Anxiety question

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2005
Anxiety question
7
Thu, 10-20-2005 - 1:34pm
Just recently my doctor perscribed me Xanax, I've had two panic attacks so far, which were extremely scary. My question is how does anxiety affect you? Do you ever get that "lump in your throat" feeling? This is all new to me and my doctor didn't really explain anything to me.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
In reply to: binoj
Thu, 10-20-2005 - 3:41pm

Hi, I'm sorry your doctor didn't give you any more information. symptoms of panic attacks vary from person to person. the DSM lists the following criteria for a panic attack: it is a discrete period of intense fear of discomfort, which four (or more) of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes (this may vary from person to person):


1. palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate


2. sweating


3. trembling or shaking


4. sesnations of shortness of breath or smothering (lump in your throat)


5. feeling of choking


6. chest pain or discomfort


7. nausea or abdominal distress


8. feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint


9. derealization (feelings of unreality), or depoersonalization (being detached from one self)


10. fear of losing control or going crazy


11. fear of dying


12. parasthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)


13. chills or hot flushes


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: binoj
Thu, 10-20-2005 - 3:58pm

Hi! Mia has given you an accurate list of common symptoms. The lump in your throat feeling is very common. I had a friend who would always carry a pepsi around in her purse when she felt it coming on. The *fizz* helped in someway, as did swallowing. Have you tried sipping a liquid when this happens? Also, how is the xanax working? It is very successful with folks on our board. You also might consider seeking some counseling to help you learn to cope better with the panic/fears. This is part of the accepted treatment.


Here's 2 articles I have posted in the past:


Symptoms of Panic Disorder
If you have them, seek counseling .Panic disorder affects about 2.4 million adults in the United States, and is twice as common in women as men, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly. They can't predict attacks, and many develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike. If you are having a panic attack, your heart will pound and you may feel sweaty, weak, or dizzy. Your hands may tingle or feel numb and you might feel flushed or chilled. You may also have nausea, chest pain, smothering sensations, or fear of impending doom. A tendency to develop panic disorder appears to be inherited, and it's important for people who have the disorder to seek treatment quickly. Panic disorder is one of the most treatable of the anxiety disorders, responding in most cases to medication and psychotherapy. — Anne Thompson(HealthDay)


Lump in throat & Difficulty swallowing:
Globus Hystericus: It is caused by the muscles in the throat contracting due to anxiety or stress. Sometimes it feels like you cannot swallow anything and trying to makes it worse. This is another example of a symptom, which will improve if you give it no credibility. It is totally harmless and will not cause you to stop breathing, eating or drinking, it is just very unpleasant.
Source:
National Panic & Anxiety Disorder News
For Sufferers of Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks & Phobias
http://www.npadnews.com/anxiety-symptoms.asp


I hope this info is helpful & you won't feel so alone. That was a bit unfair for your dr. not to give you some insight. Please post anytime. We care. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
In reply to: binoj
Thu, 10-20-2005 - 5:07pm

Well you got a lot of great information from Jan and Mia, I just wanted to add that almost all of us here have had those symptoms and felt as if we were going crazy.


I was diagnosed 6 months ago and i am still having a hard time accepting that it isn't something more wrong with me.


I see a therapist and psychiatrist and they are a great help. Maybe you should ask your dr to send you to a therapist. I know that for me just being told that I am ok by a professional help a lot.


take care,

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-03-2005
In reply to: binoj
Thu, 10-20-2005 - 10:25pm
When I have an anxiety attack, I get a choking feeling, my mouth goes dry, I get this weird adrenaline rush, and I fear dying or losing control of my car, and my hands tremble. Actually, my whole body seems to tremble. Youre lucky your doc gave you xanax. I'm still trying to get my doc to put me on a benzo, but I was chemically dependent on marijuana (almost 5 weeks clean), so something tells me that that is not in the near future.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2005
In reply to: binoj
Fri, 10-21-2005 - 9:51am
Thank you everyone very much for the information. It's very comforting knowing that I can talk with other people who experience this. When I had my first panic attack I was so scared and felt like a little kid, calling out for my mom in the middle of the night. It wasn't until after my second panic attack that I finally went to my doctor's. I knew what I was going through had to be anxiety but I was having chest pains for a few days and I felt as if my throat was closing up so she perscribed me Xanax and told me to take it on the onset of a panic attack. It seems as if I get that lump in my throat feeling almost every day (but I have been under a lot of stress lately). It's amazing how extremely powerful the mind can be and how it can take over your body. I try telling myself that it's just my mind taking over but it just doesn't want to listen. I swear sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy! I also have hypoglecmia which I've passed out from in the past, so when I get that body rush feeling, I'm afraid of actually passing out which I think brings on my panic attacks. Sorry I'm probably rambling on. But anyhow... thanks again everyone for your input, it really helps!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: binoj
Fri, 10-21-2005 - 11:19am
I can totally relate. I am a diabetic & have an occasional hypoglycemic episode. It really scares me. Sometimes it's difficult to determine if it's the sugar dropping or a panic attack beginning. They share many similarities. Both certainly cause anxiety. I try to keep a clear head, maintain my focus, test my sugar or drink 4 ounces of O.J. for safety's sake. I practice the belly breathing & positive thinking to get me through. I hope you can learn to cope. It is possible, though it takes work & motivation. Good luck to you! (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-05-2005
In reply to: binoj
Fri, 10-21-2005 - 6:47pm

I am glad these posts helped you out. Some and sometimes all of the symptoms described in the previous posts we all know well......so don't feel alone!
I hope the Xanax works for you....I take somthing similar (Ativan) for when the anxiety is really high and it helps me to calm down and be able to concentrate better.
Practicing deep breathing is really important, try to focus on it. Practice it each and soon enough it will come automatic.
Goodluck and we are all here to help eachother, so don't hesitate to post. :)

Nina