Can't breathe! - ChronicPainSite Forums

Hi everybody!

Update to “I can’t breathe” in Spinal Pain Issues.

I’m still having problems breathing. Last Monday I called my Dr and they told me he was going to be out for the whole week. They asked if I wanted to see a different Dr, and I said yes. The nurse said she would check and call me back. Then she called and said that if I wanted, they could move up the appointment I had, and see my own Dr sooner. So, I ended up with an appointment for next Monday, March 1.

I told the nurse to mention to the Dr that I wanted to have some tests done to rule out any serious underlying conditions causing my problem. Last Tuesday, I get a call from someone saying she was calling so that we could make an appointment. I didn’t know what she was talking about. After a few questions back and forth, I found out that my Clinic had called this other Clinic and made a referral for them to see me. I was so happy thinking it must be a cardiologist or a pulmonologist until I asked her what kind of clinic it was. She said it was a Psyche Clinic. I was livid. I’ve had problems with hyperventilation before, and my Dr always says it is due to anxiety. This time I wanted to know for sure what it is. I will talk to him about it next Monday. I did make the appointment for next week to see the psychologist. Who knows, maybe my Dr is right. It may be what I need.

In the meantime I have done a lot of research, and found out a lot about my condition. It appears to be Hyperventilation Syndrome, HVS. It is not a disorder in itself, but a symptom of some disorder. There are a number of things that can present with this symptom, but the most prevalent cause seems to be Panic Disorder and Anxiety. I found in my research that Yoga and Breathing Exercises are good to regulate your breathing.

I started practicing Diaphragmatic Breathing. I found out that I really was breathing through my thorax, not my diaphragm. Using my diaphragm gives me a fuller, more satisfying breath. I also bough a Beginners Yoga Exercises video. I started working on that yesterday. Because I’m so out of shape, and because of my bad neck, and not forget my age, I am doing only 1/3 of the exercises at a time. It still affects my neck some, but I feel good to be doing something to help myself.

I’m still using Ambien at night, for the need to take deep breath so often keeps me awake. I can manage during the day OK. Now that I started those exercises, I want to see if they are doing something, so I’m going to try to go without Ambien tonight. I’m kind of scared; you all know how horrible a long, stressful, sleepless night can be. But I have to try.

Edited by edie - Mar/01/2010 at 11:32am

Hi Edie

I can relate to this all to well. About 3 yrs after my accident and almost to wards the end of my reconstructive surgery's I started having trouble breathing. I thought I was going to die and having heart attacks. After many trips to the Emergency room I found that I developed a disorder called Panic Attacks. Great one more thing I have to deal with. I was put on anxiety meds and found they did help. Reason being when you are in pain your blood pressure rises, your breathing gets sporadic, You start breathing faster causing your heart to race. There is also a thing called radiant pain. Several places in your spine there are nerves that wrap around to your chest area and stomach area. When these disc hurt then you have the pain that radiates around to your stomach and chest area making you think you are having a heart attack or a stomach disorder. This is the way it was explained to me many times in the Emergency Room by the doctors. I even did research on Panic Disorders. I found a web site called Panic Pals. com with so many people who was just like I was. We also had yahoo messenger set up for people having Panic Attacks who was talked through the attacks to learn to breath and calm down. I am no where near as bad as I used to be but when my pain levels get out of control then my anxiety levels sky rocket as well. I have anxiety med here and I can usually take 1/2 of a tablet and calm down until my pain med kicks in. Living with Chronic Pain you do have alot of anxiety. Learning to live with anxiety and controlling it or knowing when a attack is about to start is the key I believe. It is bad enough that we have to live with or disability of Chronic Pain but to add in anxiety well you know it isn't very nice. But as I always state please go and get checked out first by a professional and find out for sure what you are dealing with. When you know what the problem is and what is causing it then you will learn how to help control it. I sent many people a CD filled with Native American flute music and Nature Sounds to play when an attack came on. It help so so much and even at night when you are trying to lay down you can play the CD to help you relax. It is said that music can calm the savage beast. Panic Disorders is such a beast. But please get checked out first by a Doctor and know there are many people who suffer from panic disoder. Have a great day and know you are not alone with anxiety.

Hi Edie,

Just checking in to see how you made out without the Ambien last night.

You know, I really don't blame you for feeling so livid hearing that a Psych appointment had been scheduled. While you understand deep down that these breathing problems are PROBABLY a result of panic /anxiety attacks, you asked for the right thing from your Doctor. Let's rule out any possible physical condition. That is just good, justified medical treatment.

So, when you do see your Dr., I would voice my concern over the way that this was handled. The Psych Clinic would have and should have come after the other tests were done.

Anyhow, you have taken the bull by the horns, you are doing things for yourself that are good for you and you will get your answers.

