Topic: Is this significant--short of breath/anxiety
Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
Okay, maybe I'm overthinking things, but I'm wondering if this is significant.
Since I had my little episode a week ago with the Elavil and the restart of my panic/anxiety issues, I've noticed something with the onset and how they play out.
It seems that if the air hunger/shortness of breath starts out lower in my chest, almost like it's in my diaphragm, the anxiety remains manageable, and I can usually get it under control with Benadryl and resting.
However, lately it seems to be starting higher up in my chest, always o the left side, a couple inches below my collarbone. I often also feel funny in my neck/throat, up into my ears, and down my left arm.
When the discomfort starts there, I'm finding that there's no stopping or alleviating the air hunger/shortness of breath, and it seems to escalate rather quickly into panic.
And when that happens, there's pretty much nothing I can do but ride it out, and it tends to last waaaaayyyyy longer than if it starts in my lower chest.
LLMD says my heart sounds fine, and my pulse is fine even when I'm in the middle of one of these episodes.
So am I overthinking this, or is this something I need to push with either my LLMD or my regular doctor (yeah, good luck with her)?
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
How long do your attacks last? If they are manageable, keep doing what you are doing with the benadryl.
I personally find Kava effective for mild to moderate panic. It works fast too. I haven't found other herbs or herbal combinations to be much benefit to me. It works on GABA receptors like the addictive pharmaceuticals, but is not addictive.
Large doses of Inositol can stop panic attacks as well and help with depression. Studies show that it is also more effective for depression than some antidepressants. 1 tbsp 3 times a day of Jarrow brand. I'm not sure the mechanism of action. There are controlled studies to back up these claims as well. Inositol shouldn't make you more anxious like antidepressants tend to do. Antidepressants increase my anxiety 10-fold. I know antidepressants work for many, but in my opinion, they are drugs with a lot of flaws. But then again, that's my personal experience.
Unfortunately, I am on the addictive stuff. Wish I could find something natural that is as potent as the benzos.
Posts: 967 | From A deserted island without internet access | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- For me, years ago, Elavil set off anxiety attacks that went on long after I stopped that. But I knew nothing about other methods that now help tremendously when my body's had a chemical assault.
Cordyceps can help with the breathing. So can magnesium.
Milky Oat Seed & Scullcap/Skullcap (tincture only) are wonderful helpers.
Magnesium can be very helpful to ward off anxiety and calm the nerve overactivity. Turmeric/Curcumin and Fish oil, too.
Adrenal support is key to stopping panic. So is liver support. All this is discussed here:
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP - Links to articles & supplements
================
Also consider allergies regarding the breathing. Quercetincan help. Be sure you are not around mold or even household chemicals. Safe product lines: Seventh Generation; BioKleen are just two off the top of my head that use only natural ingredients.
Any new textiles in your home? Mold ? You might look at the Allergie-Immun thread. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic