I'm new..Anxiety and busy-ness - Anxiety Message Board

scarletbeee · 11-13-2008, 12:53 AM

So I had my first, well maybe second, major anxiety attack 1 week ago. My first was 6 years ago and ended in echo stress test and such with a no caffeine order. UGH!

This one came a week after my last cup of caffeine as I had drunk it on and off again over the years.. bad I know. But this one was real I went to the ER and had all the normal EKG, Blood enzyme tests for a heart attack, chest xrays for blood clots etc.. all normal. Since then I've had 2 minor inklings of attacks and took the ativan to ward them off. My BP which is high is under control on meds but was not at the ER and my heart rate was in the 130's but I tend to run fast 90-100 on average which worries me.

My point, it seems like I can be busy and as long as I can do something else or I'm busy with stuff and not able to think or focus on my heart rate or breathing, I'm fine. Once I start to notice the heavy heart beat or it's speed or my dry throat or that I need a deep breath cause I feel a little chest heavy, then I've lost the battle and the attack nibbles at me.

Is that what you experience? Can you be busy enough not to dwell on the fear of your heart being damaged or diseased and get through days without attacks?

How do you go to work on a daily basis or does being at work help?

Bee

violet312s · 11-13-2008, 09:56 PM

You are exactly like me...a few years ago. High-powered career woman who sacrificed everything for her job.

Then I crashed and burned. I've had several EKG's in the past few years. High blood pressure out of control. Got that under control but yet the anxiety persisted. Then anxiety took control of my life. I lost control of my life. Constant and persistent anxiety. Ended up not wanting to leave my house.

Take it from someone who has been there. It's not worth it. Once you come up for air and realize where you are you wish you would have taken life a bit slower and enjoyed the ride.

I crashed in a spectacular fashion. Out for a full 10 weeks at work and re-assigned to a different job (which I love!).
Work is not worth this. My life is so much better now. SO and his cat sleeping on the couch next to me, me working on my anxiety (therapy and meds), and job that doesn't rip the life out of me.

Best wishes to you.
(p.s. new job pays better than previous..way to go me!)