Panic attacks

[Maisie2014]

Since my heart attack I’ve started to have panic attacks and I don’t realise what they are until afterwards. My husband’s coping with me very well. In fact he didn’t tell me about them until I told him. He said I’d had a few. I’ve never panicked about anything and I’ve been in a few sticky situations. I’m usually the one who keeps cool so I’m finding it a bit difficult to cope with at the moment.

It made me realise though how ageist out police force is. Don’t get me wrong I’m a big supporter of them and have even served on an independent advisory group. However I found myself in a scary situation the other night and had to call 999. I was having a panic attack about something happening in the street. That was four days ago. I believed my husband and I were in danger. I’m still waiting for the police to arrive!!!!!

I feel a fool. The danger was genuine but I feel that if I had been younger I may have been taken more seriously.

Does anyone else get panic attacks? Are they normal after a heart attack or is it just old age?

[HHH2017]

Hi, I had a panic attack on Friday when attending an outpatient appt. it was my 1st appt post lockdown, I was very nervous of going due to Covid, I wore gloves mask & visor. My hubby wasnt allowed to attend with me - another stresser. I saw 3 different breaking of covid rules inside the hospital (all by staff)before my appt. I was called into the imagining room but the Dr had gone AWOL the nurse took 15mins trying to find him & jept popping back in giving me different excuses. I was pacing like a caged polar bear, I couldnt breathe, Dr walked in, shut the door - I shouted ‘open the door’ and ran out! We walked quickly lol! I can’t believe what happened but it was awful. Witness another bad breach of rules on way out too!

I think for me its a variety of things, personal health issues, covid, not being able to see loved ones and feeling vulnerable on my own in a room with a male nurse & male Dr. Had hubby been allowed to support me it would have been so different. The police should have at least kept in touch with you, that would have offered some reassurance. Do let your GP know how you are feeling, I’m going to. This isn’t good for our HR. I hope you can get some support.

[Snowdrops_17 in reply to HHH2017]

I wouldn't judge people not wearing facemasks, as some are exempt with certain health problems! But if they should have worn facemasks let the employer deal with that! Pity you missed your appointment now! Regardless I would have stuck it out as it will be difficult to get another outpatient one soon!

I live in North Yorkshire and Leeds is on local lockdown now, I am praying for us all here, my family, relatives, my Christian friends, my colleagues, well for the world 🙏🌏🌎🌍

Please don't loose heart ! We need to stay strong, united 💕🙏

[HHH2017 in reply to Snowdrops_17]

You have judged me and assumed I am critising people not wearing masks! None of the issues were to do with masks actually.

[Snowdrops_17 in reply to HHH2017]

So why did you mention that? Sorry confused now!

[HHH2017 in reply to Snowdrops_17]

I simply was explaining my anxiety and how a panic attack affected me. I mentioned staff breaking Covid rules, which they did, but it was nothing to do withnot wearing a mask. There are MANY rules to keep us safe.

Regardless, the post was about anxiety and your attitude is increasing mine 😞

[Snowdrops_17 in reply to HHH2017]

I am really sorry if I did! Wasn't my intention to cause you more anxiety!

And sorry I misunderstood you as well, that you meant Covid rules! 🙏

[Snowdrops_17]

Honestly Maisie you are not the only one!

I don't have full blown panic attacks where you hyperventilate, but my heart rate went up when at work a number of times and yesterday had headache and I felt my heart was pounding! Didn't feel well! It's the enormous pressure to have to set restaurant kitchen up in 1 hour between 10-11 am!

I often don't want to come to work at 10 am! Couldn't park behind restaurant either yesterday so it cost me £12 for travel and parking! I think we are more sensitive to our surroundings after a heart attack 💔

Mine was February 2019!

I have a CD with breathing techniques which I will play again and put some into practice before I get to uptight in work and other situations! I also tried to go without my beta blocker, 2.5 mg, as it makes my legs feel achy dye to vascular disease, and the balls of my feet tend to burn, when on my feet for a prolonged time! But took it yesterday straight away after coming home! Lesson learned 💔

It's a tough time for us all darling!

Have a look on heart Foundation for relaxation and breathing techniques please Maisie 🤗💕

[Clerkenweller in reply to Snowdrops_17]

I had a full blown panic attack completely out of the blue a week ago. I had no-idea what was going on I was trembling violently, weak as a kitten, breathless, scared. I thought it was the precursor to a HA. Went to A&E was checked out troponin levels normal etc. Suddenly felt better and very kind doctor talked me through what to do in future. I’ve now read up on this and there are coping activities to reconnect with your body and stop the response. It is a horrible experience and I have discovered more common than you think. Breathing patterns are central to control. You’ll be fine.

[Qualipop]

I've had panic attacks for over 30 years but I recognise when they are starting and have learned how to stop them in heir tracks 99% of the time. IT's fairly natural after a bad event. Talk to your gp and get help. For me, hypnosis was by far the best treatment not only by someone else but I was taught how to self hypnotise and do relaxation exercises. What you describe doesn't sound like a full blown panic attack. I normally get a rapid heart rate, BP goes up, I tremble and shake and hyperventilate. What helps me most is getting someone to talk to me t o try to get my mind off it so I can control my breathing. Breathing into a paper bag helps too.

[Maisie2014]

I’ve never had them before but maybe that’s because I’ve always used relaxation techniques. The thing is now I don’t know I’m having one. It’s only afterwards I realise it was one. I wondered if the meds may be causing them as since that night I’ve been waking up during the night feeling sick.