Aa
death would be better
Hi, I am a 25 year old mom. I feel like I cannot breathe ALL the time. I don't have any wheezing and I can feel myself breathing, but it seems like I have to force it. As a result, I go into full blown panic attacks and feel like I'm going to pass out or just die. I could understand the weird breathing if I was actually exercising, but I could be doing nothing and have this suffocating feeling. The doctors say its panic disorder but I can't except that. The meds don't really help. It seems like the only thing that keeps me from going into full blown panic is CRYING!! As a result, I don't go out, I just cry at home all the time. It is ruining my life!
I've been to the cardiologist, echo came back normal. Every doctor just looks at me and says my lungs sound great and it's all in my head. But why is it causing such disabling symptoms? I can't even walk my son to school anymore for fear of panicking, hyperventilating and passing out.
Does anyone have any thoughts as to what else this could be? I just can't live like this anymore!
Thanks for any imput,
Chelsea
I've been to the cardiologist, echo came back normal. Every doctor just looks at me and says my lungs sound great and it's all in my head. But why is it causing such disabling symptoms? I can't even walk my son to school anymore for fear of panicking, hyperventilating and passing out.
Does anyone have any thoughts as to what else this could be? I just can't live like this anymore!
Thanks for any imput,
Chelsea
Well, I don't think that it's the Wellbutrin, actually I think it might be helping a little as far as not smoking goes. I dunno though. I was, however, having a weird reaction to Buspar. I was on that a couple months, and it made me feel jittery and did nothing for my anxiety except make it worse. I gave it a good shot too, took it for at least 2 months thinking I needed to really give it a chance to work. Well, it was terrible.
I'm sorry that Wellbutrin had such an adverse effect on you. That sounds horrible!! I will google it and see what I can find. I am really sorry that you are having such a tough time. I'm glad the Xanax is working for you, I know it helps me.
I know for me, I just want to be free from smoking, as I think that it is responsible for the start of these panic attacks. I always had stress and depression. I would use the cigs and alcohol to self-medicate. I started feeling the physical effects of what I was doing to my body, freaked out and started panicking. I think it was because I knew that I had to find a healthier way to deal with my stress and depression. The alcohol and tobacco, while a temporary solution, were only making it worse by keeping me from looking at the real issues. It is hard having to face yourself, face your demons, face your past and all the emotional wounds without a smokescreen or a beer to "make it ok."--Oh well, I think that's a different forum! lol
Thanks for taking the time to write me. This is a tough disorder and it's good to get feedback from others who are going through it.
Have a great day!!
Chelsea
I'm sorry that Wellbutrin had such an adverse effect on you. That sounds horrible!! I will google it and see what I can find. I am really sorry that you are having such a tough time. I'm glad the Xanax is working for you, I know it helps me.
I know for me, I just want to be free from smoking, as I think that it is responsible for the start of these panic attacks. I always had stress and depression. I would use the cigs and alcohol to self-medicate. I started feeling the physical effects of what I was doing to my body, freaked out and started panicking. I think it was because I knew that I had to find a healthier way to deal with my stress and depression. The alcohol and tobacco, while a temporary solution, were only making it worse by keeping me from looking at the real issues. It is hard having to face yourself, face your demons, face your past and all the emotional wounds without a smokescreen or a beer to "make it ok."--Oh well, I think that's a different forum! lol
Thanks for taking the time to write me. This is a tough disorder and it's good to get feedback from others who are going through it.
Have a great day!!
Chelsea
This is my opinion from personal experience. If you truly have anxiety/panic disorder, Wellbutrin is the last thing you should be taking, it's a stimulant. It can increase your anxiety/panic. If you have breathing issues from other conditions, it may make them worse too. I don't understand a doc prescribing a stimulant and 2 benzos for panic disorder???
If your issue is truly anxiety/panic disorder you should be using a benzo or AD only I would think.
I was using the wellbutrin for smoking and also had some depression after my father passed so my doc thought it might help with that too. Also had xanax for the seemingly never ending insomnia, as needed. At the time I didn't yet know how bad my anxiety was, never had it before. I thought it was just a bit of stress here and there. I was told I had a bit of anxiety from hormones/early starting of menopause, etc...I had been having some crazy symptoms and was trying to tell the docs this WAS NOT hormones, something was really wrong. They didn't listen.
I ended up in the ER, was having horrible symptoms that day, blurry vision, couldn't speak right, I had been feeling like pure **** for months, no appetite, horrible sweating, muscle pains, always on edge,feeling like the life was slowly being sucked out of me. Anyway they took blood, a few HOURS later the doc and nurses came flying in the room , hooking me up to IV's, heart holter monitor and telling me and my husband that this was life threatening, they honestly didn't know if I would be walking out of there. My sodium/potassium were beyond low. I was admitted to progressive care. Obviously I lived. But after, no one could really say what it was. My regular doc said bad reaction to the Wellbutrin. After endless research online I found out just how dangerous that med can be, and that the extreme sweating, low sodium, insomnia, can be side effects, along with countless others. Especially for someone with anxiety disorder. The potassium I think was just because I couldn't eat, no appetite. I just wanted to smack all those docs and scream I TOLD YOU IT WASN'T #%$&*^% HORMONES AND EARLY MENOPAUSE!!!!
Anyway, you can't or shouldn't just stop the Wellbutrin either, you're anxiety can increase. You need to taper off depending on how long you've been on it.
Because of what it did to me there was no way in hell I was putting another in my mouth, but i suffered for it with pretty bad anxiety attacks and depression, complete exhaustion, for months after. Of course no one told me any of this, I found out from a lot of research online. I never knew it was a drug that others used/abused recreationally like adderal, etc. because it was a stimulant.
