Diagnosed 13 years ago, I developed panic attacks pretty quickly. They hit the minute I lie down to go to sleep - the time at which I most often have frightening episodes of hemoptysis. I take an anti-anxiety med so I can get to sleep. I also see a therapist - someone who listens without judgment, encourages me to cry when I'm feeling discouraged, and understands my frustrations with medical community. It's hard living with a "rare" lung disease, that let's face it, not many physicians or even pulmonologists know much about. I live in a large city in the southwest and cannot find ONE doctor knowledgeable about NTM...that's why I started going to NJH and go there at least twice a year. I do have a deep faith which I believe helps me on a minute by minute, day by day basis.
Bless you...this community of "understanders" is here for you.