Experienced a panic anxiety episode...

[nickypeaches]

Hi! I was just curious to see if anyone has experiened panic attacks and anxiety over the waiting period. I was usupposed to have a diagnostic lap with the right ovary removed for this Friday. The Dr.'s office called and needed to reschedule because the Dr. was going on vacation and forgot to tell his staff.( How do you do that?) I am rescheduled for Sept. 1. The other day I had what I think was a panic attack, shaking, cold and then hot, a feeling of impending doom, a pit in the bottom of my stomache like something bad was going to happen, etc. I went to my GP yesterday and he prescribed me xanax and effexor xr. He assured me I wasn't going crazy. He also suggested I get a second opinion from a gyn onc I brought him the radiology report from the radiologist. He couldn't recommend one because there aren't any (supposedly) where I live. I live in Manahawkin NJ Ocean County. I hate not knowing. I keep reading this great forum and not only is the forum great the people are great. I am so scared. Even if I am able to find a gyn onc what are my chances to get an appt before Sept. 1? or should I just wait it out? Just curious to see what anyone else would do.??

[milashka]

Those panic attacks suck. I had quite a few for 2 years leading up to the cancer diagnosis and surgery. Then a really bad one 5 days after surgery. Nothing since then, although I have more reason to panic now, so maybe it was hormonal? Anyway, I always have Xanax on hand, just in case an attack sneaks up on me, also take one before flights. Love that stuff. One little pill really takes the edge of with no side effects (for me). Heck, sometimes it's enough to know I have the stuff within reach. I take it very rarely though.

Another great drug might be Ativan, a lot of people swear by it, and it was offered to me numerous times during chemo, as an anti-nausea med (but primarily used for anxiety though). Never tried it because I know Xanax works for me with no side effects.

Not sure about Effexor, I thought that was an antidepressant. I would try just Xanax when you feel one coming on, or ask for Ativan.

[Tina800]

Hello-

Sorry to hear about the panic attacks, I hope you feeling better. I have a comment about effexor xr. I had a complete hysto on Aug 1 due to endometrial cancer and that put me straight into menopause and it's symptons. With cancer I am unable to get any kinds of horomones and my Dr perscribed Effexor xr. That is a wonder drug for sure. After 1 week, no more flashes, sweaty neck, sweaty palms and sweaty feet. I was also very emotional and weepy. NO more......I love how I feel. I feel normal emotionally.

[ANGELWINGS21]

Hi,  I am so sorry to hear you had an anxiety attack. That STINKS your surgery won't be till Sept.1st! UGH! I am having my surgery Monday getting my left ovary removed and like you I had a few anxiety attacks due to the waiting, my doc put me on xanax and zoloft, it helps to a point but I still a wreck like you feel till it is all over with!
Best of luck!
God Bless You!
Angelwings21

[turtledovemom]

I was very fortunate with getting an appointment.  I called them on a Tuesday, got an open appt on Friday of that week and was scheduled for surgery the following Wednesday.  I know that's not typical, but just make sure that they get your info asap.  They will get you in quickly, if at all possible.  Hang in there...stay strong...you'll be on the recovery side before you know it!
peace,
Anne

[Gatsby]

Don't feel bad about it.  I had a full fledged panic attack that landed me in the hospital.  I thought for sure I was having a heart attack.  My dr. put me on lorazapam.  However, since my last surgery on 6/27/06 I have not had to take a single pill!!  Crazy what hormones and stress can do to you.
~Tascha

[nickypeaches]

Thanks for all your input. I have not taken the effexor yet. I am scared to take it, but I figured the Xanax can't hurt. I just don't like waiting.Who does? Thanks for the info I am going to go to their web site now. I am just afraid they will say you can't get right in. Whatever is in me needs to come out now, I want it out of me!!! I always trusted my ob/gyn, I hate that I am doubting him now. Ugh!!! I will get through this, it's just the process of getting through this. Thank you!!

[Dayzee207]

Sometimes you just have to insist that they see you.  You hate to be that way, but you are ultimately responsible for your own health.  With the ever present threat of law suits, most doctors will do what they can to get you in asap...they won't like it...but you should get the appointment.  Many times it is the office staff that puts you off and the doctor knows nothing about it.  My sister is facing surgery on Wednesday, Aug.23.  When she when to see her gyn he told her that her 6 inch mass was nothing to worry about.  He was 90% sure.  Besides, he was going on vacation and he would see her on the 28th.  She got very upset and insisted that he do something right away so he ordered an ultrasound and the CA125.  Needless to say, she was referred to a gyn/onc and is having the surgery much sooner.  Best of luck to you.

[MickeyVicki]

One of the symptoms that I had from my ovarian mass was panic attacks.  I am somewhat prone to them, being a highly stressed, "achievement oriented," perfectionist-wannabe person.  But it was getting ridiculous.  I was having at least one a week, and over rather silly issues.  The effects of disease  on a woman's hormone production can apparently trigger these attacks.   Use the meds prescribed by the doctor to help you muddle through to resolution!

[Tybear]

I understand how your feeling. I remember when I was waiting for my surgery and the Dr's office called and said they didn't have my results back from all my bloodwork, so they needed to reschedule. Needless to say I had a full fledged meltdown. The Xanax will help you, but try not to rely on them. I'm glad your getting a gyne/onc - they are definatly the way to go for situations such as these. I hope you are able to move up your appointment but if not, take a deep breath, and keep yourself occupied. On a seperate note, my sister is weaning herself off Effexor and is going through hell - she said if she had known how hard it would be and how sick it would make her feel, she never would have used them in the first place.(and she was on the lowest dose!) Be careful with those things - I would stick with the Xanax.
Good luck,
Becky

[turtledovemom]

So sorry to hear about your delay.  The waiting isn't easy, especially when you're dealing with a postponement.  As far as a gyn/onc, you're not that far from Manhattan.  Please consider Memorial Sloan-Kettering.  www.mskcc.org  Go to "patient care" and then click on "making an appointment".  Unfortunately, we can't post phone numbers on this particular site (sorry).

If you call the number yourself, you'll be able to get the information you need to get your records, test results etc forwarded to them quickly.  I've been a patient there twice, the second time commuting down from Connecticut for my visits and for inpatient surgery.  You'd be surprised at how many women will be there from places other than New York.  Let me know if you need further information.  I'm glad that you've been recommended to find a gyn/onc.  That's definitely the way to go in order to have yourself taken care of the right way from the beginning.  Please keep us posted.
peace,
Anne