Aa
does anyone have any suggestions
how do i know if i am having an anxiety attack or if it is the copd acting up? Also, all i do is think about dying. how can i change my way of thinking? everytime something happens, it's like "oh my gosh, i am going to die"
Wow I dont think there is anything I can say to top what nursegrl has. Hang in there, and with the right help I hope you are feeling better very soon
Hi there! Let's see if we can sort this out.
1st, COPD is a VERY anxiety-producing condition, so when you are having an exacerbation of the COPD, you will likely notice a big increase in any anxiety you have. This happens for two reasons...one, just the feeling of not being able to properly breathe is frightening, then add to that if your COPD is not being well managed, you could have an increased level of CO2 in your body from not breathing right...basically ending up with not enough oxygen, and the manner in which you change your breathing to adapt causes a build up of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)....which can definitely cause feeling of anxiety.
Most times, if the COPD is mild, the anxiety is more perceptual due to the shortness of breath. And, to add insult to injury...the worse your anxiety gets, the more negative thinking you will have (ie, the thoughts of death, etc). Each condition will worsen the other unfortunately, so you need to try to manage them both optimally...which may sound impossible, but it isn't!
There are a lot of things you can do to improve both conditions. First, is your COPD being managed by a Pulmonologist (lung doc)?...and if so, are YOU being compliant with the treatment suggested? I ask that not to be rude or hurtful but b/c COPD management can be very difficult for people as it involves a lot of lifestyle changes, and learning new ways to do things (breathing techniques, energy conservation, meds, etc). First thing I would suggest is...if you haven't already....get yourself to a Pulmonologist, and if you are seeing one....get back to him/her and express what you did here...have them check and be sure that the COPD is not worsening where treatment changes would be warranted....once you determine that, then you can ask your doc for help with the anxiety.
One more suggestion is Pulmonary Rehab...it's a wonderful option for people with chronic lung conditions, like COPD. There are outpatient programs (much like Physical Therapy) and for more severe debilitating disease, inpatient programs. I really think they are worth looking into. I actually had the pleasure of working in a facility that offered inpatient Pulm Rehab and the progress the patients made was amazing. It really gave them a lot of function back.
Let us know how you're doing....and hang in there...I know its hard playing the guessing game as to which "came first", but you'll get through this and be better able to manage BOTH the COPD and the anxiety with a little help!
1st, COPD is a VERY anxiety-producing condition, so when you are having an exacerbation of the COPD, you will likely notice a big increase in any anxiety you have. This happens for two reasons...one, just the feeling of not being able to properly breathe is frightening, then add to that if your COPD is not being well managed, you could have an increased level of CO2 in your body from not breathing right...basically ending up with not enough oxygen, and the manner in which you change your breathing to adapt causes a build up of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)....which can definitely cause feeling of anxiety.
Most times, if the COPD is mild, the anxiety is more perceptual due to the shortness of breath. And, to add insult to injury...the worse your anxiety gets, the more negative thinking you will have (ie, the thoughts of death, etc). Each condition will worsen the other unfortunately, so you need to try to manage them both optimally...which may sound impossible, but it isn't!
There are a lot of things you can do to improve both conditions. First, is your COPD being managed by a Pulmonologist (lung doc)?...and if so, are YOU being compliant with the treatment suggested? I ask that not to be rude or hurtful but b/c COPD management can be very difficult for people as it involves a lot of lifestyle changes, and learning new ways to do things (breathing techniques, energy conservation, meds, etc). First thing I would suggest is...if you haven't already....get yourself to a Pulmonologist, and if you are seeing one....get back to him/her and express what you did here...have them check and be sure that the COPD is not worsening where treatment changes would be warranted....once you determine that, then you can ask your doc for help with the anxiety.
One more suggestion is Pulmonary Rehab...it's a wonderful option for people with chronic lung conditions, like COPD. There are outpatient programs (much like Physical Therapy) and for more severe debilitating disease, inpatient programs. I really think they are worth looking into. I actually had the pleasure of working in a facility that offered inpatient Pulm Rehab and the progress the patients made was amazing. It really gave them a lot of function back.
Let us know how you're doing....and hang in there...I know its hard playing the guessing game as to which "came first", but you'll get through this and be better able to manage BOTH the COPD and the anxiety with a little help!
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