Let’s talk about the physical symptoms

[Moonchild 11:11]

Hi there, I’ve recently been having suspected panic attacks and they have been full on and getting to the point of almost constant. After an ambo call out and 2 er visits with a couple days between each one I’ve Had 3 ecgs and 2 lots of bloods all normal. had a gp phone appointment with another dr as mine was unavailable and they prescribed me an antidepressant and benzodiazepine. I started them both today, I’ve had just the one benzodiazepine this morning. I did still have some slight physical symptoms on the benzodiazepine each time I’ve taken it including today. About an hr ago I thought I would try to lay down as I was feeling ok. I wasn’t feeling overly anxious at that moment I was just scrolling through these forums as I find them reassuring… suddenly I was very aware of my heartbeat… in kicked the palpitations, this time they were pounding like they were the night i was in hospital, I lay there and breathed through it until they stopped then I got up and sat on the lounge. These panic attack symptoms are so new to me I don’t know what to expect and it’s scary and I still have that nagging doubt that something sinister is the cause. I was potentially a little anxious when I first took the medication as I had some slight heart racing then but these palpitations were more of a thudding in my chest and back. I have some questions about the physical symptoms. 1. Can they come on unexpectedly like that when you don’t feel particularly anxious? 2. Can they come on as a result of medication wearing off? 3. Does anyone else have a sudden physical symptom such as this and are symptoms prone to change or can you develop new ones at random times? 4. Is there such a thing as residual anxiety or panic as in if you manage to subside it at the time can it sporadically come on later? 5. I know dr google is not our friend but if you went against your better judgement and googled anyway could your mind develop these symptoms and manifest them or overthink them into reality? And lastly is it common to have panic attacks Daily and even several times a day ranging in intensity especially if you’ve just started experiencing them? Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my long winded post… I intend to ask my gp for further investigation just to make sure it is just anxiety but I’ve got to make it through the weekend before I can speak to her so i was hoping if any of you had any advice or wanted to share your experiences that may help ease my mind xx

[Petal22]

Hi Moonchild 11:11,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are feeling this way….. I understand anxiety I had severe anxiety OCD but I’ve now recovered.

I also experienced panic attacks they were horrible….. just practice slowing down your breathing, meditation helps, exercise and practice mindfulness…..

I understand you have started a antidepressant these can take up to 6 weeks to work…… hang in there

I also understand you have been prescribed benzodiazepines I was offered these but I declined them because I knew they were addictive so please be careful……

Try not to dr google because it only makes things worse I learned this the hard way..

I experienced all types of physical symptoms with my anxiety..

I believe medication and therapy go hand in hand maybe you do a mental health plan with your gp this would enable you to see a psychologist who can give you many strategies.

Im here to chat

[Moonchild 11:11]

Thank you so much for your reply. This is all so new to me and really hard to understand mostly because I have so many questions that no one is really able to answer. My most predominant symptoms are random chest/rib pains as well as other pains all over the body but the heart palpitations are what are concerning me the most. They usually occur with the chest pain but today I experienced them without and I felt calm at the time despite having palpitations earlier in the day so it’s hard to pinpoint the cause. I understand the link between having the heart palpitations when I’m FEELING anxious but mine can come on at any time even when I’m not necessarily thinking about anything and I don’t understand why. That is what is scaring me the most because I can’t figure out if it’s because I’m perhaps subconsciously anxious and don’t realise it or if I’m just in a state of residual panic/anxiety if that’s even a thing? Or subconsciously anticipating another panic attack. It makes it difficult to not think the worst and that there’s some awful underlying thing going on. This forum has been really helpful it’s nice to know you aren’t alone at the very least. I’m so glad that you have recovered from your anxiety and are able to manage it, that too gives me hope that this won’t be forever.

[Petal22]

Hi Moonchild 11:11,

Im glad our forums have helped you…. your definitely not alone..

Thank you , you too can learn how to manage your anxiety.

I hope your gp appointment goes well, please discuss your concerns with your gp……..

If it is anxiety maybe you could do a mental health plan with your gp this will enable you to see a psychologist.

Here to chat