[rainbow8]

I'm in the ER for 2 hours waiting. I couldn't stand the shortness of breath, weakness, and shakiness anymore! I feel terrible all the time! The triage nurse said my breathing is fine. I got my allergy shots today and allergist was concerned it could be something else. While waiting, I called T. She says it is panic attacks because I said it feels like I'm choking! She wants me to take something to sleep like Tylenol PM, that I would feel much better if I got 8 hrs. sleep. She wants me to take antidepressants. She really, really thinks it isn't anything physical. Except for the blood clot and sciatica.

So, I don't know! What does anyone know about panic attacks? Can you feel weak from them? Shaky? I trust T, but she doesn't realize how sensitive to meds I am.

[DP_2017]

Yes you can and I have been to the ER for that before, I felt like I was dying and could barely breath and it was just anxiety/panic attacks. It's worth trying if you can leave, otherwise it could be a VERY long night at the ER... and sleep would be good

I hope you feel better soon

[feralkittymom]

Anti-depressants don't necessarily treat panic attack symptoms. Panic attack symptoms generally feel exactly as you're feeling. Sometimes there's also a sense of strong heart palpitations and a "hearing" of blood rushing in your ears. There can also be dissociative feelings.

You could also buy a pulse oximeter ( what they clip onto your index finger) quite cheaply on Amazon that will show you your heart rate and blood oxygen level. If those # are within normal range, then it's another indication that symptoms are from anxiety. You can also use it as a mini biofeedback monitor, to practice changing breathing patterns and heart rate.

[growlycat]

I’ve been to the Er and icu over an asthma attack and the only difference I could tell is that I could not catch my breath at all moving from one pc of furniture to another was more than I could handle. In a panic attack there are reprieves in being able to breathe. I hope you are ok rainbow.

[rainbow8]

1:30 a.m. Still here. Tests okay but I have to get a shot because of my coumedan level being low. I've been here 6 hours and have to drive home! This was a terrible experience and now I'm short of breath again!

[unaluna]

Are your blood sugar, blood pressure, and pulse rate all normal at these times? Are you sweating?

[LonesomeTonight]

Panic attacks can cause those symptoms BUT they shouldn't last for hours. It's good that you got checked out. I'm wondering if you could be having mast cell reactions to something because I've been looking into this for myself. Here's something listing possible symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. And here's another link

Medication and stress can be possible triggers. The thing is, it's apparently very difficult to get a diagnosis. But you can try treating it on your own to see if it helps. Take Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin daily (these are H1 histamine blockers--(note: Claritin makes me anxious, so I'd suggest one of the others!). And also can try an H2 blocker, like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tagamet (since there are lots of histamines in the digestive system, too--assuming it's OK to take one of those with the meds you're on. I imagine Zyrtec or Allegra would be fine, just not sure for something affecting the stomach. You can also try Benadryl just as a test to see if it helps your symptoms, but that's not as good to take regularly since it's only 4-6 hours.

[unaluna]

Did you get home alright?

[maybeblue]

Unfortunately panic attack and some heart symptoms can be the same, apparently especially in women. I've recently developed panic attacks. Mine are very situation specific, so I am quite sure that is what they are. However, I have been doing a lot of reading and found an article about a woman who had been having "panic attacks" for years to the point of not wanting to leave her house. But then it turned out she wasn't having panic attacks at all. She had atrial fibrillation...which can have episodic attacks, just like panic. They fixed the afib and suddenly, no more panic attacks.

I guess my point is that even professionals have difficulty telling the difference between physical and psychological symptoms sometimes. It's probably smart to get the physical ruled out first.

But I agree that antidepressants do not seem help with panic attacks. Xanax kind of works for me, but it makes me feel stupid so I don't like to take it. I have read that beta blockers can help, but I haven't tried them.

[rainbow8]

Originally Posted by unaluna

Did you get home alright?

Thanks so much for asking. Yes. No cars on road but I passed my turn and had to put on Navigation! Couldn't fall asleep til 3 and got up 7. I am waiting for heart monitor now. T emailed me already and asked what happened in ER. She thinks lack of sleep is biggest problem now. I feel shaky now. 4 hours is too little. So panic attack or what right now. Or exhaustion. Trying to breathe. Have to get Lovenox shots to give myself. Fun, fun, fun. I don't think I understand about broccoli on warfarin. I thought once a week was okay. Maybe not.

[feralkittymom]

Vitamin K foods should be limited. Small amounts are ok, esp cooked, but it's about the amount at one time: a large portion at one meal, even if once a week, can lower the effectiveness of a blood thinner. See a dietician if you need to.

[rainbow8]

Originally Posted by feralkittymom

Vitamin K foods should be limited. Small amounts are ok, esp cooked, but it's about the amount at one time: a large portion at one meal, even if once a week, can lower the effectiveness of a blood thinner. See a dietician if you need to.

