panic attacks

[Guest guest]

Wouldn't moving explain part of the panic attacks? I'd rather be beaten

daily than have to move.

Seriously, I have had panic attacks. I don't know if if's associated with

the illnesses or if it's something else.

Just a suggestion. If you are happy with the doc in N. VA why don't you

travel there instead of changing?

Before you say but it takes hours to get there and back, let me tell you

that I travel 2000 miles every month to see the doctor of my choice and to

me it's worth every second of it, unless you ask me during the frustrating

parts of the trip.

Hope you find something that helps you with those attacks.

GA

This is about my scariest symptom - worse than

> pain, so I'd be very grateful for any suggestions, input.etc.

[Guest guest]

I'm getting the impression that if those of us with Reiter's have a higher

incidence of panic attacks it may be largely due to our struggle with pain.

limited energy, fear of future problems, etc. It's well documented that

depression is much more common in people with chronic pain. However, there is

also evidence that the same microorganisms that may cause the Reiter's can also

cause neurological difficulties. I sure wish the research on our illness would

have some major breakthroughs!

[Guest guest]

Yes, I think moving may be tied to this. Actually, within a period of a year

and a half my Mum died, I took an early retirement from the Federal Government,

sold my home of 18 years, packed up our household goods, lived with our kids for

3 months, and moved into a new home 250 miles away! Gee - think that might be

pushing the limits? I agree I could manage to drive up to my old doctor and did

do that for about a year. The toughest part was that the lab tests she wants me

to have are not available where I live so I have to drive there also. I may

have to go back to her because, as we all know, there are not a lot of doctors

that are willing to really deal with this illness. One problem is that she is

so busy I only get to see the doctor once every 6 months; the rest of the time I

see her nurse practitioners, who are great but not really knowledgeable enough

to address my concerns. I'm amazed that you can face travelling 2000 miles

every month, but I know what you mean about it

being worth it. It's scary not to have the support of a good doctor. Thanks

for the input.

VA

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have no doubt the pain contributes to the anxiety. But I am also wondering if

some of us are reacting to some of the drugs we have to take. I had a panic

attack last year that landed me in the local ER. My attack was apparently a

result of being on high doses of oral prednisone. So I, personally will be very

careful with the oral pred. Also, I've noticed that when I am fighting an eye

flare and use the pred forte eye drops I tend to get more anxious. I am sure we

each have various reactions to the different drugs we have to take. Sometimes

the cure seems worse than the disease...dang!!!

I pray every night for some new breakthroughs in research for Reiters and A.S. I

often wonder what the European RH MD's know about Reiters and AS. They say the

HLA B27 gene is more prevalent in northern European countries. While I do

realize that not all of us have that specific gene, I am sure most of us could

benefit benefit from such genetic research. Does anyone know which of the

Northern European countries have the highest incidence of this nasty little

gene?

I had a darling neighbor who was well into her 80's. She was going blind and

deaf at the same time. One day, I asked in amazement how she coped with this

double whammy affliction. She responded, " I don't really know for sure but I

think God wants me to go inside " . I learned a lot from this dear and brave

neighbor.

in CA

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone. I am a fairly recent Reiter's sufferer (since about '99)

and fortunately I have a relatively mild case (azulfidine 2000 mg/day). I

read all posts but have not posted myself in quite some time. I am a 49

year old male. The subject of panic attacks is something I am very familiar

with. I began having them in early 1994, well before being diagnosed with

Reiter's. In short order, panic attacks and the associated anxiety

virtually became the central focus of my life. To make a long story short,

after seeing an ad in my local paper, and using xanax for some months to

" survive " my attacks, I got involved in a study at Dartmouth Hitchcock

Medical Center here in New Hampshire on the use of zoloft for panic disorder

(PD) patients. It was one of those double-blind studies, very interesting

to participate in. I had great success with it. Within days I began to see

a marked decrease in my symptoms. I stayed on zoloft for about 16 months,

and when I decided to try life without it, I was sitting pretty. Apparently

the behavioral pattern of the attacks was interrupted, and I have been

almost symptom free for going on 10 years. So, I can certainly vouch for

the effectiveness of zoloft for PD. I know that the study I participated in

led to the FDA approval of zoloft for PD patients.

