Sitting in the car. Sudden winded feeling. I was gasping for air OMG

[traciec39]

Hi everyone
Yesterday my hubby and I were driving home and from nowhere I got a sudden feeling that all my breath had been forced from my body. I was gasping for air, panicking and telling my hubby to pull over.
It felt like a spasm just under my boobs almost as if something in there was jumping around.
It is the most terrifying feeling. I thought I was going to die.
I have had this before over the years but this has left me so scared incase it happens again.
It lasted for about 2 mins but it's awful.
I have been having acid reflux a lot lately.
Also I'm obviously very anxious as I can't fall asleep at night, I gasp just as I'm drifting off to sleep( very scary)
Has this happened to anyone?
Is it my heart?
Thanks xx

[skippy66]

This has happened to me on multiple occasions and I can relate to exactly how scary it feels. Once it happened on the motorway when I was driving. Every time I have been convinced I would die there and then.

You have to realise that you didn't die from it. Scary as it was, you were fine. It's almost certainly panic-related in my opinion.

[traciec39]

Hi Skippy
Thank you so much for replying to me.
It's just happened again but not so strong.

It's as if the top of my stomach is being pulled
Sharply and the breath is snatched from me.
Is yours the same ?
My tummy is gurgling like anything today,
I know that part is anxiety.
The instant it happens I need water to sip, for some strange reason.

It's the most scary symptom I've ever had in my
20 years of panic disorder.
Any tips that have helped you to calm this?
Thanks again xx

[traciec39]

Please if anyone else gets these could you please let me know how to stop it happening.
tonight its been happening continually for the last 2 hours.
Really dont know if its my heart or my tummy xxxx

[jared]

Find something to get yourself involved in. That immerses your thoughts. For me it was doing an oil change one night. I had such bad chest pains and decided to change the oil before I died (ha!) and I was enjoying it so much the pain went away.

I like that you said "boobs" because I like them too. (Sorry just a little humor) :-)

[nomorepanic]

Are you on anything for the reflux?

[traciec39]

Thank you Jared. It's impossible to distract myself
When this happens. It's a hard one to tackle. I've had many
Forms of panic attacks over the years but this is so
Frightening. Last night I ended up taking a 5 mg diazepam
And going to bed.
I don't have anymore diazepam so that's not an
Option anymore.
Nicola. I take lansoprazole every day, I have been
On these for years. I also take gaviscon when I
Feel acid.
I'm wondering if what I'm experiencing is skipped
Heart beats. Would they make me gasp?
Thank you for your answers xxxx