Thanks but I asked at the coumidan clinic today and they said broccoli once a week is fine. Maybe I need to eat a smaller portion though. I had it with chicken stir fry and mushrooms. Could be I ate too much of it. I don't eat kale or romaine lettuce or green tea. They said not to have cranberries or liver ever. I hate that I have to give myself shots again. One of the bruises on my stomach didn't go away yet.

[rainbow8]

Originally Posted by DP_2017

Yes you can and I have been to the ER for that before, I felt like I was dying and could barely breath and it was just anxiety/panic attacks. It's worth trying if you can leave, otherwise it could be a VERY long night at the ER... and sleep would be good

I hope you feel better soon

Thank you! Yes it was a very long night! I am trying to sleep now but my leg hurts too much. I took Tylenol but it doesn't always work.

Originally Posted by feralkittymom

Anti-depressants don't necessarily treat panic attack symptoms. Panic attack symptoms generally feel exactly as you're feeling. Sometimes there's also a sense of strong heart palpitations and a "hearing" of blood rushing in your ears. There can also be dissociative feelings.

You could also buy a pulse oximeter ( what they clip onto your index finger) quite cheaply on Amazon that will show you your heart rate and blood oxygen level. If those # are within normal range, then it's another indication that symptoms are from anxiety. You can also use it as a mini biofeedback monitor, to practice changing breathing patterns and heart rate.

Thank you. I'll see what the 7 day heart monitor shows first. The puzzling part is that I don't think it's all anxiety. I had to go to the store and get the shots, after the doctor today. Suddenly I felt what I used to think was low blood sugar, so I ate my package of peanut butter and whole grain crackers, and some candles to bring up my blood sugar. My monitor was at home. I tested my blood sugar right away at home and it was 109. I was shaky for about half hour more. So, it was 2 1/2 hours or more since breakfast. Maybe that was true hypoglycemia and not a panic attack. It's hard to figure out!

Originally Posted by growlycat

I’ve been to the Er and icu over an asthma attack and the only difference I could tell is that I could not catch my breath at all moving from one pc of furniture to another was more than I could handle. In a panic attack there are reprieves in being able to breathe. I hope you are ok rainbow.

Thanks, growly. I don't think it's asthma for me. Not sure if it's two different things. Confusing!

Originally Posted by unaluna

Are your blood sugar, blood pressure, and pulse rate all normal at these times? Are you sweating?

Originally Posted by LonesomeTonight

Panic attacks can cause those symptoms BUT they shouldn't last for hours. It's good that you got checked out. I'm wondering if you could be having mast cell reactions to something because I've been looking into this for myself. Here's something listing possible symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. And here's another link

Medication and stress can be possible triggers. The thing is, it's apparently very difficult to get a diagnosis. But you can try treating it on your own to see if it helps. Take Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin daily (these are H1 histamine blockers--(note: Claritin makes me anxious, so I'd suggest one of the others!). And also can try an H2 blocker, like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tagamet (since there are lots of histamines in the digestive system, too--assuming it's OK to take one of those with the meds you're on. I imagine Zyrtec or Allegra would be fine, just not sure for something affecting the stomach. You can also try Benadryl just as a test to see if it helps your symptoms, but that's not as good to take regularly since it's only 4-6 hours.

Those articles are very interesting, LT. I have a few of those symptoms. I've been taking Zyrtec or Allegra for about 20 years already. Trying Allegra again. Plus allergy shots monthly but I may twice a month for awhile.

Originally Posted by maybeblue

Unfortunately panic attack and some heart symptoms can be the same, apparently especially in women. I've recently developed panic attacks. Mine are very situation specific, so I am quite sure that is what they are. However, I have been doing a lot of reading and found an article about a woman who had been having "panic attacks" for years to the point of not wanting to leave her house. But then it turned out she wasn't having panic attacks at all. She had atrial fibrillation...which can have episodic attacks, just like panic. They fixed the afib and suddenly, no more panic attacks.

I guess my point is that even professionals have difficulty telling the difference between physical and psychological symptoms sometimes. It's probably smart to get the physical ruled out first.

But I agree that antidepressants do not seem help with panic attacks. Xanax kind of works for me, but it makes me feel stupid so I don't like to take it. I have read that beta blockers can help, but I haven't tried them.

Well, I guess the 7 day monitor is a good idea. T has always said I'm anxious. The panic attacks, if that's what they are, are something new.

[rainbow8]

I also cry a lot but still never with T. I know that's a sign of depression. Duh! I'm depressed about my medical situations!!!

