New to this website...

[ajpett22]

Hi everyone, I am new to this website and I feel I could really use some support from others in my situation who understands what I am going through. Shortly after the birth of my first son in 2006 I experienced my first panic attack. I went to the emergency room because I thought I was having a heart attack or something. After a chest x-ray, being hooked up to the ekg and a thyroid test they determined it to be a panic attack. Three months after my first attack I suddenly had another one and then they came on a daily basis after that. It was the fear of having another panic attack that would set off my anxiety and cause the constant attacks. Even though I did not have health insurance, I knew I had to speak to a doctor about what was going on and I knew I needed to be on some sort of medication. I was diagnosed with panic disorder and put on xanax xr which seemed to be my miracle drug. It put almost a complete stop to my attacks until I became pregnant in the spring of 2007 and no longer was able to take that medicine. Luckily pregnancy worked in my favor and my panic virtually disappeared through-out my pregnancy. After having my second son almost 2 months ago, my anxiety unfortunately came back and I was put back on xanax xr spending 80 dollars a month with no insurance. I'd really like to see a therapist who specializes in anxiety and panic but I was hoping to have some sort of insurance before I did that. How much do therapists cost approximately without insurance and for those who see a therapist, do you think it'd be worth the money?  I don't like the though of being on medication for a long time and I'd like to be panic free eventually. I've heard the best remedy is with both medication and therapy.

[mprinceton]

hi aj,

Definately try and get on some state assisted Medical Insurance plan. I'm on one and they are absolutely awesome. Most major Medical Centers can help you out on getting enrolled in one and also finding a therapist. Go to a place like an Academic Medical Center, they have many docs or docs in training (whom I've found to be just as good if not better sometimes) and once again you'll probably pay nothing. You're on the right track. I like the idea of the Xanax but as you said you have to combine it with therapy. Ask them also about something called CBT 'cognitive behavioral therapy". All these things together you just can't go wrong and will be on your way.

[ajpett22]

Thank you so much. I could use all the advice I can get. It's so hard to try and get help and support from people who haven't experienced this disorder and just can't understand it entirely. I will for sure look into a state assisted medical insurance plan. Therapy and medication can get really expensive without it. Another question,  Do you think that xanax is a good choice of medication, it works for me, but I've heard from others that it is more of a short term treatment rather than a long term choice. Will being on a SSRI anti-depressant be a better option...such as prozac or paxil?

[tannie]

first off, Welcome, you are definetely not alone here. this is a great support forum. 
I would definetely look into some state assistance program. All states have different requirements but you have children and that should hopefully help you to qualify.
I think my therepist charges 160.00 an hour but the way it usually works for an uninsured person is it is usually higher because they are not regulated by an insurance company.
check out your states medical assistance program online. Most states have websites listng the requirements.
As for me, I was suffering from panic attacks for almost 4 years now right after the birth of my son, I did therepy for most part until. It seemed to work, then I would stop because I felt better but the panic would always come back because its always in the back of my mind just waiting to come out. I would have panic about getting panic. Its a big merry go round.

I tried prozac (horrible side effects), wellbutrin(wasnt working because got diagnosed with OCD) and finally now I am on zoloft for the last 13 days and counting. I also take half of a .25 mg pill of xanax once in the morning and that usually helps my anxiety and If I need to, I take another half during the day. Xanax can end up being addicting so I use it sparingly. The zoloft initially made my anxiety way worse but I sticking with it and continue to see my psychologist. I have noticed that my panic attacks are less now and they have decreased in intensity so maybe the zoloft is working?  I waited a long time before I finally decided to give in to meds. Im paranoid of meds so it took alot for me to start a anti depressant.

Hope this has helped you in any way possible.
Take care
Tannie

[bettys814]

You can also look into a clinic-type setting.  The one I went to charged based upon income.  So one person could pay 100 bucks a session, but someone earning less would pay 40.  If you are willing to switch to regular xanax instead of xr, it would be a lot cheaper cause u could get a generic.  And if you decide to go on an antidepressant, many are available as generic.
good luck to you!   

[mprinceton]

hiya aj. If the anxiety/panic is really interfering with your life I think to get you back on your feet again anti depressant therapy is always a good choice. It may take you a while to find the right one. An old school one that isn't an SSRI is called Iniprimine. And then of course you have your SSRI's. I'm not too sure which SSRI is used for panic. During rough times I liked Fluvoxamine myself trade name Luvox. I like the Xanax idea I think its great, although definately see if there is a generic. There is always available Klonopin dissolvable wafers you can put on your tongue available in generic form. You;re gonna be just fine.

[ajpett22]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. What a helpful website! I'm glad I came across it. I'm sure you'll hear some more posts from me in the future. I have lots of questions about this disorder and would love to get answers from people who have been through it.

[tigerpaw]

Great talking with you yesterday in chat.

Look forward to many more....

[AmInormal?]

Welcome to the club.  Look forward to meeting you in the chat.  There are many great people here who understand what you are going through.  It's not easy, but we are here to help each other.