Yes they sure can, Mine have lasted for 2 years straight. Read this it might help.

http://dailystrength.org/discussions/Anxiety/messages/1654039

The episode could clearly be one of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Have you had an incident (frightening) recently? P.T.S.D. is often a more thorough diagnosis than simply 'anxiety' or Anxiety disorder, and covers Many-more symptoms, allowing onself to assume some control over the syptoms, with a good therapist.Rest in a warm/cool room, get comfy, feel safe, take neurofen or anxiety medication, if you have acess to this, darken the room, drink alot of water, and stay in this state until at least one (1) of your symptons release, themselves.
Work on each symopton one at a time, doing what you can, cold towels, bath, easy-music
until Your able to tolerate Normal-activity. (This may be difficult if your busy, so make Time!). If it gets worse se a MD straight away, something 'may' be awray, (Thyroid, vitamin B, migraine). Jessica

Thanks! I am definitely going to get the book. I can't imagine going thru this for years!

I did have major surgery 3 weeks ago. I was really scared to have the surgery. I thought I would be ok after it was over but I have been in terrible shape. I went to er last night-they checked my blood, did a ct ot my head. My blood was high on something about a blood clot so then they did a ct of my lungs. Didn't see anything so I guess it is just anxiety or what you said-P.T.S.D. I don't know much about that. Would something like surgery cause that? Thanks for the info!

Sometimes, when you feel like you are having an anxiety attack for days, its not a full blown attack. It may have started as one and then turned into you fearing that you will have another one. So you stay in a constant state of feeling on the verge of a panic attack.

Sudden/severe Trauma causes P.T.S.D.
It means the person has reacted to the trauma in an immediate, (eg: anxiety,heart-rate,pulse,sweating,disorganised speech,fear-in extreme, sometimes psychosis-rare, and an up/downfeeling like your on a see-saw-worse a whirly girdy that is difficult to stop. Imagine if a 2 year old was on a wirly for 5 minutes real-fst, imagine their fear if mom/dad were not there.Fortunatly these TOYS stop in there own motion, but life doesn't, so these emotions can last for years once one has experienced them.
Imagine yourself counce3lling some-one who felt-the-same-way -you-do-today?
What would you say?
What would you do?
I was diagnosed withy ptsd, after an assault (physical),
It was the most weird/paranormal feeling.Colours were too bright, I felt every drop of adrenaline, the sky was spinning, it went on for three days, fortunatly a friend of mine had been in the Air-Force and knew about
'torture'and shock.He rented a motel-room away from home, away from the incident,the sheets were clean, ihad food pilled in the fridge, He let me go through the scariest stage-first, then he got some diazepam (valium) from
the doctor, I took this and slept for a week, choking/sobbing/screaming in my head/exhausted(spiritually,physically).
After two weeks he started taking me out (like a tourist), I was petrified.
After 4 weeks I went home, and feeling alot better! So now and then under duress (physical, spiritual) the PTSD pops up again:BUT now Im Armed, and even though scared s3itless gently,consciously,carefully,
get through to the other side. Which isn't normal, but I feel safer. Medecines have their place, but proffessional (whats that?)
Guidance (where?) is Imperative, even if that proffessional is your mother/bestfriend holding you till you breath again. I hope I havn't said too-much.
Sister to Sister, Jessica

Oh no! I see that I don't have that. I hope and pray I never have to go thru anything like that. Thanks for the info. You didn't say too much. Your in my thoughts and prayers!

yes it can last for days. You just have to make yourself get up and live your like. I know it feels hopeless sometimes, but surrounding yourself with friends and family helps. I am in a bad spiral right now. I know it will take a few days to get myself out. I know I have to think positive thoughts and stop thinking negatively.

Yeah... I feel like I can't breathe either.

Yes they can. Mine can last from 15 minutes to 15 hours to 15 days and I had them all of my life.
It is true to take baby steps and get out little by little. Getting back into the things you used to do, slowly.
Are you in therapy at all? That has been the best for me. A true God send.
All my best to you.

anxiety can last for a long time for me if anything dramatic or something that gets me scared or worried badly cuases anxiety for a few weeks after wards.

I was seeing a counseler before my surgery. I went to a psychiatrist yesterday. He gave me medicine- I go back to him tomorrow. He didn't mention therapy but I feel like I need it!

yes they can. it sux but it can happen.

yes they can. im getting it now.... without the absolute panick. just feel like shit. been here before though and i doubt any of us will die, and if i do im over it now cuz i had severe anxiety for 4 months. sorry you feel this way, nothing i can do to help though. just keep as strong as you are able

I am happy to hear you are recieving some proffessional assistance. Hold On.