[jsuter69]

For the past 2 or 3 months I've been feeling like I can't breathe...
It's like I'm not getting any oxygen, it's hard to explain...it "usually" happens when I'm alone and even when I'm in the shower or if I'm trying to drink, it's like I can't drink and swallow at the same time...I've even choked a few times...
I was diagnosed with PVC's, PAC's, SVT and mild,mild, mild pulmonary hypertension (guess so mild that neither cardiologist even mentions it to me or has put me on meds for it, but I made the mistake of looking it up...DON'T!!! It's not good, there's no cure and only way to fix it, is a heart/lung transplant)
And my family and docs wonder why I'm so anxiety and panic driven....
And now with this "breathing" issue, and my pcp thinks it's in my head and so does my counselor...but in my head...I CAN'T BREATHE!!
One thing that makes me feel it "could" be anxiety, is that I only feel this way when my mind is focusing on myself...when I'm alone is when I start to get this feeling....but it feels soooo real
Anybody else suffer with this crazy notion...or am I just seriously crazy??

[jkfrench]

Julie! It is so good to see you back here. I'm sure everyone will chime in soon and tell you not to worry. It is definately anxiety driven. Love ya girl! Jodie

[jsuter69]

Hey Jodie!!!
I've missed being on here!!! My cardiac issues have not gone away...I guess I've just found a new "phobia"...which in itself sucks!!! If it's not my heart, which is still lurking in the background, because I'm still having the palps but apparently, my so called lack of oxygen is taking up my precious time...it just feels so effin real...but my health care providers seem to think differently...I am seeing a counselor but sometimes you just need reassurance from "real" people...
Love you too, Jodie!!!
Thanks for being here for me!!!!!

[dr461]

Originally Posted by jsuter69

For the past 2 or 3 months I've been feeling like I can't breathe...
It's like I'm not getting any oxygen, it's hard to explain...it "usually" happens when I'm alone and even when I'm in the shower or if I'm trying to drink, it's like I can't drink and swallow at the same time...I've even choked a few times...
I was diagnosed with PVC's, PAC's, SVT and mild,mild, mild pulmonary hypertension (guess so mild that neither cardiologist even mentions it to me or has put me on meds for it, but I made the mistake of looking it up...DON'T!!! It's not good, there's no cure and only way to fix it, is a heart/lung transplant)
And my family and docs wonder why I'm so anxiety and panic driven....
And now with this "breathing" issue, and my pcp thinks it's in my head and so does my counselor...but in my head...I CAN'T BREATHE!!
One thing that makes me feel it "could" be anxiety, is that I only feel this way when my mind is focusing on myself...when I'm alone is when I start to get this feeling....but it feels soooo real
Anybody else suffer with this crazy notion...or am I just seriously crazy??

It does sound like a stress reaction (not in your head, but psychogenic). However it could be related to your Ectopic beats. Often, I get the feeling of hesitant breathing when I get a burst of PVCs that lasts for a while. Taking several deep breaths, or exercising seems to help it subside. However, I have had moments of breathing catchy feeling in my chest. I'd say stress is probably the primary mechanism there.

Pulmonary hypertension is only an issue if it gets serious. Most people have very mild cases of it, so worry not--it isn't generally progressive to a significant degree. That is the danger of googling--it is a must avoid activity for all of us. Been guilty of that myself.

Regards,
David

[jsuter69]

Thank you, David for your reply! I always make the mistake of reading on the net...my counselor says that my problem is that I analyze to much and that's why I end up getting into "trouble" so to speak...
And I have seen at least 3 heart docs just to get a "2nd" opinion on the Pulmonary Hypertension and they ALL say that they shouldn't have said anything to me because of my anxiety issues...
But today my wonderful husband, who normally dismisses my anxieties, said to me today " Well, maybe it's your COPD causing this?" I said," I don't have COPD, it's mild, mild, mild Pulmonary Hypertension"...He said," Oh yeah"
So immediately, I'm thinking, maybe he's right...maybe it's gotten worse???
And I'm just so angry that it's interfering with eating and drinking...I do just fine until I start "thinking" about my breathing...in my head I'm asking myself, how in the world am I drinking and eating without choking...
On the 30th of this month my PCP is going to talk to me about getting on an anxiety med...but in the meantime....I'm frazzled

[Katie]

Hey, why not try cbt? They can actually moniter ur oxygen intake and help u when your freaking out to make the best of it. Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe but I think it's because I'd take shallow or deep breaths for too long. Try alternating from chest breathing to stomach breathing. That may help.

[jsuter69]

What's CBT?

[dr461]

Cognitive Behavior Therapy--it works extremely well with chronic anxiety and panic disorder. It is a therapy where you re-train your mind to think in a different pattern from the 'worst case,' and work backwards to a more logical train of thought. This combined with anxiety meds helps me a lot.

[Chaoticdopey]

Originally Posted by dr461

Cognitive Behavior Therapy--it works extremely well with chronic anxiety and panic disorder. It is a therapy where you re-train your mind to think in a different pattern from the 'worst case,' and work backwards to a more logical train of thought. This combined with anxiety meds helps me a lot.

i want it so badly wish i could get it with county insurance

[jkfrench]

Julie,
I have a friend that has COPD. And it is bad. She still rides her bike, works out, has no problems swallowing or breathing. So there is no way that what you are feeling is related to your mild mild case of pulminary hypertension. You are having panic attacks as a result from thinking about your breathing. Nothing more.
Not to say that it is extremely debilitating when it happens. I used to have them. I promise you will feel better after reading those books about 10 times LOL
Seriously.....you are fine. This is stress. And I know there is a lot going on with your family and that biopsy scare. You will be fine. xoxoJ.