Panic Attacks, Please Help (Long, Sorry)

[RUDisney]

Background: 2 weeks ago tonight, I was in a bad car accident. I was 1.5 blocks from my house. You can see the corner from my front porch at which I was hit. It was a 4 way stop sign. I stopped and there was nothing coming until an 82 yo man came barrelling down the other street. He missed the sign that said "stop ahead," he missed the stop sign and he didn't see my van right in front of his car. He didn't attempt to stop.

So, I never saw him coming. Not only did he t-bone me, but he flipped my van over onto the driver's side. While I'm very happy that the van did exactly what it was engineered to do... to protect me, and I'm happy that I was alone, I was injured and never got to see my car or his car even though I was able to crawl out of the back hatch. The EMTs were immediately there with a neck brace and back board.

So, I go to the hospital and luckily, my left elbow wasn't broken the way they had expected at the scene. They thought it was a compound fracture. It was "only" lacerated to my bone. I had no other obvious internal injuries.

I'm sore as anything even after 2 weeks. I've realized that an automobile is truly a deadly weapon, hence the panic attacks. I start PT this week primarily for my elbow now, but we also may add my back, shoulders and neck to the mix. My dr first gave me xanax when I complained about the panic attacks and when that didn't work, she prescribed zoloft for me. I've taken 2 of them so far.

The panic attacks hit worst when I have to get into a car (only for dr and atty appointments so far.) I breathe heavy, my heart races, I sweat and become dizzy and sick to my stomach. Then, there are the times when my family isn't with me and I know they are in a car. I get into a freaky zone even though my head says that they've gone to these places millions of times without incident and that the odds are with them again. Then I think that I didn't even see the guy coming that hit me. That's how fast something can happen. It scares me to death. Heck, I've driven through that same intersection millions of times without any trouble until that night.... but it happened.

So, I'm looking to you for help. Has anyone been through this? The dr told me it was post-traumatic stress disorder. Should I wait before I see someone (a therapist)? Maybe the zoloft will work? But, how long?

My DH has gotten me a new van. We're waiting for it to be delivered and he's picking up a rental tomorrow. He wants me to "get back on the horse." But, it's so scary that I'm having an attack right now thinking about having a car at my disposal tomorrow.

Please encourage me. I'm rambling now and feel like the all together woman who woke up 2 weeks ago is gone and this babbling fool is left.

 

[RUDisney]

Oh, and another thing, when I was in the trauma unit, they cut off my MNSSHP t-shirt from 2002. The first one we went to and the first time my kids were ever at WDW.

Not really relevent to my initial post, but I knew that you guys would "get" why that was traumatic, too.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident. I'm sure that would give anyone feelings of panic for awhile afterwards.

Zoloft should help but it's not going to be immediate. Medicines like that have to gradually build up in your system before you will get an effect. It's a cure and not a bandaid, like Xanax (that is why it takes long term vs the instant gratification).

I would say if the panic attacks are really bad and disturbing to you, it might be worthwhile to look into seeing a therapist. Even if just for one meeting where you can get the experience off of your chest, it might make you feel better and give you somewhere to release your anxieties.

 

[kristen821]

Thank God you are o.k. I don't have any advice for you, but I do hope you feel better soon. I know when I first got into my accident I was afraid to drive, but after a few times I was ok.

 

[dmslush]

I have ptsd from domestic violence from my previous marriage. It was something that I felt was 100% under control until recently. I've had some issues where I have been in a position of being screamed at repeatedly.. more or less ambushed (this is not a personal relationship, but rather a working relationship.. I don't want anyone on her that knows my my dd to worry!!!!). Looking back, I am amazed at how quickly I melted down. In a two week period, I went from 100% functional, to completely off of work on a medical leave because of panic attacks and anxiety. I started going to the therapist and have gone twice so far. I have to say that she has helped me a ton. I am debating medication at this point, I'm just not sure I am 100% comfortable with it right now. However, just talking with her has helped me focus my thoughts and get myself back on track of taking care of myself. Starting therapy was the best decision that I have ever made!! So, I say go for it!!!

 

[camreesmom]

This sounds almost like what happened to me except that my accident was 2 months ago and I had 4 co-workers in the Suburban with me. I hate to think of what would have happened to us if we would have been in a smaller vehicle. My vehicle rolled 2 1/2 times and landed on the roof. We weren't t-boned though, we were rear ended by a fool in a construction flat bed truck going about 60 miles an hour.

