Panic Attacks

I was eventually diagnosed with something similar to PTSD after my LCIS diagnosis (in 2005).  I had multiple earlier traumas. I knew I needed psychological help.

For me, intensive talk therapy (I go to a family therapist), biofeedback, and an antidepressant have helped.  It has not been instantaneous.  It took about 1-2 years before I was not  dependably physically cringing during every doctor appointment.

Tarry, a cancer diagnosis is a HUGE emotional blow! It rocks you to the bottom of your core. Many of us are prescriptions for anxiety, stress or depression. Do not be afraid to ask for chemical help, you need all the other strength you have to fight the cancer.

God Bless!

jessicav wrote:

what is similar to PTSD?

I was told I have a condition similar to PTSD.  Here are the DSM IV (written about 2000?) criteria.http://ncptsd.kattare.com/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/fs_dsm_iv_tr.htmlp  A new DSM is due out in the next couple of years, which may or may not re-define PTSD and panic attacks.

They have found in veterans (I am not a veteran) that people who have experienced multiple traumas are more at risk for PTSD.

This (2009)from the Netherlands, the first citation I could find.  I'm not sure if they follow the DSM criteria, since the DSM criteria were developed in the USA.:

The lifetime prevalence of any potential trauma was 80.7%, and the lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 7.4%. Women and younger persons showed higher risk of PTSD. It was concluded that PTSD is a fairly common disorder and exposure to trauma is high throughout the population. Unexpectedly, prevalence rates resemble those found in the United States and are higher than in several other European countries. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19645050

Panic attacks are not the same thing as PTSD, according to the DSM IV.  I do not mean to hijack this thread.

Here are DSM IV criteria for Panic Attack, and more information about it.

The increased frequency and consistency of epidemiology studies in panic disorder research has rendered consistent prevalence estimations in different locations, cultures, and racial groups (Wittchen, 1993). Community-based studies estimate that in any given month, 0.5% of the population will be diagnosed with panic disorder [Katon, 1989], and worldwide studies consistently indicate a lifetime prevalence between 1.5% and 3.5% [Diagnostic, 1994]. According to the Epidemiologic Catchment Area study, a study of panic disorder prevalence in several large United States cities, approximately 9% of the population will have a panic attack at least once in their lives and more than 3% will have recurrent panic attacks, a criteria for panic disorder. This data supports the DSM-IV finding [Klerman, 1992]. http://tc.engr.wisc.edu/UER/uer97/author3/content.html  (all emphasis is mine).

Tarry, it may take as long as 3 weeks for the medication to balance in your system. It has to build-up so give it a chance. Can you get a pet? Cats are amazing company and little maintenance...

Keep posting here so we know how you're doing.

Hi Tarry1-

I certainly could have written your post. I had extreme anxiety, depression, and panic attacks soon after diagnosis. My gp seemed stumped, and tried a range of medications to no avail. My oncologist said that I was having a reaction to the diagnosis, and wouldn't have a psychiatric condition for the rest of my life. Bless him, I hung on to that statement, because everyone else seemed to treat me like I was crazy, or at least unreasonable. My breast surgeon mentioned a psychiatrist she would recommend, and I somehow found the energy to call and get myself seen. I finally found some medication that helped (Remeron).  It didn't work after  awhile, and I was fortunate that Celexa, the next drug I tried, worked very well for me.  But is was SO hard when I was having panic and depression. The day seemed to last forever.  I called the network of strength hotline constantly. I did EMDR and counseling with a cancer survivor. I got back to exercising, which helped with the stress. I structured my day and made a list of things I wanted to accomplish, even if that was doing one load of laundry or cleaning out a drawer.

I also kept a journal, and wrote down every positive thing my oncologist said to me. I would read that list over and over again. I tried to get out of the house at least on a day, and to spend time in nature.

It gradually got better, especially when the spring came around (I live in Maine.) I started laughing again, and doing social things-a small amount at first. When my hair  grew back into a cute short style, I felt even better. Then I got a parttime job, and started feeling almost normal. Now, about a year and a half after diagnosis I feel really good-like Spongebob sometimes...It's the best day ever!

Best best wishes to you and let us  know how it's going,

Catherine

Thanks Leaf. That is terrific info. on DMV!

Best,

Jessica

Treatment is very individual.  What works for one person may not work at all for the next person. Do what appeals to you.

Here is a link to places that may be helpful.  Many of the studies are done on veterans, which may or may not apply to you.  (I assume you are in the USA.)  http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/where-to-get-help.asp

Since I went into therapy before I knew my diagnosis, I didn't use this source.  They way I found my current therapist,  I looked on the web to find a psychological institute that I trusted.  They had a referral psychologist, who referred me to a list of local therapists.

