babygirl2you
03-26-2008, 08:39 PM
Hey all,
Found this page when I was looking for boards on Panic Disorders.
A few years ago I started having panic attacks and have been thinking that I've developed panic disorder. I came here and found posts on MVP and PSVT and I couldn't help but notice that the symptoms, and what people are describing are exactly what I've been going through. I haven't yet gone to a doctor because I don't have insurance and I don't have a job so I would have to rely on my older brother, or mom, to front the bill and I really don't want have to do that, but I'm curious if this sounds like what this is. And also since I talk about stuff that I am going through with other panic attack sufferers and it's funny because there is always something that just doesn't feel right, things that I am experiencing that they haven't or aren't.
I seem to constantly be dizzy all of the time, but there are periods when it goes away. Though, I eat plenty, get exercise and drink lots of water. I'm overall a very healthy person - except for all of this. My dizziness has gotten to the point where I want always have something close to me that I can lean on or hold onto, just in case. I can get away with exercising - in my room - and say, running in place for 5 minutes, but I don't have the energy to walk down the street and around my block. I start to get really dizzy, then it ends up where I also get lightheaded. My dizziness and lightheadedness go hand in hand.
I suffer from panic attacks, but yet I almost feel like they aren't exactly panic attacks. And because of that I'm taking SJW to keep my system calm - that is the ONLY thing that I take into my system. I don't take meds and I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, etc.
I'm anxious all of the time because of what I feel and because of the lightheadedness I am always afraid that I'm gonna pass out and I get embarrassed because of it.
Because of the panic attacks and feeling this way, I've gotten to the point where I am also depressed sometimes just because I'm tired of living in my head, and not knowing what is going on with me. Especially when the people around me tell me I should find someone to talk to and yet I have, but that doesn't lesson anything I've been feeling. But at the same time, I'm a happy person and don't feel like this is 'just' panic attacks.
I also have moments where I can't breathe - I even get to the point where I can't stand up without breathing hard. My heart starts beating really fast. Other times for certain time periods I get these very sharp, shooting pains in my heart. So I get a lot of heart palpitations, fluttering, and stabbing pains.
I'm constantly tired. I feel like I am a hundred years old and yet I make sure to exercise 5 days a week. I've always been athletic so it isn't like I'm out of shape, or for any other reason I am 'over' working myself or anything. It's frustrating because I don't have energy to even work outside in the yard. About the most I can force myself to do is an hour and if I do that, I'll pay later because then my body aches and hurts.
I've been getting worse headaches as well. My mom has suffered from Migraines and I didn't think I'd ever get them, but right now I think that I'm progressing to that point because I get headaches at least once a week and they are getting worse.
I've also suffered from IBS my entire life. Right now, surprisingly for the past 3 years it's been on a hiatus so I am very happy about that. I'm sure it'll come back though :(
I had my dad die in '01 from a Heart Attack and then before him his mom and dad also died of Heart Attacks so at the age I am (27) and being a healthy woman that has had family die of heart attacks I know I am a prime candidate for that which freaks me out.
I thought it was just stress and went to take time off from my Nanny job, but now I no longer have that job - the mom fired me. I own my own AVON business, but don't earn that much right now because I don't have the energy to keep up with everything day to day. It takes everything to even take care of my dogs and chickens. I'm just always tired and exhausted. When I push myself too hard I start feeling pain in my chest and dizziness/lightheadedness. So honestly, this is frustrating me and my instincts tell me it is my heart. Which, as my best friend has always told me, my intincts are usually dead on. I also don't want go to the doctor because 1 - I don't want be told that it's all in my head and 2 - I don't want go to the doctor and be told that there is something seriously wrong with me and then have to be stuck on all these meds and such. I don't trust doctors - I've never had one I could trust since I was very young, but that doctor moved and that's the last one I trusted. I've been to the doctors more times than I can count, only to watch them cause more pain and suffering to everyone - including me - around me and it freaks me out to think that I HAVE to go.
Anyhoos, thank you for listening and reading. Any help would be SO incredibly appreciated. Any questions you want ask - feel free.
Kim
Editing to include some more symptoms I forgot to add.