DC has also given you wonderful advice. It helps to have someone else who has gone through so many of the same things be able to validate what you are experiencing.

Hoping that last night went well, and looking forward to hearing from you. Stevie

Hi Edie

I would be livid if I was being sent for a psyche consult with breathing problems - actually this did happen to me - but it's a whole other story

I guess having had this in my past has made me feeling angry for you - it seems "cack-handed" to get an appointment for mind control when you can't breathe right now!!!!

It would be great to get a little army of us painies marching in and demanding that breathing problems should be checked out as breathing problems everyy time FIRST - just in case our lungs are about to stop working

Ah yes - there's out little band of warriors

It must be so scary - struggling to breathe - and being put on "HOLD"

It's good that you have some techniques that you can call on to help you right now - but bothersome to have things written off as "pysche" problems - even if we do have other disorders like anxiety etc.

Hang in there and keep breathing Edie -

And I guess it's important to keep your cool in the presence of people in the medical profession who put your file in the wrong place

All the best - and sending you my best prayers and thoughts

Lin

Hi!

Dark Cloud, first I want to congratulate you on your new appointment as Moderator. I think you will be a great asset to CPS and of great help to us chronic pain sufferers.

Your explanations make a lot of sense. My blood pressure has gotten high, and my doctor said that’s because of the pain and lack of sleep. He has never explained to me how that can relate to hyperventilation. I can also see how pain from the spine can radiate to other parts of the body which, in my case, may very well include muscles and nerves involved in breathing. I have been listening to soothing music when I go to bed for quite awhile, but right now that is not helping either.

Stevie, no luck last night. About 5 am and still panting and needing, but having a hard time achieving a good deep breath, I decided I needed some medication. Too late for Ambien because that makes me sleep for about 10 hours, and Xanax, well, I’m sill afraid of the nightmares. So I reached for some very old muscle relaxants I have and took one; that helped me go to sleep for about 4 hours. I felt so tired, and listless today, and the hyperventilation has been pretty bad all day. So much rapid shallow breathing has me with a pretty bad headache. I just took a Xanax hoping it will help calm this thing down a bit. Can’t wait to see the doctor tomorrow.

Thanks,

Aw Edie.

Damn. You are such a good person. This is not right.

Go in tomorrow armed with your questions, and demand some answers. You have been through enough. We are all behind you and want for you to get the answers that you deserve.

Waiting to hear from you Edie. Oh, BTW, I am really glad that you are here with us. You have the ability to help a lot of people when you are feeling better. That is all I want for you right now. What you have been going through is way too scary. You need answers and you deserve them.

Good luck honey. Stevie

Edie I am so sorry to hear about last night. Bless your heart. There is a breathing exercise that we had to learn in the Army. It was to keep us calm quiet and still breathing..in stressful situtations. It has and is being taught to people with sleep disorders and people with panic attacks. You lay flat close your eyes taking in a long deep slow breath through your nose. As you are doing this picture the waves coming in from the ocean. After the wave hits the beach slowly let out your big breath of air through your mouth. As the waves come in take in long slow deep breaths as the waves goes out let your breath out.

Once you get this part down you can then go into the relaxation part when you see the waves come in take in your breath and feel your foot going relax as the waves goes out. do this with one foot then the other . then work your way up you calves,one side then the other, thighs, tummy, left fingers right fingers hands forearms upper arms shoulders chest neck face head. You can learn to relax the muscles with your breaths of air you take in and let out as with each wave that comes in and goes out. You learn to feel the warm breeze of the ocean and the smell of the salty air hearing the birds and waves. Like I said we had to learn this in the Army to control our breathing to remain calm and quiet and also for pain relief. Now it s being used for people with panic disorders. Some people has used rubber bands on their wrist and when an attack is coming on they pop the rubber band. Other use a good book. You need something that will take your mind off the panic attack. I have heard people using ice, hot showers, walkings walking backwards. The key is changing your thought process when you feel one coming on. But once again get checked by a doctor first to make sure that this is a panic disorder you are having and not something else.

Panic disorder is not fun at all but with help you can and will learn how to control it so it does not control you. If I can help in any way just let me know. Hopefully today you will get to know more about what is taking place. Good Luck with the doctor ..

Aw Edie

This is so tough for you -

I have a strong feeling that breathing problems have to be the worst problems - if we can't draw in a good breath we a struggling in ways most of us can't imagine how terrifying it is to be struggling to get a good breath in and then another good breath out

I get asthma a couple of times a year - not badly enough to use a preventer but I always have a reliever with me - and I have a bit of an idea of what a struggle it is for you

At the time my priest had asthma - just a seasonal thing like me - and boy did he give me the idea of "asthma lag" - which is like jet-lag but you don't have the fun of a trip to give you a bit of a lift

I so totally got that - I think you must be having "asthma lag" - whether you get asthma or not - dragging you back. Struggling to breathe would be like having a succubus on your chest sucking your air - and giving you nightmares

I am hoping you see the specialist soon too - this is too much of a struggle for you

Lotsa hugs

Lin

Hi!

