Is it normal that i only have nightmares?

I am almost 30 years old. For as long as I can remember, I've only ever had nightmares or night terrors. (Obviously I can't remember my night terrors, though I've had some described to me by my husband as I've spoken or moved in certain ways. However, I know it's not a nice dream when I wake up shaking, sweating, and almost screaming. I've accidentally hit others while thrashing as well.) I have never had what I would consider a "normal" dream as have been described to me by others. Only nightmares. Also, when I have these nightmares I can *feel* the pain. I feel it when I wake up and while I'm in the nightmare. I have lucid dreaming during these nightmares, I know I'm dreaming, but I still can't control it or get out, no matter what I do. I used to be able to bash my arm against the wall or my end table, but it no longer wakes me up and hasn't for years now.

(I apologize for the length of this description, however I want to give as much background information as possible.) I also have nights where I know I'm awake, but I'm suddenly paranoid and feel as though I am dreaming. I see shadows, think that someone has broken in and is coming to kill me and my husband. That something else is there that I cannot see or deal with.

I'm pretty sure this is not normal, but I'm wondering if it's something that others have had experience with. Are my constant nightmares and never simply dreams normal? If you would like additional information, please let me know. Unfortunately, I have plenty of things I can talk about. However, I did not want this to be a novel. Thank you for reading.