:angel: Well I have had panic and anxiety for about 6 years now, I have been diagnosed with it. I just had a baby 4 months ago. I am having a lot of palpitations. feels as if my heart stops and beats slow, my pulse is not high like most people with anxiety, it is sometimes very slow! I went to a cardio doctor, I am 28. They did an echo when I was pregnant, I also had a ekg this past week, it was normal. I wore a holtor monitor and I haven't gotten the results yet. I am not sure it was a good day for that because my mother and I faught and it was a horrible stressful day, the nurse said it should be o.k.
I panic about everything because I had my baby by c-section I worry about blood clots. I also worry about cancer and strokes and anyerisms e.t.c.
ugh! I used to be on lexapro and it worked wonders but last time I was on it it didn't seem effective like before. I have tried it all lots of meds and therapy and here I am really bad, I am scared I might die and my baby is alone!
I really could use some support again, these boards helped me through some tough times!
thanks:angel:
Worry

I was the same way during and after i had my last baby. I had horrible palps most of my pregnancy, had her by c-section and was convienced i was going to die during it but i made it. I did have a few spells of palps after i had her i think its the hormones going back to normal, and like you i was convienced i was going to get blood clots and die but that was 18 months ago and im still here. I have anxiety also, i worry everyday about my heart health. Im sure its just your hormones and that you have nothing to worry about. Just try to relax and enjoy your new little one, its easier said then done but the more we stress the worse the palpatations are. I get everytime before i have my period thats why im sure its all about the hormonal thing. I have not been on any medication other than ativan as needed and it really helps when i get worked up over the palps or chest pains that i get alot, i just didnt want to do the anti-depressants due to my fear of medication in general. Seems like any bit of stress gets my heart to racing and acting stupid so i try to keep my stress down as much as i can cause i hate when my heart goes crazy.

I've had palps for over half of my 31 years. They still scare me sometimes if I'm anxious or they're coming frequently. I've also had those fearsome blood clots: I am one of the rare unlucky women who can't take birth control pills. I ended up with blood clots in both legs and lungs. But I'm clearly still very much alive! There are pretty specific risk factors for blood clots, and if you don't have a blood disorder, you haven't had a VERY recent surgery, a VERY recent VERY long trip where you were immobile, or you haven't recently started on any type of hormones, your risk factors for blood clots are very low and not even worth thinking about. I had both my children via c-section and I had increased palps after both pregnancies. I'm sure your cardiologist checked you out thoroughly. Not everyone has a really rapid heart rate with anxiety, some have "skippy" beats, some worry that they can't feel their heart, all sorts of things. If Lexapro isn't working anymore, try another med. I really advocate seeing a psychiatrist because they are experts with medications for mental issues and they are much more knowledgeable about working with you about the meds. Take care, so many of us have these fears. Heart fears are very common with many forms of anxiety.

How are u doing now worry wort? Did u take any meds during your preg?? Just curious.....

HI, no I didn't take meds at all during pregnancy and not now either due to breastfeeding. I am not doing well, I had a holter monitor and I have irregular heartbeats but not life threatning, Palpitations I guess. Due to stress I am sure, they wanted to put me on beta blockers but I am breastfeeding. I am getting my daughter on formula now and she eats cereal so I am going to see my psych on the 23rd. hope all is well with everyone.
:angel: Carly

Best to u with that...Anxiety and depression is difficult regardless.