That could be me writing your post this morning Jules!
I went though episodes like that after my op last year especially when on my own at night, I went to a naturopath and all the herby stuff eventually worked, after having been checked out at the docs. Anyway, I've been pretty good since then but every now and again I think when the hormones are messing around or I'm stressed/tired I get the odd panicky feeling.
Anyway, I had a bit of a stressy weekend with a whole bunch of stuff going wrong last night! I think this caused a huge adrenalin surge and I felt weird, shaky, heart rate up for the rest of the evening and then at bedtime of course that's when it gets really bad! I too kept thinking this is it (doesn't help FB keeps posting things about heart health and everyone's stories, which of course I read!). So kept waking every two hours with heart thumping, feeling a bit sick (might be because I hadn't had enough to eat in the evening) and of course panicking which then made everything worse!
Tried distractions, deep breathing and then would nod off to repeat again 2 hours later. Feel a bit pale and washed out this morning but I think the shakiness is going off as I'm hydrating.
Hoping it was just an anxiety/adrenaline surge after yesterdays events. I've been walking up big hills much better recently and flying around at aerobic classes so I'm hoping there isn't too much to worry about, but in the night it just makes everything worse!
I was getting a hot flushes as well but I think that was down to the anxiety caused by the vicious circle plus dashes to the loo with upset stomach. I do find sometimes when I get the night flushes I feel really weird for a while until it comes out. I maybe little low on hormones as I've been trying to make my patch last a week as I can't get them at the moment due to shortages, I think I may have pushed my luck this week!
My naturopath explained it that there is a thing called GABA which calms our neurones in the brain, then when we are stressed, meno etc GABA sometimes can't get all the items it needs to be complete and this creates gaps and anxiety creeps in. The herbs and supplements she gave me was to repair the process.
One thing you could try taking is a herb called Indian Ginseng or Ashwagandha, it sometimes comes with a calming herb and B vitamins. It works as an adaptogen so your body only takes what it needs. I found out about it on a blog and gave it a go and pretty sure it helps. Sometimes when I feel a bit of anxiety creeping in I take a few tablets and it seems to fix it.
So, today you are not alone!
