anxiety attacks or panic disorders? If so, how long does it take for it to totally go away? Does it ever fully leave? I started all of this towards the end of July beginning of August, I had tingling in my left arm and my heart would race, one night my arm went totally numb and later my heart was pounding, broke into a sweat, it scared me. I went to the doctor and he put me on some meds but I am still showing some symptoms like my heart will still race and I will get slight tingling in my arm or under my eye. My husband made me go to the ER one time and they did an EKG and it came back normal, which is good but I just wonder if this is something I am going to have to deal with forever.

My dad said he had this too for about 5 yrs and he said the meds didn't help him. It is scary thinking you are going to have a stroke or heart attack.

My mom has them. They did not put her on any meds. But she has gone to the doctor who sent her to a cardioligist who put her in the hospital overnight. They checked everything and nothing was wrong. She does not have them often but when she gets them they're scary.
I hope you feel better and the meds will take care of some or all of it for you.

I used to have panic attacks. I found that they were caused by severe job stress-- I worked for an absolute Tyrant, was in my early 20's, and very naiive about the business world. I had some therapy, took time off on disability, found a better job and the panic attacks almost stopped. Every once in a while now I feel one coming on and am usually able to diffuse it by removing myself if I can from the stressful situation.
Maybe if you think back as to what was going on in your life when they started it can help.
Good luck to you-- I know they are very scary!

I get them too. I am currently not on meds, plan to go back on them soon. My triggers are hunger, when I get too hot, and if I need to drive somewhere (like dd to school) and I haven't driven in along time then I'll get them.

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I've never lied to you. I've always told you some version the of truth.

See I have had it happen while driving almost where I feel like I am going to pass out, if I concentrate on it too much it gets worse and I do the hot thing too.

I get them and my trigger seems to be large crowds. No meds but when my son or I see it coming we leave. Although my son is very very good about heading them off.

Yes, I get them too! Darn scary when your heart starts racing like that!? I am taking Xanax for it, and have really started feeling a lot better. These have been going on for a full year now - just started the meds a few months ago, and I can feel a difference!

I get them, but only in certain situations. I have a severe problem with traffic. I cannot stand to drive on the Interstate, and will avoid it whenever possible. I also cannot handle someone else driving me around. I am always the driver, even on long car trips, hubby gets to sleep.

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Melissa
Mom of Kiefer, Kaitlan, Korrey, and my very special Heavenly Angel, Kieran^i^

Ok, I have read what a lot of you experience, but can someone help me figure out if this is a panic attack? Every once in a while, I will get kind of sick at my stomach and break out in a cold/hot sweat. The last few times I remember it, was when I had been around my husband and MIL. They don't get along that well and that is very stressful for me. Last year it happened twice while we were at amusement parks standing in lines to get to the ride.

I'm not clostrophobic either, but after I sat down and just sit there for about 10 - 15 minutes, I felt better. Yes, I sat down in the middle of the huge line and didn't care if anyone thought different of me or not. It was kind of funny, b/c that is something I would not normally do and would despise doing, but then other people started sitting down on the ground too, lol.

Thanks

It sounds like it could be, my stomach does this twitching thing and it feels like a baby kicking but I have IBS too, so who knows? I sometimes notice I will get kinda sick to my stomach if I am nervous. My husband says if I stand in one spot too long I start getting antsy and I noticed he was right. I will stand there and just start getting hot and break into a slight sweat, even just looking at something at the store.

could it be symtoms of menopause? the sweats. heart pounding, feeling sick, menopause can really takes it toll on some. I don't know your age, but they say women are starting earlier and earlier.might want to get a blood test, hormones can really do a job on our health when their out of whack.

