Comments on: I’m Dying: What a Panic Attack Feels Like http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/ Living with Health, Wellness and Wholeness Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:37:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Christopher http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-25160 Christopher Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:37:07 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-25160 At age 26, I recently made my first trip ever to the Emergency Room. I had been suffering from an anxious feeling, pressure in my chest (not really pain, but you might call it mild pain), and a sensation that I was having difficulty breathing. I had been trying to fall asleep for 4 hours, after enduring chills/shaking (I thought I had a flu or cold), but with no result. When I finally did fall asleep, I could only do so for 2 hours. When I woke up, it was nearly 6am. My mind starting racing from thoughts of heart problems to some kind of fluid slowly filling my lungs and crushing them shut, so I couldn't breathe. Naturally, I was working myself up into a panic. I was afraid that if I went back to sleep and did nothing, I might not wake up (or would wake up to a heart attack). Having never dialed 911 before, I hesitated to do so. I went onto Google Maps to search for the nearest hospital (I live in Brooklyn), and would call for a car to take me to emergency. I lived in between two hospitals, smack in the middle, but wasn't sure which would be best for me. That's when I turned to my roommate, who I woke up and asked to come with me, and said "hell, I don't know what I'm doing, I'm going to call 911." The FDNY sent two EMTs, who believed I was suffering from symptoms related to the flu. They left, and I went back to bed and managed to sleep for 4 hours. The next day, after my roommate left, I knew I would be alone all day. I feared that if anything were to happen to me, I could be alone, convulsing, on the floor for hours or be dead by the time he came back and found me. I said to myself, "hell with it, it could all be for nothing, but I'm calling 911. If there actually is something wrong with me, at least I'll be RIGHT THERE where somebody can do something about it." The same EMTs responded to the call, and of course I'm able to breathe and expand my chest more easily when they arrive and I'm in the presence of medical professionals. In a medical environment, I get nervous and my heart rate goes up. After some paperwork (I didn't appear too urgent an emergency), they took my pulse and blood pressure. After another few minutes, they put me in a bed and ran an EKG. They then placed me in triage between the recovering heroin addict and the guy who wouldn't stay lying down (the nurse was threatening to tie him down). I described my sensations to my nurse, who almost immediately recognized it as anxiety. They did a full workup on me (urine, blood, chest x-ray, another EKG) before dismissing me. My nurse gave me two traquilizers, which FINALLY put me to sleep (but before then, there were some fun hallucinations involving waves and hands and faces stretching out from the ceiling- don't worry, they were friendly faces). The man nurse looks back at me and asks if I'm feeling better, which is greeted only with my thumbs-up and smile. I'm sorry to ramble, but this was traumatic for me. I have felt during my attacks what so many of you have mentioned in your posts, and want to thank you for giving me some peace of mind. Stan was quite apt in describing it as being like a "bad high", if you've ever had one. My anxiety continues at a lower level almost throughout the day, like a continued long bout of depression. I feel a mild pressure in my chest all the time, but have to believe that the ER would not have discharged me last night if my heart wasn't sound. Please pray for me if you read this, as God's power is not limited by time and can totally be retroactive. At age 26, I recently made my first trip ever to the Emergency Room. I had been suffering from an anxious feeling, pressure in my chest (not really pain, but you might call it mild pain), and a sensation that I was having difficulty breathing. I had been trying to fall asleep for 4 hours, after enduring chills/shaking (I thought I had a flu or cold), but with no result. When I finally did fall asleep, I could only do so for 2 hours. When I woke up, it was nearly 6am. My mind starting racing from thoughts of heart problems to some kind of fluid slowly filling my lungs and crushing them shut, so I couldn’t breathe. Naturally, I was working myself up into a panic. I was afraid that if I went back to sleep and did nothing, I might not wake up (or would wake up to a heart attack). Having never dialed 911 before, I hesitated to do so. I went onto Google Maps to search for the nearest hospital (I live in Brooklyn), and would call for a car to take me to emergency. I lived in between two hospitals, smack in the middle, but wasn’t sure which would be best for me. That’s when I turned to my roommate, who I woke up and asked to come with me, and said “hell, I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m going to call 911.” The FDNY sent two EMTs, who believed I was suffering from symptoms related to the flu. They left, and I went back to bed and managed to sleep for 4 hours. The next day, after my roommate left, I knew I would be alone all day. I feared that if anything were to happen to me, I could be alone, convulsing, on the floor for hours or be dead by the time he came back and found me. I said to myself, “hell with it, it could all be for nothing, but I’m calling 911. If there actually is something wrong with me, at least I’ll be RIGHT THERE where somebody can do something about it.” The same EMTs responded to the call, and of course I’m able to breathe and expand my chest more easily when they arrive and I’m in the presence of medical professionals. In a medical environment, I get nervous and my heart rate goes up. After some paperwork (I didn’t appear too urgent an emergency), they took my pulse and blood pressure. After another few minutes, they put me in a bed and ran an EKG. They then placed me in triage between the recovering heroin addict and the guy who wouldn’t stay lying down (the nurse was threatening to tie him down). I described my sensations to my nurse, who almost immediately recognized it as anxiety. They did a full workup on me (urine, blood, chest x-ray, another EKG) before dismissing me. My nurse gave me two traquilizers, which FINALLY put me to sleep (but before then, there were some fun hallucinations involving waves and hands and faces stretching out from the ceiling- don’t worry, they were friendly faces). The man nurse looks back at me and asks if I’m feeling better, which is greeted only with my thumbs-up and smile.

