Is THIS Panic?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2005
Is THIS Panic?
9
Thu, 07-06-2006 - 1:33pm
I've had a problem with anxiety off and on for more than a decade, but over the last 3 weeks I've developed symptoms that I've never experienced before. I'll get a sudden kind of tight/pressure/burning sensation in my upper chest a little below the collarbone region, that fans out toward my shoulders; neck feels rigid; chin feels kind of numb up to the tip of my nose; sweaty upper lip, palms & soles of feet; instant nausea; arms feel leaden; sort of tickly sensation running from upper abdomen to chest; confused thinking; pressure on head; vision is "off" but not really blurry; feel weak and shaky; very frightened. This happens numerous times a day in various scenarios. The acute sensations pass within 15-20 minutes but the chest tightness can last for hours as can the chin numbness. I haven't felt normal since this started, been very tense and anxious with waves of nausea interspersed with hunger, feel hot then cold, extremely tired, generally shaky and trouble concentrating. I've had the sudden shakiness lots of time but I've never had this acute chest sensation with nausea and everything. I've been to the doctor, had a perfect stress test a year ago, EKG is normal, he's sending me for an echo. The doc thinks its anxiety with some reflux thrown in but this just feels so DIFFERENT than anything I've encountered that's it's got me shaken up big time. I've been on acid controllers for 5 days now with no change. I would love to have someone's opinion.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 07-06-2006 - 2:04pm

Hi & welcome!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2005
Thu, 07-06-2006 - 2:17pm
Thank you for your quick response. Protonix is what he has me on, but, as I said, it hasn't made any difference whatsoever to the symptoms, and I've never known heartburn to flare up and disappear so suddenly. And the doctor prescribed Lexapro, but my insurance won't cover it so I'm waiting to hear back what we do next. I gave me Xanax but I'm kind of scared to take any up here at work for fear I'll be zoned out (I'm very sensitive to meds) and by the time it took effect the acute sensations will have passed anyway. I guess what's got me worried is that I've had anxiety and panic for 10 years and never had anything like this before.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Thu, 07-06-2006 - 2:43pm
What you described is exactly how I feel when an anxiety attack is coming on. The first thing I feel is warm sensation in the chest followed by persistent nausea. I was on lexapro for a year and a half, and it worked great for a while. It stopped working and I started Paxil 3 weeks ago. My doctor also gave me ativan for immediate relief because once the axiety starts, it never really stops until I get an anti-anxiety medication working. I'm starting to feel better now, but still a bit anxious. I hope your tests results turn out okay.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2004
Thu, 07-06-2006 - 2:54pm
Hi, I have had numerous panic attacks, and this definetly sound like you are having some very stong ones. The best thing to help you get through them is to talk yourself through them, and to find a positive distraction. I always tell myself that it is ok to feel like that and that it will pass, and I clean out my closets or vacuum. Distracting yourself is the best way to get through them. If you find that they are too much to take, my doctor prescribed me Xanex to take when the panic is too much and you need quick releife. maybe you could discuss this option with your Doc? Well good luck and let us no how you are doing!! ((( HUGS ))) Kindra
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 07-07-2006 - 6:51pm

My insurance company denied payment for my Lexapro as well, but with proper documentation, my pdoc was able to get it approved.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 07-08-2006 - 3:11pm

Hi! I am sorry to hear about these uncomfortable feelings. You are NOT alone. Many of us have experienced these things with anxiety. Years ago when I first had panic attacks, I had the racing heart & shortness of breath. Over time, they have changed. Now, I have sensations like you.


I hope the tests come out ok. Like Sheri Ann said, learning new ways to cope is essential. I find the belly breathing & meditation to be very helpful.


Please keep in touch. We care & want you to feel better. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan




 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sun, 07-30-2006 - 10:04pm

I was checking in to see how you are doing!


Sheri Ann

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Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2005
Tue, 08-15-2006 - 5:48pm
Much better, thank you. Back when I was having those attacks I had just come off a long stretch of stressful work projects and since then have taken a couple of weeks off and the symptoms have lessened considerably. I still get the weird upper chest sensations but they are not accompanied by the nausea,sweating, confusion, etc. So I think something organic is causing the chest thing and the rest was panic. Now to find out what the chest sensation is. My regular internist has sent me to a cardiologist and we've done an echo, which turned out perfectly fine and next will be to wear a 24-hour Holter monitor, which I pick up Friday. I'm supposed to try to trigger the symptoms while wearing it. Then on Sept. 7 I'm scheduled for a CT scan. My blood pressure tends to go up when I'm stressed or nervous (and always in the doctor's office) so the cardio put me on BP medication, which I don't like very well...makes me sleepy and drugged feeling plus other sensations. He thought there was a possibility the sensations were BP spiking but I've taken my BP while I was having them and it's nice and low so that rules that out. The cardio said if the tests all come back normal and the BP medication doesn't effect any of the symptoms, then he is going to feel confident it's psychological. I'm currently listening to Lucinda Bassett's program on Attacking Anxiety and can really relate.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 08-16-2006 - 3:12pm

Thank-you for checking in!

Sheri Ann