Panic Attacks Support Group

1.) I feel like my heart is pounding all the time even when I don't feel like I'm having a panic attack and my heartrate is in the normal range. Anyone else feel this?

2.) I've had 3 normal EKGs in the last 2 months. Does anyone know how conclusive EKGs are?

Any words of wisdom or encouragement or anything at all are so welcome. I need you guys. And I'm here if you need me too.

Thanks!!

Maggie

Finally

I too have gone to the er and had an ekg (more than once) I also have ocd (only obsessive thinking not compulsive behavior) I over analyze everything and I mean everything. I know all too well about having panic attacks and thinking my heartrate is abnormal. But trust me you will get through this panic attacks or panic disorder is the most common mental illness and by far the most treatable. Dont fight the fear. Try to make the fear worse when having a panic attack. When you are having anxiety.

1 Challenge your thoughts, You had 3 ekg's they are extremely accurate, your fear is unrealistic

2 Talk to yourself like you would your best friend. My heartrate is normal, All the tests show there is nothing wrong, This will pass and trust me Ive been there it will pass. Just think how much more you will enjoy life when you are anxiety free!!

3 If you find yourself in a panic attack then its time to make it worse. make your heart beat faster. Make the fear worse and when it rises say is that all you got you can do better. Keep making it worse Dont fight it and soon the attack will be over.

Thank you!! Advice and knowing that other people have been there is such a big help. My OCD sounds like yours. I have obsessive thoughts and very few compulsions. Or at least the compulsions I do have son't interfere with anything, they mostly just seem like strange quirks to other people. I've been doing my best to reassure myslef that the EKGs and the fact that all my bloodwork and CT scan came back normal mean that physically I'm ok, but as I'm sure you know, it's so hard sometimes to really believe that. I am going to try your advice though! THank you!! =)

Maggie

our heart's beat is regulated by our medulla oblongata. it's also the place the fight our flight comes from. when we have an attack, the fight-or-flight starts out of no where which causes an increase in heart rate and an increase in blood pressure. which is probably when you feel your heart pounding. and some people with ocd are very in tune with their body and every function of it.

that's what some meds try to do, fix the imbalance of chemicals in the brain. but all meds work differently for everyone.

Thanks for the info! And you are totally right about the OCD making people very in tune with their bodies. I am hyper-aware of every little feeling or change and most if the time it scares me which triggers a panic attack. I think I'm just having a lot of trouble really trusting that I am physically ok even with the clean bill of health from my doctors. I have an appt with a cardiologist next week (I think) and I'm also going to go with me dad to his cardio appt so I can ask a lot of questions. I very much appreciate your support. =)

As much as I feel for you (and everyone) that you are having panic attacks too, it is somewhat comforting to know that I'm not the only one. Thanks for your support!! =)