Having severe anxiety, depression and panic attacks because I can't breathe, especially at night!!
Posted , 2 users are following.
My nose problem started three years ago now. Woke up one morning to a dry, blocked nose and that's how it's stayed.However, it was manageable with sprays etc and I did get some sleep at night.Since catching a cold three weeks ago my whole world has been turned upside down! My nose won't unblock at all, is extremely painful, and worst of all I can't sleep at all now because as soon as I lay down I simply can't breathe! It's SO frightening and I have awful panic attacks! I've become very depressed and am feeling suicidal at the thought of being like this for the rest of my life! Sprays etc don't work anymore, at the moment I've gone for natural remedies, e.g Evening Primrose capsules and Manuka Honey, slight relief but nothing of significance. A four month wait for an ENT appointment at my local hospital is distressing to say the least! Got an appointment with my GP next week, thinking of going private to see a specialist, but then again I can't afford a private operation if needed. SHOOT ME NOW!!
0 likes, 8 replies
Patient janet31899
Posted
Hi janet31899
We note from a recent post which you have made to our forum that you may be experiencing thoughts around self-harm. If we have misinterpreted your comments then we apologies for contacting you directly. But if you are having such thoughts then please note that you are not alone in this, and there are people out there that can help.
If you are having these suicidal thoughts then we strongly recommend you speak to someone who may be able to help. The Samaritans offer a safe space where you can talk openly about what you are going through. They can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.
Their contact details are on our patient information leaflet here: https://patient.info/health/dealing-with-suicidal-thoughts, which also offers lots of other advice on how you can access the help you may need.
If you are having such thoughts then please do reach out to the team at the Samaritans (or the other people detailed in our leaflet) who will understand what you're going through and will be able to help.
Kindest regards
Patient
cynthia89958 janet31899
Posted
But the panic and anxiety part must be awful as it is like a circle, as we get more stressed, the symptoms can feel worse. Your cold or viral infection has made things seem to escalate, remember, this can still get better as these things can take a while and sinus issues tend to make colds etc linger much longer. Lack of sleep can make everything seem so much more difficult to deal with.
Can you ask for your appointment to be brought forward? As you are feeling desperate then they should take this into account. I see you have advice below about help for the depression and thoughts of self harm, if this is the case, then please talk to someone now, as advised.
I went to a private consultation about a different health problem and although I could not afford the surgery needed privately either, I did find the cost was worth every penny and forgoing other things for, as it gave me the confidence I needed and I was able to present the findings to my GP and it helped put my mind at rest. It also helps somewhat to feel that you are being proactive and doing something to move forward rather than waiting and worrying. But of course, it is an individual decision and not easy if the budget is tight.
There will always be someone on here who will understand what you are going through. Please stay in touch and let us know how things are going and do make an urgent priority of seeking some help with the emotions. Best wishes to you x
janet31899 cynthia89958
Posted
Thank you for your kindness and understanding cynthia89958, it's comforting to know that I'm not alone with this. I should have added that I had a seven day course of penicillin from my GP to ease my blocked nose, it had no effect. The Evening Primrose and Manuka honey don't seem to have helped either, but I will continue taking them. I have ordered a facial steamer today, hopefully it will help ease the sinusitis. I tried phoning the Samaritans a few times this afternoon, unfortunately the lines were constantly busy, so I will phone again this evening. I wish you good health and thank you again for your swift reply! Take care,. Janet x
cynthia89958 janet31899
Posted
I did not add that I found oregano oil capsules help a little, they are strong though and can take out the good bacteria so I always supplement probiotics - they do probiotics for the mouth now, I'm going to try those as they might be helpful and also I have ordered a silver nasal spray.
?Our gut is known as our second brain - I had gut issues with bacterial imbalance and thought it does affect mood and thinking - there are some research papers about it. Good luck with the steaming and hope you get through to speak to someone soon, how awful to have to keep calling back. You could always try the NHS 111 helpline for advice too. I've spoken to them a few times for self and family lately. x
janet31899 cynthia89958
Posted
Hi Cynthia, many thanks for your message. Please can you tell me what a silver nose spray is? I have tried a couple of sprays to no effect, but they can only be used short term anyway can't they? Feeling very spaced out today through lack of sleep again, I only get two hours every night ( not together! ) because my nose goes completely dry and blocked and of course it wakes me up. I do try to sleep sitting up but find it uncomfortable after a while due to a numb bottom and aching back. Also I have developed bad indigestion and acid reflux which may be connected to my cough. The anxiety comes over me like a wave, I have no control over it whatsoever, it's scarey and exhausting. It can occur when I'm doing the housework or out shopping etc and then that triggers a panic attack. I'm trying to stay positive but it's SO hard at the moment! Best wishes,. Janet. x
cynthia89958 janet31899
Posted
I think it is colloidal silver the spray. I have a selection! Yes, some you are time limited use. I wonder if we are sensitive to environmental things, moulds and dust? Although a fractured nose set my current symptoms off, I recall as a child having a lot of post nasal drip and catarrh due to living in a valley in a damp and smoky atmosphere, coal fires etc.
?Re the anxiety - I got this badly when I had my severe stomach issues a while back - had h pylori infection and a hiatus hernia and had severe attacks due to the vagus nerve, which feels like a heart attack but isn't due to irritation from the stomach. Might be worth checking out as reflux also is connected with coughs and sinus troubles - I have had all and low blood sugars (not diabetic) which were horrible. I'm better than I was, evenings I find are worst for anxiety and feeling low. I don't like the dark nights and am about to get my SAD light out which can help a little.
?Some years back I started to have definite panic attacks and it seemed to be linked to mid life hormone changes then. They got less severe and I had tests to rule out heart issues.
?I don't know if my history is of any help to you, but at least you can know you are not the only one with some of these symptoms, whatever the cause and that they can improve or even go away. Kind regards, Cynthia x
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janet31899 cynthia89958
Posted
Hi Cynthia, thanks for your reply. Just a short message from me today to say I'm ill in bed with a bad dose of sickness and diarrhoea. It started last night and I feel really poorly. Couldn't go to my Dr's appointment either. Will message again when I feel better. Best wishes, Janet.
cynthia89958 janet31899
Posted