I think I need help.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2006
I think I need help.
10
Sat, 10-21-2006 - 6:32am
I've never been to a doctor about mental health. I had a baby about 10 mos ago and I've been anxious ever since. Two weeks ago I spent half the night awake with heart palpitations that lasted about 12 hours. Yesterday was my first day back to work. Now it was only 4 hours, it wasn't that stressful, but on the drive home I started having palpitations again. It feels like an uncomfortable fluttering/pounding, like every minute or so my heart just has an extra few beats. It's been going on for about 20 hours now. I'm going to the doctor on Monday for my chronic tension headaches and I'm going to mention this. I've researched GAD and I feel like I may have this disorder, or some sort of post-partum anxiety. My appt isn't until Monday. Advice would be greatly appreciated.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 10-21-2006 - 9:07am

Hello! Glad that you found our board:) Congrats on the new baby. Was it a boy or a girl?


Anxiety which may include palpitations can begin after a life changing event. Childbirth would be one of them. However, we aren't professionals here & cannot give you a diagnosis or advice on your condition, until you have been seen by a dr. Reading about illness is fine, but diagnosing ourselves is not. Please tell the dr. what you have posted here. Testing may be needed. There are medical conditions such as low blood sugar or thyroid problems that can cause what you're feeling.


I have had heart palpitations, as well as knowing many folks with them.

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2006
Sat, 10-21-2006 - 9:44am
The thing that stinks about it is, I am uninsured right now, and broke. Just started the new job so I haven't gotten paid yet. I'm also afraid of what he will tell me. I'm only 21, so I'm not so terrified of heart problems but I guess you never know. Oh, my son is named Vincent btw, and he is adorable! Thanks for the advice, my dr. is closed today but I might try to call anyway.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 10-21-2006 - 10:03am

I bet Vincent's a sweetie;)


That makes me feel better that you will call the dr. You need to put your health first. Hospitals generally have arrangements that can be made for the un-insured. They usually can tap into free care funds & you might qualify since you just returned to work. Also, hospitals mark up their services by 200+%. You can actually dicker with them to bring the bill down. People don't know that & don't take advantage of it. Please stay safe & post again. We care & want what's best for you. Good luck! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2006
Sun, 10-22-2006 - 4:53am

Thanks for the advice Jan. Just an update...

By the way, my name is Linda and I'm 21 years old. I just wanted to say that although I didn't go to the doctor, I feel a lot better after talking to an old friend of mine. His name is Josh. He had similar problems, except he ended up having a full-fledged panic attack at work, and had breathing problems for awhile afterward. He said that it was adjusting to a lower level of stress. I'm still having palpitations, but I'm not panicking anymore, and I'll wait til Monday. Another friend dropped by and gave me some herbal teas and some Xanax. I took one before bed, and it really helped me calm down and sleep so much better. I'll tell my doctor all of this on Monday. I'll give you guys the scoop then.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sun, 10-22-2006 - 11:39am
Hang in there, Linda. Let us know what the dr. has to say. Sending P&PT's your way. (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Sun, 10-22-2006 - 1:57pm

Linda,


Hang in there and know that you are not alone.


I went 27 years without a panic attack or realizing that something was wrong. I then had some traumatic life events and BANG it hit me. Before I had my 1st bad panic attack I did have some heart palpitations and chest pain. My dh brought me to the hospital and they found nothing wrong.


Hang in there and just talk to your Dr. What you are going through is common, although VERY scary.


Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!


~Heather


"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Sun, 10-22-2006 - 5:10pm

(((hugs)))) I know how you feel.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2006
Wed, 10-25-2006 - 11:30am
Just wanted to say that I went to the doc, he gave me a EKG and said that I'm having PACs (fancy talk for harmless palpitations) and gave me a prescription for Ativan. It's nice, too, half a pill in the morning before work helps me all day. After a day or two, the palpitations stopped, and now I feel more relaxed, no palps, and hopefully things will be much better. Still feeling headaches, but what can ya do. I need to cut down on my caffeine, and I don't really drink much alcohol anyway. I probably get enough exercise at work now too. I stock shelves, so there is a lot of lifting involved. =x Thanks for all the great advice. I'll watch the boards and post again if new things happen...
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 10-25-2006 - 1:54pm
I am so relieved to hear this. So many palps was a worry to me. Thx for giving us an update. You're always welcome here:) (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 10-25-2006 - 4:58pm
It sounds like you are doing great!

Sheri Ann