Panic Attacks Support Group

I'm very glad to find this group, ive needed people to talk to for awhile now. I had my first attack last December , I was working a temp job, and all of a sudden the room spun, my heart started beating very fast, i had a few hot flashes that seemed to flash in my head and move down my body that left my legs like jelly and shaking. Anybody else ever have those horrible hotflashes?!? UGGh!! SCARY. I ended up in the ER 3 times in three days. They did every test, EKGS and CAT scans. I was hospitized in FEB becausemy heartbeat was sky high,220 at the highest, but they found nothing wrong, and they never mentioned anxiety or Panic attacks...they sent me home with Valium to calm me down, and made me see a cardiologist, which just scared me more. I've been having panic attacks all the time now, and i feel dizzy and out of it 24/7 it seems, except right when i wake up. Then the negative, DEATH thoughts fill my brain. I call them death thoughts, they are the thoughts like..."I'm having a heartattack, a stroke, I have blood clots", stuff like that. I know these thoughts are false, but it doesnt stop them from filling my head every time i feel a weird sensation on my body. I've been fighting it, and coping the bast I can. I saw a doctor and now understand whats really happening to me, and I have Xanax,whch I take only when my attacks are really bad or im out in public. I'm scared of meds, scared of vitamins. I also have occasional tics? My muscles jerk and move...anybody have these? Weird. I'm ok at home most of the time except when i lay down too long. I'm at my worst while driving or in stores and public places. The second I walk out the door, im dizzy and i feel it coming on. I am trying to work myself through these things, i make myself drive, at least a short distance, I dont want to become houseridden Most days, my problems start with a body sensation, a twitch, hotflashes, jelly legs, dizziness, and head pressure and feeling like my control is almost gone and my head will explode.

The Fear of the Fear , the fear of the next attack is my worst problem. I've babbled alot, its great to be here.

Post edited by: Mariellyn25, at: 08/12/2008 20:59

Yes,I have the muscle jerks,especially in my sleep.I can have every symptom from A to Z.I am so glad to meet you and sweetleaf.You two are the only ones since I have been a member here who are like me.Are you seeing a therapist?

Welcome to the group Mariellyn. I'm glad you found this forum also. I have had similar experiences as you have. I got all the testing done over and over again, rushed to the ER three or four times when this first started, etc... I also got the muscle jerks when I would just be sitting relaxing. I don't have them so much anymore, but I feel I've come a long way since I used to be housebound.

It sounds like you have a really good understanding as to what the panic attacks are and how your body reacts, and believe it or not, that's half the battle!! I think in order to even start recovering you have to first understand. The fear of the fear is such a powerful thing, isn't it? When I first read about it it almost sounded too easy...but you & I both know it's nothing even close to easy!

You've come to the right place and we're all here to talk & listen whenever you need us. I hope you get as much out of this group as I have!!

Sandy