Jon K
23-02-07, 00:00
Hi people.
I've just been convinced that what's happening to me is panic attacks, and right now I'm basically feeling very relieved.
I had my first panic attack two days ago, at work. I started feeling off-colour and worked myself up through hyperventilation to palpatations, which felt so horrible I (being alone in the office at that time) called the emergency number. Security came to my desk, and I calmed down enough to regain my breath and convince myself it was over.
I got a taxi to the hospital to be sure, and after a long, nervy wait (and lots of cups of water!) I was given a couple of ECGs and had a blood sample taken. They asked lots of questions about stress, but the thing is, I really don't think I've been under *any* - which me doubt that was the cause. Eventually I was discharged, still without really knowing what was going on.
Over the last couple of days, I've felt OK a lot of the time, getting more tense and anxious as the day wears on, and also when trying to sleep (in part because I can hear my heartbeat!) I've had recurring pains in my chest and arms too, tingling sensations in my hands, arms and chest, dizzy spells and shaking.
I started worrying again, so today I called NHS Direct (0845-4647) and I am so impressed with the level of care and attention. The nurse answered all my questions very politely, making absolutely certain I was OK, joking along with me, and I didn't feel at all rushed in the 35 minutes I was on the phone. It was the first time I heard anyone mention panic attacks since it all started. I really can't recommend that service enough.
So here I am, still a bit bemused about what has triggered this whole thing, but much more relaxed for the knowledge. I plan to cut out coffee (which I had been consuming a lot of in the week running up to my attack) and limit my alcohol intake, and just see where things go from here...
What I need now is a good massage to get rid of some tension!
I've just been convinced that what's happening to me is panic attacks, and right now I'm basically feeling very relieved.
I had my first panic attack two days ago, at work. I started feeling off-colour and worked myself up through hyperventilation to palpatations, which felt so horrible I (being alone in the office at that time) called the emergency number. Security came to my desk, and I calmed down enough to regain my breath and convince myself it was over.
I got a taxi to the hospital to be sure, and after a long, nervy wait (and lots of cups of water!) I was given a couple of ECGs and had a blood sample taken. They asked lots of questions about stress, but the thing is, I really don't think I've been under *any* - which me doubt that was the cause. Eventually I was discharged, still without really knowing what was going on.
Over the last couple of days, I've felt OK a lot of the time, getting more tense and anxious as the day wears on, and also when trying to sleep (in part because I can hear my heartbeat!) I've had recurring pains in my chest and arms too, tingling sensations in my hands, arms and chest, dizzy spells and shaking.
I started worrying again, so today I called NHS Direct (0845-4647) and I am so impressed with the level of care and attention. The nurse answered all my questions very politely, making absolutely certain I was OK, joking along with me, and I didn't feel at all rushed in the 35 minutes I was on the phone. It was the first time I heard anyone mention panic attacks since it all started. I really can't recommend that service enough.
So here I am, still a bit bemused about what has triggered this whole thing, but much more relaxed for the knowledge. I plan to cut out coffee (which I had been consuming a lot of in the week running up to my attack) and limit my alcohol intake, and just see where things go from here...
What I need now is a good massage to get rid of some tension!