Debilitating panic attacks are often spawned by hot flashes.  Women who never experienced a panic attack prior to the onset of perimenopause now experience them on a regular basis. What has been your experience with panic attacks? How do you treat them?

I have learned to force myself to take very slow deep breaths in a rhythmic pattern really helps stop the attacks.  I alsouse a small dose of Xanax and ithelps also.  Knowing that it is a panic attack is very helpful- at first thought I was sying, seriously. the fear made me breathe more rapidly and made it last longer. I read a book on the subject and the doctor who wrote it feels that all panic attacks are brought on by incorrect breathing.  In my case, I found  it to be true. His premise is that unconscious "hyperventilation" is the trigger. I agree. It is difficult to control the breathing at first, but it is possible and the 'attack" will abate.

Donna...you are so right about the slow breathing. I have been able to stop panic within seconds of it starting by doing this...it has been a long time now since I have had one. The breathing is really the key to stopping them...Take Care

Hi Donna,I would mostly agree, although I've had the occasional panic attack where NO amount of rhythmic breathing will even make a dent in it.  Of course, that's why they make Xanax and its relatives.

Take care,

Hey...JennaN!!Right now....I must say...I agree with you 100%!!  Since I'm going to that dentist later...grrrrr....I've been trying rhythmic breathing and if anything my anxiety/panic level is worse.  Even washing the kitchen floor did nothing....except give me a clean floor!! LOL!Today...I'll stick with the Xanax!!!   When in doubt that has always worked for me!!(((Hugs)))

I started having panic attacks about 3 years ago.  I now for the most part, am panic  free.  But it was a hard and long road for me.  I was filled with negative thoughts and each one frighten me into a cycle of attacks.  I finally relized that I was in a one woman war and only I could fight it.  I slowly started to resist the negative thoughts and impluses that nearly drove me mad.  I also had to to develope my own copping methods for dealing with my attacks.  I had to learn how to resist  the cycle of fear that I had created within my mind. Once I learned how to resist the fear, I started to recover.  Fear is really at the bottom .  I stopped  being afraid, and my panic soon started to decrease.  That's not to say I no longer suffered from other symstoms such as anxiety from time to time, but my panic attacks went away.  The anxiety and other stress related problems comes from a reduction in harmones, I believe.  Dorothy

Dorothy.

I for one believe there are different causes of panic attacks.  I never had one until 9 years ago....was watching TV....then quick suddenly....I went completely numb with pins and needles from head to toe!!  Feelings of dread were unreal!!  I was never the fearful type!  Anyhow I was rushed to the hospital...couldn't breath, etc....told I was having a panic attack!!  *Sheesh*   I argued with them....walked out!  A couple of weeks later....happened again!! *MAN*  Talk about frustration!!  Phooey...on this was my first reaction!!  What did these doctors know anyhow??!!To make a long story short....years later....with much reading and studying I discovered that indeed I was having Panic Attacks!!  Quite different than the ordinary Anxiety Attacks.Learned that  they were triggered by hormonal fluctuations that caused adrenaline rushes which caused my whole body to not only quiver....but to have emotional and physical affects!!  ARGH!!Needless to say....it was very unpleasant!!  A certain amount of deep breathing....relaxation techniques, etc. helped....but not permantly!!  

I definitly agree with you that fear is at the bottom of  SOME Panic Attacks.....however there can still be a trigger to cause this fear to explode....for lack of a better way of putting it!!  It's SUDDEN...and can be disabling!!

In some individuals....the cause is chemical imbalances!  For me it was hormonal imbalances....sigh!!  Now that my hormones are not fluctuating as much....the attacks are less and less!!

Now....I believe not everyone experiences this as I have described....BUT....in all fairlness to some of us....there are many out there who do.   Counselling and therapy definitly help....some need medications as well!  It's important to know how to treat it until the individual regains control in there lives.You have found your way.....God Love Ya....but eveyone is different....and we have to explore all avenues.

I really appreciate your input....cause some quickly go for the quick fix...if you will....however...FEAR...can also be the RESULT of a Panic Attack....not ALWAYS the cause.