I also realized I forgot to mention this persistent cough I have. It isn't really a cough cough, but this once in while dry plain cough that I have had since I've noticed all this three years ago.
Same with cold chills and numbness in different parts of my body at different times.
Found this page when I was looking for boards on Panic Disorders.
A few years ago I started having panic attacks and have been thinking that I've developed panic disorder. I came here and found posts on MVP and PSVT and I couldn't help but notice that the symptoms, and what people are describing are exactly what I've been going through. I haven't yet gone to a doctor because I don't have insurance and I don't have a job so I would have to rely on my older brother, or mom, to front the bill and I really don't want have to do that, but I'm curious if this sounds like what this is. And also since I talk about stuff that I am going through with other panic attack sufferers and it's funny because there is always something that just doesn't feel right, things that I am experiencing that they haven't or aren't.
I seem to constantly be dizzy all of the time, but there are periods when it goes away. Though, I eat plenty, get exercise and drink lots of water. I'm overall a very healthy person - except for all of this. My dizziness has gotten to the point where I want always have something close to me that I can lean on or hold onto, just in case. I can get away with exercising - in my room - and say, running in place for 5 minutes, but I don't have the energy to walk down the street and around my block. I start to get really dizzy, then it ends up where I also get lightheaded. My dizziness and lightheadedness go hand in hand.
I suffer from panic attacks, but yet I almost feel like they aren't exactly panic attacks. And because of that I'm taking SJW to keep my system calm - that is the ONLY thing that I take into my system. I don't take meds and I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, etc.
I'm anxious all of the time because of what I feel and because of the lightheadedness I am always afraid that I'm gonna pass out and I get embarrassed because of it.
Because of the panic attacks and feeling this way, I've gotten to the point where I am also depressed sometimes just because I'm tired of living in my head, and not knowing what is going on with me. Especially when the people around me tell me I should find someone to talk to and yet I have, but that doesn't lesson anything I've been feeling. But at the same time, I'm a happy person and don't feel like this is 'just' panic attacks.
I also have moments where I can't breathe - I even get to the point where I can't stand up without breathing hard. My heart starts beating really fast. Other times for certain time periods I get these very sharp, shooting pains in my heart. So I get a lot of heart palpitations, fluttering, and stabbing pains.
I'm constantly tired. I feel like I am a hundred years old and yet I make sure to exercise 5 days a week. I've always been athletic so it isn't like I'm out of shape, or for any other reason I am 'over' working myself or anything. It's frustrating because I don't have energy to even work outside in the yard. About the most I can force myself to do is an hour and if I do that, I'll pay later because then my body aches and hurts.
I've been getting worse headaches as well. My mom has suffered from Migraines and I didn't think I'd ever get them, but right now I think that I'm progressing to that point because I get headaches at least once a week and they are getting worse.
I've also suffered from IBS my entire life. Right now, surprisingly for the past 3 years it's been on a hiatus so I am very happy about that. I'm sure it'll come back though :(
I had my dad die in '01 from a Heart Attack and then before him his mom and dad also died of Heart Attacks so at the age I am (27) and being a healthy woman that has had family die of heart attacks I know I am a prime candidate for that which freaks me out.
I thought it was just stress and went to take time off from my Nanny job, but now I no longer have that job - the mom fired me. I own my own AVON business, but don't earn that much right now because I don't have the energy to keep up with everything day to day. It takes everything to even take care of my dogs and chickens. I'm just always tired and exhausted. When I push myself too hard I start feeling pain in my chest and dizziness/lightheadedness. So honestly, this is frustrating me and my instincts tell me it is my heart. Which, as my best friend has always told me, my intincts are usually dead on. I also don't want go to the doctor because 1 - I don't want be told that it's all in my head and 2 - I don't want go to the doctor and be told that there is something seriously wrong with me and then have to be stuck on all these meds and such. I don't trust doctors - I've never had one I could trust since I was very young, but that doctor moved and that's the last one I trusted. I've been to the doctors more times than I can count, only to watch them cause more pain and suffering to everyone - including me - around me and it freaks me out to think that I HAVE to go.
Anyhoos, thank you for listening and reading. Any help would be SO incredibly appreciated. Any questions you want ask - feel free.
