are these panic attacks?

HI all - recently I have been experiencing episodes that feel like the precursor to a stroke or heart attack. I am now having these so often that I am sensing the 'cues' that one is coming on. These happen completely out of the blue...mostly when I am relaxed...at home watching tv, reading in bed, now they are starting to happen at work and in normal, non-stressful social situations. I feel a crawling sensation on my scalp, ringing in my ears that gets really really loud, my chest will either hurt or I will feel a weight or heaviness. I will often get cold really fast - especially my hands and feel waves of something pours over me. My heart will race and skip beats. My blood pressure goes thru the roof. I will be dizzy and lightheaded and feel like I can't swallow. When this winds down (sometimes a little one will go for 3-4 minutes - to over 45 minutes) I will shake like I am freezing. I have been to the hospital 4 times in the past month. These had been happening just a bit about a year and a half ago...just before my husband suddenly died. They stopped within a month or so after his death. At that time my doctor put me on Nexium thinking this was primarily stomach acid acting on my vegas nerve. Also on Xanex. I started having these again in December and they would happen maybe once in ten days. In the last month, I have had them far more frequently - every other day and sometimes 2 or 3 in a day. I don't get it! I got remarried to a wonderful man in November, my kids are doing better, I started a new job thats wonderful in March.... things are going well. If these are panic attacks why now?? So far the doctors have tested blood for everthing (thyroid, sugar, kidney function etc.) as well as CBC etc. They have done chest x-rays (fine), heart echos, carotid artery dopler, and hooked me up to an event monitor for my heart. I would have these and hit the monitor to record but they would say that my heart would excelerate somewhat but aside from that it was normal. I ended up at the hospital two nights ago and my blood showed an elevate clotting factor so they did a CT scan of my chest....it was fine. I am so scared and freaked out with no diagnosis that I found myself hoping for blood clots because it would explain everything!!! Every time I have one of these I feel like I am dying. Its horrible. I am beginning to be afraid to go places without my husband. I had one driving my kids and their friends home from a movie a couple of weeks ago and had to pull off the road. I don't feel nervous or anxious though...except about the attacks themselves. Sorry this is so long....I am at my wits end and feel like I am getting no answers. Anything any of you can share would be helpful.... <font color="blue"> </font>

Hmm - coming from some one (that’s ME) that has both panic attacks and heart problems..... I have to say that it could be either of the condition I just mentioned, therefore, you must go see a heart doctor to rule out the heart issue (and) only then will we know for sure if it is a real true blue full blown panic attack and not a heart condition - which by the way a panic attack can feel like a heart attack at times.

But as they say: Better Safe then Sorry!!!

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

P.S. P.S. P.S.




LoVe,
Rhapsody -

Thanks...I am. Have a adenosine stress test scheduled in a couple of weeks and an appt with a primary care doctor tomorrow. When one of the doctors suggested that these were panic attacks I was so shocked. Offended too! How could something that is this real be in my head? I am slowly coming to the conclusion that it could be this. As often as they are happening this is really dibillitating though.

The strange thing with panic attacks is that they can start at any time in life and for no real reason known to us..... but when we dig deeper we will see that all panic attacks have their roots in the unresolved issues that we still carry around in our bodies.... some thing with in your RL has now resonated these feeling as to HELP you HEAL.... locate the original source and you will be half to the finish line.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

Here is the name of good book that I always suggest to any one dealing with uncomfortable feelings (or) panic attacks for no known reason....... Feeling Buried Alive Never Die (by: Karol Truman).

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

Thank you! I will check on the book... I understand what you are saying on the unresolved issues... My husband's sudden death at 43 in front of me and our children was tremendously traumatic. As much as I feel like I've done alot of 'grief work' I know I have alot of fear and unresolved anger. The man I recently married was an old friend...wonderful and supportive. I have started to fear that he will die suddenly as well... Wow...even as I write this my chest is beginning to hurt and ears to ring. Maybe I just haven't given enough credance to my own emotions in this. I'm pretty used to being controlled. Anyway, thank you much for your words. Rhonda

Panic attacks can come in many forms..

The ones you are having sound just like the ones I had when I started having my own panic attacks in 2001... My chest would tighten and I would feel like I was having a heart attack.. I went in and had all of the test done that you are getting done and nothing showed up on me..

My pdoc said it was and is a panic attack..
He put me on Lexapro and it helped very much..
The meds you are put on my be differnt but trust me relax.. IT will all turn out for the better ok.

Try looking up panic attacks on line to see if any information you find might help.. I think Doc has some posted on this site ok.

Good luck keep usposted ok

Thanks Lady Dragus - I have had a pretty good several days now... I haven't had an episode since last Monday when I ended up at the hospital. My doctor put me on Zoloft and I am taking Xanex until it really kicks in. This seems to help and I think even admiting to myself that these could, in fact, BE panic attacks and not some impending physical disaster has helped alot. Thank you for your imput. Rhonda

You are very welcome..

If I can be of anymore assistance just pm me or seomthing ok.

I am here to help