SCUBASEAN: I get what you're saying, but I think my panic attacks were a combination of the pill and an anxiety-provoking activity, so I thought perhaps this might be our poster's problem--worth looking into: in my case, full mask clearing. I had gotten a snoot full of water one other time doing this activity and had a great deal of trouble completing the skill, but did not erupt into full blown panic like the time when I had been on the pill for awhile. But it still made me nervous just thinking about having to complete the task.
I also had a long history of having side effects from BCP's, always starting after I had been on them for at least a month, usually 3-4...it takes awhile to cycle through and your body to "get used to them".
LITTLEMERMAID: What is your discipline? I am a physical therapist, so that is probably why I am such a self-advocate...I do it everyday for others, and unfortunately see the results when patients can't do it for themselves. My primary doc is very conservative...you have to prod him in the arse to get him to refer you to a specialist. He once told me that I would have to live with my shoulder problem (at age 34!!!), though he could not diagnose it. I convinced him to refer me to an orthopedist, who diagnosed anterior shoulder instability, and with a little strengthening, it is 90% better! But I don't dare switch PCP's, because many are the same way...which is why, like you said, you have to self educate and self advocate! I couldn't agree more!
Anyway, GIGIMARTIN: Hope we are having some insightful ideas for you and good luck to you!