Anyway, your injuries sound almost exactly like mine. They thought my left arm was broken also but it was just lacerated down to the bone. Just to let you know, I am STILL going to PT three times a week. After the first few days, they thought my rotator cuff may have been torn but I've since had an MRI to rule that out. Just don't think that your recovery is going to happen very quickly. You were in a major accident. It is scary to realize that something can happen that quickly.

I still have actual nightmares about the accident and wake up after reliving it. It is horrible even two months later. I had to go give a recorded statement for the insurance adjuster yesterday and I actually dreamt (is that a word???) that the guy who hit me came to our house to try to kill me. Thank God I woke up before that happened!

You can PM me if you want to chat. I'm living this same thing right now and can definitely feel your pain. I called my family doctor the day after the accident for something to calm my nerves. Forget about getting me in the car to go shopping or anything like that. It is strictly to and from work and to pick up the kids from school activities. That is it.

Hope you get to feeling better soon!

Julie

Background: 2 weeks ago tonight, I was in a bad car accident. I was 1.5 blocks from my house. You can see the corner from my front porch at which I was hit. It was a 4 way stop sign. I stopped and there was nothing coming until an 82 yo man came barrelling down the other street. He missed the sign that said "stop ahead," he missed the stop sign and he didn't see my van right in front of his car. He didn't attempt to stop.

So, I never saw him coming. Not only did he t-bone me, but he flipped my van over onto the driver's side. While I'm very happy that the van did exactly what it was engineered to do... to protect me, and I'm happy that I was alone, I was injured and never got to see my car or his car even though I was able to crawl out of the back hatch. The EMTs were immediately there with a neck brace and back board.

So, I go to the hospital and luckily, my left elbow wasn't broken the way they had expected at the scene. They thought it was a compound fracture. It was "only" lacerated to my bone. I had no other obvious internal injuries.

I'm sore as anything even after 2 weeks. I've realized that an automobile is truly a deadly weapon, hence the panic attacks. I start PT this week primarily for my elbow now, but we also may add my back, shoulders and neck to the mix. My dr first gave me xanax when I complained about the panic attacks and when that didn't work, she prescribed zoloft for me. I've taken 2 of them so far.

The panic attacks hit worst when I have to get into a car (only for dr and atty appointments so far.) I breathe heavy, my heart races, I sweat and become dizzy and sick to my stomach. Then, there are the times when my family isn't with me and I know they are in a car. I get into a freaky zone even though my head says that they've gone to these places millions of times without incident and that the odds are with them again. Then I think that I didn't even see the guy coming that hit me. That's how fast something can happen. It scares me to death. Heck, I've driven through that same intersection millions of times without any trouble until that night.... but it happened.

So, I'm looking to you for help. Has anyone been through this? The dr told me it was post-traumatic stress disorder. Should I wait before I see someone (a therapist)? Maybe the zoloft will work? But, how long?

My DH has gotten me a new van. We're waiting for it to be delivered and he's picking up a rental tomorrow. He wants me to "get back on the horse." But, it's so scary that I'm having an attack right now thinking about having a car at my disposal tomorrow.

Please encourage me. I'm rambling now and feel like the all together woman who woke up 2 weeks ago is gone and this babbling fool is left.

 

[Donald - my hero]

Aww sweetie You are preaching to the choir here! My siggy sums it up for me. I also suffer from SEVERE anxiety attacks. At times they hit in the middle of the night and wake me up. Mine make me feel a sense of impending doom, heart races, my palms get sweaty, apparently look like a skeleton/ghost, feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest. I can't sit still and feel jumpy in my skin. For the last year or so it has sunk into my driving ability it just makes me freak out. I get so nervous that my legs shake so much that the car actually jerks down the road.

Ok Ok 'enuff about my symptoms. Here is how I/we deal with them. I see a therapist on a regular basis and this is often a topic of conversation. I use a few relaxation techniques that you can find out about from either your doc or by checking a book out of the library -- there are many good ones. Medication helps! There are several that are fast acting and you can take it as soon as you feel bad. Others will like the last poster mentioned take a bit to build up in your system. That said DO NOT feel ashamed to let your doc know that you are still feeling bad. It may be that you need to try a different med -- there are lots to choose from. PLEASE insist to get a referral to see a therapist to at least get some ideas of where to start helping to heal yourself. If money is an issue or your insurance will not cover it here are a few suggestions for that as well : there is actually an organization called EA -- Emotions Anonymous, kinda good to talk to others who are also dealing with Meantal Health issues. YES anxiety is one. OR often your clergy will help you even if just by talking with you.

