physical symptoms

thirtysomething · Post by **thirtysomething** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:38 pm

Just wondering if anyone eles experiences physical symptoms when they are not having a panic attack? Sometimes I have physical symptoms at any time , I might be feeling anxious or not but I am definately not in the middle of a panic attack. When having a panic attack I also have physical symptoms. Just wondering does anyone eles have this?

FrancesL · Post by **FrancesL** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:04 pm

I have had this.

I experience them during times when I feel anxious, even without the actual "panic attack."

I also sometimes feel them when I am calm and just hanging around. I get the pressure in my head, or feel off balance, lightheaded..sometimes tingly. I think this comes from dealing with the anxiety so much, that even when not anxious our bodies are exhausted/trying to recoup.

rose_thorn98 · Post by **rose_thorn98** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:05 pm

yes, I get physical symptoms when I'm not in a panic attack. I can have them when just feeling anxious or even for days after a bad attack, even though I may not be haivng anxiety at that time.

I get lightheaded, fatigue (very bad, can barely function), and chest pain, headaches. Been to many drs and they all can't find anything wrong...all say anxiety related.

Tests I've had:

EKG
Chest x-ray
Full blood work
Brain CT Scan
Upper GI Series
GI ultrasound
Endoscopy

I was diagnosed with GERD, but only mild. Everything else normal.

MichiganMom · Post by **MichiganMom** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:07 pm

yupper and it's frustrating. Physical symptoms come and go with or without anxiety.

Cherl · Post by **Cherl** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 1:28 am

Ditto to all above. Especially Rose's symptoms, they mirror mine.
The only thing I can tie it to is that it appears to be hormonal. Sometimes I feel the symptoms, but if I am not anxious then I float right past it, but look out if the anxiety is present, usually around 7-10 days prior to my period.
It is very frustrating, but with the skills I have learned in the program it has helped me immensely. My husband just commented to me yesterday about how much better (100% better in his opinion) I handle things now. 2 years ago I would've freaked out over most of these symptoms (I DID!!) and stayed freaked out, now I let them pass on by for the most part. But yes it is still bothersome, I wish they would all go away for good!
I saw a therapist for a while in the beginning and one piece of advice she gave me that has stuck with me is....."When its something (an ache or pain) you'll know it and go get it taken care of, in the meantime, go live life." This is advice she received from her own doctor when she was having health anxiety.

The best thing to do is take care of yourself. Exercise helps a lot. I take a calcium/magnesium supplement in the evening that seems to help calm me down. I also try to eat healthily and just stay in the present moment. I know it sounds cliche, but it is the truth.

Have a good day.

boo · Post by **boo** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:29 am

i feel them also, i get really bad neck stiffness were it leads to me head hurting, or the tingling in different parts of the body,wired pains in my chest or arm. I guess now to me its normal since i have gotten it for so long.but now i just remind me that i have gotten the feelings more then a million times and have always been okay so dont worry about it.Most of the time i can deal with it okay but sometime i do have to read and listen to the tapes so i can reminded myself its okay.

no worries it is normal to people like us ..

R.Younger · Post by **R.Younger** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 4:26 am

<span class="ev_code_PURPLE">Great post! I too have had all the body symptoms and used to obsess over them all the time. Did the many dr thing only to be told the same thing over and over again.....anxiety. Im starting to believe that everyone everywhere is suffering from anxiety disorder, lol. I am like you boo, I have lived through them so many times that I just dont worry about them any more. All my test check out ok so it MUST be part of my dis-ease. Now I even tell myself outloud when they happen, "STOP IT!!!! I know what your trying to do and I refuse to give you that kind of power over me!" And it works!!! Imagine? Any way thanks to all who posted, nice to be reminded that we are not alone in our journey called anxiety. Kitten.</span>

Music Fan · Post by **Music Fan** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:01 am

Yes, I get body symptoms too and then work myself up into a anxious frenzy. I've been dealing with some pains lately so I've gotten two massages to deal with the pain. Yesterday the massage therapist told me to make an appt. with my doctor. Ugh! I never know if what I'm feeling is an actual medical condition or all in my anxious mind. I feel like I'm avoiding my doctor cuz he probably thinks I'm a nut job. Now I have to decide if I go to the doctor or just wait and see. Feeling kind of down about it all.