Thanks again for sharing.....as everyone is different.....with different causes and and solutions.GodSpeed.....(((Hugs)))

You explained this SO well, Snowbird!  That is what I believe happened to me also.Greetings from the Wild Wis. Woman!   (aka Callie)

Snowbird,My panic attacks started exactly as yours, watching TV. It was 1985 and I was watching the first showing of the We Are The World video.  After many, many, almost daily trips to the ER, my doctor finally hospitalized me, ran tests, and discovered what it was.  I have been on Xanax every since, although I have had a long period of time, where they were very much under control, and I only took the Xanax when I felt one coming on.  Now suddenly they have returned in full force.  Got woken out of a sound sleep with one last night, sweating profusely.  Having them almost daily - one day I had 4. When they happen I beg my husband to call 911 but he just tries to console me until the Xanax kick in. But since all of the symptoms are the same as heart attacks, my worry is always how do you know that this "isn't" a heart attack? Of course, I know all of the symptoms of a heart attack, so in my mind that is exactly what I think I am having, although I am praying that it is only a panic attack. My husband works nights and they always seem to come at night.  I am starting to be afraid of being alone, because I always think there will be no one there to save me from this heart attack I am about to have.  I have gastrointestinal problems too, so this just adds to the problem.  The slightest little twitch in my body can set me off.  Everyone gets twitches and pains, but I always make mine into heart trouble.  About 5 years ago I was giving myself chest pains.  I worked in a hospital and ended up having an angiogram, which turned out just fine, and the chest pains went away.  The doctor said I was putting them there with stress (muscle tightening). Dorothy:I would be very interested in how you changed all of her negative thinking into being positive.  I am not negative about all things, just about what is happening to my body.  I always think the worst.Thank you for your help and for this board.

SanMarie.....God Love Ya!!

Panic Attacks s*ck....to say the least!!  They are scary....terrifying and darn right MISERABLE!!  What I hate the most is the feeling of loosing control!  I've always been an "in" control type of Gal!! :cool:  Now I get the chest pains too!!  You betcha!!!  I have a hiatal hernia..... that sucker flares up when the panics hit!! I also have hypertension.....and always....always.....thought the heart was involved!!!   Problem is....still do....sometimes!  But it's getting better!!  What helps me the most is KNOWING what is goin on!!  Educating myself.....coming here.....talking.....asking questions, like you are and  OH YA.....keeping that Xanax close by!!  It does help!!I can be as negative as the next guy or gal.....but TALKING it out is my BIGGEST medicine!  Then I find out there are other gals who are going through it too, etc.,etc.

Poor Doctors were getting so tired of seeing me in ER every other week.........not to mention......I was gettin awfully tired of going there!! Grrr!!  Isn't it wierd tho' when the attacks happen so sudden.....like you and I,  just minding our own business.....watching TV.....then Whamm!!  Jeeze!!  No wonder we think what we think............crazy things like a HEART ATTACK!!!  **Bleck**

Just keep coming here.....talk about it.....share with others who  need to hear what you have to say!!  (((You'd be surprized how that alone can help.......just knowing you're not alone and are helping someone else)))Take care;)Godspeed and Hugs from a Canadian GalNancy

Snowbird - you described to a perfection my first panic attack.  I was also watching TV and the pins and needles started and I was immediately scared to death.  I went to bed - thought I would be okay the next day.  The anxiety took over then and the depression because no one knew what was wrong with me (this was 1979).  My OBGYN finally thought it was a hormone imbalance and put me on premarin and provera for a few months.  That fixed it.

However, when the panic hit again last August, hormones didn't fix the problem.  I guess meno is a lot tougher than just a regular imbalance, who knows?   Anyway - this has been a battle - am seeing a psychiatrist and am on meds -  will try the progesterone creams since none of the other HRT has worked.

Having you describe what it felt like was great - so many people don't have a clue what we are talking about or the fear that accompanies an attack.

Good Morning Snowbird,Last night I think I had a panic attack. I was very busy all day long and never sat down. Have 3 kids and they had to be everywhere. Then last night I had school board meeting that was a little long. I came home and my body was hot a full of sweat. I usually do not sweat. Then my heart started to race, I had tingles all over and feel that I was going crazy. I tried to calm down on my own. Finally I took a Xananx and after an hour felt a little better.The thing that upsets me is that I thought I was doing much better. This was really bad in the fall. Am I going back. Could this be?  I always think this is something worse than was it is. Is this normal thinking?  I am so afraid to be there again. This morning I feel really shaky. I have a meeting at school for one of my children. and I am not up to it. Do I ignore this feeling of panic and just go on like the books say. Do I take more meds today to get back to a normal. Afraid of medication. Need advice please. Love to all , Sheree

