Really hoping this is anxiety

For about 2 months I've just felt off. I've been having trouble breathing- not gasping or wheezing, but trouble getting my lungs to feel full. Exercise helps, and humidity makes it worse. I've had random chest pains. Usually pretty mild, but sharp and achey.
Those were the main two things until today. Last night I had a bit to drink (seriously not a lot, like 2 strong beers), and this morning I woke up with the worst vertigo I've ever had. The room was spinning and I felt pinned to the bed for a few seconds. It's gotten better, but it's been like 17 hours and I'm still getting dizzy when I move the wrong way, and my hands feel weird like I don't have 100% control of them or the muscles are weak.

While I'm hoping it's anxiety I just don't often feel anxious in a panicy type way. I feel hopeless and overwhelmed most of the time, but it's not a panic, just a constant 'woe is me'...can that count as anxiety? I did break down crying randomly twice when I first started feeling sick, and I can't handle crowds all the time anymore. I did go to a walk in clinic and after an x-ray the doc said my lungs looked...overly full or something? Anyway, she gave me an inhaler and didn't do a thing.

I'm making a doctors appointment for next week, but I need some piece of mind. And if not that then I need to know if I should go to the ER...which I really can't afford. I think whatever is happening is one of a few things: on the serious side a problem with heart or lungs (lungs making more sense), and less serious is anxiety/depression or iron deficiency.

Post Edited (char1243) : 8/16/2015 10:56:17 AM (GMT-6)

Hi Char,

I am sorry that you are feeling these physical symptoms currently...I know how it feels, and it is miserable.

Even after I recovered from my panic attacks...I still dealt with anxiety and pretty severe symptoms. I would not always 'feel' anxious...if fact that was rare...but the symptoms would give it away!

The urgent care doctor only said your lungs looked over full? I am not sure what that even means! The only thing I can think of, is maybe you are hyperventilating in an unconscious manner? Having an over abundance of O2, while blowing off too much CO2, can cause this...and many of the symptoms you mentioned in your post...

Try some breathing exercises for now. See our Resources if you need directions, or I will post my personal favorite at your request.

Practice for at least 10 min, 3x's a day, everyday...and you should find it makes a difference.

Unless your symptoms become worse/unbearable, try and use you coping skills to get you through until your upcoming appointment.

Let us know how you are doing, and let us support you during this time.:)

S.C.

I totally understand how you feel! I've been experiencing the same issues - dizzy, off balance, whoozy, chest pressure......all of these things can be caused by anxiety. However It's definitely a good idea to get checked out by a Doctor for peace of mind. Deep breaths!!

As far as not being able to breathe, there is a syndrome called "air hunger" that I think you might be experiencing. It's when you try to take a deep breath but can't, and you become scared and uncomfortable because you feel like you aren't getting enough oxygen. I get this once in awhile... mostly when I am anxious or hyperventilating. It is a scary feeling if you don't understand what is happening to you!

The reason you can't take a satisfying deep breath whenever you want is because your body regulates your oxygen and CO2 levels. If you try to take a deep breath and your body determines you already have enough oxygen, it will block your attempts. So in reality, rather than being starved of oxygen (which is a common fear), you are full of it (and I mean that in the nicest way possible ;)).

The trick is to remember that you are not going to suffocate, and nothing bad is going to happen to you. Try to breathe through your nose as much as possible, because the nostrils bring in less air than your mouth, and it will help stop hyperventilation. If you fail at getting a satisfying breath, don't panic! Just wait for a minute and your body will automatically take in more air as it needs it. The humidity makes this condition ten times worse. You feel like the air is too thick to breathe in, and it just makes things more complicated.

I hope what I said helps, and I hope you feel better soon!

-Cat

p.s. When you have anxiety, caffeine is a big no-no, so good for you for cutting out coffee.

Char,
It's totally likely that this is anxiety. The overwhelmed and hopeless feeling is how I felt/ still sometimes feel in my anxiety. It can manifest itself in many ways. Could your chest pain/ muscle weakness be attributed to exercise?

Hi Char,

In regards to BP...yours is excellent!! Lots of people would love to have that blood pressure!!

As long as you are not symptomatic...as in losing consciousness or so lethargic as not to be able to function...then a lower BP is actually a good thing. (mine sometimes dips into the 90's over high 50's at times, but then goes back up to low/normal)

With anxiety we tend to worry and want to micro manage things such as blood pressure and pulse...

...however, as long as you are getting regular check ups and your doctor says all is well...it's best to trust this, and not get preoccupied with these.;)

S.C.

I feel so annoying to keep asking questions about things, but is it possible for anxiety to go as far as to make your lips dry? I drink SO much water and my urine is pale and hydrated (sorry tmi) but my mouth and lips are so dry! I've been googling this for a bit, but can only find stuff on dry mouth/the tongue area.