Good morning (not really). Could use some advice-wondered if anyone else ever gets 5,6,7 hour or more panic attacks? I just pulled nearly an all-nighter in panic mode after 2 DAYS of chest pains, nausea. Still so scared this am, two steps away from a cardiologist (even though in Nov. I had a CT heart scan which was ok) Just don't understand how I could have chest pain for two days, and be "normal", but such is panic, I guess.

Woke after an hour of sleep with same chest discomfort and short of breath. I always thought most panic attacks were concentrated- say 15 minutes or less- these all night or all day things are the most miserable part of meno for me. I used to think hot flashes were the worst- anyway, I am doing CBT, it's not helping totally yet, still hopeful.

I've never been responded to, so I still don't know if I'm doing this right- would love to make the aquaintence of others who visit this area.

Cheryl

Hi hanginon,

One of my worst symptoms during peri and meno has been panic and anxiety. Can't say that I ever had a 24 hour one, but I have had days when they come and go all day long. They have gotten better recently, but still plague me from time to time. I know how scary they can be and lots of times I've felt like I'm on the brink of death.

Since you had your heart checked out and the results were good, I would try not to worry too much. (Easier said than done I know). A lot of women on this site have gone or are going through similar situations. Read all you can and you will realize how not alone you are in this journey. The ladies here are very informative and helpful, as well as compassionate and caring. You take care.

Donna

cheryl,

Hi hun how are you feeling today? How old are you and do you use any progestrongen (sp) cream that will help it may take a little while but it will help. It helped me with anxiety and heat palp. and some chest pain. I read this alot and don't worry, many woman go through this and go to the dr. and dr. after dr. but once your have gone i know it is hard to beleive the dr. when you are going throgh this but you need to believe in someone or something. God says to trust in him and lean not unto thy own understanding. You know why he say don't lean unto your own understanding? it is because our minds play tricks on us because the old devil want us to think less of what we are and you and God know better. I will keep you in my prayers and you will overcome this God will not allow anything to happen to you that you can not handle it says that in his word. God Bless and take care. Lindy

Cheryl, I hope you are feeling better now...I've been struggling with this myself lately, so I can definitely empathize...I've put off going back to the doctor because I don't feel like being subjected to a bunch of tests & then hearing they can't find anything. It seems like a waste of time unless you can point to a specific pain so they can say "Aha!" I hope that doesn't sound too cynical. Have you had many panic attacks in the past? Take care, IrishLass

Thanks so much for writing- and happy belated St Pats- I have had over two years of panic and they are getting worse- maybe it'll burn it self out! I'm only a little better, thanks. Still soooo short of breath. What are your issues? When I compare and contrast, it seems to be comforting.

Cheryl,
I have panic attacks and anxiety day and night, it has lasted for hours, so I had to get some meds to stop going to ER. I knwo it si not fun, it is sxcary and exhausting, your BP spikes, you feel chest painl stomach tight, tingles, etc. it is all panic, and hormonal fluctuations strigger it as well as everything and anything, even exercise. Try benzos, whichever works for you, it helps tremendously, but take it as Rx.
Panic while is not harmfull by itself, is not fun either, and being stuck in constant "stress" triggers inflamatory reponse in our bodies, which is a culprit to most illnesses, IMO. Better to keep panic in check then suffer day and night, buit good news- it gets better over time.
HTH

You are so kind to write- and no, haven't thought about the cream-will look into the details. I am 48 and have been slammed with this panic for almost three years- the last year the worst. As you said, I've gone to many docs- and plan to do one more- to try to get closure. Thanks for the prayers- always welcome. Hope to chat another time.

Thanks for writing me back- I truly appreciate it. And you are so right- it's the single most terrifying thing I've ever experienced. What are your issues with it? How do you handle the all day variety? I am still suffering today, very short of breath since I awoke- this scares the daylights out of me, but I can't keep going to ER... I have read alot of great material, and will keep tuned in for more.

Hi- and thanks so much for writing me. And I'm sorry that you experience these lengthy things too. I was given Lorezepam (sp) but was told by many docs that they aren't a good long term- can be a crutch and the anxiety will come right back. Very confusing- but I do know they work so it's tempting. And last, what have you experienced that indicates it gets better- I'm hanging on every one of those words.....

Cheryl

I have also had panic attacks and hyperventilation. My first spell was about 2 years ago and just arrived out of the blue. I had never had them before. One night I woke up gasping and couldn't breathe - thought I was going to die. That night I dare not go back to sleep! I sent off for a meditation tape and went to see the doctor! The doctor put me on Paroxitine (Paxil) for 6 months and the meditation tape was very helpful indeed. After 6 months I managed to wean myself off the pills and felt very much better. However the shortness of breath came back last September along with increased hot flushes and palpitations. I decided to take just half a tablet of Paroxitine again and this seems to have helped. I have now stopped taking the pills and at the moment feel better.

