Panic Attacks????
 

I've never had one before but I've had 3 panic attacks in 24 hrs!

I can't breathe, my chest and ribs hurt and my menstrual cycle began early!

My first one began at my work just being there I was terrified. Must be associated with my PTSD

Yesterday a big one came when WSIB called forcing me to return to work despite progression in symptoms (she even identified I'm worse but thought I should return anyway)

I can't sleep. I'm a mess. I'm supposed to go to massage today but I woke up with another attack this morning and not sure what to do!

I'm afraid. Is it stupid to go to the emergency? PLZ help

Kelly

I'm sorry to hear you are having a rough time. I can't recommend what to do, but if it were me, I would try to avoid going to emerg. I'm not sure how they could help. (But I'm also the sort that avoids the ER unless physically dragged there!)

I'm thinking if you have a massage appointment that might help relax you and get your body back in balance.

You're not alone. I've been lucky that my anxiety has not been as intense as what you describe. I find that it helps me to sit in a dark room, be very still and breathe slowly and deeply. In fact, that's where I'm headed now.

Good luck.
Starr

Hi Mist,

I'm sorry to hear about your panic attacks. There is no need to go to the ER for these, as they are not dangerous (even though it feels like they are). I would recommend trying to get in to see a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders as soon as possible.

Some people with panic attacks benefit from medications such as Clonazepam and Xanax. You and your therapist could decide whether any of these medications would be appropriate for you.

Medication isn't the only answer, however, and some people don't need to take medication in order to get their panic attacks under control. One thing you can do right away is to educate yourself about panic disorder so you have a better understanding of what is happening. Part of what makes panic attacks so scary is that you don't know what's going on; this magnifies the anxiety enormously, and makes you feel like you are going crazy or going to die. But you're not going crazy and you are not going to die. The panic comes about largely as a secondary reaction to the initial anxious feeling. In response to this anxious feeling, one becomes even more scared: "Oh my God, I'm starting to panic."

Ultimately, one of the keys to managing panic attacks is to learn to accept the initial anxious feeling and not react to it with further terror. This takes a lot of practice and hard work, probably with a therapist--and in some cases, medication. It can also be very helpful to find a distracting activity any time you notice the first signs of anxiety coming on. For an activity to be really distracting, it is best if it is something that requires your full attention--something that does not allow you to think about something else while you're doing it. For me, these types of activities include close interaction with other people, writing, and sometimes watching movies or TV (which I can't really do no now because of the injury).

See here:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topic...er/index.shtml

and here:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001922/

I know how awful panic is, but the good news is that it can be treated and you can improve.

I can understand the symptoms of panic attacks - especially heart racing. I have other symptoms comes with it too (weak legs, feel like passing out etc.,). Very unpleasant and debilitating.

Xanax is the quick short-term remedy which you can try instead of going to ER.

Long term you need some very good professionals, therapies etc., to deal with it.

Thank you everyone. I called my gp and they're calling my WSIB worker for trying to trump a doctors order of rest by forcing me to return to work early.

He faxed meds to my pharmacy I hope to get soon. This was a new experience for me and a scary one at that. I still of chhest pains and keep crying on and off but I think I'm slowly calming down.

My head is pounding! I wonder what this means for me. If I have anxiety over returnning to work now will I ever be able to go back?


Thanks again,

Kelly

Thank you for sharing.

I'm gonna read up on it now. It truly was a frightening experience.


Kelly

I hope that you don't have to go back to work yet....! I also hope you are feeling better. Sending relaxing thoughts your way...:hug:

Dolfinwolf,

Thank you so much!

I'm slowly calming down now but the chest pain is still lingering gonna try and sleep it off...

Hi Kelly,

I have never had panic attacks before my concussion, but have experienced a few of them since. They're awful, you sometimes feel like you’re going to die. I tend to get them more when I'm feeling discouraged and sad. When I feel that I'm never going to get better.

Try taking slow deep breaths. This may be difficult to do during the attack, but try to breathe as deep as you can right down to the belly. Really concentrate on your breath. Open the windows get some air.

There is a product I have been using that has helped me a great deal. It's a natural product based on flower essences, there are no contra-indications for it. It's called Rescue Remedy from Bach flower essences.

