Etc.
Had another panic attack two nights ago. I couldn't breathe and it just kept going and going. Got in front of the fan with my husband singing loudly and finally got through it. It seems the more that I try to work on my breathing (yes even pursed lipped breathing) the more trouble that I have. It is almost as if when I ignore it by distractions that it gets better. Some things make it worse, if my 4 year old son says mommy, exertion, trying to catch my creatures or discipline them seems to have a negative effect ( not sure why ) the exertion I think. These panic attacks are worse than child birth. There is no comparison. They are the worst thing that I have ever been through and feels like there is no logic to them. I have worked today and the weather has been very humid. It has been raining here for days. Also there was a decline in temps. I have barely been able to walk to my patient's homes from the car. I have had to stop and fix my breathing. The problem is I need to get into their air, I don't want to go in gasping, and the rushing into the home will make it worse. What a mess! I have almost had enough breathing difficulty to go into a full blown panic attack. What will I do? If I am outside...If I can't find a fan or air conditioner to put my face into...or if a patient sees me..or if a co-worker sees me and the aftermath of feeling as if I just faced death and having to just go on through the day...
I had 1-2 weeks of just great. I almost felt as if nothing was wrong with me. Then it all changed. I have a cold/bronchitis thing going on, weather had a drastic change, and my Dulera inhaler was empty and I didn't notice. Which one of these things or combination of these things caused it? I'm not sure.
Started an antidepressant. Felt alive for a few days. It was awesome. Didn't sleep as much, appetite increased, cut grass smelled awesome, wind felt like a delightful tickle. It went away. Side effect is weight gain. Have gained about eight pounds in two weeks. I am back to flat blah!
I had 1-2 weeks of just great. I almost felt as if nothing was wrong with me. Then it all changed. I have a cold/bronchitis thing going on, weather had a drastic change, and my Dulera inhaler was empty and I didn't notice. Which one of these things or combination of these things caused it? I'm not sure.
Started an antidepressant. Felt alive for a few days. It was awesome. Didn't sleep as much, appetite increased, cut grass smelled awesome, wind felt like a delightful tickle. It went away. Side effect is weight gain. Have gained about eight pounds in two weeks. I am back to flat blah!
Replies
I\'m so sorry this is happening to you. Does your doctor have you on an anti-anxiety med, such as xanax? It might help. But you are also learning a lot about what it takes to get past all this, and things that can trigger it.
You\'re right about distractions. Sometimes when my breathing has been very bad, I find that doing something where I have to focus and concentrate is really helpful, and I\'m not just sitting there counting breaths. I have one of those game machines (Nintendo DS) which is hand held, and I can get caught up playing Mah Jong or Jewel master or Sudoku something like that, and my breathing will calm down. I\'ll find that I went quite a while without thinking about my breathing.
I hope the bronchitis goes away quickly. Have you been to the doctor? You may need an antibiotic or even some Prednisone. It\'s best not to let those nasties go on too long. Feel better soon!
Hugs, Sue
I\'m afraid too take anything. Took Klonipin and it worked, but I started hitting mailboxes etc. I just liked it too much. It seems that I am starting to have a lot of anxiety about of all things having panic attacks. pretty ironic! For the actual panic attack. med would not be there fast enough, but now for the past week I\'ve had increased anxiety. Maybe I will try something. Just that addiction thing!
I put myself on a taper dose of Prednisone and it seems to have worked. i guess i should be worried about steroid use. I am trying to still work. If I don\'t nip it then it will get to that point of taking weeks to get over and I won\'t be able to work. I guess I need some wort of plan with my doctor.