I have experienced exactly the kind of episode you describe - many times. One time it happened while my son was with me and he had to call my husband at work. He came home and was able to talk me down so I didn't end up going to the hospital as I first thought I should. Since then, as I now know for certain it's only a panic attack (my family doctor calls these episodes 'heart palpitations' ) and not cardiac related, I breathe into a paper bag to help stop the hyperventilating. Once I am able to get control of my breathing, I can now talk myself down, though my pdoc allows me to take an extra .5 mg of klonopin and 20 mg of inderal to help slow down the heart palpitations. I have never had to do that, but it's comforting to know I can if I feel the need.

You are younger than I am, but I had a full cardiac work-up after that episode just to make sure it was not cardiac related - thus family docs reference about 'heart palpitations' and he also said I should talk to my pdoc about upping my inderal dosage if it happened again 'just in case'. So far I have not felt the need to do so.

I have lived with PTSD for decades. Certain aspects of it are the same for everyone, some are not. I've never gotten nauseous or vomited like Johnny but that doesn't make his experience any better or worse than mine, imho - just different. Regardless, I consider panic attacks to be one of the worst symptoms of PTSD for me. I have extreme anxiety all day every day, but luckily I have a great therapist, pdoc, and supportive family to help me get through the bad times. I hope you do as well.

With good treatment your symptoms will diminish over time. I used to have nightmares so bad I would wake up screaming - if you want to find a way to totally freak out your kids AND your neighbors, that's a good one .

Mostly, healing involves learning your triggers and you will slowly learn to recognize them. Until then, you should expect flashbacks and anxiety as these are the hallmark symptoms for most sufferers. My flashbacks are strictly emotional, thank God, but some people experience visual as if they are right back in the experience that triggers it. Also, fight or flight responses to triggers are very common as well.

I hope this is helpful to you, and if you experience another panic attack, there's no shame in calling 911 to ask for help. Even at your young age, though it is unlikely, it COULD be cardiac related the next time so it is always the wise choice to have it checked out to get a definitive diagnosis. I hope those paramedics that responded at least did an EKG or something to eliminate the possibility of cardiac problems, otherwise imo they were grossly negligent.

Oh, and one more thing, I find that a good sense of humor goes a long way in not only healing yourself, but dealing with cold-hearted people who don't understand what you are going through.

Feel free to PM me anytime you'd like.

WW