Aa
19 free from Oxcodone, but.....
My anxiety is off the charts the last two days. Have been trying to taper down on the clonazapam. Only started using it 3 days into detox. Was taking 2....2-1/2. Tapered to 1-1/2 over the last week. Now down to I can't even leave the house. Went to the Dollar Store with my daughter to get some things for her and the my grandaughter. I couldn't hack it. Had to get out....I was almost yelling at her to get the DAMN STUFF so we could leave. Just wanted to get back here to my house. Is this post detox or from tapering the Klonapin...?
.I mean what the @#$%?! Days 7 thru 15 I was really feeling good. Now I'm a wreck. Smoking like a chimney....and REALLY wanting something to take the edge off. almost panic attack level. a drink would be nice but I quit that crap 2 years ago. No desire to go back. I swear it's good I got no access to opiates right now because I would use. Not even gonna lie. I might be an a$$hole but I'm an honest one.....SMH...Discouraged, and that's putting it kindly.
Peace
.I mean what the @#$%?! Days 7 thru 15 I was really feeling good. Now I'm a wreck. Smoking like a chimney....and REALLY wanting something to take the edge off. almost panic attack level. a drink would be nice but I quit that crap 2 years ago. No desire to go back. I swear it's good I got no access to opiates right now because I would use. Not even gonna lie. I might be an a$$hole but I'm an honest one.....SMH...Discouraged, and that's putting it kindly.
Peace
Best Answer
You guys made me laugh sooo hard I might need those pj jeans!!!!
Just for that jim I am going to give this moose a big kiss! It is dumping snow right now..Not going to tell u what I have been wearing to day..Have not even went anywere but to wipe off snow from the 2 satalites. I can not believe I can still get internet. OMG forbid if the Dish goes out!!!
Keep on truckin forward and do NOT look back..
I like this post jimmi we all are still riding it. Now we are getting goofey which LAUGHTER IS THE KEY. I find myself doing this all the time now that I am clean. Hey also there was a program that was selling the old 60 music, man I knew all the songs and all the words. WOW my brain is healing slowly but it feels great to be back..
vickie
Just for that jim I am going to give this moose a big kiss! It is dumping snow right now..Not going to tell u what I have been wearing to day..Have not even went anywere but to wipe off snow from the 2 satalites. I can not believe I can still get internet. OMG forbid if the Dish goes out!!!
Keep on truckin forward and do NOT look back..
I like this post jimmi we all are still riding it. Now we are getting goofey which LAUGHTER IS THE KEY. I find myself doing this all the time now that I am clean. Hey also there was a program that was selling the old 60 music, man I knew all the songs and all the words. WOW my brain is healing slowly but it feels great to be back..
vickie
LOL!!!! You ARE a hoot.
Homemade netti pot? Oh boy! Well, I GUESS maybe you could consider that a distraction.
:0)
Homemade netti pot? Oh boy! Well, I GUESS maybe you could consider that a distraction.
:0)
Lol I've been in my tony the tiger pjs all day....no diaper though. Have changed a few today though. I'm thinkin if I don't feed my grand daughter.....she won't......naw that won't work. Anyway, Afrin is the very last resort. I'm getting on line to figure out how to make a homemade neti pot.....this should be intesting. Thanks for all the advice.
Jimi
Jimi
Here's an idea...have you seen the As Seen On TV ads for the ear wax vacuum? Bet that would work wonders for your nose too!! ;0)
(Disclaimer....please do not stick any type of vacuum product, dustbuster, or otherwise up your nose) ;0)
I can almost picture you, Breathe Right strips all accross your nose, Netti-Pot, Ear/Sn*t sucker in your nostril. While I feel for you, I have to admit you made me feel better about my diapered/pajama jean wearing behind.
Now, go clean a closet!!! NO Afrin!!! (kidding btw, if you REALLY think it will help, then by all means, Afrin it is!)
(Disclaimer....please do not stick any type of vacuum product, dustbuster, or otherwise up your nose) ;0)
I can almost picture you, Breathe Right strips all accross your nose, Netti-Pot, Ear/Sn*t sucker in your nostril. While I feel for you, I have to admit you made me feel better about my diapered/pajama jean wearing behind.