Kim
Editing to include some more symptoms I forgot to add.
I also realized I forgot to mention this persistent cough I have. It isn't really a cough cough, but this once in while dry plain cough that I have had since I've noticed all this three years ago.
Same with cold chills and numbness in different parts of my body at different times.
Sponsor
ninjakitty1
03-26-2008, 10:42 PM
Hey all,
I can get away with exercising - in my room - and say, running in place for 5 minutes, but I don't have the energy to walk down the street and around my block. I start to get really dizzy, then it ends up where I also get lightheaded. My dizziness and lightheadedness go hand in hand.
I suffer from panic attacks, but yet I almost feel like they aren't exactly panic attacks... I don't take meds and I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, etc.
I'm anxious all of the time because of what I feel and because of the lightheadedness I am always afraid that I'm gonna pass out and I get embarrassed because of it.
Because of the panic attacks and feeling this way, I've gotten to the point where I am also depressed sometimes just because I'm tired of living in my head, and not knowing what is going on with me.
I also have moments where I can't breathe - I even get to the point where I can't stand up without breathing hard. My heart starts beating really fast. Other times for certain time periods I get these very sharp, shooting pains in my heart. So I get a lot of heart palpitations, fluttering, and stabbing pains.
I'm constantly tired. I feel like I am a hundred years old and yet I make sure to exercise 5 days a week. I've always been athletic so it isn't like I'm out of shape, or for any other reason I am 'over' working myself or anything. It's frustrating because I don't have energy to even work outside in the yard. About the most I can force myself to do is an hour and if I do that, I'll pay later because then my body aches and hurts.
candidate for that which freaks me out.
I also don't want go to the doctor because 1 - I don't want be told that it's all in my head and 2 - I don't want go to the doctor and be told that there is something seriously wrong with me and then have to be stuck on all these meds and such.
Hey Kim :)
I'm so sorry you're feeling like that. I don't know what it is, but you are pretty much describing me, except for the migraines.
I don't trust Dr.s either, but there are some good ones. It would be better to go until you find a good one than to have something seriously wrong and suffer permanant damage from not going.
I'm taking a vitamin that has MAJORLY helped me with panic attacks ( which I had frequently and badly, due to my heart and other stuff as well) www.equilib.us It's marketed as a "mental health" supplement, but it's really just a good multivitamin that helps rebalance the body. Since I started taking it three months ago, I've had 2 panic attacks, when before, I would have at least one a week.
I hope you can figure out what is going on :)
I can get away with exercising - in my room - and say, running in place for 5 minutes, but I don't have the energy to walk down the street and around my block. I start to get really dizzy, then it ends up where I also get lightheaded. My dizziness and lightheadedness go hand in hand.
I suffer from panic attacks, but yet I almost feel like they aren't exactly panic attacks... I don't take meds and I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, etc.
I'm anxious all of the time because of what I feel and because of the lightheadedness I am always afraid that I'm gonna pass out and I get embarrassed because of it.
Because of the panic attacks and feeling this way, I've gotten to the point where I am also depressed sometimes just because I'm tired of living in my head, and not knowing what is going on with me.
I also have moments where I can't breathe - I even get to the point where I can't stand up without breathing hard. My heart starts beating really fast. Other times for certain time periods I get these very sharp, shooting pains in my heart. So I get a lot of heart palpitations, fluttering, and stabbing pains.
I'm constantly tired. I feel like I am a hundred years old and yet I make sure to exercise 5 days a week. I've always been athletic so it isn't like I'm out of shape, or for any other reason I am 'over' working myself or anything. It's frustrating because I don't have energy to even work outside in the yard. About the most I can force myself to do is an hour and if I do that, I'll pay later because then my body aches and hurts.
candidate for that which freaks me out.
I also don't want go to the doctor because 1 - I don't want be told that it's all in my head and 2 - I don't want go to the doctor and be told that there is something seriously wrong with me and then have to be stuck on all these meds and such.
Hey Kim :)
I'm so sorry you're feeling like that. I don't know what it is, but you are pretty much describing me, except for the migraines.
I don't trust Dr.s either, but there are some good ones. It would be better to go until you find a good one than to have something seriously wrong and suffer permanant damage from not going.
