Panic attack and numbness in left arm

[Usmanghous1]

Hi everybody. I have been smoking for 9 years approx and have been trying to quit from an year now.

I am 10 days out this attempt and going strong despite the withdrawal and panic attacks that came along the way.

I am feeling preety down today after i woke up. I have numbness in my left arm and tingling in the left hand in particular . I have also had a panic attack that came and went in seconds.

But the most important problem is that i have become scared of what might happen to me. Like for example i am scared of death which is a preety normal thing and might have happened to alot of us. These thoughts come along the panic attacks or anxiety . I have been diagnosed with anxiety too.

Please talk me out of it and advice me if should go for a psychotherapy.

P.s i am quitting cold turkey.

[NewKaren 6 MONTH WINNER]

Hi Usmanghous and welcome to Quit Support

Congratulations on reaching 10 days, you must be really proud of yourself, well done you 👍. If you give me your quit date, I can allocate you a badge that reflects your progress along your quit journey.

Have a browse around the site, there are some great pinned posts that are really useful and can address some of your issues.

Anxiety and panic attacks are very normal, as are pins and needles in hands and feet, I get these, it's just your circulation recovering. If you are at all worried, it's best to have a word with your doctor. He can check everything out for your peace of mind

As for being scared, I think we all are whether we smoke or not, we've just got more time to dwell on matters when we quit. Don't overly worry, this could very well be connected to the anxiety.

If you have any questions or problems, please post on here, our lovely members will help you all the way, even if you just want a chat or a little rant at the world, it's fine.

Keep going and keep strong

Karen xx

[Usmanghous1 Next attempt in reply to NewKaren]

My quit date was 27 june 2017.

I am still not smoking and things are getting better. But there are spells of bad moods, panic and anxiety .

I still have occasional numbness (though it has reduced). I still feel short of breath but this comes in waves. I was diagnosed with vasomotor rhinitis by one ENT . The medicines help but i still believe that most of breathlessness and numbnesss is psychologicaly triggered because sometimes i dont feel them at all and that is usually when i am busy.

I get scared that this might be sonething related to the heart but ive had multuple checkups including ecg where the doctor says nothing is wrong with the heart except anxiety.

I highly appreciate you taking out time, listening to me, encouraging me and advising me.

May you live long and healthy.

[NewKaren 6 MONTH WINNER in reply to Usmanghous1]

Hi Usmanghous

I have allocated you a winners badge 👍

Three weeks already 👏👏Fantastic 👏

Glad to hear the symptoms are getting better. Anxiety has a lot to answer for. Rest assured that there are others in the same position as you and if you have any worries, just post on here and our lovely members will try to help.

Keep going strong 💪🏻

Karen xx

[jillygirl Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hello Usmanghous1, Karen has given you excellent advice.

Perhaps get checked out at the doctors , just for your peace of mind.

10 days is fantastic. Well done.

Please come on here as much as you need to, as Karen has said you are always welcome. xx

[Usmanghous1 Next attempt in reply to jillygirl]

Thankyou jillygirl.

[Jjks 8 MONTH WINNER]

I quit two month before same problem with me i think your anxiety make your symptoms worse.

[Usmanghous1 Next attempt in reply to Jjks]

Whats frighteningis that you expect that after so much time you should be fine but then if something like this happens its terrifying

[Quit232323 Badge pending in reply to Jjks]

I have just had these symptoms after 6 weeks. Left arm numbness and tingling is this definitely a normal symptom as I’m getting worried.

[Briarwood Administrator LONG TERM WINNER in reply to Quit232323]

Hi Quit23 and welcome to Quit Support. First of all well done for your 6 weeks smoke free🚭👍👏

Yes this is increased circulation due to more oxygen in your body and very common but if you are still worried it’s definitely worth a visit to your doctor to put your mind at rest. Our bodies go through huge changes when we quit smoking and it takes a while to settle down. Please have a look through our pinned posts as there’s lots of info there to help. Wishing you well and we look forward to supporting you on your quit journey 🚭😀xx

[Catmad10 LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi Usmanghouse1

As already suggested, a visit to the doctors wouldn't go amiss. As Karen says your symptoms are common but the anxiety and panic attacks along side giving up smoking is a lot to cope with. Your doctor will be so pleased that you have quit.

Perhaps with the anxiety and panic attacks maybe cold turkey is not the best for you, hense see your doctor and get his recommendations.

I hope things get better for you soon.