BTDT, don't know if it is associated with lupus. Supposedly you need
counseling and anti-anxiety meds to cure it. I was given some meds for a
while. I guess I just got over it. There are some books on the subject and
maybe I should read them. I still occasionally have a panic attack. Being
home still feels more comfortable.
Bev

Well .. phytic acid is being used to treat anxiety / panic .. and heavy
addictions.

Phytic acid is an iron binder ..

Lupus has been shown to be involved in elevated iron levels evidenced by the
fact the sunblock being marketed TO those with lupus has iron binders
SPECIFICALLY placed in it in order to bind the iron KNOWN TO EXIST IN THOSE
WITH LUPUS ..

But .. that is just TOO .. clear ..

Too easy to understand ..

Who loves ya.
Tom

I have no advice or suggestions - but anxiously await your report after you
see the doc!
I have had this problem as well and it comes and goes - but on all points I
am on the same page.  Stupid things can trigger it - as in most of my flares
of various types - many a day I simply cannot leave this house no matter
what and if I do then I pay. I bawl. I  tell myself that my little patch of
woods is enough and all I ever wanted anyway. Until cabin fever bites my
head off and I have to get out - this can sometimes be disastrous. It adds
to my depression.
What to do?  I turn up the radio - or turn down the radio, sometimse I fall
apart - I dash madly out of stores or plop my tush on the floor like a
marionette that someeone let go of the strings. If too many people get
behind me I panic like a cornered critter and they seem to suck my air.

Oh boy I wish I had my magic wand back!

I wish you the best Candi! Let us know what your doc sez -
Leslie

I didn't see this until this a.m.

while I wouldn't say it is directly linked - any psychological "problem" can
be a result of lupus *if* there is activity of the disease in the brain.  If
you've dealt with CNS lupus than it's possible that you are seeing a
manifestation of changes in the brain from the disease.  But that's kind of
a reach I think... for the most part.

I am not so much agoraphobic as I just don't like to get out anymore.  The
connection to the lupus is there for me - but it's not direct.  I am very
photosensitive.  I have a fear of getting out and being stuck out in the
sun.  Now, most of the time that doesn't keep me from doing what I *need* to
do but it can keep me from doing things I'd like to do.  But it's not a
panicky feeling - just "oh crud, it's sunny and I really don't want to go do
this on a sunny day..."  I do get a little panicky if I've been out running
errands and start feeling the effects of the UV exposure - nausea, mild
fever, major fatigue.  it's not a full blown panic attack.

Some panic attacks may be atypical asthma in disguise.  If you have a panic
attack while out due to allergies to mold, pollen or whatever, you might
then connect it with the activity rather than the true cause.  Would this
lead to agoraphobia?  Dunno as I'm not an expert on this.  I do know that my
panic attacks tend to be related to a sense of not being able to get my
breath and they happen sometimes when lying down (lungs compress, sensation
of not enough oxygen, panic) or after exposure to an allergen (perfumes,
etc.)  The brain thinks you're not getting enough oxygen and you start to
breath faster and soon you're in the hyperventilation state and panicking
and feeling light-headed.

keep in mind...