[SVTVNM]

Been there, still there. I suffer from anxiety disorder/ Paninc attacks I have learnt to control them within reason. All started when I had a major episode about 6-7 years ago casued by work/relationship issues, little known to me at the time it was all coming to a head. I had been having minor chestpains for quiet some time and being a "bloke" did nothing until one afternoon at work they got real bad and instead of going to the nearest hospital 10min away in Bendigo I opted to drive 70klms home and see my doctor. On the way home I was having difficulty breathing and other issues. Anyway got to doctor checked me over had bloodtests to see if I had had a minor Heart attack(mid 20's at the time). All test results came back fine, so my Doc sent me to a Specialist to do further tests to rule out anything else, all was good. That was the only time in 15 years I had time off work for week. During all this it became clear that I had a Anxiety issue we opted to avoid prescription drugs, and deal with it. I did alot of reading up on things and now still have issues but I can overcome the symptons by dealing with it. Since my first episode I still have this fear of being stuck somewhere with no help available, for example I freak out if I get caught on the Westgate bridge in a traffic jam, things like that. The only thing that has stayed wiht me is that I now have whats called an Ectopic Beat in my heart rythym sometimes, can be trigered by stress or if I have a cigarette. It just feels wierd because your heart skips a beat then pause and the next beats starts with a thump in your throat. Sorry to carry on bit this is my experience and I wouldnt wish it on anybody.