My Panic is Back! - Panic Disorders Message Board

cott · 08-11-2002, 02:26 PM

I'm 30 years old and 6 years ago was agorophobic. I put myself in the hospital for depression and panic and was put on Prozac, Klonopin, and Ativan. After six months of meds and counseling, I was panic free and functioning as a 'productive' member of society. I have been panic free (though I experienced anxiety now and then) for the past 5 years.

I was recently admitted to the hospital with a bleeding ulcer. I had no idea I had an ulcer. I went to the doctor feeling 'icky' and with signs of blood in my stool. He checked me for anemia and my hemoglobin level was 7.2 (half what it should have been). I was put in the hospital and given a total of 4 units of blood. A Laposcomy (sp) was ordered.

My anxiety level was very high during the admission and the first couple of days there. While sitting on the table being prepped for the test, I had my first full-blown panic attack in five years. After I was released I had another panic attack in my bedroom for 'no reason' at all. I came very close to having one my first day back at work and wanted very much to go home and hide under the covers, but I wouldn't let myself. My third full panic attack in a week and a half came at a training I was attending for work. My anxiety level was so high I was having trouble functioning. I made up my mind to see my doctor.

I was given Nortriptylin this time, with Ativan for attacks. I've been on this now for 2 weeks. I've only had to take the Ativan once and my general anxiety seems much lessened.

Has anyone else had experiences similar to this? Has anyone else taken Nortriptylin? I would appreciate any input.

andreaphilip3 · 08-11-2002, 03:11 PM

im so sorry this happens to you. my experience is very similar.... i never had anxiety issues&then i did &then was free for quite a few years until mid march of this year when my life was turned inside out&upside down& now every day is a struggle. i take .5 mg xanax(sometimes more, sometimes less)

right now the majority of my attacks are triggered by a particular dr inside my chiropractic office where i get treated. they usually occur 1x month when i have to c this dr &they are aweful!!! so i understand about how ya had an attack during the test.

Lizzy H · 08-13-2002, 05:09 PM

Hi Batty

It really is no wonder you had a PA after what had happened to you. I think you really understand that too. It is just going to take time for your adrenalin hyped up nerves to settle again. So what if you need medication, all that matters is that you are now feeling a little better. Im sorry I dont know about your medication so cant comment on it. Perhaps look at this as a blip or minor setback. In regards as to what you were like a few years ago Im sure thats all it is.
Good Luck
Lizzy XX

08-13-2002, 08:05 PM

I understand. It is REALLY scary and nerve-wracking to have a relapse. It's normal to have a lot of anxiety go along with stressful medical procedures. I had my wisdom teeth out in April, and I though I was going off the deep-end again. After the pain subsided and the healing began, I felt much better. Give yourself some time to get over what happened to you, and be kind to yourself.

cott · 08-15-2002, 06:10 PM

Thanks, guys!

I'm doing better. I haven't had any full blown attacks, and the general anxiety seems to be better. I still have to remind myself to just let things go sometimes, but I've always been like that.

I had a rough day Monday. One of our 5 month old puppies died. We think it was Parvo. It was a quick and devastating illness. The other puppy seems to be fine, though. We are watching her carefully. I'm having to struggle with not letting myself feel like it was my fault. My husband is very supportive, though.
It also helps being able to talk openly on here.

Thanks for listening!