View Full Version : what tests has everyone had??
just wondering what kind of tests people have had to rule out any important problems?
nomorepanic
06-10-03, 12:20
Hi JR
I have had numerous blood tests for various things - including thyroid problems. I have had an EEG, an ECG, went to see a neurologist, seen an ear-specialist (cos i was feeling dizzy all the time), done a 24-hour urine test (twice!). Phew I think that is all!
Guess what - they found nothing wrong - which is good.
Nicola
Well I have been to see a neurologist and he found nothing wrong but has now referred me to Kings College to have a brain scan !! but that is because I tend to pass out a lot! Anyway I also had to have a blood test for the thyroid ??? So Nicola why do they do that do you know?? Im also on a waiting list to have counselling - oh and I have just had my 5th PA but am handling them so much better now thanks to all the advice I have been given on this website.
SD
Steph,
Having an over / underactive thyroid can very commonly induce panic/ anxiety.
When you have your panics Steph do you get short of breath ?
Meg
Watch your thoughts, they become your words...
Watch your words, they become your actions... Watch your actions, they become your habits... Watch your habits, they become your character... Watch your character, it becomes your destiny...
Hi JR,
I've seen an E.N.T guy who did lots of tests - hearing, balance and a whole heap more cos i literally couldn't walk i was so dizzy for a couple of months but he found nothing. I've been to see a neurologist (in a wheelchair cos i couldn't walk i was that dizzy and my sight was also badly affected) and after his tests he found nothing. I've even had an MRI scan and they found nothing. The symptoms are very real to me but i'm not on any medication because 'there is nothing wrong with me'!
Julie
nomorepanic
07-10-03, 19:37
Steph
I think Radar answered the question about the Thyroid - cheers Radar.
I am glad the info on the site has helped you - it has me too. There is so much advice and people that take the time to reply and help others. Radar, in particular, is doing a superb job :-)
Hope you are well Steph
Nicola
RobertFlyde
08-10-03, 08:06
I never thought i was suffering panic attacks when all this first started, i genuinely thought i had a heart problem. I'd never thought of panic attacks until the doctor explained them to me after all these tests!!!!
The first test i had was to see if i had an underactive/overactive thyroid. This was a blood test at the hospital, proved nothing wrong. Then i went to see a cardiologist and have lots of tests. An exercise treadmill test, They scanned my heart, checked my lung capacity, 24hour heart monitor, 6 week heart monitor, several ECG's. Blood test for Glandular Fever. All these tests were ok and proved everything was fine!!! Although a sting to the wallet as i went private, because the waiting list was too long on NHS and i couldn’t wait that long, as my doctor would not allow me to go to work etc.....
Robert
I have been suffering from panic attacks for about 5 years now and i only found out that this is what it was about 3 months ago, they are very frightening and i cant seem to think about anything else when i get a pain in my chest, Ihave had 7 ECG an EEG and also a chest x-ray and nothing so what am i worried about? try telling my brain that as soon as i get a pain it is like something in my head just clicks and off i go into panic mode. I am on anti depressants now but i still panic it is realy hacking me off now it affects my work ,relationship and i cant seem to relax anymore :(:(:(
Hi Radar
Yeah I get short of breath - I gasp for air !!! - Why??
I do work out too at the gym 2-3 times a week.
Steph
SD
Hi Steph,
I'd bet that if you notice anything that you get some sort of pins and needles too first...
Overbreathing is a classic reason for passing out. Breathing too quickly and shallowly disturbs the natural oxygen/carbon dioxide balance. Making you faint is the body's quickest and safest way to rebalance itself.
Your bronchial tubes dilate when you're stressed thus requiring more air than usual to fill the lungs so it feels that it’s taking more effort to breathe- it is – you’re taking in more air at each breath.
You need to control your breathing early on . Breathe in for count of 2 and out for count of at least 3, preferably 4. Really slow it all down as soon as possible.
If it's just not happening to start with breathe in and out of a good old mushroom/ Mac D paper bag for a minute.Recycle your air.
I know you faint too after alcohol and being sick. When vomiting we upset the natural rhythms of breathing and can stimulate the vagus nerve which can cause you to faint. No big deal as long as you don't clonk your head- again !
Let us know how your CAT scan goes . Take care
Meg
Watch your thoughts, they become your words...
Watch your words, they become your actions... Watch your actions, they become your habits... Watch your habits, they become your character... Watch your character, it becomes your destiny...
Radar
Yes when I went to the neurologist the other day he explained to me about that vagus nerve, he also said that some people can faint when they sneeze or even when they go to the toilet in the middle of the night etc... so I have come to the conclusion that it's just one of those things and that maybe I will need to wear a helmet when Im being sick next!!! ha ha....
Anyway had another PA in the back of my car (I wasn't driving) for no apparant reason - yes I did get Pins and Needles... but managed to sort the breathing out and was fine but it does still shake me up !! I do feel very proud of myself actually as with all the diffent problems (nut allergy, fainting and PA's) that I have Im very lukcy that I have never experianced the feeling of NOT wanting to venture out and becoming homebound if you know what I mean - suppose it must mean Im very headstrong ? But I do feel for people who get that like it must be an awful feeling.....
I will of let u know about scan but I really don't think they will find anything major, like I say I think it's just one of those things!! Have you ever had one?
Thanks
Stephx
SD
Hi Steph,
Well done indeed for keeping so positive. I think once you actually know whats going on it makes things more manageable. It's more scary when you have no idea what's the matter and so think the worst.
I would recommend that you practice your slow , deep, longer out breathing often so it becomes easy for you . The when you do start feeling panic coming on you can switch into that mode and you should be able to eliminate all pins/needles and faints due to panic.