Now, go clean a closet!!! NO Afrin!!! (kidding btw, if you REALLY think it will help, then by all means, Afrin it is!)
No to Afrin then I take it lololol! Neti Pot? Trying to find one. I got a buch of those neilmed packets but no way to use the. SMH hahaha! Can't win!
Distraction!!! Clean out a few closets, read the phone book, whatever you have to do my friend. It really DOES help!
Lol Yeah I gotta keep a positive attitude or I'd just quit. Idk what the hell happened. This, with my condition, was my biggest fear during CT. But it never happened. Until now.....when I was having a good day breathing wise. I've tried saline and Breathe-right strips so far. Just half plugged but it is defeating my hard work. And anxiety is creeping in. Thinking of going to get some afrin. And that is somewhere I don't want to go. Been down that road and fought that battle, But I'm pretty sure I'll be deperate enough to run to maverick and get some soon.....arrrrgh!
You have such a wonderful attitude though. Being able to laugh at the ridiculous things that you deal with is wonderful. That has helped me along the way bigtime.
Just to give you an example, and let you laugh at someone else for a minute...I'll share some terribly embarrassing (yet true) info.
I'm a self prophesed poop-a-phobe. Yes, indeedy. My panic-related phobia relates to the EXTREME urgency of number 2 that comes along with a panic attack. God forbid I ever have a panic attack too far away from a BR (and by too far I mean more than about 2 foot...lol)...oh boy...forget about it. I think I probably have the toughest bum cheek muscles in North America.
And just like any other anxiety-induced fear, that causes the MOST anxiety in me, and makes me "what if" until my head hurts. "What if I soil myself?" "What if I have an accident while trying to find a bathroom?". And I tell you, when you worry about something long enough...soon, very strange things become normal in your head. Like, sure, it's TOTALLY normal for a 40 yr old woman to consider wearing adult diapers, preventatively. Sure, sure sure. Thankfully, I haven't gotten to that point yet...although if I ever do, I have the PERFECT pair of pants picked out for my diaper-wearing outings...pajama jeans!! It's like they were MADE for me...comfort, durability and style...all rolled up in one...perfect incontinent pants.
Mind you, in the decades I've been worrying about this, it's never ever happened. Just like the person who worries about a heart attack, or falling over, or passing out, or being locked away in a psych facility (they DO have incontinent briefs there, don't they?)...seldom do these things REALLY ever get as bad as we imagine them to be...(that's called catastrophizing, btw...imagining the worst case scenario).
So, while this is all TMI, I don't mind sharing....it's important to know that there are lots of other "normal" (as normal as that can be..lol) people who struggle with the crap (ah!! pun not intended!!! Now I'm getting nervous...lol) that anxiety and panic bring us. I've come a long way, but I also have accepted that this is one worry that's always going to be a package deal with my panic. And, since I've learned to laugh about it a little bit, it takes some of the scariness and patheticness out of it for me. My dearest hubby has even joined in, and we've had some good laughs. For instance, he laughs that every one of our vehicles comes standard with a spare roll of TP. Some people have a security blanket...some people have a roll of Charmin. Tis life! ;0)
Just to give you an example, and let you laugh at someone else for a minute...I'll share some terribly embarrassing (yet true) info.
I'm a self prophesed poop-a-phobe. Yes, indeedy. My panic-related phobia relates to the EXTREME urgency of number 2 that comes along with a panic attack. God forbid I ever have a panic attack too far away from a BR (and by too far I mean more than about 2 foot...lol)...oh boy...forget about it. I think I probably have the toughest bum cheek muscles in North America.
And just like any other anxiety-induced fear, that causes the MOST anxiety in me, and makes me "what if" until my head hurts. "What if I soil myself?" "What if I have an accident while trying to find a bathroom?". And I tell you, when you worry about something long enough...soon, very strange things become normal in your head. Like, sure, it's TOTALLY normal for a 40 yr old woman to consider wearing adult diapers, preventatively. Sure, sure sure. Thankfully, I haven't gotten to that point yet...although if I ever do, I have the PERFECT pair of pants picked out for my diaper-wearing outings...pajama jeans!! It's like they were MADE for me...comfort, durability and style...all rolled up in one...perfect incontinent pants.
