So I am writing to ask about panic. I just had an episode when I was getting ready to drive home from my mom's. I got all shakey and felt like I was going to pass out. My throat dries all out and I feel like I am choking. I still feel that way even though the initial panic is gone and I am safely home.
Someone please help!! Does this happen to anyone else and how do you keep yourself from panicking and thinking that there is something else wrong with you and going to the hospital?!?
Please help if you can Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Hi Danielle,
I think the anxiety and panic attacks happen to alot of lyme patients.
I don't experience this myself, but I have read that alot of others do.
You will probably get alot more responses that may help you if you post this in Medical Questions.
You are not alone.
Posted by DaveNJ (Member # 17362) on :
Dani,
This was common for me....even though Lyme is causing it your response can make it worse or better..when it happens stay calm and it will pass.
Dave
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
I have anxiety too. It use to be like you described, as a panic attack, but after a while you learn what it is and that it "will" pass and you learn skills to diminsh the effects.
Just breath in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly and relax your muscles. Try this immediately every time you feel it coming on.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
SERTRALINE antidepressant helps on mood swings; i'm pretty sure i use that for panic attacks or had a different one and CAN'T remember all the various pills used for this/that for me.
DEEP BREATHING and even have a paper back with you at all times to help you as well.
Posted by Dani1984 (Member # 19436) on :
Thank you everyone. I used to have an anxitey problem when I was 12-15 but got over it with the help of God. Now that I am on all this medicine and you never know what Lyme is going to do, I find myself being afraid that I am going to be driving with my kids or bty myself and pass out.
A lot of it stems from when I do panic my whole body gets shakley and feels like it's going to give out. Anyway thanks for all the great advice.
Posted by Starfall1969 (Member # 17353) on :
Well, what I do to deal with the panic issues when they hit is to go over in my mind that I've had all these tests that came back fine, so I am NOT having a heart attack or whatever.
Then (this is for those of the Christian faith), I say out loud, "In the name of Jesus Christ, I banish this spirit of panic from my body. I have Jesus as my Savior, so this spirit has NO authority in my body. I command you to leave in Jesus' name."
I say that over and over till I feel calmer.
Also, deep breathing helps, as others have stated.
If you have it close by, putting on some favorite music to take your mind off what you're feeling helps. I try to put on some favorite songs from the 80s and sing or dance along till I feel better.
Oh, I have also started taking a Benadryl when I feel this way. I can't handle all the antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs they gave mee--horrible reactions--so I just pop a Benadryl.
Posted by astriapage (Member # 17120) on :
I used to have these bad attacks when I drove, and before I drove. It got to be such a big deal that my family decided it would be best if I did not drive anymore.
When I showed up at my parents at Thanksgiving bawling and hyperventalating everyone put a stop to me driving, plus I would get lost alot going to places I had went my whold life?
Like everyone else said, know you are having an attack and do what you need to do to calm yourself down
Posted by Ocean (Member # 3496) on :
I'm sorry you are going through this. Panic attacks and anxiety started for me when I got sick.
It's the worst feeling in the world (that and depression). I'm doing better anxiety wise right now, I've been able to gain weight now too, when I'm in that hyper anxiety state, I have to constantly move and I look like I'm dying.
It's hard because when you are in the moment of panic, there is nothing that can help. I just tell myself that I have felt this way many times before and nothing ever happened. I've gone to the ER once for a panic attack (although I've thought about it many times, have had a few hundred panic attacks over the years probably), and I've decided that I'm not going to the ER again unless I pass out.
I just drove by myself yesterday for the first time in 8 months. I felt anxious, but didn't have a panic attack.
Just know that you are certainly not alone and just because you aren't dying, doesn't mean that the feelings aren't real. The feelings of doom are intense, I know!! Anyone who has had a panic attack knows how terrifying they are.
Take care, Ocean
Posted by Dani1984 (Member # 19436) on :
You guys are all so great. Thanks for all the advice and the support. It helps to know that I am not alone and that it will get better.
I have started taking magnesium supplements so hopefully that will help.
I am of the Christian faith and don't know how anyone can survive panic without having God there with them.
Thanks for all the suggestions and support, you all are a great help.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Dani .. next time you have an emergency, be sure to post in Medical. Not many frequent the General Support area.
Glad you're feeling better now.
Posted by Dani1984 (Member # 19436) on :
thank you optimistick and lymetoo. I know that this is only temporary and it all will pass. Thanks for the advice and hope!!
Posted by astriapage (Member # 17120) on :
I agree that you can't get through this without God's help- I like to remember the footprints poem when things get really tough.
It really resonates with me-that he carried me!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
-
I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of getting this book. It will answer many questions and prepare you for dealing with emergencies of all types that revolve around lyme.
Usually, the ER is not at all a friendly place to lyme patients but if you ever feel like your life is on the line, be sure to go. Not everything is lyme-related, of course.
This book, by an ILADS member LLMD, holds great information about treatments options and support measures:
difficult time. Thanks Posted by Melodymaker (Member # 16434) on :
Dani,
I too have relied on God to get me through the 25 years I was misdiagnosed.
I've never had panic episodes, but now on treatment find myself becoming easily overwhelmed and starting to panic.
The instant I start to feel paniky, I stop and begin thinking about the reality of it. Take a step back and deep breaths. That really helps.
Talking with God frequently is important. I'm praying for you girl!
Posted by abbyjo (Member # 16073) on :
I'm so sorry. I too have had some awful panic attacks. The worst one of my life lasted over an hour as I paced frantically around the house. I came to realize that the two ice teas I had with dinner is what triggered it. Besides chocolate:) I have totally cut out caffeine and have been fine.
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