Anxiety/Panic Attack

[JoyRenee]

Yesterday I posted about my heart racing and it being hard to take deep breaths at times. I've talked with several people today and everyone said it is most likely an anxiety/panic attack. My OB referred me to a cardiologist (who should call me tomorrow) so I'll go in to see them just to make sure.

A lot of things have been going on. For example- my diet. I haven't been able to eat meat this pregnancy. All of it makes me gag and I can't eat it. Protein is so important during pregnancy. I've been trying to get it via dairy and beans but your body needs the amino acids found in meat.

Another thing- I've been incredibly stressed. I have high testosterone and because I had to stop taking the meds that controlled that my emotions have felt out-of-control (moreso than the average pregnant woman). When I start to get angry or upset is when I feel a tightening/burning in the middle of my chest at times.

And I think part of what I'm feeling is heartburn. I've never had heartburn before so I didn't have any idea what it felt like.

Ugh- hopefully we can get this all sorted out with the cardiologist. I'll keep y'all posted.


P.S. My MIL brought over some homemade Chinese (chicken with peppers and rice). I was able to eat the chicken because it was so tender, instead of chewy. I feel a TON better since eating that awhile ago. Still trying to drink a ton of water and I'll have a protein snack in a bit, too.

[Limonada]

I really hope you feel better soon, Joy!  I've had a panic attack (more than one, actually) - but not while pg.  It must feel MUCH worse!  I'll be sending happy, calming vibes your way :-)

[Linzola1]

I am glad to see that you are feeling better and I hope you stay that way! God Bless

[Grandmatobe]

I'm glad that you are feeling better today.  Could you eat some nuts and eggs, etc to get additional protein - - - - or even drink protein shakes, until your aversion passes?

[Wendy80]

That's good that you could keep it down at least... maybe since the shredded chicken worked, you could try chicken tacos or fajita's, that way the chicken is concealed in the wrap and you wouldn't have to worry about looking at the meat while eating!  Just a thought.  =)

[JoyRenee]

The meat can be cooked, raw, whatever- it's so gross. Especially chewy meat. I can't even eat hotdogs, which aren't really "meat" or a good protein anyway.

I actually feel amazing today. Yesterday I slept all day and drank a ton of water. I was able to get down some tender, shredded chicken in a homemade Chinese dish my MIL brought over. I couldn't believe how much better I felt after eating it. I couldn't look at it while I was eating it and I managed to keep it down, so 10 points for me!

[ladybugbob1029]

Girl, I have had anxiety/panic attacks for about 7 years now, and I'm normally on meds for it, but have been off of them for my pregnancy.  So - in short - I know exactly what you are feeling bc I have had that!  I still have it from time to time, but it hasn't been too bad while I've been pregnant.  What you describe sounds exactly like panic/anxiety.  If you wever have symptoms or want to chat please IM me - chances are I've fealt it and can maybe offer some reassurance.
Oh - and the meat thing.  I couldn't eat meat until after 15 weeks!!!  To even look at it or smell it would make me feel so sick!
I'm sorry - it sounds like you are having alot of pregnancy "side effects" all at once.  I'm sure you will be fine though!  Let us know what the dr. says.

[worriedbabe]

oooo....and re. the heartburn, i've had it every pregnancy, and they're all 4 of them boys.

[worriedbabe]

i had panic attacks for a long while, i think it was down to stress and the lack of confidence i had at the time. you need to discuss the best ways to deal with these with someone...someone who's been through it or an expert. i know they are unpleasant while they last. it helped me to understand that it was a panic attack and that it would pass soon enough. when i regained my confidence and things were less stressful they stopped compleately but if they ever return i'm sure i'll cope better with them now,

[Wendy80]

So, you never had the problem with meat in your other pregnancies?  That's so bizarre... I wonder what causes that.  Anyway... relating to the heart thing, I had similar stuff happen when I was pregnant with my daughter.  Mine was kind of like Gina's ... I would wake up sometimes and feel like I had to gasp for air a few times before I could breathe normally again.  It's very scary stuff.  It's odd that my doctor never once mentioned it being a panic attack (b/c in retrospect, that's what it sounds like)... she said it's normal pregnancy-related shortness of breath and the heart beating like crazy was related to the increased blood flow due to having a baby on board.  I already had a cardiologist (due to prior issues) and when he did an echocardiogram on me, he said everything looked 100% normal.  And I'm betting when you go see your cardio-guy, he'll say the same thing to you too.  =)  

Poor you though... it's probably "just" a fun mixture of stress, heartburn (which I've never had either, so I couldn't recognize it if I wanted to), and good ole baby-body oddities!  Hopefully you can start keeping that chinese-food chicken down.. that's something at least.  Good luck and I hope it dies down soon.  

[tellytatum]

I know exactly how you feel..also I had my gallbladder removed last year so my body still stresses out when i eat certian foods..which causes me to stress..and of course i have anxiety attacks and it freaks me out when my chest starts to tighten..usually when i feel like i am going to have an anxiety attack or when i do have one i like to take a shower..i usually have one more at night time..so i'll try to take a shower to help me go to sleep..i also heard that lavendar helps too..i use my daughters lavendar baby shampoo to wash my self with..and then some lavendar lotion..i also bought other things that smell like lavendar to help me..i always get that "passing out" feeling..i started to see a councelor instead of taking medication to treat it..and it felt really good and helpful talking to someone and letting everything out..she also taught me really great breathing tecniques to practice everyday for when i do have an anxiety attack..i still have some problems but not as bad as they used to be..do you drink alot of caffine or eat alot of chocolate? i know those two trigger anxiety attacks more if you have anxiety..i've tried to cut back on my sweets..and i no longer drink any sodas..i'll drink some tea from time to time but rarely...i also had a problem eating meats too with my daughter..dr said they are protein pills you can take too. I hope things get better for you!! I know it ***** to have this..it scares me all the time when i think about it..but i know i can pull through..i really want to do this without medication as much as possible..i dont want to be suck on medication for the rest of my life..YOU CAN DO IT!

[dietcola]

Wow, interesting information. I was trying to Google similar a while ago. I do not have problem eating meat however I do notice sometimes a very fast hard beat, usually when I wake up after a sleep. And, I also catch myself on a daily bases being out of breath, like I can’t take a complete breath. It’s scary sometimes, I fell like I am having a “panic attack” that I cant take a breath and will pass out. Terrible feeling.

[Gina209]

Oh Joy I know what your going through! When I was Pregnant with Caiden I ALWAYS had that heart racing/hard to breath feelings...and it was always when I went to bed! I would wake up gasping for air or I remember thinking I was going to stop breathing in the middle of the night! I was paranoid...and of course that only made it worse! I could never catch my breath..it was horrible. My doctor said it was anxiety and to try and relax more...take a bath before bed and try to go to sleep with a clear mind...Ha yea like thats easy!

AND I was the same way with meat! I couldn't eat it WELL into my second trimester. I would seriously want to puke! Infact I didnt eat much of anything until mid second trimester. I was always feeling sick! Maybe you're having a BOY :)

Hope you feel better and get some answers!

[jess81play]

So sorry you are feeling like that!!  I get like that sometimes when I eat to much carbs and have to much sugar.  I start to get shakey and my heart races and it feels like I can't breathe.  I've been told anxiety also but it's not that for me.  I'm glad you feel a lot better after eating that chicken.  You should never let yourself get hungry, that can make you feel like that too!!  Being stressed doesn't help either.  Just take it easy!  I think you are fine though.......meaning I don't think it has anything to do with your heart.  Try not to worry about it!  I hope things do get cleared up for ya though!  J