Mind you, in the decades I've been worrying about this, it's never ever happened. Just like the person who worries about a heart attack, or falling over, or passing out, or being locked away in a psych facility (they DO have incontinent briefs there, don't they?)...seldom do these things REALLY ever get as bad as we imagine them to be...(that's called catastrophizing, btw...imagining the worst case scenario).
So, while this is all TMI, I don't mind sharing....it's important to know that there are lots of other "normal" (as normal as that can be..lol) people who struggle with the crap (ah!! pun not intended!!! Now I'm getting nervous...lol) that anxiety and panic bring us. I've come a long way, but I also have accepted that this is one worry that's always going to be a package deal with my panic. And, since I've learned to laugh about it a little bit, it takes some of the scariness and patheticness out of it for me. My dearest hubby has even joined in, and we've had some good laughs. For instance, he laughs that every one of our vehicles comes standard with a spare roll of TP. Some people have a security blanket...some people have a roll of Charmin. Tis life! ;0)
Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. After my 1 and a 1/2 mile jog I was feeling good. Breathing easy. Then I get in the bath and something, soap...dirt...idk...causes my nose to stuff up. God I can't win for losing. I am truly self defeating lol. So this will be a step backwards. I hate my freakin allergies. Anyway...I'll definitely check this out.
Peace and again, many thanks.
Jimi
Peace and again, many thanks.
Jimi
WOW nursegirl that was some HOT INFO I came back to jimmi post because my mom deals with this. Alot of dr I work around do not even know this info they just want to keep giving her the benzo and I read somewhere that long use of anxiety pills will end up giving you more anxiety then you had.......
God Bless us all
THANKS
vickie
God Bless us all
THANKS
vickie
Oh yes!! That's fantastic! Exercise is one of the best things for anxiety. Now, if you told me you were JUST going to go out and start running, heck no! Because obviously then you WOULD be very short of breath, and that would probably trigger the HVS more.
Since you're a runner, you can take advantage of something. Next time you run, after you're done, pay close attention to your body, how your heart feels, along with the rapid breathing. You could even write down how you're feeling in a little journal (I know, journals are for GIRLS! LOL)
That's a great idea, because it sort of gives the brain a "default" to remember. When you feel dyspneic with the HVS, you can compare the sensations and remind yourself that what you're feeling is psychosomatic more than anything. When you have a more severe episode of HVS, again, take a minute to write down some details. Eventually, if you do that enough, you'll be able to pinpoint very clear differences...and be able to better compare the two. That gives your brain reassurance that your symptoms with the HVS is NOT a TRUE labored breathing issue...at least that way, the panic doesn't worsen with the HVS symptoms. What has to happen is you have to stop it in its tracks, and the best way to approach that is from the anxiety angle (versus trying to "treat" the breathing symptoms). The more detailed your descriptions, the better.
This is a similar premise that docs sometimes use, they will have a patient induce a REAL hyperventilation situation, so that there is that comparison for the patient (and the patient's brain) to make. Then, when the symptoms occur again, the person can refer back to the induced hyperntilation sensations, and usually that will help a lot. For you to do the same thing with comparing your rapid respiratory rate from running...it accomplishes the same thing...you have something to refer to that basically "discredits" the anxiety-induced symptoms.
Of course, as with any kind of anxiety, distraction and staying busy is your friend! The more you just sit and focus on how you're feeling, the worse you'll feel. Just try to be a little kind to yourself right now...as your increase in anxiety IS very much related to the tapering of the Klonopin. It will improve.
How long have you been dealing with panic? Do you think your oxy use was a way to self medicate for the anxiety? That's all too common. The good news is...there ARE many different ways to address panic and anxiety. Have you ever tried a medication, like an SSRI? I know that's a bit of a controversial subject for an addict, as many will say that isn't a lot different than self medicating with anything else, you are altering your brain chemistry, however, I'm a firm believer in the need to treat anxiety...even if it means a person has to take an antidepressant for the rest of their lives. An addict who self medicated for an anxiety disorder or depression seldom ends up abusing an antidepressant.
