Penny, since you have been experiencing actual panic attacks, I would suggest that you see a doctor and/or therapist. I don't know how you feel about meds, but having something available in your cabinet for those truly urgent times can bring a sense of comfort. I went through a long period of panic attacks and high anxiety stemming principally from a bully boss, but also from some family drama. When I reached a peak of feeling so overloaded with anxiety and like I was going to have a breakdown if something didn't change fast, I went to see my doctor. He got me going to talk therapy, started me on low-dose anxiety medication, and prescribed a single bottle of xanax and told me to take 1/2 or 1 pill if my anxiety became very overwhelming, like a panic attack. The bully boss resigned couple months later, and I still have most of that same xanax bottle in the cabinet now. It's nice to know that it's there if I really need it. I hope these thoughts might be helpful to you. Wishing you well and a quick recovery for your husband.