I guess everyone is different. The hyperventilation has been the most distressing for me but I've had my moments with lots of other symptoms!

You are not alone in this but I know it feels like it.

I'm sure this will get better in time and I send you lots of positive healing thoughts.

Sky

Cheryl, I haven't had that many, but the ones I've had have been doozies. The first time was about 3 1/2 years ago...we were on vacation and I ended up in the emergency room with BP of 220/110 (and rising). They did a CAT scan, heart tests, blood tests, etc. Heart was fine, so they put me on blood pressure meds. Four days later, we were headed home and it happened again...went to another emergency room (another city, another ER) they did an EKG and blood work, upped the dosage of the BP meds and told me to see a cardiologist when I got home. So, a few days later, I was at the cardiologist's...he did another EKG (three in a week!), more blood work, echocardiogram, nuclear stress test, carotid artery scan... everything was negative, except BP, cholesterol, and homocysteine (sp?). The doctor never mentioned anxiety or panic attacks or anything like that...just said we needed to treat the BP and the cholesterol. So he put me on a whole regimen of pills and I did really well until about 1 1/2 years ago. Out of the blue I had another episode...rapid heart beat, felt like I was going to faint any second...it was dreadful. He changed one of my meds and I was doing fine till this past week. I had an episode while shopping...felt like I was going to faint for sure...found a place to sit down and sat there a few minutes...when I started to get up, I felt dizzy again, so I sat there awhile longer. I felt cold, except that my FEET were really sweaty. !!!! (Do sweaty feet count as a hot flash????) Then I was fine, just really weak and my stomach was upset. But, I've had a VERY sore chest ever since--sore to the touch, all down the sternum and also one VERY sore spot on the rib under my left breast. I've also had a lot of sinus pressure. Oh, and I got that dreadful feeling again at the movies on Saturday...spent the first hour of the movie doing deep breathing and trying to relax myself out of it...

I truly don't want to go to the doctor...my cardio doc is no longer on my insurance plan, so I'd be going to a new doctor...everything seems so non-specific when I say it aloud, which gives him nothing to really look for, which usually means a bunch of meaningless tests...I just don't feel up for it. Plus I have to start with a primary care doctor (internal medicine), so he'd want to do a bunch of other "introductory" stuff (they always do) and I know he'd start bugging me about not having a colonoscopy yet (I'm 51) and I am so not up for that at the present time (too invasive, plus I've only known two people in 51 years that have had colon cancer, versus two other friends who had life-threatening consequences from the procedure--I'm just not particularly motivated...maybe later, but I don't feel like listening to a lecture at present)...

Anyway, that's where I am now...sore chest, very anxious that it's going to happen again, not wanting to go anywhere (I even missed church yesterday, which I feel bad about, but I just didn't feel like I could sit still for an hour)...I am so ready for this to be behind me.

I'm assuming it's hormone-related, though the episodes before this week all happened just before a period, while this time I was at the tail-end of a period when it all started. The first time (3 1/2 years ago), I was just a couple of years into peri...now I think (and my GYN agrees) that I'm reaching the end of it. So it's hard to say how the hormone levels might compare...

Cheryl, I hope this wasn't too long...when you said you'd like more info to compare, I didn't set out to write a dissertation...hope I haven't made you cross-eyed!!!!! Take care, IrishLass

Cheryl,

YES! Panic attacks can last 6,7,8 hours. They can also come in clusters that can last for days. I have panic disorder and take Xanax daily for it. Last fall I had vertigo caused by an inner ear infection. The vertigo was extremely bad and it triggered a non-stop panic attack lasting over 6 hours. It was horrendous. I phoned my doctor and asked if a person could have a severe PA that was non stop for that many hours and they said yes, it does happen although not that often. They told me to increase the Xanax until it was under control. I hadn't been able to keep any Xanax down due to the vertigo and vomiting (sorry, that's gross). However, once I was finally able to take a double dose without losing it, the PA finally stopped.

I also practice CBT, but when an attack is that violent, it's almost like a seizure of sorts, and CBT is of little to no value. You need medicine for that. Xanax or other benzos are the drugs of choice in that situation.

Good luck. Hope you can get some rest tonight. I know exactly how you feel!

Sierra

My panic attacks don't last nearly as long as unrelenting anxiety. I actually prefer panic attacks over roiling, unending anxiety because you're done with it pretty fast because your body stops producing the adrenanline. The unrelenting anxiety is the WORST!!!! I can feel when my body goes into this mode. It's like all hormones are on high alert and spilling into the body all at the same time. Wow.