I was diagnosed with panic disorder at 18, and Zoloft and therapy literally gave me my life back. I was at the point where I basically housebound, the panic was so bad. If you have never entertained the idea of taking a med, you could always ask your PCP for a referral to a psychiatrist to discuss it. That would be good too, because you could share your addiction history as well, and if you were being managed on a med, you would be more closely monitored by someone other than yourself. Plus, since you're not really easily able to access a therapist, a med may be a reasonable option. Something to think about anyway.
Here are a few resources that I think are pretty good. Now, SOME sites are completely free, some offer a portion of their resources for free, but charge to have full access to more exercises. Obviously, stay away from any site that is offering a "cure". I especially love the ones that offer a cure for anxiety in like 3 days. Oh gee! I've wasted how many decades on anxiety when YOU people have the answers that will cure me in 3 days? RATS! LOL
The one link is great...it lists a whole bunch of different sites, what each offers, and if there is payment required. The MoodGym site is a good one, but there is a cost involved. Anything that offers workbooks, interactive exercises, and trackers is a good starting place.
Another GREAT option is to have your doc or therapist REFER you to an online program. A really good one is Fear Fighter. You actually would GET some online therapy sessions, along with lots of other useful tools. That's why if you could get hooked up with the right professional, you could have access to more resources.
Check out Fear Fighter here (to get a basic idea):
http://www.fearfighter.com/
Multiple Links:
http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/links2.htm
Pretty decent site:
http://serene.me.uk/
Getting your anxiety and panic to a more manageable level is absolutely possible...it will just take some time and some work (and patience, which us anxious people have very little of). Too many people think they can just go to therapy once a month and should be better. Sadly, doesn't work that way...people have to put in some work themselves in order to change that mindset. Anxiety treatment will help you so much with your addiction issues too, and vice versa. Treating one will help the other, no doubt.
Feel free to PM me if you ever have any anxiety questions, or need something. Hope you feel better soon!
Since you're a runner, you can take advantage of something. Next time you run, after you're done, pay close attention to your body, how your heart feels, along with the rapid breathing. You could even write down how you're feeling in a little journal (I know, journals are for GIRLS! LOL)
That's a great idea, because it sort of gives the brain a "default" to remember. When you feel dyspneic with the HVS, you can compare the sensations and remind yourself that what you're feeling is psychosomatic more than anything. When you have a more severe episode of HVS, again, take a minute to write down some details. Eventually, if you do that enough, you'll be able to pinpoint very clear differences...and be able to better compare the two. That gives your brain reassurance that your symptoms with the HVS is NOT a TRUE labored breathing issue...at least that way, the panic doesn't worsen with the HVS symptoms. What has to happen is you have to stop it in its tracks, and the best way to approach that is from the anxiety angle (versus trying to "treat" the breathing symptoms). The more detailed your descriptions, the better.
This is a similar premise that docs sometimes use, they will have a patient induce a REAL hyperventilation situation, so that there is that comparison for the patient (and the patient's brain) to make. Then, when the symptoms occur again, the person can refer back to the induced hyperntilation sensations, and usually that will help a lot. For you to do the same thing with comparing your rapid respiratory rate from running...it accomplishes the same thing...you have something to refer to that basically "discredits" the anxiety-induced symptoms.
Of course, as with any kind of anxiety, distraction and staying busy is your friend! The more you just sit and focus on how you're feeling, the worse you'll feel. Just try to be a little kind to yourself right now...as your increase in anxiety IS very much related to the tapering of the Klonopin. It will improve.
How long have you been dealing with panic? Do you think your oxy use was a way to self medicate for the anxiety? That's all too common. The good news is...there ARE many different ways to address panic and anxiety. Have you ever tried a medication, like an SSRI? I know that's a bit of a controversial subject for an addict, as many will say that isn't a lot different than self medicating with anything else, you are altering your brain chemistry, however, I'm a firm believer in the need to treat anxiety...even if it means a person has to take an antidepressant for the rest of their lives. An addict who self medicated for an anxiety disorder or depression seldom ends up abusing an antidepressant.
I was diagnosed with panic disorder at 18, and Zoloft and therapy literally gave me my life back. I was at the point where I basically housebound, the panic was so bad. If you have never entertained the idea of taking a med, you could always ask your PCP for a referral to a psychiatrist to discuss it. That would be good too, because you could share your addiction history as well, and if you were being managed on a med, you would be more closely monitored by someone other than yourself. Plus, since you're not really easily able to access a therapist, a med may be a reasonable option. Something to think about anyway.
