Can anxiety be a constant?

[excusemydust]

I hope no one minds my sharing my experiences with anxiety.

On March 8 of this year, while driving, I began to suddenly feel dizzy, followed by numbness in both arms and hands, then chest pains and palpitations with what felt like extreme stomach cramps. I was certain that I was having a heart attack, or that I was going to pass out and crash the car - whatever was happening, I was absolutely certain that I was about to die. My mouth was totally dry as well, which reinforced in my mind the idea that it was a heart attack. I did manage to get home, as by fortunate chance, I wasn't that far from home when it occurred. No one in my family would call 911, as they were certain that it wasn't a heart attack, but simply anxiety. I took a Lorazepam, which stopped the shaking and calmed me down and I got into the doctor later that week.

Over the past two months, I've had tons of blood work, an x-ray, an upper GI and two EKGs, to no abnormal results beyond a hiatal hernia. My doctor insists that it's merely anxiety, but I have trouble believing that, which is one of the main reasons I'm posting here.

Is it really possible for physical symptoms to be a daily occurrence for a 2-month period? I have intermittent chest pains, abdominal discomfort and frequent dizziness. I sometimes have tingling sensations, blurry vision and chills as well. It feels like my mental state is deteriorating, though I suppose that truly could be anxiety. I've been on Zoloft since the event, though it has yet to have any profound effect.

[29sillygirl]

Hi there,

The short answer to your question is yes.  An anxiety disorder can masquerade as almost any physical problem.  As mammo said, without help, it will take over your life.  Your description of what happened is spot on!  Full blown panic attack.  

So  glad you found us.  Love the pic: OW has a place of honor on my fantasy list of literary greats I'd like to have to dinner:).  

Just a quick comment about family.  I have suffered from agoraphobia for 30+ years; carried on with help from various psychiatrists and meds.   Some of my family preferred to look the other way: others thought all I really needed  was a priest, faith healer, more exercise, etc,  You get the picture.  The people who love you can't help except to maybe give you a place to stay.  Or a ride to doctor.  My first panic attack was on the road, so I do relate.  

Do you remember the episode of 'The Sopranos' where Tony, played so well by James G., passed out in his car?    One of the reasons I loved that show was that its creator and the actors gave us a believable scenario of how panic can hit from out of the blue.  And how it is hard to accept, but treatable.

Here is the main thing I want you to know: with help you can live the life you want.  Without question.  Does this disorder govern how you live.  Yes.  But that is not a bad thing in itself.  Everyone has limitations.  Goes with being human.  

We are here.  Your virtual support group.  You can say whatever you want, whenever you want.  One of us will respond.  Or two or six.  We are a gregarious lot!

[cj29]

In my experience, anxiety can cause constant symptoms and will last as long as you are anxious.  It can really be a vicious cycle that can be hard to get out of sometimes.  Have (or are you in) considered counseling for you anxiety?  For me, the most important step I took in dealing with it, was seeking help.  By learning and gaining the knowledge to understand and confront the anxiety, you enable yourself to get out of this cycle in my opinion.  Keep us posted!

[mammo]

Your Zoloft isn't **** the job for you, call your doctor and let him know this.  It takes 4-6 weeks for it to reach a therapeutic level in your body and it's been longer than this for you.  Normally your doctor will want to see you at that time to see if the medication is helping, and if not usually an increase in dosage is needed.  What you experienced while driving was a panic attack brought on by anxiety.  If you have any doubt as to all the physical symptoms that anxiety can cause, just read some of the other posts are here.  It's amazing how bad anxiety can be.  Without treatment this can continue for the rest of your life.  You need to get into therapy to determine why you are so anxious, and to learn coping skills to deal with it.  Often medication is also needed.  It sounds like you have a clean bill of health and it is time to address the anxiety.  We've all experienced this and understand what you are enduring.  Take care...

[MMahon]

Could your hiatal hernia be causing gastric reflux?  
I have that and believe me it can be devastating.  I would never EVER have believed that 'heartburn' or 'GERD' could be so debilitating.
Your symptoms could indicate any number of ailments and anxiety is one of them.
Certainly a 'GERD' attack for me was quite anxiety producing.
check out:
http://health.yahoo.com/gerd-symptoms/hiatal-hernia-symptoms/healthwise--hw239971.html

Let me know how you  make out.  good luck