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So scared last night...................

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Posted 3/20/2009 1:04 PM (GMT -5)
I have been on here one other time when I realized that some of my health problems may be coming from anxiety. Well last night I had a good evening and went to bed very tired. Around 3am I woke in a cold sweat not being able to breath AT ALL..I was overcome with fear and kept trying to take a breath but it didn't feel like I could get a breath in at all..I got up and was walking to the bathroom covered in sweat and barely breathing. I was completely dizzy and felt like I was walking with like moon boots on (like bouncy shoes) as I sat on the toilet I was ready to black out..I had so much trouble breathing and I finally went back to bed and again was covered in sweat, I mean my hair was SOAKED..I felt like I couldn't even breathe laying on my side, it was like I was suffocating . This went on for about 10-20 minutes and then I fell back asleep exhausted. Today I am quite shaken and my hands won't stop shaking. I keep thinking about it and wondering if that was a night time panic attack or something much more serious. 

 During the day I get dizziness and am aware of breathing but this is something very new and has me completely freaked out. I thought for sure last night was the end. Please tell me I am okay, I really need reassurance that it was just a panic attack and I will not die during an episode...

Thanks,

Beth 

Posted 3/20/2009 1:58 PM (GMT -5)
I think this could very well have been a nightime panic attack. BUT.......Since it is a new occurence for you, maybe giving your doc a call and talk to him about it. Its better to be safe than sorry, in my opinion. Do you have any anxiety meds you could take in the meantime?

Hugs,
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 3/20/2009 2:11 PM (GMT -5)
Yes, definately sounds like a panic attack. I get all the time during the night. It sucks because I could be laying there peacefully then all of a sudden wake up like you did. I have them almost every night now but just not as badly as I used to. I would still call your doctor and have him look over you and let him know your symptoms. You won't die from a panic attack or anxiety. I used to think the same thing actually I still do at times when it gets really bad but I just have to keep telling myself that I'll be alright. I hope this has helped at least a little bit. Let us know how your progress goes. Take care!!
Posted 3/20/2009 3:22 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Candlegirl,

Sorry you went through that awful experience. Nanners and Aurora are right - you should check in with your doctor and advise him/her about this, just to make sure you've covered your bases. I also agree with them that it sounds very much like a panic attack.....like Aurora, I get them at night, too. Sometimes the jolt is so jarring I feel nauseous and have even had to throw up a couple of times. I know it can be very scary to go through it, but as A. said, keep telling yourself you will be okay, and try to talk yourself through it. Please keep us posted....we understand what you're going through, and we care!
Posted 3/20/2009 3:26 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Candlegirl,

Welcome to HealingWell and the A & P  forum again.  It has been awhile, January I think since we have heard from you. Nice to see you again.

I think it is probably panic also but I would like to see you get a good medical screening as nanners suggested to make sure you do not have a medical issues.

Stick with us

Kitt

Posted 3/20/2009 3:44 PM (GMT -5)

 Thanks everyone=) The scariest thing was not being able to breath or get a solid breath in..That scared me so bad and still has me shaken..Have you all had that at night that it last for about 3-5 minutes? It just seemed like a freaking lifetime and that is what scared me the most..

  I read everyday because I really love how supportive everyone is=) Sorry I don't post as much!!!

Posted 3/20/2009 4:58 PM (GMT -5)
Candlegirl,

I honestly can't say how long my symptoms have lasted during different night attacks, as I'm usually so 'out there' and almost in another world that I don't feel like I have a handle on space and time, if you know what I mean. I agree that no matter how long it lasts, it seems like it's WAY too long! I hope you will go for a check up, because knowing that you are in good health will help to ease your mind, now and later. Best wishes to you!
Posted 3/20/2009 9:56 PM (GMT -5)
Dear Candlegirl,

I think it would be a good idea to get checked by a doctor also.

