Panic Attacks - Can symptoms linger?

[damone]

According to my PCP, the episode I had 1 month ago sounds like a panic attack. In addition, the episode that ended me up in the hospital this past week also was a panic attack. My question is (and should have though to ask my doctor), can some of the symptoms last?

For example, during the 1st attack about 4 weeks ago, I got a very upset stomach was a feeling of being off balance. I've had those feelings off and on through now. After the 2nd attack Wednesday, I was a wreck all day Thursday and Friday. Friday, I saw my PCP when he informed me what I was having were panic attacks. Somehow, that made me feel better. Today, I feel better than I have in a while. Is it possible, after the attack though, that certain symptoms can linger?

 

[Christine]

There are panic attacks and then there is generalized anxiety. If "normal" is a "1" on a scale of 1-10, and panic attacks are a 10+, then regular old anxiety runs at about a "5". So, you have these surges of anxiety that go into attacks. Then there is generalized anxiety that goes on all day long usually and makes you feel a lower level of panic through your day--it isn't really lingering side effects from a panic attack. Usually most people feel very tired after a panic attack.

 

[damone]

Usually most people feel very tired after a panic attack.

Strange. I had the major attack on Wednesday evening. I had another mild one on Thursday evening. Yesterday, I was absolutely dead tired.

 

[njcarita]

According to my PCP, the episode I had 1 month ago sounds like a panic attack. In addition, the episode that ended me up in the hospital this past week also was a panic attack. My question is (and should have though to ask my doctor), can some of the symptoms last?

For example, during the 1st attack about 4 weeks ago, I got a very upset stomach was a feeling of being off balance. I've had those feelings off and on through now. After the 2nd attack Wednesday, I was a wreck all day Thursday and Friday. Friday, I saw my PCP when he informed me what I was having were panic attacks. Somehow, that made me feel better. Today, I feel better than I have in a while. Is it possible, after the attack though, that certain symptoms can linger?

damone is this new for u?? I'm asking because 2 years ago .. I started to experinence horrible unrelanting panic attacks and anxiety out of the blue... thought I was loosing my mind... finally turned to a therapist who discovered that I was experiencing a horrible reaction to prescription meds for pnemonia.. that caused my heart to going into horrible palpitaions ... leading to the bouncing out of my skin feeling... it was horrible....

 

[damone]

I've always suffered from anxiety. But these 2 episodes are firsts. They stemmed from me worrying obsessively about a health issue that more than likely didn't exist. Now, my biggest fear is that a panic attack will occur again, and not know when it's coming. Leaving for Disney in 2 months. Wouldn't want to ruin everyone's trip.

 

[dcentity2000]

I hated having panic attacks - I got multiple attacks every day and they were completely debilitating. Now I'm medicated and everything is fine - no side effects or anything



Rich::

 

[minkydog]

There are panic attacks and then there is generalized anxiety. If "normal" is a "1" on a scale of 1-10, and panic attacks are a 10+, then regular old anxiety runs at about a "5". So, you have these surges of anxiety that go into attacks. Then there is generalized anxiety that goes on all day long usually and makes you feel a lower level of panic through your day--it isn't really lingering side effects from a panic attack. Usually most people feel very tired after a panic attack.

Christine, this is an excellent description of anxiety and panic. Brava!

OP, I really sympathize with you. Anxiety and panic can drain the life right out of you. I had a low level of anxiety for years and years and never knew what it was. I was just always in a state of heightened awareness, that old fight-or-flight mode all the time. It wasn't until something happened at school that it crystalized into full-blown panic. Because I wasn't medicated or treated things quickly went downhill and I had to be hospitalized to get back on track. Since then I have committed myself to developing a stronger support system,better diet, regular therapy, and a good medication regimen. Anxiety no longer rules my life and I am happy again.

I wish you all the best. I know how panic can take over and you deserve better than that. It's not something you can control by force of will, but it is treatable. I hope you have a doctor who specializes in anxiety disorders.

 

[sasywtch]

I hope everything gets better for you. 1986 I had my first panic attack. I had had anxiety before then but didn't realize what it was. Turned into agoraphobia. I was on xanax for years and weaned myself off of it. I still get small attacks here and there but I've found how to ward them off.

I do believe the article in the New England Journal of Medicine years ago that those who suffer from panic attacks have a malfunction in the part of their brain that controls stress. A bear is approaching, your stress level goes up; the bear retreats, the normal person's stress goes down however, those with panic attacks, the part of the brain that tells them to lower their stress doesn't work so you have to manually lower the stress. I have developed tricks over the years to do so. BTW, mine started by obsessing about medical issues that I would blow out of porportion.

