This guy comes up to me at the library, and tells me he knows me, I got so anxious, that I told him lets step outside, to talk...

MY HEART BEATED SOOOOOOO FAST, and I THOUGHT ITS GONNA STOP! and the guy goes Why did your lips go white? I am like, did they really... he goes yeah! and 10 seconds later MY BODY JUST WENT SO COLD, LIKE I WAS DROPED INTO A COLD WATER, MY SKIN TURNED WHITE, MY MOUTH BECOME BITTER, I STARTED TO SHRUG. AND I WAS ABOUT TO COLAPSE!

We went into his car, he turned up the heat, and 5 minz later i was okay, and than I found out his was a old friend of mine!

I think what happend to me was a MILD VERSION OF A SHOCK, I NEVER EVER EXPERIENCED SUCH A THING!

[This message has been edited by Just-A-Boy (edited 04-30-2003).]

WoW.... I don't know much about shock, but I've experienced symptoms similar to that during my attacks. One of the things about GAD is that we diagnose ourselves with the worst case scenario. I've thought I was going into shock at times too, having a seizure, heart attack, losing my mind. None of these things are actually happening. Mind you, I'm not a doctor and I wasn't there at the time; but seeing as you were able to understand what was happening to you, then making it to the car, and responding to your friend, I doubt it was shock. The main thing is, you're okay now. HOw did you feel afterwards? How do you feel now?

Vio~~

Well I was in MENTAL SHOCK! Saying to my self WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPEND TO ME! Later on, I thought my heart stopped, than it started to work again... OMG what a HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE! I DONT ANY ONE EVER TO GO THROUGH THAT.

MY BODY COMPLETELY WENT COLD... DEEP INSIDE I WAS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COLD!

I came home took some Propranolol! To stop the excessive andranaline in my body! and took a shower!

I am telling you, its "the most" horrible experience I had with anxiety!

Fear is a very powerful thing, ever hear the phrase "paralyzed with fear?" Adrenaline is our bodies reaction, readying it to act accordingly(flight or fight). It can be very uncomfortable though. But hey, without fear to guide us, we would probably get into alot of trouble!

Just-a-boy, its' understandable that you were scared when a perfect stranger confronted you...the horrors of the crimes seen on the evening news is enough to make anyone worry about the intentions of others. But not everyone is a mass-murderer. I'd say staying in a people-populated area would be safe while being confronted with a stranger...well, I'm glad he turned out to be a friend rather than foe!

Careful with the propranonol; it too is a powerful drug. Have you ever tried milk for calming? Milk has typtophan, calcium, both good for the brain plus natural sugars that help you if your blood sugar drops. A long time ago, a neighboors' child felt dizzy in my house and I gave him some milk to sip. He felt better within 20 minutes. Milk is a good calmer, plus has alot of good protein to boot.

[This message has been edited by Jennita (edited 04-30-2003).]

Trust me, Jennita, once you have a panic attack like this, milk just isn't enough. I used to have the heartbeat and the feeling of running out of air, plus I had goosebumps. The worst attack ever left my hands numb, I could not feel them, and I could not speak. I learned to control my breath on the onset of an attack and that helps a lot. But it takes practice, and appropriate guidance. I don't think I could've learned it on my own.

Jennita Ms. Know It All http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Can you please tell me more about Propranolol...

My doctor just prescribed Propranolol Extended Release 60MG, I havent taken it yet... I sometimes take 10mg Propranolol, in case of ANXIETY Emergency hehehe!

Just-a-boy....I wish I did know it all http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif! But actually, the thing I heard about propranonol was from my mom's doctor, who told her she can't just stop it, that it would have to be weaned or another simular drug to take it's place. She was taking it for high blood pressure. So by his comment, I am assuming it is a strong medication? But my mom did really well on it, so don't worry too much about it....just make sure you have the PDF handy and use good judgement in how you use it and everything should be ok. It is sure better than a benzo at any rate.

Janik,

I just thought the milk would be helpful; I have heard some people say it does help, especially if there is a drop in blood sugar. I know sometimes when things are that severe, not every remedy will stop it, though. Guess that's when a small dose of medication might be called for, or perhaps learning the breathing techniques like you have can really help. A doctor told me once that even something like hyperventalation can effect oxygen levels in the blood so severely that a person can literally pass out from it....so breathing definately has an effect on our bodies.

[This message has been edited by Jennita (edited 05-01-2003).]

Originally posted by Jennita:
Janik,

I just thought the milk would be helpful

Of course, and I agreee, it is very relaxing. I happily drink my two glasses per day. But boy, when you undergo a panic attack you definitely want something stronger! That is why prescription meds are sometimes (but not always) necessary. Actually, let me say "progressively innecessary". With this I mean they help you in the beginning, while you are learning to prevent these episodes and how to deal with them. It takes a long time, but eventually you can do without the meds.