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Having an terrible time with copd and panic attacks and totally alone.

Posted , 6 users are following.

terri69807
terri69807

I live in Canada in a small town on Vancouver Island in B.C.  No friends or

family close by.  In the process of selling my house and can't seem to

control the panic attacks due to lack of breath from the copd.  Doctors are

hard to come by here and mine is an hour or so away.  Afraid to drive now or even leave the house as these attacks are coming on more and

more.  Any suggestions?

 

1 like, 20 replies

20 Replies

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  • michael127
    michael127 terri69807

    Posted

    Hi terri, You Haven`t Mentioned For How Long,,,, Or Your Inhaler Situation. Try Firstly, Deep NASAL Breathing.   Sad ur So Remote, So No Yogi Bear Or Boo Boo To Drive You !!  Get To Doctor ASAP.
    • terri69807
      terri69807 michael127

      Posted

      Hi Michael:  Thank-you for taking the time to respond to my post.

      Yes, mindful breathing is what is "saving me" from, not sure what

      exactly?  Or just afraid to say it "out loud".  Seeing a Doc. on Monday.

       

    • michael127
      michael127 terri69807

      Posted

      Well Is That What It`s Called Mindful Breathing . So By Nasal Breathing You Inhale 20-25 % More Oxygen Into Your Lungs,, It May Help Not To Panic Soie Get Rid Of Any Stress, Stay Calm If Poss Make Sure You Get A Spirometry Test From The Nurse,Expect xray For Starters.
    • terri69807
      terri69807 michael127

      Posted

      Hi Michael:

      Mindful breathing is just that, paying mind to your breathing, so to speak.

      What works for me is to sit quitely when I feel an attack coming on, focus

      on something in front of me, anything really, this morning it was a flower

      on a box of tissues; then I breathe in for maybe a count of 5, 1 and 2,

      and 3, etc. and then I purse my lips and blow out as if blowing out a

      candle.  Try and make the exhale longer than the inhale through the

      nose, eg. breathe out on a count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 and so on.

      Try and relax your body while you are doing this.  Not easy, I have only

      been doing this for a few days and so far there have been no more

      emergency calls for the ambulance.  Thanks again Michael.

  • Seahorse
    Seahorse terri69807

    Posted

    Your isolation is probably what is causing your panic attacks, rather than the COPD. Don't worry about the house - that will work out one way or another. I would suggest you confide in someone close - a friend, a doctor or a volunteer. There is always someone to help you. Please read the wonderful articles on health sites on the internet and you will find a lot of help there. It is difficult when you are alone as everything seems worse but please come to this site as often as you like because everyone here understands. Perhaps medication to help you calm yourself would be helpful - there are also many natural remedies which might help. I hope this helps even in a small way. I send you very best wishes.
    • terri69807
      terri69807 Seahorse

      Posted

      Thank-upi Seahorse for your response.  Yes, you are most likely right,

      isolation is definitely a contributor to my panic attacks and some days I

      do try very hard to rectify the situation.  Lately it seems driving is not

      going to be an option either as having panic attacks while driving isn't

      good.  salts as opposed to lol (smiled a little then stopped)!  They,

      being the medical people, ie. the Dr. put me on Ativan and it was a

      nightmare for a few days.  I can't tolerate, doctor dope, is what I call

      it.  I only weigh 109 lbs., sorry don't know what that is in stones, I think

      you guys measure bodily weight.  Anyway, thank-you, this is helping me, venting is a good thing.  I am more of a natural type of person.

    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 terri69807

      Posted

      Hi terri69807,

      Sounds like you are calm now and the breathing is helping. The Dr will probably give you something for anxiety I would think. And look at you...now you are giving helpful advice...lol...awesome! It's gonna be ok girl...keep sharing with us!!

      Ladyjack51

    • terri69807
      terri69807 ladyjack51

      Posted

      Hi Ladyjack51:  Thanks for your message.  It's now 7:28 AM here in Canada and this is the worst time of day for me, afternoons and evenings are much better for me regarding breathing and panic attacks, ie. better

      breathing and less or no attacks of panic.  I was given something for anxiety, but meds. don't seem to work for me.  I turned into a combination zombie/insane person, didn't help me at all.  The inhaler I

      have is for asthma, which I have never had.  It was chronic bronchitis and 2 parents that both smoked, then I smoked for years.  I need a

      different inhaler and one that works quickly.  Thanks again for your

      comments.

    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 terri69807

      Posted

      Ok makes sense...you need Proventil or Albuteral in an emergency inhaler. Your doctor should have given you that with your other meds. That combined with you trying to breath deep and slowly and mentally getting a grip should help tremendously. Call your doctor sweetie...he can probably call it in since all COPD pts need that. Maybe JUST An OVERSITE ON His part.....or just get on here and type till your fingers hurt...we will listen...I promise
    • terri69807
      terri69807 ladyjack51

      Posted

      Thanks ladyjack51.  Seeing the Dr. tomorrow and will definitely be asking

      about emergency inhaler, etc.  Been feeling a lot better the last day or so,

      next to no panic attacks.  (1 smallish attack in the last 24 hours or so).

      Helps to have the support of this forum. 

  • jay7196
    jay7196 terri69807

    Posted

    Hello Terri, Its 19.00 here, I expect its lunchtime with you ? I know how panic can overtake you, so try to get to a doctor, calm down (impossible) and breathe gently. Wishing you strength and luck, keep this post updated, jay
    • terri69807
      terri69807 jay7196

      Posted

      Hi Jay:

      It's 11:19am here.  Seeing a Dr. on Monday and yes I'm trying and sometimes it work's out ok, the breathing gently.  Other times I end

      up calling 911 and going by ambulance to the hospital.  Thanks for

      your response.

  • shikha81846
    shikha81846 terri69807

    Posted

    hi ... Same thing happening with my mom too ...when she's diverted to something good there is marked improvement . With anxiety and loneliness she is very restless and keeps on taking inhalers. I brought her to my house and with company she's way better. 

    Started homeopathic treatment too. Just look for salt cave therapy on Net.

    seems effective.

    best wishes...

    • jay7196
      jay7196 shikha81846

      Posted

      Hi shikha. I found one of those adverts on the web to breathe easy. It was a salt pipe, filled from an ancient mine in europe. So my friend bought it for me, 20 mins twice a day, just breathing normally. After 2 weeks I cut my drug in half and the thing will last for five years. Best money I ever spent and the salt cave is expensive and the effect doesnt last long, the pipe is so easy and so effective.  Good luck with your mum.
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