New here - seeking advice

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-08-2005
New here - seeking advice
11
Wed, 07-12-2006 - 7:13pm

Hello,


I'm new to this board, this is my first time on it and I'm seeking some advice. I had my first child on Feb 23rd, 2006. He's a wonderful baby, sleeps all night, is happy and easy going and I'm just loving being a mom. Here's my issue. Since he turned 2 months old I've been having what I think are panic attacks, but I'm not sure. At first I was thinking that it was due to the fact that I would have to return to work the beginning of July, but we worked out a way where I can work from home mostly and we don't have to put Jacob in daycare. I thought that the attacks would go away. They didn't. In fact they've gotten worse. Much worse. I'll suddenly start sweating and my heart will race. I'll get a tightening feeling in my chest and shortness of breath. It has gotten so bad that I've gotten sick to my stomach. I finally went to see a doctor about this last week and she suggested that I drink a glass of wine at night. THen she told me to "Get used to it, you're a mother now"


Is this something I should just get used to? Is this something that I can work out myself? It is effecting my everyday life. I don't sleep much any more, and when I do it's only for about 2 hours before I wake up in a panic. I took a nap this afternoon since I'm so exhausted and I woke up 15 minutes later soaked in sweat and I had to go throw up.


If anyone has any suggestions on how I can work through this it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for any advice.

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&nb

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2004
Wed, 07-12-2006 - 9:16pm
Hey, welcome to the board!! To me, yes it sounds like you are experiencing SEVERE panic attacks. It is not something you just have to deal with, there is medication to help with these attacks, there is also herbs and vitamins and relaxation techniques that a person can do to help with these. I would talk to your Doc about these options and see what she says, and if she tells you to deal with it, I would be getting a second opinion. Good luck too you, keep us updated with how you are feeling!!!
(((HUGS)))
Kindra
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Wed, 07-12-2006 - 10:56pm

I agree with Kindra. You don't have to just deal with it. It sounds like you need to see a doctor who will actually help you and not dismiss you like that. I have similar symptoms when I have an attack. I started paxil 4 weeks ago and feel so much better. I hope you get the help you need.

Candace

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 07-13-2006 - 2:14pm

Welcome, Juli! You are NOT alone. If these are panic attacks, they are a legitimate illness & you have every right to be treated with modern medicine. You can learn to live with panic by learning new ways to cope, as well as meds & therapy if needed. Did you have any testing done? A competent dr. would rule out heart trouble, as well as thyroid or blood sugar problems. IMHO, a new dr. is in order. Not to scare you, but people with anxiety disorders are @ high risk for drug & alcohol abuse. I wouldn't medicate myself with alcohol because it can lead to trouble for some people.


Major life changes usually occur prior to panic attacks or anxiety disorders. The birth of a baby is a very real trigger. Many

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 07-13-2006 - 7:25pm

Hi Juli & welcome!!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-31-2004
Thu, 07-13-2006 - 8:55pm
I totally agree with everyone. That Dr was not very empathetic as to what you are going through and you need to see another. I had horrible panic attacks after my daughter was born (shes 20 months now) Hormones, first time mom, going bck to work, daycare. It puts a toll on your body. Your not alone and you may not need to be on medication forever so dont let that scare you. Sounds like this just started happening and you dont have a history. I think some therapy and possibly medication short term may be all you need. Dont drink the wine, it will make the panic worse! I know!
Donna
Avatar for caper2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2003
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 8:13am

Hi Juli

For your doctor, I will be very suspicious about her. Sounds like you have a very serious panic attack. I also have panic attack and became more noticible lately. I don't get it why she told me to drink a glass of wine at night. I know you are already a mother but doesn't mean you have to suffer.

Do you know alcohol is a depressant? It might even worsen you panic attack or even end up having depression later. My doctor already told me to stop drink alcohol even though I have been drinking lately without getting drunk. If you are not a kind of person who normally drink alcohol at night time, please don't drink alcohol. My doctor told me to drink a glass of water for the night.

For your free time, you can do some exercise to help you to relief. Please find another doctor for the second opinion. I don't think this doctor is helping you at all. My doctor has been helping me a lot lately with my panic attack and a history of depression. I like him because he is very responsible. Looks like your panic attack is very worse than mine. You might even end up taking medication by sounds of it. Well, it is no big deal to take medication.

You look very good on the picture. I think you are a young mother.

Jenny

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-08-2005
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 2:24pm

Hi Ladies,


Thank you for your suggestions. I think it must just be a series of events in my life that have lead to these panic attacks. Maybe I will go back for a second opinion. I've been waiting a few days to see if things got better on there own, but no such luck. I got about 3 hours of broken sleep last night and my baby slept all night!!

 

&nb

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 3:27pm
Hi, Juli! I have been on antidepressants in the past for panic disorder & they worked well. I had the most success with effexor, anafranil & luvox. They take about 4 to 6 weeks to actually get to a level that covers
 

 


 



Avatar for caper2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2003
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 7:12pm

Hi Juli

I am also on the medicaton. I am on Zoloft 50mg. I didn't have a history of panic disorder in my past. I have noticed that I got one about couple months ago and seeking for medication attention recently. I have been on Zoloft in the past but only for depression because I have a history of depression. It took me about 4 weeks to work. For the side effects, nausea, dizziness, night sweat, dry mouth and low sex drive. It will be gone in about 4 weeks.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2005
Sat, 07-15-2006 - 7:50pm
Hi Julie! I have had panic since I was a young child.
I finally got some help about 18 years ago- at age 40!!
I take Paxil and xanax. I am happy to say that it helps me sooooo much!!
I never knew how much I was suffering until I got on the
medication and therapy! I did not have side effects other than
eating like a PIG!!!! HAHAHA!! I hope you find a doc that takes
what you feel seriously---- some don't! as your first doctor!!
A drink does not stop panic attacks!!! BOOOO ON HER!!!
My panic was much worse after the births of my children---
then it would ease up for awhile- I have 3 children!
Find another doc!! GOOD LUCK! Judy

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