I’m sorry to ramble, but this was traumatic for me. I have felt during my attacks what so many of you have mentioned in your posts, and want to thank you for giving me some peace of mind. Stan was quite apt in describing it as being like a “bad high”, if you’ve ever had one.

My anxiety continues at a lower level almost throughout the day, like a continued long bout of depression. I feel a mild pressure in my chest all the time, but have to believe that the ER would not have discharged me last night if my heart wasn’t sound. Please pray for me if you read this, as God’s power is not limited by time and can totally be retroactive.

]]> By: Stan http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-24682 Stan Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:14:11 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-24682 I am 31 and, over the past 3 years, I've had several panic attacks. Almost all of them I believe were triggered by alcohol withdrawl. After a couple days of heavy drinking, I deal with major anxiety issues over the next 48 hours. The panic attacks almost always occur in the middle of the night. I wake up suddenly and the attack is on. Even though, at this point, I'm well aware of what's happening, it never makes it any easier. The only way I can describe it is that it's like your sanity is a bedsheet that someone is trying to rip out of your hands. Or if you've ever had a bad trip, it's similar to the mental part of that. I've tried everything to talk myself down, but nothing works except time (sometimes 2 hours), more alcohol (bad idea), or a sedative like xanax. I have friends who have experienced the same thing -- I typically tell them to think of a phrase, maybe 10 to 12 words and just keep repeating it while using controlled breathing. Praying is a good idea too, if you believe in that. If that stops working, call a friend, if you have one that understands. Anyone that has dealt with this is usually more than happy to help you thru it, since they know how awful it is. Most the time, talking to someone you trust about how you feel is comforting enough to provide some slight relief. If they suffer from panic attacks, they will know just what to say. Ultimately, I recommend talking to your doctor about it. They will typically give you a prescription for a sedative. Unless you are dealing with addiction issues, these pills are a good idea to have around. Alot of times, just knowing that you have them will help prevent panic attacks. There are plenty of methods to alleviate panic attacks without drugs, but, for anyone that has experienced a truly awful panic episode, all that matters is getting thru it. If none of those methods work, you know you have a solution that will. Thanks for this forum, and I wish everyone dealing with this issue the best. It's nice to have a place to talk about it. I am 31 and, over the past 3 years, I’ve had several panic attacks. Almost all of them I believe were triggered by alcohol withdrawl. After a couple days of heavy drinking, I deal with major anxiety issues over the next 48 hours. The panic attacks almost always occur in the middle of the night. I wake up suddenly and the attack is on. Even though, at this point, I’m well aware of what’s happening, it never makes it any easier. The only way I can describe it is that it’s like your sanity is a bedsheet that someone is trying to rip out of your hands. Or if you’ve ever had a bad trip, it’s similar to the mental part of that. I’ve tried everything to talk myself down, but nothing works except time (sometimes 2 hours), more alcohol (bad idea), or a sedative like xanax. I have friends who have experienced the same thing — I typically tell them to think of a phrase, maybe 10 to 12 words and just keep repeating it while using controlled breathing. Praying is a good idea too, if you believe in that. If that stops working, call a friend, if you have one that understands. Anyone that has dealt with this is usually more than happy to help you thru it, since they know how awful it is. Most the time, talking to someone you trust about how you feel is comforting enough to provide some slight relief. If they suffer from panic attacks, they will know just what to say.

