EvolutionHealth.care

Home
Members List
Member View
Posts created by JGD84

Advanced Search Form

Members List
Moderation Team
Member View
Posts created by JGD84

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Panic Disorders and fear of dying

Hi everyone!

I'm a 43 y.o. male who has panic disorder. I've been thoroughly checked by my MDs for heart and other issues and everything is fine. After much reluctance, I finally asked my doctor to put me on something for my nerves... the MD wrote for Lexapro and Xanax. I didn't tolerate the Lexapro at all... so he started me on Buspar and am now taking 45 my daily. Frankly, I'm not sure if it works all that well, because I still have continual thoughts of dying, cancer or heart attack... even after I've been cleared by my MD. Also, I'm not a fan of Xanax... frankly, I feel crappy after taking it, although it does relieve the panic in the moment... which is the only reason I take it.

It AMAZES me that even after getting cleared these thoughts are powerful enough to overcome me... a couple questions.

Anyone take Buspar and another med to control anxiety and / or panic? What med and how effective w/ everyday negative thoughts and panic?

After all I've read, it appears as though meds are only a partial answer... the 'main' answer appears to be dealing w/ the stress through therapy... does that sound right?

Lastly, can someone comment on these constant negative thoughts... is it normal for anxiety sufferers? I do have burning sensations and pain in my chest, sternum and arms... however my cardiologist insists that it's stress related due to several ok EKGs and good findings in my cardiac stress test, enzyme studies, echo, x-ray and coronary calcium study.

Thanks!

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Panic Disorders and fear of dying

Thanks Davit!

I believe some progress has been made on my part... and I'm not a fan of meds and have no intention of staying on them. My therapist suggested meds to 'get over the hump'. Frankly, I'm skeptical but will give it a try and hope the overall level of anxiety decreases because of them. I'm going to a psychiatrist in Dec, specifically about the meds.

I've been able to make it through a couple severe panic attacks without going to the ER... a big step for me. However, I continue to have aches, pains and burning sensations in my chest, abdomen and occasional 'fluttering' in my chest. All of which is 'normal' for anxiety, even though it scares the heck out of me. The aches and pains are very real to me... I do my best to just accept them.

At the end of the day, I believe I need to come to grips w/ these aches and pains... all the meds and therapy in the world will only help, not cure. I've been working through this program and believe I've made progress.

Thanks!

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

chest pains due to anxiety / panic disorder

Drock,

I'm an RN who worked on a cardiac floor @ 10 years ago. Here's my advice... go to your primary doctor and tell him you have concerns about your heart and would like to get checked. Also, tell him that you're having panic attacks because of it and would like a 'thorough' checkup. Ask if you can get an EKG and Cardiac Stress Test. If both of those test are ok, your pains are either muscle/bone related and/or anxiety.

As I've learned the hard way... you can have 'real' pain and have it caused by anxiety.

I've read lots of books and been talking w/ a therapist for 6 months... honestly, this program essentially ties all the major pieces together.

It's not easy but you will progress... take care!

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Question

Lisa,

I'm no expert... just a person who experiences panic attacks as well.

Frankly, the most surprising revelation for me and panic attacks is the physical nature of the attacks... even though they're originate as a thought or sensation. The 'real-ness' of having pain, cold/hot flashes, shaking and a variety of other 'physical' symptoms shocks me less and less everday.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Panic Disorders and fear of dying

Looking for a little reassurance folks!

Does anyone experience chest pain/fear of heart attack as part of their anxiety? I've seen several cardioligist and had several cardiac exams over the last 18 months and all have them checked out completely fine.

Even though I logically know there's nothing wrong w/ my heart, I STILL have anxiety related to the sensations and sometimes fear heart attack. Anyone else have the same fears? If yes, how do you cope w/ them.

Again, my physical and heart tests have all been fine... I just can't seem to shake being anxious about it.

Thanks!

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Panic Disorders and fear of dying

Thanks Ashley!

Even though I'm comforted by my positive test and cardiologist comments, the chest pain still gives me anxiety. This chest pain anxiety has been w/ me for 2 years... I'm dealing a little better with it, even though at times the anxiety gets the best of me. I'll take your advice and read the relaxation section. It sounds like I'd be better off accepting the doctor's comments and learning to live w/ it.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Panic Disorders and fear of dying

TexanFemme76,

How long have you had chest pain/tightness? Also, can I assume you had yourself checked out by the MD and had your heart cleared?

Believe it or not, hearing your story is very comforting to me. I've been able to 'breathe through it' as well... frankly, it's something that I've only been successful doing over the last 2 months.

Finally, how long have you lived with this?

Thank you!!!

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Question

It's also good to hear the importance of journaling... which I started about 2 months ago as well. Journaling has helped me because I document the type and frequency of my symptoms. It's allowed me to realize that my stress can manifest itself in a variety of different physical ways!

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Panic Disorders and fear of dying

TexanFemme76,

Go to the doctor... I worked as a cardiac RN and the ability for cardiac MDs to fix problems is HUGE. Also, their ability to diagnose things is excellent! Please don't worry... it will make you feel better to have this information in your hands rather than 'guessing' about it.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 29

Setbacks with chronic headaches

Leanna,

I think you're correct that your symptoms (dizziness, heart palpitations and headache) are all stress induced. To make yourself feel better, go to the doctor and get yourself checked out. Once you're cleared, know that it's only anxiety and it won't kill you.

I've had several bad panic attacks over the last 5 years, starting when my son was born. Usually 1 hospitalization a year, only to be cleared.

I've finally gotten to the point where I KNOW it's just anxiety. Not that it's not scary sometimes... or painful... but I KNOW it will pass. I'll admit there are time when I am 'hypervigilant' and check my pulse or am worried about some other illness, but the I've kept a journal since October and go back and read how many times I was "dying" and realize it all passed.

My last ER visit was in Sept... I've had @ 3 'bad' attacks since, but was able to breathe through them and calm myself down... no easy, but it can be done. If you need medication, even if it makes you sleepy, I would take it. At some point you'll find yourself controlling the symptoms better... it may take a couple of months... but as a friend told me, you didn't get this way overnight so the answer will take some time! Be patient and kind to yourself... getting control of the situation and getting better by working the plan is key.

today's top discussions:

This Month’s Leaders:

Most Supportive

Most Active

Most Loved