Hi everyone. I'm hoping some of you can shed some light, opinions or personal experiences on this.

As some of you may know, I deal with chronic pain and sickness. I feel like I have the worst flu everyday. I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and a few other disorders which all seem to fall into the fibromyalgia symptom list.

When I became sick, showers became difficult for me. It's physically draining to shower and I usually feel like I've ran a Boston marathon by the time I'm finished. I always need to rest after and rebuild strength. Sometimes it's so bad that my legs turn into mush, I can't catch my breath and feel I will faint of my legs which wobble like crazy will give out.

Lately I've had a shower "phobia" of sorts and my husband comes into the room which makes me feel VERY safe. I had a doctors appointment a few days ago and had to shower beforehand. I'm feeling very sick recently and really struggled in the shower. My legs almost gave out, my breathing was so rapid and I could not catch a breath. I had to get out before rinsing and sit on the toilet until the shaking stopped and I could catch my breath. My husband said "I think you are having a panic attack". I did feel pressure to get ready and I did feel sick but I wasn't in a "panic" about it. But I think he was right....I do think it was a panic attack.

I'm always questioning how much my constant sickness is caused by mental health vs a physical issue. At the end of the day it doesn't much matter as the brain controls mental illness as well as pain signals from physical issues but it does make a difference on how I'm going to get this treated once and for all.

I have a pretty major amount of stress in my life from an outside perspective. A chronically sick child with very serious Crohn's disease as well as a child with aspergers. My husband was physically attacked on the job and needed emergency neck surgery and is now disabled. The list goes on and on. Sure I worry but I don't feel I "panic" and yet I get symptoms of panic attack without the actual worry which you'd assume would be involved.

When I was hospitalized last, and was pretty delusional my blood pressure was through the roof. I didn't know I was panicking but in hindsight I believe I was.

The shower attacks happen frequently with varying severity. Do you believe what I describe is a panic attack or do you feel it's likely from being sick and over exerting myself? I know we are not doctors so this is all guess work but I'd like to know your opinions. To recap the symptoms I experience in the shower are lightheaded, shaking, my legs wobble so bad they give out and I can't catch my breath.

Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope someone has some experience or helpful advise.