Throat constricting/breathing issues

[ChaosCats]

Ok so this is a really new symptom for me and I’m freaked out. So about ten minutes ago I had like a really bad FND flare up/episode and one of the things that happened is that it felt like I couldn’t breathe and like there was something closing around my neck? It hurt a lot. I’ve had some issues before with my chest feeling really tight and like I can’t get enough air even though I’m clearly getting some air because I’m not passing out. (btw I also have an anxiety disorder so I’m familiar with anxiety/panic attacks and it’s not that because the chest pain feels different). But yeah, I guess I’m interested to see if there’s a chance anyone else deals with this and what to do. Do you just have to ride out the wave of pain and panic until it’s gone? I appreciate any advice, sorry if this is barely coherent!

[Lady4]

Sorry to hear that you had a bad flare up, I haven't heard of that symptom but I am sure some other members will be able to shed some light. Hugs xx

[Lady4]

Ps. Were you eating or drinking around that time?

[tabey]

Hi ChaosCats it’s nice to meet you and I love the name I adore Cats

I’m sorry to read what happened to you it’s a scary feeling this has happened to me before and I was rushed into hospital and they put a camera up my nose back down into my. Throat and they called see nothing they also did a cray of my chest to see if I had an infection then they see I had Fnd and they stood day and told me it’s just one of those things be on your way if it happens again to keep upright and try to take slow breaths in and try to remain carm that’s a hard thing to do when you feel as if you had a boa constrictor around your chest getting squashed and you can not get enough air in so I can relate to what your saying and it was not a panic attack as they said it could of been because I was deep asleep woke up not being able to breathe it felt like something was pressing down on me

Hope this helps

Best wishes

Tabe

[ChaosCats in reply to tabey]

Thank you so much, it’s nice to meet you as well! I love cats as well which is why I chose the name! That’s awful what happened to you. I’ll definitely have to try being upright at least that if it happens again. I tend to try and distract myself when I have symptoms, particularly the chest issue. The throat constricting is relatively new so I’ll have to see how any of the strategies work. Thank you though for sharing your story as well, I feel less alone. (P.S. any particular cats that for whatever reason have a special place in your heart? I like black cats because they’re a little void cloud, ragdolls seem so fluffy and sweet, and maybe sphinx cats because while they look a bit odd there’s a certain little odd charm to them! But there’s so so many amazing cats out there and I can’t wait to one day own one!)

[iTzDave]

Hey ChaosCats.

I have had something like this a few times. It's really scary isn't it? It must have been so tough for you. The muscles around my neck close up and I can't breathe. Then, as the air in my lungs starts to run out, my body starts thrashing around desperately and I start to sweat very heavily. It really feels like I could die a sudden and painful death by suffocation. But eventually the throat muscles suddenly relax and I'm left panting frantically.

My explanation of it is this: with FND we have episodes where parts of our body contract very strongly, like in seizures. This is an extension of that, except with the throat muscles.

If it is any comfort to you, these episodes where I cannot breath did stop happening on their own after a number of times; it's been a few years since I've had them.

There is an option to get an emergency appointment with your neurologist about it, report the new symptoms and get their input. That said, I want to give you credit for mentioning it on this forum, I think that was a helpful decision. Talking about it with people you trust may also help you cope and feel less alone.

Sorry this has happened. I realise it's a terrifying experience, I hope it gets better for you.

[ChaosCats in reply to iTzDave]

That’s EXACTLY what happened to me! Thrashing and heating up included! Oh my gosh it’s both awful and a relief in a weird way to know it’s happened to other people? I hope that sentence makes sense. I wasn’t sure if I would find anyone who has experienced this particular issue because it seemed like a particularly weird and scary one! I can take minimal comfort in the fact that the brain is hardwired to want to protect itself and the body so I won’t pass out I guess when it happens even if it certainly doesn’t feel like it in the moment. As someone who has gone through it, do you have any tips or do you just have to ride out the storm and the pain? Or even any tips on like… “recovery” afterwards? It’s a terrifying thing to go through and I’m happy for you that you haven’t had one in a few years!