If you choose  talk therapy, follow your gut.  If you do not 'click' with a person, then look for another.  I was in therapy before, and made a big mistake of seeing a person who did not want to address one of my main issues.  It was not a complete waste; I did do some necessary work, but it would have been much more helpful to see someone else.  I see a family therapist due to cost.  (Psychiatrists and psychologists are often more expensive than family therapists.)

My life is one huge panic attack, not trying to be funny, but I really need some help here.

Where is the best place to start looking for treatment related to the severe panic and depression I am feeling?  I have yet to have surgery, have had a few setbacks prior to starting bc treatment, and really don't know even who to ask or where to start.

Also, feeling like a major failure in life, is this par for the course, or am I overreacting?

I feel like there is such stigma attached to antidepressants, and don't really know how to ask my doctor without looking like I'm "weak."

What meds really help calm you down and get you thru the day?  I feel like I spend most of mine in a "panic."

Tarry, I never had a panic attack in my life before I was diagnosed with Stage IV.  After that, it was an every day occurence.  I'm managing the fear and depression by meeting with a Stage IV support group at Memorial Sloan Kettering, taking an anti-depressant (Wellbutrin) and Clonazepam (0.5 gr) 2x per day.  This regimen manages to keep me under control, but I have to be honest, there are days where nothing helps and I allow myself to just sit down and cry.  Good luck to you, I know exactly how you feel.

I

Dee             I too have panic attacks but I had them before the diagnosis...I take Xanax.

I had 4  A/C chemo then 12 Taxol...It shrunk my tumor and they did lumpectomy 1/28/10

Got Clear margins/clear lymph nodes...but I still get scared... you are right no one knows what

you are going thru...we all react differently have different types of cancer....I pray alot and lean

on family for support...this blog has helped me so much..I am doing radiation now have had

3 so far and 30 to go.  All I can say is we are here for you!   I have worked through all my treatment

only missing 1/2 day during chemo treatments and a few other days with minor issues...and had no sickness but like i said before everyone is  different. I'm praying you will be one that can work during treatment!

I think the best thing to do is the thing(s) that appeal to you.  Everyone's journey is different.  Many times cancer centers have social workers that can help give you options.

For me, talk therapy has been very helpful, but some people find it unhelpful.

  There are several different options you have if you want to go on the medication route.  If antidepressants aren't for you, then there are anti-anxiety meds, or, if you don't want to go that route, there are medications that help curb the physical symptoms of anxiety such as beta-blockers such as propranolol (help prevent increased heart rate), or clonidine (also used for blood pressure.)

Some people find things ranging from meditation,  exercise (assuming you are physically able), yoga, massage, aromatherapy,  accupuncture, cognitive therapy, religion, in-person support groups, and many others I don't know about.  

I think part of the trauma from having a potentially life threatening illness is the lack of control/uncertainty. I think that having choice in how to handle your situation gives you some small sense of control. We are all very different and have different needs.

Hi Ladies - I think I am overdue to post on this board.  I believe that I have been in denial for a long time and trying to believe that I am one of those 'strong' people like everyone tells me that I am.  No pressure there right...  Not exactly sure where I am at.  Cancer got me off the hamster treadmill of life and now I am trying to get back on it but don't know where to start.  Not sleeping well & still suffering from an unreasonable amount of fatigue considering my last chemo was on June 9th & rads finished the end of August.  My mom passed away a few days after I was dx and I think it was all just too much to deal with.   Saw a psychologist and a psychiatrist but neither helped much.  Exercise & faith are the only things that work for me.  I was misdiagnosed which left me with a lot of anger to deal with. I suffered from mild depression prior to my dx but was off medication and doing well.  Fighting not to go on any meds as I am on cancer meds.

Still Verticle - Your post touched home to me.  Also suffered from some child abuse as well as a divorce.  My great 2nd husband has mentioned that maybe I have PTSD.  I too have to keep my days simple.  But, I try to challenge myself because I have now been out of treatment for a while.  Sometimes, I fall on my face.  I get overwhelmed at the simplist things.  If I get tired, I physically and emotionally fall apart without any warning.  (similar to a toddler)  I had an extreme reaction to taxotere which I have read can lead to a longer recovery from the fatigue.

We really have to take care of ourselves.  We are the only ones that know how we are doing.  I find it difficult when people tell me I am doing great.  Really?  This is what great feels like?  Sorry to ramble.  I know that I have many blessings in my life but this is all so frustrating some times.

Massage does help.  Has anyone tried accupuncture?  What success have you found?

Take Care,

Bev

moogie--I hear you about the BP cuff and doctor's offices.  While the BP part isn't too bad for me, if I even suspect a needle might be involved I turn into a basket case a week before!  My PCPs office has my chart flagged, they won't come near me with a needle unless I'm laying down because they got tired of catching me before I hit the floor!  They've even learned to ask if I drove myself or have a driver--if I can't find someone to take me I can't take a xanax and apparently I shake alot when I haven't taken my xanax.  I'll have to try the books on tape idea--I've noticed I sleep a bit better when I leave the radio on at night.