Question:
I'm a 27-year-old female medical transcriptionist and nurse who's
wondering if there's anybody out there with symptoms like mine...I've
read a lot on this BB about those of you who have panic attacks in
relation to phobias or fears, but is there anybody who has them just
out of the blue when you're feeling relaxed? I've had several
situations in the past month (increasing in severity this week) where
I'll be sitting feeling relaxed and suddenly I get this feeling
building up almost like shortness of breath but not exactly. It's hard
to explain. It's happened in my sleep, too. Suddenly out of sleep
I'll just sit up feeling kind of panicky and sort of a tightness in my
throat/chest area. My pulse races, blood pressure goes up, etc. In a
few minutes it's all over and I feel leaden, shaky, and very weak.
This week I've had lots of these episodes, and my joints have been
aching.
Answer:
Yup! I've had anxiety and panic attacks out of the blue in the most
innocent situations (going to sleep, watching TV, walking in the park,
you name it).
Unique doc you got there. The dozen or so I've seen were hesitant to
acknowledge PD as any kind of *medical* disorder. Maybe their changing
their tune?
That's one question we have little agreement on here. Some say hide it
from your employer. I tend to lean towards not hiding it since it may
become an issue with your employer later. I guess you just have to feel
out the situation and decide whats best for you under the circumstances.
Your description could be describing the type of panic attacks I have
experienced over a twenty year period. Now don't panic thinking that you may
have them for 20 years too! In the last five years medication has improved
tremendously and the medical community is finally getting it's act together on
this PD biz.
I can honestly say I never had a PA while under stress - they always waited in
the shadows until I was nicely relaxed. I remember many moons ago one
psychiatrist diagnosing me as being 'addicted' to adrenalin as I seemed to be
constantly creating stress around myself. No wonder! I think my subconscious
had already figured out that to relax was to invite disaster! :)
I've been PA free for over six months now - so hang in there, the right meds
will help a lot.
Sounds like you've got a good doc......treasure him!
I've had panic attacks which became agoraphobia. All your symptoms are
the normal for this. (hate that word 'normal').
As for starting a family, I managed to have 3 children and they actually
helped me because it took my thoughts off of myself most of the time.
Also, if I had a panic attack in a store or wherever I could hold on to
the stroller or their hand, etc. Actually I became worse after they were
grown. So my .02 worth is to not put your life on hold for this
condition. I don't want to sound gloomy about this, but if you put
everything on hold you'll never do anything. My opinion is that a baby
will be more of a help than a hindrance.
