chronic confusion

Hi, bucslife. So glad you got your insurance! I've had panic attacks since I was about 11 years old. Nasty things, they are. One thing I've learned that works well for me is when I have one, to get up walk. Just a few steps usually stops it. I learned that from a doctor. He said that if you stay still, the panic just grows and freezes you. Try walking, and see if that helps.

As far as medication, I took Xanax decades ago. Now I take Lorazepam. They're 1mg tablets. I usually break them in half. Takes about 20 minutes for it to work.

I have COPD, too. It definitely can cause panic attacks and anxiety. It's the shortness of breath that does it, so please use your inhaler. I use Symbicort 2 puffs morning and 2 puffs at night.

From what I understand, the treatment for anxiety from COPD is the same as any other cause. Anxiety meds like Xanax or Lorazepam, and finding a trick like the walking trick. A friend told me her trick is to get up and make a cup of tea. Walking to the kitchen and concentrating on making the tea stops the panic attack. I use that too.

Best wishes to you,
Cookie

@bucslife Hi Jerry - I am glad to hear you are finally getting insurance coverage! It will help you find the care you need. I do second @cookierockwell suggestion that you get on and stay on a specific COPD inhaler.
I have asthma and bronchiectasis, but not COPD and it has taken me from easily winded and fatigued to almost normal... Symbicort is now the "standard of care" for long-term asthma and COPD. It used to be very expensive, so many docs would just go with an asthma inhaler. BUT there is now a generic version (mines costs $5 month on Medicare) - and I cannot tell you how much better it makes my breathing - 2 puffs, twice a day, with a midday booster if I need.
Being short of breath really does bring on anxiety, it is definitely not "all in your head" - it is a protective response by your body, telling you to get help.
Do you have an initial appointment yet?
Sue

Thank you so much 😊

Thank you very much 💙

My copd is quite advanced. I have a machine similar o a cpap . I use it during the day when sitting It helps put fresh air into my lungs and the co2 out. I think much better because I get more 02

to my brain... Do you know how to slow your breathing? Take deep breath through your nose and blow it out much longer then when you breath in. That helps. I have helped some people with panic attacks with Laying down on the floor or couch. Put one hand on your stomach. Inhale deeply and let your breathing raise your hand. Then blow out very slowly. Repeat until you feel calm. If you are still menstruating, don't do it during that time as you will probably bleed harder.