Hi Everyone,
I Had Panic Attacks In The Early 90's. I Was Homebound For About A Year. I Didnt Want To Leave The House. (yes I Believe It Is Caused By A Stressful Situation) I Went To The Doctors They Did Every Kind Of Test. Nothing. Then Ithe Doctor Put Me On Meds. Then My Husband Was Transfered From His Job Moved Far Away From Family This Was In 2002 Was A Little Nervous. Then In June Of 2006 Was In A Car Accident Not My Fault. And Been Having Panic Attacks Ever Since. Didnt Drive For Awhile Now Driving But Have Them Back. So I Thought That I Was Rid Of Them Now They Are Back And I Get Sick Stomach , Feeling Weird,sweating.the Whole Nine Yards Again.. Last Time When I Had This I Always Thought That I Was Having A Heart Attack Abnd That I Was Going To Die. I Even Went To Counseling And The One Thing That I Remember And Even Now That With A Panic Attack You Are Not Going To Die. Just Sit Back And Take Deep Breaths Inhale Though Your Nose And Exhale Out Your Mouth This Will Calm You Down. Even If You Are Driving Pull Off The Road And Do This... You Will Be Suprised.. Hope All Works Out For You...

Try shifting your attention to something managable, example, counting backwards, saying ABC's or repeating something soothing...I'm quite, I'm calm, I'm fine,.... Think of it along the lines of breathing thru labor pains, it takes you attention elsewhere for awhile.
Good Luck and Pray about it, God is in control
-Billie

I was going to say that it could be hormones. My doctor said that hormones can do crazy things to the body - - including, cause panic/anxiety attacks!! It may not even be menopause. It could just be that your hormones are out of whack. Something to think about, or ask when going to the dr.

I started having panic attacks 10 years ago when my mother died. They were terrible. I occasionally get them now but much milder. There are some very good websites that help you take charge of things. I dont know if I can post them here but if you search for anxieties. or panicend you will feel a lot better just knowing others have the same difficulties. As the other poster said, it is very important to realize and tell yourself that you are not going to die from this. Accept it, take a deep breath and know it will pass. It is very difficult and you may want to get a full physical to assure yourself. Good luck and know you are not alone. Take carel.

I have suffered in the past. We were building a house and selling a condo and I had a 2 yr old with medical problems. I seemed to be handling everything just perfectly until one distince day I'll never forget. I took my 12 yr old neighbor and my two DD's who were 2 and 5 to Burger King after checking the house. I got out of the car and right when I walked into BK I just about fainted. I felt out of it and never experienced anything like this before. I was so sick feeling that I handed the 12 year old my Husbands phone number and told her to call if I pass out. The manager even came over. I could hardly drive. I did seek medical advice because I thought I was dying. It just all caught up. I have now learned that the panic attacks come peak and leave. You really have to learn how to manage. It took me 2 years and very patient family. My Dad suffers from them and would reasure me the symtoms were normal. I cried alot also so they thought I was mildly depressed but said how can I not be. I feel pretty good now so it will get better. PM me if you want to ask me anymore questions.

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Without Health you have no Wealth!

There's a strong connection between panic/anxiety and the adrenal system. Doing things to lessen the stress on these glands can greatly reduce your anxiety. Things that have helped me:

*Stop procrastinating - omg I think I'm my worst enemy. Procrastination undermines my well-being, because knowing I need to do something stays on my mind.

*Less caffeine

*Healthy diet

*Multivitamins

*Supplements for the adrenal glands: B6, Schizandra Fruit, and my absolute live saver: Drenamin by Standard Process (available only through dr.s - I usually get mine from chiropractors)

*Deep-breathing exercises

I'm a nurse and you'd be surprised how many people suffer from anxiety. The docs I work for usually prescibe xanax on a as needed basis. Talk to your doctor.....I promise you're not the only person in the world that feels this way.

Well I am 32, I asked my doctor if it could be hormones and he doesn't seem to think so. He ran some blood tests on me but I don't think any of it had to do with my hormones but whatever it was it all came back normal.

I am taking Xanax and Zoloft. It has improved since I have started taking the meds but it isn't perfect.

I have cut down on my caffiene tremendously I only have it maybe once a month. I just drink water mainly, sometimes I will drink tea and juice. I have been watching more of what I eat and I have lost some weight, then I lost more from this crazy diet my friend gave me, I lost 13 lbs the first week on it!