I hope this lets you know that there is at least one other person here who know how truly awful this can feel

 

[RUDisney]

I know that I can't do anything about making any appointments until Monday.

I'm starting back to work then. I'm hoping that having my head at work instead of staying at home and replaying the accident over and over in my head will help, too.

I feel like I contributed everything before and now I feel like I am burdening my DH with all that I would have (should be) taking care of. I know this is irrational, too. If the tables were turned, I'd be picking up his slack, too. I'd be doing it willingly and he's not complaining about it either. I just feel like I'm a real nuisance now. My thoughts, no one else's.

Then there are the little things that I've been able to accomplish... like being able to wash my own hair and take my own shower, albeit with only one hand. I can dress myself now even though I still need help getting undressed. It was progress. As of 2 days ago, with much difficulty, I can touch my forehead with my left hand.

Like I said before, I'm greatful that it wasn't worse, but I'm an accomplisher. I like to have a lot of balls in the air. I'm also a mother. Mothers aren't used to focusing on themselves. If this was in business, I'd be healed by now and starting another project. Oh, and I'd be able to breath properly and I wouldn't feel sick.

Thank you for "listening" and for posting your comments and stories. It helps to know that I'm not alone.

Matt, the dr called xanax a bandaid, too. I hadn't heard that before about it.

 

[camreesmom]

You mentioned an attorney.....I would think that if you go to a therapist, that would be covered by the settlement also just like your other medical bills.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Matt, the dr called xanax a bandaid, too. I hadn't heard that before about it.

Yeah, a lot of people get dependant on Xanax because it is a quick "fix" to them.. you see immediate results. Problem is, it doesn't fix anything, but rather covers it up. Unfortunately the medicines that can get to the root of the problem take time to work into your system. It can take Zoloft a month before you may see any benefits to it, but once it does start helping its so much better than just putting a bandaid on it.

Must be a doctor thing because we got that bandaid term from DW Lauri's doctor when she was going through that problem with her former assistant last year.

 

[Spoodleink]

I was in an accident 6 years ago where I was hit by a drunk driver while walking on a sidewalk. I had injuries to my elbow head and neck. At the time I was walking from my house to my best friends house 2 houses down. Between our familes there were 7 kids that had walked down this street hundreds of times at all hours of the day and night and nothing had ever happened. I only recently walked down the same stretch when i was home for my friends baby shower. After the accident I would have panic attacks when I was in parking lots and could hear cars coming up behind me. I went to a therapist and was on an anti anxity medication that i forget the name of ( i was only on this b/c zoloft really upset my stomach).Besides the panic attacks therapy also helped deal with alot of anger I had about the accident and really helped me move on with my life. I also went to an educational therapist to help with some memory issues.The first few months after the accident were very very bad between the pain from my arm and neck the panic attacks. After PT and therapy I was much better. I no longer have panic attacks I am just REALLY careful when crossing the street. Anyway I would talk to you DR to get a referral to a therapist.

 

[RUDisney]

You mentioned an attorney.....I would think that if you go to a therapist, that would be covered by the settlement also just like your other medical bills.

It would be covered under the initial first party insurance, by my company. The settlement would be covered by other parts of the policies.

This isn't a matter of money. Sounds to me like the therapist + the meds may be the right thing for me to do.

Do you still have glass in your arm? I have a couple of chards. The docs say that as long as it doesn't get infected, it may work its way out or I can live with glass in me forever. The orthopedist, of course, wanted to cut me so he could get them out. But, he also told me, when I told him we'd wait to see what the glass did, that I didn't need PT. I should (in a very rude tone) "bend it at home." It's funny how none of the other docs share that point of view.

Oh, and I forgot to mention this. On Monday, my Mom rear-ended a guy on her way to work. She doesn't remember him, or the line of cars in front of him, until the impact. Luckily, she's ok, the other driver was ok and both of them drove their cars away. Mom is now afraid to drive, but she's not afraid to be driven. I've got the fear on both ends.

