Anxiety / Panic after surgery

[bluberry]

Hello everyone,

I had double jaw surgery approx. 10 weeks ago. During the first 3 weeks my mouth was wired shut and I could only consume calories via a syringe. During this time I lost about 20 lbs. Around week 5 I started feeling better and could feel my energy come back. As such I went to a few parties and other social actives and ended up drinking alcohol 4 out of 5 days. The day after this bender i was out golfing and after the round I started shaking and heart began to race. I thought I was having a heart attack and went to the ER. At the ER they said my blood pressure was high but that could be due to a panic attack. Over the past 30 days I have have many blood tests, 2 chest xrays, and multiple EKGs. Everything has came back normal...however, I have been feeling terrible the past 30 days after this event occurred. I can feel my heart beat in my body and I have a fluttering/butterfly feeling in my chest and sometimes stomach. I started taking 20mg of paxil 21 days ago. My Dr. also gave me some Xanax but I am basically afraid to the take it after he told me how much he hates benzos and I have read that they can be very addictive.

This has been the worst 30 days of my life. I try to tell myself that this is just anxiety and it must pass at some point....but I just don't believe it deep down as the intensity of my heart beat is always in my mind. I am much better if I am standing up or try to keep busy...but sitting down and laying down make me feel much worse as I can feel my heart much more.....

Curious if anyone else has felt this way and could offer some advice....

Thanks!