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Panic attacks

Hi there.
I was wondering if anyone suffered from panic attacks? This is something that came along after my diagnosis 10 months ago and each night I wake up in a panic that I I'm dying or a member of my family are dying or I have forgot to take my medication! I thought as my bloods improved them this would improve but a couple of weeks ago I reached mmr with a PCR of 0.10% and was obviously very pleased but still I'm having these panic attacks each night? My husband thinks I now need to see my gp but I feel all they do is give you more medication? Just if anyone suffers from similar would be good to find how they manage them. I did a search on panic attacks and nothing much came up so maybe I'm in the minority!
Thanks
Lynne

Dear Lynne,

First of all I must congratulate you on your very quick response to therapy. MMR in 10 months is excellent and you should be very reassured by that.

As for anxiety/panic attacks. I think you should not be surprised by this. A diagnosis of a life threatening disease is not something that is easy to handle, no matter how good the therapy might be. It is a life changing event and everyone needs time to adjust, and that includes family and loved ones too. 10 months is not a long time to come to terms with everything and get over the shock.
I do agree that your GP might just give you more medication- but that would depend on the GP. It might be that your doctor would arrange for you to see someone who you could talk to about what has happened to you and your family. Sometimes that is all that is needed- to talk with someone so you can express your fears and worries. It is difficult to talk with those who are close to us because they are suffering too.

You need to express your fears instead of letting them build up inside your head. Talk to your doctor and see if he/she can refer you to a counsellor or other complimentary practitioner.

I hope this is of some help.

Sandy