Really Scared Myself Earlier.....

[Smowball]

Was watching TV about an hour ago when out of the blue my heart started racing like mad, I felt tingly and hot all over, and I honestly thought I was having a heart attack. Mr Smow was upstairs and I felt so strange that I couldn't even call out to him. He came down five mins later and I was in tears and he said what on earth is wrong? Have no idea what happened but just for five mins I really thought that was it- so bizarre.

[queenofmean]

They do that. I used to get them a lot when I was a pre-teen. I was scared of groups of teenagers. The strangest one I've had so far was triggered from being too cold. Just try and remain calm and try and control your breathing - if possible. Hopefully it was a one off but I've read you've had a lot of stress lately that can be a trigger. I received counselling via my GP and it helped loads - if it continues or gets worse speak to them they can help. Good Luck xx

[Cloverjo]

I hope you feel better about it now, Smowball.
Some people feel as if they're having a heart attack, like you did. I used to feel like I was going mad, and would sit on the stairs with my hands on top of my head, trying to stop it exploding.

[jd_1984]

I have had one (panic attack)
I am a typical bloke who plays down symptoms and doesn't want to talk about my health but even I went straight to A&E with this as I was confused and scared about what my body had just done..

I was assured all was normal and they suggested going to GP with regards to anxiety. I did this and was sent along to a cognitive behavioural therapist who saw me for 8 weeks and together we uncovered that I was consumed with stress and anxiety. My "attack" I am now certain was my body's way of telling me something wasn't quite right. The strange thing was I didn't "feel" stressed at the time of the panic attack, just like you I was sitting on the couch feeling what I thought was "normal".

The therapy taught me how to take control and manage my anxiety and I am still using the techniques today, 7 years on.

[TWR]

Keep a paper bag handy in case of futcher attacks Smow.

[mallyh]

panic attacks are horrible I had my first of several watching doc martin ,it came AFTER my daughters treatment for cancer, like you I thought that I was a gonna. I put a thread on here and got a lot of support ,the doctor was also a great help xx

[murraymints]

breath into a paper bag...deffo a panic attack...worst when you have on in the middle of ASDA and wake up with white screens around you...thought a wis deid ! lol xx

[Tilly2]

It's amazing just how many people have experienced, or do experience, panic attacks.

It must be very common.

[queenofmean]

I've been having little ones again...i don't know why either but they happen before I go to bed. But I'm getting there.

When I replied to Smow the other day I failed to say I was having one at the time.

[Hopkirk]

Sounds more like palpitations than a panic attack to me.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Heart-palpitations/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[Sqad]

Hopkirk has a point..........
If you have had an ECG and been monitored and given the all clear......then the diagnosis of panic attacks is likely...However...if you haven't had an ECG, then see your GP.

[anneasquith]

I'm no doctor but I don't think it sounds like a "panic attack"

[Mamyalynne]

That's the problem the symptoms of a Panic Attack can mimic so many other conditions If in doubt or you want reassurance see your GP.


//A full-blown panic attack includes a combination of the following signs and symptoms:

Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
Heart palpitations or a racing heart
Chest pain or discomfort
Trembling or shaking
Choking feeling
Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings
Sweating
Nausea or upset stomach
Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint
Numbness or tingling sensations
Hot or cold flashes
Fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy //

[Mamyalynne]

First one I had was in a supermarket, most bewildering - I eventually learned coping strategies.

[seekeerz]

Oooo know that feeling all too well .....had my first one in a city store, where I was alone and couldn't leave, I was about 19 at the time ....finally got it sorted some 45 years later !!