Sheree,

I'm right where you are. My panic attack hit me (right out of the blue) 31/2 years ago while I was driving. Since then i've lived in a constant state of high anxiety. I would love to know how a person can resist the fear when I get blind sided by a wave of dizziness and heart palps that will send me into a state of panic.  This dizziness can last all day, and no amount of deep breathing will help.  I've tried every herb/vitamin under the sun and nothing works except xanax, but my doctor hates scripting this so I hold out as long as I can before taking one.I think my doctor would be more reseptive to a beta blocker but heart meds scare me.  Do any of you ladies use a beta blocker....and do they work?  I hate to jump from the frying pan...right into the fire.  Any input will be appreciated.  :confused:

Sheree,

If I am understanding you, you had panic attacks before and then they went away, or you got them under control, and then yesterday you had another.  If you are asking if they come back, yes they do.  I started them in 1985, I got them under control, and now they are back full force.  The shakiness this morning could be caused by your taking Xanax if you haven't taken it for a while.   Even though I have taken Xanax on an almost daily basis since 1985, I started taking more of it when the panic attacks returned.  And then I started waking up with internal shakiness that didn't go away until I took Xanax.  I contacted my doctor and he felt the internal shakiness was menopausal.  I have an appointment with my OB-Gyn to discuss hormones, but I am definitely leaning towards a natural remedy for this.

If you are under more stress than usual, that could trigger your attacks again.  I have my own gift basket business that I am in partnership with my daughter with.  She just had a baby and I am running the business pretty much alone right now, so my stress level has increased, and so have my panic attacks.

You might want to check with your doctor to let him know what is happening to you.  It would probably reassure you.

Please keep us posted.Sandi

Kari,I take Inderal, which is a beta-blocker.  I have taken it for about 6 years now.  I first started taking it when I was bothered by skipped heart beats.  At that time I also suffered with intense and frequent migraines.  The Inderal all but took away my migraines.  When the doctor took me off the Inderal, the migraines returned, so they put me back on it.  I take Inderal LA - 60 mg every day for the migraines.Sandi

Kari....my Meno-bud!!!I take a beta blocker.....been on the same one Sandi is taking....about the same length of time maybe a year or so longer!! I take the med EVERY day....and when necessary the Xanax or Clonazepam!! Either one does it for me.

Sheree.....it's really hard to figger out Panic Attacks.....in fact.....I don't bother anymore!  Use to drive myself nuts trying!!  If they are triggered by hormone fluctuations.....they WILL hit....when THEY want....unless you are taking some VERY good form of HRT, etc!!  The Premarin and Provera made mine worse as time passed!! It was not a good combination or type!!  The beta blocker is used for different things not just for the heart as Sandi mentioned!! I've gone for months without an attack.....then WHAMMO!!  Out of the blue.....another attack!!  *Sheesh*   It can really catch you off guard.....'cause you think it's all over! Menopause is like that.....very unpredictable!! I think I'm like Kari.....most of my symptoms started AFTER the periods stopped!!   It's been up and down for a year now!!  However it is getting better!!  The Panic Attacks are not as frequent and even though they scare the sox off me (which is normal...that's why they are called PANIC)....It is getting easier!Like I said I keep the Xanax close by.....go easy on myself......I tell myself it's OK.....it will get better....I'm NOT crazy, etc., etc.   I think it's important to LOVE ourselves.....and to remember that ESPECIALLY when a Panic Attack Hits!!  :smile:

(((Luv and Hugs to you all)))Nancy

I'm having a really bad time with the panic attacks, as well as all my other symptoms..............I was doing so well for quite awhile, but the last week or so has been horrible.....and it keeps getting worse.......I'm sooooo discouraged.Last night was the worst.  First the palps and internal shaking started and wouldn't quit.  I took medication for that and was able to fall asleep, but I kept waking up, and then the panic hit, and I wasn't able to go to work.  I've had four HUGE panic attacks in the last week, and I'm afraid to go anywhere or do anything..........sometimes I'm even afraid to walk into another room........last night I avoided going down the hall because I wanted to be close to the front door in case I collapsed and the ambulance had to come....I knew it was stupid, but I couldn't help it......I'm also very agitated all the time..........I can't sit still or concentrate very well. I HATE THIS!!!!!!! I just want it all to stop..........I'm sorry to have whined and rambled like this, but I'm sitting here crying, pretty much at the end of my rope today.  I know in my mind that things will get better, but it's hard to convince myself right now.......just ignore me..........I'll go away Ann