Thank you Stevie,

I appreciated that my doctor made the effort to squeezed me in at the end of his day today, otherwise I would’ve have to wait another 3 weeks. My BP was 160/100. He said that could be due to anxiety. He said that my symptoms appeared to be like those of dyspnea, but that it is more like hyperventilation, since the problem gets worse when I am trying to relax. He ordered an EKG, a chest X Ray, and a blood work that included Hgb, Potassium, and thyroid. All these got done right away. My EKG came out perfect. Now we have to wait for the results of the other tests. In the meantime, I remain the same. He won’t change any thing about my prescriptions until we find out the results of the tests. He said to double the Xanax dose, even when I told him about the nightmares.

Lin, thanks for the words of encouragement. This is not fun. It’s just one more thing to have to deal with.

Dark Cloud, thanks for the imagery exercises you mentioned. I have tried something similar in the past, but haven’t done that for a long time. I certainly will give it a try again. The breathing in and out along with the wave sounds promising. I have a meditation that I usually do, and normally helps empty my mind of all thoughts, thus allowing me to relax. But, I can’t even do that now. When I try to do it, the darn labored breathing gets in the way. It’s like when you are trying to rest and there is a fly or mosquito nearby. As soon you start to fall asleep the bug starts buzzing around you.

Thank you all!

Edie,

I am so glad that you have had the tests done and that your EKG is normal. I am concerned about your Bp being so high, but with the stress you are under it is no wonder.

Honey, have you tried the old paper bag thing? When it gets bad blow into the paper bag? Don't know if it will do a darn thing, just grasping at straws.

At any rate, your Dr did what seems to me to be the right things. I am hoping that you are feeling a bit better about things and can relax a bit.

Take care honey and I hope that the increase in Xanax will help you and maybe the extra dose will be enough to let you fall into a deep enough sleep without the nightmares. Hope so sweetie. Stevie.

Ah - Edie

The "old mosquito coming after your blood trick"

Do you just hate that one

And if I have just drifted into a nice space between being asleep and being awake I can never remember where I keep the fly spray.

I wonder sometimes one reason we get run-down at times is because these "Just one more thing" things add up to more stress until the total affect is more that the sum of its parts.

Walking around in the dark looking for fly spray leaves us vulnerable to sore toes cause we walk into things - then we have to find the bandaides cause we have a bit of skin torn off or a nail is knocked out of place and there is sometimes some blood and definitely a sore spot

Then we forget the bandaide and when we go to have a shower we find a bunch of them stuck on our feet - and then - I don't know about anyone else but I find bandaides in my socks when I hang them on the washing machine (The socks - not the bandaides)

That "sort of one more thing" thing

Mostly my back aches - and for this I am glad because toss in the rotator cuff and a migraine and some hay fever and I am a total wreck and I read the signatures of other people here and think I am let off light

But that's not really the point

However - at the end of the battle I think not being able to breathe is among the worst of worst things

And when the Swine Flu was holding court last year I felt okay about breathing except when I went to my clinic and then I wished everyone would stop breathing for a while - including me

In spite of my seeming light-heartedness Edie - I do know you are having a rotten time now - and I know how exhausting it is and also - there is still all the other stuff

My prayers and best wishes are heading your way

Lin

Thanks Stevie, I did try the blow into the bag thing, but didn't do much good.

Lin, you always know how to bring a little humor into our lives. I appreciate that.

Thanks everybody for your help and support!

Edie---

You know we just don't give up around here. Keep us posted. We DO care.

You will get resolution about this. Don't give up hope. Stevie xoxo

I hope they find out what is causing your b/p to be so high....you take care

Thanks Edie

All of us have a role to play in any of life's arenas. Mine seems to be humour - and it's not forced - I never try to be funny

The other side of the coin is that I am a handy person to have around when bandaides are required -

Then I know how to hit delete - ah - it's good to write things - but there are things that never need to be read

Lin

Thanks again Stevie, I can't wait to hear from the doctor to se what he finds out. I took 2 .25 mg Xanax last night and 1/2 of my Ambien dose. It was very helpful. I started to feel nightmares coming on 3 times during the night, but I was able to wake up right away. I'm trying the same tonigh, to see if my body will start getting used to it.

Lin I am glad to have you around when I am in bad need of a bandaid or something.

Yes it was Big Cat, my BP has been getting high, but has never been that high. My doctor didn't to to worried about it. I thing it is because of the state of agitation i was in when I went in. I supposed he figured tha in that condition it was bound to be that high.

Sleep well everybody!

Edie,

Sweet dreams tonight honey. No nightmares. You are on the right track, and between you and your Dr. you will get this figured out. But how scary for you. I cannot imagine it.

