Hello,

I am not quite sure whether I am experiencing anxiety or a panic attacks, but I think it's anxiety.  Feel free to correct me.

Kind of a long story, but in short when I got my covid vaccine in April I ended up passing out in my car. I had a buddy and my foot was on the brake so we were good.  I didn't realize I had this issue with shots as it had been about 6 years since I've seen a doctor.  Last time I was seen by a doctor I was hospitalized for what was almost fatal double pneumonia.  Otherwise, I am generally healthy and haven't had a lapse in insurance so no good reason for not going.  It wasn't some traumatic experience as I have passed out before.  

Fast forward a month or so, my roommate gets covid, I find out at work so I go run to get a rapid test. They prick my finger for the antibodies and I think nothing of it.  As I am driving on the freeway my chest starts to tense up, and since I recognized this as a precursor to when I passed out from the shot, I got off at the nearest exit.  I was able to bypass the fainting but as I finally was able to park my arms and legs were numb and vibrating from the knees and elbows down.  I tried to get back on the freeway after it passed but ended up taking side streets back to work.

Fast forward to last Thursday and Friday.  On Thursday I was listening to the news on my way to grab my lady friend and go to work.  They were talking about getting booster shots.  My mind trailed and I think I envisioned myself getting a shot. I felt my breathing start to slow so I immediately began taking quick deep breaths.  I got some numbness (as described before) but ultimately was fine and got through it.  

On Friday I was admittedly a bit spooked from the day before.  I go drive the freeway as I do every day and it happened again, except this time I had to pull into the shoulder and I went full numb in my extremities like before.  I tried to pull through again and had to pull off after I got downtown and wait to get picked up.

I'm not sure what I'm looking to gain from this other than if anyone has any tips or insights to this issue. I'm not afraid of driving (am 28 and have been doing it most of my life - but driving is inherently scary so I'm not trying to discount that).  I'm also not afraid of shots.  At any rate, I have to be able to drive.

I've gone out twice since that happened last week, both times I was pretty on edge.  I'm mostly afraid of passing out behind the wheel and injuring someone else.

If anyone reads this, thank you.  I'm open to any suggestions or commentary.