Please or to access all these features

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Terrifying panic attack tonight, advice please!

5 replies

user1490395938 · 07/09/2017 18:48

Hello,
I've been feeling a bit under the weather for a couple of weeks or so due to asthma playing up and also sinusitis. Both of these issues mean that my sleep is often disturbed and broken so wake up mostly tired but find I can get through the day with no problems despite this. Am under a consultant regarding both of these problems. During the past couple of weeks I have also experienced slight twinges and tightness in my chest with little shooting pains coming and going but now and again I do get anxious so put this down to that.
This evening however, I was sitting watching TV and eating toast when this horrible and terrifying feeling washed over me and caused my heart to race like mad and I felt very scared and panicky as if I was having a heart attack and was going to collapse and die. Never experienced anything like this before and never want to again as I was absolutely terrified and kept thinking about my Dc and what will they do without me! Sounds ridiculous I know but at the time I was so scared. Luckily I was at my parents when it happened so was not alone. Now I am worried about having a repeat attack and am also worrying in case it was actually a heart attack with the speeding pulse and chest twinges. Doctor booked for next week or should I see a doctor sooner? Feel calmer but still having occasional chest twinges. Pulse feels slower now. Could this be caused by anxiety? Sorry for long post, thanks xx

OP posts:
Counterpane · 08/09/2017 08:18

Didn't want to read and run but, yes, classic anxiety symptoms.

I would always recommend getting along to the Doctor to get any unusual pain checked out, and you should do it for your own peace of mind.

However, lots of people end up in A&E thinking they are having a coronary and it turns out to be a panic attack. It feels just as real and frightening as a medical emergency does, so don't feel silly for being alarmed.

It sounds as though you are stressed about your health and generally at a low ebb, so you might benefit from some counselling or other help. In the meantime, remind yourself that, although it was scary, you got through it and are still alive.

user1490395938 · 08/09/2017 10:20

Thank you, doctors appointment booked. Feel better today. Thanks for replying xx

OP posts:
NolongerAnxiousCarer · 08/09/2017 22:15

That does sound like like a pannic attack, they are horrible Flowers do you know what triggered it? Was it something on TV. I had a horrendous one when DH was watching the walking dead, have stayed away from horror since.

MorrisZapp · 08/09/2017 22:17

Panic attacks are just the worst. I used to wake up having them in the middle of the night. It feels like a heart attack.

Definitely see your doctor.

PamDooveOrangeJoof · 08/09/2017 22:18

Being tired really makes my anxiety worse and also I am asthmatic and that can set it off too if struggling to breathe anyway. Makes me feel claustrophobic and panicky. Have you got your asthma under control?
I'm sorry you feel like this it's an awful feeling I know.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page