I was beginning to lose control of my bowel and bladder when the shortness of breath and coughing started. This is now beginning to get worse and I find my muscles in my arms and chest all contracting. It is so scary. Does anyone have the same symptoms or experience.
I was diagnosed with copd last year. ... - Lung Conditions C...
I was diagnosed with copd last year. Prior to that I thought the episodes I was having was due to uncontrolled asthma.
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jilly12
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10 Replies
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A was like that .... My doc thought i might have epalepsy ... Or suffering stress if it was me a would go back to your doc as i to had kidney problems .... Have you been dizzy like your drunk if yes defo need checking out at doc's
Could be nothing but better to be safe
All the best hope it helps
Hi Jilly
When your body is short of oxygen and breathing becomes laboured your brain overrides everything and decides that the control of bladder and bowel is less imortant than breathing.
When I was still working (a couple of years ago), I had quite a way to walk from the car park to my place of work and I found that I had to stop now and again to get my breath (I pretended to look in shop windows). I agree with you in that the feeling that your are going to have an 'accident' is very, very, distressing.
Stop every now and again to 'back up' your oxygen level (I always take a walking stick, to lean on). Most people are kind and ask "Are you OK". Panicking makes matters worsel
I'm really sorry, but, I cannot give you an explanation for the contracting of your muscles but I am sure that your medics would know.
You are not alone sweetie - lots of us have the same experiences.
Good luck and best wishes to you.
Annec
xxxxx
though I am not much use to you on this . I can say yes to all you have asked . my husband had all these problems.
oops I hit enter before i finished but it is like Pepsicoley said When your body is short of oxygen and breathing becomes laboured your brain overrides everything and decides that the control of bladder and bowel is less important than breathing.
also muscle thing is common place and not pleasant by any means . I will try and wright up more on this a bit later but having a bad day today.
but it is all common place and the spasm are due to the lungs and heart working harder than normally a bit like after a top athlete has done a run
The bowel and bladder problems are common but, as has been said, try and rest before you get too breathless and things will be ok.
Hi, it does sound like a panic attack due to being too breathless, although I would definitely see your doctor as soon as possible just in case it's something else.
I've learned to stop what I'm doing at the slightest hint of becoming breathless as I'd got into a terrible cycle of panic attacks. I read a blog by johnwr and this slowly changed things for me and haven't actually had a full blown attack for ages now. Here is a link to that blog that might be useful to you:-
blf.healthunlocked.com/blog...
All the best, Libby
Yes Jilly I have experienced all of this and some of them still. I put the muscle contractions down to anxiety and I wish someone had the answer to this. Maybe it is because of the medications we are on? As well as the usual COPD meds I also take the anti-depressant Sertroline.
Anyone know pleae?
Bev x
in reply to
Sort of Bev,
It's to do with the primary breathing muscles being over stretched (or something like that) and the secondary breathing muscles kick in and get used instead...those are the ones that are hurting.
I have it in a COPD book but it'd take me an age to find the right page for an exact quote but it's along those lines.
Lorraine
xxx
Others have explained why this happens, but I may have a tip (learnt at Pulmonary Rehab) which may help you NOT get too out of breath while you're walking.
If you breathe out through pursed lips for 4 or 5 counts and in through your nose for 3 counts, you get rid of the carbon dioxide in your lungs which allows better uptake of oxygen
It takes practice but does work & helps with bladder & bowel control
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