Hello all,

I dont usually visit this message board , but here goes.

My mom has COPD and emphysema. Shes on 2 liters of oxygen 24-7.

Recently, shes been experiencing panic attacks at the thought of

taking a bath. She has a seat in the bath tub and uses a handheld

shower sprayer. But , she seems to become so paniced(sp?) and

claustrophobic at the thought of taking a shower that shes not taking

them as often as she'd like. She also is very depressed. She tried lexapro,

however , it made her feel too emotional. She is going to the doctors

soon ,but she'd like some feedback from these boards as well.

Does anyone here experience the same feelings ?

Is anyone taking antidepressants?

Any helpful hints would be appreciated.

Hello all,

I dont usually visit this message board , but here goes.

My mom has COPD and emphysema. Shes on 2 liters of oxygen 24-7.

Recently, shes been experiencing panic attacks at the thought of

taking a bath. She has a seat in the bath tub and uses a handheld

shower sprayer. But , she seems to become so paniced(sp?) and

claustrophobic at the thought of taking a shower that shes not taking

them as often as she'd like. She also is very depressed. She tried lexapro,

however , it made her feel too emotional. She is going to the doctors

soon ,but she'd like some feedback from these boards as well.

Does anyone here experience the same feelings ?

Is anyone taking antidepressants?

Any helpful hints would be appreciated.

Hi, I am new here, but my mom has the exact same problem. She panics if water even gets near her face. I think she feels suffocated. We aren't sure why, just something that sarted after she was diagnosed with Emphysema and COPD. She is also depressed but afraid to try any meds for that. She just forces herself to shower and does it as quickly as possible. She said baths are easier and she leaves the shower curtain open and the bathroom door. Since your mom is using the handheld shower spray, maybe she could try leaving the shower curtain/shower doors open? Let me know how she is doing. :angel:

Hi, I caretake my Mom who has COPD/Emphysema andn she is on 6 ltrs O2 24/7. She has always loved baths to ease her aches and pains but since being diagnosed she has to have her baths cooler than normal because the heat and steam seem to make her feel dizzy and lightheaded, a feeling of not getting enough air basically. I know this sounds silly but maybe you could put some soothing music on during her baths, something she likes, or sometimes I just read to my mother while she is in the bath, story out of Readers Digest or a story in the paper. As for the depression, my mother is on Paxil and it seems to work for her, all anti-depressants effect everone differently so unfortunately you have to try, try, try until you find the right one. Depression with this disease is common and your mom should know she is not alone. Good luck. You also might want to check out the caregivers section.