What a scary situation. Panic attacks can be terrifying and confusing. I'm sorry you went through such an awful experience. But, gosh, you're funny sometimes. And your metaphors are a delight. It's going to be a while before I forget "climate-change time-lapse, starring my mouth as the barren riverbed." Glad you got through it all and lived to tell the tale. Proof yet again that a writer can use everything.