Quote Originally Posted by Tuckervill View Post
What's really bothering me is this shortness of breath/heart skipping thing that's been going on for the last two hours. The symptom is so vague that I can't really describe it. I hesitate to say "pressure on my chest" to any medical person because that brings in all kinds of urgency. But, that's what it is, like a clutching on my chest, like a panic, and I have to cough a little. It only lasts for a second. This happens a lot when I'm driving so I sometimes wonders if it's postural or something. I can't relate it to caffeine, or anything like that. And I can shovel dirt and mulch for hours, and run sprints (this morning) and ride my bike a long way.
Karen -

This paragraph is the key to your problems. First and foremost, you need to be treated for anxiety. Stick with the tried and true: Prozac. Go to your family doctor and get on a SAFE antidepressant/anti-anxiety drug (SAFE is why I recommended Prozac). If the first drug doesn't work after two months, then you need to switch. They are all chemically different, and you need to find the one that works for you.

I think you'll find that your BP will normalize after treating the anxiety.

Once you get your physical symptoms/reactions under control, then you can step back and take a look at the changes you need to make in your life. I'm not talking about food and exercise, I'm talking about stress coping mechanisms.

Your sharp pains most likely were gas. Also, anxiety/depression can cause a lot of physical pain. I know - I've been there.

Di