Here are a few resources that I think are pretty good. Now, SOME sites are completely free, some offer a portion of their resources for free, but charge to have full access to more exercises. Obviously, stay away from any site that is offering a "cure". I especially love the ones that offer a cure for anxiety in like 3 days. Oh gee! I've wasted how many decades on anxiety when YOU people have the answers that will cure me in 3 days? RATS! LOL
The one link is great...it lists a whole bunch of different sites, what each offers, and if there is payment required. The MoodGym site is a good one, but there is a cost involved. Anything that offers workbooks, interactive exercises, and trackers is a good starting place.
Another GREAT option is to have your doc or therapist REFER you to an online program. A really good one is Fear Fighter. You actually would GET some online therapy sessions, along with lots of other useful tools. That's why if you could get hooked up with the right professional, you could have access to more resources.
Check out Fear Fighter here (to get a basic idea):
http://www.fearfighter.com/
Multiple Links:
http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/links2.htm
Pretty decent site:
http://serene.me.uk/
Getting your anxiety and panic to a more manageable level is absolutely possible...it will just take some time and some work (and patience, which us anxious people have very little of). Too many people think they can just go to therapy once a month and should be better. Sadly, doesn't work that way...people have to put in some work themselves in order to change that mindset. Anxiety treatment will help you so much with your addiction issues too, and vice versa. Treating one will help the other, no doubt.
Feel free to PM me if you ever have any anxiety questions, or need something. Hope you feel better soon!
Well less running than walking lol. But walking at a good clip. I was actually walking a mile on this thing on day 4. It kept me sane...
Jimi
Jimi
Man running is good for everything. It keeps you active and wil help with anxiaty. It also keeps your energy high. That's awesome you are able to run only 19 days in. Having goals, such as weight loss and being healthy, is going to keep you sober too. Keep it up. No one said this was easy. It's just a little bump in the road to success in life.
Yes I would be very interested. More than one person has mentioned to me. I have an appt next week for counseling (did I mention that? memory is shot lately) and I have no idea if they practice it here in Bighorn County. I tried to look some stuff up on it on youtube....but it always ended w/ a sales pitch. Like Butyeko. And that sounds like quackery to me..but what do I know.
But yeah if you have any info that could help out I would appreciate it greatly.
They are firing up the haul trucks in a few week at work and that's when my boss has a spot for me. was hoping he would let me go PT for awhile but the head office wasn't keen. So it's swim.....or sink, when the time comes.
Btw....I run/jog/walk about a mile and 1/2....4-5 times a week. (I would walk out of doors but 10 below is a bit nippy for that) So in your opinion, is this good for my condition? Or just gettin me out of breathe and making it worse. It seems to work out some of the stress. At first I am outta breath but after a hot bath I usually breath better. Any opinion on this?
Thanks so much!
But yeah if you have any info that could help out I would appreciate it greatly.
They are firing up the haul trucks in a few week at work and that's when my boss has a spot for me. was hoping he would let me go PT for awhile but the head office wasn't keen. So it's swim.....or sink, when the time comes.
Btw....I run/jog/walk about a mile and 1/2....4-5 times a week. (I would walk out of doors but 10 below is a bit nippy for that) So in your opinion, is this good for my condition? Or just gettin me out of breathe and making it worse. It seems to work out some of the stress. At first I am outta breath but after a hot bath I usually breath better. Any opinion on this?
Thanks so much!
Anxiaty *****. IMO I would stay away from any kind of benzo. They hide your anxiaty, and as soon as you get off them your anxiaty is still there. Also there is the mental stuff they do to you when your on or off them. Try other techniques like working out or walking. I drink a few beers and that helps some at night. But that could be a slippery slope for some also.
Yeah I'm not sure what that combo would do. But if I sleep...good enough for me.
thanks and god bless you also!
thanks and god bless you also!
I'm familiar with HVS...I too have panic disorder, but luckily that's ONE thing I didn't get. I got some other, not so great things out of the deal though. Yippee!
I feel for you...it stinks! Have you ever tried CBT?
