i am 30 years old, male, married. I live
in a crowded city. About 3 weeks ago, I
noticed that it was hard for me to breath
through my nose. This was the only
symptom. Lasted about a week, then I
could breath again, but something just
didn't feel right. Then I noticed that I
started to "watch" my breathing
continuously, and can't stop worrying
about it. This is causing me to breath
"manually", instead of automatically
mostly when lying down relaxing like
watching tv or trying to sleep.
Went to the general doctor, and he gave me
a quick check and said it was
anxiety/stress, and to exercise more and
eat better. Then I waited a week, and I
became some worried I had a fever shoot up
to 103.5f and could not sleep for 2 days.
This cause me to go to the hospital, where
they ran a heart test, blood tests,
x-rays, but could not find one darn thing.
I also had a complete physical about 6
months ago, and they found nothing.
My work is extremely hectic. I have been
doing the same thing 10 years, in a
foreign country. Money is good. Was
going to resign this month for very
personal reasons, but since this happened,
changed my mind. Also, the contract
might be swtich to a different company
this month, but I was told I would have a
job still. I also was on a strict diet.
I did no exercise. My lease expires
next month, and I have to move. The
nieghbors are noisy as hell. My wife was
pressuring me about various stuff (mostly
harmless matters). I was also studying
3-4 hours a night for a certification I
wanted (since my episode I have put the
books away). I also stopped my diet, and
started an exercise program. Things have
gotten a little better, but not perfect.
The funny thing about this, is when I
exercise (even a walk), talk to people,
eating, do something on the computer (like
this message), I breath fine and normally,
and don't think much about it. It is
when I am just lying down trying to relax,
or sit and relax, I have this problem of
watching my breathing, and trying to
control it myself. Has anyone ever heard
of this before? My doc said as people
get older, stress is not handled as
easily, therefore lifestyle changes are
required (more exercise, less stressful
stuff in your life). I am hoping I have
not become a psycho or something now. It
really is quite depressing, especially
after I thought I was normal all these
years. :roll:
any advice appreciated. Is this the sign
of anxiety/stress?
|
Justy24
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 59 Location: Canada
Stress Posted: 01-12-06 20:29pm
I would definitely say that you have quite
a bit of stress going on in your life
right now. Stress can cause so many
different symptoms/side effects that you
never know if you are sick or if it is
just stress.
Maybe reevaluate what is important to you
and then make some changes if needed so
you can reduce the stress in your life and
continue on living.
Stress can be harmful after time. As we
age it does become harder to deal... You
would think it would be easier because you
learn as time goes by. But our body's
get older and we cannot cope/heal as fast
as we would at a younger age.
I would get control, you do not want any
further health issues facing you down the
road if you can prevent even half of them
now by reducing the stress in your life.
Watching your breathing like you said you
did, I was like that with my heart rate...
I would pay attention to it think I was
relaxing it but I was making my pulse
increase. It is definitely anxiety
causing this in my opinion.
Try yoga, try walks... Change your diet,
make more time to relax. Deep breathing
in through your nose and out your mouth.
It works for me.
Take care
justy24
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optimusprime
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 2
Posted: 01-13-06 07:33am
Hi justy,
i really appreciate your reply. Yes,
there might be some hard decisions that I
am going to have to make shortly. I was
able to start a small running program
during the last two weeks. I feel a
little bit better now. I am still not
recovered though, as I still have trouble
relaxing, but I thank god I can at least
sleep at night.
I cut out 100% of all caffeine from my
diet. I used to think people that drank
decaf were wierd or something. Now I
know what people drink decaf. I also
drink a calming camomile tea before bed.
I think that this helps.
It just caught me by complete surprise and
I panicked - bigtime. I never knew
stress could knock me out so hard. Now I
know though.
Thanks.
|
Justy24
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 59 Location: Canada
Caffine Free Posted: 01-13-06 09:20am
I agree in cutting out the coffee. That
is one of the first things I did. I
drink naturally decaffinated green tea
now. Also hot chocolate once in awhile.
I feel better without the coffee. I had
headaches at first but now I am good to
go.
Anytime you have questions...
Take care
justy24
|
Emmie86
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 19 Location: united kingdom
This Is Not to Worry You Posted: 01-15-06 13:04pm
This is not a post to make you worry just
wanted to say that even though getting rid
of caffine from your diet is really good
for you be careful of using decaffinated
products as often as you drank the caffine
as theres somthing in the decaff that
actully increases cholesterol. Im not
saying don't use use decaff, just don't
drink it as much as you did when you drank
coffe try balencing out it with fresh
juice and water during the day.
