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Panic attacks
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Mar 07, 2011 - 3:11 pm
Last week I had my first panic attack,I had three in a matter of days. Most horrible thing I have been through since my kidney cancer. It all started when I had my blood pressure taken at work. They were doing free screenings so I got one. It was 150/90. The person that took the reading over reacted with" omg your blood pressure is 150/90." Well I freaked out!!!! Before my surgery my blood pressure was always excellent 112/70. Even when I had kidney cancer,I had no signs or symptoms. So I panicked big time. Now whenever I feel the least bit anxious I get a tightness in my chest and it all spirals out of control - HE'LL !!! My blood pressure seems worse in the morning the first few hours I'm awake. |
Joined: Feb 2011
Alternatives?
Hi,
Sounds like you could try some alternatives before you go on blood pressure meds. Have you tried a support group? That might be a start, but I really think you need some one on one with a therapist. They would be able to help you learn how to control the panic attacks and help you get to their root causes. As to your diet, maybe a nutritionist can help you review the foods you are typically eating. Perhaps hidden sodium is contributing to the BP problem. For people who had a kidney removed, as I did, the big thing I hear over and over is eat lower sodium and lower protien. Maybe your diet was good before your diagnosis/surgery/treatment but now needs tweaking in the sodium, protien, and perhaps other areas.
If taking meds for high BP really concerns you, I'd talk to my doctor first and consult a nutritionist. Get help for the panic attacks before they worsen. Therapy is nothing to be ashamed of after a cancer diagnosis. I knew I was struggling emotionally and asked for psychological help. Don't struggle alone.
I wish you peace and hope you can resolve both of your issues in a way that feels good to you.
Sincerely,
M. Hamby
Joined: Mar 2011
Panic Atack Newb
I had a panic attack when I was in the hospital last week. I understand what you mean by scary. I really felt like I was going to die. They had to put me on oxygen. I had another one while I was in there but it wasn't as bad. I think I can see the signs of it and just try to calmly settle myself down. Just focusing on slowly breathing helps me.
Joined: Aug 2010
I had a small one in the
I had a small one in the hospital after surgery, but didnt know what it was. I had a full blown one a few months later. it was the scariest thing . Not as scary as the diagnosis/surgery.But now that i know what they are i can handle them. my Dr told me its very common after the trauma we have been through.
Joined: Mar 2011
High Blood Pressure
Hi,
Had my second 3month review with my surgeon. Blood Pressure was 150/101, technician wasn't alarmed. Asked my surgeon, he had another Blood Pressure test, 145/87. His comments were that My high BP may be related to the fact I am seeing him again. SCAN Anxiety? Will be seeing my PC Doctor for advisement. I was more concerned than my surgeon.