After a very long 3 years of hell, I now know I have GAD. And for me it it caused by mostly things in my environment, some i can change, others I'll have to learn how to handle again like I used to. The last 11 years, life has been throwing a few too many lemons for me to keep up with the lemonade. My husband has a disability due to an accident and is very dependent on me, and I'm losing family members left and right. It seems the whole damn lemon tree grove was planted in my backyard. The xanax works wonders for me, .5mg 3x day, with 1 at night if needed, but honestly the insomnia was because of the wellbutrin/anxiety and is basically gone if I take the xanax during the day on schedule like I should. I feel much better. I'm not back to Super Handy Woman yet, but I'm not Martha Stewart's evil twin sister anymore either. I'm actually starting to live my life again instead of just existing unable to even do simple housework and pay bills. Some days my butt is still super glued to the bed or couch with my mind racing saying "come on!!! get up and DO something!!!" But that's because I'm having a hard time accepting the fact that I can't clean up all the clutter I've created over the past 3 years in one week and my anxiety gets the best of me, but it is getting better.
But, with this being GAD, and not just once in a blue moon, I'm going to talk to my doctor about klonopin I think. As well as I'm doing with the xanax, after what I've been reading I'm afraid of dependency.
So, now that I'm finally coming to terms with my anxiety, have something that truly works, I find it's not the right thing to be taking.......just what my anxiety needed.....OY!! Gotta just LOVE those doctors huh?
Anyway.....look into the wellbutrin.....it may be creating more problems for you than helping. I know everyone is different, but any doc I've spoken to about anxiety, they say ANY stimulants, caffeine etc... are the worst things for anxiety.
Take care ; )
If your issue is truly anxiety/panic disorder you should be using a benzo or AD only I would think.
I was using the wellbutrin for smoking and also had some depression after my father passed so my doc thought it might help with that too. Also had xanax for the seemingly never ending insomnia, as needed. At the time I didn't yet know how bad my anxiety was, never had it before. I thought it was just a bit of stress here and there. I was told I had a bit of anxiety from hormones/early starting of menopause, etc...I had been having some crazy symptoms and was trying to tell the docs this WAS NOT hormones, something was really wrong. They didn't listen.
I ended up in the ER, was having horrible symptoms that day, blurry vision, couldn't speak right, I had been feeling like pure **** for months, no appetite, horrible sweating, muscle pains, always on edge,feeling like the life was slowly being sucked out of me. Anyway they took blood, a few HOURS later the doc and nurses came flying in the room , hooking me up to IV's, heart holter monitor and telling me and my husband that this was life threatening, they honestly didn't know if I would be walking out of there. My sodium/potassium were beyond low. I was admitted to progressive care. Obviously I lived. But after, no one could really say what it was. My regular doc said bad reaction to the Wellbutrin. After endless research online I found out just how dangerous that med can be, and that the extreme sweating, low sodium, insomnia, can be side effects, along with countless others. Especially for someone with anxiety disorder. The potassium I think was just because I couldn't eat, no appetite. I just wanted to smack all those docs and scream I TOLD YOU IT WASN'T #%$&*^% HORMONES AND EARLY MENOPAUSE!!!!
Anyway, you can't or shouldn't just stop the Wellbutrin either, you're anxiety can increase. You need to taper off depending on how long you've been on it.
Because of what it did to me there was no way in hell I was putting another in my mouth, but i suffered for it with pretty bad anxiety attacks and depression, complete exhaustion, for months after. Of course no one told me any of this, I found out from a lot of research online. I never knew it was a drug that others used/abused recreationally like adderal, etc. because it was a stimulant.
After a very long 3 years of hell, I now know I have GAD. And for me it it caused by mostly things in my environment, some i can change, others I'll have to learn how to handle again like I used to. The last 11 years, life has been throwing a few too many lemons for me to keep up with the lemonade. My husband has a disability due to an accident and is very dependent on me, and I'm losing family members left and right. It seems the whole damn lemon tree grove was planted in my backyard. The xanax works wonders for me, .5mg 3x day, with 1 at night if needed, but honestly the insomnia was because of the wellbutrin/anxiety and is basically gone if I take the xanax during the day on schedule like I should. I feel much better. I'm not back to Super Handy Woman yet, but I'm not Martha Stewart's evil twin sister anymore either. I'm actually starting to live my life again instead of just existing unable to even do simple housework and pay bills. Some days my butt is still super glued to the bed or couch with my mind racing saying "come on!!! get up and DO something!!!" But that's because I'm having a hard time accepting the fact that I can't clean up all the clutter I've created over the past 3 years in one week and my anxiety gets the best of me, but it is getting better.
But, with this being GAD, and not just once in a blue moon, I'm going to talk to my doctor about klonopin I think. As well as I'm doing with the xanax, after what I've been reading I'm afraid of dependency.
So, now that I'm finally coming to terms with my anxiety, have something that truly works, I find it's not the right thing to be taking.......just what my anxiety needed.....OY!! Gotta just LOVE those doctors huh?
Anyway.....look into the wellbutrin.....it may be creating more problems for you than helping. I know everyone is different, but any doc I've spoken to about anxiety, they say ANY stimulants, caffeine etc... are the worst things for anxiety.
Take care ; )
Hey, I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I went to see one of my favorite comediennes with my husband for our anniversary. Well, sure enough,with hundreds of people around me, I started panicking and just felt like I was suffocating the entire time. I couldn't just leave either because the tickets were expensive. It happened again at a play that I was required to see for school. It's just so embarrassing and it really sucks. It's great that you have a supportive spouse. It really does help to have a support system, especially because so many people think we should just "chill out." I can see why it's hard for people to understand. I know that I never took it too seriously until it was happening to me!
