Thanks For Your Help

I just wanted to thank all those who took the time to read and respond to my Panic Attack story. It means a lot to me to know that there are people out there that are going through the same things I am, and that I am able to talk to them now. My mom has been trying to get me to look at a support website ever since my surgery, but I never did. Boy am I glad that I finally did!
Thanks again to everyone!

~ Melissa

1 Comments

Panic attacks

by bambi - 2009-01-29 11:01:32

Hi Melissa,
Lately it seems that there are a few posts about panic attacks, and if my memory serves, it seems like a topic that surfaces quite a bit. Many of us, including me, became aware of our heart problems by being first diagnosed with panic attacks. Usually, that seems to be the pat answer until further persistence by us makes the Dr. either refer us or run tests. One of my Dr.'s explained to me that some people produce more adrenaline naturally than others. Their bodies over react to stress by overproducing it. He felt that I was one of these people since I had a very high resting heart rate, and a dangerously high rate with afib, flutter, and SVT that needed intervention to resolve.Turns out that was part of the problem, but just a piece of the puzzle. After 3 ablations by a good EP, he found my electrical pathways were screwed up not just in the sinus node, but all over my atrium. My pacemaker has helped, but it takes continuous setting changes for me to feel better. I believe panic attacks are very real physiological responses to how our bodies react to stress. I also believe that it is somewhat hereditary as I've seen 2 of my sons struggle with it as they entered their 20's. What keeps my panic attacks under control, is a beta blocker. However, beta blockers make me feel like crap, [tired, fuzzy, out of it] so I am on a calcium channel blocker that works much better for me.
I also believe it takes quite a while to adjust physically and psychologically to our pacemakers and ICDs. Give yourself time and know you're not alone. If you feel panicky, seek out a good friend and talk. Or visit this site. There are many warm, caring people here and we all understand!
Best of luck to you!
Bambi

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