Panic Attack

[Gardener]

I’ve just experienced the worst panic attack I ever had, where my throat went into spasm and made me gag and feel very sick. I was on my way to an abdominal scan, I have suffered from IBS for years, and had to turn back, no way could I continue. I was very stressed as they expect me to drink 2 pints of water beforehand, as I suffer from chronic cystitis, that is impossible. Anyone else had this particular panic symptom and how can I prevent it next time? Thanks Ros

[MountainHare1]

Recently I have experienced severe stress and anxiety whilst being in a car being driven by another person at night. With not driving, I was not in control of how the car was being driven and the speed which caused the stress and anxiety. I have also experienced panic attacks for other reasons that I can't remember at present.

Unfortunately we have no control of when they (stress and anxiety) might happen, however, the quicker you recognise that you are stressed and or anxious, try breathing in through your nose for maybe 4 seconds, hold the breath for another 4 seconds and then breath out through your mouth for may 6-7 seconds and then hold your breath. Repeat the exercise until you feel the anxiety/stress has gone (which it will do) and that you are in a calmer place.

Take care. x

[Gardener in reply to MountainHare1]

Thank you, I do know about breathing exercises, and tried to take deep breaths but it seemed to make the throat feeling worse. Also I was driving, so it was a truly awful experience. My IBS has been very bad lately and I’ve been feeling very stressed.

[MountainHare1 in reply to Gardener]

Perhaps next time when you are driving just try slowing your breathing down in a way that feels comfortable. Also find a safe place to stop your car have a rest for few moments.

You are not alone in experiencing your IBS a bad way. It is probably the time of year as I think Christmas time and the dark days can affect most people and especially those like us who have IBS. Having said that, is there a physical exercise like running, walking, swimming or cycling that you can do that will help you relieve all that tension in your body so that you can 'sweat out' the cortisol and adrenaline that is racing around body! The physical exercise must something that you would enjoy and look forward to doing.

Always here if you need me…

[Gardener in reply to MountainHare1]

Thank you

[Frasina]

I also have urinary issues and had an abdominal scan about a year ago. Like you, I was really concerned that the idea of drinking so much water and keeping it in was 'impossible'. I wondered if I just drank less that would the scan still work... so decided to 'chance it' as I thought that the worst they could do was to tell me that I needed to drink more water and I would then explain about (in my case) my overactive bladder! I was stressed, yes, but kept focusing on the fact that it was necessary to have the scan.

I am telling you all of this because I came clean with the person doing the scan when I went in the room and explained that I could not ever have drank 2 pints of water well ahead of the scan without having a few accidents. They said that whilst it is better to have the water from an image point of view, they can still do these scans so long as there is some water in the bladder. So, you need to ensure that next time, you do drink some water, but if like me, you cannot drink the 'required' amount, do not panic; explain your issues and they will still do the scan.

[Gardener in reply to Frasina]

Thank you very much for your reply.

[tomdickharry]

I had a friend who suffered frequent panic attacks and the hospital told her to breathe in and out slowly into a paper bag.

It always worked.

[Hidden]

I had a very bad stuttering problem as a child. A lot of times in school, the teachers would go around the room and have the students read from a book. I knew I was going to have a hard time with this and get laughed at by the other students. My heart would start pounding, I would get flush in the face, and almost get to the point of passing out. I know I lost at least 10 years of life off my heart. I eventually got over this terrible ailment but look back at the traumatic moments I had going through grades 1-12.

[Edgar77]

Water is good for cystitis. They always advise to drink as much as possible. To dilute the urine so it don't burn. Something to tell yourself if there is a next time.

[bungi1961]

Hello gardener

I keep a brown paper bag in the house and find breathing into that helps me from time to time give that a go as well as what others have replied to you as anything is worth a try until people have walked a day in our shoes no one can pass any judgement !!! hope things get better SOON OK just take care please x bungi1961

[CockeyMoor]

Just to say I have had lots of these scans and I cannot possibly drink two pints of water just before and then travel there. So I go early then sit in the car park sipping little bits from two little portable bottles. Then go inside and try to drink the rest within a few minutes before the scan. Only had one occasion where they said to go back out and drink a bit more. The pain from drinking such a lot and holding it in makes you sick. I think it doesn’t have to be water. As long as it is a clear drink. So I put a bit of elderflower cordial with it to make it nicer to drink. Lots of people find normal water makes them sick so you are not unusual. Is there nobody to drive you there next time?

Good luck you will get to be an expert.

[Riverside80]

I suffer from anxiety before medical procedures especially if they are invasive or involve injections. I believe this started when I was 14 and had my first filling. After the injection I fainted in the waiting room and ever since I associate medical procedures with fainting so I panic which makes me feel faint exacerbating the situation. I know it was the combination of adrenalin in the injection and low BP so whilst I can rationalise in my head, the fear is still there. I recently inquired about hypnotherapy and it sounds like it could be a good option with these repetitive anxieties?

also if I have low level anxiety about something I take some drops of Rescue Remedy and it always helps.

[Gardener in reply to Riverside80]

Thank you, I can relate to the dentist. I fainted once after an injection, so always have the adrenaline free one, but I don’t think it is quite as effective at numbing unfortunately. My main worry is feeling sick, also palpitations, but the nausea is the worst. Sometimes I think the Drs don’t realise the stress these tests can cause us. I think I tried Rescue Drops years ago, but maybe I will again. I wish you well.