Hey, you'll survive and bring the klonazepam just in case :)
Peace!
Hey, you'll survive and bring the klonazepam just in case :)
Peace!
It's that whole "there's no escape" feeling that I dread.
For instance I just got tix for my wife and I to see Sheryl Crow at an outdoor amphitheater here in Portland at the end of August. I know it is going to be a lot of fun but all I can think about is the fact that it's on the lawn, there are no seats, we'll be in the middle of a huge crowd of people and there won't be any aisleways to "get out" if anything goes wrong with me. I know nothing is going to happen to me, but I'm still scared witless. The anticipatory anxiety is killing the excitement for me. It might even ruin the whole concert for me. In fact, the thought of me having a freakout and having to leave the concert, which would mean my wife has to leave, is probably my biggest fear. AGHH!!!!!
See how these things snowball for us anxiety-heads? I hate it.
For instance I just got tix for my wife and I to see Sheryl Crow at an outdoor amphitheater here in Portland at the end of August. I know it is going to be a lot of fun but all I can think about is the fact that it's on the lawn, there are no seats, we'll be in the middle of a huge crowd of people and there won't be any aisleways to "get out" if anything goes wrong with me. I know nothing is going to happen to me, but I'm still scared witless. The anticipatory anxiety is killing the excitement for me. It might even ruin the whole concert for me. In fact, the thought of me having a freakout and having to leave the concert, which would mean my wife has to leave, is probably my biggest fear. AGHH!!!!!
See how these things snowball for us anxiety-heads? I hate it.
I don't get them too much any more. Very infrequently. But I'm also on klonazepam which helps a bunch. In addition to the meds I do a lot of reading on panic disorder and see a therapist. And listen to relaxation tapes every night. You know, basically trying anything and everything under the sun in hopes that I someday "cure" myself. ;)
I have learned to accept the attacks more. Even before I went on klonazepam it got to the point where I could recognize the symptoms and knew when I had an attack coming on, so I would just take a break and go to somewhere to do some relaxation and deep breathing for 1/2 hour. The attacks still take a lot out of me physically but they don't drive me insane with fear and thoughts that I'm dying.
HOWEVER, I still have a lot of trouble driving in traffic on the freeway (where my first P.A. occured). I do everything I can to avoid using the freeways in the city. I take side streets even if it doubles my commute time. I know from all the books that I have read that I need to address this fear by going through with it!.....but I'm just too scared. I've become a frequent train commuter because of that. Which is weird because I kind of fear riding on the train too, because IF I were to have a panic attack I have nowhere to run. Silly, huh? And don't even get me started on the thought of having to be cooped up in an airplane for a few hours...that thought alone is enough to get me panicky.
I have learned to accept the attacks more. Even before I went on klonazepam it got to the point where I could recognize the symptoms and knew when I had an attack coming on, so I would just take a break and go to somewhere to do some relaxation and deep breathing for 1/2 hour. The attacks still take a lot out of me physically but they don't drive me insane with fear and thoughts that I'm dying.
HOWEVER, I still have a lot of trouble driving in traffic on the freeway (where my first P.A. occured). I do everything I can to avoid using the freeways in the city. I take side streets even if it doubles my commute time. I know from all the books that I have read that I need to address this fear by going through with it!.....but I'm just too scared. I've become a frequent train commuter because of that. Which is weird because I kind of fear riding on the train too, because IF I were to have a panic attack I have nowhere to run. Silly, huh? And don't even get me started on the thought of having to be cooped up in an airplane for a few hours...that thought alone is enough to get me panicky.
Aww.. I'm sorry. It IS terrifying. How are you now? Do you still get them? What works best for you?
Peace:)
Chelsea
Peace:)
Chelsea
"The point I'm not making very well here is.." LOL You're too funny. No, you made some great points and thanks for taking the time to respond. That was quite a post and I liked the puppetry metaphor. I guess that is how it goes.
Thanks and I will spend some time reading your's and nursegirl's posts. I think you're right about this place combined with meds and therapy being a good solution. I am determined to not let this ruin my life. The damage it has already caused is tremendous.
It's hard for other people to take you seriously too. I know that my husband and his family (whom we live with) are pretty sick of it. I don't blame them either---I'm sick of it ! I don't like NOT being able to go out anymore, I don't like having to explain to my teachers why I have to get up and walk out in the middle of class if I have a PA, I don't like crying in front of my children when I feel like I am about to pass out, I don't like having to ask for rides everywhere because I am afraid to drive. It makes me feel quite helpless, and I have so much sympathy for anyone else going through this.
How is your anxiety now? What works best for you?
Thanks!
Chelsea
Hey thanks for the info.
You know, I am also on About.com's smoking cessation forum and I have heard many people complain about the breathing thing too--after quitting. Bizarre--it seems like our body would thank us with nice deep breaths of fresh air. I don't think that it's a withdrawal symptom for me though. I think it is me OBSESSING about emphysema to the point where my brain is producing these symptoms. I haven't heard of anyone with emphysema at age 25, although stranger things have happened. The important thing is that I quit and I KNOW that smoking was the cause of my initial panic attack.
The whole weekend before my 1st PA, I was reading all about how people with emphysema tend to over breathe and hyperventilate to maintain adequate oxygen levels. Then on my way to my math study group (all in the group smoked) I was stressing on being tempted to smoke with them and started hyperventilating right there in heavy traffic on Sepulveda Blvd. (major street in LA). I was stuck in between cars at a stop light so I couldn't just pull over. I'm sure that the other drivers thought I was an idiot, flailing my arms around and just freaking. I almost got out of the car to ask for help. It was the scariest thing I had ever gone through and it has been a nightmare ever since.
