Question:
I have been suffering from what the MDs and
Psychotherapist tell me are panic attacks for
about two months now. Although I have had
about 5 actual "attacks", I have a combination of
symptoms everyday. There have been 'good'
days, but not as many as there are 'bad'.
My usual symptoms include dizziness, light
headedness, breathing difficulty (sometimes
it is an effort to breathe) and most annoying
are heart "skip-beats". These actually occur
more often when (I believe) I am relaxed and
at seemingly random times. (I have had days
where much worse symptoms have occurred.)
I'd like to know if this is unusual. I don't think
I've have one complete day that hasn't had
one symptom (even very mild.)
Answer:
I was relieved to find your letter and discription of your symptoms. I
am a 30 year sufferer of panic and anxiety disorder w/ agoraphobia. I
have been under treatment for two years now and am happy to say that as
long as I follow the Doctor`s orders and take all prescribed meds, I do
fine and hold down a job and you wouldn`t know I had any such problem.
I understand about the sudden inability to breath, and the fact that the
attacks can come on when you are actually relaxed! That is what gets
me...I have had some of the worst ones while trying to fall asleep.
Diving presents a problem, and I have actually had to pull over before I
pass out. Thats a fun one..every symptom you describe relates to panic
and anxiety disorders, among other things, and of course only a Dr. can
diagnose this. You do not say if you are under treatment, on meds or
anything, but if you are I would be interestedi n talking about it. I
do belong to a wonderful suppport group but I am wondering if these
discussion groups might expand my knowledge or help in my recovery. I
will check for your response on Friday 11/26. Until then, relax ( OK,
just try to )
I must admit that it is both amazing and encouraging to me when I read
about those who have succeeded (and endured) through YEARS of
suffering. I feel like such a baby sometimes when I go to the MD to ask
him about this symptom or that, even though he has been patient and
understanding. Sometimes when "old" symptoms return on some days,
it feels "new" all over again. A few days after the stomach problems
started, they became "acute." I rushed out of work and tried to drive
home. I sat in the parking lot of the nearest hospital for about 15 minutes
and decided I would suffer the drive home instead of visiting emergency.
(Normal driving time for me is 1 hour each way.) When I got home the
symptoms subsided a little. The next day an endoscopy revealed the
problems I mentioned. I have noticed that posture and position can
help or exacerbate some PD symptoms. I'm sure that sitting for 1 hour
in morning and evening traffic doesn't really help me.
Besides the acid reducer, my MD has given me Xanax .25 mg. I take
1/4th of a tablet once a day on the "bad" days. That is all I can handle
right now. I know it is nowhere near a therapeutic dosage, but I can feel
a difference. I have Paxil, Effexor and Serzone starter packages at home.
I've tried one of the Paxil and Effexor and wanted nothing to do with the
side effects (at least not now.) The Serzone I just stare at once a day.
Even though I've seen no marked improvement from them, I take
supplements: Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, B Complex,
B12 sublingual, L-Taurine (heart function), L-Tyrosine, Vitamin E,
Omega-3 oils and Kava Kava now and then. (But maybe they have
helped me, I dunno.)
I'd like to take Vitamin C, but is there a form I can take that won't
make my stomach problems worse?
One other concern is my weight loss. In the beginning, I had really
reduced my food intake because of nerves probably. I wasn't hungry,
just worried all the time. I've returned to three meals a day, but lighter
and much less "fatty" than before. I also extremely rarely have cookies,
cakes, ice cream, candy, soda, etc, etc. I went from 208lbs to 178lbs
in 2-3 months. I am 5' 11" and 40 years old. My weight 10 years ago was
around the 170lb range - so I am OK so far, I think. But I don't think my
body has quite adjusted to the loss. I am trying to walk and get more
exercise, also.
I'm like to hear from you (and anyone else who would care to comment)
when you care to post or email me directly.
