WOW...Was NOT expecting to feel THAT!

[maggieb]

So who knew that a warm sunny afternoon could trigger such feelings?  And when I say feelings...I don't mean nostalgic feelings of childhood spent on the beach, or picnics with the family.  I am talking about a full blown 90 minute, racing heart, tight chest, feeling like I was going to explode feeling.  WHERE THE HELL did THAT come from?  Now I know I am not far into this process (day 5), but I have gotten past most major cravings with a few deep breaths and a smart ass smirk (saying "I got this!").  But today...I mean TODAY, TODAY was NOT a good thing!  What was that?  Seriously - WHAT WAS THAT?  Is that some type of weather association craving?  Is my mind/body now forming a coup against me?  I debated calling 911...was I having a heart attack (I wasn't thank God).  Was it a panic attack?  Anxiety attack?  I really don't want to have to avoid going outside....as this weekend is supposed to be beautiful and I would like to absorb some sunshine to help perk me up, but SERIOUSLY....I don't want that to happen again. 

P.S>>>>>>>>> I beat it ~ whatever it was ~ it didn't break me.  I did NOT slip up.  N.O.P.E.  And I could NOT wait to get home to write this......because ya'll are seriously like the best friends that I have right now...and I am so very thankful for each and every one of you.  ❤️

[Icandothis8]

GOOD for you!  I know you had a rough day today - if you have anxiety / panic these things can be exacerbated when out of the blue a trigger happens, but you faced it. Pay attention to your health conditions - my motto - if i am not sure - 911 works for me - rather be safe than sorry!  Good job not giving in - and hang in there it is so worth it!

[Michwoman]

I just spent a couple days in the hospital for this type of thing - it turned out to be a deficiency in potassium. Please don't ignore this type of thing. At the very least take a big drink of orange juice and/or eat a banana!!! Please don't let it go. I almost did and they told me it was a good thing I didn't.

[joyeuxencore]

Hi Maggie! Day 5...you are right in the thick of 'hell week' and you are doing it! I remember feeling like I was literally jumping out of my skin...getting through that to the other side has made you stronger...Good for you that you walked through it and came here for support! What can you DO to prepare for any blindside cravings?? Sugarfree gum, crunchy things, cinnamon sticks, biting into a lemon works...I carried all those things with me at all times...also this list:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/aztec-blog/2012/10/16/things-to-do-instead-of-smoke

My BFF here on EX skygirl wrote this blog and I think it is so helpful!

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/SkyGirl-blog/2013/03/07/skygirl-broken-record    

[joyeuxencore]

Also let me say that a doctor visit for a physical & to check blood pressure,have some bloodwork done etc. just to make sure all is well is a GOOD idea! That will take any worry out of the equation...xo

[maggieb]

Thank you again for the great advice.  I will keep an eye on this and if it continues, I will call my doctor! 

You guys truly ROCK!  

❤️

[maggieb]

P.S. - I was just in for a physical 2 weeks ago - BP good, bloodwork was good (it was stellar actually).   Maybe it was an anxiety attack?  I may give him a call on Monday just for a check up.

[YoungAtHeart]

Maggie,

It sure sounds like it was a panic attack to me...........but I am not a doctor - I just play one sometimes on this site!!!!!  I think sometimes when people quit smoking, their body chemistry might get a bit out of whack?

I'm glad you are calling your doctor on Monday.  

Whatever it was - you did get through it without smoking - congratulations!!!!!

Nancy

Quit 7/4/12........

[joyeuxencore]

Well thats good! Maybe it was just a panic attack...I do remember as I say on day 3 coming out of a movie and having the heart racing jump out of my skin feeling for about 20 minutes...I always would smoke after a movie especially if I was with my elderly Mom...stress herself! The first week is challenging as your entire metabolism and brain chemistry adjust to the lack of nicotine...have you read much on www.whyquit.com ? A lot of info there about what your body and mind are going through...education will save you! xo

[maggieb]

Did I mention that my mother in law lives with us and has dementia?? Hubby is out of town this week so I was coming home to her and stress...maybe that was subconciously getting to me. All I want to do this week is come home from work, get in my jammies and chill out. Unfortunately she has other plans for me, and even when I tell her no, she is back 5 minutes later bugging me to get her out of the house again. *sigh*. I figure if I can quit AND survive a week at home alone with her all at the same time, then I can do anything I put my mind to!

[YoungAtHeart]

Maggie,

Well, I imagine that situation could CERTAINLY lead to panic attacks.....that is some kind of stress to handle by yourself at the end of a work day.

Congratulations on getting through it with such a great attitude!!!

Nancy

Quit 7/4/12

[Nyima_1.6.13]

Sounds like a panic attack to me. You should let your doctor know and ask his opinion about whether he wants to see you. Could be you'll never ave another one! Keep your fingers crossed and practice deep and slow breathing when you're feeling fine so that you can pull that skill whenever you need it! I wish you a peaceful and smoke free weekend