Panic Attack Disorder

So I got diagnosed with having a panic attack disorder a about a year and a half ago. I had my first panic attack on January 11 2007, had a few more that same year, then started having them quite frequently from about March 2009. I then started seeing a psychologist who helped me overcome my panic attacks, and it helped. I've barely had a panic attack since finishing up my therapy with her, and can go through situations where I know I would have had a panic attack, if I hadn't had therapy. I'm quite proud of myself for living without the fear of having a panic attack every day.

The reason I first started having panic attacks was from being in a car accident. After getting surgery from an injury relating to the car accident, and being told the surgery didn't work, and I would be in pain/have numbness in my hip and thigh for the rest of my life, I started having panic attacks in cars and on buses. And seeing people run across busy roads and nearly being hit by cars. And hearing cars slam on their brakes on beep their horns. And seeing car accidents in movies and on TV shows.

Therapy really helped, and I can safely go in cars without freaking out if Im going to have a panic attack. I can go on long car rides, and not be holding onto the door handle or car seat for dear life. It's made life alot easier for me. (I'm still yet to drive through the site of the accident, and I'm still yet to get my Ls and learn to drive, but that is something Im slowly working on. Ill be happy if I can live my entire life, without the need to drive. Im fine with walking everywhere, or catching the bus or train, as I no longer have panic attacks on buses.)

I had a panic attack today. There was no cars around. I was walking down the street. I was reading a letter. I got exciting news. Really really really exciting news. I had a panic attack. My hands were shaking. I could feel my heart racing. I started breathing faster. My legs felt a little weak. I had to stop walking for a few minutes. I never knew such great news could cause a panic attack.

The car accident was the fault of another driver. A drunk driver. I've never liked drunk drivers, but now I have more dislike to anyone who drives under the influence, and am often standing on my soapbox, saying why people shouldn't drink and drive, but that is a story for another day.

As the accident was the cause of another (extremely irresponsible) person, I have been seeing a solicitor (and a barrister and multiple doctors), since 2007 to get compensation.

Previously, I've been offered $5,500, then after surgery, it went up considerably, but not enough to make my solicitor happy.

After having an awful year last year, and seeing many more doctors which had been appointed by NRMA and my solicitor, I got a letter this morning from my solicitor. NRMA have offered me $140, 000. Which would net me approximately $80, 000 clear of Centrelink, and clear of costs and medical expenses. 

THATS ALOT OF MONEY!!!

My solicitor was trying to get an amount which would give me $10, 000 clear of Centrelink and other expenses.

So I had a panic attack. In the middle of my street. Not from fear, but from excitement.