Ultimately, I recommend talking to your doctor about it. They will typically give you a prescription for a sedative. Unless you are dealing with addiction issues, these pills are a good idea to have around. Alot of times, just knowing that you have them will help prevent panic attacks. There are plenty of methods to alleviate panic attacks without drugs, but, for anyone that has experienced a truly awful panic episode, all that matters is getting thru it. If none of those methods work, you know you have a solution that will.

Thanks for this forum, and I wish everyone dealing with this issue the best. It’s nice to have a place to talk about it.

]]> By: Liz http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-24627 Liz Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:12:05 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-24627 Yes I feel really funny like I am about to die. Another time it felt like my insides were about to drop out of me. And three other times I experienced a drying up of my saliva my left side felt like it was numb my tongue felt like it was swelling. It lasted about 45 minutes then it began to subside. These are panic attacks? Can anyone describe how a dying person feels right before death? Yes I feel really funny like I am about to die. Another time it felt like my insides were about to drop out of me. And three other times I experienced a drying up of my saliva my left side felt like it was numb my tongue felt like it was swelling. It lasted about 45 minutes then it began to subside. These are panic attacks? Can anyone describe how a dying person feels right before death?

]]> By: Britt http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-24224 Britt Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:28:11 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-24224 I had my first panic attack last year in September. I had only recently learned what a panic attack was, and definitely did NOT know what was happening to me. It took a while for the attack to actually happen though. When I have them, I just feel weird for a long while before it actually happens. I was at the movies and all of a sudden I just felt nauseous and like everything was just backwards and turned around. I was ok though until the ride home. I was about forty minutes away from home. During that time I started feeling lack of control of my mouth, kind of like I had slurred speach or something. Also, I gradually started getting tingly all over. Then right when I was almost home I started feeling the depersonalization feeling, and that's when I started hyperventalating. I really thought that I was dying. I had no idea that it was a panic attack. What makes my attacks so bad, I think, is that I feel derealization and I black out. It's awful. My heart races, I feel like I can't breath, I tremble all over, and I ALWAYS think that I'm dying. As a result of all of this, I have problems with anxious feelings almost all of the time, and I almost always feel derealization. It's horrible, and I don't really know what to do for it because I'm too sensitive to the SSRI's to take them. I've been battling it on my own for over a year now, and I'm starting to get discouraged again. I had my first panic attack last year in September. I had only recently learned what a panic attack was, and definitely did NOT know what was happening to me. It took a while for the attack to actually happen though. When I have them, I just feel weird for a long while before it actually happens. I was at the movies and all of a sudden I just felt nauseous and like everything was just backwards and turned around. I was ok though until the ride home. I was about forty minutes away from home. During that time I started feeling lack of control of my mouth, kind of like I had slurred speach or something. Also, I gradually started getting tingly all over. Then right when I was almost home I started feeling the depersonalization feeling, and that’s when I started hyperventalating. I really thought that I was dying. I had no idea that it was a panic attack. What makes my attacks so bad, I think, is that I feel derealization and I black out. It’s awful. My heart races, I feel like I can’t breath, I tremble all over, and I ALWAYS think that I’m dying. As a result of all of this, I have problems with anxious feelings almost all of the time, and I almost always feel derealization. It’s horrible, and I don’t really know what to do for it because I’m too sensitive to the SSRI’s to take them. I’ve been battling it on my own for over a year now, and I’m starting to get discouraged again.