I'm really happy that your breathing has improved after quitting. That really gives me hope. One thing is for sure, smoking will not make us breathe better! How is your anxiety now? I hope you're doing great!
Thanks,
Chelsea
You know, I am also on About.com's smoking cessation forum and I have heard many people complain about the breathing thing too--after quitting. Bizarre--it seems like our body would thank us with nice deep breaths of fresh air. I don't think that it's a withdrawal symptom for me though. I think it is me OBSESSING about emphysema to the point where my brain is producing these symptoms. I haven't heard of anyone with emphysema at age 25, although stranger things have happened. The important thing is that I quit and I KNOW that smoking was the cause of my initial panic attack.
The whole weekend before my 1st PA, I was reading all about how people with emphysema tend to over breathe and hyperventilate to maintain adequate oxygen levels. Then on my way to my math study group (all in the group smoked) I was stressing on being tempted to smoke with them and started hyperventilating right there in heavy traffic on Sepulveda Blvd. (major street in LA). I was stuck in between cars at a stop light so I couldn't just pull over. I'm sure that the other drivers thought I was an idiot, flailing my arms around and just freaking. I almost got out of the car to ask for help. It was the scariest thing I had ever gone through and it has been a nightmare ever since.
I'm really happy that your breathing has improved after quitting. That really gives me hope. One thing is for sure, smoking will not make us breathe better! How is your anxiety now? I hope you're doing great!
Thanks,
Chelsea
Thanks for the reply. I'm sorry that you have also had breathing issues--it is terrifying! You know I have extremely tight muscles/stiff neck too (and poor posture). Did your doc say that this could add to the breathing issue? I think for me is is panic though, because I've always had those issues and never felt "smothered" before.
Do you also have panic disorder? If so, what has helped you the most?
Thanks again!
Chelsea
Do you also have panic disorder? If so, what has helped you the most?
Thanks again!
Chelsea
Sometimes, anxiety and panic is a sort of "puppet show." The puppets are what you are consciously aware of -the situation that seems to "cause" panic, the particular symptoms, the "tricks and tips" you deploy to work around it -all the things you can see, hear, sense and think about consciously.
The puppeteer, however -the one pulling the strings- is your brain. More specifically, those memories, adaptations, past experiences and gentic predispositions which come come together to "put on the show." This metaphor is more than just a convenient way to think about the problem -because in the earliest puppet shows (historically speaking) those characters spent a lot of time whacking each other around with big sticks. Today of course, we have GI Joe (I suppose we still have Joe, anyway) who goes after bad guys and Barbie and Ken who act out -well, nevermind.
The point I'm not making very well here is while that allergic reactions, a sour stomach or ingrown toenails for that matter might appear to be causes or effects -there really is a whole other agenda at work. The meds may help calm down the visible actors, but it is therapy that can get to the script writers. Which is all to say that there is a REASON for the panic and anxiety and finding out the reason (or reasons) can be key to a recovery. Fiddling around with OTC meds may give some symptomatic relief or at least give you the sense that you are DOING something. And isolating the initial onset may give you some insight, but go figure: even if you KNEW for a fact that attack #1 was in a blue car on a hot day, you still don't know what was already going on to make THAT place and time the first one (or the first one you remember, anyway).
Sounds to me like nursegirl has a handle on this one, and in addition to the pregnant prose in her journals, you might want to read through my tortued and vain monographs as well and see if anything there may be worthwhile. In particular, try "Meet the panic family."
In general, meds for the right now issues, therapy to get at the underlying causes and conditions, and this anxiety community for support and the company of people who "get it," is a pretty effective combination.
One more thing before I ride off into the sunrise: it is obvious from your self-awareness and writing skills that you are high functioning and intelligent -so you have an edge that will work in your favor. Please keep us in the loop not just for our satisfaction, but to add to the collective wisdom of the forum as well. You are going to be very good at recovering and you experience will help others.
'Til next time...
The puppeteer, however -the one pulling the strings- is your brain. More specifically, those memories, adaptations, past experiences and gentic predispositions which come come together to "put on the show." This metaphor is more than just a convenient way to think about the problem -because in the earliest puppet shows (historically speaking) those characters spent a lot of time whacking each other around with big sticks. Today of course, we have GI Joe (I suppose we still have Joe, anyway) who goes after bad guys and Barbie and Ken who act out -well, nevermind.
The point I'm not making very well here is while that allergic reactions, a sour stomach or ingrown toenails for that matter might appear to be causes or effects -there really is a whole other agenda at work. The meds may help calm down the visible actors, but it is therapy that can get to the script writers. Which is all to say that there is a REASON for the panic and anxiety and finding out the reason (or reasons) can be key to a recovery. Fiddling around with OTC meds may give some symptomatic relief or at least give you the sense that you are DOING something. And isolating the initial onset may give you some insight, but go figure: even if you KNEW for a fact that attack #1 was in a blue car on a hot day, you still don't know what was already going on to make THAT place and time the first one (or the first one you remember, anyway).
Sounds to me like nursegirl has a handle on this one, and in addition to the pregnant prose in her journals, you might want to read through my tortued and vain monographs as well and see if anything there may be worthwhile. In particular, try "Meet the panic family."
In general, meds for the right now issues, therapy to get at the underlying causes and conditions, and this anxiety community for support and the company of people who "get it," is a pretty effective combination.