If I feel an attack coming, I start my mind thinking about something else and in detail. Plan a Disney trip in your head, how many miles would it take you to drive it, what time you'd leave, where you would be for your first stop, where would you stop for breaks, what would you pack in an ice chest to eat on the road, cost of each ticket, play in your mind the rides you would do in order. Cloud your mind with details. Dream you won 50 million and what you would do with it in detail. Not just, I'd buy a house but, I'd buy a house on an acre with room for trees, apple, pears, plums, built in pool with a diving board and the older kids would come over on Sundays and we'd bbq and I'd always have xxx on hand to cook, I'd do a garden and I'd plant xxxxx etc......keep your mind busy with details.

It does get better!

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I started having panic attacks about 3 years ago, but I didn't know what was going on. My dads panic attacks make him feel like he was having a heart attack. So I got it in my mind that i was not having panic attacks. I get really light headed and weak, so I assumed it was anemia. Went to the dr, had a blood test that day, during which I was waiting for an answer about low iron levels and I was having a panic attack. My dr said your iron is fine. I said, but Im feeling this as we speak! She apologized and said she didn't know what it was but if it continued she would refer me to a neurologist. So I went from thinking that I had low iron, to convincing myself that I had a brain tumor and would drop dead any second.
Unfortunately, things have gotten much, much worse. No benzo is helping stop the panic attacks. And they are getting stronger, lasting longer and coming on more frequently. I had to quit work last month. I could NOT make it. SO here is my rundown, and by the way, the dr has had my medical records since i was 9, you would think she might see all the depression and hospitalizations for suicide ideation and think of panic attacks as a possibility.
I'm going down hill fast, and I'm getting help by people pushing me down that hill.
I responded to your post because you mentioned agoraphobia. I have developed it. I can't go anywhere. I can't walk to the mailbox. I feel safe in my house and in my bed all day. No one can hurt me and I can't hurt anyone either (emotionally, of course).

I said I would give a rundown, and then I didn't. My short term memory is awful.
I have been diagnosed with severe chronic depression, GAD, PTD, Panic Disorder and Social anxiety. I can barely get out of bed. And I don't want to get out of bed. It's safe.

 

[turkeymama]

I've always suffered from anxiety. But these 2 episodes are firsts. They stemmed from me worrying obsessively about a health issue that more than likely didn't exist. Now, my biggest fear is that a panic attack will occur again, and not know when it's coming. Leaving for Disney in 2 months. Wouldn't want to ruin everyone's trip.

I can sympathize with you 110%. I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for my whole life. The anxiety started when I was in first grade and the panic attacks came in seventh grade. By my senior year, I couldn't leave the house. It took several months of counseling, along with anti-anxiety meds, before I got back to "normal".

It sounds like you are describing two different things: panic attacks and generalized anxiety, just as Christine said. If you allow it, both of these can easily turn into full blown panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. They commonly go together, and can sometimes be seen with depression as well. I tell you this not to add additional worry, but to let you know the progression this can take if you don't get help. I speak from experience.

Check with your GP to be sure there are no underlying health problems, and maybe talk to him about a mild anti-anxiety medication. THEN seek the help of a psychologist or therapist. There is likely some underlying reason you are experiencing this level of anxiety and seeing a therapist can help you in many ways. Please get help for yourself. I know how miserable anxiety can make you feel. I felt so liberated when I finally gained some insight and control.

 

[damone]

The scariest part for me is that I had both attacks in my home. I'm not afraid to go out (not yet), but I must admit, I'm a bit apprehensive about going back to work tomorrow. I felt as though I was starting to have an attack last night, so I took a Xanax, and it seemed to subside. The attacks seem to begin with my stomach getting heavy and a feeling of nausea coming over me.

I'm seeing a therapist this week. I'm just hoping he can provide me with a medication to help while I learn to try and deal with this. When I went to the ER last week, I was only given 20 Xanax pills. From what I've read, you have to take it daily for it to help, though as I said, I took one last night and it seemed to work.

 

[turkeymama]

Xanax works quite well to combat acute anxiety problems (like our panic attacks) and it works fairly quickly. The reason one might take Xanax every day on a longer term basis would be for a generalized anxiety disorder (gad).

So you're right on both counts. Taking it will give you some rapid relief from anxiety. Taking it everyday will cut the edge off or level off your anxiety levels enough so that you can function. That is the perfect time to seek counseling because you can work through whatever is causing the anxiety, or you can work on some behavior modification. Either one of these (or both) will give you more long term and permanent relief.

I know therapists and counselors can get expensive, but sometimes insurance will cover some visits (mine covers 20 or so visits a year). Also, many times you can find very good licensed counselors through religious organizations. I have found them to be just as competent as private, independent counselors, and I've never had them steer me in a "religious" direction during sessions either. I know that may be a concern for some people and I can understand why.

