Hi everybody,
I have been suffering from panic attacks and anxiety for many years now (I remember having my first panic attack when I was about 10, and I'm 30 now!!) Over the years, the attacks have progressed from 'minor symptoms' such as hyperventilating and pins and needles, to the now more major ones like having to shut myself away from anyone or anything because I can't deal with any outside influences at all, what is known in our house as jigging (the adrenalin means that I can't keep my legs still), and at ir's most severe a really horrible 'hot flush', followed by the pleasant experience of puking everywhere! Nice!!
I have been on various concoctions of drugs, as hte psychiatrist I was sent to a few years ago diagnosed my problem as the old 'chemical imbalance', because there really is nothing that triggers it (it can even happen when I'm asleep):( I was originally prescribed Citalopram, and then given Venlafaxine (75mg), along with Beta Blockers. These do help, but obviously don't solve the problem. Things were exascerbated a couple of years ago when my younger brother died very suddenly, but again the drugs kind of masked things a little there I think.
At this point in time, I don't feel like me half the time and I have severe problems going out socially (I've lost most of my friends because, quite understandably, they think I'm just being stupid and think I need to pull myself together. Others think I just don't like them anymore[V]). I don't seem to struggle at work though which is wierd.
My poor boyfriend has had to put up with so much, and while he is very gentle with me, he gets so frustrated when I won't go shopping with him, or go out for a drink. Who can blame him?
Anyway, I'm really pleased I've found you guys - it's going to be nice to be able to talk to people who really understand what I'm on about!
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