I'm taking a vitamin that has MAJORLY helped me with panic attacks ( which I had frequently and badly, due to my heart and other stuff as well) www.equilib.us It's marketed as a "mental health" supplement, but it's really just a good multivitamin that helps rebalance the body. Since I started taking it three months ago, I've had 2 panic attacks, when before, I would have at least one a week.
I hope you can figure out what is going on :)
babygirl2you
03-27-2008, 03:15 PM
Thanks very much NinjaKitty :)
I'll look into that vitamin.
I'll look into that vitamin.
hopesprings2
03-27-2008, 07:34 PM
It could be panic
and it could be heart or lungs
it will take a doctor to figure it out
and it could be heart or lungs
it will take a doctor to figure it out
babygirl2you
03-28-2008, 09:02 PM
Thanks for the help!
Mileena42
03-29-2008, 01:16 AM
I have had MVP for many years, and from my own experience none of those symptoms apply, outside of some slight dizziness and heart pounding on occasion. I have heard that MVP can make you tired, but honestly if thats true then I have been tired all my life and don't know anything else. I think you would do well to see a doctor, most MVP can be heard through listening to your heart...with no job....maybe you could see a clinic and let them listen.
Have you had your ears checked? Dizziness can also be ear problems. I have had that and it can be quite scary and cause you to become anxious.
I had some very severe dizzy spells when I had fluid in my ears, and it caused me to be scared to go out in public because I was so worried it would happen in front of people. I feel for you over this, it can be a horrible way to live.
Either way, I do think you need to see a doctor, if only to give you some peace of mind that it isn't your heart.
Good Luck
Mileena
Have you had your ears checked? Dizziness can also be ear problems. I have had that and it can be quite scary and cause you to become anxious.
I had some very severe dizzy spells when I had fluid in my ears, and it caused me to be scared to go out in public because I was so worried it would happen in front of people. I feel for you over this, it can be a horrible way to live.
Either way, I do think you need to see a doctor, if only to give you some peace of mind that it isn't your heart.
Good Luck
Mileena
babygirl2you
03-29-2008, 12:55 PM
Thanks Mileena,
I've heard a thousand reasons why I could have my dizziness. But, most don't last this long. All these symptoms have been giong on for the past 3 yrs now. Dizziness just doesn't last that long for all those reasons. Yes, my ears are fine. I'm otherwise a very healthy person with how I eat, how much my body gets, etc. That's why I don't understand why all these symptoms have been going on for so long. I get a break for a week here or there and then sure enough, it comes right back. A very frustrating thing. It's weird that dizziness could cause me to not want be around people. It's never bothered me before, but there was a time when it was so bad that - even though I had to work at that time - I could barely stand up. But now, it affects me wanting be around people because now it's embarassing. I hate having people instantly be all concerned and though they mean well, it's overall something I hate having to deal with.
Thank you so much for the suggestions though - and the help.
I've heard a thousand reasons why I could have my dizziness. But, most don't last this long. All these symptoms have been giong on for the past 3 yrs now. Dizziness just doesn't last that long for all those reasons. Yes, my ears are fine. I'm otherwise a very healthy person with how I eat, how much my body gets, etc. That's why I don't understand why all these symptoms have been going on for so long. I get a break for a week here or there and then sure enough, it comes right back. A very frustrating thing. It's weird that dizziness could cause me to not want be around people. It's never bothered me before, but there was a time when it was so bad that - even though I had to work at that time - I could barely stand up. But now, it affects me wanting be around people because now it's embarassing. I hate having people instantly be all concerned and though they mean well, it's overall something I hate having to deal with.
Thank you so much for the suggestions though - and the help.
WATCHOUT!
03-30-2008, 01:50 AM
You could check your thyroid as well...the thyroid can cause all kinds of symptoms, it can affect your heart and definitely make you panicky. I got a heart problem that is now permanent because I went untreated for over 10 years. It is a problem that can be treated with medications depending on whether you are overactive or underactive. Just a thought! God Bless and Good Luck!
