ellsbells136
27-10-13, 20:33
Hi - a friend has recommended this site to me and I thought I would give it a go.
My diagnosis of panic disorder has taken a few months. Originally was diagnosed with labyrinthitis. Had a major dizzy spell whilst driving down a dual carriageway on my way to work one morning, and that was it really. At some point, I think the dizzy spells became panic attacks, but I can't be sure when this actually happened.
Things have got a lot worse over the past month - my "attacks" just appear to come out of nowhere, but generally when I'm driving (I have now stopped!), or when I'm in crowded or noisy places, although I can be sat quietly watching tv and one will just start. Mine start in my stomach - it's almost like a huge knot that just builds and builds and then my heart starts to beat fast, I get pins and needles in my hands, and I tremble uncontrollably. They generally last about 5-10 minutes, but I then feel absolutely worn out for the rest of the day, and also incredibly emotional.
I have now gone back to the doctor and he has prescribed beta-blockers and referred me for CBT. I'm incredibly nervous on taking medication, but it is making my life a misery and I am now in the place of trying anything.
I have been reading through some of the posts and have already picked up a few bits that I have been doing wrong - I am a bit of a caffeine addict, so am now going to cut back on my caffeine intake. I have also found that surrounding myself with friends is good for me, but invariably always leads to a few glasses of wine. Having read on here that the after effects of alcohol can bring on a panic attack seems to add up as well.
Pleased to meet you all anyway.
My diagnosis of panic disorder has taken a few months. Originally was diagnosed with labyrinthitis. Had a major dizzy spell whilst driving down a dual carriageway on my way to work one morning, and that was it really. At some point, I think the dizzy spells became panic attacks, but I can't be sure when this actually happened.
Things have got a lot worse over the past month - my "attacks" just appear to come out of nowhere, but generally when I'm driving (I have now stopped!), or when I'm in crowded or noisy places, although I can be sat quietly watching tv and one will just start. Mine start in my stomach - it's almost like a huge knot that just builds and builds and then my heart starts to beat fast, I get pins and needles in my hands, and I tremble uncontrollably. They generally last about 5-10 minutes, but I then feel absolutely worn out for the rest of the day, and also incredibly emotional.
I have now gone back to the doctor and he has prescribed beta-blockers and referred me for CBT. I'm incredibly nervous on taking medication, but it is making my life a misery and I am now in the place of trying anything.
I have been reading through some of the posts and have already picked up a few bits that I have been doing wrong - I am a bit of a caffeine addict, so am now going to cut back on my caffeine intake. I have also found that surrounding myself with friends is good for me, but invariably always leads to a few glasses of wine. Having read on here that the after effects of alcohol can bring on a panic attack seems to add up as well.
Pleased to meet you all anyway.