So, go with all good thoughts now and know that there are a lot of us here who want you to be well. Night Edie. Stevie

Edie, hoping you had a restful night, as I mentioned way back somewhere, I too take xanax and for many years, and honestly it's been my savior, so if it's helping I think it's great to take it at bedtime. Not sure where the nightmares are coming from though, did you have them just with the Ambien? Hoping those nasties have disappeared for you last night though, and glad that your Dr is working with you it's so important to get as much sleep as possible.

Take care
Donna

Hi Edie

I was a hot muggy day here today and I was glad of the portable cooler my daughter lent me

But the humming noise made me drowsy - so I drowsed for a while and now I am undeniably undrowsed - or dedrowsed

But before I read some posts and go back to bed I will send you a bandaide for dreams - it was on Grey's Anamomy this week

You have to say this three times

"Bad dreams, bad dreams go away

Good dreams, good dreams - here to stay"

I liked this - I haven't needed it yet cause I drowse so much on hot afternoons - but if I go through a patch of bad dreams - of which we are all mortal coil unto

I will trust a little chant - with a prayer mixed with it for tonight - or why not for always

Lin

Hi,

I’ve been waiting for the results from my tests to get back to you. So far I only got the report from my blood work. Everything came out normal except for the Free T4 level, which is part of the thyroid function tests, was slightly below normal. My doctor says that deficiency is so minimal that it would not represent a reason for hyperventilation. Now I’m waiting for my chest X ray results. I’m still having the problem, but it is not quite as bad as it was in the past weeks. It still keeps me awake at night.

Donna, I tried Xanax again and there were no nightmares, but I’m using mostly Ambien to sleep at night. I use Xanax when the hyperventilation gets utterly unbearable. Last night I didn’t take either of these meds, and got 0 sleep. I was so tired and sleepy all day today, but still couldn’t even take a nap. It used to be that I couldn’t stay awake after taking my Gabapentin capsules, but now that I need to sleep so bad, they don’t affect me that way.

Lin, thanks for the bandaid

Hi Edie, Your breathing problems sounds just like a Panic Attack, just a thought.

Gentle Hugs for you Edie

Roni

Edie--

I also take a Valium at night to help with sleep and pain and sometimes around 2 am or so will take 1/2 of an Ambien if I think that it will be one of those nights without sleep.

I can't imagine the fear that these attacks must cause. I do know however, that everything is worse without sleep. So, please do take the meds at night as needed. Being totally exhausted is an awful feeling, and makes getting through the days intolerable.

Hoping that last night you were able to sleep. Wishing you a very restful one tonight. Stevie

Hi Edie

I had a hyperventilation attack once.

It seems so silly now but I was just in hospital overnight for surgery and I was asleep and another patient from a different part of the hospital came and got into bed with me

I must have been wacky on the GA still - cause I totally lost it and was breathing like the air was running out when the nurses all came and took the unfortunate lady away and gave me a brown paper bag to breathe with

AT the time I thought the nurse was a bit dimwitted but now I know about "The old brown paper bag in your bag trick" has many many uses - my mother recycled everything - and I was okay and glad though the lady from the other wing never returned and I could home

I can't imagine what this feels like happening over and over again - everyone hates bad dreams - but what you are getting seems to me to be more like "night terrors" - that would make sleeping scary - having a creature from the deepest parts of the brain stem come up and get us -

I have to say some more prayers for you - that's for sure - it is rough having dreams you can't remember and having them so bad you wake up hyperventilating

Sleeping tablets are hard to get here - if I am lucky I might get a script for 25 temazapam - and they are not any better that diazapam and they come from the same family

Feel better Edie

Lin

Hi Edie

I understand all to well about the attacks and living with pain. it took me close to five years to actually get the panic attacks under control to where I was able to go out the house to a store. But of course the pain levels got high sending me into a panic attack. At times 15 mins before I lay down I will take 1/2 tablet of xanax just to take the edge off. But with me my normal level of pain is 7 and if i take a pain pill with it then I am bouncing off the wall. I usually do not take a pain pill between 7 and 930 pm because I am up at 10 pm pretty much 7 days a week. Then I will take a 1/2 pain pill and my tens unit. But if the pain is real bad then I will go ahead and take a full table and expect to be up and down all night.

