Overbreathing syndrome...help?

[JimiMiddleFinger63]

Hi there...does anyone know much about chronic psychogenic hyperventilation syndrome? I am 49, male, smoke but not heavy....and have experienced the inability to sigh (get that full breath) very occasionally for years. Then before thanksgiving I had an episode at work that ended me up in the ER with a panic attack. After lung xrays, Breathing tests (osats fine btw) something called spirography (?) the dr assured I was fine phyically. Got ativan and went home.

Long story short I have been out of work since and am getting desperate. A followup a week later with  my regular dr confirmed the diagnosis of overbreathing syndrome but he knows very little about it. He has me on clonazepam. Now here is the kicker. I have bad back, neck and shoulder problems which have me on 60 mg of oxycodone/day. This whole thing is so weird and frustrating. I am trying to wean off of the Oxycodone and know I could do it but this breathing. thing is working against me.

I have good days and bad days. But the pattern I have noticed is that in the a.m. after sleep, I am fine. If I go sometime w/o thinking about it I am fine. Here is the strangest part though. I am fine up until I take the oxycodone. Then I struggle. I'm not sure if this is a physical thing of it's just in my head.I do several breathing exercises which have seemed to help.But sometimes it only helps in that I don't feel in need of a deep breath. But if I try to get that deep breath anyway, I can't. Sometimes later at night...of after my long walk (I have been walking 2 miles every nite) I can. But evenings have become a nightmare for me.

I have a very good paying job waiting on me but I am afraid I'm just not going to make it back. I'll go a few days and have hope...then havea bad day or two...I get stresed and all my hope goes out the window.

Sorry this is so long...but just a few questions. Can the narcotic painkillers affect this possibly? Is the Klonapin making it worse. Would seeing a psychiatrist help? I don't understand why this all the sudden happened....why I started thinking about my breathing 24/7. God I never thought about my breathing before. I am getting desperate. My insurance went bye bye last week....I'm stressing more which I know can't be helping. What the ****? Anyone with any words of wisdom or encouragement? Thanks in advance.... - Jimi

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Your symptoms of hyperventilation and anxiety could be attributed to Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome. It is characterized by hyperventilation for no apparent reason, frequent yawning, palpitations, dizziness, sweating, fainting, depression, and cold sweats. It is unlikely to be due to oxycodone. To help with your symptoms, you could practice breathing exercises and good relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[JimiMiddleFinger63]

I forgot to add that I have completely cut coffee and all forms of caffeine out of my diet. And also that sometimes....on the good days, or at good times, it comes completely effortlessly, just breathin easy... It will just be there with no problem. And then other times it feels like there is a plug in my lungs. Like no more air can go in. And it can go from one to the other like hitting a light switch.

Sorry to add even more but I am really shook up about the whole thing.