XP from Toddlers: Panic Attack?

KRT

So about an hour or so ago, I woke up to go to the bathroom and while in there started having some cramping or so I thought.  I got back in bed and still felt the cramping but then wondered if maybe it was my colon, etc.  I got kind of dizzy feeling and started doing some slow breathing.  I honestly thought I was having a heart attack, stroke, something.  I tried to breathe through it and got worried and woke up DH.  I don't have chest pains, etc. but feel antsy and am now almost scared to go to sleep. 

 I have been under a lot of stress.  I got laid off right before Thanksgiving and was dealing with job loss, holidays, etc.  I thankfully received a job offer last week and will be starting on Monday.  I am nervous about a new job, being able to cut it, having to travel a lot in the beginning and being worried about leaving DD.  Wondering if this could just be a delayed stress reaction.

I do have thyroid disease, PCOS and am being treated for depression so I am wondering if it is just a stress reaction (i.e. panic attack, etc.).  I will obviously be calling my dr tomorrow but just wanted to see if what I am describing sounds consistent with a PA?

PoundCake

I suffer from panic attacks and anxiety.  It's been worse the last 3 months.  I have the same symptoms you describe.  Sometimes it just comes out of nowhere.

I take anti anxiety meds as needed (not so much now because I'm pg) and when I get one and DH is home, he helps me to remember to breathe properly.  I had an attack that got out of control in December.  One of the things the ER docs told me was to try very hard to keep breathing under control because you can start to hyperventilate and it makes it so much worse.

I'd call your doc to see what they say-good luck!

KRT

Thanks Poundcake.  I was on a very low dose of Zoloft for a couple of years and through PG but about 9 months after DD was born, it had to be upped due to increasing stress at work, etc.  I talked to my mom this AM (she is a nurse) and she also thought it was a panic attack.  Based on the levels of stress I have had since Thanksgiving she thinks that now I have obtained a new job my body is finally calming down and I am now reacting vs being in survival mode. 

It was so odd b/c my heard wasn't pounding but I honestly felt so weird and really thought I was going to die.  I truly hope this never happens again!