I keep waking up gasping for breath. This has been going on for sometime now. I went to a neurosurgeon after experiencing tightness in my arms and a bit in my legs especially the left side. He said I had anxiety. Gave me medication after which in had a very bad episode where i thought I was having a heart attack but it wasn't. I had the same episode today. But everytime I go to bed I wake up gasping for breath.  I called the closest hospital to send an ambulance and they said they don't have any.  When I met the doc I specifically told him about my episodes especially waking up every time and he just casual its anxiety. What if its something else. I feel so helpless. I don't want to die.

It does sound like you are having anxiety attacks. Anxiety/panic attacks can be very scary and debilitating - it that is what you are having then there are ways to work on reducing the anxiety.

If you aren't happy with your doctor's assessment ask him to refer you to a specialist or go see another doctor.

Definitely second what Grace said. A referral to another specialist that can help do with that would be best. Hugs
Mariah

Hi Lara,
This could be OSA better known as Sleep Apnea. During my Polysomnagraph, which is done over night at the hospital, I awoke as if from the dead. I told my Doctor that if I was going to have an MI it would have been during the five times this happen. I had to tell the tech no more.
  Interestingly,I had my Epiphany the next day after my first Polysomnagraph.
  I think added oxygen to my Amygdala, like stopping smoking and weight gain, was why I never experienced Dysphoria before. It was like a light bulb was turned on.
You also might have an undiagnosed Arrhythmia. A Cardiologist would order a 24 hour holter monitor to see if your heart is suddenly stopping during sleep. This is very dangerous due to formation of blood clots in the chambers of your heart, caused by blood pooling. Do you feel your heart skip a beat sometimes? Well, This is common and could be nothing, but the monitor will tell the Cardiologist if it is significant.

Good luck and fair leads.
Dahni