"Since March I have been having panic attacks. They are not always the full-blown heart attack feeling attacks--they range from feeling spaced out, shortness of breath, dizziness, racing heart, flutters in my chest, to shakiness all over or jelly legs. I have had two EKGs, a cardiac ultrasound, the tilt-table test, psych evaluations, and several doctors have seen me.
Overall, I have spent well over a thousand dollars out of pocket. I have cut my caffeine back to almost nothing. One cup of coffee a day is all I consume and sometimes not even that.
Every doctor I have been to says I am under stress. Therefore, I started yoga, which was relaxing but I was still having the anxiety. I have a great life otherwise--a great husband who helps a lot, I don't work, I stay home with my little boy who goes to a mothers morning out class twice a week. I guarantee you that I am not stressed and that is not denial talking because I know what stress is. Been there, done that!
The other day I was talking to my mom and I told her my diet is great. I do not even drink much coffee anymore. She said, "Well, you've been drinking coffee forever. I think something selse is wrong with you that gives you this anxiety."
I kept what she said in the back of my mind and pondered it. The only thing I use with the coffee is half-and-half and Splenda. A light bulb went off. Everything from ice cream to condiments to supplement bars has Splenda in it. Even my yogurt and milk! This is around the same time I have had panic attacks.
For two days I have had zero Splenda. I do not want to curse it, but I have been feeling better. No shortness of breath and less dizziness. If this is truly the culprit, I hope the FDA warns people about potential side effects of this sweetener."
Thank you M.S. for sharing your story with our visitors.
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