Jim - What you are describing is very common for sufferers of panic attacks. Panic attack sufferers usually fear two outcomes - that they are going "crazy" or that they are going to die. In fact, so many people go to the emergency room fearing a heart attack or something else terrible that at least one third of all complaints of chest pain, chest tightness, or heart attack in the ER have nothing to do with how the heart is working. Those folks are usually experiencing some kind of anxiety or stress just like you. Although it feels as if you are going to die the sensations you are experiencing are not life threatening. Here's the first step in how to help yourself.....See your doctor and tell him/her what has been going on. Ask for a thorough physical so that you know there is nothing wrong with how your body is functioning. This will be helpful to you when you start to feel panicky again because you will know that you are in good health. Many people get at least some relief just from knowing that panic will not kill them even though they feel terrible.

Rick Wirtz