It's good that you're not using the breathing techniques until the panic really starts to get bad. That was what I was trying to say...that it's basically conditioning...and the more a person focuses on a symptom that is caused by anxiety, sometimes, the worse it gets. There are docs and therapists who are firm believers in the necessity of retraining the breathing, and others who think that's detrimental. Depends on the severity of the HVS too. You are FAR from alone...more than 50% of people with panic disorder experiences HVS to some degree. I'd say it's one of THE most commonly discussed symptom in the anxiety forum.
Tapering off the Klonopin is definitely going to exacerbate that for a while, but it will get better again. If you haven't, see if you can find a therapist who specializes in CBT. I apologize if I mentioned that before...are you the one who said you live real far from any kind of therapist?
If so...there are a few great sites that explain the CBT techniques. Let me know if you're interested. Hang in there!!!
I feel for you...it stinks! Have you ever tried CBT?
It's good that you're not using the breathing techniques until the panic really starts to get bad. That was what I was trying to say...that it's basically conditioning...and the more a person focuses on a symptom that is caused by anxiety, sometimes, the worse it gets. There are docs and therapists who are firm believers in the necessity of retraining the breathing, and others who think that's detrimental. Depends on the severity of the HVS too. You are FAR from alone...more than 50% of people with panic disorder experiences HVS to some degree. I'd say it's one of THE most commonly discussed symptom in the anxiety forum.
Tapering off the Klonopin is definitely going to exacerbate that for a while, but it will get better again. If you haven't, see if you can find a therapist who specializes in CBT. I apologize if I mentioned that before...are you the one who said you live real far from any kind of therapist?
If so...there are a few great sites that explain the CBT techniques. Let me know if you're interested. Hang in there!!!
I always like what nursegirl says sounds like we both are or was in the same profession. I started to sing out loud. I was able to be around my music friends and went camping and sang and sang. My anxitety came down from the moon ended up on the earth so I would not be in a house.This was in oct when I was heading into 40 days. I sooo feel for you what a drag....... I came home and gave this to the moose!!!Just kidding..
Hey thinks for the check I was not sure what all the stars and check were about until I got a couple of pm. I think it is funnie but cute.
God Bless you hand in.
PS I would talk to DR not sure if its a good idea to take the clonidine (bp) while you are still on the clonazepam (benzo) I only took it for those 2 weeks at night because it made me to dopey during the day.
vickie
Hey thinks for the check I was not sure what all the stars and check were about until I got a couple of pm. I think it is funnie but cute.
God Bless you hand in.
PS I would talk to DR not sure if its a good idea to take the clonidine (bp) while you are still on the clonazepam (benzo) I only took it for those 2 weeks at night because it made me to dopey during the day.
vickie
Thanks to all for the support and suggestions. I am going to try the Clondadine and taper off the Klonalin. I have only been using it daily for 2 1/2 weeks. Wish I would have never touched the crap.
nursegirl - I only use the breathing technique during panic episodes and to learn to breath properly. I need to retrain my breathing....to breathe thru my nose and use my diaphragm. Somewhere along the line I became a chest and mouth breather (I do have allergies) Let me explain my breathing problem. It's a cyclical thing and maladaptive behavior. Sleep resets my breathing so in the a.m. I am fine. I can get that deep sigh. But then I start thinking about it and I need another.....and another....and I'll continue this till suddenly I can't. Then I'll try to yawn...if that doesn't work I begin to feel breathless and panic, which of course exacerbates it. I try harder....my chest feel like there is a belt strapped around it.
It's like I am ADDICTED to that full, satisfying breath. I get one and I MUST have another! I sigh and yawn all day long. And it all stated one morning on the way to work when I couldn't yawn. Before that I was an avg stressed out, but otherwise normal, happy guy with a great family and an awesome job. I rarely even thought about my breathing. Now I'm a wreck. Trying to sell of stuff like my horse and my firebird (my prized possession btw) to keep paying the bills.
My greatest hope was that this was all related to the pain pills....and would disappear after I got clean. I was dead wrong. A good workout on the treadmill will make me feel better but it comes and goes. One moment it is effortless....the next it is impossible. So frustrating. I am almost at the end of that proverbial rope. I see no end and no way of fixing it. And I dwell on it almost every waking minute.. Does any of this make sense? Anyway, thanks as always for the help.