I hope this helps anyone who may be experiencing significant PD symptoms. I

know how awful they are, and how PD can take over your life. Zoloft may not

now be the only drug for PD, but it was the one that changed my life for the

good.

Mark Naylor

Concord, NH

m-naylor@...

[Guest guest]

It's so great that you were able to participate in the study, that you were

one of the ppl who got the Zoloft and that you got the positive results you

did.

I also know that Paxil is another medication used for panic disorders. Some

of the other antidepressants may also work in the same way and ppl may not

have good results with the first med their doc prescribes, but I hope that

they will stay with it the way you did till they get the right drug for

them.

Just curious. What would you have done if the symptoms had returned when you

stopped the med or did you stop it after discussing it with your doc?

GA

Within days I began to see a marked decrease in my symptoms. I stayed on

zoloft for about 16 months, and when I decided to try life without it, I

was sitting pretty. Apparently the behavioral pattern of the attacks was

interrupted, and I have been almost symptom free for going on 10 years.

So, I can certainly vouch for the effectiveness of zoloft for PD. I know

that the study I participated in led to the FDA approval of zoloft for PD

patients.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I quite agree with medication side effects: We have to be our own

investiagator with problems with new drugs. I now keep a diary listed any

new health concerns changes etc. My Rheumy had me on Planqueil and oral

prednisone at the same time also naprosyn (within two months I had every

side effect on the list of all of them. Took the list of side effects with

me of the web and show that the side effects were worse than the Arthritis,

AS, Fibro plus they we giving me more pain and swelling problems. (I put on

15 kg with prednisone because I had been on drip up to 1700 over three days

with it in the hospital to control a severe flareup, before becoming home

and continuing it. ( My husband even said I was as high as a kite plus I

could only sleep two hours at a time in the last two weeks of taking these

medications.) Looking back when taking the medications I was more anxious,

nervy on them than I am usual.

It took time for things to settle down at home because you have to decrease

slowly off Presnisone otherwise other dangerous health concerns.

I an now only taking Methotraxate, so far no side effects.

Lyn (Australia)

[Guest guest]

With regard to panic attacks, its sometimes very useful to have the levels of progesterone in the body checked and if low boosted in the hormone panels on the Scio, plus the addition of supplementation with progesterone cream, applied to various areas of the body sequentially. This often helps annihilate panic attacks. Often depression and panic attacks can be traced back to this cause. Hope this helps.Maggie <maggiem1@...> wrote:

HI –

Oop, I mean in the disease dictionary – go to injuries

And do the electro-accupuncture.. I like this one J

Maggie

From: qxci-english [mailto:qxci-english ] On Behalf Of Noel van der MullenSent: Friday, July 08, 2005 2:25 PMqxci-english Subject: Re: Re: PANIC ATTACKS

Hi Maggie, I only find Emotional trauma in the Biofeedback module. Which one do you mean when you say "injury program in Biofeedback"? Noël.

RE: Re: PANIC ATTACKS

Hi Folks,

This is sorta my first time trying to find out about this problem. I thought I saw a email that had how to treat this problem and also about different vitamins, minerals, or possibly herbs that help lessen panic attacks.

If anyone has any information on this I would really appreciate it

Thanks

Doris

From: qxci-english [mailto:qxci-english ] On Behalf Of Duncan CrowSent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 1:05 PMqxci-english Subject: Re: neuropathy

> Jackie wrote:> > Hi Folks,> I just finished searching the archives screen by screen for a protocol> on neuropathy (diabetic). I know there were posts a few weeks ago bgut> of course I didn't archive any of the protocols for myself. Now I have> a client with the said condition. Can anyone forward me the posts?> Much appreciation, JackieI'v just done an article about peripheral arterial disease for the local paper. The best therapy for neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease is ozon therapy. It's usually given as an intravenous or intra-arterial injection. I have studies on both on-hand.People who can't afford ozone sessions may still benefit if the PAD or neuropathy is not too severe by increasing Nitric Oxide.The company that makes Nitro FX, a Noni extract, is giving away free samples so you can "feel the FX". This will be of interest to those with peripheral arterial disease perhaps even with neuropathic symptoms. Here's the

link:http://ok.enliveninternational.com/Noni increases nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is proven to increase microcirculation; it is a useful treatment for circulation problems including but not limited to PAD, angina and asthma. The discovery of many of nitric oxide's 200-plus functions in the body resulted in a recent Nobel Prize. Duncan Crow............................................