It's great news indeed that you have already learn to breathe yourself out of one. The next will be easier still !!
I too hope the CAT scan is clear and agree this may be something you always have to be careful of and learn to manage but with planning and self education you may well be able to eliminate them all together.
Keep us posted.
Meg
Watch your thoughts, they become your words...
Watch your words, they become your actions... Watch your actions, they become your habits... Watch your habits, they become your character... Watch your character, it becomes your destiny...
nomorepanic
14-10-03, 21:50
Steph
Hiya :-)
Won't the cat scan freak you out - it did my sister and she doesn't have panic attacks. I hear it can be very claustrophobic?
Nicola
NO not at all - the doctor explained what happens and they just put loads of sticky plaster things on your head etc.... and you just have to lay there for about 45 mins - I don't actually think it's a CAT scan its a brain scan (are those the same thing?) I actually think it will be quite relaxing.....
Radar I will keep practising my breathing as you have advised.... Thanks
nomorepanic
20-10-03, 12:19
Stpeh
Is it a EEG instead then? The catscan is where you go into that tube isn't it?
Nicola
Hi,
Yes, thats an EEG. It measures and draws the trace of electrical output of the brain. Much as an ECG does of the heart.
A CAT scan is an image based scan.
Its confusing as they could both be called scans.
Much gloop can be used to get a good connection although they do have more esthetic ways now so a scarf or something could be of use. Some places have hair washing facilities.
Meg
Watch your thoughts, they become your words...
Watch your words, they become your actions... Watch your actions, they become your habits... Watch your habits, they become your character... Watch your character, it becomes your destiny...
yes i have had pa for about 10 years off and on numerous tests done heart scans ecg,s they found a faulty valve which sent me way over the top for about 4 years went down to 6 stone in weight had 2 young children to look after but my husband was very supportive and still is but the good news is i now run a buisness have 10 members of staff deal with the public every day and apart from small hiccups i,m generally a lot better if any one had said that to me all those years ago i would never have believed it so all hang on in there it does get better
wow, well done Marion! How did you manage to overcome your panic or do you still suffer? Look forward to hearing from you
Kate x
Many years ago, when I was at puberty, I suffered from epilepsy. I only had a handful of attacks, and it was put down to my age. They were right, and thankfully I grew out of it, but not before they had put me through hell. In 1972 to have an EEG you had to go to the local mental hospital cos that was the only place they had the machines, and the experience still lives with me now.
millie
Hi
I haven't been on for a while, I haven't had anymore PA's for a while now which is excellent...
I have just received my appointment for my EEG 14/1/04 it's a sleeping and waking one..
Still haven't had an appointment with the councellor yet though - think I have been waiting for about 4 months for that one!!
Stephx
Hiya Steph,
It's great news you haven't had any attacks for a while!!
Let us know how your ECG goes though!!
Love
Lucky
Julie,
Are you still going around these boards?? I have read your post about the wheelchair thing and visisting the neuro and ent. I can relate to that. I have a few questions for you. Are you still dizzy? do you feel off balance when you walk? and is it all been put down to anxiety? Could you describe how the dizzyness feels and the off balance sensations. I would really apprecaiet your feed back. I have had a true inner ear problem that triggered of similiar symptoms and I am now wondering if the anxiety is sorta mimicking the original problem as I really hate it so much. I have had the MRI too etc all normal. But on the posturograph test is showed I had a vestibular problem so????????? but I have had treatment (the epley to resolve that) and whilst yes its stopped the motion sensativity I am still stuck with these faint/lightheaded/dizzy and off balance feelings. I am not on any meds either. THANKS!!
Ilia
while i was suffering from panic agoraphobis i had several tests....BUT it took my doctors 11 yrs to do any sort of tests it wasnt until the last yr that i suffered that i was given a brain scan and a Thyroid test..even though thyriod is genetic.
della[:O]
Thanks Becky becks. Yea sometimes I get pulsating without alchol like body pulsating.
GingerFish
01-04-16, 19:48
Blood tests including a d dimer test to check for clots, EKG, chest x ray, colonoscopy, MRI scan and numerous physical check ups.
drivememad
03-04-16, 20:56
Blood tests including full blood count, kidneys, liver vitamin D, B12, folic acid Calcium, magnesium, Phosphate, potassium, thyroid, D-Dimmer, Hormones, 2 chest x rays .CT scan of chest, several ECG...all of this I found to be low in folic acid and calcium, :blush:
This thread is from 2003. What's interesting and most pertinent in this thread as with all the other "what tests have you had" threads is that with very, very few exceptions, nothing sinister was found in all the tests that were done.
Positive thoughts
What's interesting and most pertinent in this thread as with all the other "what tests have you had" threads is that with very, very few exceptions, nothing sinister was found in all the tests that were done.
That really makes you think. It's something we should all concentrate on as much as possible.
I haven't had that many compared to people on here really, currently waiting on thyroid test and full blood count(doctor recommended due to current symptoms) i am fully expecting the all clear on them. Although doc thinks possibly i thyroid issue i am not so sure, i know my stress levels over recent months have been off the chart, and i know first hand how that can mess with everything and cause some freaky symptoms, even if it is days/weeks/months later
Mrschurchill
03-04-16, 22:37
24 hour ECG
24 hour blood pressure monitor
Full blood count twice in 2 years
Multiple urine test
Liver test
Hearing test
Lung function and heart rate tests on an exercise bike
Skin biopsy
Sigmoidoscopy
:ohmy:
Nothing found :doh:
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