Panic Attack Excessively Gone too far

Hi everyone, I’m 19 years old and lately I’ve been having trouble breathing. it’s almost like an anxiety or panic attack kinda breathing, but I’m not having a attack. I’ve been short of breath, taking real deep breathes, been yawning constantly even when I’m not sleepy. I’ve been low on energy and had Dyspnea attacks a lot. Im trying to get into the doctor. Also idk if this helps but last few times they did blood tests my CO2 have been low and the doctors didn’t know why.

Hi @abopp2022, You'll notice that I moved your message to the discussion that you started a couple of weeks ago. I did this so that you can connect with members who know your history a bit.

How are you doing? Were you able to employ some of your strategies for panic attacks to help calm your breathing? I realize you said you weren't having an attack, but those strategies can still help to regulate your breathing. As you know, only a doctor can review your situation to make a proper diagnosis. Have you been able to make an appointment to see your doctor to talk about your breathing difficulties?

It is so strange, I am a lot older than you (43) but have many similar issues...the low potassium, the ear infections, and the panic attacks of which no one can understand how crazy they can make you. I haven't felt like myself for a really long time and I know most people think I am a hypochondriac because I always go to the doctor complaining about the same thing. I know what you are going through is REAL and it's scary. I've tried all sorts of anti-depressants. I know this question was posted a while ago and I do hope you are doing much better and have been able to find a solution of which I have not. I just have to live every day knowing that I can have a panic attack at any moment and that no one believes that it has to do with my potassium level. I would appreciate an update on your current status. Thanks!

@bibinance, Good evening, I have just come upon your first post, and here is a gigantic welcome to Connect. We are a group of patients, caregivers, and providers who cannot diagnose or prescribe. What we can do is share our own experiences and in so doing let you know that we have been there. We get it.

Actually, I had my first panic attack ever this year and I don't want to have another one. You obviously know much more than I do. So....have a bit of patience and you will receive an appropriate welcome. I will start my way back to Neuropathy where I belong.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

@bibinance I'd like to extend my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

You said that people think you are a, "hypochondriac because I always go to the doctor complaining about the same thing."

It's important that we visit medical providers but since they have not been able to offer solutions for your symptoms, perhaps it's time to seek another kind of care.

Anti-depressants can be an important tool for anxiety but best practice would be to attend therapy concurrently. May I ask if you are seeing a therapist?

May I also inquire if you have any pain because I'm wondering if a pain clinic based in psychotherapy might be helpful in reducing symptoms?

I'd like to say, "Thank you" for welcoming me to the community. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read and advise. I have tried talking to different mental health practitioners and unfortunately, none of them have been able to figure me out. I had a psychiatrist that I really trusted for 15 years and then he moved out of state and now I just bounce around without any connection. He did have my panic attacks under control for many years and I have felt rejected by everyone else. I experienced extreme panic attacks when my potassium was at it's lowest 2.7 and I just want to encourage everyone that sometimes it's not just all in your head. There is a valid reason for what is happening to you...to answer the question, I don't have any physical pain and I definitely am open to advice...just scared that's all..

Hi There , I know how scared you are ! I know bc I've lived with the curse of SEVERE panic attacks and EXTREME generalized anxiety my entire life . It has prevented me from experiencing so much . My husband passed away 3 yrs ago very quickly from liver cancer. He was my safe person . My fear has always been that I will be alone unable to function or take care of my children alone or that he wld die . Well , he died... He didn't have life insurance and literally left me and my twins ( they were 14) My grief has been unimaginable as is my fear and anxiety every single day. I'm a special education teacher with a Master's degree. I was working and subsequently doing sooo much better bf this COVID NIGHTMARE ... I do have a psychiatrist and psychologist that I adore and trust . The meds help but nothing takes away the sadness or all of my anxiety. I hear you and I'm soooo sorry you have to live with this curse as well. I do think finding a really good psychiatrist helps however, I know how difficult it can be . I take effexor ER and prozac , klonopin for BREAK TBROUGH PANIC . I wanted you to know I know scary it is . Unfortunately, I have no magical answer. I hope you get on the right meds . Just rem . A panic attack can only last a certain amount of time . You will get through it . If I can ANYONE can ... God bless ❤️ Jenifer

@anxiety227 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

It sounds like you loved your husband and his loss caused unimaginable pain.

You have good providers (support system) and feel if you can get through it anyone can.

It sounds like your husband and family is important to you. May I ask how you and your daughters keep your husband's memory alive?

Hi Jenifer, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please accept my condolences, I can't even imagine what you have been through. My uncle died this year of liver cancer as well and I know it is a very difficult cancer to deal with as there are minimal treatment options available. In spite of having what I know are debilitating panic attacks, you have managed to be so courageous. I am comforted to know that I too take Effexor and Prozac as I have worried sometimes about the interaction between the two, I hope you don't mind if I ask, " What dosage of these meds have you found to be the most effective for you?" For panic, I have taken Xanax and Klonopin in the past and tried propanolol, hydroxyzine, and Buspar but, these are not fast-acting enough when you are in "panic mode". They will take about 30 min. to work and for that 30 min. you've been through a hell other people can never understand. Most of the doctors will do anything to avoid giving you anything stronger as I have found because they are scared to death to prescribe. "Oh! you are too young to be taking that!" is what I hear all the time. Anxiety and panic attacks have a lot to do with genetics so I don't understand. It is a constant battle and I pray for you to continue being so strong, It is very admirable.

I don't feel strong at all ! My anxiety has becomen completely unbearable.. I cannot pay the rent next month and all I do is worry and cry . I'm scared all the time . You are ABSOLUTELY correct , drs DO NOT UNDERSTAND !!!They are so afraid of getting sued they will not prescribe anything they perceive as being " addictive" studies have shown people with true panic disorder / depression almost NEVER abuse their medication . I'm at a very low point t now . I'm completely overwhelmed & beat myself up constantly bc I wish I CLD do more , be a normal person !!!! BC of the severity of my anxiety I cannot teach full time ( I have my Masters degree in Special Education) if I didn't have this unbelievable fear of having a panic attack in the classroom our lives wld be completely different. I have. Twin boys . Sometimes I hate myself so much I can stand to even look at myself . Anxiety has destroyed me . It has taken so much from me !!!! Without my husband I feel like I'm walking in quick sand ....I would literally do anything to be happy ... Idk if I even know what that feels like anymore . I pray to God every night to give me the strength to face another day . Noone really understands unless they have experienced it !!! I take 300 ml. Effexor ER I think 10 mg of prozac but I'm not sure I have to look . I feel for everyone here , between grief and the constant fear of losing my mind life is a nightmare. Life should not be this hard ......