 

[sasywtch]

Californiadreamin and all others with panic and/or agoraphobia MAJOR

This is something that I am very passionate about as I suffered for years. I didn't mention purposely that I did not leave my house for 4 months and didn't drive for a year. I developed agoraphobia before it was well known so my GP didn't know what I was suffering from. 2 weeks after being diagnosed, it was a new topic on Phil Donahue (remember that show?).

It can get better, I'm proof! When you feel one coming on, try a detailed story in my prior post. Keep your mind extremely busy with details of something you enjoy. Buying a house in the country, what it would look like when you walk in the door, where's the bedrooms, colors of the walls, outside--what types of trees, pools? etc etc, turn on the radio and sing. Xanax can also be helpful but be careful. I was on 5 a day, the highest dosage otherwise I couldn't function. (i'm not giving details as it may put it in the mind of others down this path). I got pregnant and immediately quit the xanax. Lulu land for me that day!

After the birth, I took one of the smallest xanax a day for 10 years and haven't had any for about 10 years now. I drove myself up the mountains for 45 minutes each way the other day by myself. It does get better. I do feel them starting to come on but I stop them now manually.

Just a funny that I remembered---I was in a group and we all got there early and fought over the seat by the door. There was this guy in the group with anxiety and we all thought how lucky he was to have this huge box phone in his car if he needed help. We all thought he must be a doctor or something to have one of those things

 

[Skywalker]

I have suffered from severe anxiety as well. I truly thought I was going crazy, it was so bad. I did go on medication for a while but I have sinced stopped...I have been off them for a couple of years now and feel fine, but the medication was a lifeline for a long time!

I recommend a website called anxietycentre.com For me, it calmed me right down and gave me some hope.

Also, my personal tip, eliminate the phrase "what if..." entirely from your mind!!! If you start thinking "what if..." and then come up with worst case scenarios you are leading yourself down a path to ever more anxiety.

Also, don't be afraid of the symptoms, again it starts a vicious circle where the fear leads to more anxiety. Just understand the symptoms for what they are (your body warning you of too much stress) and find a way to deal with the stress - whether its meds or just meditation or whatever works for you.

 

[happybratpack]

This has been a really interesting thread to read. Thanks everyone for sharing experiences.

I suffer from both attacks and generalized anxiety. I was on a great med for about a year that took care of the problems, but it added about 30 pounds on me. Sooo last month I was weaned off and started something new. It hasn't helped yet and it's been horrible these last few weeks.

I have a constant sick stomach feeling and a heavy feeling of dread. The phone rang at 3 am the other morning, hang up call and it threw me into a horrible panic attack for about an hour. I thought I was having a heart attack, then I started imagining I was having the symptoms of a heart attack. The "what-if's" drive me crazy. I worry constantly about everything.

If I can't get in contact with someone (like my SO) then I immediately think the worst. If I notice something wrong with one of the dogs (could be something simple and non-threatening) then I'm thrown into thoughts of horrible diseases and death.

I'm hoping these new meds with the use of Xanax as needed for the attacks will start working soon. I don't know how one lives with this without medication, it's horrible. I do have a script for the nausea, but have been relying on Emetrol mostly because it's somehow soothing mentally. (if that makes sense)

People joke and blow off this stuff, but when you suffer from it then it's no joking matter at all.

 

[Evi]

Panic Attacks can leave lingering effects and can also cause new ones. I highly recommend taking some yoga classes, Look into cognitive behavioral therapy as apposed to medication. Medication for most anxiety is truly a band-aid. It will treat your symptoms and allow you to deal but either they will stop working or as soon as you stop you go back to the symptoms. I would work on behavioral therapy (it will address whats causing your anxiety and how to work through your triggers, Breathing possibly Butreyko method (helps you stop hyperventilating and learn how to breathe through an attack) and an exercise routine (gives you a place to use that extra energy helps with any possible depression and will help you relax and get sleep. I would also cut back on your caffeine intake and be gentle on yourself. If you so all of the above you should be able to completely eliminate your attacks and on the rare occasion that you get one you'll be able to stop it.

 

[sasywtch]

CaliforniaDreamin, hope your doctors have gotten things straightened out for you. If not, push them to. Agoraphobia is no fun but what works for one, may not work for another so it's best for the doctor/patient to work out a plan together. Just wanted to let you know that I was home bound (first attack happened in my car while driving)however, today I am driving by myself in the mountains. It can happen! I had a few other symptoms however, I won't go into detail as I know that was a trigger for me while having attacks. People still are not allowed to discuss actual symtoms around me of major illnesses.

Don't feel upset if one therapy doesn't work because another one will. It's trial and error. Relaxation therapy doesn't work for me because as I'm trying to relax, my mind continues to wander. I have to do the detail thing.

Hoping you and your doctor find what works for you!!! Keep the spirits up!

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

CaliforniaDreamin, hope your doctors have gotten things straightened out for you.

