Hi Thor,
I just commented on your journal.
Sorry to here about your experience in the ER. Doing scans and MRI I don't do well with either. Don't like the closed in feeling. And they don't want you to move. That's tough when your so anxious. I had one CAT scan and my doctor gave me something to take before I did it which helped. I know when I feel the panic I can get very nasty with my words. I feel so bad afterwards. Well I commented on your journal and I'm so happy you are doing well. Thank you so much my friend for your comment. Italianmomma4ever

Hi Thor,
I meant to tell you sorry about all the panic attacks that you have gone through sounds like you have had a lot. The one in the ER sounds like it has been the worse for you. My prayers go out to you. Stay safe and stay well. Italianmomma4ever

When I was a teenager there was a girl in my science class who had severe PTSD and who would have flashbacks every day. It triggered me to have what I now know was panic attacks. It felt like electricity zapping through my body and I would jerk violently and uncontrollably. My chest would hurt a lot- they put me on a monitor for my heart to no avail because by the time I would excuse myself to go take a reading- I'd be away from her and would calm down. I knew I was scared by her flashbacks but never put two and two together.

I had a really bad panic attack a couple years ago as well- walls felt like they were moving, I didn't know if I could walk, felt like I couldn't breathe, heart racing. I went out into the living room and opened the slider to get the cold air on me. I hate throwing up and felt like I was going to.

Thankfully, with my training, I know a panic attack rarely lasts more than 20 minutes. So I knew I just needed to ride it out. I felt so weak I was afraid that if I threw up I would choke on my vomit- I kept having to tell myself that if it happened my body would lurch forward in reflex. It was really scary- I had to rationale with my panicing self that it would end and I'd feel better. I just lay in the cold air trying to breathe and telling myself I would eventually feel better. I ended up falling asleep. That was the worst attack I have ever had- thankfully it has only happened once.

Hi Heart,
The girl sounds like she was going through some tough times. And that's what triggered you to start having panic attacks. Probably listening to everything she was going through made you alittle panicky. I'm glad they found nothing wrong with your heart. Just the anxiety doing that. Sounds like your panic attack years ago was due to anxiety too. Anxiety can really trick the mind and have awful physical effects on the body. Yes panic attacks do subside. There just horrible to go through. And they will end. It's good that you just went got through it. I'm glad no more attacks. And you are trained in this so you know how to handle it. Thanks for your comment my friend. Italianmomma4ever

Yes I have. Still get a bit now and then have a racing heart. I take a breath, cough, then take my pulse(of all things). More deep breaths and then I usually think about something else and it works.
My attacks are not bad now but they used to be. For a while I didn't understand or know how to get out of them. Thank goodness, I learned more and can help myself.
Hugs!

Hi Mary,
Sorry about the racing heart. Anxiety will do that to you. Just keep doing deep breathing. It helps. Visualization is a great way to take your mind off of the racing heart. You picture yourself in a safe place. I always picture myself somewhere on a beautiful beach and just relaxing. With beautiful water and beautiful sand. Lol
That's great that you have found a way to manage them and they have become less. Good for you. Thanks for your comment my friend. Hugs back to you. Italianmomma4ever