Mileena42
03-30-2008, 11:16 AM
Watchout gave very good advice about checking your thyroid. Another reason to see a cardio, he/she would do those test needed to rule out other things before doing all the test on your heart. The first thing my doctor did was check all my blood work, because I was in my 40s and never had any kind of test done.
Like I stated, I understand the fear of people when you are having these dizzy spells. You also might want to consider that the fear of having these in front of people might tend to bring them on.....be aware of whether the fear of getting a spell comes just slightly BEFORE a spell. I talked about it with my own doctor, and he asked me why I was scared to have them in front of people, and like you I didn't want the attention they brought me.
It is also possible that you have Vertigo. I believe this what they call dizzy spells that have no medical reason, but still raise that ugly head. On top of Vertigo you can develope Panic/Anxiety very easily. It took me a long time to overcome this.....I told myself the dizziness would pass within a minute or two and just tried to ride it out.
My doctor also put me on a medication called Anti-Vert. It can control your spells, I had only small movement with them and not full blown tilt-a-world. It might be something you can ask about....once you find out your heart is ok. This medicine helped me to continue my life, and I eventually came off it....but keep some with me like a security blanket. I haven't had to take it in a while. It is also available over the counter now, but I cant recall the name....your pharmacist could help you with that.
I am answering again, because I know how bad it can make life when you feel this way. Please see someone who can give you some professional help before this gets even more out of hand.
Good Luck
Mileena
Like I stated, I understand the fear of people when you are having these dizzy spells. You also might want to consider that the fear of having these in front of people might tend to bring them on.....be aware of whether the fear of getting a spell comes just slightly BEFORE a spell. I talked about it with my own doctor, and he asked me why I was scared to have them in front of people, and like you I didn't want the attention they brought me.
It is also possible that you have Vertigo. I believe this what they call dizzy spells that have no medical reason, but still raise that ugly head. On top of Vertigo you can develope Panic/Anxiety very easily. It took me a long time to overcome this.....I told myself the dizziness would pass within a minute or two and just tried to ride it out.
My doctor also put me on a medication called Anti-Vert. It can control your spells, I had only small movement with them and not full blown tilt-a-world. It might be something you can ask about....once you find out your heart is ok. This medicine helped me to continue my life, and I eventually came off it....but keep some with me like a security blanket. I haven't had to take it in a while. It is also available over the counter now, but I cant recall the name....your pharmacist could help you with that.
I am answering again, because I know how bad it can make life when you feel this way. Please see someone who can give you some professional help before this gets even more out of hand.
Good Luck
Mileena
babygirl2you
03-30-2008, 01:18 PM
Thanks for the suggestions Mileena and Watchout :)
I really appreciate that. And I don't mind that you're helping some more Mileena. I do appreciate the help and I know you're trying to help. I'm just trying to figure out different things that could be going on with me since I really didn't think that the panic attacks were what was causing all this, which sadly (and stress), is what I've been thinking all this time. I never thought that something else could be wrong. I was convinced that is was stress that was doing all of this to me, so I didn't really put together any of the rest of the symptoms until now that I seem to not be getting better since my problems a year ago, had gone away pretty good. Though I think they were still there, but they just quieted down so I didn't really pay attention. And I had read someone's post on PSVT and everything they decribed is exactly the way I've been feeling so I instantly went, what? That's why I wrote this post - to get some ideas.
I'm just trying to figure out what 'could' be going on so that I have some idea when I see someone. It's better to have some ideas going in to discuss, rather than simply going in and saying, "I don't feel well." Then, whoever looks at you has no idea what they could check for and if you happen to feel good that day, then most of the things I've discussed, I completely forget about. Which I do. When my symptoms disappear for a day or so I tend to block them out and forget about everything thinking, oh, so now I'm fine. So I do appreciate all the help.
It's just weird to me also since I don't get sick. I was always under the impression that when you have heart problems, or most problems, that your immune system weakens and you get sick easy, and a lot, but I don't. It's very rare that I do. Aside from the above, it really is surprising when I get sick. Though, I do also think that comes from how well I take care of my body. Even through all of this, I make sure I get plenty of exercise, eat right and I love water so I couldn't get why all this was going on.
