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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lisa Simpson on January 11, 2001, at 8:27:09
Over the last few weeks, I've been getting some really bad panic attacks - at least I think that's what they are. I start off by breathing in fast and too deeply, and am unable to breathe out properly - I find myself gasping for breath, and I am absolutely terrified that I'm going to suffocate to death. Is there anyone out there who can give me some advice on how to help me with this? A friend suggested that I breathe into a paper bag, but I can't do this, as it would make me panic even more! I can't go on like this - any advice would be much appreciated.
Lisa
Posted by tina on January 11, 2001, at 11:34:13
In reply to Panic!, posted by Lisa Simpson on January 11, 2001, at 8:27:09
Wish I could give you some advice or sage words of wisdom but I can't. I've had these damn things for 13 years unabated. Just know you're not alone and someone understands.
Love & Hugs
Tina> Over the last few weeks, I've been getting some really bad panic attacks - at least I think that's what they are. I start off by breathing in fast and too deeply, and am unable to breathe out properly - I find myself gasping for breath, and I am absolutely terrified that I'm going to suffocate to death. Is there anyone out there who can give me some advice on how to help me with this? A friend suggested that I breathe into a paper bag, but I can't do this, as it would make me panic even more! I can't go on like this - any advice would be much appreciated.
>
> Lisa
Posted by stjames on January 11, 2001, at 11:51:44
In reply to Panic!, posted by Lisa Simpson on January 11, 2001, at 8:27:09
I've had a few panic attacks. Keep in mind you will not suffocate from them. At best you will pass out and then your breathing will return to
normal. IF you are have panic often you need to let your doc know.James
Posted by judy1 on January 11, 2001, at 14:58:34
In reply to Panic!, posted by Lisa Simpson on January 11, 2001, at 8:27:09
Dear Lisa,
I'm with James here- if you are getting them more frequently and they begin interfering with your life- then you need to be evaluated for panic disorder. There's a point where you start fearing the panic attack itself,
and start avoiding the situations where they may occur (agoraphobia). I've been successfully treated with klonopin and CBT. (Paper bags do not work). Take care, Judy
Posted by ChrisK on January 12, 2001, at 5:23:56
In reply to Panic!, posted by Lisa Simpson on January 11, 2001, at 8:27:09
Lisa,
I haven't had a panic attack in a couple of years now but there wasa time when I would get them 2 or 3 times a day. Klonopin on a regular basis is what helped most in getting them to stop.
Here is a really good site for anyone with panic and anxiety disorders. The people there are really helpful, just check out their BBS section.
Of course it doesn't replace Babble but it might help.
http://www.algy.com/anxiety/panic.html
Good Luck,
Chris
Posted by Lisa Simpson on January 12, 2001, at 6:29:31
In reply to Re: Panic!, posted by ChrisK on January 12, 2001, at 5:23:56
Thank you all very much for your replies. When I saw my doctor, I couldn't really describe what was happening to me - I always find it difficult to talk to someone about things like this. I just freeze up. So today I wrote it all down in a letter, where I could put all the details, and handed it in to my doctor's surgery. In the letter was a request to be recommended to some sort of therapist, as I feel I need that sort of help. Also, I've asked him for some Xanax, as I've had that in the past, and I find it works really well.
I just wanted to ask, does this sound like a typical panic attack to you? I start to breathe in too deeply and I have trouble breathing out. I'm breathing far too fast too, and I can't slow it down. So I feel I'm about to suffocate. Also, I feel shakey. Is this all typical?
Thanks.
Lisa
Posted by Lisa Simpson on January 12, 2001, at 6:32:19
In reply to Re: Panic!, posted by ChrisK on January 12, 2001, at 5:23:56
Also I wanted to ask something else. Something really traumatic happened to me two years ago, where I nearly died, and I've not been the same since. I've had lots of problems, including blackouts and fits. Is it possible for something that happened that long ago to still be having a psychological effect on me?
Lisa
Posted by Noa on January 12, 2001, at 7:45:52
In reply to Re: Panic!, posted by Lisa Simpson on January 12, 2001, at 6:32:19
Yes and Yes, to both questions.
The breathing problem is often a major part of panic or anxiety attacks.
It definitely is possible to have symptoms years after a traumatic incident. It could be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Posted by judy1 on January 12, 2001, at 10:42:02
In reply to Re: Panic!, posted by ChrisK on January 12, 2001, at 5:23:56
Chris,
I'm glad you posted this site. Dr. Shipko who answers questions on the BBS was a tremendous help to me- I saw him for consultation, and he truly is an expert on panic. Take care- Judy
This is the end of the thread.
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