Attack after attack after attack...

[Mandy26]

Hi everyone. Hope everyone is well. I just thought I would write about a recent horrific experience I had with my anxiety. It is strange because at the time I feel like I am going through hell, but a few days afterwards when I see that I came out of it OK, I feel stronger.

I'm currently carrying around a heart monitor as doctors want to dispell any heart issues before fully diagnosing anxiety. I carry this with me everywhere and I have it for a month. So I took it to London with me as I was going on a work Christmas meal. I was fine. I'd had a few niggles during the week which I recorded as I was feeling a bit stressed, but was looking forward to a nice meal and some wine tasting. However on the way back, I was travelling on the train with some colleagues who became very drunk and slightly aggressive towards staff, to the point where police were called onto the train... my anxiety went into overdrive. My heart was racing, I was sweating, shaking, my stomach felt like it was dropping every five seconds. I kept standing in between the carriages to get out of the situation and cool down, but as soon as I felt my heart rate return to normal it happened again. This must have happened about 6 or 7 times on the train. My colleague was arrested and we eventually arrived home and by this time I had nothing left in me. My partner picked me up and I sat cuddling my dog who always helps with my anxiety and we went to bed. I must have had a further 3-4 attacks which I recorded on my monitor so had very little sleep.

It is easier to handle but it doesn't make it any less scary at the time. I did take it in my stride but I think I must have been so worked up my body went into overdrive. I cried all morning the next day as every little thing felt like a huge problem and nothing seemed to be going right, but eventually my weekend straightened out.

Sometimes I can look back and laugh and think 'only this could happen to me', but at the time it's horrible. I do think with every attack though a little bit of strength builds

xx

[Hidden]

Hi. Mandy. My God, who wouldn't get up tight going through what you did. Even a hardened professional would find that experience frightening. You did very well to come out of it with the attitude you have. I agree that with experience and understanding we do build strength, but I would not advocate going through what you did to gain strength! There are ways that are far less tiring!! But well done. To come out as you have says a lot about your character, and I wish you well. If you can look back and laugh, my goodness, you are more than halfway home. Love. jonathan.

[Pennylayne]

Well there's one thing about it Mandy ......if you can deal with that and come out afterwards saying what you have you are one tough cookie. Hats off to you!!

No wonder you were so stressed the next day, it was a 'post trauma' type reaction.

You really can gain strength from having dealt with what happened so well .......well impressed......

PL

[Mandy26]

Hi Jonathan and PL. Thank you for your comments It's the first time I have had such a bout of attacks. It just seemed to keep happening which I found very strange and frightening at the time. It took a lot of concentration to calm down but I was so relieved when I could finally go to sleep.

I think you are right PL about the reaction the next day. That coupled with a terrible sleep made me quite fragile. However for me personally, every attack leads to a little more understanding. I am intrigued to see what my heart recordings come back as! Will have an interesting job explaining that story to them!

xxx

[Pennylayne in reply to Mandy26]

Yes I thought about that as well !!

[fadedlizard]

Hi Mandy,

What a horrendous experience. I'm not surprised you were having back to back panic attacks. I think anyone would have been, whether they suffered from anxiety or not!!! I think you've dealt with the whole situation fantastically. Well done.x