With my panic attacks I got to where I was afraid of taking pills. A pill phobia not good with chronic pain and panic attacks. But once again I have had to learn and deal with both. I t is hard but it is not impossible to do. I wish I had an easy answer or cure. But like Stevie I take vitamins as well 15 to 30 mins before bedtime with the anxiety med and try to get to bed real quick. People like us have really strange sleep patterns. We are usually up and down all night. Sleep when you can try reading, hot bath, warm milk, anxiety pill before bed time. If I can help please feel free to e mail me. wishing you the best with prayers

Hi,

The results of my chest X Ray finally arrived. Everything there is OK. At least I know now there is nothing physical causing my hyperventilation. Now I can pursue treatments for anxiety in full force. I continue to do breathing exercises; that seems to regulate my breathing a bit. At this time, I am using, along with my pain meds, a little Xanax an a little Ambien at night. This helps me get a much needed rest. I plan to do this for a short while, and then try cutting down on it to see if the problem is getting better. I think that knowing the problem is all due to anxiety, might help me relax a little. I will be seeing my doctor next week; I will find out then what is his official diagnosis: anxiety/panic attacks? Oh! tomorrow is my appointment at the pshyc clinic.

Lin, thanks for your prayers and support. It’s too bad is hard to get sleeping medication where you live. I don’t have any problem with that here. My problem is more getting the courage to take them.

DC, that pill phobia you mention sounds familiar to me. I’m so adverse to taking medication. I’m afraid of the next day hangover, and I am afraid of dependency. When I have to give in and take them, I feel like I’m being dominated. But, I deal with it. I know I have no other choice. At the end, I must say thanks goodness for them. What would we chronic painiacs do without them?

Thank you Roni, Stevie and everybody for your ideas, suggestions, and good wishes.

Edie I think you have a good plan there and see how you manage with your sleep, it's so important when we're in pain as well. Good luck at your appointment tomorrow, perhaps they'll be able to give you some insight as well in regards to handling the anxiety attacks?

Take care hun
Donna

Edie, I am so sorry that I have not been around much and have been unable so far to write anything about my treatment for anxiety attacks. I haven't forgotten about you, I've just been in too much pain to really do much of anything productive. I will try to get something written up asap as I think it may help other members here too.

I'm glad to see that your chest x-ray came back clear, that is good news. You take care and I'll be in touch again soon. Once again, I'm really really sorry

Hugs, Spicey

Edie--

You have done everything right. You are ruling out a physical cause of these awful episodes of breathing difficulties.

Edie, you ARE empowering yourself by learning what is causing this, and by having a plan. I know that speaking for myself, once I understand why something is happening, I can then try to find ways around it. I also hate having to depend upon medications for pain and sleep, and do limit them as much as I possibly can, using life style changes when possible.

So, you will get there, and you will be helping many other people who experience anxiety/panic attacks by providing this information. Thanks Edie. Stevie

Thank you all.

Spicey, I am glad to see you around again. Not to worry about posting the article. I know you've been feeling poorly. Just take care of yourself and get better.

Edie

Hi Edie,

Just stopping in to catchup. Still having thoes attacks hey. I sure hope you get

the answers you need. I know it will be a relief to find out the dignoses. It is

great that your X-ray came back good. One less thing to worry about.

Take care hun,

Roni

Hi Edie

It is good to know that all the test came back that you are OK. Now you know for sure what is causing the attacks. You and I both have that phobia with pills. But like you said we have to have them. It takes awhile to gain control over these attacks. And you can do it I know that for a fact. If I can you can. Like Stevie said you are learning about these things and that is the first steps to prevention. You need to know what are the triggers that sets off these attacks. It took me several years to figure out that the pain was my actual cause and going places at the time. I just knew that when I went to a store that people would know I was having a panic attack and see me freak out. I did the what ifs. What if I freak out in the store and people see me? What if I have a heart attack in a store or at a restaurant. What if I get to the store and I can breath. What if people are watching me. What if the pain gets out of control. What if I am going nuts.

Well people who go nuts do not know they are nuts. So I was save there. people could not see into my mind so they could not tell if I was having a panic attack or not. If I actually had a heart attack in a store then I am sure someone would know CPR. I had to go through each and every thought process. I had to learn to breath and say hey no one knows about this but me. When I was at the house alone or even with family and a attack hit me. I would go take a hot shower. I would go for a walk outside or grab a book and read. The key to over coming the attacks is to change your thought process. Do something that requires your brain to actually think and work on something else. I got mad at the panic attacks one day and said OK thats it I have had enough. If you are going to kill me just do it do it right now. come on lets see how powerful you are. I really got mad at the attack and actually argued with it until it went away. At that point I said to myself wow thats it. that all you have? I can handle this. So from then on I was in control. I knew in my mind that they could not control me any longer. They could not hurt me or kill me. I realized that I was actually in control. Sounds strange and funny. But it comes down to you being in control of your mind and not allowing the panic attacks to control you.

Now the only time I have a so called attack is because of the pain levels getting totally out of control. when my pain levels gets to the point that I can not think then I really have to take a anxiety pill. I know you can and will be able to control this as well. and if I can help in any way I am usually not far from the computer. take care and you can do it.