Thanks to everyone ,Thank you to everyone who responded to my call this morning. I was so sad that this happened. To catch you all up on me. ( This is in the old boards). I had never ever had a ounce of anxiety or panic or palpitations in my life and because of ovaries cysts I needed a complete hysterectomy. Big mistake, but that is the past. For 4 years I went though anxiety, and panic with mostly palpatitations. I had a great support team of doctors and family and friends and then with estrogen, vitamins and exercise the symptoms all went away. I deceased my estrogen over the next 3 years and this last year both of my parents passed away. First my mother unexpected ( heart attack in the market). My sister and I took care of Dad who was heart broken over Mom and he died this fall. My symptoms all returned full force. I did not connect this with memopause at all. I thought it was all grief. I went to a wonderful doctor who before he put me on antidepressants decided to check my hormonal levels. My estrogen was 0. My thyroid was a little hyperthyroid. This is now coming down to normal slowly. He explained that stress can eat up these hormones especially with no ovaries. I also had a complete overhaul with a  heart arrthymia specialist ( who the most caring man) and he explained how  hormones (thyroid and memopause )effect the heart . I did not get help for 2 months after the death of my Dad. Big mistake! I increased estrogen to double the dose. I started on a beta blocker Atenolol. and klonopin to sleep. I also take Xananx when needed which has been maybe 5 pills. I also am taking a mind/body course, exercise Walking, and eat good, with vitamins. My faith in God has helped me though. My husband has been great . He is the reason I sought support. My children a too young to know what is going on. I have read many books on memopause, anxiety, panic, and this group of women here is the best piece of knowedge I have come to know. I read power surge everyday and even if I do not post as much as I should. I think and pray for you all everyday. It took alot of time but the last month of two I have been much much better. Than boom last night . I could not believe it. I do think I over did it yesterday but did not expect this. It has taken the wind out of my sails, and made me stop and regroup again. Love to all, Sheree

Hi Ann,

Ignore you?  NO WAY!   We're all in this together.  I know exactly how you are feeling. I've been to the ER twice....thought I was having a heart attack.  The first time they told me it was probably acid reflux, the second time they just looked at me like I was an alien and said " it's not your heart", "see ya".   I swore to my husband that the next time I had chest pains....i'd stay home and die.  No one even mentioned panic to me.  I was just lucky enough to stumble onto Power Surge and find other women just like me.  Snowbird was one of the first to come to my rescue, and I will be forever grateful to her.  

I keep my xanax handy and take it when i'm really in a bad way.  The rest of the time I walk around like a walking....talking....bowl of jello!    That's why it's so important to post about our symptoms.....someone might come up with something that works that we can share.  Also, just knowing that others are going through this....and understand completely!    :)

Sheree.....Bless Your Heart!!!

You brought tears to my eyes!!  My dear friend....you have gone through so much.......what can I say)))))"Your Faith in God is indeed STRONG!!" That is evident....He has gotten me through many tough times too!  Your terrific husband, he's a GEM, to be sure!!

It can really....really....s*ck when these things happen during this time of life!  I have lost in the last  2-3 years a total of 3 close friends....another is fighting for her life (cervical cancer)!!  I've been sick with thyroid disease.....now on thyroid meds, etc., etc.  When a woman is going through Menopause.....on top of all this other stuff.........sometimes the only thing we have to hang on to is our Faith!!

You are an INSPIRATION to us all my good friend......your story MOVED me to say the least!!This is a wonderful site......I have never found or received any negative feedback from anyone!!  Only support.....compassion and outreach!!  That is why I come here!!!  Dearest (Alice)....MaryO....and all the others....literally reached out, held my hand in ways I find hard to put into words that would do justice to the Power-Surge Site!!

Keep posting Sheree.....when you can!  We'll always be here!!God Love You and take care)))))Nancy

Ann....My Dear Meno-Bud!!!God Luv You!!You'll be fine....as Kari just said....we know EXACTLY what you are going through!!  It's tough!!  When the heart flip flops....sheesh!!  Darn right scary!  We all HATE it....my dear friend......you're not alone!! Internal shakes to me are the worst!!  It's sooooooooo  darn hard to explain to someone what it feels like!  Especially if you're in ER.....Man.....you know when you're being humored or "patted on the head!" Grrrrr!!

Gosh Kari....you too??!!  My last trip to ER.....I told hubby.....THAT'S IT...."next time, just throw a blanket over me and let me die!!  This Gal isn't going back!!!"    Boy was I ticked!!!!  

