Having an terrible time with copd and panic attacks and totally alone.

Chest and lungs
1

I live in Canada in a small town on Vancouver Island in B.C.  No friends or

family close by.  In the process of selling my house and can't seem to

control the panic attacks due to lack of breath from the copd.  Doctors are

hard to come by here and mine is an hour or so away.  Afraid to drive now or even leave the house as these attacks are coming on more and

more.  Any suggestions?

 

2

Hi terri, You Haven`t Mentioned For How Long,,,, Or Your Inhaler Situation. Try Firstly, Deep NASAL Breathing.   Sad ur So Remote, So No Yogi Bear Or Boo Boo To Drive You !!  Get To Doctor ASAP.

3

Your isolation is probably what is causing your panic attacks, rather than the COPD. Don't worry about the house - that will work out one way or another. I would suggest you confide in someone close - a friend, a doctor or a volunteer. There is always someone to help you. Please read the wonderful articles on health sites on the internet and you will find a lot of help there. It is difficult when you are alone as everything seems worse but please come to this site as often as you like because everyone here understands. Perhaps medication to help you calm yourself would be helpful - there are also many natural remedies which might help. I hope this helps even in a small way. I send you very best wishes.

4

Hi Michael:  Thank-you for taking the time to respond to my post.

Yes, mindful breathing is what is "saving me" from, not sure what

exactly?  Or just afraid to say it "out loud".  Seeing a Doc. on Monday.

 

5

Thank-upi Seahorse for your response.  Yes, you are most likely right,

isolation is definitely a contributor to my panic attacks and some days I

do try very hard to rectify the situation.  Lately it seems driving is not

going to be an option either as having panic attacks while driving isn't

good.  salts as opposed to lol (smiled a little then stopped)!  They,

being the medical people, ie. the Dr. put me on Ativan and it was a

nightmare for a few days.  I can't tolerate, doctor dope, is what I call

it.  I only weigh 109 lbs., sorry don't know what that is in stones, I think

you guys measure bodily weight.  Anyway, thank-you, this is helping me, venting is a good thing.  I am more of a natural type of person.

6

Hello Terri, Its 19.00 here, I expect its lunchtime with you ? I know how panic can overtake you, so try to get to a doctor, calm down (impossible) and breathe gently. Wishing you strength and luck, keep this post updated, jay

7

Hi Jay:

It's 11:19am here.  Seeing a Dr. on Monday and yes I'm trying and sometimes it work's out ok, the breathing gently.  Other times I end

up calling 911 and going by ambulance to the hospital.  Thanks for

your response.

8

Well Is That What It`s Called Mindful Breathing . So By Nasal Breathing You Inhale 20-25 % More Oxygen Into Your Lungs,, It May Help Not To Panic Soie Get Rid Of Any Stress, Stay Calm If Poss Make Sure You Get A Spirometry Test From The Nurse,Expect xray For Starters.

9

Hi Michael:

Mindful breathing is just that, paying mind to your breathing, so to speak.

What works for me is to sit quitely when I feel an attack coming on, focus

on something in front of me, anything really, this morning it was a flower

on a box of tissues; then I breathe in for maybe a count of 5, 1 and 2,

and 3, etc. and then I purse my lips and blow out as if blowing out a

candle.  Try and make the exhale longer than the inhale through the

nose, eg. breathe out on a count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 and so on.

Try and relax your body while you are doing this.  Not easy, I have only

been doing this for a few days and so far there have been no more

emergency calls for the ambulance.  Thanks again Michael.

10

hi ... Same thing happening with my mom too ...when she's diverted to something good there is marked improvement . With anxiety and loneliness she is very restless and keeps on taking inhalers. I brought her to my house and with company she's way better. 

Started homeopathic treatment too. Just look for salt cave therapy on Net.

seems effective.

best wishes...

11

You don't mention how old are you? Start living with some friend or family member. Things will be far better

12

Thanks shikha.  Good luck to your Mom.

13

I am 65 years old, used to be a youngish 65, not so anymore.  There is

no family members or friends that can take me in, if there was I would

be there in a heartbeat.  Thanks.

14

Thanks Ada, appreciate your comments and advice.  Will most definitely

look at Facebook support groups.  Is this in the UK?  I'm in Canada.

15

Hi shikha. I found one of those adverts on the web to breathe easy. It was a salt pipe, filled from an ancient mine in europe. So my friend bought it for me, 20 mins twice a day, just breathing normally. After 2 weeks I cut my drug in half and the thing will last for five years. Best money I ever spent and the salt cave is expensive and the effect doesnt last long, the pipe is so easy and so effective.  Good luck with your mum.

16

They are mostly U.S. based Terri but have members from all over including Canada.

17

Thanks Ada.

18

Hi terri69807,

Sounds like you are calm now and the breathing is helping. The Dr will probably give you something for anxiety I would think. And look at you...now you are giving helpful advice...lol...awesome! It's gonna be ok girl...keep sharing with us!!

Ladyjack51

19

Hi Ladyjack51:  Thanks for your message.  It's now 7:28 AM here in Canada and this is the worst time of day for me, afternoons and evenings are much better for me regarding breathing and panic attacks, ie. better

breathing and less or no attacks of panic.  I was given something for anxiety, but meds. don't seem to work for me.  I turned into a combination zombie/insane person, didn't help me at all.  The inhaler I

have is for asthma, which I have never had.  It was chronic bronchitis and 2 parents that both smoked, then I smoked for years.  I need a

different inhaler and one that works quickly.  Thanks again for your

comments.

20

Ok makes sense...you need Proventil or Albuteral in an emergency inhaler. Your doctor should have given you that with your other meds. That combined with you trying to breath deep and slowly and mentally getting a grip should help tremendously. Call your doctor sweetie...he can probably call it in since all COPD pts need that. Maybe JUST An OVERSITE ON His part.....or just get on here and type till your fingers hurt...we will listen...I promise