POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: PeteNYNJ on September 02, 2006, 03:34:06 pm
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Hi guys
I wound up going to the ER last night because I was short of breath and my right side of my body felt a bit numb. My bloodpressure was through the roof (which is weird) and I started to feel confused (like why am I here, I want to go home, I feel crazy etc). They did all these tests include chest xray, head CT, bloodwork, EKG and all were normal. They told me I was having a panic attack and gave me some Ativan whiich helped a bit. I guess I have been stressed out lately but I thought I was having a heart attack. It was scary.
Now I feel depressed (this crappy NJ weather isnt helping) and I feel stupid for going to the ER. Has this happened to anyone? They told me to see a neruologist for the numbness but they didnt think it was anything to be too concerned about.
I feel like I am going crazy...sigh :(
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Something similar happened to me at work. I couldnīt breathe or think. I closed the aft door of the plane but left the staircase open. I forgot and I couldnīt remember how to close it. I had to go home and that was the moment when I disclosed to the Dr. of my company...
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Don't feel stupid for going to the ER. I was diagnosed towards the end of last year, and it scared the shit out of me. You suddenly are aware of the fact that something is wrong with you and you start feeling all sorts of symptoms. Symptoms you wouldn't have given a second thought before diagnosis.
In february I also went to the ER, because I had a terrible pain in the gut area. Because of my low T-cells I was scared that I had some sort of infection and got scared. I also went to the doc twice because of pain in my chest, I also thought I was having a heart attack, of course everything was fine.
What I am trying to say is: I think this is normal when you have been recently diagnosed because we are so insecure and feel vulnerable.
Better to go to the ER for nothing, than not going and maybe overlook a serious situation.
C69
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Feel glad/sensible that you went and got it checked and be thankful it was nothing more serious.
I had a similar scare a few months ago. The village doc came to my house and did an ECG, found nothing but still insisted I go to a cardiologist in town to be double sure. Cardiologist found palpitations but told me not to worry, that it was down to the stress Id been under at the time. I still get flutters from time to time, but I took his advice and dont worry about it
I never think going to ER is a waste of time. And if you've been advised to see a neurologist about the numbness, then I would do it. Part of my philosophy is: if in doubt check it out.
You also need to do something to address your anxiety though. Stress is the immune system's worst enemy!
Be well.
Melia :)
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Hay! Better to be safe than sorry.. Panic attacks are scary but after you get to know how they feel you can start on stopping them before they get the best of you... I think I was in a peretual panic attack those first two weeks after diagnosis... No wonder I lost 16 pounds in two weeks..
Your going to be ok and do not be silly about thinking you are stupid.. Stupid is as stupid does...
Signed,
Love & Stupid.... ;)
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Hey dude,
I am sorry about your visit to the ER, very scary.
I have had panic attacks. Stress can do a real number on you. I have had weird irregular heart beat, strange sensations in my body and I think it does make me stupid (my brain is flipped out), etc. Managing stress is something very important. Please look into ways to help with this- breathing exercises, meditation, stretching, exercise, hot bathes with lavender oil AND candles... take some time to love yourself, there is no other more special person!
With care,
Drew
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Hello Confusednewbie, it is Eldon:
You did the right thing by going to the ER because you had no idea of what was going on with you. I too have had both anxiety and panic attacks in the past. Did it scare me? Yes, it did. There are a number of ways for you to reduce the stress in your life.
When you have the time, check out this site that I visit from time-to-time: http://www.anxietypanic.com/ (http://www.anxietypanic.com/), I found it to be very informative.
In the interim, get some exercise, eat a proper diet, drink plenty of fluids, and most of all, get your proper rest...it is important.
Have the BEST Day!
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I had a panic episode when I transferred from intensive care to regular care at another hospital. I checked myself out against the advice of my doctor and the attending nurses. Piss on em. I know what's right for me. When I got home I felt right as rain although I was nervious that I was making a bad choice.
Trust your gut and give yourself permission to just be, aside from all these artifical rules that can clog things up as much as they are meant to provide safety.
If your tests all came back normal, think a little more about it, rationally trying to see if there was something that got missed. You know your body better than anyone else or any machine. it's a complex thing, after all. Going to ER was still a good idea if you needed to begin your investigation though.
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Its always better to be safe than sorry... I went to the ER thinking I had streph throat. It turned out to be
Steven Johnson Syndrome... You just never know. Panic attacks...yep. Had those too. Ativan...Yep again...and by the way they only last a couple or three hours. Scary or not...You Did The Right Thing!
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Hello,
Sorry you had to spend the night in the ER...never a fun time. But, you did the right thing by going. Better to be safe than sorry. Stress can do a lot of things to the body. I was horribly stressed out when I was first diagnosed. I wish that I had gone and spoke with a therapist or psychiatrist in the beginning, I think it would have helped.
Take some time for yourself...pamper yourself. It is difficult in the beginning, but it will get better.
Christine
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I had a panic attack once while I was driving. I swore It was a heart attack. Very strange thing indeed. I hope you recover fast, and that was all it was. Hang in there!
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hello Confused,
Don't feel bad about gong to the emergency room. You were experiencing real symtoms and discomfort , you did the right thing. I have never had a panic attack, so I am not familiar with what you had gone through. But I believe you did the right thing. Now, the thing is to see if you can control it, and prevent it from occurring again.
Take care-----Ray