[SalingerEsme]

With panic attacks, I find some of the prevailing wisdom to actually help- like putting your head under the cold water faucet or freezing a facecloth and putting it on the back of you neck. It is so scary to have a PA bc your body releases the same chemicals as if you stood on the train tracks with a train coming at you. For your body, it is an ordeal. Some people say that breathing in too shallow a way can stop the body's carbon d system, resulting in a panic attack. This is one case in which having a Xanax or an Ativan on standby can be pretty reassuring, as long as it doesn't clash with your other medications .

[feralkittymom]

You probably should see a dietician because it sounds like you don't have much understanding of the entire insulin/blood sugar response system. The goal is to have stable blood sugar, without highs or lows. The "snack" you eat to raise your blood sugar does that in an immediate way (which is necessary if one is going into diabetic shock, but your symptoms don't indicate that). After an artificial high, the result is a steep drop--setting you up for the inevitable symptoms again.

Your warfarin level would not have tested low unless it were impacted by diet or meds. I assume your drs have checked your meds/dosages for interactions. Rapid swings in blood sugar also can effect how your body metabolizes drugs. Only you can control your own metabolism. All that drs can do in that situation is prescribe something like your shots to prevent the increased risk of a clot given fluctuating warfarin levels. If you learn how to control your diet, you won't need the shots.

[ScarletPimpernel]

109 blood sugar isn't hypoglycemic. I think below 80 is.

[unaluna]

Originally Posted by ScarletPimpernel

109 blood sugar isn't hypoglycemic. I think below 80 is.

But 109 was after she ate stuff. Shes also taking metformin, which i think is causing a problem.

[rainbow8]

Originally Posted by unaluna

But 109 was after she ate stuff. Shes also taking metformin, which i think is causing a problem.

I just stopped the Metformin last week. I feel so sick now. I wonder if I could be allergic to Tylenol! Going to lie down but my face is getting flushed. I was lying on couch talking with friend. I wish they would have admitted me!

[rainbow8]

Originally Posted by feralkittymom

You probably should see a dietician because it sounds like you don't have much understanding of the entire insulin/blood sugar response system. The goal is to have stable blood sugar, without highs or lows. The "snack" you eat to raise your blood sugar does that in an immediate way (which is necessary if one is going into diabetic shock, but your symptoms don't indicate that). After an artificial high, the result is a steep drop--setting you up for the inevitable symptoms again.

Your warfarin level would not have tested low unless it were impacted by diet or meds. I assume your drs have checked your meds/dosages for interactions. Rapid swings in blood sugar also can effect how your body metabolizes drugs. Only you can control your own metabolism. All that drs can do in that situation is prescribe something like your shots to prevent the increased risk of a clot given fluctuating warfarin levels. If you learn how to control your diet, you won't need the shots.

Maybe. I haven't eaten anything I'm not supposed to. My Dr. thinks blood sugar is fine. T thinks panic attacks. I think I'm very sick. ☹️

[JaneTennison1]

Originally Posted by rainbow8

I just stopped the Metformin last week. I feel so sick now. I wonder if I could be allergic to Tylenol! Going to lie down but my face is getting flushed. I was lying on couch talking with friend. I wish they would have admitted me!

Is it just Tylenol or the kind with codeine?

I'm so sorry Rainbow, please trust your instinct and keep trying to figure this out.

[feralkittymom]

If your Dr thinks your blood sugar is fine, why are you saying you're hypoglycemic?

If you've been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, then your system is out of whack, despite some normal readings. You are probably to some degree insulin resistant and so you metabolize differently. That's what pre-diabetes indicates. Blood sugar swings influence panic attacks and panic attacks influence blood sugar. But as you seem determined to both pursue medical testing, yet disregard the results, not sure what resolution there can be. Good luck with it.

[unaluna]

Originally Posted by rainbow8

Maybe. I haven't eaten anything I'm not supposed to. My Dr. thinks blood sugar is fine. T thinks panic attacks. I think I'm very sick. ☹️

The more i google, the more new links come up to adverse interactions with metformin and warfarin under medicare, also lactic acidosis. The articles even admit that the xrefs havent been made yet, the data is so new.

Also, i read that it takes 4 days or possible longer for the metformin to entirely clear your system, so eat up and poop it out! (it accumulates in your bowel lining)

[Anastasia~]

(((((Rainbow)))))))),
Knowing there is something going on with you physically and not knowing what it is must be frightening and confusing. I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope it gets resolved soon.

[ruh roh]

I've had a rough couple of months of health issues and what I recognize in your post is that there are two things happening: physical distress and emotional panic triggered by the unknown medical issues and/or medical setting. In my case, anything physical triggers a trauma response. In your case, could your emotional panic stem from being a premie? In other words, is the feeling of being out of control in a medical sense triggering old stuff?

If so, you can at least tackle the emotional component to this in therapy, and that may help make the physical situation a lot more manageable.