It's a very well-known remedy, it's usually available at most natural food stores, and I believe Whole Foods should sell it. It's sold in liquid form and you place the drops under your tongue. You can take as many drops you want and take it as often as needed. You can't over dose on it. It's safe, no side effects to worry about, and not expensive. Depending on the size you buy it costs less than $20.

I have used it very often and it works wonders.

I know what you’re doing through, I had a couple attacks yesterday but took Rescue remedy and they never developed into full blown attacks.

Let me know how it goes

Michaela

[QUOTE=Mist8012;896813

My head is pounding! I wonder what this means for me. If I have anxiety over returnning to work now will I ever be able to go back?

[/QUOTE]

Yes, absolutely. Whatever it is about returning to work that is frightening you is something you can work on with a good therapist (be sure to get someone who specializes in anxiety disorders).

If your panic is focused on specific situations or scenarios, then your therapist will work on exposure techniques with you to help to desensitize you. This is hard, but it really works. Sometimes exposure involves actually facing the feared situation, but exposure can also be done through imagination. A good therapist will combine exposure techniques with cognitive therapy to develop more productive thinking habits. This can be done even if what you are most afraid of are the anxiety and panic attacks themselves (which is very often the case).

Off the top of my head, I don't know of any good books specifically about panic disorder, but one of my favorite general books on anxiety is Dancing with Fear, by Paul Foxman:

http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Fear-C...cing+with+fear

He covers most of the major anxiety disorders, and I think this book is a good place to start for anyone who is looking for a better understanding of her anxiety.

Be well.

I agree with what everyone has said so far. From what I understand, many people who have brain injuries can develop panic attacks.

I think the best thing to do first is to get some kind of medicine to deal with the panic attack when it happens. Then find a good therapist who can work with you on cognitive behavioral therapy.

A pretty thorough book on the subject is "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne.

Something else that can be very helpful is Mindfulness Meditation. If there are any classes offered in your area on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and if that sounds like something you might like to try, it has helped countless people in the US. The originator of the program is Jon Kabat-Zinn. There are many books written about it, and there are tapes you can get to try at home.

But, again, just from what I have read on this website, it is not uncommon to experience what you are experiencing after having a brain injury. You just need to focus on what will help you to deal with the anxiety and panic attacks.

All of what you are going through is so stressful, and stress is an enemy to our healing. I had a lot of stress last month, and I feel like I have totally relapsed. The goal is to learn how to deal with our stress. Seeing a therapist, working on one of the mindfulness-based stress reduction courses, etc. - all those things can help you to learn to deal with your symptoms.

And you always have us to talk to.

Please let us know how you are doing. We care.

ShellyK

Thank you so much for the advice!

I've found ur articles very informing. After this mornings attack my chest hurt for the rest of the day even though the other symptoms lied dormant.

The evening got worse...hubby suspended me from answering the phone so he checked my msgs for me.

Good thing coz there were many calls I shouldn't have taken in my condition today. I got my prescription filled.

Docs got me on Clonazepam.

Any ideas if this med is alright?

Shelly~

Thank you so much. I feel embarrassed by the panic attack but afraid of another.

I'm actually on the waiting list thru the Acquired Brain Injury Clinic for a therapist who specializes in TBI

I'm not sure if the Neurologist can help me on this issue but he may be able to suggest something. I see him next week.

You're lucky to have something to prevent a big anxiety attack. Coz they're awful!

I had to wait until late afternoon before I could start my meds. I was starting another attack.

After it worked I had to make some calls to WSIB, employer and my Union Rep.

I don't want to get into all that now but they are all stressing me out! Even my doctors upset and asked for my contact information of my WSIB worker.

My family has been very supportive through all of this. But, they don't really understand it all. I don't either, really. But, they're trying.

I'm glad to be here and to understand that I'm not alone.

I am glad that you got some medicine for the panic attacks. And I think that it's great that you will see a therapist who specializes in TBI. How long did they say you would have to wait to get an appointment to see someone?

Another thing that is good for relaxing - if you like it - is some gentle yoga. Any kind of gentle exercise that gets you moving could help.

I do hope that they can get you in quickly to see someone.

ShellyK

I was put on Klonopin (clonazepam). It made me very sleepy throughout the day. Benzos (benzodiazepines) like clonazepam are controversial, especially after a brain injury. There are non-benzos that may be easier on you.

They are OK for short term use but should be avoided for routine/long term use.

What changes have you made to help your brain deal with the stress?

