Advice - Panic !

[Rachiejo87]

I need some support as I'm feeling really low.

I had a chest infection 2 weeks ago and as a result I ran into difficulty with my asthma etc. Its causing a great deal of anxiety and I also had an absolutely horrific panic attack.

I was seen urgently by the asthma clinic and my meds were altered I was also sent on that same day for a chest xray and bloods. My asthma nurse is exploring with the bloods, of whether I might be eligable for a tablet?

It's the anxiety attached to all this. I'm on steroids etc and I'm hot/flustered/FREAKING out and Jittery ♡

I was in a coma back in 2017 for 2 weeks due to respiratory failure. I have horrific PTSD and GAD so this is making me BLIND PANIC.

I freak every time I need a nebuliser at the moment as it feels like needing one means I may nearly lose my life again. I have a 3 year old and I'm not coping with all this stress.

Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? How long am I safe self medicating at home for like this? I'm so stressed!

xx

[PMRPete]

Strongly suggest you contact the Asthma UK nurses who can be reached on:-

0300 222 5800 option 1, (M-F, 9-5) for more personalised advice.

[Junglechicken]

I can’t give any advice about meds but I can understand the anxiety and stress. I had several severe attacks over the summer after 25 years of very mild symptoms. I was afraid to be left alone and my dad had to sit with me until I feel asleep at night. I’ve been attack free for 3 months but my PF is starting to drop which has me worried again. You’ve been through a horrendous experience and that is going to leave a mental mark. All I can say is hang in there, take all meds as prescribed and get immediate professional medical help if you get worse.

[Rachiejo87 in reply to Junglechicken]

I am just shaken and it's a daily fight to try NOT to panic. Yes I am currently staying at my mums with my son whilst my partner is on nights ♡

My throat is tight my back hurts. I am so on edge.. My chest feels clear but my nose is a little blocked which is working me up more xx

[Junglechicken in reply to Rachiejo87]

Have you tried a nasal douche for your nose when its blocked? It’s really easy to do and helps me a lot. It was recommended by the Asthma UK nurse. It’s a bit of a strange sensation at first but you get used to it. I’ve got a little bottle that I bought on Amazon to shoot the solution up your nose. It wasn’t that expensive and works like a treat.

[Js706]

I think it’s very understandable that you’d be very stressed out by it all!

I’m glad the clinic was able to see you so promptly and tweak your medication.

Generally the advice is when your blue inhaler stops working, isn’t lasting 4 hours, you take 10 puffs without improvement or you’re struggling to walk/talk due to your symptoms that you should be seeking emergency help.

I know hospitals etc are horrible and can bring back horrible memories but if you need them they are the safest place to be.

Either way - I think it would be sensible to try and see your GP soon, both about your asthma symptoms and for support with your anxiety around it.

Take care x

[GoSport]

Hi... a severe asthma attack is indeed very very traumatic, so it does leave you with anxiety. I had a severe asthma attack when I was 17 and still fear another severe attack even now I am 65. Seek all the help you can from the NHS. If you have identified anything in the environment (eg dust, pollen ect) that are triggers take control of this and let others know that these are you asthma triggers - it makes a lot of difference to your anxiety if you feel that you are in control of your symptoms even in a small way. Your throat and back symptoms may be due to your anxiety rather than a symptom of your asthma. Is there anyway you can seek some talking therapy for the anxiety???? Hope all goes well, I do feel for you.

[Rachiejo87 in reply to GoSport]

Thankyou GoSport ♡

At the moment I am tapering off Prednisolone and I have been told that this is just going to heighten my anxiety artificially?? Amongst other symptoms which are causing things like fluid retention in my legs and really hot flushes.

How do you plough on through your anxiety?

Before I had my cold I was coping well.. Now, I'm not xxx

[GoSport]

Hi.... yes the steroids will heighten your anxiety so once that is out of your system things should feel a bit better. I find that doing meditation helps me not necessarily at the moment I am doing it but does have a calming effect on my mood. Practicing mindfulness may also help e.g. concentrating totally on a task you are doing or just being totally mindful of you surroundings. This helps take your mind off of your anxious feeling and the nagging thoughts about feeling unwell which then feed the anxiety. There are probably some good resources about mindfulness on YouTube if you have access to the internet. Just hang in there and once the steroids leave your system you should be feeling less anxious. Steroids are a wonderful drug when you need them and work wonders, it's just unfortunate that the side effects are not good. xxx

[Rachiejo87]

Thankyou so much for your support on here ♡

xxx