 

[camreesmom]

Yes, I most definitely have glass in my arm still. One big chunk that I can feel under the skin but it doesn't hurt. How strange, huh? Anyway, I went to the hospital in town (very small town here) by ambulance after the accident and after they did xrays, DH asked them if they were going to take the glass out of my arm and they said no, they don't do that. I ended up going to a larger hospital about 30 minutes away 2 days after the accident because I was in so much pain that I really couldn't move my arm at all. At that ER, they numbed my arm and cleaned out as much glass as they could easily. I've been told by several people that I will be pulling glass out of my arm for months and that it could even work itself out way down the line.

I have the fear on both ends too but it's worse for me to be driven. DH doesn't even try because we end up in a huge argument. I guess it's a control thing for me. I don't know why though since I was driving when I had the accident. It was my first accident and hopefully, my last.

I think the therapist and the meds would help you. I don't see how the therapist could hurt. The other people who were in the car with me are my co-workers so we have talked and talked and talked about the accident so much that other folks are probably sick of us but it really does seem to help to talk about it.

It would be covered under the initial first party insurance, by my company. The settlement would be covered by other parts of the policies.

This isn't a matter of money. Sounds to me like the therapist + the meds may be the right thing for me to do.

Do you still have glass in your arm? I have a couple of chards. The docs say that as long as it doesn't get infected, it may work its way out or I can live with glass in me forever. The orthopedist, of course, wanted to cut me so he could get them out. But, he also told me, when I told him we'd wait to see what the glass did, that I didn't need PT. I should (in a very rude tone) "bend it at home." It's funny how none of the other docs share that point of view.

Oh, and I forgot to mention this. On Monday, my Mom rear-ended a guy on her way to work. She doesn't remember him, or the line of cars in front of him, until the impact. Luckily, she's ok, the other driver was ok and both of them drove their cars away. Mom is now afraid to drive, but she's not afraid to be driven. I've got the fear on both ends.

 

[Aidensmom]

Xanax is actually one of the best treatments for panic attacks, but many doctors are afraid to prescribe them because they can become addictive.

I understand what you are going through. I started having panic attacks as a young teen, and I did used to take Xanax to control them, while also undergoing therapy to get to the root. I was actually panic attack free for several years until a little over 2 years ago we had a freak thunderstorm which brought one of our huge oak trees down through our roof into my bedroom, in the exact spot I had been standing in seconds earlier. I am still med-free, and would be panic attack free except for storms....it is a type of post traumatic stress. I am bad when we get a normal thunderstorm, when we have a hurricane heading here I am a nutcase!

I would recommend seeing a therapist to work out the anxiety, and Xanax is a great drug to help short term because it only has to be taken when you have an attack, unlike Zoloft which has to be taken daily.

 

[Christine]

Xanax is actually one of the best treatments for panic attacks, but many doctors are afraid to prescribe them because they can become addictive.

I understand what you are going through. I started having panic attacks as a young teen, and I did used to take Xanax to control them, while also undergoing therapy to get to the root. I was actually panic attack free for several years until a little over 2 years ago we had a freak thunderstorm which brought one of our huge oak trees down through our roof into my bedroom, in the exact spot I had been standing in seconds earlier. I am still med-free, and would be panic attack free except for storms....it is a type of post traumatic stress. I am bad when we get a normal thunderstorm, when we have a hurricane heading here I am a nutcase!

I would recommend seeing a therapist to work out the anxiety, and Xanax is a great drug to help short term because it only has to be taken when you have an attack, unlike Zoloft which has to be taken daily.

I agree with this. Xanax is a wonder drug. Here is why. When you start having panic attacks from the "real" reason, THEN you start getting panicky about the panic attacks. This causes a secondary anxiety (panic about panic attacks) and compounds the problem. Pretty soon, if you keep having the panic attacks, you will start to fear them and you will start having more because you'll think "OMG, what if I go to work and I have a panic attack." Then you will have a panic attack at work and it will spiral from there. Xanax stops that from happening and will, at the very least, stop the secondary anxiety. I say that, until you get to the therapist and the Zoloft kicks in, that you use the Xanax, very small dose, about 3 times a day.