One more thing before I ride off into the sunrise: it is obvious from your self-awareness and writing skills that you are high functioning and intelligent -so you have an edge that will work in your favor. Please keep us in the loop not just for our satisfaction, but to add to the collective wisdom of the forum as well. You are going to be very good at recovering and you experience will help others.
'Til next time...
Some people have uncontrollable anxiety because they are not in control of what is happening. Identifying what they are not in control of can sometimes stop the anxiety. I was scared to go anywhere before I found a med to reverse my breathing problem. Getting stuck in lines, gridlock traffic, elevators, anywhere where I had to remain trapped made me quite uncomfortable because I knew if I had a breathing problem I had no way to reverse it. Once I felt trapped I felt sick, scared knowing I would be doomed since I could not reverse my breathing problem. That was before I knew what was happening. But in my case I now have meds for my breathing so I don't get that sick feeling because I know I will be ok. And I get breathing problems often but now I can medicate it easily. No worries. This was an easy fix in my case. Even if you don't have asthma/allergy I can relate. So I'm saying if you know what is causing your anxiety you may be able to fix it so you won't need to have anxiety over it any more. In my case it was my allergies and asthma. Take away my rescue inhaler, eppi and antihistamine and you will see one super nervous person terrified. But with them I am calm and relaxed. So I figure if we can identify the trigger of your first problem we might find a solution.
If anxiety is the case and you know for sure that is only what it is and have ruled out treatment for asthma/allergy then I recommend having a friend go with you places to confront your anxiety in this situation. Maybe you can desensitize again by going to short lines and short car trips to see that you are in control of it not the other way around. I say bring a friend in the event that the anxiety wins it's good to have someone to help you.
Just make sure you know for sure it is only anxiety before confronting it. If that doesn't work and you will know right away then the others on here will have better advice than I can give about anxiety. I just don't want anyone to go through what I went through when I was diagnosed incorrectly with anxiety when it really was asthma and allergy. So I try to help people rule out both when they say they have breathing trouble.
If anxiety is the case and you know for sure that is only what it is and have ruled out treatment for asthma/allergy then I recommend having a friend go with you places to confront your anxiety in this situation. Maybe you can desensitize again by going to short lines and short car trips to see that you are in control of it not the other way around. I say bring a friend in the event that the anxiety wins it's good to have someone to help you.
Just make sure you know for sure it is only anxiety before confronting it. If that doesn't work and you will know right away then the others on here will have better advice than I can give about anxiety. I just don't want anyone to go through what I went through when I was diagnosed incorrectly with anxiety when it really was asthma and allergy. So I try to help people rule out both when they say they have breathing trouble.
Hi,
After a person quits smoking, breathing difficulty & chest tightness is a common symptom, that can last a few weeks for some and months for others, guess it depends on how much they've smoked.
I was a smoker for 30 years, after I quit my breathing declined, which led me to 3 PFT's, which returned normal, breathing at 97%, I had x-ray's, ct scan all return normal, I even blew out 9 out of 10 candles test.
I was convinced I had emphysema. I thought to myself, how in the world, does a person quit smoking and thier breathing becomes worse.
I quit for 1.5 years, my breathing began to improve after 6 months. Nicotine leaves a person's system in 3 day's, but symptoms from quitting smoking can last an unspecified time, anxiety & insomnia were my worst symptom, I was prescribed Klonopin. That's another story in itself, but when a person quits smoking, insomnia, anxiety, sweating, shakes, difficulty breathing, tight chest, are all common symptoms withdrawing from nicotine, reason alot of people who quit smoking are put on tranquilzers.
After a person quits smoking, breathing difficulty & chest tightness is a common symptom, that can last a few weeks for some and months for others, guess it depends on how much they've smoked.
I was a smoker for 30 years, after I quit my breathing declined, which led me to 3 PFT's, which returned normal, breathing at 97%, I had x-ray's, ct scan all return normal, I even blew out 9 out of 10 candles test.
I was convinced I had emphysema. I thought to myself, how in the world, does a person quit smoking and thier breathing becomes worse.
I quit for 1.5 years, my breathing began to improve after 6 months. Nicotine leaves a person's system in 3 day's, but symptoms from quitting smoking can last an unspecified time, anxiety & insomnia were my worst symptom, I was prescribed Klonopin. That's another story in itself, but when a person quits smoking, insomnia, anxiety, sweating, shakes, difficulty breathing, tight chest, are all common symptoms withdrawing from nicotine, reason alot of people who quit smoking are put on tranquilzers.
If you know when it happens like standing in line ect... That is with out a doubt anxiety. But still even if you are suffering from anxiety it is over the source of the first anxiety attack. And now you have anxiety over fear of anxiety making more anxiety.
This makes sense. When you had your first anxiety attack in the car do you know why it happened? Was it because you felt like you could not breathe or did you feel like you could not breathe from the anxiety? Which came first. Understanding the very first anxiety attack is very important. Identifying it can stop all current and future attacks if it can be understood.
This makes sense. When you had your first anxiety attack in the car do you know why it happened? Was it because you felt like you could not breathe or did you feel like you could not breathe from the anxiety? Which came first. Understanding the very first anxiety attack is very important. Identifying it can stop all current and future attacks if it can be understood.
Hi strummed,
You mentioned in your post "I always feel the panic start when I get in a car--I suspect because that is where I had my first one. If I go out in public I get them--standing in lines is the worst. There have been plenty of times when I have finished my shopping only to find that the line was too long, panic and just leave without my stuff. It is horrible!! "
This is a giveaway in my opinion that you have a panic disorder, and the breathing issues comes with it. So learning how to control your anxiety is I think key. I would go along with nursegirl's suggestions.
