Fearful Symptoms

Hi, I am a new member. But have been dealing with anxiety and depression since I was 4 years old. I am 41 now.  I can not take anti depressants because of side effects. Only am on Klonipin.  Am struggling with fear of not being able to breathe.  I have 3 children and from February until April we were dealing with colds and bronchitis.  We all had to take two rounds of antibiotics.  I am alot better.  But every once in a while when I inhale I hear congestion.  It terrifies me.  I know what wheezing typically sounds like and during my bronchitis I wheezed maybe 4 times.  I coughed alot, but my chest was always clear each time I went to doctor.  My problem is that I am so hypersensitive to any kind of sound or chest symptom that I can not tell what is normal and what isn't.  I get panic attacks where I feel like I can't breathe and when I am under stress my chest feels tight, but I get no coughing, chest congestion or wheezing during those times.  And I can sing, walk etc. so I feel like I must be breathing ok.  My lips are normal color etc.  Is there anyone out there who experiences these types of problems?  I don't like to go to doctors.  Especially since they usually look at me like I am crazy.  Any advice on how to find a doctor who will treat me with respect and caution.  I do not want hundreds of tests etc.  I just want some peace of mind.  Thank you for your time. 

Thank you for your reply.  It is reassuring to know that I am not alone and that there are others who can relate to me.  It is easy to feel isolated and alone when you have anxiety.  Most people just say, "Get over it, think of someone other then yourself".  They just don't understand that we are trying to, and that we do think of others,  all the time. That's a part of my therapy, not putting so much attention on what others think of me.  Well, sorry I rattled on.  I just wanted to thank you for your support.

Warmly,

Suds

Thanks Aries,

I just got your message, I had been on vacation for a week.  I really appreciate your input, and I plan on trying to find a doctor that I can feel more comfortable with.  Thankfully I am in good health, but for someone like me a simple throat infection, bout of bronchitus or even a stomach bug puts me in a panic that won't stop until I am healthy again. So, finding a good doctor would be beneficial.

It's funny that your user name is Aries, thats my sign.   

Have a great day!

Suds

Hey Suds,

How was vacation?  Did you relax and have a good time or did you have problems with your anxiety ?

Please do find that new physician, one you can develop a trust relationship with. 

Keep on talking with us as we are here to support you.

Kitt

Thanks for asking about my vacation.  Unfortunately, I was in constant panic mode the whole time,  I was glad to come home.  I have felt better since with much less panic moments.

I will keep in touch, it really helps to have a forum where people understand what you go through every day and share ideas that help.

Take Care,

Suds

Hi Danib,

I was just wondering what, if any medicine you are on for your hay fever and occasional wheeze.  Did they put you on an inhaler since you could have a slight case of asthma?  And if you are on an inhaler and or other medicine, does it help?

I appreciate the info, and your time.

Take Care,

Suds

Thanks for your input.

I hope that you enjoy your vacation.  Staying in the moment is key.  Good Luck.

Suds

Hi Martha's Vinyard,

Thanks for your reply.  We all (my 3 children and me) developed colds in late January and by February we were on antibiotics for bronchitis.  My two younger ones are getting over what we thought might be the swine flu.  But it turns out it was just a flu.  My 12 year old son came down with it first in late June, then my 7 year old daughter came down with it a few weeks ago.  My son is all better, my daughter is mostly better, only remaining symptom is a cough which is not at night and seems to be improving every day.  So, I am thankful.  My 14 year old son didn't get it, but he has bad allergies, so he is always sneezing etc.  We are doing allergy testing on him in August, to see what he is allergic to.  His Dad has allergies too, just like my 14 year old, all sinus related, but a real bother. He was tested and is on immunotherapy shots every week.  My 14 year old has a severe needle phobia, so he is terrified of the prospect of having to do this.  But we are taking it one step at a time.

Fortunately for me, I don't ever feel like anything is sitting on my chest, sometimes I can feel congestion when lying down when I am sick with bronchitis but it doesn't make me feel like I can't breathe.  It is amazing how my anxiety works, when I am going through a tough time, which has been most of the time this year, I will feel tightness in chest, remind myself that I can breathe by taking a deep breath and singing. But the minute one of my children needs me, the tightness disappears. I swear just like that.  With my daughters flu, I would be lying there all up tight feeling tight in chest, worrying about my daughter and anything I could think of and then my daughter would start coughing, I would know I needed to get to her. So I would and until she was better I felt completely fine, no symptoms what so ever.  My focus was on her comfort and I didn't feel the physical stress during that time. Unfortunately when I knew my daughter was better, I would get uptight again. Wierd isn't it?  Now that everyone is better I am less stressed , so I don't have the panic attacks like I was having. This is good. And I am also thankful that I didn't get the flu too, that would have made things a lot harder.

I am sorry that you have had so many health issues, and I agree with you about the chest xrays.  They did one on my 7 year old  in 08 because it took her a while to get rid of her cough after a bout of bronchitis.  But I think we are just long healers and are sensitive to the cough  reflex. Besides other then that she was fine, and as quickly as these things start, they end.  The key for me is to not obsess and worry, but to just help them relax, give them medicine if they need it, (I too give supplements and am a big suppporter of alternative medicine) and then just let it take it's course.  It will anyway, my fighting it with fear is a loosing battle.

Again, thanks for your reply.

Suds and Bubbles

Health anxiety is a pain, sometimes literally. 

Keep your chin up, you are not alone and though it is hard in the moment. It is important to remind ourselves that the anxiety is not going to kill us.

Take Care,

Suds