I've (29F) had depression and anxiety on and off for years, but never had a panic attack until my first one last Saturday. I really thought I was dying - like no matter how deep I breathed in I felt like I wasn't getting oxygen, and then no matter how hard I breathed out my lungs were still full.

I went to a&amp;e and they said my vitals are all fine - had blood tests, chest scan, the whole shebang so I'm not worried that anything else is wrong with me. But ever since that panic attack I've had trouble breathing, and the only time it lets up properly is when I'm swimming or in the bath. I've had four more panic attacks in the past week, and the rest of the time I have had a tight chest and have to do breathing exercises regularly throughout the day to ease the feeling. It's like I'm constantly on the edge of another panic attack.

I'm swimming and cutting out alcohol and coffee and doing breathing exercises and am in therapy already. I have beta blockers from the doctor too, though they slow my heart right down which makes it difficult to breathe again even if it stops the full blown panic attacks. 

Even with all this stuff, I don't feel well right now. I'm worried it will be ages before I feel normal again. 

My question is, how long has it taken other people to stop having panic attacks like this? Is it normal to have several in a week after your first one? How did you cope with things like work when you get lightheaded and dizzy and breathless at the first sign of stress? 

Like I said, I'm not worried anything else is wrong cos I've had a pretty thorough check over from the doctor. Any advice on managing panic attacks before they become chronic would be amazing.