[Guest guest]

, in response to your questions, it was my decision to stop taking the

zoloft at any time I wished. However, I did so in consultation with the

doctors. At the time I stopped taking it, I was several months into a

one-year extension of the study where the double-blind aspect had ended and

I was definitely receiving the med. So yes, I did consult with the doctors

and they left it up to me. If the symptoms had returned, I am sure I would

have gone to my PCP and requested a Rx of zoloft. Although I did experience

side-effects when using zoloft, including sexual delay and some sleep

disturbance, those side-effects are very livable when compared to the awful

recurrence of panic attacks which had dominated my daily life prior to the

use of zoloft.

Mark Naylor

Concord, NH

m-naylor@...

Re: Panic attacks

> Just curious. What would you have done if the symptoms had returned when

> you

> stopped the med or did you stop it after discussing it with your doc?

>

> GA

[Guest guest]

Hello Mark. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm definitely going to

consider talking to my new family doctor (when I finally get to see her) about

medication for the panic/anxiety problems. I realized today - especially after

reading a post from another member - that it's very important to keep a diary of

symptoms and related meds, etc. I started to wonder if the Ultram I'm taking

could have set off the attacks; it seems as though once you've had the darn

things they can be triggered fairly easily. I'm considering stopping all

caffeine products then the Ultram to see what happens. I will definitely keep

your recommendation on Zoloft in mind when I talk with the doc.

(VA)

[Guest guest]

Hello Mark. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm definitely going to

consider talking to my new family doctor (when I finally get to see her) about

medication for the panic/anxiety problems. I realized today - especially after

reading a post from another member - that it's very important to keep a diary of

symptoms and related meds, etc. I started to wonder if the Ultram I'm taking

could have set off the attacks; it seems as though once you've had the darn

things they can be triggered fairly easily. I'm considering stopping all

caffeine products then the Ultram to see what happens. I will definitely keep

your recommendation on Zoloft in mind when I talk with the doc.

(VA)

[Guest guest]

Hi Nicki.

I responded to a post from Mark that we probably all need to keep a diary on our

meds, etc. so we can tell when a medication might be causing various side

effects. I'm sure some of them contribute to panic attacks/anxiety - especially

if we're already prone to them. I also had a counsellor tell me many years ago

that caffeine alone has caused panic attacks in laboratory tests. One reason I

retired early from work was to be able to establish a systematic approach to my

treatment. Of course, I haven't done that - I seem to always come up with

something else in my life to be obsessive about! Methodical and disciplined

don't seem to be part of my nature!

I wonder what's going on in European research also. I hesitate to even mention

the treatments that my Rheumatologist in Fairfax was trying because she was

truly being persecuted by the medical community, despite being the most

concientious doctor I've ever known. She is a firm believer that Reiter's and

some other arthritic disorders are caused by microorganisms that continue to

live in our bodies. She treated me with antibiotics for a chronic chlamydia

pneumonia infection and also for Babesia Microti, which is associated with Lyme

disease, as well as with standard treatments. The antibiotic treatments made a

tremendous difference, despite initially causing severe flares, and essentially

put me in remission for long periods of time. She also was following research

on HLA B27 positives proving that they have problems with leaky gut, which leads

to microorganisms more easily entering the blood stream and being much more

difficult to eradicate. The research I've done on the Web

seem to prove that she is correct. I recently read on the NIH site that

antibiotics and TNF treatments such as Enbrel are being seen as the most

effective approach to Reiter's. And I've also read of a great deal of research

being conducted with non-gluten, non-dairy diets to prevent problems with leaky

gut. And yet, the rheumatologist I saw recently acted as though I'd being

seeing a quack. My doctor in Fairfax had the disease herself, which I believe

made all the difference in the world in her attitude. As long as doctors in

America are so comtemptuous of attempts to truly understand this disease,

despite the fact that they know absolutely nothing whatsoever about the cause, I

think we'll have a long wait for any breakthroughs. (Sorry for the rant.)