Spicey

I am so sorry that you are not well - I hope things improve for you

And Edie - it's a good start to have a plan - it may or may not be the right plan but a plan is a start

Lotsa hugs to both of you

Lin

Edie, finally as promised I've written up something about how I learned to cope with my anxiety attacks. I've posted it in the Mental Wellbeing section, and here is the link to it:

http://mb.chronicpainsite.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2771&PN=1

Hope you find it helpful, Spicey

Hi,

I had my appointment with my doctor today. It’s official now. My hyperventilation is due to anxiety. He wants me to continue with psych therapy to get to the root of the problem, and to work with a psychiatrist to find an antidepressant that will work for me. He also added a new anti anxiety drug to use in the daytime instead of Xanax. It is Buspar. Has anybody used that?

DC, thanks you for your input. It is always helpful to know there is someone out there who knows what you are going through. I don’t know if my problem can be called panic attacks. I don’t have episodes, or attacks per se, my symptoms are continuous through out the day and night. I feel nervous, like there is something wrong. I just hyperventilate all the time, especially when I am trying to relax I feel like I am suffocating. As I explained to my doctor today, I always feel like I just finished running up a flight of stairs. It may get better, or it may get worse, but it never goes away. The only time I get relief from it is when I go to sleep.

Spicey, Thank you for posting the report on anxiety.

Thanks for sharing your story. How scary it must have been for you to reach such high levels of anxiety to the point of fainting. I am glad you were able to find the help you needed, and that you were able to learn the skills to cope with this awful illness

I had already started practicing the diaphragmatic breathing, and breathing in the bag. I started doing some yoga too, but it was hurting my neck, so I quit that, but continue with the breathing exercise.

I am very interested in CBT. I will try to work on the coping skills you advice. I know there are a million things that may be causing my anxiety, but I don’t know what it is. I had a meeting with a psych therapist last week; she arranged for me to meet with a psychologist next week, so maybe they will help me work at developing my coping skills.

Thanks Roni and Lin for thinking of me.

Thanks

Edie, don't underestimate how much those breathing exercises can help you. They really do work wonders, and I often find that I have to check myself and adjust my breathing several times a day, even now.

Best of luck and I hope things improve soon, Spicey

My problem with hyperventilation has gotten a lot worse. It used to be that it bothered me mostly when I was trying to relax, now it happens 24/7. Now it bothers me whether I'm engaged in some activity or just at leasure. I hyperventilate now when I walk, exercise, even just talking.

Xanax .50 used to help, but that stopped. My doctor told me to take Valium 5mg instead, but that didn't help, so I went back to the Xanax and found out that still wouldn't help. A few nights ago my husband had to take me to the ER because I was in such distress, and was having a hard time catching by breath. They did the same tests my doctor had done before and everything came out OK. They gave me Ativan 1mg, but that didn't do me any good. Next day I called my doctor and he told me to double Xanax to 1mg. That didn't help. I called him again and he told me to try Valium 5mg again. Being in such distress I took 10 mg tonight about 9pm, and now is 11:30 and I am still hyperventilating and scared to death to go to bed, because that's when it gets worse.

I don't know anymore what to do. I am so ehxausted, so tired, so sleepy. Some nights I have used Ambien to knock myself out and get some sleep. I don't dare to take it everynight because this seems to be the only thing that helps me sleep, and I'm afraid to develop a tolerance to it and end up what nothing left to help.

Since all the tests the doctor ordered came out negative, he has diagnosed my problem as anxiety. He says I don't need to see a pulmonologist, but this is crazy. How can somebody have shortness of breath 24 hours a day just from anxiety? If I keep going like this I am going to end up in the psych ward. I will ask him on my next appointment to reffer me to pulmonologist to make sure there is nothing physical causing this problem.

Edie,

You have to be completely worn out by now and at the end of your rope.

I just put this information up a little over a week ago about panic disorders and anxiety attacks in the Medical Information and More Forum. http://chronicpainsite.com/mb/forum_posts.asp?TID=3280&title=panic-disordersnew

It seems that it is a good thing to be on an antidepressant that falls in those classes---effexor is on that comes to mind and there are many others.

I would also be asking at this point for someone who works with people who have panic disorders and who does Behavioral Cognitive Therapy.

There have been a lot of discussions around the boards here lately with many members having these same symptoms.

Of course you should know in your own mind that this is not physical in origin, but after all of the tests run in the ER and at your Dr's office were you having severe lung problems I am thinking that something should have shown up. Have they tried inhalers? Did they give you anything in the ER to open your bronchial tubes, or tell you that you sounded as if you were wheezing? Has asthma or allergic reactions been discussed? Have you thought about seeing an allergist?

Have you discussed all of the medications you are on? Called your pharmacist to make sure that none of them are causing this.