I have the breathing issues too, but I do have a very deviated septum and tight tense muscles, the clenched jaw and tight neck and shoulder muscles. I was also told that I am a mild asthmatic.
So it kind of surprises me that you have no such medical conditions and yet you have this symptom. I guess it goes to show that anxiety can mimic many diseases.
Sumi
You mentioned in your post "I always feel the panic start when I get in a car--I suspect because that is where I had my first one. If I go out in public I get them--standing in lines is the worst. There have been plenty of times when I have finished my shopping only to find that the line was too long, panic and just leave without my stuff. It is horrible!! "
This is a giveaway in my opinion that you have a panic disorder, and the breathing issues comes with it. So learning how to control your anxiety is I think key. I would go along with nursegirl's suggestions.
I have the breathing issues too, but I do have a very deviated septum and tight tense muscles, the clenched jaw and tight neck and shoulder muscles. I was also told that I am a mild asthmatic.
So it kind of surprises me that you have no such medical conditions and yet you have this symptom. I guess it goes to show that anxiety can mimic many diseases.
Sumi
If you havent yet,,,read my journals....especially about agoraphobia. I think you'll nod furiously the whole way through. You're in that panic cycle...and it DOES stink. I also have to agree with your doc (Now, Chelsea...lol)....that you have to give the meds a chance. Give it some thought anyway and read up about them....they take time to do their thing.
I disagree with the allergy scenario personally...just b/c of exactly what you just said...the absence of any other symtpoms....also the fact that your fears are very much so tied into the breathing/smoking/fears about a serious breathing/lung disease. Not that it isn't good to rule things out...and if you hadn't already had some pretty throrough medical work-ups...I'd be more willing to say to consider it.
The great thing is...is you have started to accept the panic/anxiety diagnosis. That is a huge first step. That is vital...b/c then you can start working towards concerntrating on THAT versus clouding your mind with all of the "possibilities".
Also.... I'm telling you...search this forum for "agoraphobia" (which it REALLY sounds like you are also suffering from....panic disorder and agoraphobia go together many times...it's just a natural progression)...and read about others' experiences. I imagine that you will be astounded how much you will relate to the posts!
Keep us posted, okay? It may take some time....but you will overcome. Don't beat yourself up about this or feel badly about the diagnosis....when you think about it rationally...it is MUCH better than having a terminal lung disease, right????
Good luck!
I disagree with the allergy scenario personally...just b/c of exactly what you just said...the absence of any other symtpoms....also the fact that your fears are very much so tied into the breathing/smoking/fears about a serious breathing/lung disease. Not that it isn't good to rule things out...and if you hadn't already had some pretty throrough medical work-ups...I'd be more willing to say to consider it.
The great thing is...is you have started to accept the panic/anxiety diagnosis. That is a huge first step. That is vital...b/c then you can start working towards concerntrating on THAT versus clouding your mind with all of the "possibilities".
Also.... I'm telling you...search this forum for "agoraphobia" (which it REALLY sounds like you are also suffering from....panic disorder and agoraphobia go together many times...it's just a natural progression)...and read about others' experiences. I imagine that you will be astounded how much you will relate to the posts!
Keep us posted, okay? It may take some time....but you will overcome. Don't beat yourself up about this or feel badly about the diagnosis....when you think about it rationally...it is MUCH better than having a terminal lung disease, right????
Good luck!
Thanks crystalfresh,
I have also wondered if perhaps it was an allergy, but I can have the attacks anywhere.
I don't have a stuffy nose or much phlegm, or any of the other hallmark allergy symptoms--except the breathing thing. And there is no wheezing. It seems like a true breathing problem would be accompanied by these things too. How do I find out if I actually do have an allergy, such as to dust mites. We certainly have plenty of dust!
I always feel the panic start when I get in a car--I suspect because that is where I had my first one. If I go out in public I get them--standing in lines is the worst. There have been plenty of times when I have finished my shopping only to find that the line was too long, panic and just leave without my stuff. It is horrible!!
Who knows, I could have a serious disease, it sure does feel like it. I just want to be normal again!
Thank you for the support and helpful insight.
Chelsea
I have also wondered if perhaps it was an allergy, but I can have the attacks anywhere.
I don't have a stuffy nose or much phlegm, or any of the other hallmark allergy symptoms--except the breathing thing. And there is no wheezing. It seems like a true breathing problem would be accompanied by these things too. How do I find out if I actually do have an allergy, such as to dust mites. We certainly have plenty of dust!
I always feel the panic start when I get in a car--I suspect because that is where I had my first one. If I go out in public I get them--standing in lines is the worst. There have been plenty of times when I have finished my shopping only to find that the line was too long, panic and just leave without my stuff. It is horrible!!
Who knows, I could have a serious disease, it sure does feel like it. I just want to be normal again!
Thank you for the support and helpful insight.
Chelsea
Hi and thank you for the good advice and quick response. I really do hope that this gets better. I do have "good" days, that is days where I am not completely housebound. I think that it's worth mentioning that I was a smoker and I got my first panic attack after obsessing over the fact that I needed to quit (November). I wasn't having breathing problems before that. I had spent a lot of time obsessing on the internet about emphysema and lung cancer--and interestingly enough the panick attacks accompanied by feelings of not getting enough air started simultaneously. I did have a chest x-ray and a ct scan at my first ER visit. The radiologist found a tiny spot on my lung, one that the doctor could not even see. He said that it was most likely a scar from a previous infection and even if it was "something" it was too tiny to cause any breathing problems. (I have had some pretty bad ones too, one where I was hospitalized for a month as a toddler)
The smoking has been a huge battle for me, I'll quit for a week and then feel like **** anyway and start again, only to panic again and quit. I am presently quit and don't plan on going back again. I feel like if I am not doing the most basic things to be proactive for my health, than the panic is not going to go away.
