Awwwwww, thanks Sky! That is very sweet of you. And also thanks to everyone else who responded to my post. It's so nice to get positive feedback and encouragement from everyone else who's been there. I'm so grateful for this site and the help it has given me in overcoming the very worst months in my life. Sarah

Sarah, I've been thinking about this here post of yours for days! Ever sinse you posted it! You really really are an inspiration for us all and your doctor rocks!! Oweeomagglio, (what a name lol!) thanks for saying what you have about the heart and body in general. I won't be forgetting what you've said in a hurry, that's for sure. Again, well done Sarah. You're much stronger than you give yourself credit for. :)

Sarah, I was very interested to read your message! It sounds like the Doctor that did your tests was very understanding. I mean, he got your second test done at the same time. Sounds like he has had experience with anxious people and tried to get you in and out as quickly as possible to help reduce your fears. I'm also sure you didn't make an a$$ out of yourself. You should feel proud that you made it through the tests!! Good Luck!! :)

Everytime i look at another topic, I see myself. Sarah --It was not boring-it was another ME.. The difference now is I Know I have a strong heart ( I get it tested so often I should just keep thoose pads on !!!) So when I am very anxious I actually go and run and run and run.Then when I am out of breath--I actually calm down because I know I am ok?? CC

Hi Sarah- Your experience sounds like it was kind of rough! Don't get too upset about it though..alot of people don't realize how truly strong the human heart is..your heart could beat at that speed for days at a time and not suffer any damage..and a panic attack will NEVER last long enough for that to happen..they are time limited..its important to remember, if your heart beating fast as a result of an excess of adrenaline in your body scares you..that your heart is as tough as leather..its not made of tissue paper..I dont have this all figured out by any means..but one thing I have learned is that panic/anxiety is in large part a fear of our own bodies' fight/flight response..which produces things like rapid heartbeat, dizziness, a feeling of unreality, a feeling of going crazy (which is really more a feeling of losing control, a feeling that you want to RUN AWAY)...all these things are defense mechanisms of the body that are meant to respond to a life threatening situation..its a powerful physiological experience and if you dont understand it is scary..but the more you look at a anxiety/panic attack as a completely natural and even healthy bodily response..the less anticipatory anxiety you will feel (you will be less afraid of having a panic attack), and the better you will feel..

Oh, Sarah, it wasn't boring to read your post! This is the place to vent, for sure! I think that it's great that you went and did it! Look, you got your heart rate up that fast and NOTHING happened! You didn't have to wait 2 weeks for the other test, that will be less worry for you. Now you have evidence that nothing's wrong with your heart. Believe it. I know that's hard to do, but keep telling yourself that the heart symptoms are only anx and nothing physical. I'm glad you went, as scary as it was, YOU DID DO IT! Give yourself credit. Even though you were scared to death, you had the courage to do it. Things are gonna get better!

Sarah, Your post by no means was boring!! I am just so glad everything checked out great, and you don't have to anticipate another two weeks before being able to have had the echo done. It is a blessing the doctor knew of your anxiety, and was best for you to continue on, you by no means, looked like an idiot, as even the nurse was bit alarmed at first. The SAME thing would happen to me at my doctor's office, rapid heartbeat, and spiked blood pressure. She would show him, the paper with my readings like I couldn't see the apprehension in her face. But he knew, by seeing me several times before. During my visits, he would assess me, talk to me about progresses, setbacks, etc. and then he would personally take my pulse and blood pressure again, and stated, it dropped considerably to normal range. It all boiled down to getting comfortable and relaxed while talking about it with him. So glad everything is fine for you, and glad you proceeded on with the test!! Trish

Sarah, We always believe that the best therapy is to talk :). Most of us tend to keep our thoughts and a concern bottled up inside and then that is when problems begin. It is great to hear that everything is fine! I am sure that the techs and the doctor did not even think that there was a problem with you and your anxiety. I would like to know one person who does not get a bit anxious when it comes to diagnostic tests. Thank you so much for "venting". It is always nice to hear from you and see that you are able to express you feelings so comfortably here on the site. Sarah, please feel free to hop back on the site when you need to chat or vent. We are always here for you 24/7! Take care, Melanie

Oh my god! Ok, I need to vent! Today I went to the hospital to have my stress test done, as I am sure there is something wrong with my heart. I was so nervous, the most nervous I've been since the Celexa started to kick in. I had to wait so long so I calmed down a bit in the waiting room. Then when it was time for me to start on the treadmill and I was connected to the machine my heart started racing (this was before I even stepped onto the treadmill!). The tech said "oh, your heart is beating really fast." I looked up at the screen and my heart rt was 138. When I saw that I kinda freaked and it sped up to 164!! From there it started to go down and then back up and then down. The more I looked at the screen the faster my heart would go. The tech said she would get the Dr. to come in because I may not be able to do the stress test because my heart was already racing. Anyway, the doc came in and he knew of my anxiety, as did the techs (man, I felt like such an idiot!!!). They even brought my my mom in from the waiting room. I felt like such a child! He told me my sinus rythm was normal (no arrythmias) and that I should do the stress test so for my own peace of mind. I got on the treadmill, still anxious, but I have gotten so out of shape because I haven't exercised for the fear that something was wrong with my heart (ironic since I've actually lost weight). It was rough for me to see my heart get up to 175 while exercising and so I told them I had to stop even though I probably could have gone on. I just didn't want to get my heart rate up too high. Anyways, the Dr. (bless him) went in to see if I could get my echo done at the same time. (I had one scheduled for Dec 8- that would mean 2 more weeks of worry). Thank God they could do the echo. I knew that would be the test that would prove I had some type of stenosis or regurgatation. I was nervous the whole time I was having the echo done but guess what?....everything was normal! Do I believe it now? I don't know. We'll see if I get symptoms tonight. Anyways, I am so embarrassed, I mad such an ass of myself in the hospital. I hate anxiety. And I couldn't even tell you what I was so scared of. But isn't that the way it always goes with this! Just put me in a situation where i do not have complete control a