Hoping you and your doctor find what works for you!!! Keep the spirits up!

Driving to the mountains is a HUGE step, that is wonderful!!!!


Thank you so much for the advice. Since I lasted posted, I have sloooowly started taking small steps. Like you mentioned, I have MAJOR driving anxiety (how I drove roundtrip 60 miles to work everyday for 7 years, I'll never know). On a Monday, my psychologist and I were talking about the driving anxiety and the agoraphobia. She told me to try to drive a mile or 2 from my house every day. On Tuesday, I did just that. And I got t-boned by a guy who ran a stop sign. It totaled my car. No one was hurt, and I can actually look back and see the humor in it (although it did make my driving anxiety worse). I mean, what are the odds of that happening the very first time you try and drive after weeks of being unable to drive????


Anyway, over the past few months, since I left work, my meds seem to be working alot better (I had to leave my job April 9...I knew if I didn't do it then, I would wind up in the hospital any day). My depression has improved greatly, my xanax (4mgs) a day, is working.Apparently, I cannot handle work and thats why my meds quit working and I was having panic attacks that xanax wouldn't touch.


I would feel completely normal at this point if it wasn't for the irrational fears I have developed. Example: I was out on our deck 2 days ago, talking to my dad on the phone. We have a very large back yard. I saw a black snake slithering towards our basement door. So I'm one story above the basement, knowing the basement door was open and that there was no way I could beat the snake to the door. But thank God, a bird started picking at it's tail (it must have been trying to get to the birds nest and the bird went after it, which was pretty funny to watch) and this distracted the snake enough to give me a chance to make a mad dash to the basement and run to the door and slam it shut. Then I peeked out the window to make sure the snake hadn't snuck in while I was running downstairs. Thank God, the snake was in a coiled position with it's head in strike pose trying to scare the bird off. I am NOT afraid of snakes. But I freaked out.

I went upstairs and sat on the couch staring at the basement door that leads into the living room. I could not stop watching the door. My dad (who I was still on the phone with) told me to leave the room so I could stop watching the door. I told him the only way I could leave the room is to go back outside and look for the snake so I would know where he was. But then, what if I went outside to look for the snake and it snuck in the house while I was out? I mean, all of this was completely irrational, and I could even admit so at the time. Both the basement door going outside and the basement door that opened to the living room were shut tight. No way a snake could get in that way. This was NOT a panic attack, at least not the kind I normally have. But it did take 2 xanax before I could walk away from staring at the door (about 30 min later). Sorry to go on and on. I am going to go over this with my psycholgist this week. She seems to think I may have OCD as well, and I think thats what happened with the snake incident. It was an OCD thing.


Anyway, I have taken some trips outside the house. I'm still working on it. My MIL has been in the hospital for a few days, and she is probably not going to be around much longer. I had my daughter drive me to the hospital so I could visit her. I haven't seen my psychologist or psychiatrist in about 3 weeks because I couldnt make myself leave the house, even with DH taking me. But I know I HAVE to go this week to at least report the snake story. And there is one new symptom that I have a lot of questions about. I felt guilty for leaving my job, but now I know that I HAD to. No doubt in my mind. As I said, I would have been in the hospital if I had returned on the next Monday. It may have been 4 or 5 days later, but I know what would have happened. Thank God I don't feel that way now (I would NEVER hurt anyone. The only one in danger was me).

 

[shortbun]

damone is this new for u?? I'm asking because 2 years ago .. I started to experinence horrible unrelanting panic attacks and anxiety out of the blue... thought I was loosing my mind... finally turned to a therapist who discovered that I was experiencing a horrible reaction to prescription meds for pnemonia.. that caused my heart to going into horrible palpitaions ... leading to the bouncing out of my skin feeling... it was horrible....

And that med was Avelox/moxiflaxin right? It did the same thing to me. The panic attack lasted for two weeks with residual effects lasting more than a month. I still get shaky...more than two years later. I took one pill.

OP, my friend has panic attacks NOT caused by a med and she feels emotionally off between them sometimes or she can tell she's at risk because she starts feeling emotional/anxious.

We both have been given training by a psych professional regarding how to overcome or stop these panic attacks at the onset if we are aware they are hitting us. It's a very difficult technique to describe but it boils down to getting very basic such as describing each minor move or environmental thing, ie." I am walking stepping foward with my right, left leg...I am wearing a pink: p-i-n-k shirt. The sign on the wall says (the spell each word outloud) g-o d-o-w-n t-h-e s-t-a-i-r-s." Focus on minutea brings me back pretty fast. My friends says she does something similar to reorganize her thoughts and refuse/reject the panic.

Good luck with your panic attacks. I think what you are experiencing is normal as far as having residual feelings. Find a social worker who does therapy a they can work with you to help your symptoms.