How to tell the difference

[DaVinci2]

I had severe panic attacks about 4 years ago. I was on paxil for 6 months, and was off it after that. I developed sleep problems, and got hooked on meds. Now I'm tapering off. I am doing a super long taper. Anyways, yesterday for no reason I started to get pain in my left leg, in parts of my glute, calf and along the side of my foot into my big toe. I went to bed with the pain thinking it was the cold, and woke up fine. Went to work, and the pain came back. While I walk I'm fine, but while sitting the pain starts up again.

Anyways, I started to get worried that it was some kind of clot (Typical way to start with a panic attack) and started getting worried. Took a tranquilizer and calmed my nerves down, but the pain is still there a bit, although I don't notice it as much.

Now, I know that with panic attacks everything can seem worse than it actually is. It sucks. I don't know whether to actually go to the hospital or try and battle through what might be a panic attack. I don't wanna take tranquilizers every time this happens because I've gotta work. Any advice?

FYI the tranq I took is called Ethyl loflazepate

[ccgirl]

First off thank you for making me smile. The part about your leg pain isn't funny, but I'm a panic attack/anxiety sufferer and I would have thought the first thing you did, that it was a clot. I've done that. So know you're not alone.

You know what. I'd go to the ER. If it gives you peace of mind without taking the meds, and you can afford it, do it. You have to get through this whatever way you can.

Very best of luck to you.

[DaVinci2]

Originally Posted by ccgirl

First off thank you for making me smile. The part about your leg pain isn't funny, but I'm a panic attack/anxiety sufferer and I would have thought the first thing you did, that it was a clot. I've done that. So know you're not alone.

You know what. I'd go to the ER. If it gives you peace of mind without taking the meds, and you can afford it, do it. You have to get through this whatever way you can.

Very best of luck to you.

Well, my insurance will cover it if I'm in pain, but if the doc says it's anxiety that's causing it then my insurance won't cover the costs.

[DaVinci2]

I found this online...and this pretty much is EXACTLY what I have...I'm feeling much better.

http://www.spine-health.com/topics/c...tica/sc01.html

[shonk52]

i always swear if i ever do have a heart attack, i won't know, because i've had panic attacks w/chest pains for so long, it's become second nature. i'd say that if you are really in doubt, it may not hurt to err on the side of caution and get it checked out. the one time i did go, i was glad (until i got the bill-ha!), as there was some irregularity in my heart rhythm, really high blood pressure, etc. obviously panic attacks can cause a lot of things that can be mistaken for other things, but sometimes it's better to be safe and have it checked out. let us know, okay, and sending prayers your way that it is nothing (as if panic attacks are nothing, but you know what i mean).