Getting a full breath....my new addiction....god I'm hopeless.
Jimi
nursegirl - I only use the breathing technique during panic episodes and to learn to breath properly. I need to retrain my breathing....to breathe thru my nose and use my diaphragm. Somewhere along the line I became a chest and mouth breather (I do have allergies) Let me explain my breathing problem. It's a cyclical thing and maladaptive behavior. Sleep resets my breathing so in the a.m. I am fine. I can get that deep sigh. But then I start thinking about it and I need another.....and another....and I'll continue this till suddenly I can't. Then I'll try to yawn...if that doesn't work I begin to feel breathless and panic, which of course exacerbates it. I try harder....my chest feel like there is a belt strapped around it.
It's like I am ADDICTED to that full, satisfying breath. I get one and I MUST have another! I sigh and yawn all day long. And it all stated one morning on the way to work when I couldn't yawn. Before that I was an avg stressed out, but otherwise normal, happy guy with a great family and an awesome job. I rarely even thought about my breathing. Now I'm a wreck. Trying to sell of stuff like my horse and my firebird (my prized possession btw) to keep paying the bills.
My greatest hope was that this was all related to the pain pills....and would disappear after I got clean. I was dead wrong. A good workout on the treadmill will make me feel better but it comes and goes. One moment it is effortless....the next it is impossible. So frustrating. I am almost at the end of that proverbial rope. I see no end and no way of fixing it. And I dwell on it almost every waking minute.. Does any of this make sense? Anyway, thanks as always for the help.
Getting a full breath....my new addiction....god I'm hopeless.
Jimi
I wanted to post a clarification, so there's no confusion.
Jimi, I would never suggest you stop your pursed lip breathing all together...I'm not sure how frequently you do that, if it's only when the panic has climixed, or if you immediately employ that technique when you start feeling anxiety elevate.
My suggestion was more for the cases when you're starting to feel that anxiety getting worse. If you are doing to pursed lip breathing right away, my suggestion is to perhaps try some distraction instead for a while, versus jumping into that right away.
Understand that there are lots of different theories behind techniques for anxiety treatment. There is validity to all of them, and a lot of times it ends up being what works best for that person. I just know that indeed, something like controlled breathing causes a person to concentrate and focus on the breathing itself, which for some people, can exacerbate anxiety.
I know that many times on the anxiety forum, we've made similar suggestions (in similar circumstances)...and a lot of the people who tried some changes in their technique, relying a little less on the breathing techniques, noticed some improvements in their anxiety. The biggest report was that the anxiety didn't continue to worsen as much as it had been...and also, people reported that their breathing symptoms were less troublesome after a few weeks of making some adjustments to their coping mechanisms.
Anyway...just wanted to clarify. I didn't want anyone thinking I meant for Jimi to completely change what he's been doing! It was just a recommendation. :0)
Jimi, I would never suggest you stop your pursed lip breathing all together...I'm not sure how frequently you do that, if it's only when the panic has climixed, or if you immediately employ that technique when you start feeling anxiety elevate.
My suggestion was more for the cases when you're starting to feel that anxiety getting worse. If you are doing to pursed lip breathing right away, my suggestion is to perhaps try some distraction instead for a while, versus jumping into that right away.
Understand that there are lots of different theories behind techniques for anxiety treatment. There is validity to all of them, and a lot of times it ends up being what works best for that person. I just know that indeed, something like controlled breathing causes a person to concentrate and focus on the breathing itself, which for some people, can exacerbate anxiety.
I know that many times on the anxiety forum, we've made similar suggestions (in similar circumstances)...and a lot of the people who tried some changes in their technique, relying a little less on the breathing techniques, noticed some improvements in their anxiety. The biggest report was that the anxiety didn't continue to worsen as much as it had been...and also, people reported that their breathing symptoms were less troublesome after a few weeks of making some adjustments to their coping mechanisms.
Anyway...just wanted to clarify. I didn't want anyone thinking I meant for Jimi to completely change what he's been doing! It was just a recommendation. :0)
YES nursegirl. WE do put our bodys threw alot of STRESS when we go threw our detox Don,t we??. I like what is said. I always remember all the years I used is only short time to get better. Someone once told me in the beginning take the pain, anxiety, ect ect. and remember it before you pick up that substance to use again. They say the second time around for w/d are even worse??? Everyone always told me too BREATH...