]]> By: Anni http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-24159 Anni Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:21:25 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-24159 Found this great tumblr: http://listentomenowmydarling.tumblr.com/ Found this great tumblr:

http://listentomenowmydarling.tumblr.com/

]]> By: Dealing With Panic Disorder And Agoraphobia | mynomorepanic.com http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-24150 Dealing With Panic Disorder And Agoraphobia | mynomorepanic.com Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:43:40 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-24150 [...] http://ezinearticles.com/?Panic-Attack-Symptoms-in-Men&id=2612098 http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/ [...] [...] http://ezinearticles.com/?Panic-Attack-Symptoms-in-Men&id=2612098 http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/ [...]

]]> By: Tiffany http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-24136 Tiffany Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:58:17 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-24136 Hello my nanme is Tiffany, and Ive been having severe panic attacks for about a month. It can be a very scary event. One minute your having a great day and the next your heart is pounding out of control, and you feel like your out of control. My only hope is in God that He will heal me from this and He is going to heal me from this. Nothing is impossible with Him. Put all yor trust in Him. He is able. Stay strong and believe. Hello my nanme is Tiffany, and Ive been having severe panic attacks for about a month. It can be a very scary event. One minute your having a great day and the next your heart is pounding out of control, and you feel like your out of control. My only hope is in God that He will heal me from this and He is going to heal me from this. Nothing is impossible with Him. Put all yor trust in Him. He is able. Stay strong and believe.

]]> By: Find Out Why Overcoming Panic Attack Begins With Confrontation | mynomorepanic.com http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-24116 Find Out Why Overcoming Panic Attack Begins With Confrontation | mynomorepanic.com Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:11:10 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-24116 [...] type of disorder was given by the FDA issued a consistent results in violent behavior. The numerous manifest symptom that many people who do than in normal people. Complication treatment methods as describes dental phobia [...] [...] type of disorder was given by the FDA issued a consistent results in violent behavior. The numerous manifest symptom that many people who do than in normal people. Complication treatment methods as describes dental phobia [...]