If you feel in any way that your symptoms are being dismissed then pursue it and see if you can track down what is causing this. I am sure that you are exhausted and frightened and you need a break. Hugs and I hope that you are able to get some sleep. Stevie

Thanks Stevie, I see you are up pretty late also. It's 2:30 am and I'm so sleepy from the Valium, but the HV doesn't let me go to sleep.

No, I am not weezing or anything like that. I just have this feeling that I'm not getting enough air, and have to keep taking deep breaths. Sometimes I can take a deep breath OK, but most of the time I feel like I can't get a full breath, and then I start panting for breath. This goes on and on all day and all night. It's killing me.

My doctor and ER have a complete list of the meds I'm taking. I stopped Gabapenting about 2 months ago, the only ones the remains that could be causing the problem are Morphine and Celebrex. I will talk to my doctor about it.

In the meantime, I made another appointment with the psychologist I was seing before. I also tried to get an appointment with the psychiatrist who helped me long time ago when my son died. They told me he is not taking anymore pts, but they were going to ask him if he would see me. They said he was not going to be in for a couple of days, but that they were going to ask him when he came back. So, I am waiting for that. He took care of me for 5 years then, and we also knew each other at work. I hope he remembers me, if not than I will have to look for somebody else.

Fast message for you Edie

I was getting tummy upsets from using various kinds of NAIDS - and this started to make my skin itch -

Then I had one tablet to Celebrex and went into anaphylaxis

Please get this checked - don't wait

I read back on your thread quickly - I had missed a few things and I can understand that hyper-ventiliation is psycho-somatic - why not for goodness sake - you have a deep wound in your heart and soul

But please asap - get that Celebrex

Lots of love and best wishes

Lin

Edie---

I would call your pharmacist today and talk about the Celebrex. (I doubt that it is the MS).

I made the decision not to take Celebrex because it can be dangerous in people with a history of asthma and I do have seasonal asthma. Looking at drug side effects of Celebrex, I have seen warnings to stop it if respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing occur. (Well, this could be said about any medication, obviously).

If you talk to your pharmacist ask if there is any problem (other than an increase in pain) by stopping it for several days. Also find out what the half life is and how long it will take for it to be completely eliminated from your body.

I would sure give this a try and see what happens. I didn't realize that you were on this (probably should have gone back over your thread but was in not really good shape myself last night---reason I caught your post). After seeing it this morning and reading Lin's reaction to it, do check this out right away?

Hoping that you were finally able to get some sleep. Stevie

Edie-I'm sad that you have to go through this anxiety or not being able to get a breath in. I hope you do get checked out throughly even by a Respiratory Dr. I had these feelings before and had to use inhalers.
I also used to have panic attacks severe enough to stop me from going out and developed agoraphobia and couldn't go grocery shopping or travel anywhere. I had great Counselors and took Serax to help calm me and went through desensitization therapy and it worked. Now I'm better and if I feel a panic coming on I say to myself RELAX and take deep breaths and imagine laying on the beach like I did in Florida and picture the ocean coming up on the sand and sweeping away all my fears as it goes back out to sea. Also I picture big Angels around me keeping me safe through this panic.

I've also heard that panic attacks can be caused by a mitral valve prolapse which I have. So imagery worked for me but needed to get a complete physical to make sure there wasn't anything wrong that way. Even when I was anemic I had this breathlessness. My Mother had this anxiety that wouldn't go away and it's because of her low thyroid. She still gets this feeling of anxiety and she takes a 0.5 of Ativan which helps during the day. Hope the Drs can help you soon. Prayers you will get better. Sara

Thanks everybody for your responses. I am not feeling very well so I am not writing much right now. But I do appreciate very much your support.

Edie

I really hope you start to feel better soon - and that something can be resolved

It seems to me that the Celebrex might be causing your breathing difficulties - or exacebating them.

Like Stevie I get some seasonal asthma - I do have a medically proven sky-high allergy to dust mites and I have not used a vacuum cleaner since - what a house-wife's dream allergy

And my asthma is not frequent enough to take a preventor but just use a reliever

So now that Stevie has told us - (Thanks Stevie) - that she gets seasonal asthma too and her decision not to use Celebrex makes me think for you to rethink your possible reaction to Celebrex

I avoid all NSAIDs now and only use Prednisolon in short courses months apart and keep my bones strong with calcium, walking and Vit D - from sunlight

It's to serious to run the risk - I was so sick the night I was taken off in a regular ambulance and changed into a MICA on my way to the hospital was so scary I don't want to go through any thing like that again

All the best Edie hun - and I hope you can get a breath of fresh air - it's exhausting having asthma - which literally translated out of Greek means "hard breathing"

Lotsa hugs

Lin

OK, I feel a little better today. Yesterday was a day from hell as I had not slept all night, and the HV was something terrible. Last night Ambien did its wonders.