Anyways, I'll keep in touch with you. I currently have prescriptions for Xanax, Klonipin and Wellbutrin but I break the pills up into such tiny pieces that I don't feel them much (i'm afraid to get addicted or end up dead--more panic). It kinda pisses off the psych doc too. He has a really dry, boring voice and says,"Now Chelsea, you have to give the medicine a chance to work." I'll take the Wellbutrin every day, but I only take the Xanax if I am really in the "throes" of a horrible attack--like call an ambulance I'm dying. It kinda works, but I panic about the medicine too so it just sucks.
Anyways, thanks for your support and understanding:)
It's good to know that it can get better. I need it to get better so I can be a good mom. My whole family is suffering because of this.
The smoking has been a huge battle for me, I'll quit for a week and then feel like **** anyway and start again, only to panic again and quit. I am presently quit and don't plan on going back again. I feel like if I am not doing the most basic things to be proactive for my health, than the panic is not going to go away.
Anyways, I'll keep in touch with you. I currently have prescriptions for Xanax, Klonipin and Wellbutrin but I break the pills up into such tiny pieces that I don't feel them much (i'm afraid to get addicted or end up dead--more panic). It kinda pisses off the psych doc too. He has a really dry, boring voice and says,"Now Chelsea, you have to give the medicine a chance to work." I'll take the Wellbutrin every day, but I only take the Xanax if I am really in the "throes" of a horrible attack--like call an ambulance I'm dying. It kinda works, but I panic about the medicine too so it just sucks.
Anyways, thanks for your support and understanding:)
It's good to know that it can get better. I need it to get better so I can be a good mom. My whole family is suffering because of this.
I should correct my self, I said not my anxiety, I meant to say it was not anxiety. So if you think it is real get a second opinion. However I think you know there is anxiety present whether it is causing it or as a result of what is causing it. Practice relaxing and trying to go out side in small steps and see if you can't identify what is causing this feeling. Look for trends. Does it happen more on one side of the street, all the time, only out side. Are you fine in other peoples houses. You might find out it only happens under specific situation which could be stress or allergy, fumes like me or something else that might give you an answer.
Also if you are fine inside your house you can try opening up the windows and see if it happens when the windows are open. If that's the case it could indicate an allergy or asthma. Being that you were fine until you change something with out changing your environment. You might just identify the problem, that is if it is not anxiety. However it might also help you rule anxiety as the cause too.
Also if you are fine inside your house you can try opening up the windows and see if it happens when the windows are open. If that's the case it could indicate an allergy or asthma. Being that you were fine until you change something with out changing your environment. You might just identify the problem, that is if it is not anxiety. However it might also help you rule anxiety as the cause too.
I used to have breathing problems at my local supermarket out of no where for no reason I could find. It was driving me nuts and I really thought it was anxiety. I could not smell anything. Just really weird. I would walk down an isle and be fine. I would go back to the same isle and have a really tight chest and suffer from asthma. But asthma doesn't work like that. So I tried to force my self to stay there and fight the anxiety which always won because I had too much trouble breathing. Some times I would stay there and it would go away, so I told me self see it was anxiety. This was so frustrating. One day the supermarket employee came down my isle mopping the floors and triggered my asthma pretty badly. Finally I found out what it was. The fumes from the cleaning agent they used to mop the floors with. They were constantly going up and down the isles washing the floors all this time and the fumes were coming my way of the next isles or if they just washed it. So it turned out to be real and not my anxiety.
I can't say if you are really having trouble but I suggest if you are not happy with your doctors results you can get a second opinion. Your anxiety might be exploding over something you do feel Is it dangerous, probably not. Seek a second opinion. They can try meds on you for this too and see if they help. I'd just try a claritin. I tell everyone with a breathing problem to always rule out both allergies and asthma.
I can't say if you are really having trouble but I suggest if you are not happy with your doctors results you can get a second opinion. Your anxiety might be exploding over something you do feel Is it dangerous, probably not. Seek a second opinion. They can try meds on you for this too and see if they help. I'd just try a claritin. I tell everyone with a breathing problem to always rule out both allergies and asthma.
It's probably just anxiety but you wrote that you can feel your self breathing. Do you actually feel the air go in and out? Most people are unaware they are breathing since you don't really feel it. On the other hand I have allergies and I feel the air going in and out. As a result my breathing changes due to the fact that I am aware and can feel it. That used to mess me up because I would start to slow my breathing down because the allergies were irritating and then I felt I wasn't getting enough air even though I was. You didn't say anything about allergies so I just felt like adding this story. When I take antihistamine everything returns to normal and I can't feel the air going in and out any more. Probably not this but if you want you can try a claritin non drowsy pill for a few days and see if it helps. Probably not but can't hurt. Talk to your doctor about it before you take any new meds as they can interact with other meds.
You might ask your doctor to try an inhaler on you too. However it doesn't seem like asthma.
If in fact you are feeling your self breathe like when allergies are present that is a feeling you will have to get used to. I know if I am breathing too much I will start to get light headed so I hold my breath for 20 seconds and then breathe and and hold for 20 seconds. If I get sluggish I breathe faster.
If in fact you really are having trouble the anxiety could be over the fact that you don't know what is causing it. It could be something so small like a dust allergy that makes you aware of your breathing and since you don't know for sure your anxiety explodes.
