Does this sound like a panic attack, anxiety or real physical issue?

[Anonymous]

Quick history: I have moderate to severe anxiety mostly around health. I was and still am terrified of the vaccine but did get both (waited a long time between doses and almost didn't get second) I have had some instances of feeling like my heart was beating too fast and where my breathing was shallow and sort of short of breath. Also mild chest pain but barely and probably muscular. My right arm randomly is also sore like i did something but hey, at least its not my left. Not dramatic like gasping for air but noticeably uncomfortable. Laying down in bed even, sometimes on a certain side. But then today in the car as well. Pulse ox is fine, heart rate is not high - it's normal, and i even used a handheld EKG thing and it shows normal heart rhythm.

Obviously i can and may see a doctor this week but in light of my history and symptoms does this sound like anxiety/panic. I cried out of fear after second shot and have been on high alert for tinnitus, ears, heart issues etc. That being said, panic attacks sound much more dramatic when I google them.

Thanks for any insight. I am female, age 49 and thin.

[Anonymous]

I have anxiety with physical symptoms. My DH has panic attacks.

Yes, it sounds very much in the realm of anxiety. However, given the overlap of symptoms with other conditions, I think it makes sense to have it checked out for your peace of mind. It might also lead to changes in your anxiety meds that better address the problem.

For me, when my anxiety is high, even if I can absolutely identify the anxiety trigger, my blood pressure goes up. So, for me the division of anxiety/physical is not as clear as people would like to believe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have anxiety with physical symptoms. My DH has panic attacks.

Yes, it sounds very much in the realm of anxiety. However, given the overlap of symptoms with other conditions, I think it makes sense to have it checked out for your peace of mind. It might also lead to changes in your anxiety meds that better address the problem.

For me, when my anxiety is high, even if I can absolutely identify the anxiety trigger, my blood pressure goes up. So, for me the division of anxiety/physical is not as clear as people would like to believe.

Thanks- should I check BP? I don't have a cuff but can order. Also I am unmedicated... hehe don't ask!

[Anonymous]

This is panic/anxiety. You already know that, but I'm confirming. Are you taking any meds to help smooth things out? It might be time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have anxiety with physical symptoms. My DH has panic attacks.

Yes, it sounds very much in the realm of anxiety. However, given the overlap of symptoms with other conditions, I think it makes sense to have it checked out for your peace of mind. It might also lead to changes in your anxiety meds that better address the problem.

For me, when my anxiety is high, even if I can absolutely identify the anxiety trigger, my blood pressure goes up. So, for me the division of anxiety/physical is not as clear as people would like to believe.

Thanks- should I check BP? I don't have a cuff but can order. Also I am unmedicated... hehe don't ask!

I think you should see a doctor, and let them guide you. If you haven't had high BP at previous visits, even if it's going up you're probably fine, especially since everything else checks out. I have high BP, so when anxiety makes it higher it's a problem. But if my BP was normal I think the elevation would be fine.

[Anonymous]

This is anxiety.

[Anonymous]

OP here- is it weird this started after second shot? : (
Meaning even if it's anxiety--

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- is it weird this started after second shot? : (
Meaning even if it's anxiety--

It sounds like you were/are very anxious about the shot though, right? So it's possible this is anxiety related to the second shot. It's also possible you are highly alert for any potential symptoms. How long ago was your second shot?

As a PP said, if your symptoms are concerning you, you should absolutely go to your doctor and get them checked out. I would not suggest continuing to "diagnose" at home by buying a BP monitor, etc. as it's likely all of that is making you more focused on the symptoms/more anxious. So if you are concerned, I would instead go see the doctor and ask for them to confirm/check out any of your concerning symptoms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- is it weird this started after second shot? : (
Meaning even if it's anxiety--

It sounds like you were anxious before the shot, so it's not surprising that you are continuing to have anxiety symptoms after.

If you had not had anxiety before the shot, and then had these symptoms that would be weird and perhaps concerning.

[Anonymous]

Op, this really, truly sounds like anxiety to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here- is it weird this started after second shot? : (
Meaning even if it's anxiety--

It sounds like you were/are very anxious about the shot though, right? So it's possible this is anxiety related to the second shot. It's also possible you are highly alert for any potential symptoms. How long ago was your second shot?

As a PP said, if your symptoms are concerning you, you should absolutely go to your doctor and get them checked out. I would not suggest continuing to "diagnose" at home by buying a BP monitor, etc. as it's likely all of that is making you more focused on the symptoms/more anxious. So if you are concerned, I would instead go see the doctor and ask for them to confirm/check out any of your concerning symptoms.

Yes will make an appt with a cardiologist. Shot was 10 days ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is panic/anxiety. You already know that, but I'm confirming. Are you taking any meds to help smooth things out? It might be time.

No But I should. Was on Lexapro 10 years ago for a year, and it gave me Restless Leg Syndrome so I got off it...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- is it weird this started after second shot? : (
Meaning even if it's anxiety--

No. Not at all weird. You have a history of health anxiety in general and a phobia of the Covid vaccine in particular. Of course your anxiety has spiked after getting the vaccine! You are (irrationally, sorry) scared that you are going to experience a rare side effect. All of the symptoms you listed - rapid heart beat, shallow breathing and shortness of breath (hyperventilation), chest tightness - are panic/anxiety symptoms. They can also be symptoms of other more serious things, but based on what you've told us it's almost certainly anxiety this time.

I've been there. It sucks. Go to the doctor this week and get checked out for reassurance if that will help. Hopefully in a week or two you will be able to relax again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, this really, truly sounds like anxiety to me.

Thanks- I tend to agree but unsettling that it's new symptoms. My normal anxiety symptoms are different but maybe it's just super heightened.

[Anonymous]

I've been lightheaded for over a week. BP normal, pulse normal, oxygenation normal. Recent bloodwork was normal in May, few weeks after 2nd shot. Xanax didn't help. Z pack, nasal spray, electrolytes, salt. No idea myself. I wondered if it was out of nowhere anxiety. It wasn't. Did you get a headache recently?