I have the long lasting panics and anxiety for hours, all it takes is some stressfull event and it goes on for hours. It is quite different from short term panic (like when someone cuts in front of you on a freeway) or those fast adrenalin rushes. Mine anixety can be relieved by Xanax only, nothing else helps, because it is not mental, phobia like, but physical: tense abdomen, achy chest, tight throat, and then fatigue and sleepiness - if I am lucky, but last time it hit really bad after a very stressfulll week at work, so I felt like I am going to pass out. Also, I have noticed that overexerting (physically or emotionally) is garantee to trigger anxiety and then I am stuck for days in a row.

Thanks for writing, Sky. Thanks for the kind and helpful words. I'm beginning to learn that way too many of us are out there suffering. But glad you are on a good track. I hope you're right that it will get better/go away.
Take care

Hi,Sierra. GREAT hearing from you- and you are right- the CBT doesn't help in one of those situations and I have plenty of them. I've been so afraid to take a benzo (I've got Lorazapam) not wanting to get hooked on it- but if I only take when one of these bad ones come on, wouldn't that be different? Anyway, I totally understand getting panic from illness- just had bronchitis with fever and you know just how unpleasant being sick and anxiety ridden is.
You take care and thanks again for your kind words.
Cheryl

Hi, Gia. Thanks for sharing- and I failed to mention that I also have generalized anxiety disorder PLUS get panic attacks. And you're right- you can feel it coming on, and it's hell. If you have time, sometime share with me what you do- your tips, meds, etc. Today, after last night's panic attack, I had the roiling variety until about two hours ago-it's all just so nasty. Take care.
Cheryl

Cheryl,

Don't be afraid to take the benzo if you need it. You will not get hooked using it occasionally or even for a few days. Yes, it can be highly addictive when used daily for several weeks. Most people with panic are afraid to take that first benzo, but you will be so relieved once you finally take it when you are having an attack. Just listen to your doctor. They know how long you can take it before you would become dependent. You can also put your mind to rest by phoning your pharmacist.

Sleep tight!
Sierra

Yeah, I have GAD too. Ain't it fun? At any rate, I use Bach's Rescue Remedy as first line of defense. If that doesn't get the anxiety under control, I chew a xanax. I forgot to mention that my anxiety feels like that movie Alien with Sigouney Weaver. You know the one where an alien pops out of her chest? That's how my anxiety feels,

i have been having panic attacks for three years---came within a breath of having a nervous breakdown in May, the doctor put me on Zoloft and Xanax if I had an attack ===the Xanax did nothing once the panic attack started, so in June we upped the Zoloft and Xanax up to 3 times daily if I feel anxious---I have had one attack since, Sunday night 10 1/2 hours long. The sweat and cold clammy feeling drives me nuts, and the palpitations make me sick, the nausea is overwhelming. When its finally over -- as suddenly as it comes-- it takes 24 to 48 hours to feel human again. They always come a day or two before my period and then again a day or 2 after it, the period started today. I also have them 4-5 times during the other 3 weeks of the month. I went from Jan 1 to May 31 without a period but still had the panic episodes at the correct intervals -- now have had one 5/31 and today I just want it to be over, all of it -- oh well just a hormonally charged vent!!

Hi, Needles54,

Have you and your doctor ever considered used zoloft, klonopin & then xanax for breakthrough anxiety? I've heard from my cousin that this is helpful for her panic attacks. Have you had your h ormones checked?

Colleen

Yepps- I have tried panic attacks for whole days...
One was January 1, the other one on my birthday!!??
This might sound strange, but I have noticed that I am very sensible at full moon, new moon, Easter, the equinoxes etc. etc.

When it comes to the Moon phases I guess it is because of the connection to the mentruation phases.

I could be wrong, but I notices that the date when you wrote this was March 19. I don´t know what it is called in English, but it is 1-2 days before - Spring Equinox? which always makes me feel strange. (My birthday is March 22...).

I very much hope you haven´t had is since March. It´s so awful...

Hi all-

I can relate to the long (hours) of panic and anxiety. I have episodes where I get all day panic/anxiety, electric current going thru my body. I am in a cycle of this right now (unfortunately) after many months of them being gone. When they come back, they are just as difficult for me to handle as when they all started (about 4 years ago) when I was 45. I am going to be 49 this month and they are hormonal for me. Most times progesterone sub lingual tablets help to keep them at bay but my Aunt (who I was very close to) died suddenly 2 weeks ago and I think the additional stress ( + my period was coming around that time) kicked this into gear again.

I also went off my Progesterone for a bit, at the Doctors suggestion as they thought it might be causing my IBS symptoms. Going off the P did not help the stomach issues so I went back on but the fact that I was stopping the P when my intestinal cramps were awful probably brought this back again.

