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Short of breath walking all of a sudden?

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Posted 12/30/2014 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello friends! I hope everyone is having a peaceful evening.

So, i'm curious if you all think this is an anxiety symptom. I went to the mall with a friend today, which I was a bit anxious about because she's not one of my 'safe' friends that I feel comfortable having an episode in front of. So I noticed that walking around the mall I was feeling a bit short of breath I guess..my heart wasn't really pounding except the usual pounding from walking fast..but I felt a bit like it was hard to breathe while walking around..but once we got to her car I felt ok. It kinda freaks me out because before I left the ER Sunday, the doctor said to me that he thinks i'm fine but to come back if i'm getting like a shortness of breath while doing things. Does anyone else get this? Do you guys think maybe it's a heart issue?
Posted 12/31/2014 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
It sure sounds like anxiety. You were at the mall with someone who wasn't a "safe" friend. So in the back of your mind you were probably worried about having an episode in front of her. Maybe it was a self-fullfilling prophecy. I've done that myself. I keep thinking that I'm going to have an anxiety attack at the mall and I do. Were you really having shortness of breath or were you maybe hyperventilating? Malls can be intimidating places when you're having anxiety issues.
Posted 12/31/2014 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Of course now im getting that hard to breathe/smothering feeling now..ugh! I was just thinking how ive had a decent day and havent had any heart palpitations or pains, but now I gotta feel like I cant breathe. Its alwaysssss gotta be something!!!
Posted 12/31/2014 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
This was me all summer when not with a safe friend. You should follow doctors orders, BUT, it sounds like anxiety is getting the best of you and you're hyperventilating without realizing it. One of my biggest problems. Try some breathing exercises and do them regularly. Hugs.
Posted 12/31/2014 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah- I'd agree with specialone and Park. Especially since they told you to be aware of any shortness of breath, I'm sure you are just more "aware" of it and you are subconsciously doing it. I'd guess it is over breathing making you feel like it is shortness of breath. I did that the whole week before Christmas. Running around trying to get everything on my "to do" list done. Then I kept having these shortness of breath episodes. In retrospect, I'm sure I was stressing myself out and over breathing. That's one of my common anxiety responses too. Hope you feel better soon! hugs!
Posted 12/31/2014 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
I guess realistically its not shortness of breath..because if I was short of breath it would be difficult to hold a conversation because id be trying to gasp for air right? Its more like a hard to breathe feeling..like I hate anything at all near my mouth because it feels like I cant breathe, and just in general feels like im being gently smothered
Posted 12/31/2014 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
i agree that it was anxiety and malls are one of the few places I avoid because of my anxiety in there is off the charts.
Posted 12/31/2014 6:49 AM (GMT 0)
GM.,

How did the rest of the evening go? Did your symptoms stop once you got home?

I am hoping and pretty sure that was the case...but if not, go ahead and go in, just to be on the safe side.

Let us know how you are soon, okay?

S.C.
Posted 12/31/2014 11:04 AM (GMT 0)
Well after I got home it was on my mind, so I was getting that hard to breathe/smothered feeling for a while. I made an appt with my doctor but they cant get me in until jan 19th..so this should be fun. ugh
Posted 12/31/2014 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
GMoon,

My dad has a heart problem and when he has shortness of breath it makes him completely exhausted. Since yours is coming and going I think it's anxiety. If you happen to have some way you prevent anxiety (benzos, essential oils?) I would try taking one and noting if your symptoms persist. That's how a doctor rules out issues not related to anxiety short of actual heart testing. When my anxiety was at its peak I couldn't walk to the bathroom from the couch without losing my breath. However once I started anxiety treatment it went away.

I believe you're fine. Well wishes and happy new year!
Posted 1/1/2015 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
GM,


Checking in...how you feeling today? It think that considering your appointment is over two weeks away...that your doctor is not concerned that you are suffering a serious medical condition presently!! They would no way not have you right in or direct you to the ER after hearing your symptoms, if they thought you were at risk!

I hope that you can use some coping skills and decompression to help you to feel well this first day of the new year!

Give us an update when you can.

S.C.
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