excercise/attacks/shortness of breath - Panic Disorders Message Board

madison55 · 09-03-2002, 07:50 PM

Has anyone ever experienced a panic attack coming on right after exercise or physical exertion? The other day, I had been doing some physical work and became very breathless. I sat down to catch my breath and then got scared about it and a full blown panic attack hit me. I felt like I couldn't get a deep breath. I guess I was bordering on hyperventilating. Anyway, it was bad enough that I had to leave work - the first time that has ever happened

. I even went to the doctor to see if my heart was ok. The doctor said I was OK. Today, I was scared to return to work, but I made it. How miserable!

andreaphilip3 · 09-03-2002, 08:18 PM

madison,

im so sorry. i know what it feels like to have an attack triggered by losing yr breath! i had that happen 2 me last week in the dr office... it was horrible.

bev52 · 09-03-2002, 08:19 PM

Oh Madison, how horrible for you. I think I've had panic attacks in every form imagineable. I'm sorry it brought so much turmoil into your life.
I think this is about the 3rd time tonight that I have suggested these books, so if it sounds like a recording to those posting behind me...I'm sorry.
I bought two books written by Dr Claire Weekes, one entitled "Hope And Help For Nerves," the other, "Peace From Nervous Suffering." I can't recommend one over the other - they are equally informative. Only $6.99 US. She describes all of your symptoms and guides you into knowing how to recover.
Sure hope this is of some help to you.
Bevlep

usul74 · 10-03-2002, 09:29 PM

Madison,

I'm there with you--my panic attacks are usually triggered by exercise. I have developed, over the past few months, a deep fear of having heart problems. Mind you, all tests say that my heart is fine. Still, after I exercise, my chest gets tight, my pulse will not slow, and I have to seriously manage my thoughts or this will result in a panic attack. I've been on a light dosage of Buspar, but my Doc just switched me to Zoloft today. Is this similar to what you're experiencing?

Tamsin · 10-04-2002, 09:51 AM

Madison,

I used to nearly panic after exercise. It's very easy to do because exercise pumps up so much adrenalin into your system that you may be very "prone" in this state. It helped for me to realize what I was doing to myself, breaking it down step by step.

I was at the gym today (funny coincidence) and I got the "thought" that I was laboring too hard on the treadmill. I tried to remember what C. Weekes said about not letting that initial rush of fear turn in to the "What if" stage: "What if I can't breath", "What if my heart gives out?", "What if I faint?" It's the "what if" part that makes you panic. If I had not relaxed at that moment I *would* have started to have trouble breathing (from panic, not because there is anything wrong), and then my heart *would* have started to pound. Weekes teaches you how to ride that first pulse of fear without over-reacting to it. I've used that advice a dozen times since I read her book a week ago. It has really made a difference!

I really recommend Weekes' book(s). I only read the first one: "Hope and Help for Your Nerves", but it tuned the "light bulb" on. If you have been thoroughly checked out by a doctor (sounds like you have) then you have nothing to lose by trying this technique. It is simple (not easy, but simple) and so effective.

Good luck!