confused???

[susan61]

About two months ago, a experianced what I think was a panic attack (a sudden feeling that i was about to pass out, racinig heartbeat, sweating , clammy nervous feeling, heaviness in chest) Ever since then I have seen may doctors and been to the emergency room twice because i have not felt good since that day.  In the past two months i have been told i have a sinus infection, ear infection, a touch of asthma, etc....I've been dignosed with chronic sinusitis and am awaiting a appt. with a neuroligist, my doc suggested that i may have migraine variants and anxiety.  I feel like the doctor are just guessing at this point.  After getting many tests done, cat scan of the brain, ekg, chest x-ray and blood work, all came back normal.  In the past 2 months i have had a constant nervous feeling,. In the past three days i have had 3 more horrible attacks, 1 that i ending up in the emergency room, all test came back normal and the doctor sent me home with a script for vikodin???.  I have been out of work since then, been home feel like i have the flu or somthing.  I have quit smoking cigrettes, significantly lowered my caffenine use and eat a well balanced diet.  I do not know how to control these episodes.  I have missed 3 weeks of work in the past two months due to this condition.  My doctor gave me a script of xanax and said to take them we i feel anxious which is everyday.  I do not want to become dependant on a sedative to feel normal.  I don't even know if it is anxiety that is cause these attacks and feelings.  I would appreciate anyone's input because i don't know where to turn?  Thank you

[Sarzee]

It sure sounds to me that you could benefit from some longer term anti-depressants/ anti-anxiety meds rather than just Xanax.  I don't know how you feel about these meds as they still seem to have a certain stigma attached, but from my experience the meds and the stigma are worth feeling "normal" again!  I've dealt with anxiety and depression for over 10 years.  I've tried tons of meds and even been off for periods of time.  What finally convinced me to stay on for good was when I was have daily panic attacks right after I got married.  During a panic attack I would sweat, feel freezing cold no matter what I had on, felt shaky, nauseous, I would have diarrhea, etc.  It was horrible!  Now that I'm on Effexor and panic attack free (as well having a stable mood) the only way I will go off the med is if the FDA pulls it!  

If all of your lab and diagnostic tests have come back within normal limits, I would encourage you to see a psychiatrist.  I had a horrible experience when a primary care provider put me on a med that made me miserable.  When I finally got to the psychiatrist she couldn't figure out why the PCM ever put me on the med in the first place, it was totally wrong for me!  Now I will only allow a psychiatrist to adjust or change my med, after all that's their specialty!  Ok, off the soapbox!!  :)

I hope this helps, good luck!
-S

[susan61]

Thank you so much for you advise, this is all so new to me and i feel drained.  thanks again:)

[doctornee medical]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Well, it can be an anxiety and panic attack. I am not sure what other tests were done but you certainly need to rule out low blood sugar, diabetes, thyroid problems, GERD, anemia and migraine attacks.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!