How do I know if these are panic attacks or not?

786 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by PinkPixie, May 14, 2006

Adamsmama

Discussion Starter · Apr 15, 2006

I'm so scared and frustrated right now! Thursday night I think I either had a panic attack or something else and now I feel very anxious...

We were eating dinner and suddenly I felt like my throat was tightening up and I couldn't swallow. I tried to stay calm because I wasn't sure if I was imagining it or not. Then I tried to relax but couldn't and DH and I had to leave the restaurant. For the next 30 minutes or so I felt like I was almost hyperventilating and just had to calm down--which wasn't easy. The rest of that night I felt ok--not great. All day yesterday I was in and out of these feelings. Last night was very bad. I did drink a hot cup of tea and was able to relax enough to sleep. My throat still feels like I have a lump in it but I'm ok if I'm not thinking about it. If I focus on it I start breathing rapidly.

What is wrong with me?

(ETA: I started AF again on Friday morning--I remember last month feeling very anxious --without actual attacks-- prior to AF starting. Could hormones do this? I just had my thyroid checked and my Dr. said everything came back normal. I also feel like I could have a sinus infection and my glands are swollen in my neck -- on the outside. Could any of this contribute to these feelings? What I really hate about it is they can start out of nowhere--it isn't like I'm in the middle of a scary situation.)

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Ravenmoon

· #2 · Apr 16, 2006

I've been thinking on this.First of all are you under a great deal of stress or feel depressed.Did this just come out of the middle of nowhere?Were you consuming caffeine or anything with MSG?Those things can contribut to a panic attack.Which your symptoms are similar.But if this came totally out of the blue i would venture to have your gallbladder and thyroid checked.Either of these things can bring on the same symptoms.When you say that focusing on your throat makes you more anxious that make me think anxiety but again the above can mimic anxiety.I recommend getting a physical work up to check out those things.I recommend distraction from thinking about your throat.Bach rescue remedy,homeopathic aconite,chamomile tea are all good to help ease the anxiety.Also please know that you can not die from anxiety.Won't happen.It is all psychological.Remind yourself it is just anxiety and it will pass very quickly.Relax your body and mind and allow the feeling to pass.Which it will.Again i have friends who experienced sudden breathing/throat issues and it was actually their gallbladder.I hope this helps!

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Ravenmoon

· #3 · Apr 16, 2006

Ah ok,read your ETA.Yes horomes can participate in anxiety.Ok so i recommend taking Evening Primrose Oil to help balance your horomones and some fish oil.Get some bach rescue remedy and take it at the first onset of anxiety and remember to stay relaxed.Very important to do this.

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jannan

· #4 · Apr 16, 2006

was there anything in particular you were afraid of in that moment?

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Adamsmama

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 17, 2006

Just an update: I feel a lot better today. It is funny because Friday night I noticed my glands were very swollen in my throat but I still felt fine (not having a sore or scratchy throat/cold) Last night I felt like I was coming down with something and today I have a very sore throat. I think it could have been hormones and because I was getting sick.

To answer Jannan-- I was very calm --just eating dinner with my husband (we were on a date) and out of no where felt like I was freaking out and couldn't breath normally. I am under a lot of stress right now but I didn't think it was getting to me (and am still hoping it isn't).

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AbundantLife

· #6 · May 12, 2006

I'm glad you started feeling better.

I just wanted to point out one thing,. As someone who has dealt with panic attacks, there is not necessarily something obvious that may cause one. Feeling calm right before one is pretty common. There are so many different causes.

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PinkPixie

· #7 · May 14, 2006

Adamsmama said:
I'm so scared and frustrated right now! Thursday night I think I either had a panic attack or something else and now I feel very anxious...

We were eating dinner and suddenly I felt like my throat was tightening up and I couldn't swallow. I tried to stay calm because I wasn't sure if I was imagining it or not. Then I tried to relax but couldn't and DH and I had to leave the restaurant. For the next 30 minutes or so I felt like I was almost hyperventilating and just had to calm down--which wasn't easy. The rest of that night I felt ok--not great. All day yesterday I was in and out of these feelings. Last night was very bad. I did drink a hot cup of tea and was able to relax enough to sleep. My throat still feels like I have a lump in it but I'm ok if I'm not thinking about it. If I focus on it I start breathing rapidly.

What is wrong with me?

QUOTE]

The same thing happened to me yesterday!!

I posted a similar thread on the PPD forum. For me it is anxiety/panic attacks (I never recognize them right away for what they are; I always feel like i'm dying or something when it happens) and they always come out of the blue especially when I am very calm. I needed medication to calm me down last night, half a loraxepam. It made my throat tightness go away.
I'm going to see a doctor for my anxiety since I need help with my panic attacks.

I completely understand how you feel.

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