Symptoms of Panic Attacks

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-07-2005
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
4
Fri, 07-29-2005 - 4:34pm

Hi everyone,

I'll try to make this as brief as possible ... once in April and just last week I experienced two scary incidents (both during times when I was under a bit of stress - usually work well under stress but I feel like maybe it's coming to get me physically). Both times I suddenly got very dizzy, and disoriented, my left hand became extremely numb (the second time my face and tongue got numb too), I had a hard time getting my balance and walking, I felt like I need to throw up, my vision was blurred and distorted, and the first time my speech was severely slurred, I could barely form a word! The first time this happened it lasted about 15 minutes, the second time it was more like 45. Afterwards I felt shaken up and scared about what had happened to me obviously, and also had a terrible headache and basically just had to go to bed. I've been experiencing some neck and shoulder pain for about 6 months now, and I've tried chiropractic care, massages, and ART, nothing seems to help. I've also experienced a few times probably around 6 in the last month where my hand or leg starts to feel very numb, and it once lasted 2 or 3 hours And now I'm beginning to worry that these incidents will come on at an inoppurtune time, and then I start to feel the symptoms (but not as severely) for example, the other night I was at a movie with a friend and started to worry and then my entire left arm and leg were numb through the movie.

I went to the ER following the first episode because I was scared I might have had a stroke, though I realize this is unlikely because I'm only 20 years old. They gave me a blood test and a catscan both which were clear. I went to a follow up Dr. for more bloodwork, and they told me to see a neurologist (I have an appt. to do so in Aug.). After the second incident I went to the Dr. again, and she told me she thinks I am suffering from migranes, and she prescribed me imitrex. I haven't gotten my prescription filled yet, becase first of all I'm not too keen on shooting myself with the injection pen, and second of all I want a second opinion, because I know some of the symptoms I'm experiencing are similar to migranes, but I'm not so sure about all of them. I think I might be having panic attacks ... I know I'm not a Dr. but I didn't feel like I got to explain everything to my PCP when I was there, she was very rushed. I am generally an anxious person, and since becoming a parent and living in NY after 9-11, my anxieties have gotten worse. I'm definitely a worrier, and I certinaly allow myself to get very emotional in situations. It's just weird when these things have happened to me because I've been stressed out but not FREAKING out when it happens, it just creeps up on me and all of a suddenly physically I feel like I have no control over what is happening to my body.

Anyway, have any of you experienced symptoms like these with panic attacks?? If so I would appreciate it if you could tell me about what's worked for you. I will be seeing another doctor for a second opinion soon, so hopefully I will know more than. But until then I would like to keep this thing at bay, and not have any more incidents. Thank you so much everyone, I know I will find it comforting to hear from you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Fri, 07-29-2005 - 6:02pm

Hi there,


I am not a medical professional but from what you said it souds as though what you experienced was a panic attack.


I had my 1st full blown panic attack in April but prior to that I had my dh take me to the ER with chest pain.. of course their was nothing wrong with me. A few weeks after that I went to the Dr with sciatia pain, my Dr said that I must've just pulled it somehow.. so later on that day I was on the phone with a friend and all of a sudden my hands, legs and crotch areas went numb. I though that I pulled a muscle in my back and I was being paralized. Again dh rushed me to the ER and all the scans were negative.


I never put any of it together until I had my 1st panic attack and then started doing research. I believe that those 2 times that I went to the ER were a low grade panic attack. I have also recently read that anxiety can cause pain in your sciatia, so it makes sense. Like you, I do experience a lot of muscle pain when I am anxious or have a panic attack. It really takes a lot out of you.


In this time I was under tremendous stress and was at the lowest point in my life.


After my 1st full blown attack I went to see my Dr right away and she started me on lexapro and refererd me to see a therapist. I was diagnosed with adjusment disorder with severe anxiety.


I have been in thearpy and see a psychiatrist for 3 months now and I am doing pretty well. This week i have sort of fallen down but I have also had a lot of stress.


Medication and theapry combined seem to be

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 07-29-2005 - 6:55pm
Hi! I'm not sure if you posted awhile back or not. We all welcome you regardless. I can only say that I am sorry to hear about this condition. It must be very hard for you & downright scary. From what I have read, some of your symptoms could be caused by migraines. Like, Heather said, some could be anxiety related. You are doing the best thing by seeing the neurologist. Let us know what you find out. That sort of info could benefit many of our folks on this board. As for your PCP, IMHO making another appointment would not be unreasonable. I would want all my questions answered too. This migraine med may do the trick, but I like to have more info about meds. I am of a questioning nature which is very common among us with anxiety. Here is a recent thread on symptoms of panic that might help you. http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-bhpanic&msg=17108.1&ctx=128
 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Fri, 07-29-2005 - 10:21pm

Your symptoms are exactly iike mine were when my panic was full blown. I hope you find some relief soon. I know this is very scary. I took xanax for 6 months, and am now starting to be able to control them. I would schedule a follow-up with your pcp. If the neurology work up is fine, you will need to return to your pcp for help and possibly medication. Having a little one is tiring and stressful at times. I have a 4 y.o. and he sure tires me out. Please let us know how you are doing. We also have chats on Tues & Thurs.

Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-07-2005
Sat, 07-30-2005 - 2:58pm
Hi everyone, thank you for the welcome and for your support. I did not post here a while back, this is my first time on this board. I appreciate all of your well wishes though, and that you've shared your experiences with me. I made a post on the headaches and migranes board as well, and have had some great repsonese there too, as well as some more information about migranes with symptoms like mine. I guess I won't really know for sure whether I am dealing with panic attacks or migranes here until I get to my next Dr. appointments. I will keep you guys updated though, and I definitely do appreciate your responses!!