Author Topic: panic attacks  (Read 3366 times)

miaxo

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panic attacks
« on: July 24, 2005, 10:08:40 PM »
Hi everyone.

I really haven't been keeping up with the board much lately.  I was away on a two week vacation which was very pleasant but since I returned home last week I have been having difficulty coping on a daily basis. 

There has been a lot of nasty back and forth with X N.

For the past week I am been completely overwhelmed by panic attacks.  It's been absolutely awful.  I read online that panic attacks generally last 10 minutes but mine last much longer...sometimes over an hour.  I mean the panic will peak and subside several times during the hour but it is torturous.  Last Sunday I felt like I was losing my mind.  Today, I was in the car with hubby and one came over me and I felt like I was going to die.  I had to get out of the car. 

Does any one else get these attacks that can last more than an hour?

I try to talk myself out of them but it hasn't been working.  I wouldn't wish these attacks on anyone.  It's to the point that I'm getting afraid to be in a public place in case I have one.  I can't think straight, I feel like I can't see right, sometimes I think I'm having a stroke or something.  I'm really losing it. 

My hubby is trying to be understanding but I can tell he's freaked out by what has been going on with me for the past week.

I don't have the Xanax anymore that the doc gave me...tossed it.  I guess I should have kept it.

I'll try to keep up with the board but when I'm feeling this way I find it impossible to read anything. 

Thanks for listening.

Mia

vunil

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2005, 10:18:04 PM »
I'd go back to the doctor.  Xanax is nice for a short-term solution, which may be all you need, but something more lasting (paxil, zoloft, not sure what else) might be better.  Also, what is causing these attacks?  Is it the ex-N?  Sure does sound like it.  Why is he panicking you?  If you want to, please share.

But no reason to live with panic attacks!  Yuck!  I have only had one in my life, and it lasted about an hour.  It was dreadful.  Once your body starts doing that, it seems unable to stop itself and it's just like you are hanging on for dear life.  Not conducive to a good or productive life. 

dogbit

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2005, 10:31:42 PM »
I agree with the Xanax.  It has worked wonders for me and oftentimes, just knowing I have it available, I can become calm again.  Doctors seem to worry that it becomes habit-forming but I've been taking it off and on for 10 years and haven't found that to be true at all.  Get your Xanax back  :).  If it worked for you before, it will again, and you'll be able to figure out what is causing the panic when you are not panicked!  Bittles   

missm

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2005, 11:07:37 PM »
Get to your doctor!  I have had panic attacks that, as you described, ebb and flow.  When it's bad, I can feel the edge of it for days or more, with more intensity coming and going.  Your body is on overdrive, it's convinced you're in extreme physical danger, and you're not.  Get something to calm your body down, and do it soon.  You can get Valerian over the counter at most herbalists and drug stores - that can help until you can see your doctor.

I didn't realize I suffered from panic until it got so bad I felt like I was drowning.  Drugs like xanex and clonopin can help the short term, and an ssri like zoloft can help the long term.  Decide you're worth helping, and get some help from a psychiatrist or doctor who can perscribe. When your body has calmed back down, you can work through the triggers with your therapist.

I'm much more prone to anxiety than depression, and I know how terrifying it can be.  Get some help, and get your husband some literature on anxiety so he understands what you're going through and how to best help.

Be well,
missm

miss piggy

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2005, 11:43:15 PM »
Dear Miaxo,

I, too, have suffered from panic attacks.  I felt like I was falling apart.  The paxil helps greatly.  I still get mega butterflies in my stomach that get my attention.  But nothing like the "sky is falling" feeling of a panic attack anymore.  I agree with everyone above.  Rely on your doctor.

Also, I've read that in a pinch, running cold water over your hands and wrists can help.  I don't know why it helps, but I've tried it when upset and feeling hormonal and it does seem to be soothing.  At the very least, the sensation gives my brain something else to focus on.