Why does anxiety explode in these cases? One possibility is that the body wants to make the situation worst so you escape and get to safety before it actually is life threatening. But in your case you are not aware of the danger and no where to escape to. Of course this is only 1 possibility if in fact you are actually feeling a tiny reaction.
Talk to your doctor about antihistamine, like claritin. I can't see how it could hurt. I've bumped in to a few people that thought their allergies was anxiety. Then I have bumped in to more people that really only had anxiety. But you never know. I like to rule stuff out.
You might ask your doctor to try an inhaler on you too. However it doesn't seem like asthma.
If in fact you are feeling your self breathe like when allergies are present that is a feeling you will have to get used to. I know if I am breathing too much I will start to get light headed so I hold my breath for 20 seconds and then breathe and and hold for 20 seconds. If I get sluggish I breathe faster.
If in fact you really are having trouble the anxiety could be over the fact that you don't know what is causing it. It could be something so small like a dust allergy that makes you aware of your breathing and since you don't know for sure your anxiety explodes.
Why does anxiety explode in these cases? One possibility is that the body wants to make the situation worst so you escape and get to safety before it actually is life threatening. But in your case you are not aware of the danger and no where to escape to. Of course this is only 1 possibility if in fact you are actually feeling a tiny reaction.
Talk to your doctor about antihistamine, like claritin. I can't see how it could hurt. I've bumped in to a few people that thought their allergies was anxiety. Then I have bumped in to more people that really only had anxiety. But you never know. I like to rule stuff out.
You have stumbled on the perfect place. We are all anxiety sufferers, and what you're are going through...while horrible and awful is CLASSIC panic/anxiety. Do a search within this forum using keywords like "shortness of breath", "suffocating"...etc...and I think you will be amazed at how many people share your symptoms. Also, in the health pages under "anxiety" is a HUGE list of very REAL physical symptoms that people with panic disorder experience. Right now, you are trapped in the cycle of anxiety....the contsant worry....what iff-ing....and panic. The good news is...the cycle CAN be broken...a LOT of people fully recover from panic disorder. The sort of bad news is...it takes some time and patience.
The FIRST thing you need to do is to acceopt it. You have been cleared medically...and while it would be EASIER to have have some sort of medical reason with a quick fix...it certainly is better that you DON'T, right? After all, who wants THAT to be the answer? No one wants to be suffering from panic disorder, but the truth of the matter is...a LOT of people do.
When you get a sec...read my journals about panic and agoraphobia..as well as others' posts....I think you'll be shocked at how you can relate. Next thing you need to do is take that first step. Have your PCP refer you to a psychiatrist who can give you a proper diagnosis and lay out all the treatment options for you. I don't know what you've tried in the past...but it is also not uncommon to have to do a bit of searching to find the right medication and treatment for YOU. Just because you have this, and it is part of you....doesn't mean you're "crazy" or "insane"....people with anxiety disorders are completely normal and sane. Psychiatrists are there to help...and they will. The BEST approach, IMO to treating panic disorder is through a combination of medications AND talk therapy. You need to learn how to "un-do" the "what-iffing" kind of thinking...and psychotherapy, or CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) will help you to do that.
Lastly...stick around here and read till your heart is content...and post for support...you'll get it here, believe me. We've allll been where you are in one way or another. We ALL have our own unique anxiety presentation...whether it be like you...where you constantly feel as though you are suffocating...to people with severe crushing chest pain, convinced they are having a heart attack...to severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness (another very common one)....you name it. Look at the symptom list. It's long and growing by the day.
You CAN fight this and break the cycle. It's not the easiest thing in the world to do...but it is 100% possible. Educate yourself on the disorder as well...there are some GREAT books out there that explain the disorder and lay out some basic things you can do...like breathing exercises, etc that will help you to cope.
I wish you the best of luck...please stick around okay? People here really care and have compassion....you are NOT alone.
The FIRST thing you need to do is to acceopt it. You have been cleared medically...and while it would be EASIER to have have some sort of medical reason with a quick fix...it certainly is better that you DON'T, right? After all, who wants THAT to be the answer? No one wants to be suffering from panic disorder, but the truth of the matter is...a LOT of people do.
When you get a sec...read my journals about panic and agoraphobia..as well as others' posts....I think you'll be shocked at how you can relate. Next thing you need to do is take that first step. Have your PCP refer you to a psychiatrist who can give you a proper diagnosis and lay out all the treatment options for you. I don't know what you've tried in the past...but it is also not uncommon to have to do a bit of searching to find the right medication and treatment for YOU. Just because you have this, and it is part of you....doesn't mean you're "crazy" or "insane"....people with anxiety disorders are completely normal and sane. Psychiatrists are there to help...and they will. The BEST approach, IMO to treating panic disorder is through a combination of medications AND talk therapy. You need to learn how to "un-do" the "what-iffing" kind of thinking...and psychotherapy, or CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) will help you to do that.
Lastly...stick around here and read till your heart is content...and post for support...you'll get it here, believe me. We've allll been where you are in one way or another. We ALL have our own unique anxiety presentation...whether it be like you...where you constantly feel as though you are suffocating...to people with severe crushing chest pain, convinced they are having a heart attack...to severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness (another very common one)....you name it. Look at the symptom list. It's long and growing by the day.
You CAN fight this and break the cycle. It's not the easiest thing in the world to do...but it is 100% possible. Educate yourself on the disorder as well...there are some GREAT books out there that explain the disorder and lay out some basic things you can do...like breathing exercises, etc that will help you to cope.
I wish you the best of luck...please stick around okay? People here really care and have compassion....you are NOT alone.
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