Am I having panic attack?

[MCA]

Hi, I am new to the forum. I started having symptoms like numbness on the fingers and feet, tightening of the chest area and having difficulty in breathing around 6 months ago. I thought I was going to pass out with my heart racing and was taken to the hospital where they checked my heart. The result came out inconclusive and found no problem with the heart. I took a  vitamin that night prior to the attack. I had a retina detachment operation 12 months ago and have been relying on one eye for vision. Since then I have been having on and off episodes of the same symptoms. It happens sometimes when I read some article about people having suicide or depressed and sometimes just out of no where when I am working or reading a newspaper. When the panic kicks in, the more I think about it, the worst it gets and I am so afraid that I will have a heart attack. I am at the point that I am constantly worrying about when the symptoms will come again. I have the following questions:

1) Is this considered a panic attack?

2) How serious is my symptoms?

 3) I went to a local GP and he heard my "story" for 30 seconds and prescribed me with some medicine and told me to take it continuously for two weeks and the "attack" would go away. Is that right? 

4) I have scheduled an eye operation for squinting (retina detachment side effects) in 10 days time and I am having the panic episodes more often lately. However, I have been told not to take the prescribed medication in case it interfere with the anesthetic during operation. What can I do now to stop the panic without medication? 

Hope someone out there have similar experience who can share. 

[AGrace]

Hi MCA,

Welcome to the forums. you're not alone,  almost all of us have experienced anxiety or panic attacks before. We all know how terrifying and debilitating they can be. 

1. Yes your symptoms do sound like panic attacks

2. Panic attacks, no matter how terrible they feel, shouldn't lead to a heart attack. The symptoms of a panic attack don't last forever. Usually when you try to stop the panic attack it's symptoms can worsen. It's usually more helpful to accept that it's there and focus on your breath. You want to breathe into your diaphragm (you should feel your stomach rise and fool rather than your chest). Each breath elongate the exhale. 

3. I personally disagree with your Drs advice. You need to find out why you started having these anxiety symptoms. I'd get a second opinion. If necessary there's a list of GPs who specialise in mental health on Beyondblue's website. I'd also want a referral to a Psychologist, not just medication. 

4. Again I'd speak with the GP about your concerns for your operation. Perhaps it can be postponed?  Perhaps all you will need is a pre med before the anesthetic.  An anesthitist can give you advice on this.

Did the panic kick in at the same time as the issue with your eye?

I hope this is helpful. Will you let us know how you get on?

AGrace

[Chloekat84]

Thats sounds awful MCA. Im not havin  good day so i can sympathise with you. It does sound like you had a panic attack and i would take AGrace's advice and get a secind opinion especially if u are going to go into surgery and u cant take ur meds. Love and well wishes  x

[MCA]

Thanks for the response. I have made an appointment to see a different GP this afternoon and will get a referral to see a specialist. Should I be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist? Which is the best option? 

I have never had any panic attack episode before the issue with the eye. Therefore I suspect that could be the core of the problem. I want to see a professional to make sure it is panic attack and not having a heart problem.  I was on holiday early July for a week in Japan for a week and nothing happen. Since returning I have suffered the attack at least 3 times a week.  

[AGrace]

Hi MCA,

The choice is yours but here's my opinion:

A Psychologist will take you through talking therapy and recommend more cognitive therapies. In terms of cost if you get a GP to put together a mental health plan, you will be entitled to 10 free sessions under medicare.

A Psychiatrist will do talking therapy, can also suggest strategies for coping, and can also prescribe appropriate medication as they have an extensive medical background. The cost of a Psychiatrist is more expensive, you will get just over half the nominated fee back from medicare, so there will be an out of pocket cost incurred. 

Some people prefer to see both. It might be worthwhile starting with a Psychologist and seeing how you go. Just remember to ask your GP for the mental health plan. They will know what this is. If you choose to go to just a Psychologist your GP will be the one to prescribe necessary medication. Make sure they explain why you should use it, when, and how long for. You also want to get your medication reviewed regularly to make sure the type and dosage are effective. 

Hope this helps. Let us know how your appointment goes.

AGrace

[Chloekat84]

I completely agree with u AGrace. Let us know how it all goes!

from chloe x