Hi all, I had the worst anxiety symptoms ever last night so it inspired me to come on here to share my story in hopes that it may comfort others.
My anxiety started at a previous job about 2 1/2 years ago. During this time I developed a fluttering feeling in my chest, got lightheaded/nauseous while working out, and had numbness/tingling in my feet. I had never had anxiety so this was new to me and I didn't know what was wrong with me....which of course made things worse because then I assumed the worst was wrong with me. I went to my doctor and she prescribed me with 50mg Sertraline, within 3-4 weeks I felt better and those symptoms went away. After being on that for awhile I left that job and started another one. I was quite a bit happier at the new job. I got along with my co-workers and manager and decided I would taper off the Sertraline. I tapered off for about a month and had zero side effects. I was feeling great. Then I took another job where I am now. Once again there are co-worker issues. Here comes back the anxiety. I found myself dreading going into work and just thinking about it brought back my chest fluttering. I stayed home for a week and worked from home thinking that would help. It didn't. Anxiety and flutters were still there...knowing the next week I'd have to go into the office. I went to see my doctor and she put me back on the 50mg sertraline as well as some blood pressure medication because that was higher than it should be. I was on those for about 1 1/2 weeks as of last night. For the last few days I've felt what feels like a lump in the left side and front of my throat and it's difficult to swallow. Yesterday my boss called me at the end of the day and said if I don't come into the office starting next week they are going to terminate my contract. Not good news but I didn't think it was bothering me that much. Wow was I wrong. I was just sitting down watching football and all of a sudden I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, neck, and head, my fingers started feeling tingling/numbness...then it went up into my hands....then my hands started shaking and I couldn't control it and they then froze up, and I couldn't move them. I thought I was having a heart attack or stroke. I called 911. The ambulance tech said based on his experience he thought I was having a panic/anxiety attack. Of course with my worry wort thoughts racing I decided I'd go to the hospital when he offered that as an option. I had an EKG and numerous blood tests done. Everything came back and looked good. The doctor sent me home with some short-term anxiety meds that she said would help if I had another attack before my sertraline has been in my system long enough to work...she said at least 3-4 weeks to take full effect. What a scary experience. I had never experienced anything like that before. I wouldn't wish that on anybody. As others I see have mentioned do not google for symptoms. I did that and immediately thought the worst. And even though symptoms can match up with many different things it doesn't mean you have any of them. Anyway, I'm here to share my story and support others going through this.
My anxiety started at a previous job about 2 1/2 years ago. During this time I developed a fluttering feeling in my chest, got lightheaded/nauseous while working out, and had numbness/tingling in my feet. I had never had anxiety so this was new to me and I didn't know what was wrong with me....which of course made things worse because then I assumed the worst was wrong with me. I went to my doctor and she prescribed me with 50mg Sertraline, within 3-4 weeks I felt better and those symptoms went away. After being on that for awhile I left that job and started another one. I was quite a bit happier at the new job. I got along with my co-workers and manager and decided I would taper off the Sertraline. I tapered off for about a month and had zero side effects. I was feeling great. Then I took another job where I am now. Once again there are co-worker issues. Here comes back the anxiety. I found myself dreading going into work and just thinking about it brought back my chest fluttering. I stayed home for a week and worked from home thinking that would help. It didn't. Anxiety and flutters were still there...knowing the next week I'd have to go into the office. I went to see my doctor and she put me back on the 50mg sertraline as well as some blood pressure medication because that was higher than it should be. I was on those for about 1 1/2 weeks as of last night. For the last few days I've felt what feels like a lump in the left side and front of my throat and it's difficult to swallow. Yesterday my boss called me at the end of the day and said if I don't come into the office starting next week they are going to terminate my contract. Not good news but I didn't think it was bothering me that much. Wow was I wrong. I was just sitting down watching football and all of a sudden I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, neck, and head, my fingers started feeling tingling/numbness...then it went up into my hands....then my hands started shaking and I couldn't control it and they then froze up, and I couldn't move them. I thought I was having a heart attack or stroke. I called 911. The ambulance tech said based on his experience he thought I was having a panic/anxiety attack. Of course with my worry wort thoughts racing I decided I'd go to the hospital when he offered that as an option. I had an EKG and numerous blood tests done. Everything came back and looked good. The doctor sent me home with some short-term anxiety meds that she said would help if I had another attack before my sertraline has been in my system long enough to work...she said at least 3-4 weeks to take full effect. What a scary experience. I had never experienced anything like that before. I wouldn't wish that on anybody. As others I see have mentioned do not google for symptoms. I did that and immediately thought the worst. And even though symptoms can match up with many different things it doesn't mean you have any of them. Anyway, I'm here to share my story and support others going through this.