what tests has everyone had??

[JR]

just wondering what kind of tests people have had to rule out any important problems?

[nomorepanic]

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

[Steph]

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

[Meg]

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...

[julie]

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]

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]

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

[RMCD]

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 :(:(:(

[Steph]

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

[Meg]

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...