]]> By: L. Silk http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-23887 L. Silk Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:06:30 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-23887 Dear Ethan, Yes, these surges of adrenaline and heart palpitations are very scary indeed. Especially when you are relaxed and they kick-in for no apparent reason. (that is totally typical for panic attacks). I, too, have suffered from the exact thing you have described but with a few other sensations along with those - chills, sweating, hot flashes, mind racing, nausea, tremors. What you have experienced puts you in a catagory of people who are among the bravest people I know. Until someone actually goes through a "panic attack", they just can not appreciate how indescribably uncomfortable it is (understatement there!) Let me tell you something that I have learned over the years in dealing with these episodes - despite the extreme boldily sensations - they are not physically harming you. Really difficult to believe that since what you experience is incredibly overwhelming. Because I am female, I have experienced child birth. This experience is just as intense as a panic attack and requires all of your concentration to just hold on for dear life. But child birth in and of itself did not cause me any physical harm. Extremely painful, yes, but totally natural. Panic attacks are very similar in that they bring you to what feels like the brink of death, but in actuality it is a very natural thing that is happening to you physically. In my research I have descovered that those of us who are emotionally and/or physically exhausted will be at higher risk for these episodes. It is a false alarm triggered by your fight or flight response. You need to make sure you are consistantly getting a good of rest every night, eating healthy foods, (cut out the sodas and coffee(caffine) and the sugary stuff), getting some regular exersize, staying hydrated (with water!), and learning some ways to manage stress that works just for you . At 15 your hormones are pretty active and that too can contribute to these episodes. That is where my panic attacks began - during menopause- which is all about hormonal changes. Ethan, honey, panic attacks suck, they just do, but our bodies are highly intellegent and equiped to take care of themselves without much involvement from us. Our part is to make some adjustments in lifestyle to help bring harmony to our nervous systems. Sorry this was so lengthy, but I can just so relate to ya and I want to give you reassurance that you are not dying of some horrible disease like it tries to make you believe. Doesn't hurt to go to your doctor and just have afew things checked out for peace of mind - like your heart for an arythmia, and your hormonal levels - especially thyroid - but more than likely you are a healthy kid and you, like the rest of us brave souls, get to experience a very difficult thing that makes us far more empathetic to others who suffer in this life. Consider making some changes in your lifestyle and your nervous system will respond in kind. Big hugs and blessings to you. Dear Ethan, Yes, these surges of adrenaline and heart palpitations are very scary indeed. Especially when you are relaxed and they kick-in for no apparent reason. (that is totally typical for panic attacks). I, too, have suffered from the exact thing you have described but with a few other sensations along with those – chills, sweating, hot flashes, mind racing, nausea, tremors. What you have experienced puts you in a catagory of people who are among the bravest people I know. Until someone actually goes through a “panic attack”, they just can not appreciate how indescribably uncomfortable it is (understatement there!) Let me tell you something that I have learned over the years in dealing with these episodes – despite the extreme boldily sensations – they are not physically harming you. Really difficult to believe that since what you experience is incredibly overwhelming. Because I am female, I have experienced child birth. This experience is just as intense as a panic attack and requires all of your concentration to just hold on for dear life. But child birth in and of itself did not cause me any physical harm. Extremely painful, yes, but totally natural. Panic attacks are very similar in that they bring you to what feels like the brink of death, but in actuality it is a very natural thing that is happening to you physically. In my research I have descovered that those of us who are emotionally and/or physically exhausted will be at higher risk for these episodes. It is a false alarm triggered by your fight or flight response. You need to make sure you are consistantly getting a good of rest every night, eating healthy foods, (cut out the sodas and coffee(caffine) and the sugary stuff), getting some regular exersize, staying hydrated (with water!), and learning some ways to manage stress that works just for you . At 15 your hormones are pretty active and that too can contribute to these episodes. That is where my panic attacks began – during menopause- which is all about hormonal changes. Ethan, honey, panic attacks suck, they just do, but our bodies are highly intellegent and equiped to take care of themselves without much involvement from us. Our part is to make some adjustments in lifestyle to help bring harmony to our nervous systems. Sorry this was so lengthy, but I can just so relate to ya and I want to give you reassurance that you are not dying of some horrible disease like it tries to make you believe. Doesn’t hurt to go to your doctor and just have afew things checked out for peace of mind – like your heart for an arythmia, and your hormonal levels – especially thyroid – but more than likely you are a healthy kid and you, like the rest of us brave souls, get to experience a very difficult thing that makes us far more empathetic to others who suffer in this life. Consider making some changes in your lifestyle and your nervous system will respond in kind. Big hugs and blessings to you.

]]> By: Princes http://anxietypanichealth.com/2008/10/01/im-dying-what-a-panic-attack-feels-like/comment-page-4/#comment-23863 Princes Sat, 03 Dec 2011 08:08:13 +0000 http://anxietypanichealth.com/?p=460#comment-23863 Hope Gunter, whatever you do, don't give in to those thoughts. Your life is precious. I have had few panic attacks as well and I know how scary it can be. If your meds aren't working, try getting prayer from someone at church. Or you can even pray to Gid yourself, he'll hear you and heal you. That's what I did. Hope Gunter, whatever you do, don’t give in to those thoughts. Your life is precious. I have had few panic attacks as well and I know how scary it can be. If your meds aren’t working, try getting prayer from someone at church. Or you can even pray to Gid yourself, he’ll hear you and heal you. That’s what I did.

]]>