Thanks for sharing the insight of your elderly neighbor. It helps to hear of

people who are wise enough to deal with their problems and afflications with

grace.

(VA)

[Guest guest]

I had panic attacks back in the early days of my diseases and about the only

medications around at the time were Valium and Librium, not really recommended

for anyone. Every once in a while I do get them today. Especially if I lose my

place in my sermon notes, makes for some interesting shortened sermons.

I was also prone to clinical depression when I developed Seasonal Affective

Dissorder. Many of us went for years with the same old circle, pain feeds

depression which feeds pain syndrome. That is why today good pain management

makes use of a combination of pain killers and other anti depressants. My own

pain control medications are:

OxyContin SR 20 mgm three times daily

Pozac 40 mgm once daily (Usually take mine when I get up)

Elavil at a low dose not to exceed 50 mgm daily, usually I take one 10mgm tablet

in the morning and two at bedtime and most days only the two at bedtime.

Zopiclone 7.5 mgm at bedtime for sleep problems. (watch Zopiclone, AKA Lunesta,

Immovane, it can cause sleep walking I have cut myself down to half a tablet at

bedtime when needed.

I did try Zoloft when it first came out but it caused some sexual problems that

Prozac does not in me. That was 10 years ago and switched when I got ready for

my second marriage. There are some jokes that go with that but. . . . don't

think I will go there.

When my doctor put me on the OxyContin I was taking up to 10 Percocet a day and

I started out with just 2 - 20 mgm tablets daily but that was not quite doing

the job so he increased me to three. Hasn't changed since, third year for this

dose now and it works well. I use Ibuprofen for any breakthrough pain. The

main thing to remember with OxyContin SR is the fact that you must take the

dosage you have worked up to every day faithfully. Why? If the pain is allowed

to become acute again the OxyContin SR will not work to knock it down as well

and you may have to use Percocet or Percodan. I have gotten along some days

only taking two because I was having a good day and forgot one.

Some off topic news for some of you. Our little doggie Barney passed away last

Tuesday evening at around midnight. He jumped up on the couch snuggled next to

me and a few minutes later I looked over and his breathing had stopped. He

developed Congestive Heart problems three months ago and he was on medication

and seemed to be doing well. He actually had a vets appointment on the next

day. He was 12 years old. Pretty good for a dog.

Blessings to all

+Dave

AS/RS/PA/RA/Parkinson's and Diabetes tossed in free of charge.

" Everyday I beat my own previous record for number of consecutive days I've

stayed alive. "

[Guest guest]

Try getting off the caffeine first as you indicated.

For many years I have had an on again off again relationship with caffeine.

I like the immediate effect and seem to need it for dealing with pain as

well as pain meds but I do have concerns about the stuff in many ways. I

periodicaly wean myself and do quite well then one day I have things to be

done in a hurry and use the caffeine and then I am back on the stuff till I

decide to get off it again.

Be sure that you know the possible reactions of getting off the caffeine so

you know what is going on if you have any of the reactions. It depends not

only on the person but also on the amount of caffeine you are on as well as

how fast you get yourself off of it. The most usual reaction to withdrawing

from caffeine is a headache. It doesnt' seem to take much caffeine

withdrawal for me to get a headache from withdrawing.

You may find the caffeine will be the only thing you need to remove to get

rid of the panic attacks. I get heart palpitations through caffeine use and

though studies tell us that caffeine will not raise blood pressure, I have

found that through eliminating caffeine and not eliminating caffeine before

my BP is taken that it does elevate my BP no matter what the studies show.

PS I know I am not Mark but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.

GA

----- Original Message -----

From: " McKinney "

I'm considering stopping all caffeine products then the Ultram to see what

happens. I will definitely keep your recommendation on Zoloft in mind when

I talk with the doc.

