I got so scared last night ... I woke up out of a sound sleep and it felt like I couldn't breathe. It was terrible. My heart was pounding and I was sweating.

Why does this happen? I am sleeping?
Does anyone else get this?
I am going to the Dr. tomorrow (other health reason) and I am thinking of asking if I can up my dose of meds. It seems like my anxeity attacks are coming back

Terri :confused:
Dear Teri,

Hello there,

My name is Kelli. I'm so sorry to hear about your anxeity attacks. I absolutely feel for you, as my twin sister and I have suffered for years
with this awful problem..it is the worst thing any human being can go
through! There can be several reasons why people have panic attacks.
I am glad that you are going to see your doctor, as he can give you a
complete exam and rule out any possible health issues. I would also
have your hormonal levels checked to see if you're producing enough
estrogen..if unbalanced this can cause severe panic attacks ( such was
my case) Mine are also caused through genetics..my father suffered a
great deal with anxiety. My twin sister Kerri started having panic attacks
after she gave birth to her first child, she was eighteen at the time..now
thirty six. I used to make fun of her all the time, as I thought she was
making it up and trying to get attention..that was until I experienced my
first anxiety attack about six years ago. I started out like you..waking up
with a rapid heart beat..the sweats..so much fear..ect. I just let it go and
thought that I could deal with it on my own, but after a month of not sleeping
and not being able to eat I was eventually put in the hospital, as I lost a
total of 40 lbs. in that single month. My body weight was down to
80 lbs. I literally felt as if i was posessed. I would wake up every other hour
with so much adrenaline running through my veins.. I was so scared. My heart would just pound and then I'd start throwing up..this continued for
months until I was able to get help from my doctor. I was in and out of the
hospital for about a year. I think if I would have tried to get help earlier it
wouldn't have taken so long to recover. I really hope that you fallow through
with your doctor appointment and tell him everything that you're feeling,
because this is a very serious issue...my doctor said that I almost died.
I am doing much better now and am on medication to help control the panic
attacks and am also on continuous birth control pills that even out my
hormonal levels.

Things will get better! Hang in there and feel free to write me anytime if
you have any other questions.

Take care,

Kelli