Mine start upon waking 4:40 am and can be intense until afternoon. They then come back at night a bit. This is my worst symptom of meno and I am praying that my period stops soon. I am going to be 49 and have not skipped a period yet. When does this crap all end? It leaves me feeling weak and tired and I have to work at a job all day which in this state is difficult.

I am going to get my hormones tested this week to see if I need to adjust or just stay the course and wait for them to level off again. I hope that doesn't take too long. I have been going thru this for 4 years and each time the anxiety returns, it doesn't get any easier to deal with. I also tried CBT but when these are bad it really does not help my. My only relief is the Progesterone.

I feel for us all and hope our anxiety ends soon!!

Sandy

Hi Sandy, I'm having one of those weeks!! I've been panic free for over 6 months, but you are right whn they hit you all you've learned goes almost oout the window. I have xanax available but am always so reluctant to use it. I take q1/2 a tablet and that settles me but I've only had a half over 15 hours ago it's the middle of the night now and I've woken up with one but am so reluctant to take one. Meanwhile any pains I get make me panic and then I get hot then cold etc. I'm planning a big trip for my son and myself and it involves a lot of nervous energy as he has special needs etc, so I think this has taken me out of my comfort zone. Thank you for sharing and I too hope it ends soon I think I'll visit my doctor tomorrow just to let her know where I'm at. Do you take anything like xanax or does anyone else, it gives me a faint headache later but maybe that's more tolerable than all the bpspikes and anxiety, panic etc
Thanks for all your support
Copingcapers

I had the long lasting panic attacks also. I think somebody here described it as smothered breathing. I'd also have it most of the night. Very scary. Lasted for over a year. Was especially hard since I didn't realize that I was in Peri or that it could cause such a thing. Thats what I love so much about this site. Here you find that you're not alone in any of this. Its mostly under control these days. Cognative therapy helped me alot, I found some terrific books on it, also reading the Bible, prayer. Listening to soothing music all night long, really calmed me. I tried a psychologist, she never even mentioned that it could be menapause, just told me to go to dr. for medication. I didn't go. I really feel for you all going thru this. You're not alone.

Hi ladies,

well, i just had to add my two cents here, because I myself just had a doozie of a panic attack the other day! It started out of nowhere (although we had been very worried about a friend of ours who was on vacation, and we hadn't heard from him AT ALL), and I think that's what might have brought it on. All i know is that it came out of nowhere. Just sitting at the comp. and here we go! Sudden wave of lightheadedness, dizzy, OFF BALANCE, and just plain weird in my head, esp. on the left side. Now, I've had anxiety since my early 20's, and I'm 49 now....I've also had some panic attacks, but THIS WAS BAD! I mean, it all happened so fast!!! Then, the shakiness, the DETACHED feeling from your surroundings, terrible withdrawn feeling, and i felt as though all i could do was stare straight ahead! UGH! this was so weird. I sat there, telling myself it was ok, just anohter attack. But, as you well know, that doesn't always help! I tried getting up, and walking, and the off balance was so bad! This time i ddn't have any breathing problems, I'm suprised! LOL...ususally i do. No, this was concentrated up in the head...esp. on the left side.
All I know, is that I sat there, on the couch, for HOURS with my husband, who was trying to help me, just relax me and reassure me it was peri....I was certain I was near death! It's funny, because each panic attack is different from the last one in some way.

Well, the whole point is, it took me HOURS, to even BEGIN to be ok!!! I had to just sit on the couch, talk to my husband, and even my speech was weird, different....it was slow. It was as if I had gone deep within myself, i had become very very aware of myself.
I hate that! Well, finally, I was able to take a xanax, which I sware by, and all i felt like eating, was hot cereal, which my husband made for me. I was insanley off balance for HOURS! After i ate, i took two benadryl...something else i swear by!
FINALLY, about 4-5 hours later, i was drowsy enough, to fall off to sleep. I woke the next day, STILL NOT MYSELF! No, when you get a really bad PA, it can take days! It took about 24-28 hours for me to sort of feel normal again. It really wasn't till the day AFTER that even, that i felt completley ok. So, yes, PA symptoms can last a few days, i found that out the hard way!

I think this has got to be the worst symptom of peri. Because it can come suddenly, and you can be out shopping, at hte movies, whatever......I just know I don't go anywhere without the xanax! I've become somewhat familiar now with the "build-up", and when i feel that, i take a xanax immediatley. But, like the other night, I didn't feel any build up at all!

Ladies, isn't there an old saying , that says "what doesn't kill you, will make you stronger"? yeah, well in that case, when this is all over, we should all be super women!!!!!!!

Sincerely, MyDarling