I had really bad panic attacks for years, it seemed as if one would leave and another one would begin. My anxiety was constant. I never felt normal. At times, I would wake up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding and run outside on the porch in my nightgown thinking I could breathe better outside. You mentioned not being able to get a solid breath. I began having this around fifth grade and had it at different times growing up and it returned when I began having panic attacks. I would feel like I couldn't get a deep breath or one that would relieve me. I remember when I was in grade school, One evening I was sitting on the couch and my dad was sitting on the floor with his back against the couch and we were watching television. After noticing me standing up and taking deep breaths about six different times, he took me to a doctor who was still open. I checked out okay though. It would return once in a while and I had it during all of the years I suffered with panic attacks. I have heard that breathing in a paper sack is
good. Scrunch the top of a paper bag and put it around your mouth and breathe into it for awhile and see if this helps.

Bless you, dear Candlegirl
Wiggyann
Posted 3/21/2009 1:34 PM (GMT -5)
I have had panic attacks at night when my room was really stuff or when I had a head cold. I think are start to breathe through my mouth, get too much oxygen and then start to panic because I'm getting all the classic symptoms and that's what my brain tells me to do. I hate that! Could it be either or those?
Posted 3/21/2009 3:02 PM (GMT -5)
When I go through this it is almost the same as how you described and it is very terrifying to say the least. I agree with Nanners about checking in with your doc to let him/her know what is going on. Might be able to do something to help you out. Other than that, I hope you stick with us and try out the CBT and other relaxation exercises found at the top of our forum page under Anxiety-Panic Resources. It's 100% free so you have nothing to lose and lot's to gain :)

I wish you luck and much peace!
Posted 3/21/2009 4:45 PM (GMT -5)

Hi again=)

 Thanks again for the replies, it is nice to know I am not alone. Last night I slept really well, I finally broke down and use the stupid CPAP machine I was given. There was a period during the night that I kinda of woke up and my breathing was all out of whack. It is happening during the day as well...I think since I slept so well last night that I am less panicked today, it has actually been a really good day=)

 I will keep posting as I find it very comforting that I am not the only one out there like this. It can sometimes feel like there is no one else out there like this so coming here reassures me it is okay and I am not alone.

Thanks again everyone=)

Posted 3/21/2009 7:11 PM (GMT -5)
Hello Everyone,

I'm so glad I found this site:)

My Name is Teri and I have had Panic Attacks off and on since I was 19 I am 38 now!! I was doing fine for the last 5 years but now I have started having them again!!!! It's hard for me to Work or go out of my house much anymore other then my own yard!!

The symptom I'm having really bad now is DIZZYNESS or Lightheaded... I can't stand it.. I also get headaches and little floaters in my eyes.. I have alot information to help with this anxiety but for some reason it's not working.. I'm slipping back into the What if I have a tumor, what if I have something wrong with my blood, what if I have cancer.. what if I'm going to pass out.. on and on and on.. I focus on how i'm feeling what seeems like every Min of the day.... If I do forget then all of the sudden I will get a rush of fear and it starts all over again...

are there anymore people here that have had a "set back" and is so what r some of the things your doing to help get through this nightmare

Thanks for any help

Hope to talk to you all soon

Teri

Posted 3/21/2009 8:41 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Teri,

I replied to you on the other thread you started. I joined recently, too, and have found the people here to be incredibly warm and supportive. There are excellent suggestions on this site regarding anxiety, and I hope they will be helpful to you.
Posted 3/22/2009 4:41 PM (GMT -5)
What's a CPAP machine?

Sounds like Candlegirl is having night horrors. I think that's what they're called. They tend to be worse than a panic attack. Keep a paper bag next to the bed so you can breathe in it a few times when you're dizzy. Ask your doctor or nurse how many times is appropriate. I know you can't breathe in the bag for too long.

Go back to the time when all these breathing problems started. Did something happen in your life that triggered this? If you figure it out, start a journal. Write down everything. Maybe there is something going on in your life that you are not dealing with and it's coming out in your symptoms at night.

Give a call to your doc (to put your mind at ease). Please keep us informed! Take care, Sweetie....
Posted 3/22/2009 4:43 PM (GMT -5)
P.S. Candlegirl, you aren't by chance going through menopause, are you? Just wondering......these could be symptoms of that.
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