Typically most people think of panic attacks as like having a heart attack or having these extreme symptoms. But all my panic attacks have always been different.

They are like I have the flu.

Why I know this is because I never HAVE the flu. So, if I feel like I have the flu, usually it is a panic attack.

So you say, how do you know you don't have the flu? Well it never progresses like the flu should.

Typically I start feeling like
- dizzy;
- heart pounding
- increased heart rate
- chills
- having to go #2 more often
- unreal like I am surrounded by air that makes things hard to move.
- often, even if I use calming effects, it will not release easily. Medication is the only thing that will knock it back.

I find this makes things difficult for me because they aren't typical. I mean if this happens at work, I just get to suffer because the symptoms aren't enough for anyone to really think I am having an issue. If I go to the ER they don't recognize it as a panic attack and I feel like that is pointless.

Originally Posted by Emily Fox Seaton

Typically most people think of panic attacks as like having a heart attack or having these extreme symptoms. But all my panic attacks have always been different.

They are like I have the flu.

Why I know this is because I never HAVE the flu. So, if I feel like I have the flu, usually it is a panic attack.

So you say, how do you know you don't have the flu? Well it never progresses like the flu should.

Typically I start feeling like
- dizzy;
- heart pounding
- increased heart rate
- chills
- having to go #2 more often
- unreal like I am surrounded by air that makes things hard to move.
- often, even if I use calming effects, it will not release easily. Medication is the only thing that will knock it back.

I find this makes things difficult for me because they aren't typical. I mean if this happens at work, I just get to suffer because the symptoms aren't enough for anyone to really think I am having an issue. If I go to the ER they don't recognize it as a panic attack and I feel like that is pointless.

The list of symptoms you describe do not sound different at all. You're description as feeling like you are catching a flu is unique, but I'm no expert by any means.
I have a sort of standard list as well that is similar to yours, but I don't get the idea we all experience the same thing. My symptoms can also vary a bit. There are certain things that cause me great distress. Sometimes mine start with an immediate spike in pulse/heartbeat followed by a hot "rush of blood to the head" vertigo feeling. When that happens, I feel terror. Thankfully, these are usually very short.
Mostly, I have panic attacks often throughout the day. It's almost as if it is happening so often that it's hard to tell where one ends and another begins. The symptoms with these are more similar to yours. Maybe this contributes to your feeling like you are getting sick?
At any rate, you're not alone. I'm sorry you experience these in such a prolonged way. It is a terrible feeling.

Originally Posted by Nemo1934

The list of symptoms you describe do not sound different at all. You're description as feeling like you are catching a flu is unique, but I'm no expert by any means. Maybe this contributes to your feeling like you are getting sick?At any rate, you're not alone. I'm sorry you experience these in such a prolonged way. It is a terrible feeling.

Not sure. But mine seem to go on for a while, the same. In fact, I went though a period a few years back where I was having the issue over and over again. It did actually improve due to diet. But recently it has come back full throttle due to changes in diet and marijuana. And I realize how hard it is to really explain to others when your symptoms seem so different. Most times a flu has a fever so people think you will have some legit tell. But if you have a panic attack that acts like a fever.. all you have is subjective feeling like poo.

Thanks.

[lexi56782]

Mine has been going on for 24+ hours. I feel like I’m going into anaphylactic shock. I have shortness of breath & im itching all over. Just got back from the ER and they told me I have nothing.

Panic ?

Originally Posted by lexi56782

Mine has been going on for 24+ hours. I feel like I’m going into anaphylactic shock. I have shortness of breath & im itching all over. Just got back from the ER and they told me I have nothing.

Panic ?

That sounds terrible. I'm sorry. I hope you get relief soon. I'm glad you went to the ER.

[lexi56782]

It got worse. I'm having awful headaches and a burning sensation in my throat, chest, head and at the back of my mouth. I read somewhere that this is a symptom of a sinus infection and it can kill you if complications occur.

I cannot settle down. The doctor at the ER didn't even check for anything as she was convinced I was fine.

I'm freaking out because it feels like my body is on fire!! Sometimes i'll get hot flashes, but for now its just burning ! I took tums but it seems like its not going away.

stress?

Originally Posted by Emily Fox Seaton

Typically most people think of panic attacks as like having a heart attack or having these extreme symptoms. But all my panic attacks have always been different.

They are like I have the flu.

Why I know this is because I never HAVE the flu. So, if I feel like I have the flu, usually it is a panic attack.

So you say, how do you know you don't have the flu? Well it never progresses like the flu should.

Typically I start feeling like
- dizzy;
- heart pounding
- increased heart rate
- chills
- having to go #2 more often
- unreal like I am surrounded by air that makes things hard to move.
- often, even if I use calming effects, it will not release easily. Medication is the only thing that will knock it back.

I find this makes things difficult for me because they aren't typical. I mean if this happens at work, I just get to suffer because the symptoms aren't enough for anyone to really think I am having an issue. If I go to the ER they don't recognize it as a panic attack and I feel like that is pointless.

Emily, you've just described the symptoms that my panic attacks are like...especially with the bowel urgency. It's due to the constant battle between the brain and the digestive system. Anytime I get really stressed out, it's like my digestive system goes into over-drive and I spend a lot of time in the bathroom.

So, you're definitely not alone with your panic attack symptoms.