Yes, Xanax is a band-aid in your situation. You definitiely have PTSD from your accident. In this case, Zoloft is also a band-aid. You don't have a chemical imbalance--you have anxiety induced by an exogenous source (the car accident). So any drug, in your case, is going to be a band-aid until you get with someone to help you face and deal with your fears about the accident. These two medications will help you to keep a lid on it until you sort it out in your mind.

 

[RUDisney]

So, first thing DH says to me when we wake up this morning is that WE have to pick up the rental van. I said to him, "you mean that I have to drive it?" He said, "well, someone does." So, I'm gulping in air again.

It's rough knowing that I have to do something but also knowing that I really don't want to do it.

Spoodleink, you brought up a good point about anger. I hadn't thought about being angry about the accident. I thought my head was in a good place knowing that the guy who hit me wasn't out looking to get into an accident that night. But, now that you bring it up and I've had time to think about it, yep, I'm angry. I'm angry that my life has been changed so abruptly and suddenly.

Christine, you're right about fearing the attacks. I've got the .25mg xanax, so I know it's a low dose and I'll keep taking them until everything else kicks in. I DO fear having one of these attacks at work. I've cried more over the past 2 weeks than I have in years. I don't want to do that at work.

 

[mssocks]

You poor thing! A panic attack person here too
You will be so relieved once you find your therapist. If it is the right one, he/she will make you feel "protected" just knowing they are a phone call away. Please don't try to handle this yourself or with your DH ( who needs a smack BTW ). Of course I know you will do what is right for you.

That being said, in the meantime, let's see if I can share something until you can get in to see someone. A panic attack will not hurt you. It will make you feel like crap ( if you let it ), because after you feel like you've had the flu. Exhausted, achy, shaky well you know.... Do NOT try to "fight" it off. This will bring on the spiraling effect someone else mentioned. If possible and think about this ahead of time, try to think - oh, this is a panic attack. And just let it happen! This part helps me - I go through each symptom as it appears, oh rapid heart, crap a panic attack. Clammy skin, yup that's it! Tightness in the throat, oh - no, that's my hand - LET GO! Just let it happen - I don't know how to say it correctly.......my therapist wanted to bring on an attack in his office so I could see it would not harm me. I was too afraid. But the next time I had one I did the deadpan voice - "oh crap another one. Oh well, let's sit it out." And it was shorter! The more you try to control your body, the more your body controls you. I've even done a grocery list in my head while I sit and wait one out.

PM me anytime you want or email me if I'm not on here.

 

[RUDisney]

I drove today. The first time, I sat behind the wheel for about 5 minutes, breathing heavy and crying. I made my DH come with me in case I needed to pull over so he could drive. DS got his football picture taken this morning. Once DH decided that I was ok behind the wheel, he went to the gym, and I took DS to work.. by myself. I sat in front of his employer for about 3 minutes before I got the courage to drive home alone.

I bearly get in the door when DS calls to say that there was no work for him, (he's 11 and "works" for his uncle) so I had to go back to get him since DH was at the gym.

Now, I'll tell you, I was white knuckled and looked like a deer in headlights behind the wheel. Every time I'd stop, I'd have to breath deeply to avoid
hyperventilating. But, I did it. DS kept telling me how proud he was of me.

I also drove tonight to a local seafood restaurant and back. DH wanted ice cream after and I told him that he was welcome to drive to get it after I parked in front of the house. Needless to say, no one got ice cream.

I'm glad that I did it. I don't want to do much of it, but I'm glad I crossed that hurdle. I'm also going to call the therapist that my dr recommended on Monday to see when she can fit me in.

Thanks for your stories and support. Believe me, you've helped.

 

[JustHolly]

I've been there! My panic attacks started after our move away from our families/friends to come to Florida, a new job, and TWO car accidents in a month. Driving was the worst for me, and for a while, I cried every morning before getting out of bed, because I knew I'd have to drive and go to a job that I hated. The anticipation of having the panic attacks was almost worse than having them.


Zoloft WILL help after a few weeks, but has lots of side-effects. Side-effets were much easier to tolerate than the panic attacks. Dr. also gave Xanax for quick relief while Zoloft was kicking in. Panic attacks went away, and after several months, I stopped the meds. Three years later, and I'm good as new!

It will get better! Give it a couple of weeks with the Zoloft, and you'll start to notice a difference!