Is this Anxiety/Panic Attacks??

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2005
Is this Anxiety/Panic Attacks??
9
Sun, 11-20-2005 - 9:49pm
Back in May of 2005 i was driving down the Street and started to shake really badly
*i been a diabetic since 1993* and this february been put on Insulin
so i pulled over to the side of the road.... i was terrified... im still not sure if my sugar had dropped low or what that was...felt almost like a seizure to me...
anyways i continued to drive after i had calmed down...
a few days later i had the same thing happen to me again...same shaking same pulling over....
but then it became more and more frequent..so i decided it be best for me NOT to drive anymore... i also noticed that when my Son took me to a Grocery Store..the Lights in there affected how i felt... and i started to sweat and my heart started racing...
i was a mess....... didnt know what was going on....
i seen several doctors... because i started getting dizzy and lightheaded... and trembling and my knees felt weird... almost like butter.....
i found a doctor that had helped me a lot... he told me i was over medicated on 2 much Insulin and to many pills (Army doctors i been seeing)
So he put me on 1 shot a day and cut the oral meds back and my dizziness is slowly getting better...
I even had earpain and heart palpatations i had an EKG,ENG,Catscan and next week will have an MRI test done but so far... noone can tell me why im still scared 2 death to get in the car...to drive... or to go shopping.. did i develope a Phobia?? HELP ME!! i wanna drive again :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Sun, 11-20-2005 - 10:31pm

Hi and Welcome!


I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose but it does sound to me as though you did develop a phobia of driving, and I can completely understand why.


I am happy that you have found the cause for your being shaky . That in itself is a great thing, are you doing better since changing your meds?


I would suggest that you see a therapist, you would be able to work out your feelings about this and eventually overcome this phobia.


It seems as though what you are experiencing is a sort or anticipatory anxiety almost, people with that tend to

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2005
Sun, 11-20-2005 - 11:02pm
I appreciate the reply...
i did see 2 people already for the driving fear but neither one of them was qualified to
diagnose me with anxiety nor panic attacks.. they both prescribed something
one gave me xanax... wich i wont take cause they are habbit forming and im not taking that
the other one put me on laxapro wich gave me a severe allergic reaction
so back to square one for now...
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 11-21-2005 - 12:34am

Hi! Nice to have you here. You are NOT alone. Many of our folks have problems much as you have described. Getting a good check up with your dr. & having the suggested tests is the best things possible. As you already know, low blood sugar symptoms are alot like anxiety. There are other illnesses that can suggest anxiety as well. Let us know the outcome of your tests. You will need to depend on your health care professional to give you a diagnosis. We cannot do that for you.


I had a driving phobia & didn't get behind the wheel for 3 years. After becoming so depressed & disliking myself so much, I decided that even if it killed me, I would get back on the road again. I used the small step approach. First, I drove to the end of the street. Then, to the next block. Then, to the grocery store. I pushed myself each time until I was anxious, but not overwhelmed. I admit that it was very difficult, but I was able to overcome the fear. I still make myself get out & in the car everyday. Going more than 100 miles away from home does still cause me trouble. I like to have my kids or a friend along, but if I set my mind to it, I have been able to go alone. Like Heather suggested, therapy is helpful. Also, once you get a diagnosis, maybe your dr. will prescribe meds that will help to combat the anxiety. Belly breathing, relaxation & positive thinking help me the most. Check out our *coping tips & tricks* folder below.


People who have panic attacks can sometimes become agoraphobic. They begin to avoid every place where they felt panic symptoms. TBH, it can lead to being a prisoner in your own small safety zone. We want you to get these health issues resolved & make an effort to seek the appropriate treatment. We care about you. We want you to live the good full life that you deserve. It is possible. Many in our caring community can share their experiences as to what made them better able to cope with their fears. Join us anytime. Good luck & GBU! Sending P&PT's your way. (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Mon, 11-21-2005 - 8:44am

Hi there,


I take lexapro and klonopin.


Klonopin is in the same category as xanax. They are both addicting but if used correctly can be very effective in helping to treat anxiety.


I was petrified to take klonopin but my psychiatrist assured me that as long as it's taken as directed then I would be fine. He said that the problem tends to lie in those who already have addictive personalities, people who take more then prescribed. I have been on klonopin for almost 8 months now daily and I am dong great with it. Other people on the board have taken xanax for long periods of time and hopefully will chime in to help.


I will tell you that it wasn't until I started taking klonopin that I really started to feel better.


Please take care and as I said before, keep posting ANYTIME you need to. You are not alone in this! We are all here to help and support you.


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2005
Mon, 11-21-2005 - 9:59am
I really really appreciate the comments and the support..
It feels good knowing i`m not alone with my problems..
Thanks so much.I will keep you Guys updated... Got an appointment tomorrow... wish me luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Mon, 11-21-2005 - 1:57pm

We're in chat now, if you want to join in! I believe in xanax. It isn't addicting if you don't let it be. I stopped it in about 5 days after being on it 4 x per day for about 6-7 months. I had no withdrawal. I'm hoping to restart it as my anxiety & panic are resurfacing. Xanax was truly a wonder drug for me. It acts almost immediately & is out of your system just as quickly. It doesn't linger like other drugs. I had the same problem with the Lexapro. Give the xanax a try. I also have the driving problem, we sound very mucha alike :)

Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2005
Mon, 11-21-2005 - 4:35pm
Iam so glad that i found this message board... Im new here still and i dont know where the chat is or how to get around on IVillage
i appreciate everyones comments... Keep them coming!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2004
Mon, 11-21-2005 - 5:38pm
Hi There, and WELCOME!
I am so sorry to hear your troubles, just know, you are not alone.
Maybe your doctor can prescribe something else, when you go in for your appointment tomorrow? I am currently taking ativan. But everyone is different in what works for them. Please let us know how it goes tomorrow,and how you are doing.
We Care!
Love, shasta :0)
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-20-2005
Fri, 12-09-2005 - 2:17pm
sorry i havent been around but on top of all my problems i caught a horriable cold and am just now getting over it...
well i was put on Zoloft yesterday but i have to wait a couple days before i start cause i was taking a medication for tension headaches that might interfear with the zoloft...
is anyone else taking zoloft here? and if so..whats it doing for you??