God be with us all!!!!
vickie
God be with us all!!!!
vickie
I hear you for sure! I'm only 5 days but my anxiety is pretty out of control. I'm not sure what to do about it, but am glad I am not using. I called my dr and let him know but havent heard back. keep posting, and let me know if you find anything that works!
Anxiety wise, you've got a bit of a double whammy going on. Both the detox off the opiates, and the weaning down off the Klonopin will cause an increase in anxiety. Like sarah said, this is only temporary, it WILL get better, it will just take some time. I think trying the Clonodine is a good idea, I think it would at least take the edge off a bit.
ANYTHING you can do to get your mind off the way you're feeling would be a huge help. The more we sit and think about how our anxiety feels, the worse the sensation is.
I know you said that your anxiety/panic comes in the form of the breathing difficulties (which is actually a very common symptom). While the breathing excercises are commonly recommended (ie the pursed lip breathing)...I'm a firm believer that those kinds of exercises can actually intensify the symptoms, because it makes you focus more on your breathing. I think the LESS you focus on it, the better. That's just my opinion, everyone is different, and certainly, if you feel that works for you, then that's good...just some food for thought. It wouldn't hurt to TRY to skip the exercises for a day and see if you notice any difference.
Just keep reassuring yourself that FEAR is NOT FACT. The FACT is, your breathing is okay, you are not in danger, or anything of the sort...it is your perception thanks to that bast**d anxiety. Fear can cause us to feel such intense physical sensations, to the point where we would think we're having a heart attack. Those are JUST sensations, as awful and as scary as they are, they will not harm you.
Best to you...sure hope you get to feeling better soon. Feel free to post on the anxiety forum as well, if you need some extra support. Sometimes, even just reading the threads, realizing how many people feel the same way, can be so reassuring and comforting.
ANYTHING you can do to get your mind off the way you're feeling would be a huge help. The more we sit and think about how our anxiety feels, the worse the sensation is.
I know you said that your anxiety/panic comes in the form of the breathing difficulties (which is actually a very common symptom). While the breathing excercises are commonly recommended (ie the pursed lip breathing)...I'm a firm believer that those kinds of exercises can actually intensify the symptoms, because it makes you focus more on your breathing. I think the LESS you focus on it, the better. That's just my opinion, everyone is different, and certainly, if you feel that works for you, then that's good...just some food for thought. It wouldn't hurt to TRY to skip the exercises for a day and see if you notice any difference.
Just keep reassuring yourself that FEAR is NOT FACT. The FACT is, your breathing is okay, you are not in danger, or anything of the sort...it is your perception thanks to that bast**d anxiety. Fear can cause us to feel such intense physical sensations, to the point where we would think we're having a heart attack. Those are JUST sensations, as awful and as scary as they are, they will not harm you.
Best to you...sure hope you get to feeling better soon. Feel free to post on the anxiety forum as well, if you need some extra support. Sometimes, even just reading the threads, realizing how many people feel the same way, can be so reassuring and comforting.
Jim, this is a s***storm roller coaster isn't it? Day 27 for me, and ups and downs this week...a few really bad days followed by a great one yesterday. I hate it, never knowing what you'll wake up to, but you've done so great this far. Have been reading your posts, and you've helped all of us with your honesty...hang in there and know that tomorrow can be a better day....you are soooo worth having the feel-good days! I am rooting for you...you have a ton of support here...just vent to us when you need to!
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Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
people get that confused out here.It is non-addictive does not get to the pleasure brain or mess with the chem/transmitter I call them. OH yes I live 50 miles from the canada border and I have LOTS of MOOSE in my yard every winter. They are so differnt looking. I have had alot of experience getting out of there way or when driving down my dirt road you have to wait until they move. If you beep they will charge. We have lots of other animals dear, elk, bear, ect it is Gods land up here if you can survie the snow. One yr we had 6-7 feet The satalite was under the snow. I might put a picture in my profile. Anyway keep posting you will get over it all as you know.
God Bless
vickie