My best friend was convinced that it was GAD (because she was recently diagnosed), but honestly, aside from the dizziness that I have and all the rest, I'm not anxious around people. I am quite comfortable around strangers, people, etc., so I found it hard to believe that after all these years out of nowhere I developed an anxiety disorder and that was all it was. Yes, I don't like being dizzy around people and feeling all the rest, but that's just cause I don't like the attention, not out of fear. I'm not afraid of people. Nor do I feel anxious around people. Uncomfortable with them being all concerned about my dizziness and feeling embarrassed? Sure, but not a fear. That's what's been bugging me through all this. Though, I have rarely, but sometimes noticed that the dizziness comes before I have to go somewhere, but generally I am always dizzy and I think it's more of - in those situations - the fact that the dizziness only might get worse in those situations, then come on period. I always seem to be dizzy, it's just to what degree every day is it.
Luckily, the St Johns Wort that I have been taking has dealt with the panic attacks. I haven't had one in quite some time. I've only been on the SJW for about a couple months though, so that's how I know it isn't the cause of all this I've been feeling. The only thing it has affected is the panic attacks which I am very happy about. I couldn't even watch a movie without freaking out before. And now I can go with my brother when he has to go to the stores, minus the going in, just because the dizziness causes me to not like walking around so much - I constantly feel as if I'm gonna fall over so I have to always lean against things or hold onto something.
Thanks so much again :)
I really appreciate that. And I don't mind that you're helping some more Mileena. I do appreciate the help and I know you're trying to help. I'm just trying to figure out different things that could be going on with me since I really didn't think that the panic attacks were what was causing all this, which sadly (and stress), is what I've been thinking all this time. I never thought that something else could be wrong. I was convinced that is was stress that was doing all of this to me, so I didn't really put together any of the rest of the symptoms until now that I seem to not be getting better since my problems a year ago, had gone away pretty good. Though I think they were still there, but they just quieted down so I didn't really pay attention. And I had read someone's post on PSVT and everything they decribed is exactly the way I've been feeling so I instantly went, what? That's why I wrote this post - to get some ideas.
I'm just trying to figure out what 'could' be going on so that I have some idea when I see someone. It's better to have some ideas going in to discuss, rather than simply going in and saying, "I don't feel well." Then, whoever looks at you has no idea what they could check for and if you happen to feel good that day, then most of the things I've discussed, I completely forget about. Which I do. When my symptoms disappear for a day or so I tend to block them out and forget about everything thinking, oh, so now I'm fine. So I do appreciate all the help.
It's just weird to me also since I don't get sick. I was always under the impression that when you have heart problems, or most problems, that your immune system weakens and you get sick easy, and a lot, but I don't. It's very rare that I do. Aside from the above, it really is surprising when I get sick. Though, I do also think that comes from how well I take care of my body. Even through all of this, I make sure I get plenty of exercise, eat right and I love water so I couldn't get why all this was going on.
My best friend was convinced that it was GAD (because she was recently diagnosed), but honestly, aside from the dizziness that I have and all the rest, I'm not anxious around people. I am quite comfortable around strangers, people, etc., so I found it hard to believe that after all these years out of nowhere I developed an anxiety disorder and that was all it was. Yes, I don't like being dizzy around people and feeling all the rest, but that's just cause I don't like the attention, not out of fear. I'm not afraid of people. Nor do I feel anxious around people. Uncomfortable with them being all concerned about my dizziness and feeling embarrassed? Sure, but not a fear. That's what's been bugging me through all this. Though, I have rarely, but sometimes noticed that the dizziness comes before I have to go somewhere, but generally I am always dizzy and I think it's more of - in those situations - the fact that the dizziness only might get worse in those situations, then come on period. I always seem to be dizzy, it's just to what degree every day is it.
Luckily, the St Johns Wort that I have been taking has dealt with the panic attacks. I haven't had one in quite some time. I've only been on the SJW for about a couple months though, so that's how I know it isn't the cause of all this I've been feeling. The only thing it has affected is the panic attacks which I am very happy about. I couldn't even watch a movie without freaking out before. And now I can go with my brother when he has to go to the stores, minus the going in, just because the dizziness causes me to not like walking around so much - I constantly feel as if I'm gonna fall over so I have to always lean against things or hold onto something.
Thanks so much again :)