee
Welcome to the forum. I'm not a doctor, but this sounds like a classic panic attack, at least I doubt it has anything to do with your hep C other than worry and anxiety over it. I know how frightening those attacks are though! I once drove myself to the ER, half expecting to die before I could arrive. The doctors told me to be more careful about eating properly (I had skipped breakfast that day) and drinking lots of water. I do think the skipped meal was a real contributing factor - I 'd been too worried about something to eat and I think low blood sugar was a contributing factor.
If you've just done a home test for the virus, then all you have at this point is a positive test for the antibody. You will need additional tests to both confirm the accuracy of that result and to discover whether you still have the actual virus or whether you are in the approximately 15% of people whose bodies are able to clear the virus by themselves. Those individuals will always test positive for the antibody but they don't have hep C because it's been cleared. The new tests should include a HCV RNA quantitative test, to look for the actual viral RNA and how much of it is present. They should also perform a CBC and a metabolic panel. If you are found to actually have HCV then you should get a referral to a hepatologist for further evaluation and possibly treatment. At that point you will likely have a ton of new questions and you'll find this forum to be a fabulous resource. Best wishes, and I'll have my fingers crossed for you to not even have the virus!
If you've just done a home test for the virus, then all you have at this point is a positive test for the antibody. You will need additional tests to both confirm the accuracy of that result and to discover whether you still have the actual virus or whether you are in the approximately 15% of people whose bodies are able to clear the virus by themselves. Those individuals will always test positive for the antibody but they don't have hep C because it's been cleared. The new tests should include a HCV RNA quantitative test, to look for the actual viral RNA and how much of it is present. They should also perform a CBC and a metabolic panel. If you are found to actually have HCV then you should get a referral to a hepatologist for further evaluation and possibly treatment. At that point you will likely have a ton of new questions and you'll find this forum to be a fabulous resource. Best wishes, and I'll have my fingers crossed for you to not even have the virus!
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"could this be from hep c "
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No.... physically having the Hepatitis C virus will not cause this symptom
"or is it just me being so scared of this new thing "
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Very possibly the anxiety of the new diagnosis is casual of many emotions that can then relate physically .
Try to relax and become knowlegable about the virus and how it may affect or in most cases "not affect" you for many years and most often decades.
I have linked a site below for the newly diagnosed that you may be interested in as well as a site on "panic attacks" .
Will
lhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001922/
Panic attacks
Last reviewed: April 11, 2011.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which you have repeated attacks of intense fear that something bad will occur when not expected.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause is unknown. Genetics may play a role. Studies suggest that if one identical twin has panic disorder, the other twin will also develop the condition 40% of the time. However, panic disorder often occurs when there is no family history.
Panic disorder is twice as common in women as in men. Symptoms usually begin before age 25, but may occur in the mid 30s. Although panic disorder may occur in children, it is often not diagnosed until they are older.
Symptoms
A panic attack begins suddenly, and most often peaks within 10 - 20 minutes. Some symptoms may continue for an hour or more. A panic attack may be mistaken for a heart attack.
Panic attacks may include anxiety about being in a situation where an escape may be difficult (such as being in a crowd or traveling in a car or bus).
A person with panic disorder often lives in fear of another attack, and may be afraid to be alone or far from medical help.
People with panic disorder have at least four of the following symptoms during an attack:
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Chest pain or discomfort
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Dizziness or faintness
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Fear of dying
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Fear of losing control or impending doom
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Feeling of choking
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Feelings of detachment
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Feelings of unreality
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Nausea or upset stomach
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Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or face
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Palpitations, fast heart rate, or pounding heart
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Sensation of shortness of breath or smothering
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Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
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Trembling or shaking
Panic attacks may change behavior and function at home, school, or work. People with the disorder often worry about the effects of their panic attacks.
People with panic disorder may have symptoms of:
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Alcoholism
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Depression
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Drug abuse
Panic attacks cannot be predicted. At least in the early stages of the disorder, there is no trigger that starts the attack. Recalling a past attack may trigger panic attacks.
Signs and tests
Many people with panic disorder first seek treatment in the emergency room, because the panic attack feels like a heart attack.
The health care provider will perform a physical examination, including a psychiatric evaluation.
Blood tests will be done. Other medical disorders must be ruled out before panic disorder can be diagnosed. Disorders related to substance abuse should be considered, because symptoms can mimic panic attacks.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to help you function well during everyday life. A combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works best.
HCV For the newly diagnosed :
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Newly%20Diagnosed.pdf