It WAS good to just hang out with family, but I'm amazed at how dependent we've become on the internet. I was feeling all panicky because I couldn't get online to check the map for our route home, when the hubs reminded me that we had an actual map in the van. You know, the paper kind that folds? Ha.
Speaking of panicky, the night we got home I suffered an extreme panic attack while I was driving (alone) and ended up in the ER for observation and a few tests. Things look fine, but wow that was scary! I've never experienced anything of that magnitude before. By the time I had pulled over on the side of the highway, my feet and hands and arms were totally paralyzed. The Dr. told me that was a result of hyperventilating.
Anyway, I'm working on improving my diet (I'll be the first to admit my diet sucks, I've got so many kids to feed, I'm too busy doing that and forget to feed myself), have totally cut out caffeine for awhile (and if you know me you know what a HUGE sacrifice this is. Coffee=sanity for me, so this is a big change) and am focusing on getting more sleep. In addition the Dr. gave me a prescription for a anti-anxiety medicine to take only as needed if, God forbid, I feel an attack coming on and I can't manage it with breathing and relaxation techniques. I hope I never have to use it.
This has been sort of a wake up call for me in alot of ways. I've really taken my health and nutrition for granted and it's something I know I can't afford to do. Because I'm generally a small person I've never worried much about weight which is predominantly what people think of when they think of health. But the pendulum swings both ways, and I'm discovering that malnutrition can really set some health issues in motion. The hubs and I are really focusing the rest of this year on getting healthy and taking care of ourselves. We have 4 babes that we need to be in top form for. We owe it to them to take care of ourselves.
So, that's all. I'll be trying to get back into the swing of blogging here the rest of the week/weekend. I hope you all haven't deserted me! Along the lines of health, I've got Melissa of Confessions of a Dr. Mom coming on Monday to post about typical childhood illnesses and what to do when they bring the "lovebugs" home from school. I hope you'll be back to join us then! In the meantime, I look forward to hearing from you and reading what you've been up to this past week!
My friends, I hope your holiday weekend was wonderful! I would love to hear from you if you've struggled with panic attacks, or if you're taking steps to improve your health. Do you have any tips or tricks you use to stay calm or to remember to take care of yourself?
Hi! New to you from FYBF and I am from planet blue (we do boys here). Panic attacks are the worst. I put up with mine far too long. xox
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're okay! That sounds scary. I've had two before and they both completely caught me off guard. Both times I was under a lot of stress but didn't even realize it. Once when we were planning our big move and I was pregnant and the other when I had a newborn at home w/hubby while I went to work...on my drive home and alone. Like you, I almost drove myself straight to the ER. It is a wake up call to pay attention to your health and to do what you need to stay healthy. Glad you are getting back on track. Good Luck! Thanks for having me on Monday :)
ReplyDeleteoh, now i understand your fb comment! well young lady... not good. and yes, you had better take care of yourself. i'm so sorry for your attack and really hope you'll get things more on track and get whatever care you need. we like you and want you well!
ReplyDeleteMy sister has struggled with panic attacks for several years now since she was about 17. They paralyze her and the first time it happened my mom called 911 because my sister couldn't move on the couch. High stress situations tend to aggravate the attacks for my sister but, it isn't always directly related. It's awful for her so I'm so sorry you went through that. I do think that diet, stress, exhaustion, etc. play a role in our health and I'm SO guilty of not taking care of myself either. I pray that the Lord gives you the strength to bring new balance into your personal life to get what you need and deserve to be healthy. Praying for you mommas!
ReplyDeleteI suffer from major anxiety and take meds to keep the panic attacks under control. Glad you pulled over. Panic attacks are scary. Mine would often cause numbness in my arms, legs and face. That in addition to the tightness in my chest and labored breathing. I'm working on my stress and anxiety but it's a long and tough road. I wish I had better advice to share... One day at a time and taking time to breath even if only for half a minute. I also just started yoga once a week. It helps. You're on the right track already - good food, physical fitness and a few minutes (or hours!) of alone time. Hang in there. Don't shy away from the meds if you need them. Be kind to yourself. I'm out here if you ever need to chat! Lorie
ReplyDeleteThat panic attack sounds awful! I'm glad you are okay, but what a scary experience. I know what you mean about needing to take better care of yourself as a parent. I had a health scare when Audrey was a baby and it was a big wake up call.
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