Help

[Roy2277]

Does anyone else get anxiety or panic attacks with copd? I'm taking 15 mg of prednisone daily and was wondering if this may be the cause been taking them about 7 months now, also two inhalers, spiolto respimat and combivent respimat.

[K-Kilcoyne]

When first diagnosed with COPD I regularly had panic attacks, I found its a bit of mind over matter to calm down, I used to look at one of my favourite snaps of Ibiza, I know it sounds crazy it almost instantly I calmed down. I've also used pics of grand-children or anything I love.

May be worth a try.

Good luck

[Roy2277 in reply to K-Kilcoyne]

Thank you I will try that, I think it's a mental thing as well but doc say it could be the pred as well. Must learn to be calm down.

[Yatzy in reply to Roy2277]

Pred causes anxiety and sleeplessness for me too. Sometimes better than others...I don't take it all the time, just for asthma exacerbations, but start to dread taking it. What we do to improve our health!!

[Linnie13]

I think it's more to do with worry over your condition ,I've recently been diognosed with ILD ,and I get panic attaks and feel anxious ,I know how scary it is xx

[Southp]

I get panic attacks Roy which makes my Copd worse but I can't help it cos I can't breathe waiting to go pul rehab to help with my anxiety

[mnonchan]

Hello Roy , I get panicked too , I thought it’s because now I get breathless so easily and I can’t react things quickly, i get upset and get breathless easily like someone come over without notice. I try to clam myself down, it has been my goal of the day, just trying to tell myself I am ok and calm myself down. I have cough attacks when like my husband ask me so many questions and I feel like it’s a small panic reaction cause I feel hard to talk sometimes nowadays too.

[Roy2277]

Went to doctor today, he's taking me off prednisone gradually, gave me a new inhaler called Tudorza Genuair, I'll let you know how this goes.

[Dedalus in reply to Roy2277]

Has your doctor prescribed the new inhaler Tudorza in addition to the other two or will it replace one of the other two? Thanks

[Roy2277 in reply to Dedalus]

It will replace spiolto respimat, which was two puffs in the morning once a day. The Tudorza is 1 puff in a.m. and one in p.m.

[Dedalus in reply to Roy2277]

Thank you Roy. I've just started Spiolto and love it, so definitely wouldn't want to change mine. Hope you see some improvement soon.

[Roessner541]

I hate Prednisone just for that reason I have been on a tapering dose for a couple of weeks because I thought I was getting an infection and wouldn't be able to attend rehab I became so anxious had to cancel classes for this week. Unable to talk on phone or accept any visitors. Even had an ambulance come once I just couldn't calm myself. Hopefully next week will be better.

[casey16gatsby]

I have this issue -- when I get in situations I find difficult to handle due to shortness of breath. I have a prescription for lorazepam which I take and it helps. Still the immediate situation can be diificult.

My best wishes!

[Spacecat1]

I take prednisone because of a weight problem. But take between 1 or 2 when needed never had a problem with them. I do have panic attacks now take lorazepam 1.5 in the morning even getting to the car I panic my breathing goes all over the place. I worry about my breathing a lot and often feel are staring at me as I use a wheelchair and also a nasal granular. I go to church then people and children. I do have severe COPD they did talk about lung transplant but startedvpanicing as to what it emtails

[lKeith]

Roy2277

Hi, Yes I do get anxiety attacks when I feel I can't breath, when sitting low in a car or even getting into bed without a back stop which is nearly vertical. a low chair & I can't lay flat etc. It's nothing new but inconvenient & without either plenty of pillows/cushions I don't know what would happen. It's even taken me up to 30 mins to get into an ambulance with too lower seat, they have to put me in a wheelchair with a cushion then strap the chair to the floor.

I feel for you.

IKeith

[Johnem in reply to lKeith]

When I get into the car after walking a little, I'm often struggling to breathe even with my ambulatory oxygen and can be bit panicky, but I put on the AC with it directed into my face and it helps tremendously to relax me.

[Roy2277 in reply to Johnem]

Yes I figured that one out, it really does work, don't know why but something blowing on your face seems to help a lot.

[Dusty017]

Try sitting in front of a fan - it does help.

[Roy2277]

Yes I tried that it really does help a lot, just the feeling of air blowing on your face.

[levina]

Hi Roy Yes I have to take Prednison but after a couple of days I get that feeling like I just want to scream [its a horrible feeling ] At first I did not want to rake this but it was prednison versus can I breath So I surrenderd and took the prednison The best thing talk to your DR' about it he or she might give you something to calm down while you are on Prednison

[Ruach]

Ask about oramorph.

[lKeith]

Roy2277

Hi thanks for reply. haven't tried that one yet but will it a go.

IKeith