A different kind of panic attack

medgrl · Post by **medgrl** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:00 am

I am no longer afraid of my panic attacks. What scares the heck out of me is that my heart skips beats (all the time)and sometimes feels like there is a butterfly in my chest. I can't hardly leave the house because of this. I am terrified I will die of a heart attack in my car or at someones home. I have just recently had a stress test and an echo, the doctor said that I am perfectly fine. Nothing wrong with my heart. The only panic attacks that I have now all stem from my heart. The second my heart skips a beat an immedite panic attack happens. The panic attack I can cope with the heart thing no. Can anyone please help with this problem. Thank you all so much

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:09 am

Hey!

I hear you I suffered from that as well. I picked up this book; "hope and help for your nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. Wow, it helped me so much with that feeling because she's explains it in full detail. That's all I ever needed was a good explanation of what was going on in my body, not someone just telling me it's anxiety.

I hope that helps.

The books pretty cheap too. 6 bucks

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:35 am

The only panic attacks that I have now all stem from my heart.

Decide to go to the store. As you approach the front door, what thoughts are you saying to yourself, write them dowm. Those What-If questions are cranking you into panic before your heart does anything. Listen to lesson two again. You'll be able to recognize the scary questions you're asking yourself, and replace them with derailing and calming comments. You'll be fine. You'll be fine faster if you listen to session 2 again.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:57 am

I completely understand your concern. You have done the right thing by being checked out medically. Your heart skipping is your trigger, many have others, ie. headaches, stomach aches,etc. allow as best you can your heart to do whatever it wants. Your placing importance on your heart is the problem not your heart itself. When your concern is allowed and accepted your heart will start behaving normal again and you won't really care. Good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:57 am

Originally posted by vanitykills:

I picked up this book; "hope and help for your nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. Wow, it helped me so much with that feeling because she's explains it in full detail.

I also have this book. When I read it, I felt like she was describing EXACTLY the feelings I have. It's a good one.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:24 am

Your panic attacks are no different than anyone elses. They are the same. These sensations you are experiencing (now that you have had them checked out by your doctor) are coming from anxiety. Any sensations from anxiety will not hurt you! Get out and expose yourself to driving, to the store, anywhere. Expose yourself and allow yourself to feel these feelings - over and over and over again - until you are no longer reacting to them. Do this with a therapist if you must or a trusted friend but do not let these sensations run your life any longer.

While experiencing your discomfort, welcome all the sensations in. Genuinely welcome them. The more you welcome them (even a little bit at a time) the sooner they will subside.

Persevere. Be patient. Your peace will come.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:38 am

I want to thank all of you for your words of encouragment. Everyone here is so helpful and I appreciate that. I am going to start practicing my acceptance of these symptoms today. Thank you all again.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 4:49 am

I would love to talk with you regarding this as I have the exact same problem. Panic attacks are pretty much non existant (unless a very stressful circumstance occurs) - but the heart stuff always sends me into a spiral, maybe we can talk via email? zeus34@comcast.net