Geoff
15-04-08, 04:01
Hi. I'm Geoff. I am 55 now. First had panic attacks in my mid 20's; quit a stressful job and that took care of it at the time. Had a few more when going through a very rough patch with a failing business and bankruptcy about 10 years ago. But now I have a great, low stress, rewarding job, a stable and happy 20 year relationship and I'm freaking out!
When I'm working I'm fine. Then I get in the car and head someplace for lunch and by the time I get there I'm starting to lose it and half the time I can't eat. Half a Valium, borrowed from my dear wife, will usually get me back on an even keel, a whole one if I've left it too late, but then I need to lie down and deal with shaking and nausea for a while.
I should say that this started up again a couple of months ago, but so far I have only had 2 severe attacks of the kind just described. But it always seems to be lurking in the back of my consciousness, ready to pounce.
I have quit chocolate, since caffeine seems to aggravate, and have just quit drinking alcohol for the past few days. Normally I am a beer lover and get through 3 or 4 dozen a week, but I don't believe I am an alcoholic since I exhibit no withdrawal symptoms on those occasions when I don't indulge for a while.
Hoping I can learn something here that may help me get a handle on this. My normal first recourse would be my GP, but she has just abruptly retired due to health problems of her own. So I am at sea and searching for a lifeline.
When I'm working I'm fine. Then I get in the car and head someplace for lunch and by the time I get there I'm starting to lose it and half the time I can't eat. Half a Valium, borrowed from my dear wife, will usually get me back on an even keel, a whole one if I've left it too late, but then I need to lie down and deal with shaking and nausea for a while.
I should say that this started up again a couple of months ago, but so far I have only had 2 severe attacks of the kind just described. But it always seems to be lurking in the back of my consciousness, ready to pounce.
I have quit chocolate, since caffeine seems to aggravate, and have just quit drinking alcohol for the past few days. Normally I am a beer lover and get through 3 or 4 dozen a week, but I don't believe I am an alcoholic since I exhibit no withdrawal symptoms on those occasions when I don't indulge for a while.
Hoping I can learn something here that may help me get a handle on this. My normal first recourse would be my GP, but she has just abruptly retired due to health problems of her own. So I am at sea and searching for a lifeline.