Am I really all alone?

I’m hoping that someone out there can understand or relate to what I’ve been dealing with so long. For as long as I could remember the intense feeling of fear always hindered around. It wasn’t until the last few years that the symptoms have changed into dizzy spells and blacking out. I would have my anxiety attack maybe once or twice a week or none at all sometimes. When I felt the overwhelming feeling approaching I had sometime to prepare for it and reassure myself that everything would be okay. I would have those couple of seconds that gives me the warning signs. There have been a few people who have witnessed me having an anxiety attack. They’ve said that I don’t bring attention to myself as though I’m hyperventilating. My facial expression would change where I looked very confused and scared. I would tell them that something horrible is about to happen and even asking them what time and day it is. This sometimes last for a few minutes to 15-20 minutes. When I’m able to feel like myself again I would have this heavy pounding headache and I would be emotionally and physically withdrawn and tired where I would just sleep. I’ve been told to start taking 100mg of Zoloft, before that it was 25mg then 50mg. They wanted me to start the medication off slowly. Because I was having such a difficult time sleeping I’m now always taking 15mg of Serax, which also treats anxiety. My biggest concern is that in the last week my symptoms have changed so rapidly. I now have at least 2-3 anxiety attack a day and I don’t even have enough time to be aware of the warning signs. I would automatically fall into a very heavy dizzy spell. Before I would have enough time to calm myself down and try to reassure myself that everything is going to be okay but this last week its been so scary. I would be so confused of my surrounding. My general memory is so poor, it can become so discouraging. Is there anyone out there who can understand what I’m going through? I’m really trying to do what I can to reduce the stress in my life and to take better care of myself but right now I feel its so out of my control.

i think you definitely need to speak to your doctor about the fact that the symptoms have gotten worse. the blackouts sound very frightening and i'm sorry youre having such a difficult time right now. just want you to know that youre not alone, were all here to listen and support you.

Hang in there,, and like greenfairy says talk with your doc as soon as you can.
My t- once told me when I asked why all of a sudden do I have the physical symptoms (such as dizziness) I never had those before. His response was the monkey is getting bigger, and if I don't control it and get help now, it will turn into a gorilla. Sounds kinda corny right, but how true it is!! I know its scary. . Just try and remember that there is help out there, and you will be ok, keep posting here.. people here are GREAT and truly can be of big help

Jenn1fer82,
That sounds dreadful, how really awful for you.
I think you need to contact a doctor about this as soon as you can. Is there someone you can ring?

What stratergies do you use to cope with these awful panic attacks?
I find that my breathing goes completely to pot, so I have to cup my hands over my mouth for at least 10 minutes.(a paper bag can be used instead if you prefer). This usually works well and stops me being sick!
I suggest that you be aware of your breathing and notice when your body starts to tense up, so that you can do something about it quicker.

Thinking of you.

Hi Jennifer,

You have been very brave to deal with such hard attacks. I know what it's like.

When you said about ' a couple of seconds' that really hit home. It does happen that quickly.

You are not alone Jennifer; there are many of us who have to walk this path in life.

Good thoughts, M

Welcome to PC ! I am sorry that you are going thru all this. I have to wonder , have you been checked out by a Doctor to see if what you are experiencing could be seizures rather than panic attacks? I have a friend with a seizure disorder, and you could be her writing what you did ! If you havent seen a neurologist, I think I might check out the possibility of a seizure disorder, as what you describe really leans that way, in my humble opinion. IF you have already had tests done, and it is not a seizure disorder, I hope that you contact your prescribing Doctor ASAP and see what can be done to help you !! Good luck ! As the others have said, many of us have suffered horribly with panic disorder, and are here for you when you need us !

Hmm - I too was wondering is this might not be more of a seizure disorder than that of a panic attack..... have you ever seen a Neuro Doctor for this? - I ask this all for my daughter (God rest her soul) suffered with seizure from the day she was born and this sounds a lot like how she would be when she had an attack.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

I’ve already had an MRI, EEG and even got my heart exam and from what I understood at that time everything was normal. Should I go back to my doctor and ask them to retest me again? Today I’m feeling a lot better compared to the roller coaster week that I’ve had. I was more aware of my actions and breathing and just trying to take it easy. My doctor had suggested for me to go back on disability but I told him not right now. I ran into a lot of problems when I was on disability. I would only have health insurance through my employment for a couple of months. I don’t want to go back to work because I don’t have health insurance but because I’m healthy enough to work. That’s what had happen the last I was on disability. What are the major differences between panic attacks and seizures?

Hmm - there may not be a big enough difference to the naked eye in the two unless you are a doctor and can see the physical results of the brain as each one happens.... coming from a mother of a daughter that suffered from seizures 90% of her life and from a person (me) that suffers from anxiety attacks daily - I have no life because of IT.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

P.S.
If the doctors did all the test required and did not find any abnormalities in the brain that would constitute seizures then I would not worry.

hi how are you jennifer this is so bizzare but for the past 2 months i have been felling almost the sme as you i would get these horrible numbness in my head then a terrifying burning sensation in it but when i went to the hospital they said i had a really bad wisdom tooth infection plus they noticed how scared and stressed i really was they prescribed an antibiotic and also 0.5 grams of xanax it helped for alittle bit but when the xanax was gone i found myself feeling scared and alone and i could not sleep but felt that if i closed my eyes i would die it's scary i know but i think you should go to a neurologist just incase it's not something other then anxiety but i'm not a doctor but it sounds like alittle bit of hypochondrisis and anxiety please talk to your doctor i'm seeking help as well i hope we both get better and have a better quality of life i do find that in my most anxious times prayer helps just spill your heart out to god maybe it will help it helps me .

stephanie

Thank you for everyone's concern. It really means alot to me.