> (VA)

[Guest guest]

I live is Md. What is the name of your doctor in Va?

My wife was diagnosed with Reiters and Fibro last year and has been on

an antibiotic for about 7 months now. We were told it would be at least

18 months for the treatment.

K.

Re: Panic attacks

[Guest guest]

I live is Md. What is the name of your doctor in Va?

My wife was diagnosed with Reiters and Fibro last year and has been on an

antibiotic for about 7 months now. We were told it would be at least 18 months

for the treatment.

The doctor I went to in FAirfax who uses antibiotics is Dr. Leila Zachrison. The

doctor I went to in Danville, VA who doesn't use antibiotics (and thinks it's

quacky) is Dr. Kovarsky.

P. McKinney, CPA

434-753-3928

703-919-9856 (cell)

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/9/2007 10:08:24 AM Pacific Standard Time,

SSRI medications writes:

I've heard that panic attacks can be caused by weak adrenals - which dtrs

don't treat inless it's cushing's or addisons. Don't it suck.

It can also be caused by unstable blood sugar levels.

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/9/2007 10:08:24 AM Pacific Standard Time,

SSRI medications writes:

I've heard that panic attacks can be caused by weak adrenals - which dtrs

don't treat inless it's cushing's or addisons. Don't it suck.

It can also be caused by unstable blood sugar levels.

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/9/2007 10:08:24 AM Pacific Standard Time,

SSRI medications writes:

I've heard that panic attacks can be caused by weak adrenals - which dtrs

don't treat inless it's cushing's or addisons. Don't it suck.

It can also be caused by unstable blood sugar levels.

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/9/2007 10:08:24 AM Pacific Standard Time,

SSRI medications writes:

I've heard that panic attacks can be caused by weak adrenals - which dtrs

don't treat inless it's cushing's or addisons. Don't it suck.

It can also be caused by unstable blood sugar levels.

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

I did not know about the unstable blood sugars. That's very interesting.

But I can see how it can do that.

Micki

Health Eating and Living Together

he2gether_/

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

_____

From: SSRI medications [mailto:SSRI medications ]

On Behalf Of glitterari@...

Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 2:57 PM

SSRI medications

Subject: Re: panic attacks

In a message dated 4/9/2007 10:08:24 AM Pacific Standard Time,

SSRI medications@ <mailto:SSRI medications%40>

writes:

I've heard that panic attacks can be caused by weak adrenals - which dtrs

don't treat inless it's cushing's or addisons. Don't it suck.

It can also be caused by unstable blood sugar levels.

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.

<http://www.aol.com.> com.

[Guest guest]

I did not know about the unstable blood sugars. That's very interesting.

But I can see how it can do that.

Micki

Health Eating and Living Together

he2gether_/

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

_____

From: SSRI medications [mailto:SSRI medications ]

On Behalf Of glitterari@...

Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 2:57 PM

SSRI medications

Subject: Re: panic attacks

In a message dated 4/9/2007 10:08:24 AM Pacific Standard Time,

SSRI medications@ <mailto:SSRI medications%40>

writes:

I've heard that panic attacks can be caused by weak adrenals - which dtrs

don't treat inless it's cushing's or addisons. Don't it suck.

It can also be caused by unstable blood sugar levels.

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.

<http://www.aol.com.> com.

[Guest guest]

I did not know about the unstable blood sugars. That's very interesting.

But I can see how it can do that.

Micki

Health Eating and Living Together

he2gether_/

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

_____

From: SSRI medications [mailto:SSRI medications ]

On Behalf Of glitterari@...

Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 2:57 PM

SSRI medications

Subject: Re: panic attacks

In a message dated 4/9/2007 10:08:24 AM Pacific Standard Time,

SSRI medications@ <mailto:SSRI medications%40>

writes:

I've heard that panic attacks can be caused by weak adrenals - which dtrs

don't treat inless it's cushing's or addisons. Don't it suck.

It can also be caused by unstable blood sugar levels.

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.

<http://www.aol.com.> com.

[Guest guest]

I did not know about the unstable blood sugars. That's very interesting.