One panic attack was very revealing for me.  My T asked me what was going through my mind to set off the attack.  When I blurted it out, I realized I had just discovered the story of my life in a very short sound bite: Don't think less of me because I am asking for something I need!  (My message board name is meant to be ironic...)

Please take care.  MP

write

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2005, 02:51:44 AM »
Hi Mia

the only thing with Zanax is it's addictive and requires continual larger doses to have the same effect.
It's great at first, I agree.
My last doctor only advised me to take it for a couple of weeks, she said it would become a problem.

I've been suffering panic attacks too, loads of obsessive thoughts...and what other members have pointed out as possible PTSD; things have been so much better since I thought about that and started working  through it in therapy.

It's the lack of closure for me gives me so much grief: the bipolar disorder means I could obsess forever...

I went to a new doctor and she prescribed to control that mania ( seroquel 500 mg daily )

We've all been through so much, we have to cut ourselves some slack and try a few therapies, and not be hard upon ourselves for a while.

I just think now- I'm damaged, I've struggled to cope, but I'm on the right path and-

I'LL GET THERE.


vunil

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2005, 10:37:56 AM »
Write, I'm so sorry!  It is a struggle.  Is the new drug helping at all?  I took xanax after surgery once and was really bummed when I ran out-- that next night was horrible.  I couldn't sleep, felt angry and anxious, and in general yucky.  I realized the next day I'd had my first (and I hope last!) withdrawal experience. 

I'm hoping what you're on now can work for longer, with no problems like that.  Hang in there.  You've been through a lot.

missm

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #7 on: July 26, 2005, 10:13:46 AM »
I find that xanex helps a lot when I'm in the thick of a panic attack, but is less effective for maintenance, it can exaggerate my moods as it wears off.  I've never felt in danger of becoming addicted for that very reason, but I think everyone reacts to chemicals differently.

Gingerpeach

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2005, 01:15:29 PM »
Hi miaxo,

I had panic atttacks too, also precipitated by my XNH.   They started when I had decided to leave him and was working up the strength and courage to tell him that I was leaving.  And yes, they are awful and I thought I was dying.  At their worst, mine would also last for more than an hour, so, you are not alone in this. 

I went to the doctor and was prescribed Paxil.  At even a low dose, it worked very well and it enabled me to get through the telling, the packing and the leaving with no panic attacks at all !!  After I was settled away from him, I gradually went off the Paxil because it does blunt your emotions, all of them not just the anxiety, and I wanted to feel more like myself again. 

The withdrawal from the Paxil was difficult for me.  It is not an addiction, like you crave the drug, but the withdrawal symptoms were not pleasant.  Not everyone gets the withdrawal symptoms though.  Even though the withdrawal was awful, I don't regret taking the Paxil, because I NEVER would have been able to actually leave him without it.

Since leaving, I have corresponded with him only by email, which gives me a little anxiety, but no panic.  Several moths ago, I HAD to have a phone conversation with him and the thought of it was getting me very close to panic, so my mother gave me a Xanax.  (not enough time for a Dr. visit)  And that enabled me to get through the phone call successfully.

I have since gone back to the doctor and requested a prescription for anxiety/panic because I know I will have to see him sometime in the near future to finalize the separation of all of our financial togetherness (yuck!!)  The Dr. prescribed Klonopin at a very low dose.  She said to try it first so I would know how it reacts in my body.  So, I did try it on a day when I had some anxiety (not XNH related though) and it seemed to work just fine. Made me a little sleepy though too.  Dr. didn't want to give me Xanax as it is addictive.

I am telling you all of this because I am not sure which parts may be helpful to you.  But I do strongly urge you to go to the doctor and ask for something, because as I remember it, the panic tends to feed on itself and induce more panic.  Because you get so anxious about having a panic attack, you then are panicking about him and the panic itself. So, go to the Dr. soon in order to interrupt the cycle.

I have also found deep-breathing, like you would learn in a yoga class is extremely helpful.  When I was without any medication, I found that if I could recognize my anxiety at an early stage, I could prevent an attack with the breathing exercises.  The key for me was recognizing the anxiety early on.  Once I was in attack mode, it was too late for the breathing.