Well Ann.....you're among friends.....do what I do....keep posting.....keep whining, if that's what it takes.....you don't have to go it alone......none of us do!!!((((We all love you and we're all here for you))))

(((Hugs)))Nancy

I'm making a promise to all women going through menopause and all the various symptoms. I am going to have a good looooong talk with God and tell him he really has to rethink menopause. After all anyone can make a mistake. I don't think he thought this one through, so I will subtly remind Him that He forgot to let all women grow older gracefully without going through all these things. I'm sure it was just an oversite and He just needs a gentle reminder. So if you start feeling a lot better let me know . I'll really be trying. I don't know enough about meds to help that way and I sure wish I could help everyone here feel better. All I can do is tell what I've been through and how it gets better. Just doesn't seem like enough.Hopefully , I have been able to help some of you gals a little, cause I have been helped so much. Hugs and better days, jeanne

Oh Ann, you have made me so sad.  I can't believe how many of us there are that walk around with phones in our hands, stay close to doors where paramedics can find us, and more.  I keep aspirin in my pocket at all time - just in case it is a heart attack (they say to take one).  I have given myself ulcers because of all of the aspirin I have taken when the panic hits.

I just now got over a terrible panic attack - it has been gone for not more than 15 minutes.  I have been having them regularly for days now.  I beg my hubby to call 911but he just tries to calm me down until they are over.  But he works all night and I am home alone.  And they love to hit me when no one is here.  I have made him run home twice lately.  My daughter lives very close but I am afraid to get in the car and drive to her house because I keep thinking if it is a heart attack I would be alone in the car with no one to help me.  She can't keep running to my house - she just had a baby.  Tonight I took my Xanax and while I waited for it to work - which seemed like forever, I splashed my face and neck with water and then sat with the fan blasting on me.  It distracted me from actually feeling all of those horrid tinglings, etc. and got me thru until the Xanax kicked in.  Although I sat there with the phone clutched in my hand.

One of my biggest fears when I get these is, what if it is a heart attack this time, and I am sitting here thinking it is a panic attack.  If they feel the same, how do you actually know not to call 911 and just wait it out?

Thank you all for being here and for sharing.Sandi

Hi Sandi, Well this one I can definitely help you with. I have had panic attacks and a heart attack. Believe me when I tell you that they are as different as night and day.When and if you have a heart attack there is no mistaking it for anxiety or panic. They feel completely different. And I hope you never have one cause they hurt like the dickens. The pain is unbelievable. You don't even notice the shortness of breath because the pain is so bad.So if  you feel those panic symptoms forget about the heart and just concentrate on relaxing as best you can and take a xanax. They will start going away as soon as postmenopause is reached. Slowly , but they will.:)Hope you feel good real soon, and don't worry about your heart , ok?Hugs, jeanne

Hey Jeanne.....My Meno-Sistah!!I've ALREADY had a VERY....VERY...looooonng talk with Him about it........still waiting for the "oppppps" answer!!  Don't think I'll get it though......"PERIODS must STOP sometime.......I know.....I know......it's those DANG extras.....like "Hot Flashes,  Mood Swings, Insomnia......and...LESSEE!!  Hmmm!!  I'm missin something here......thinking.....thinking!  Oh Yeah!!  "PANIC ATTACKS!!!"  Really....where's my head this morning!!  Think I left it in bed!! **Squawk**

Luv Ya my Meno-bud))(((Hugs from a Canadian Gal)))Nanc

Good Morning Today I feel much better. Yesterday, I took it easy. I didn't spring clean any closets or cabnets like the day before. I had a fascial and listened to relaxing music. I went to bed at 9 pm and slept well. No anxiety. I want to thank all the posts I read yesterday. They sure did help me. I hope I just had a bump in the road and I will be back to my old self ( well my memopausal self that I can handle! grrrrr) All of this is so hard on all of us. We need each other , this I know for sure. Thank you all. Sheree

