PanicPhobia
11-03-2013, 06:58 PM
I am a male in my mid 30's. I began having panic attacks at age 27, when I drove myself to the ER thinking I was dying and having a heart attack. I had been diagnosed as Bi-Polar about 5 years earlier but never had any real issues with anxiety such as that. After this incident, I began having panic attacks daily, often lasting for hours or more (on and off). It was so bad, that I went to the hospital and demanded they let me check into the psych unit. They refused, saying that "only people who are dangers to themselves or others get admitted." Well I went along for a few days, but nothing got better, so I went to the ER (and lied) saying I was going to kill myself. They then admitted me. It's pretty preposterous that this is how our mental health system works, but it is (unless you are rich and can afford private hospitals).
At any rate, I have went along for the past 6-7 years without much issue. My shrink got me on an SSRI and mood stabalizer and it seemed to have worked. Sure, I would sometimes feel an attack coming on, but I was able to control it pretty well and they didn't happen all that often. Then, due to the fact that I stupidly missed a shrink appointment, I got off my meds for a few weeks. I got back on them and have been on them for about 6 weeks.
However, as of 2 weeks ago, my attacks are back. It started this time with chest pain without much anxiety. Like a dull pain that resonated to my back. I went to the local medical clinic and they ran a chest x-ray and checked me for pneumonia. It was negative. They also ran blood tests and everything was normal. So I went for about 2 weeks just tolerating the nightly chest pains. Then last night, I had enough. My chest hurt, I was short of breath and my heart was pounding. I went to the ER. Same thing happened "Oh it's anxiety, go home and consult with your doctor." They refused to give me ativan (I didn't ask) I guess because they think I am faking it. I had that problem years ago, where one of the nurses made a comment that "he is drug seeking." It's pretty insulting, but that's how my local ER staff is.
In any case, the doctor prescribed me a muscle relaxant (Flexeril). He didn't say why, but I assume because it might help with the tense muscles which could cause pains. But, I am afraid to take it! (so much for my drug seeking). So I was wondering if any of you have ever taken that med and if so, did it help at all?
At any rate, I have went along for the past 6-7 years without much issue. My shrink got me on an SSRI and mood stabalizer and it seemed to have worked. Sure, I would sometimes feel an attack coming on, but I was able to control it pretty well and they didn't happen all that often. Then, due to the fact that I stupidly missed a shrink appointment, I got off my meds for a few weeks. I got back on them and have been on them for about 6 weeks.
However, as of 2 weeks ago, my attacks are back. It started this time with chest pain without much anxiety. Like a dull pain that resonated to my back. I went to the local medical clinic and they ran a chest x-ray and checked me for pneumonia. It was negative. They also ran blood tests and everything was normal. So I went for about 2 weeks just tolerating the nightly chest pains. Then last night, I had enough. My chest hurt, I was short of breath and my heart was pounding. I went to the ER. Same thing happened "Oh it's anxiety, go home and consult with your doctor." They refused to give me ativan (I didn't ask) I guess because they think I am faking it. I had that problem years ago, where one of the nurses made a comment that "he is drug seeking." It's pretty insulting, but that's how my local ER staff is.
In any case, the doctor prescribed me a muscle relaxant (Flexeril). He didn't say why, but I assume because it might help with the tense muscles which could cause pains. But, I am afraid to take it! (so much for my drug seeking). So I was wondering if any of you have ever taken that med and if so, did it help at all?