It is obvious the work environment is not good for you nor is the incessant pressures put on you by WSIB.

At least you have some evidence to use in your case.

I was told 2 month wait back in June.

Yoga sounds fun but with my chronic neck pain & dizziness I'll have to put a pin in that for a while. I'll re visit that later.

Thanks

Mark,

Panic attacks are new to me and I have no idea how to handle them. All I want to do is sleep but it's impossible when the anxiety sets in.

I also have thought this will help my case. My union rep is going after my employer today for her actions against me. And she was updated in my progression of my condition.

With the prescription ordered for me it is now on paper as well as all conversations with my doctor are recorded in a computer system. Not the voice part. But, the reasons and advice given.

Thank you so much for being supportive and giving excellent advice.
Any chance you're a doctor? You seem to know the ins and outs of everything related to TBI

I had another panic attack today.

Hubby and I went on an errand. I needed to get away from the kids so I said I'd come for the ride.

We drove into Dundas (The city I work in) as soon as we got closer and closer to my work I got butterflies in my stomach, sweat, chest hurt and had trouble breathing. Yep another one.

Had to rush home for my meds as I'm not in therapy yet....

I hate this and I hate taking drugs and I hate that I've been robbed of myself...this isn't how my life was supposed to be

Sounds like PTSD to me. I had a good case of it 13 years ago. I was assaulted by some cops then locked up with handcuffs in the back of a police car for about 2 hours. I am very claustrophobic. The tight handcuffs were driving me nuts. Also, the closed up back of the police car was a bit more than I could handle.

I struggled for the next year or two when I saw a cop. I had to look away when handcuffs were put on a suspect on TV. I had nightmares of the guns locked in my safe coming out after me. People have no idea what PTSD does to the mind. Add a concussion and PTSD is magnified many times.

The therapist wanted me to believe that the cops were within their rights to treat me the way they did. This would supposedly cure my PTSD.

I suggest you see if you can find support to help you be confident that you will never be put in such a risky position again. The potential of being at risk again just makes it worse.

I know the stress of dealing with corruption. The cops had to lie on the witness stand to convict me. God reminded me of my signature verse as I was about to come unglued as I listened to the lies being told. I had to listen to lies for 14 days of trial and then get convicted. Then, the second day working outside the jail, I suffered my life changing concussion.

All this to say, It is possible to get past the trauma of the assault and insult of the way one is mistreated. "Being still" is the key to making it through a day.

You should ask your doctor to write that you are to never be put at such risk again. If you are, you will likely have panic attack issues.

I struggled with panic attacks regularly for about 4 years. Now, I know how to avoid them most of the time. Plus, my wife knows how to recognize when I am at risk. We celebrated 32 years last week.

And No. I am not a doctor. I have a very high IQ so I strive/need to understand what is happening to me and around me. I had to leave college where I was preparing for dental school because I could not tolerate the stress load. That was 28 years ago. I have spent decades learning about stress and concussion.

For those who are wondering, I was arrested for telling some cops they could not enter my father's house without a warrant. They also arrested my father but did not prosecute him because he, as the owner/occupant of the house has the right to tell the cops they can not enter without a warrant. The cops and prosecutor said that I could not aid him in his efforts. They had to bend the law to convince a jury that I did not have the same right.

It was worth the effort because I very likely saved my younger brother's life. But that's another story.

Talk with an attorney. In the states, you can sometimes get past WC/WSIB when there is evidence of gross negligence. In your case, it sounds like gross negligence in pursuit of profits.

So, go talk to an attorney.

OMG I'm sorry that happened to you!

I noticed when I watched a movie and it had a hospital scene with nurses & patients I had to change the channel. It gave me butterflies in my stomach and I didn't like how it made me feel so changed the channel.

I've been in denial with my PTSD diagnosis even tho the Neurologist says I have every single symptom of it. I'm text book he said. When I told him my attacks come on as a trigger to my work and gave a nod & smile like he knew it before I said anything.

Maybe because of this he agreed with keeping me out of work until therapy can begin. I even got stressed going to the hospital to see the Neuro. Everyone I talk to (family) thinks PTSD is just for the military.

Do you know of any good websites I can suggest my family explore?

Do you think this can excuse me from work meetings? My mom says no and I have to force myself to go.

Congratulations on your anniversary! That's wonderful!