Panic attack advice please

Thanks Nanagem. I do admire you coping like that. In fact I'm amazed at how many ladies here are coping so well with this affliction. Whilst gransnet is great for chat, discussion, laughs etc, it has also educated me as to illnesses and problems we all cope with on a daily/ regular basis. I really had no idea. Its amazing that we all manage to be so happy in spite!

I suffer with panic attacks, they aren’t to be taken lightly, they can be terrifying. Mine are brought when I’m feeling trapped, it can be anywhere. I have mobility problems, but can still manage stairs if I take them slowly. Last week I was coming down, my husband following me when the door bell went, I had a full blown attack, silly, but they you go.

Anyway, I have been told to get into a blow of air, be it outside, or a fan blowing on my face, then to breath slowly and focus only on the slow on and out, block everything else from your mind, just slowly in 2 3 out 2 3. It works for me, even in the middle of Sainsbury’s, sat in my wheelchair feeling a right sized whatsit, but with my daughters help, it worked.

Thanks Monica and Anniebach.

annep, I asked about your thoughts because it is a fact, the thought comes before the feeling.

See your GP , it may be linked to the ME. X

I suffered from recurrent panic attacks about 50 years ago.

In my case I assumed they were because I had got through a very difficult period in my life and they were the result of the decline in my stress levels. I was given a short course of tranquilisers, but managed the attacks mainly by always carrying a paper bag in my handbag to breathe into if one occurred and, after doing relaxation classes as part of my ante-natal preparation, using the relaxation exercises I was taught there to destress and relax.

My panic attacks were entirely unrelated to anything I ate or drink and entirely to do with stress levels.

Its never happened before though. I only ever drink one glass of red.
I've read Luckygirl's post. Goodness me. Life is not easy. I do recognise some of this. will definitely check with doctor.

Ditto alcohol. It took me a while to realise what was one of the causes of my palpitations/inability to get breathe/shakes (supporting parents and dealing with Social Services wasn’t helping either). I never have more than one white wine spritzer or half a pint of beer and have learned to love Becks Blue (and I was a real ale lover).

I'll check all that out Mawbroon thanks. I take 2 omeprazole daily but doctor said to take 2 ranitidine as well but I was reluctant about side effects and havent taken them. I agree about alcohol.

The upset stomach makes me wonder if this was a gastric episode?
To call it heartburn totally fails to recognise that the symptoms feel and sound very like a heart attack.
If they did an ECG and took bloods they could rule out a heart attack but see your doctor in any case.
I more or less totally gave up drinking after I had a flare up 6 months ago but I also go nowhere without a packet of Ranitidine in my bag!
You might also like to read through Luckygirl’s Paroxysmal Atrial Fibtillation thread to see if you recognise any of the symptoms she describes.

Anniebach I was about to watch a film we had chosen from Netflix and relax for the evening. Had had a glass of wine ( first in four days as stomach had been upset so may have worried sub consciously)
Bluebelle will see doctor. But I'm 67 have various problems. I minimise visits but tbh I think our surgery doesn't have time to care. Older folk with chronic problems aren't priority. We are 2 doctors short. Thanks for your advice. I will write it down and keep handy.

I think you need to make sure it was a panic attack as you already have some health issues I think that is really really important
If it turns out to be a panic attack breathe into a paper (must be paper) bag because a lot of the symptoms are caused by hyperventilating Then it is a matter of taking your mind of things counting, tapping, saying the alphabet, focusing on a dot on the wall or similar If you have anyone with you get them to act in a very quite calm and matter of fact way assuring you it will soon pass If it is a panic attack there will be loads of ideas and tricks on google
I ve seen my teen grandson have one and I thought he was dying as soon as his breathing slowed and the paramedics assured him his stats were as they should be he started to go back to normal and has never had one since
Good luck they are horrible

May I ask ? Do you remember what you were thinking before those symptoms ?