FEAR OF HAVING A HEART ATTACK
I HAVE BEEN TO THE ER ABOUT 8 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR BLOOD WORK ALWAYS CHECKS OUT OK. THE ATTACKS ARE LESS FREQUENT SINCE I STARTED TAKING ALPRAZOLAM .5 MG STILL GETS THE BEST OF ME EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. JUST FINISHING LESSON 2. SCARED THAT WHEN I HAVE THESE EPISODES IF I DONT GO TO THE ER AND JUST TRY TO RIDE IT OUT AND IT IS A HEART ATTACK THAT ILL DIE. DOES ANYONE HAVE THESE THOUGHTS?
-
Guest
I have gone through the EXACT same thing. I went to a cardiologist and took several tests: stress test, 24 hr heart monitor, and nuclear stress test. All tests were normal. In fact after the nuc test, the cardio said I had the healthiest heart he's seen in 2 years!
The nuc stress test is considered to be the best way of identifying any cardiac problems. They inject a very small amount of radioactive dye and this brings about the best internal pictures of the heart. (The dye leaves the body after 24 hours through urination.)
I would find a cardiologist and take cardiac tests. Mention your ER trips to the cardiologist. This is how I was able to get the nuc stress test. This type of test is expensive for insurance companies and they want a good reason for it. I would not mention the alprazolam because depending on the cardio, he/she may immediately write it off as anxiety without doing the tests. You, like me, want those tests to help ease our minds.
It has been almost a year since my last ER trip and the subsequent nuc stress test. I haven't been to ER since and I have--slowly, because of the fear of me getting a heart attack due to my father eventually dying from one @ 77--accepted the cardio's healthy diagnosis. I am 43.
A small amount of alprazolam is my best friend too in this situation.
BTW: welcome to the forum
!
The nuc stress test is considered to be the best way of identifying any cardiac problems. They inject a very small amount of radioactive dye and this brings about the best internal pictures of the heart. (The dye leaves the body after 24 hours through urination.)
I would find a cardiologist and take cardiac tests. Mention your ER trips to the cardiologist. This is how I was able to get the nuc stress test. This type of test is expensive for insurance companies and they want a good reason for it. I would not mention the alprazolam because depending on the cardio, he/she may immediately write it off as anxiety without doing the tests. You, like me, want those tests to help ease our minds.
It has been almost a year since my last ER trip and the subsequent nuc stress test. I haven't been to ER since and I have--slowly, because of the fear of me getting a heart attack due to my father eventually dying from one @ 77--accepted the cardio's healthy diagnosis. I am 43.
A small amount of alprazolam is my best friend too in this situation.
BTW: welcome to the forum
!-
Guest
-
Guest
I totally understand your fear and concern. I have gone to the hospital several times over the years thinking I was dying to only be told I needed to calm down. Although I still have palpitations, I have found that since starting the program 4 weeks ago, I am calmer and have tools to use to help myself work throught the episodes. The reduction of caffeine, the diversions, the relaxation tape, etc. are great things to help reduce the fear. I am still ALIVE and kicking and so are you! Continue with the program and you will see the positive results.
-
Guest
I remember on one of my ER visits (due to a panic attack). I was told by the nurse to JUST CALM DOWN!! lol Now if I could have done that I wouldn't have been in the ER. It's easy to joke about it now but it's very scary when I am having an attack. I also have thoughts many many times that I was having a heart attack during one of my episodes. I had all the heart tests and everything came down normal. I don't go to the ER much anymore, thank God. Just stick to the program and let us know how you are doing. We are all here to support you on your journey. God Bless!!!
-
Guest
Yes, I too understand the fear of having a heart attack. It is one of the main fears when I am panicky, I have had panic for years so common sense tells me I can't be having a heart attack for years. It would have gotten me by now.I am in week three of the program so I am really working on the deep breathing and relaxation and this seems to help. I went to the ER once years ago to be told it was stress and I was treated so badly I swore I would never go again, but there are times I think about it. The "what if" thinking can play havoc on you. Hang in there. God bless you. Know there are others out here who support you and understand.
-
Guest