Anxiety and/or hyperventilation syndrome?

[Sefoan]

Hi everyone, I am reaching out after reading many posts for the past 5 or so months. A quick recap on what has happened with me...

I was booked for elective surgery and began feeling short of breath, like I constantly needed to take a full satisfactory upper chest breath. The problem was I didn't always achieve it which caused panic. I cancelled the surgery and thought it would go away on its own and hid it from family and friends until it escalated into full blown panic attacks. I chop and change from believing this is all anxiety to thinking it's just hyperventilation syndrome. I've tried so much; chiropractic, iron transfusion (was low), kinesiology, naturopathy, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, butyeko breathing course (which made me feel worse). It's been 5 months and I can't do it any longer. I finally got into a good psychiatrist who has recommended some meds. I have reluctantly began taking them, but was wondering if anyone has had any success in curing this "air hunger" feeling with medication? I read so much where people have had this for years with no relief from medication which scares me as I feel I'm on my last resort.

At the moment the only semi relief I get is when I try to accept it, it seems a little easier and I am now sleeping and eating better with less panicky moments. However its like a constant tape running in my head thinking/obsessing over my breathing and there is always a slight suffocation feeling happening no matter where I am or what I am doing - except for when I'm asleep. I have never had anxiety before hence my almost 'fighting' the diagnosis. Thank you so much for your time.

[blondguy]

Hello Sefoan

Welcome and thankyou for being on the forums with everyone!

A common anxiety symptom is the feeling that we cant take a full breath. This is an awful feeling to have. I understand where you are coming from

You are spot on where acceptance is concerned Sefoan. Acceptance of our anxiety does reduce the severity of the anxiety and its symptoms

The meds are never a fix all. They do work very well in conjuction with frequent ongoing visits to our GP and/or psychologist as a holistic approach

I really hope you can post back when its convenient for you Sefoan

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Sefoan]

Thank you so much Paul for taking the time to reply to me.

My guess is that everytime I yawn, sigh or take a deep breath I become anxious (thanks to the silly breathing course I did). Prior to all this happening I probably did all this type of breathing automatically without thinking about it. The obsession itself has caused anxiety and possibly anxiety has caused this obsession... what came first the chicken or the egg???

I feel I’ve have tried really hard to not go down the medication route. It certainly has helped, but I get worn down and tired. If medication can just help take the edge off so I can break this cycle of thinking I’ll be greatful. I’ll be sure to let everyone know how I go for anyone else experience similar.

Thank you again 🙂

[blondguy]

Hi Sefoan

No worries at all!

Just for your info where my anxiety/hyperventilation is concerned. I resisted meds in 1996 when I was 36 for about 12 years....oops! I kept thinking I could self heal...and I was so wrong. My diet was good and I exercised and it didnt help me

The antidepressants did (even I was anti meds) help and I reduced my chronic anxiety by approx 60%..Yay! Yet I still had to have weekly counseling/therapy to heal me heal more effectively...and it took a long time to have some recovery in my life

I agree with about breathing 'courses' that are meant to reduce anxiety. Its only humble opinion that the breathing techniques should be used in conjunction with therapy otherwise with some people (me included) the deep breathing can sometimes turn into hyperventilation which is an awful place to be in

The 'air hunger' you mentioned reflects tight chest muscles which can sometimes make it difficult to get a full breath. The tightness of the chest is only a reflection of anxiety (a feeling)

Our anxiety actually is the issue that makes us tense and thus our breathing will reflect these feelings by being 'tight' Just from my experience....super frequent counseling is a huge key that unlocks the door to having some peace in our lives

Im happy that you are a part of Beyond Blue and the forums Sefoan 🙂

be gentle with yourself

Paul

[Sefoan]

Thanks Paul,

I am up and down at the moment so I hope things settle soon. I’d be happy with even 60%.... you did well lasting 12 years, I’m only 5 months in and at my wits end. I will look into some counseling, the most frustrating thing is I have a great life. Honestly I’m so very lucky. Seems I have anxiety about my anxiety and that’s why it’s not budging. I will persevere. Thanks for your guidance and wishing you well too.

[blondguy]

Hi Sefoan

No worries at all 🙂 and thanks heaps for posting back too!

Anxiety can be a bad roller coaster ride for sure. Even with a great life anxiety being a partially chemical based issue can effect anyone.

The early stages of anxiety are usually the worst. They do reduce in severity over time though. I really liked when you mentioned "Seems like I have anxiety about my anxiety" You are spot on

Great to have you with us. How is your breathing going?

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Sefoan]

Hi Paul,

To be honest im in a bit of a scary place at the moment. Experiencing some not nice side effects and breathing is not great. It’s such a confusing time but with small children to take care of I need to give these meds a good go. Thank you for your kind words. I really hope that this is the worst of it, I can’t imagine my life to be like this continuously....

[blondguy]

Hi Sefoan,

As you know the forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you to post and good on you for being here with us. I joined in 2016 after my depression left me in a dark and scary place. I dont work for Beyond Blue....Im only a volunteer to help people know that there is a way out of these awful symptoms 🙂

Just so I can provide better support...can I ask if you have started your meds?

The 'tight breathing' is a common symptom of this awful anxiety condition

Any questions are welcome Sefoan. I hope your weekend was good to you 🙂

my kindest

Paul

[Sefoan]

That’s so nice of you Paul. I look forward to the day I’m in the position to help others too.

I have started, about 1 and 1/2 weeks. So I know it’s still early and can take time to kick in.

My breathing is tight (ie feels like I can’t get the breath in) sporadically throughout the day. But it’s on my mind all the time and I’m constantly taking deep upper chest breaths (I think to see if I can get one). It’s like I’ve developed a habit? One that’s very hard to stop as I constantly have the urge to breathe this silly way. I think once the meds kick in a bit more I will have to physically try to stop taking in these deep breaths. I can’t see any other way around it??? I did buy a really good book from Dr Claire Weekes, she also explains it as just tight anxious muscles and just to breathe however you feel and let it be. I’m trying....

I was supposed to up my medication dose but have been feeling a bit off but am going to bite the bullet and do it tommorow. It’s time to get better!

Amongst that I’m also trying my best to get on with life as sitting home feeling sorry for myself only makes it’s worse. I am determined to get a handle on this and start feeling more like my old self again.

Thank you again Paul!

[blondguy]

Hi Sefoan

You are a legend with your health and thanks heaps for posting back again too 🙂

The urgency to take a deep breath does fade after our chest muscles are somewhat relaxed. Sure..in certain anxious situations having a breathing pattern does help to prevent anxiety/hyperventilation

Where did you find out about Dr Claire Weekes? She is a legend where anxiety/acceptance is concerned. Good1

Thankyou for being a part of the forum family Sefoan

my kind thoughts for your ongoing recovery

Paul