So, please go see your doctor and discuss all of the issues with him/her and I'm sure that they will give you something that will help. This is a difficult time for you and I know that it is painful and disorienting.  And I also send you peaceful, blissful thoughts as well....

Gingerpeach

Gingerpeach

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #9 on: July 26, 2005, 01:16:32 PM »
Hi miaxo,

I had panic atttacks too, also precipitated by my XNH.   They started when I had decided to leave him and was working up the strength and courage to tell him that I was leaving.  And yes, they are awful and I thought I was dying.  At their worst, mine would also last for more than an hour, so, you are not alone in this.  

I went to the doctor and was prescribed Paxil.  At even a low dose, it worked very well and it enabled me to get through the telling, the packing and the leaving with no panic attacks at all !!  After I was settled away from him, I gradually went off the Paxil because it does blunt your emotions, all of them not just the anxiety, and I wanted to feel more like myself again.  

The withdrawal from the Paxil was difficult for me.  It is not an addiction, like you crave the drug, but the withdrawal symptoms were not pleasant.  Not everyone gets the withdrawal symptoms though.  Even though the withdrawal was awful, I don't regret taking the Paxil, because I NEVER would have been able to actually leave him without it.

Since leaving, I have corresponded with him only by email, which gives me a little anxiety, but no panic.  Several moths ago, I HAD to have a phone conversation with him and the thought of it was getting me very close to panic, so my mother gave me a Xanax.  (not enough time for a Dr. visit)  And that enabled me to get through the phone call successfully.

I have since gone back to the doctor and requested a prescription for anxiety/panic because I know I will have to see him sometime in the near future to finalize the separation of all of our financial togetherness (yuck!!)  The Dr. prescribed Klonopin at a very low dose.  She said to try it first so I would know how it reacts in my body.  So, I did try it on a day when I had some anxiety (not XNH related though) and it seemed to work just fine. Made me a little sleepy though too.  Dr. didn't want to give me Xanax as it is addictive.

I am telling you all of this because I am not sure which parts may be helpful to you.  But I do strongly urge you to go to the doctor and ask for something, because as I remember it, the panic tends to feed on itself and induce more panic.  Because you get so anxious about having a panic attack, you then are panicking about him and the panic itself. So, go to the Dr. soon in order to interrupt the cycle.

I have also found deep-breathing, like you would learn in a yoga class is extremely helpful.  When I was without any medication, I found that if I could recognize my anxiety at an early stage, I could prevent an attack with the breathing exercises.  The key for me was recognizing the anxiety early on.  Once I was in attack mode, it was too late for the breathing.

So, please go see your doctor and discuss all of the issues with him/her and I'm sure that they will give you something that will help. This is a difficult time for you and I know that it is painful and disorienting.  And I also send you peaceful, blissful thoughts as well....

Gingerpeach

miaxo

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #10 on: July 29, 2005, 09:13:36 AM »
Thanks for the support and responses.  Doing a little bit better with the panic attacks. 

Things with X N are escalating.  Police were called last night.

I'll try to make a new post about it later.

Thanks again.

Mia

Sela

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #11 on: July 29, 2005, 11:03:55 AM »
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Mia)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Sela

mum

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #12 on: July 29, 2005, 10:14:30 PM »
Mia: hang in there. Sending you love, light and PEACE. 

irishrose

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #13 on: July 30, 2005, 10:22:20 AM »
Miaxo - this book is amazing.  A panic attack is a VERY physical response to emotional trauma.  This book explains each and every symptom and teaches diaphragmatic breathing which keeps them at bay.  Even the knowledge in the book makes things clearer so the panic is reduced.  I urge you to get it.  It changed my life and I often re-read it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1856262952/qid=1122733237/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_2_1/202-1294026-4850238

Hyperventilation Syndrome  - Dinah Bradley

miaxo

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Re: panic attacks
« Reply #14 on: August 01, 2005, 01:41:03 PM »
thank you irishrose.