Panic/Anxiety Attacks?

I gave birth to my daughter 10 months ago, and ever since I have been experiencing dizziness/lightheadedness off and on. The past few weeks it has gotten worse and I have started to have these episodes that i am beginning to think are panic attacks. I get nauseous, very lightheaded, warm and shaky, and my face feels very hot. I feel like my heart is pounding and that I am going to hyperventilate.I am so afraid that I am going to pass out (which has never happened to me before) but during my pregnancy I did have an episode where I came close to passing out (my vision went fuzzy until I couldn't see and I had a loud rining in my ears) but my Dr. had said it had been a result of dehydration. Because i have experienced that before, I am always afraid that it will happen again...which I believe are probably making these new episodes worse. I have had many blood tests and have seen a cardioligist. All has come back normal. I am going to back to my Dr. next week because of these episodes to see if they could find anything new that may be causing this. I have always been a very anxious, high stress person, but I don't think I experienced any attacks like this prior to giving birth. Although the attacks aren't constant, the lightheaded feeling happens off and on most of the day lately. Has anyone had an experience similar to this? I am getting so nervous!

TIA

Re: Panic/Anxiety Attacks?

I have had anxiety since I was younger and one of my big symptoms is feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Worse during my 1st trimester and after giving birth to DS. I would definetely speak to your dr. There may be an anxiety medication they can presribe short term until your hormones settle down and your body goes back to normal after giving birth.

Re: Panic/Anxiety Attacks?

Thank you for your response! Like I said, I have always been a nervous person-could pregnancy have made my issues worse? I can't believe it has almost been a year and I am still feeling this way. (It actually did subside for a while, but the past few weeks it is back).

I have another Dr's appt. next week so I will see about perhaps getting some medication for anxiety. They had mentioned at my last appt. a few months back that it may be anxiety related, and that definitely did not surprise me because I am well aware that I tend to panic-but any panic/anxiety I experienced prior to pregnancy was not as severe as post pregnancy.

The only thing that concerns me is that even when I am not having an "episode" the dizziness/lightheadedness persists througout the day. Did you experience chronic dizziness/lightheadedness or just during a panic attack?

Such a scary feeling!! I need to stop googling other causes of this and just talk to my Dr.!!! The internet can be a dangerous thing!!!

Re: Panic/Anxiety Attacks?

Just relax and chill. Try doing some deep breathing. I would go speak to your doctor so that he/she can answer your questions and give you the best solution. GL

Re: Panic/Anxiety Attacks?

i recently started experiencing panic attacks and generalized anxiety. One of my symptoms is dizzy/lightheaded and yes it can last all day. some days are better some days worse. Not spinning dizzy more like walking as if a fish bowl was over your head/looking through glasses with the wrong prescription type of feeling. I'm not sure if this is what you have, but it seems that for me its all related to my anxiety issues even if i'm not feeling anxious at the moment. Good luck and feel free to FM me with questions.

Re: Panic/Anxiety Attacks?

panic attacks are the worst! at my most difficult time with anxiety i had one almost every other day

i was able to overcome my anxiety and attacks thru yoga. i believe it was the cornerstone of my recovery from GAD. have you tried it? i now work with those suffering from anxiety and use lots of yoga techniques to help them relax and get it under control.

please feel free to FM with any questions... i hope you feel better!!

Re: Panic/Anxiety Attacks?

I get them too...they stink, i had one today...summer is the worst for me b/c my first symptom is shortness of breath...i feel like i can't get a good deep inhale....so with that I start to panic, breath faster and faster and do feel dizzy and lightheaded...I do take meds...i tried to stop them b/c i though i could do it without but right now I can't. Mine come on when its really humid or when i am in a confined space, subway, LIRR....Best thing to do is text someone, anyone ...tell them...have them talk to you, it will take your mind off it...don't just sit there overanalyzing how you feel...do something, put on your ipod, go on im, pull out a book, as soon as you refocus your energy elsewhere you will feel better. It doesn't always work for me thus medication, but that is where i start, seriously, i text my ex husband, of all people, i say panic,,,he talks to me while i'm on the train til i forget i'm having one...After it is over the come down is hard and you will be tired and groggy, but you won at that point, you beat it!! if you need any help fm me...a great book called Don't Panic helped me and alot of people I know ALOT!!