Doc doesn't want to give meds
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi,
I have been having breathing problems for 6 months now. I have a lot of effort to inhale, the inhale seems to get stuck part way so I can't take a deep breath, and I feel short of breath very easily.
I have tried everything to get healthy. I lead a very low stress life, do yoga, meditation, go for walks, tried a therapist. I also tried puffers and acid reflux meds in case the breathing issues were something else. All tests have come back as negative. My peak flow meter is always 325, which is lower than the low end of 425 normal for my age and height - but I could just have small lungs?
I have no trouble sleeping, no appetite issues and am able to function in my day (although quite uncomfortably). I have this breathing issue, but really no other anxiety symptom (other than thoughts of doom randomly when I'm in a real panic mode about not being able to breathe). My doc says for someone who is able to function, and has only one symptom of anxiety, she doesn't recommend using such heavy anxiety meds. She recommends breathing exercises and yoga (which I have been doing consistently, and they don't help). My doc also says this feeling will go away soon - but its been 6 months, and it's stayed the same.
To me each day seems like a struggle even though my life is so easy. The breathing difficulties all day really interfere with me enjoying my life. I am trying to get pregnant right now too.
Anybody else take meds for just a few symptoms of anxiety?
0 likes, 2 replies
jan34534 dip58448
Posted
your doctor may be thinking that the side effects of the medication may be worse than your one symptom of anxiety.
I have many symptoms of anxiety and I cannot find the right medication. It’s trial and error and each medication takes 4 to 6 weeks to begin working. most of them do have side effects some of which are enough to make a person stop taking it. although maybe you could find the right one. You could talk to a different doctor about this.
How long were you in therapy? That also takes a while to be successful.
just make sure that whatever you try you give it long enough to work. I hope you find a solution soon take care
josh90210 dip58448
Posted
I've had this sort of thing on and off for years, it's a horrible intrusive sensation that can make you feel really off and struggle to concentrate on other things. It's weird I've noticed a lot more people have had this during covid - so whether it's some covid symptom or because of chronic stress or whatever I'm not sure, I remember even some tv doctor saying he had this now, even my mum has which I didn't expect.
Luckily (sort of) I don't think it's anything to do with your lungs and more to do with the nerves in the gut and I think the position of the stomach as well, to me it always feels like everything is pushed together in the wrong place inside. I started reading about 'polyvagal theory' once which explains how the gut/brain/emotions interact and I half-remembered an exercise they suggested where you kind of find your stomach at the bottom of your breastbone, then actually start massaging/ pushing it down and to the left (I might've got that wrong but I do that now). Also sometimes I try exhaling as far as I can until it's really uncomfortable, holding it then relaxing to allow the lungs to fill without effort- do that a few times and it should have some effect on the nerves in and around your stomach. Also just stretching the abdomen, like you see cats do when they wake up. None of this is very scientific but it's the best I have for now. I agree environmental stresses can cause physical symptoms over time but there's only so much you can do about that, people just want some relief from the symptoms and suffering they experience and doctors are sometimes a bit clueless as to what to offer.
Well see if that helps, otherwise try looking yourself into polyvagal exercises or something similar, you might be able to make other changes e.g. diet (low FODMAP is a good one to try temporarily).