Panick attack

by vanessa
(TOR,CANADA)

Hello
My name is Vanessa, I am 28 years old and I have the Crohn Disease since I am 17. I take Remicade (last week was the 6th time). Right away after the transfusion I was panicking, I had nausea, I felt weak... Since a while (I dont remember since when, but it is less than 2 months) I have panick attack. I am really depressed and I always feel weak, when I feel weak, I always think I am going to die or faint. I am really scared the Remicade will not work because I am not sure what's next. Because of this disease I am really going crazy. When I am at work, in the bus, in the subway, if my fiance is not home and I am alone I always have a pannick attack. During those attacks I always think that something went wrong in my body with the medication or the crohn. What scares me the most if I dont know if the symptoms come from my head or if they are real.
Does anyone of you knows a way I cant stop all that and be happy for more than 2 hours?
Thanks

Vanessa

Comments for Panick attack

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Panic Attack NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello Vanessa,

I read your post with great sympathy and I can see that you are in a terrible situation at the moment. I'm sure you give yourself a hard time about having such panic attacks but believe me, I understand completely because I have had panic attacks as well.You can overcome them.

They occur of course when you have a real fear about something and understandably, Crohn's disease is such an aggressive and nasty disease at times and it can completely affect your life. It is not surprising you live in fear of another attack or that your medication is going to stop working.

So if you feel stupid or guilty because of your panic attacks stop right there.

The first thing you can do is to try to take away the fear of the situation. While it is possible to do this on your own, I would strongly suggest that you go and see a counselor about this, because having a counselor face-to-face with you can give you an incredible amount of support at that time and will open you up to new ways of thinking.

Of course you need to research a counselor who is proficient at helping those with panic attacks, equally, you could try seeing a hypnotherapist if you have an open mind to alternative treatments, but it is all about relaxing your body and your mind and being able to tell yourself that everything is okay.

Sounds simple but in reality it is quite complex. Importantly however, it is achievable. Many people find utilising breathing techniques when a panic attack starts, to be very useful.

I attach a link about breathing techniques to start you off

http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/livingwithpd/a/deepbreathing.htm

and one with steps on managing it.

http://www.anxietycoach.com/overcoming-panic-attacks.html

I really hope this helps, please do let us know how you get on.

If anyone else suffers panic attacks as a result of Crohn's disease, please do let us know.

Annette
panick attacks
by: Tod

I feel it is very normal for you to feel panicky since what you are going through is so new to you.
I feel it is very reassuring, though, to know that you are far from alone in your feelings.
When I was diagnosed (39 years ago) the doctors all thought that this was a disease caused solely by emotional distress and nothing else. This could not be farther from the truth. We now know that the science and treatment of CD is as varied as the symptoms themself.
Having said that, the disease, I feel, can definately be ignited by emotional distress.
Find outlets for yourself. Whether it be painting or Yoga or whatever. If you feel the need speak to a therapist, but above all do not keep these feelings inside.
If you would like to email me do so at tod@mynewbenz.com. Feel free to contact me at anyy time!

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