Breathing problems......

[chrisw1109]

Hi, I am new to the sight, diagnosed with CM1 in 2009. There are days that I think I am in denial about whether or not I am symptomatic or if I am struggling with anxiety. This past week or so I have had problems where I suddenly feel short of breath. It doesn't usually last long but long enough to scare me. The last one happened last night. I was just sitting in the recliner watching TV an I started having a slight numbing sensation around my nose. Kinda felt like the beginning or end of the effects of novocaine, then suddenly I just felt like it was hard to breathe. I instantly got up and went downstairs to tell me husband I couldn't breathe. By then, I had all the symptoms of a panic attack, racing heart, uncontrollable shaking and of course tears of fear. This is where my biggest struggle is, I have never suffered with headaches, knock on wood, my main issue is sinus type pressure and ringing ears, alot of my symptoms are identicle to panic/general anxiety disorder.  I go back My GP today to discuss a Cine MRI and about scheduling with Dr Oro in Colorado. Denver also has an upright MRI that I am going to see what it would take to get my next MRI there since almost all my symptoms.are usually when I am sitting or sometime standing.

[selmaS]

  Stress is deff a factor and can and will make ur symptoms flare. Chiari symptoms also cycle so the spurts r not uncommon for many of us.

There r so many of us that also have sinus issues as the sinus cavity can be affected with the area being too small and things get compressed, even the pituitary glad has been compressed for some Chiarians.

U r so right , rule out everything else acid reflux, PND, and all related issues....

We all r affected diff and it may help to keep a journal to see if see a pattern forming and then u may recognize ur triggers.

[chrisw1109]

It is all so frustrating because I myself often think that alot of my symptoms are self inflicted, meaning I have been thinking about things too much etc.  My symptoms can come and go so quickly.  I had alot of stress right before my diagnosis. Lost job, financial, etc. and less than 6 months after diagnosis lost a very closs and young family member suddenly, lost another job, was unemployed for a year so you can see why I wonder about stress factor sometimes.   Since my diagnosis my symptoms go in spurts.  If my days are busy and active I have no symptoms.  If things get slow or stressful at home, more symptoms.  The main symptom lately up until this whole breathing thing was just pressure type feeling in head and ears like when you have a sinus infection, sometimes I might have a very, very mild headache right behind the eyes or nose that is easily taken care of with ibuprofen.   I am going to an ENT tomorrow to rule out any possible sinus issues and then an allergist appointment in two weeks because also with this pressure I have been experiences frequent nasal congestion and buring eyes which is why sometimes I lean toward sinus issues.  Coughing, straining etc do not bother me or worsen symptoms, cordination and balance are good.  My theory is check as many things as possible to rule out other things.  

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Not all get the Chiari HA or may not be aware, and may consider the feeling "normal" as they have always had it...Chiari is a congenital condition so, when u have something all the time u accept it as part of who u r and assume everyone feels the same way doing certain activities .....

It is not until symptoms worsen after a fall or MVA that we may develop more severe type of HA's that we feel r diff the the ones we always had.

Chiari not only obstructs CSF flow it can also compress the brain stem and cause all the issues u mentioned...many NS's will deny that....but, the spinal cord and brain is the control center for all that happens in our body physically and emotionally.

U r planing to go to one of the best Chiari drs around....so I am sure u will get answers soon.

Please note, make sure u r tested for related issues, ICP, POTS, EDS, syrinx, tethered cord , sleep apnea...as they can affect how u feel and heal post op.
I am leaning toward POTS since u have more issues when up right...if u can track ur BP during these episodes..and check the lower extremities for pooling of blood....again this is a related condition to Chiari that some have and since u noticed that position plays a role with u, it is worth looking into.

Please keep us posted on ur visit to Dr O!