But I can see how it can do that.

Micki

Health Eating and Living Together

he2gether_/

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

_____

From: SSRI medications [mailto:SSRI medications ]

On Behalf Of glitterari@...

Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 2:57 PM

SSRI medications

Subject: Re: panic attacks

In a message dated 4/9/2007 10:08:24 AM Pacific Standard Time,

SSRI medications@ <mailto:SSRI medications%40>

writes:

I've heard that panic attacks can be caused by weak adrenals - which dtrs

don't treat inless it's cushing's or addisons. Don't it suck.

It can also be caused by unstable blood sugar levels.

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.

<http://www.aol.com.> com.

[Guest guest]

the Bs, Iodoral, magnesium etc all seem to help me with anxiety. you

might need to adjust your dose, you might need thyroid meds.

Gracia

Pamela wrote:

>

> I haven't had a panic attack for years - many years. I used to be

> claustrophobic to the point that I would panic if the lanes on the

> highway narrowed down to one with a concrete barrier on one side and

> construction cones on the other - even if the traffic was moving

> steadily. If it was stop and go - I was a mess. I had to get on an

> airplane 3 years ago to visit my husband in Germany. I used to love to

> fly but hadn't flown overseas since this started. I was terrified I'd

> panic on the airplane. I was a little anxious but planned ahead and

> managed to overcome the feeling before it overwhelmed me and had a

> wonderful " second honeymoon " with . Even now, though, I can't sit

> on the inner seat of a booth at a restaurant without that closed in

> feeling but it hasn't turned into a full-fledged panic attack for a

> long, long time.

>

> About two weeks ago, my husband was playing around. We have a small

> (very small) coat closet we converted to a toilet (really - only a

> toilet). I was in there and he pretended to open the door by jiggling

> the handle loudly. It's a family joke - people do it often (but only

> with immediate family). Well, he jiggled too much and the door opened.

> I grabbed the handle (yes - it's that small, I could do that easily),

> and pulled the door shut, holding it tight. He went stomping up the

> steps next to the bathroom and then came down a minute later. I heard

> noise in the keyhole and immediately was in panic mode. I thought he'd

> gotten the key and was locking the door. In five seconds, I was

> screaming and crying and ready to break down the old oak door to the

> bathroom to get out. He had no idea his joke would affect me like that

> and was very apologetic, but I was shaky and weepy for quite a while

> afterwards.

>

> Since then, nothing has set me off like that but yesterday I started

> having mini-mini panic attacks - lasting only 20-30 seconds at most -

> but they were uncomfortable nonetheless. Nothing reasonable prompted

> them. One time, it occurred while I was pulling on rather tight snow

> boots. Another time, I was wrapping a scarf around my neck. Other

> times, it wasn't related to anything at all that I could identify -

> most of them occurred while I was in bed trying to get to sleep. I had

> a terrible time trying to get to sleep. I'd have one of these episodes

> and couldn't catch my breath as a result. Finally calm down and it

> would start over again. Oh, it happened while taking my supplements

> both last night and the night before.

>

> I had migraines for two days that finally ended yesterday. Probably

> hormonal. These mini episodes overlapped with my headache.

>

> I don't know what to do about these. They really have me spooked. I'm

> anxious about more attacks, especially since they seem so random and

> in the past I could usually predict what would precipitate one. Also,

> I've never had a reaction when I felt breathing was impaired as a

> result of the attack until the ones I had yesterday. Another reason to

> panic...seems like it could become a vicious cycle.

>

> Is it possible that iodine or any of the companion supplements or B

> vitamins could be contributory to this? I have no idea whether the

> joke played on me is related or not, either. I have no idea how to

> prevent future attacks - I have no trust in my doctor helping me

> beyond throwing a prescription my way - a prescription I absolutely

> will not take. (Oh, years ago, I also had panic attacks over taking a

> bunch of supplements that I had just added to my routine while doing

> Loretta's gallbladder/liver cleanse. I haven't had that reaction for a

> long, long time until night before last. I'm hesitant to take them

> today because I don't want to precipitate another one).

>

> Help?

>

> Pamela

>

>