Still anxious!

[WestHam100]

Hello friends. Mark here. Had pneumothorax back in March and still not feeling 100%. In fact feel like I'm going backwards. The anxiety doesn't seem to be leaving me alone - and the usual thing I do for anxiety (running) causes me some discomfort which freaks me out. I'm just so tired of the ups and downs. And, if I can be candid, have started drinking a bit more than usual, which I know is not good but it just takes the edge off. Thing is I feel even worse the next morning. I'm sorry for ranting! Mark X

[Hidden]

Rant away. That's what we are here for. My pneumothorax was last June and I am still anxious. Last week I had my first full spirometry since it happened and I was scared to put as much effort into it as I usually do. For days after I was worrying if breathlessness (my usual condition) meant that it had happened again. Although sense says that the breathlessness of a pneumothorax is very different. I have come to the conclusion that we need to take it one day at a time. Every day ok is a day less worrying until we get further away from the incident. I am also trying to distract myself with my activities. If running makes you anxious why not set yourself a walking plan.

Chin up. You will get there.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Don't worry rant as much as you want if it makes you feel better, have a word with your GP see if he can help in any way. What about taking ip another hobby which would help take your mind off things. Hope this helps even a little bit please keep us updated. Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻

[Alberta56]

So sorry you are in a bad place at the moment. I can't think of anything to add to the suggestions you've already received, but I hope you can pull yourself out of it soon. Keep on ranting if it helps.

[Biofreak]

Hi Mark. I think your anxiousness is understandable, anyone would be anxious after a pneumothorax. I think Littlepom's Idea about a walking plan is a great Idea and not as strenuous as running but also great exercise. I find walking settles my mind and I always feel more relaxed after a good walk especially if the walk is in a green area. I have a greyhound that I walk 4 times a day sometimes a short walk but sometimes a longer one. It will also strengthen your lungs without exerting yourself too much.

[Patk1]

There's a lot of advice available,asthma+lung UK.also mindsmatter.take a look onlline - there r many coping strategies that do help - if u put in the effort required to learn them.U prob know,alcohol is a depressant and can itself, cause anxiety.

[B0xermad]

Good morning, please don't be so hard on yourself as you have been through a lot, keep strong and take it a day at a time

[gardenalan]

Mark it really is too soon to feel 100% you will get there but give yourself a chance the drinking will not help you as I think it effects medication if I have a few drinks I feel like I haven’t taken my medication I have completely stopped drinking indoors and we do go out a lot but I start off with a soft drink and then have a couple at the end with the ups and downs on good days do as much as you can on bad days do as little as possible as you are putting more pressure on yourself it is so frustrating not being able to do what you want when you want take care of yourself xx

[Mooka]

Hey rant away the members of this forum will understand more than anyone else you know. I think you’re being a bit ambitious, you’ve been through a lot and your body needs to recover. Pace yourself and allow your body to heal. listen to Littlepom she is sooooo wise. If a little drink makes you feel better why not? But probably not to the extreme that makes you feel worse in the morning. Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon.

[Stratos20]

Rant all you want Mark. It helps. We’ll listen 😊

[tavymaid]

It,s totally normal to worry. It,s a horrible thing to have, i had 2 pneumothorax in late 2016 and in 2017 and i still worry now about getting another one, and . You do worry less over time and as time goes by , but it,s a difficult thing to forget altogether.