Panic of not being able to breath

[Jay]

Hi - Does anyone have problems where they get out of puff, either running up stairs of something, and get so they feel like they will not get their breath back, and then get pancky about it??

I have had this once or twice before, but it is happening more often now. I am finding it really frightening when it happens.

I know I am totally unfit, over weight etc etc, but just walking up a fight of stairs is not usually a problem.

I realise it might be a panic thing.

I've had it before, brought on by various things.
But when visiting at the hospital over the weekend we have a flight of stairs to get to the the car.
By the time I get in the car I feel like I can't breath and I am so frightened then I panic.
The more I try to breath slowly and calm the breathing, the more I start gasping for air, and the more frightened I get.
Saturdays visit was worse, and I was hanging out the open car window while we drove along and thought I was going to have to get OH to stop the car.

[Actually as I am writing this I am realising that it is probably because the hospital is making me flashback from the time of the birth, so I probably know why its happening].

Any ideas how to sort it, when it comes on. I don't know how to cope with it?

[winegirl]

Hi Jay

Yes I have had this, the only way i could shift it was to go and lie down somewhere and breath in for 7 and out for 11 (although started off counting in for 4 and out for 7). It takes some practice and some time but I would find that it would get me out of it x

Winegirl

[Clarey not logged]

Hi Jay,

Yes had this very badly when I was really poorly. I didn't realise that it was anxiety/panic attack at the time. I was in hospital August last year (when I was having my breakdown) and I couldn't sleep and as I would breath in and then out I felt my body wouldn't take another breath. In the end I was convinced I couldn't breath at all and they put me on oxygen for an hour! Sorry to go on about me but your post reminded me so much of this experience. It feels quite similar to claustrophobia.

I would then get it when I was anxious. A CPN came around to visit me and as I was talking I started to get it again and I started to hyperventilate. She quickly stopped me talking and made made me take a deep breath in for 5 and then hold for 5 and out for five and she kept doing this over and over until I had my breathing undercontrol. It's bloody rotten but if I ever feel it coming on I try and do this.

Love Clareyxx

[cheshire]

Hi Jay

I had it too - and it is absolutely awful Thinking of youxxx

I felt as if I could not get my next breath - it was an awful experience and made me feel completely ill. At the beginning it would go on for literally days, inc. overnight. At one point I could not sit down, let alone go to bed such was the agitated state I was in I promised myself at that time I would never take 'regular breathing' for granted again. It then panned out that this came back every now and then for a while - and then not at all except if v. stressed (THANK GOD).

Clarey - I agree - it is quite similar to claustrophobia. I couldn't control it too well at all in the early stages - my breathing patterns had a mind of their own, or so it seemed.It's easier now to use strategies as the reaction is no where near as severe - needless to say

I thought it was the worst part of PNI at the time, but now retrospectively, I think there are worse aspects. But at the time, it just multiplied the anxiety and depression.

PNI is such a XXX??!! of a condition, but when it passes, your persepective changes and you may find that you don't take anything for granted again! For example, it might sound like a silly small thing - but I can finally sleep on my back again without wanting to sit up to catch my breath.

We're all here for you J

Hx

[Jay]

Hi ... Thanks so much for replying.

I am worried because this is one problem I feel more frightened about.
I have had it before, at bedtime when laying down really, after getting out of breath climbing stairs, and once after a really bad headache pain.

I can put up with severe chest pain. And even waking in the panic mode with all the anxiety.
But not being able to breath is awful to me.
I kept thinking if it makes me pass out, I will breath normally again and be ok.
I did notice that at the exit barrier when we could not get out and had a problem, that it destracted me and I breathed better.

Bl**dy thing I hate it. I am so P*** off today.

I have not visited my Father In Law in hospital and OH was not happy that I went to see my sister. I could not see her without imodium and diazepam, now that makes me feel awful.

Whats the matter with me?--I thought I am better now with my new antid's.