TrayC

Hello...

When my panic attacks first began, it started out just as you described. When I had my first panic attack back in the late 80's, I was at work. It just hit me out of the blue. My boss peeked his head around the corner and informed me he would be in the restroom for awhile, I said okay, and turned to get back to work.
Once I heard the door shut, my heart began to race and I had my first full blown panic attack.

For the next two weeks after that, I went down hill fast with what you have just described. I ended up having to quit my job at that time as well. I could not drive anywhere or go anywhere because the lingering fear of being sick in public and not having access to the restroom in time.

I don't know why my mind connected two such strange dots together - panic attacks & restrooms, which still hinder me to this day. I just posted about my latest episode in the thread I started entitled having a panic attack in Target.

Anyway, I know what youare going through....In the late 80's I tried to seek help, but then the medical community didn't know much about panic attacks and labled it stress.

I was given idea's by a counselor that helped me a lot with ideas, such as always having a large towel, papertowels and a large pot in the back seat just to have the "comfort" of knowing I have an emergency backup just in case. It helps me in the car but not in public places.

I also suffer from IBS, among other digestive issues. I know that fiber helps as well and when I pay attention to my diet, it helps a lot as well. I am also finding that processed foods and HFC syrup jack with my system as well.