I'm unsure on what physical/psychological problem I have, what should I do?

Posted , 3 users are following.

I am 20 years of age and I will be going to university in September so I DESPERATELY need this sorted out before then. I have been diagnosed with Panic Disorder for the past 12 years but my symptoms have become too much to handle. These are my main symptoms:

-Severe weakness in legs

​-Dizziness

​-Extreme nausea and projectile vomiting

-Severe headaches

​-More recently, difficulty breathing

-Blurred vision

-Depressed

​My parents and I suspect that I may have some form of Bradycardia as my breathing is much worse and my heart rate is about 41 when it should be about 60, but we are not the experts.

​My doctors and specialists have checked me for physical problems but I seem to be all clear. I am seeing a Cardiologist in a couple of weeks though. These symptoms have been happening every day for 12 years and I really need some advice as there is a time scale and I'm really scared that I am not getting the most out of my life.

​Please can people give me some advice about what you think I should do as I have really hit rock bottom :,(

Thank you

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    I guess you're worrying whether or not to worry about a condition you may have.

    People can live happily with bradycardia if it is 'benign' but this requires that your heart is delivering enough oxygen rich blood to your body.

    You can get a good idea if this the case for yourself if you bought a recording pulse-oximeter and self-monitored your  percentage blood oxygen saturation.

    In my case, I bought one to prove that medication I was taking was compromising my blood oxygen levels which proved to be the case.

    Whilst you can see instantly from the display what your % blood oxygen saturation level(%SpO2) and pulse rate(bpm) are, you can put it into recording mode and look at a strip chart of your readings on a computer using the accompanying software.

    I used a Contec CMS50E Premium Fingertip Pulse Oximeter shown in the attached image - it gave me confidence that I was being well monitored at night particularly with the low SpO2 alarm setting activated (default is 88% SpO2).

  • Posted

    Hey Emma, I hate you have suffered panic attacks, especially at your age.

    I strongly feel that panic attacks are psychological . I too have suffered from panic attacks for years. I tend to have them much more if I'm with someone, because I have always tried to hide them from my friends.

    I have had them so bad that the next day my body feels drained, extremely tired.

    I feel as if I'm suffocating. The more I try to get a full breath, the more I feel like I'm hyperventilating, which is scary.

    I'm not saying that your attacks doesn't have a physical problem attached, but I bet it's psychological. As far as the lower heart rate, your doing the right thing by going to a cardiologist. I have been a heart patient for 9 years. If there's anything wrong with your heart, they should find it.

    I'm in the U.S.

    Getting back to the panic attacks, they are very scary and seem very real. I may go months and not have one, then certain situations trigger them. When you start hyperventilating , you tend to get dizzy and your legs feel weak. I personally have never had nausea with mine, but the dizziness could cause nausea.

    Your on the right track by getting checked out .Good luck, your not alone.

    • Posted

      Hi Kenny,

      I really hope it isn't anxiety. This has become too hard to deal with as its been 12 years 😭 So I have been suicidal 😢 It's terrifying for me and I am dealing with projectile vomiting at the moment as I have just had a severe panic attack.

      Emma

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