Stevie, thank you for your suggestions. I have seen an allergist before, as I am allergic to many chemicals. They did a skin prick test and a skin patch test. I was negative for all the allergen in the skin prick test, but came out positive on several of the patches in the skin patch test. The chemicals I am allergic to affect me if I come in contact with them, or by inhaling them. I know pretty much which substances I should stay away from, but who knows, there may me something else I may not be aware of.

From the site about Panic disorders “Education should also encourage healthy behaviors, including limitations on alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco”. As much I love my coffee, that is something I have given up completely in every form. Alcohol, I don’t remember the last time I touched it, and cigarettes, only one at night, and now I’m even starting to stop that. But, I am exposed to second hand smoke though. My husband smokes about 2 packs a day.

My doctor gave me an Albuterol inhaler a while back, but that didn’t help anything.

I am very interested in this BCT. When I see my psych therapist next week, I will ask her about it.

Stevie and Lin. I have been taking Celebrex for years now. I’ve never considered this could be the problem since it is just an NSAID. I do take Pepcid along with it for the stomach irritation, but I will try stopping it now for awhile to see if it has anything to do with my HV.

Sara1, I am so glad you were able to manage your Panic attacks. This is a syndrome that can totally wreck your live. My problem is a little different in that it doesn’t come as an attack, but it’s something that it’s there all the time. It just doesn’t go away. The only time I rest from it is when I am asleep, and that is very seldom. Thanks for your story and for your prayers.

Thank you all wonderful CPS people!

Oh Edie,

I so hope that you will get this figured out. I have to agree with you--if this was being brought on due to Panic Attacks, you should have relief in between them and it wouldn't be ongoing and persistent.

I just went way back up to an older post of yours. You mentioned anxiety vs panic attacks. So an anxiety disorder MAY be more in line than "attacks"? Ask your Psych Therapist about the BCT and also what she thinks about starting one of the classes of antidepressants mentioned in that article as they seem to help many people ( I have a family member who was almost disabled by anxiety who has done well on these).

But, it is still worth a try with stopping the Celebrex for awhile. This is really the old tried and true eliminate one thing at a time and see if you get any relief.

Edie--do you feel the same way when you are out of your house? I am wondering if it is something in the house that you are not aware of?

Well honey, you are doing everything that anyone could be expected to do---and more. Hoping so much for you that this will resolve. You must be exhausted and bewildered. I sure would be. Hugs, Stevie

I agree with Stevie Edie

I was able to take NSAIDs for a long time - and when my tummy got upset - it was called a 'reaction' as it did when my skin started to itch - so I would just drop it out for a while and see what happens - but maybe you should tell your doctor

With my dust mites - the allergy showed up slightly with a prick test - but when I had a blood test I had a sky high allergy - and serious too - but the suphur I still didn't know much about and the NSAID thing had yet to become a problem

Oh gee - if it's not one thing it's another and are we not all experts with the medical expressions we use

All the best Edie

Lin

Thanks, Stevie and Lin,

I stopped Celebrex as of yesterday. I looked it up and found out the the half life of this med is 11 to 12 hours, so it will take me about 3 days for complete elimination. Will see what happens. I will have to tough it out for those days, since I've already stopped the Gabapentin. Without Celebrex or Gabapentin I don't have anything to help the pain during the day. I take my MS only at night, and it is only the QR kind.

Stevie, I have the problem whether at home or away, so it's not something around the house. Unless it's something I use, like cosmetics, laundry detergents etc, but I have these things very scrutinized already because of my known allergies. One thing I use that I haven't considered before is estrogen in the lowest dose available. That will probably the next thing to eliminate to see if that is the culprit.

Thanks,

Edie,

Keep plugging away.

I really can't imagine that it is your estrogen, and I would be a bit concerned that stopping it may cause even more anxiety and discomfort. Just a guess on my part unless all of this started when you began the hormone. (I would be a basket case without my estrogen patch). LOL

Damn this is so frustrating. Like being a detective and running into a brick wall.

Well, the Celebrex is a good place to start ( or I should say stop) and see what happens.

You are a really level headed person and you have a very good grip on your situation. If, after you have been off of the Celebrex for several days and there is no improvement, then my question for any one else you see is that once you are able to sleep (as in induced sleep with Ambien) you are OK. ( At least you feel that you are as you are finally unaware of the situation).

Does this mean that it IS anxiety related? If it were a physical problem relating to your cardiovascular or respiratory systems shouldn't the symptoms continue despite the Ambien? And cause you to stay awake?

So see how you do over the next few days. Is there any way to get an immediate form MS to cover you for a few days until you know for sure that it is NOT induced by Celebrex?

Hoping that your night goes as well as possible. Stevie

Thanks guys,

Stevie the MS I use is the immediate form. That's what I meant by QR (Quick Release). Don't like to take it during the day because it makes me feel out of it, (even though it doesn't put me to sleep). But I have some just in case I need something while I try going without Celebrex.

Many thanks,


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