How Anxiety Almost Ruined My Life | The Hoeflinger Podcast Episode 23

Two days ago, I made the mistake of telling an ER dr that I have an anxiety disorder. I had woke up feeling “off.” I thought it maybe anxiety so I laid back down for two hours. It got worse. I live alone and was afraid of passing out so I drove to a nearby ER. They suspected stroke bc my BP was so high…but, I wasn’t anxious, just concerned. They did all the tests and dr, who didn’t ck breathing, ears, nose…nothing…came in later and told me all my tests were normal. I was so thankful I wasn’t having heart issues but frustrated bc I still felt so bad. I told them I still wasn’t feeling well, but maybe I should go home and try to sleep it off. As I was checking out at the front desk, the doors from the patient area flew open and the doctor ran out to catch me before I left - he proceeded to tell me he saw streaks on my lungs and my blood test showed an infection and I had pneumonia. 😳😳😳 I was nice but…WTF?!! He told me everything was normal! So, be careful sharing your anxiety issues right away… you might be dismissed, and your real issues may not be dealt with. I was so sick. I was having trouble standing for very long, I was so weak.

Physicians are revered by most of society-particularly neurosurgeons. I think most people think of them like demigods. Nothing bad ever happens to them, right? We think they lead wonderful lives unscathed by the problems that affect the rank and file. Hearing these stories about how a neurosurgeon is actually a “normal” person with vulnerabilities and fears is why we are so intrigued. It makes you fascinating and relatable. Thank you for sharing. Your candor elevates us all.

As a PMHNP, I know your story will help so many people. Thank you for bravely sharing your story. Anxiety and panic is paralyzing and can be debilitating. No button to push to switch those feelings off. You are amazing ❤

Awww! This hits me in the heart. I was a highly anxious child and started having panic attacks in first grade. I would hide under my desk and refuse to come out. I also couldn’t stop crying. It would last all day long. Unfortunately, my teachers didn’t recognize my anxiety and labeled it “misbehavior.” It was really hard. I had panic attacks all the way through college and beyond! I became a nurse because I wanted to help psych patients. I even had panic attacks during my first job as a nurse!! I’m older and calmer now, but I started meds, which helped immensely. Medication truly saved the quality of my life. The struggle was REAL, but the struggle was worth it. ❤

I have a fear of everyday living. Fighting it for fifty plus years. I'm 65 started treatment with meds. I love you for sharing, brings me to tears.

It’s one of the worst things I’ve ever had . I was so afraid that was dying.😢 unfortunately my anxiety was related to years of sexual abuse and I had no one that I could trust . I finally have found peace by my deep religious faith. Thanks for sharing your story. 🙏🙏🕊🕊

I'm a 4th year medical student who's dealing with anxiety issues. Thank you sir for this video. Now I don't feel like I'm the only one who's suffering. And this will be my biggest motivation to overcome my situation 🙏🏼❤️

I never suffered panic attacks until 3 months after menopause. I ran to my husband and said I thought I was dying unaware of what was happening. Suffered those for 3 months then on top of it for 9 month I had pens and needles sensations, electric shocks head to toe 24/7. I prayed if God did not heal me I would rather he take me. It was the most horrific experience I had ever encountered. My doctor had never seen anyone manifest these symptoms which left me hopeless. Sent me out to different specialist, nothing showed up. His last resort was to a neurologists. He diagnosed me with nerve pain brought on by anxiety. Put me on anti anxiety meds, finally found one that worked. I still never felt like myself. 7 years later went on HRT which has helped, but still on anti anxiety meds that I will probably have to be on for the rest of my life to keep the stinging and electric shocks at bay. It is a nightmare experience. God bless you for opening up and telling your story. It probably has helped many!

I’m 64. I began having panic attacks around 19 years old. It’s EXACTLY as you describe…. It’s unreal. It’s scary and you absolutely feel like your own death is imminent. I had no idea what was happening.

Thank you, Dr. Hoeflinger for sharing this very personal experience. For the most part, I have also conquered this. I am more aware of my stress level and things that would trigger a panic attack. Usually, I can refocus. A few times I may start to panic now is when is when I think I can't find my phone or my car keys. I try to remember to breathe.... You are a great example of how sharing these experiences help so many others. Thankyou!

It's hard to imagine that you've suffered from panic attacks. As a child my cousin had a problem with stuttering. Particularly when he became excited. I hadn't seen him for several years and he really changed. He is a youth pastor, involved with students at the high school, and even coaches the school chess team. I had attended a funeral where he gave the eulogy and did a wonderful heartfelt presentation. When I talked with him later about it he prayed before hand and it is how he works now. He told me he still will stutter at times, but not like he did in the past.

67 year old medical professional here. I had the same grammer school panic & anxiety attacks. To this day, I will not speak to a roomful of people. Speaking to individuals is fine or family members is fine. But to this day, I will not speak in front of groups or colleagues. I don't even want to go to meetings and have to make small talk. I avoid my landlord at my office & avoid neighbors. I have taken different meds & they help a bit. I take anxiety meds as needed these days. And it helps. But it won't help me ever to get up in front of a group of people.

In junior high and high school, my panic attacks started. I absolutely dreaded having to get up in front of the class for oral reports, etc. I would cover my panic by being funny, like the "class clown". Then, in college, if I had to speak in class, I would take my glasses off so I couldn't see anyone or anything. I'm almost 61 and I have had spastic/spasmodic dysphonia for many years. When the panic hits, It makes my dysphonia more prevalent. I do take anxiety medication and it helps but sometimes it can be so strong, when I speak it sounds like I'm crying but being nervous just closes up my throat. Of all the medical issues I have, the anxiety and dysphonia are the worst!

I had no idea what was happening to me. Mostly through my teens and now again in my early sixties but started as a young child. That overwhelming fear and panic is exactly as you describe. The shame and embarrassment and feeling there is something very wrong with you is just so life altering. Thank you for sharing this…

Dr Hoeflinger, you are amazing and you really helped me in many ways. Thank you and God bless

Thank you, for sharing your story Dr H..This will help many others..

You seem to Be an Amazing Person, Parent, MD. Your Son is your Guiding Angel. Keep On Going... I follow you, Family for your Life Lessons.

This was such a selfless gift. We often look at people and think they live a charmed life and somehow have it all together, then compare ourselves to that. It helped me to know that someone like you dealt with something like this. Thank you for sharing ❤

Fear has two faces. One can make you afraid. The other fades away once it is faced.

Kudos to you doctor. Truly may God bless you and your family.