[healed84]

I added trigger icon.. just in case people are triggered by medical/teeth things.

I know that this should probably go to the anxiety forum, but I feel more comfortable here. So, I am putting it here. As I have posted about a lot over the last 4 or 5 days my anxiety is out of control, having multiple attacks a day. Yesterday, it was so bad I called my husband home from work. Then, last night at about 10:30 I just freaked out. I have an infection from a tooth, that didn't go away with the first dose of antibiotics. And in my mind, it is not getting better fast enough, and had myself convinced that the infection was spreading and that I was dying. I begged my husband to bring me to the ER.. I am not sure what I would have said to them. Tell them that I think the infection is spreading or that I am in the midst of a panic attack and here are my thoughts.

My husband wasn't sure what to do.. I ended up calling my mom b/c I knew she was on her way home from work and passing by her house. Thinking maybe she would bring me in. I called her, and she talked to me as she was driving home. Then, she stopped by. By about 12am the panic part was over. By far.. the worst attack I have ever had.

My mom urged me to call my T after hours line. I didn't b/c I didn't know if it was too late or not. I did call and leave a message telling the receptionist that it was urgent so please have him call me back. He won't be in his office until 12 Kind of hoping he gets the message before that and he call me back before than. I don't have an appointment with him this week b/c he was all booked up by Friday. I don't know if he has emergency appointments or not, but I would really, really like for him to offer that to me.

Anyways, thanks for listening.. my mom and husband did great with me last night, but they just don't understand. This sucks..really bad. I am so over being griped by fear of something happening to me.

[faith1983]

oh healed, I'm so sorry you had such a bad evening/night and also that your t won't be there till the 12th... It's great though that you used your available social ressource to go through your anxiety attack; you did a really good job.. it was the worst you ever felt but managed to go through it by yourself by reaching out people that were there.

As for your teeth infection, I hope it goes away fast!! Will you see a doctor or dentist today so he can prescribe another antibiotics? To help, you can also try to gargle (not sure of my translation here!!) warm salt water 4X/day.. won't heal your tooth but can help it heal faster...

take care
faith

[healed84]

Thanks Faith.. T called me a couple of mintues ago. He helped me calm down a bit.. and made appointment for me for tomorrow afternoon. I am feeling a bit better now, but still feel like I am on the edge of a panic attack.

[pbutton]

I am triggered by medical stuff & saw the word antibiotic when I glanced, so I can't read... but big hugs to you.

[growlycat]

You have every reason to call your T--I think that is a legit emergency!!

Panic attacks feel awful--I'm with you there!! Lots of hugs!

[elliemay]

Before I understood what was happening to me, I went to the ER several times. I certainly understand how you feel when full on panic sets in.

Even now, it's insanely hard to rationalize myself out of the feeling that I am going to die.

FWIW going to the ER always made me feel better. I still leave that open as an option.

I also understand the residual anxiety you are feeling right now. It's hard when that panic center gets activated to bring yourself back down to baseline. I can assure you, however, that eventually exhaustion will win out and you will sleep.

I mean let's be clear, panic is not anxiety. It's anxiety on steroids. Anxiety is uncomfortable, panic is smothering.

If you want someone to understand panic, throw a mountain lion into the bathtub with them. They'll understand that. Well, at least, that's what it feels like to me.

Now, I'm not pushing meds at all, but have you considered them as an option? Something like a fast acting benzodiazepine? I've found that just having them around can help, because it lets me know that I have a little control. I can stop this panic.

Also, I think it is important right now to realize that you are sick. A bad tooth is an infection. You are less resilient now than you would ordinarily be. Plus, you have all the crap associated with a dentist.

You'll make it. Boy do I understand. Try and get some rest.

[healed84]

Originally Posted by elliemay

Before I understood what was happening to me, I went to the ER several times. I certainly understand how you feel when full on panic sets in.

Even now, it's insanely hard to rationalize myself out of the feeling that I am going to die.

FWIW going to the ER always made me feel better. I still leave that open as an option.

I also understand the residual anxiety you are feeling right now. It's hard when that panic center gets activated to bring yourself back down to baseline. I can assure you, however, that eventually exhaustion will win out and you will sleep.

I mean let's be clear, panic is not anxiety. It's anxiety on steroids. Anxiety is uncomfortable, panic is smothering.

If you want someone to understand panic, throw a mountain lion into the bathtub with them. They'll understand that. Well, at least, that's what it feels like to me.

Now, I'm not pushing meds at all, but have you considered them as an option? Something like a fast acting benzodiazepine? I've found that just having them around can help, because it lets me know that I have a little control. I can stop this panic.

Also, I think it is important right now to realize that you are sick. A bad tooth is an infection. You are less resilient now than you would ordinarily be. Plus, you have all the crap associated with a dentist.

You'll make it. Boy do I understand. Try and get some rest.

Thanks so much!! I did talk to my T yesterday and he calmed me down a lot. He got me in for an appointment this afternoon, which I am thankful for.

At my last appointment with T he strongly recommneded that I start taking a daily med (like Zoloft) and Xanax for the panic attacks themselves. When he mentioned it at the appointment I was unsure, but after thinking about it for a couple of hours.. I was pretty confident that, meds are the best idea right now.

T did reassure me that going to the ER/urgent care is always an option. They can always give me something to calm me down. So, it is comforting to know I can do that. Although, my husband doesn't understsand that option, b/c he knows that I do eventually calm down from the intial attack. Really, I think he is more worried about the money.

[pbutton]

Originally Posted by elliemay

I mean let's be clear, panic is not anxiety. It's anxiety on steroids. Anxiety is uncomfortable, panic is smothering.

If you want someone to understand panic, throw a mountain lion into the bathtub with them. They'll understand that. Well, at least, that's what it feels like to me.

You are officially my hero. This is awesome.