Panic Attack or Disorder ?

[Caseyjunio]

Hi all,

I've suspect I caught a panic Attack or disorder which I don't even know how to differentiate which is which, for about a month and a week.

Went to respiratory specialist and doc said that the lung is alright. Went to heart and cardio doc and said that my heart is fine. So I Guess anxiety should be the issue.

At the start I felt tightness in the throat area and can't breath, tingling on the face, stomach and both hands, feeling like I won't survive today, went to Emergency twice. And done ECG, cardiogram, and the blow test for the lung but all is fine.

After reading online I Guess I have panic Attack/disorder. But daily I will feel shortness of breath even panic has subsided and I'm mentally and physically tired of these symptoms which persist daily. I can't take it anymore , any longer I will go crazy and have depression soon because life is no longer worth a living like that.

I felt that the body has became more sensitive to everything after having panic Attack. Mucus irritates my throats and I'll try to cough non stop and hard to make sure it gets out of my throats, if not I'll feel very very uneasy, when on a train or riding or on a public transport I'll always see when will I reach the destination, if it's too Long the breathlessness will starts again. When I'm underground a basement in a mall I think if this place has got enough oxygen ? And why are all these people going fine here when I'm trying for oxygen. When I'm in a high building I'll think it's so high do I have enough oxygen. When traveling Long distance, I'll check weather there is a nearby medical centre on the way just in case. What am I now, I don't wanna live another day like that. It's tiring

[Maxiomargie]

Hi. If you've your doctors have found no physical reasons for your attacks, then I would suspect it's anxiety. Anxiety attacks can be very real physically and some us get them worse than others. Are you seeing a psychiatrist? If not, that's what I would do if I were you. I'm not a fan of recommending medication, but there are medications out there that deal specifically with panic attacks. I deal with intense anxiety every day, although luckily it's been a while since I've actually had a panic attack. Please don't give up with your doctors. Have them recommend someone to you. What you're feeling seems to be getting worse, so you need to be persistent in order to get those physical episodes under control. And remember, you are not alone! We're all here for you. Best wishes to you and keep us posted.

[Caseyjunio]

Thank you @Maxiomargie, for the upcoming follow up with the doc I will ask them to recommend me a psychiatrist for further evaluation. Thank you for the suggestion and recommendation. Will update of the changes here for people same like me here

[fatinaziz]

Hi. I am sorry to hear that. It just the beginning of the problem and u still have chance to get out of it. Try to control your mind. I had experienced the same thing and some how I find way to find a relieve even though sometimes it just temporary. I control my mind to think only about the moment or what I call "live in the moment". I had anxiety because of overthinking and I try to focus my thoughts to what I am currently doing. I need to keep on remind myself not to think about other things and only focus on the current moment and slowly my heartbeat start to become normal and I can breathe normally again. You should give it a try!

[Caseyjunio in reply to fatinaziz]

Hey Fatinaziz, yep have tried all sorts of methods to calm myself down and know that it is not life threatening. But it happen Everyday that my mind is tired to keep controlling it. It's like the feeling of giving up. But I know it will subside.

[fatinaziz in reply to Caseyjunio]

totally understand that. Me too still having the same problem. i fell tired to keep controlling my own thoughts and sometimes i feel like i will never get out of this situation. But don't worry, we will be fine soon. It takes time and practice.

[Caseyjunio in reply to fatinaziz]

We'll try to distract ourself. Aren't u taking any medication to cope ?

[fatinaziz in reply to Caseyjunio]

no i haven't met the doctor yet. Do i need to go to psychiatrist center or going to general clinic is good enough?

[Caseyjunio in reply to fatinaziz]

Have you done any medical test to confirm that is not other symptoms of other problem ? If you haven, you might want to go to a general clinic and get some referrals to the correct doc.

Unless you are certain of yourself then u might just want to try a psychiatrist.

I myself have went thru cardio and respiratory specialist and both of them said the organs are fine. So I myself narrow down to panic disorder.

I also consulted TCM and is getting acupuncture treatment too. Just been thru first session, been told that there is 3 sessions and I'll see what the result are after that.

[fatinaziz in reply to Caseyjunio]

im going to general clinic today. I really hope I can get the prescription today. last night i feel better and today it started to come back but I tried my best to ignore the negative thoughts. Btw, what is TCM?

[Caseyjunio in reply to fatinaziz]

TCM is Traditional Chinese Medicine. I tried all possibilities to cure and hope one of them helps 😬

[Caseyjunio]

Was referred to a psychiatrist by the respiratory doc. It will be end Oct, so currently am doing acupuncture and taking Chinese medicine. And somehow it felt that it is helpful in someway. The anxiety symptoms is not as hard as before and it is slowly getting milder, still feel breathless and chocking daily but not as strong as it was.