Hi Everyone:  All of you gals are great.  If we can't meet face-to-face and discuss these awful panics attacks, then this is definitely the next best thing.  I know what each and every one of you are going through; and I have also thought it was my heart.  There were many days when I missed work or had to leave work.  I have walked around with a phone and never leave home wihtout my cell phone.  The panic attacks were absolutely horrible during peri, and I don't know how I made it through.  Now that I'm 2 yrs. w/o periods, I get occasional chest pain and flutters that make me actually twitch or shake.  Only now, I seem to be able to recover quicker from them.  I've tried everything including deep breathing, exercise, relaxation, eating right, vitamins, and even Xanax.  I could not point to one definite method that always helped.  I would have to say that I got through that time by doing everything I mentioned.  I don't know if it was coincidence, but after I started taking the Revival, I was completely panic free for almost a year.  However, I must have had another shift in hormones after my periods stopped, and I experienced panic attacks again; they are not as severe as before.  Make no mistake about it, they still scare me even though I've been checked.    The one thing I know that DEFINITELY helps when the panic strikes is coming to this board and reading the posts.  It takes my mind off the panic; but more importantly, it reminds me that I'm not the only one experiencing this.  This board gives my mind a reality check.  It stops my mind from continuing with the fear, and the panic subsides.  All of you ladies are the best medicine we could get.  Keep posting.  Love and prayers to all of you.  Hugs, Carol

THANK YOU, EVERYONE!!!I'm sorry I was so upset yesterday, and got carried away complaining......you were all so great with your reassurances and concern........I appreciate it more than I can say I'm feeling quite a bit better this morning........I slept pretty well last night, and only had one "quaking" sensation when I woke up, but it passed quickly, and I've been fine since.  I was just so discouraged because I really thought I was doing much better handling things, but the past week just wiped me out for some reason :(Anyway, thanks again for caring, and Jeanne, I'm afraid that looooong talk may have to become a filibuster

Love and hugs and thanks to all :cheesy: Ann

Ann, It is just my own personal opinion, but I don't think anyone that is dealing with panic attacks and menopause has to apologize.  I am glad this board helped you, it sure has helped me a lot and I am pretty new.

How does everyone deal with how tired they are from taking all of this Xanax?  Geez ..... I have my own gift basket business and am busier than heck.  My daughter (and biz partner) just had a baby, so she is off for a while.  I am just dragging myself around today.

Also, my most important question of the day,  how does everyone get those faces on their posts.  :-)

Sandi

Morning ladies,

Glad to hear that some of you had a nice restful night. I think this constant anxiety/panic can create such fatigue that we eventually crash once in a while.

Sanmarie---I don't know what dose of xanax you take, but to keep myself from being snowed under....I break my pill into thirds and take one every few hours.....this way i'm still taking the prescribed dose but keeping the tiredness at bay.  I'm considering asking my doctor about Tranxene since it has a longer half life. Heres another tip.....If you want the xanax to get into your system quicker....chew it up. It is very bitter but starts working sooner.

Carol, you are so right. Sharing our troubles with each other is a real spirit lifter. I don't know where i'd be without the help and compassion from you gals.

Sandi--When you post, look to your left where it say's "Emoticons are enabled". (make sure you checked "Do you wish to enable emoticons in this post")     Click on...and it gives you a whole list of faces to use.  Example.....if you want the big grin.....type in ...colon...biggrin...colon,   with no spaces.   MaryO helped me with this. :biggrin:

Kari,When I started taking Xanax in 1985 they put me on 1mg tablets 4x per day.  Thru the years I weaned myself off - very slowly.  I have only been taking them when a panic attack hit.  But recently I have started taking 1/4mg 2x per day.  More if the panic attack is bad.  I was just thinking that I should start spacing them out more regularly - just hate to get that hooked again.

Thanks for the info on the icons :smile:Sandi

Well if there is one thing I'm good at it's talking forever, Ann. So filibuster should be no problemo. heeheehave a happy day today everyone .hugs, jeanne

I have had panic attacks and a heart attack. Believe me when I tell you that they are as different as night and day.When and if you have a heart attack there is no mistaking it for anxiety or panic. They feel completely different. And I hope you never have one cause they hurt like the dickens. The pain is unbelievable. You don't even notice the shortness of breath because the pain is so bad.

Thanks for that Jeanne! I am so sorry that you have had a heart attack, but it is good for us that you can help us to see the difference. It is one of the scariest things about a panic attack - is this going to kill me? Is this my heart?? Thanks for that insight, friend.

I just can't get around to posting on every board the way I would like to, but I read your messages and know what all of you are going through. The best I can do is provide you with this Web site full of information and caring and these message boards, only a small portion of the Web site, but packed with support, friendship, caring, compassion, friendship and giving others a sense that they're not alone during this difficult transition.

I hope one day very soon we will all be able to say, "Thank God I feel better!" I'm actually counting the days.