ended up in the ER
Question:
Lurker and 1st time poster here… I ended up in the ER Saturday night because of a horrendous anxiety attack. It was very similar to the one that put me in the same place 9 months ago, at which time they discovered a heart defect. Since then, I’ve been through two corrective procedures, and the heart defect is gone. About 9:00PM I felt some tightness in my chest which told me that I was going to have an anxiety/panic attack (my doctor had diagnosed me with anxiety/panic disorder when my heart defect was uncovered). So, I took one 0.25mg Xanax, and it didn’t get better. I waited 45-60 mins, took a hot shower, and another Xanax. It kept getting worse, so about 10:30-10:45PM I had my wife take me to the ER. Once there, I was taken in and given an EKG and they took some blood (I’m sure they suspected heart problems given my history). I started feeling nauseous so they gave me compezine (sp?) which helped somewhat. After that it was a shot of valium (2.5mg). After being close to hyperventilating, they gave me another shot of valium and two shots of morphine for the chest pains. They determined that I must have pulled a muscle in my chest unpacking some heavy boxes, and the pain from the muscle triggered an anxiety attack due to my spate of heart problems. The doctor on call said that I need to see someone other than my general practitioner in order to get this under control. I’m going to see my GP and get a referral to someone who can help me. I’m really, really hoping they can help me control this, because to be honest, I feel like I’m living in fear because of the attacks. I’m also deathly afraid that I may cause myself to have a stroke due to the attacks. BTW, looking at my e-mail and login people are probably thinking this is a hoax/spoof. It’s not–I just picked them to provide some anonymity.
Response:
Lurker and 1st time poster here…
<snipped I’m going to see my GP and get a referral to someone who can help me. I’m really, really hoping they can help me control this, because to be honest, I feel like I’m living in fear because of the attacks. I’m also deathly afraid that I may cause myself to have a stroke due to the attacks. BTW, looking at my e-mail and login people are probably thinking this is a hoax/spoof. It’s not–I just picked them to provide some anonymity.
Hi 
Welcome to ASAP!! Just wanted to make you aware that your post is dated the 17th but it only showed up today. Seems Google was having some problems a few days ago. I didn`t want you to think you were being ignored. I understand what you are going through….living in fear of the next attack, which increases your anxiety and makes it that more likely you will have another panic attack. You are not going to have a stroke because of these attacks. However, it is important that you seek proper treatment as soon as possible. When anxiety and panic disorders are left untreated or are not treated properly, they can spiral out of control fairly quickly. It would be in your best interest to be referred to a psych doctor that specializes in anxiety disorders. You don`t have to suffer this way when there are effective treatments available. Take care Jackie
Response:
[ my stuff deleted ] Welcome to ASAP!! Just wanted to make you aware that your post is dated the 17th but it only showed up today. Seems Google was having some problems a few days ago. I didn`t want you to think you were being ignored.
I noticed that it took a few days to reach one of my other newsfeeds, so I figured google/deja was back-logged, etc. I went and saw my GP and she’s got me started on Zoloft. I’ve got the "starter kit" with 25mg for the first week and 50mg after that. I’ve started taking them before bed, and am going to switch to mornings because I’m experiencing some insomnia. My next step is to schedule something with a therapist or someone else in the psych field. I’m actually quite hopeful, but trying not to expect too much too soon… Thanks for the welcome and wise words.
Response:
Mrmonkey wrote…….
<snipped I went and saw my GP and she’s got me started on Zoloft. I’ve got the "starter kit" with 25mg for the first week and 50mg after that. I’ve started taking them before bed, and am going to switch to mornings because I’m experiencing some insomnia. My next step is to schedule something with a therapist or someone else in the psych field. I’m actually quite hopeful, but trying not to expect too much too soon… Thanks for the welcome and wise words.
You are very welcome Zoloft can be a very good med for anxiety and I wish you much luck with it. Good idea about trying to see a therapist. It sounds like you are cautiously hopeful, I think thats the best way to be at this point. Please keep us updated, we care! Jackie "There are victories of the soul and spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win." – Elie(zer) Wiesel (1928-)
