About me: First I'm a 31 y/o male.

Well, the funniest part of my anxiety is the first time I had a panic attack was on an airplane a few years ago. This is funny because I'm a paratrooper and I wasn't jumping I was flying to a vacation in San Francisco with my lovely wife and son. Neither one of them realized that happened. I breathed and was able to control it. I have had few attacks that would surge for a few minutes then subside separating by months.

Over the past month I have been to the ER twice for back pain. I thought I had injured by back, I still think I might have I'm not sure. The first time was because of tingling and numbness down my arms and legs, and in my face. I was certain I had a compression injury of some sort. Years of military service running with heavy loads and landing at 18 feet per second on hard ground feet first is not the best for the back. One week later I was back in the ER because I had numbness and weakness in my legs and started having full body spasms and muscle twitches. The muscle twitches never seemed to stop. One month later here I am thinking I finally figured out what was wrong with me this weekend.
I am no stranger to anxiety. I have done two extended combat deployments I have probably faced he most life-threatening and dangerous situations you can face. I've jumped from planes, even though I'm afraid of heights. I SCUBA even though I am claustrophobic. I have had the ability to suppress the panic and continue on with the whatever I was doing.

Now over the past few days I have had severe throat tightness and trouble swallowing with what seems like excessive saliva and a tight jaw feel like my tongue is too big or not in the right position. Over the past two weeks I have been convinced I have ALS. Due to the throat tightness and and muscle weakness and muscle twitching. Still not completely convinced that I don't have something more serious. All weekend I have been fretting over it. Pushing it down and continuing on with life.

My wife is currently serving her 3rd deployment in Afghanistan. Not unusual as we have spent a good deal of our marriage apart. There's nothing between us except miles, we are very committed and devoted to one another so there is no worry there. I'm ramping up to go sometime next year possibly. The past three weeks have been stressful at work with training and planning. But nothing anymore than I'm used to handling. I don't have social anxiety

I was a combat leader. I have led men in the dark of night through the most dangerous place on Earth. As happens when you go up in rank I now have a desk job.

What happened to me? Have I finally reached a breaking point? Is there a way to recover from this? Reading some of the forums people on here have been dealing with this for years. I guess this rookie is looking for answers from the more experienced out there.

I was wondering if anyone would have an opinion as to why this is poking it's head now. Why am I not able to control it like I used to? As I sit hear with a tired, sore and clenched jaw.

I'm seeking help tomorrow. But I would like to conquer this without meds, so next question anyone have any suggestions for that...

Thanks
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