Help?

[Calrizan]

I just recently suffered what I assume was a panic/anxiety attack, and I still can't shake the feelings that were associated with it. It was the absolute most frightening moment in my life. I thought something was seriously wrong, and I still don't know if there is or isn't anything wrong. My temporary medication wore off yesterday, but I've been having constant, varying pains along with mild headaches since Saturday. I don't know what to do or what to think. I'm only 18, and this scares me to no end. If anyone would have some support on the subject, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Katie_Marks]

I'm so sorry you're going through this...
Glad to hear that things are getting better..
You can take steps to lessen the chance of having panic attacks and learn to manage them better. Try to learn to recognize a panic attack. When you sense the first symptoms, know that other symptoms may follow. You have survived them before and can do so again. Try slow, deep breaths.
Take your time. It’s important not to hope for a quick cure. Therapy takes time, and improvement comes in small steps.
Go easy on yourself. People who feel panic tend to be overly critical of themselves.
Learn to lower your level of everyday anxiety through a variety of techniques, including meditation and exercise.
Learn other relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or guided imagery.
Avoid stimulants, such as nicotine and caffeine, which can be found not only in coffee, but many teas, colas, and chocolate.

Moreover, try to watch this video, it might be helpful for you..
http://www.healinghelp-kate.com/how-to-stop-panic-attacks-video/

Stay strong and take care,
Katie

[Calrizan]

This was supposedly diagnosed as GERD. If  that's the issue, it doesn't explain the random pauses in my heartbeat. I can exert myself remarkably well. No chest pains despite the pain from the acid reflux. Each time it pauses, there's a weird sense of fuzziness/panic that washes over me, sort of like my first panic attack.
I'm afraid to even sleep.

[Chrissy1972]

Glad things are looking up for you. You are doign the right thing by talking to yourself. Its hard to direct your inner self sometimes. But sounds like you are doing well :)
Let us know how your Dr's visit goes. Do tell him/her that you are still a little anxious. Maybe they will give you a script for xanax for emergencies take as needed. Just having it available might help comfort you.

[Calrizan]

This week has actually gone fairly decent. I've managed to tune out all of the odd aches and pains by telling myself that I was fine before it happened. However, It's been just under a week since it occurred, and I just had a near-panic-attack, but I managed to keep it at bay. Do note that I haven't been taking anymore medication save for Advil for the occasional headache. I think the fact that I'm still moderately sick has something to do with it too.

[lost_myself]

I had a fear of every disease I could think of and  was at the doctor I cant even remember how many times. I think many here would agree..see a doc just to be sure ,but stay away from researching everything as you will convince yourself of something new and feed the panic by creating another fear. Have faith in the docs, there are some pretty bad ones but, for the most part test results are test results, if they say you're ok take it for what it is .
I posted a while back..called how i over cam axiety Im going to post it back to the top of this page and you can read my story, as well as a couple others on there..maybe you can find something that will help you break the cycle before you have deal with this for years, it is something that can be overcome and there is no need to suffer so long..take care.

[Chrissy1972]

I have had Panic Disorder for 20yrs. I did very well for most of my late 20's and just recently (at 37) I am having them very often. I too have a stressful job but i know with me its just not stressed, It tends to run in my family so the Dr thinks its chemical in me.
I started back at therapy to deal and I also take Paxil and xanax when needed. You need to be careful with xanax or any benzo as it does make the attack go away but it can be very addicting. Its more like a band aid. Perhaps you can get a soonder appointment if you are that concerned.
In the meantime try to relax, do something to distract yourself from your anxious feelings. The more you focus on them the more intense and longer they can linger.

[Calrizan]

This was the first incident of a panic attack I've had. I'm going in on the 9th for a checkup and sometime in January for a physical.
For some reason I feel like I just won't make it that far, like something is going to happen.
My boss has a panic disorder as well, yet he's managed 50+ years with it.
It might be helpful to note that I work a very stressful job as a Network Administrator for a large-coverage ISP. It can be a very demanding job, requiring one to get up at 12AM for repairs or replacements.

[Chrissy1972]

Calrizan

I am so sorry it sounds like you have had a rough time here healthwise with the flu & chest issues. Your body was majorly strained and emotionally you are fatigued after the illness then the panic attack. Your constant tense chest, dizziness & lump in your thraot are all signs of anxiety,. I can bet you are still thinking about your PA & worried about having another. Are you normally anxious or was this the 1st incident you had?
Try to relax, take some deep breaths. Take comfort in knowing that the Drs sent you home with a clean bill of health. If these feelings continue I urge you to speak to a counseler or your Dr regarding how to deal with  your anxiety.

Best wishes and keep us posted!

[Calrizan]

I had been playing a round of TF2 on my computer. I had been sick recently since the flu had been cycling through my workplace. Something came up that made me think it may have been something worse, such as meningitis or some sort of heart disease. Why, I don't know. I had suffered chronic chest pain before from Costochondritis and I think that's what spiraled me into a panic-attack. My heart rate according to the ECG was well over normal and refused to drop until they administered ativan. Afterwards they prescribed 0.5mg tablets of Xanax and sent me home after running the ECG a while longer and checking my heart, reporting everything to be normal. Now I seem to deal with a constantly-tensed chest, dizziness, and a lump in my throat.
Note though that I would only take the Xanax during an onset of a panic attack. It has since then ran out.

[Chrissy1972]

Panic attacks can be the most frightening feeling one experiences especially if this was your 1st experience. What is this temporary medication you have?  

[lost_myself]

I can tell you anxiety can give you ALL kinds of symptoms and was the scariest thing Ive been through personally. I was sure I was dieing. Would you care to share what happened?