Help, really panicking!

Mental health
1

I have suffered with anxiety for years and had all symptoms you could think of. Most recently I have had breathing anxiety - constant tight chest and obsessing over breathing non stop for about 2 months. Eventually I managed to get my anxiety under control and i have been back to normal for the past few weeks. I have e always had a sharp pain once in a while in my lung area that goes away very quickly, I've heard it's usually a trapped nerve that can cause that. The past couple of weeks I've been getting the sharp pain in lung area that goes away after a minute or so but I woke up this morning with pain in both lungs that got worse when I take a deep breath. It's still hurting now and it's been about an hour, it's freaking me out so badly I'm panicking. I'm thinking about calling 111 but I've heard terrible things about their service. GP is closed today. I'm 24 by the way. I take citalopram I've been prescribed propranolol for anxiety but I haven't actually taken it. I'm sure I'm making my symptoms worse by panicking but anything to do with my chest area just sends me into crisis mode. Anyone got any advice? Thank you

2

Hi Georgina, you probably are making symptoms worse by panicking over it, you've become acutely aware of all the aches, pains and niggles our bodies go through all the time, it's not unusual to get pains in the lung areas, I get them where I have to breath in deaply and its like the pain just pops away. Taking propranolol will slow your heart rate down and the anxiety so take it, it'll either do nothing or it will help.

If your still worried or in pain then phone 111, they will be able to help you.

Neil 

3

Thanks Neil. I have a walk in centre in my area but I just called and their doctor has called in sick so can't see anyone!

I feel like I want to call 111 but I know I am just in a huge panic, I'm starting to feel pains all over my body now and I'm starting to think I am just being silly. My GP is open tomorrow so I'll book a same-day appointment in the morning. I'm also sitting here in silence obsessing over it so I'm going to try and take my mind off it and go from there. I might take a propranolol like you suggested.

Thanks for your response, it means a lot to have someone reply.

4

Georgina

Make an appointment with your GP, you need to understand however it may not be your lungs and you have pulled a muscle if you have had a cold etc. If this is the case a Linctus may help, purchased from a chemist

Holidays end today until New Year, get this condition checked over for your own benefit.

Try Breathing Exercises they are on this site, see how you get on

BOB

5

Thanks Bob, I am going to make an appointment with my GP in the morning. Since I have taken my mind off it it seems to have gone away and I feel much better. I am still going to go in the morning though just to make sure it's nothing serious.

6

Good Luck with that Georgina

Let us know how you get on

BOB

7

Thanks Bob. I have been to the doctor who listened to my heart & lungs, took my blood pressure and oxygen levels, all was perfect. He told me it was my anxiety and gave me some good advice to be fair. He also thinks I may have some acid reflux which is making my upper abdomen under my ribs uncomfortable. I am feeling better since going, just trying to relax.