Panic Attacks

Btrcup
Btrcup Member Posts: 286
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all, hope everyone is doing well. I'm starting to freak out a bit. I think I'm experiencing panic attacks. I've had two episodes, the first one happened while I was lying in bed reading..felt like a couldn't swallow. Only lasted a couple of seconds, but it freaked me out. The 2nd one happened the other night...was watching tv with hubby and had pain in my left arm. Then got lightheaded and nauseated. Last about 1/2 hour, then felt fine.

I've been considering asking my doc for something to take, but I don't like taking meds if I don't really have to. Anyone have any suggestions for home remedies? I've tried to quit smoking, but right now is not a good time. I've cut down to about 3-4 cigs a day (more on weekends when I'm home). My hands are shaking and I always feel sick to my stomach.

We have an appt with surgical oncologist this coming Friday to discuss surgery for hubby's peritoneal carcinomatosis. I have read up on the surgery and it sounds very scary. It is a 10-12 hour operation. I know Lisa (Fitlisa) is having hers on 1/21 (GOOD LUCK LISA).

Well just needed to vent a little. Thanks for listening. I am just finishing Lance Armstrong's book. Very inspirational. I would suggest it for everyone here.

Linda (Baltimore)

Comments

  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #2
    Linda,

    You've been under a lot of stress. Make an appointment for yourself asap and get a check up, telling the doctor all your symptoms. Don't just assume it is a panic attack. The best thing you can do for your hubby right now is be healthy yourself and strong.

    Kerry
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #3
    Linda -

    I agree with Kerry - sounds like more than a panic attack to me, too. You should get it checked out ASAP.

    - SB
  • MJay
    MJay Member Posts: 132
    #4
    I agree with Kerry & SB. I understand you hesitancy to go... there quite possibly could be bad news waiting for you if you go to the drs. But don't continue to hide. If it turns out to be panic attacks... no biggie. Well, not that panic attacks are no biggie... they are awful. And only those who have suffered through them can say that. I used to get them for years and never know what they were. Once I knew what they were, I could tell myself, "Oh. It's just another panic attack. I will get through this." And eventually their power went away. Not that I don't get them anymore.... cancer diagnosis will bring them back... but I can deal with them much better than I ever did.

    Go see your doctor... you will feel better about it. Knowledge is power.

    MJay
  • jana11
    jana11 Member Posts: 705
    #5
    MJay said:

    I agree with Kerry & SB. I understand you hesitancy to go... there quite possibly could be bad news waiting for you if you go to the drs. But don't continue to hide. If it turns out to be panic attacks... no biggie. Well, not that panic attacks are no biggie... they are awful. And only those who have suffered through them can say that. I used to get them for years and never know what they were. Once I knew what they were, I could tell myself, "Oh. It's just another panic attack. I will get through this." And eventually their power went away. Not that I don't get them anymore.... cancer diagnosis will bring them back... but I can deal with them much better than I ever did.

    Go see your doctor... you will feel better about it. Knowledge is power.

    MJay

    MJay,
    I agree... probably a panic attack, but you NEED to make sure!!!! There are lots of meds that can help. And therapy helps lots. Get yourself some help so you can help your hubby.
    jana
  • steved
    steved Member Posts: 834 Member
    #6
    MJay said:

    I agree with Kerry & SB. I understand you hesitancy to go... there quite possibly could be bad news waiting for you if you go to the drs. But don't continue to hide. If it turns out to be panic attacks... no biggie. Well, not that panic attacks are no biggie... they are awful. And only those who have suffered through them can say that. I used to get them for years and never know what they were. Once I knew what they were, I could tell myself, "Oh. It's just another panic attack. I will get through this." And eventually their power went away. Not that I don't get them anymore.... cancer diagnosis will bring them back... but I can deal with them much better than I ever did.

    Go see your doctor... you will feel better about it. Knowledge is power.

    MJay

    Could be panic attack but we only ever diagnose those on teh exclusion of anything physical causing them so we tend to do a general screen for physical things that can mimic a panic attack eg thyroid problems, heart problems etc. Then if it is looking like a panic atack treatment takes a variety of forms.
    Nondrug treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy (a practical 'doing' type of shprt course therapy), relxation techniques and education (just knowing it is apsychological cause helps some). Meds generally are antiderpessants- prozac and some others are very effective in pnic disorder even in the absence of depression.

    Seek medical advise and get this sorted- the last thing you need is to let this get or of control nefore doing something about it. They are common in people under stress and nothing to be ashamed of.

    If yo want more advise do feel free to email me,
    best of luck,
    steve

    Ps let us know how it goes as I'm sure there are others around who could learn from your experience.

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