My panic attacks have started coming back.

[Beauty]

I'm trying really hard to deal with them but in the past 2 weeks I have had more than I have had in years. I have had two really bad ones both last night and then tonight. I am trying so hard to fight them. I'm still on my Paxil although the doctor did switch me to Paxil CR for whatever reason my last visit. I don't know if its all the stress from Beanie's stroke and seeing my mother upset and depressed and not knowing what to do about Beanie.

I don't know what or why its happening again but I hate it. Those of you that have them know it is something you wouldn't wish on anyone and how debilatating they are.

I have gone for the past 5 years or so only haveing maybe a few a year. I have been doing really really good! But now its like they were never gone. I try really hard to talk myself out of them, breathe in my nose and out my mouth, put my mind somewhere else but it just doesn't seem to help.

Anyway it made me feel better typing out my feelings. I hate this! I hate thinking the thoughts I think when I'm like this and I hate the thoughts that I'm going crazy. John is always right here for me when they happen but like me he is at a loss as to why they are all of a sudden coming back and what to do to stop them

 

[DonnaS]

Have you tried taking a meditation class? I took one for my headaches and while it didn't really help my headaches much, it did help me cope with my anxiety. A lot of it is the breathing like you describe-- I did it through a hospital so it was really focused on health disorders which was great.

 

[Serena]

You have a lot to be stressed about, what to do to stop them I don't know.

 

[Beauty]

Donna I really wish we had something like that around here because it would probably really help. I have done a lot of readinig on the techniques you use to get through them. They are like a wave and the breathing slows your heart down but they have come on so suddenly lately and so full force.

I have had a lot of stess and I'm also wondering if the switching from regular 20mg. Paxil to the 25mg Paxil CR could have anything to do with it although my doctor said there would be no difference.

I've started getting headaches with them too....not anywhere near the extent that you have them but enough to make me feel a bit nauseous(sp) and of course once that happens the wave of panic gets worse.

 

[Serena]

Can you get back on the other medicine?

 

[holycow]

Beauty,
I'm so sad you are going through this...have you tried calling your DR and telling him your feeling this way?
My DM suffers with this and it is so horrible to see her feeling the way she is ...I can only imagine what you are going through...((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))) to you....

Holycow

 

[Beauty]

The reason he switched me from the regular Paxil to the CR is because he says eventually they won't make the regular Paxil anymore and the CR is all that will be available.......if I know thats the truth then I guess me switching now is for the best but if I knew they wouldn't stop making the regular kind I would never have wanted to switch.

I honestly don't know if that has anything to do with it or not.

 

[browneyes]

Could you go to a psychologist to see if he/she can suggest a way to deal with the panic attacks in a different way? I bet it is all this stress with your grandmother and worrying about your mom. {{hugs}}

 

[Beauty]

I definatly could Shannon, the problem with that is there is 1...yep 1 pshy. in my entire town that deals with problems like this and there is a 2 month waiting period for an appt. I don't think I can deal with these things for that long. It does show me that at least I'm not the only person out there living with them. I think I'm going to call my Dr. on Monday and just tell him everything and see what he says. I know that not only do I refues to but I CAN'T go back to having these things daily.

 

[Serena]

Good, I'm glad you're calling.

 

[WillyJ]

Okay, I know I usually goof around when I post but I promise I'm being serious here. .


Beth, get yourself a pint of some kind o flavored brandy.. Apricot, Peach, Cherry, Blackberry . . whatever. . and when you feel a panic attack coming on stop and take a big drink or two.


I used to have them all the time and they are awful. . . . but I promise a drink or two of brandy will end them within seconds. .

 

[Beauty]

Willy seriously if it will help I'll try it!! I have Xanax for emergencys but they always knock me out and I don't want to take them unless its so bad I can't function.

Besides the Dr. told John he needs one glass of alcohol a day anyway to RAISE his cholesterol number. It might do us both some good.

Thanks!

 

[browneyes]

I work with a psychologist, Beth. I'll pick her brain for some ideas for you. She'll be on vacation most of next week though.

 

[Beauty]

That would be great Shannon, just about the difference in Paxil and Paxil CR....or if there is one ... if that could be causing this.

 

[DisneyJules]

Definitely stress and anxiety that's brining them on. I suffer from anxiety/panic attacks as well. Whenever I'm stressed or anxious, they really come on. It strange how sometimes I think nothing is bothering me and yet I get symptoms of anxiety and then I'll think what could be bothering me, and boy do I come up with stuff! I hope you're feeling better soon. I know how unfun it is.

 

[Beauty]

I think the stress is definatly making it worse. Even though Beanie is home and better her attitude is sooo negative. I hate seeing her that way. Before she was so funny! Now everything is negative and since I'm here with her all day everything I hear is negative.

 

[Jenzebelle]

Beauty, have you thought about tai chi?

I bought Scott Cole'ss tai chi for beginners dvd and it has really helped me get my panic attacks under control. Tai Chi is a lot about breathing techniques and it is very relaxing.

 

[KimRaye]

I know exactly what you're going through Beth and, I feel terrible for you.

I have Lorazepam for my attacks and, I've tried the breathing, it helps a little but, in the end, you have to RELAX and let the stress go! I know, right now, that's next to impossible.

{{HUGS}}

 

[Mamu]

Beauty, most panic-attacks are brought on by stress. Sometimes you need more then medication. You need to learn how to handle this stress. Most doctors recommend a combination of treatments. Medication and classes that will help you learn how to deal with the things that cause panic attacks.

Call your doctor, learn how to deal with the thing that cause you to have these attacks. Treating these attacks with just medication is never the answer.

 

[Minnie Mare]

I suffer from anxiety/panic attacks as well. The strange thing is that when life is stressful, it's when I actually finally relax (watching TV, reading or just lying on the couch) that it gets at it's worst. I have found that when this happens if I do something to busy myself (nothing stressful, stuff like gardening, cooking, cutting paper dolls, etc.) they seem to stop as I start to focus on something else. I know this sounds weird, but I think when I relax all the stress of the day hit's me sort of like when a child has a very busy day and then they have that awful time at the end of the day. Consult your Doctor. I know this is a very hard thing to live with.