starting my panic attacks after last having one three months ago.

[natalyab]

had chest xray last week after getting so many chest infections. got phone call today to go and see the doctor. Try not to worry he says but you have a lot of congestion at the bottom of your lungs which indicates you have a heart problem.he is now making arrangements for me to see a specialist and to have a scan. felt quite calm when he told me but now I have come to bed my mind is racing and I keep feeling panicky.is this problem common with copd. someone please try and reply. thankyou.

[Hidden]

Short answer is I don't know. Your best to call the BLF nurses in the morning. They will be able to answer all your queries, and this will hopefully alleviate your anxiety.

[martin1945]

Hi Natalyab

It is quite common to feel panicky/anxiety when suffering COPD, or any ailment for that matter. It is largely based on the unknown. I have had COPD for more than 14 years and still get panicky when I have an exacerbation, or when due to have xrays or scans. Try not to worry - as to worry really doesn't solve very much. And Yes give the BLF helpline a call. Best regards Martin

[Hidden]

Yes I Had One Today In Chippy .... Started Hyperventilating Or Over Breathing Was Not Nice At All .... Am Totally Sick Of It

Need To Try And Take Your Mined Of It .... Reading Or Having A Sip Of Water Seem's To Help Me

[phillips1]

I started having panic attacks just before being diagnosed COPD eleven years ago. For several years I was on Librium and propanalol. One day I got fed up taking them and slowly came off them over about three months. Funnily enough I haven't had one attack in the last five years. Bob

[Hidden]

My husband gets panic attacks and he really has to fight them off!! Especially during exacerbations, chest infections and stressful situations (just going out for dinner and not knowing the restaurant) - so yes it is common. To be honest even if you hadn't got COPD I think your mind would have been racing after that phone call. Just try to take slow deep breaths - breath out for 3 and in for 2 - apparently that is a good method. Good Luck with the Doctor. Take care TAD xx

[Pepsicoley]

Hello Nataly

Panic attacks are awful. I read on here about 'pursed mouth breathing' and I found that it was a great help to me when I was panicking. I can't say that I don't panic when I am short of breath but I don't panic so often now.

I understand that most heart conditions are very treatable nowadays.

Please wait until you hear from your Doctor (and practise your 'pursed mouth breathing' sweetie.

Best of luck

Annec

xxxxx

[Katie007]

Also, carry one of your paper bags that you get your medicines in and use it to breathe into and inhale from, you are then absorbing the carbon dioxide? I think, that you've over breathed during the panic attack and it really does help, sometimes it's more useful than the meds that have come in the bag originally!! Good luck, hope it helps, Janicex

[Hidden]

Hi

I can send you some information on panic attacks - self help handouts if you wish? Either by email or post or both.... if you message me or call me on the helpline 03000 030 555 and I shall do this as soon as possible.

Or if you prefer we can organise a set of sessions and to discuss and I can offer some cognitive and behavioural techniques to manage and reduce the attacks?

Feel free to give me a call if you wish to discuss ? 03000 030 555 It honestly really can help and I am CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) trained so I sort of know what I'm on about.....

This also applies to anyone else, please I'm here to help, and don't worry if you get a little breathless/tearful/ angry etc , the time is yours and there is no rush at all and I'll do my utmost to help.

Take care

Heych

[Hidden]

Another. Tip is rescue remerdy from chemist 3/4 drops on tongue it helps

[natalyab]

thanks everyone. I have spent most of the day with my mam. I am now back home and have my granddaughter for company, I was releived to hear most heart conditions are treatable. I am going to ring Helen tomorrow, Thanks again everyonexx