short of breath

Hi Happy Easter to all.

Well I know it is not my pacemaker, and it is me, any suggestions on how to get rid of the short of breath, anxious feeling. Felt like it yesterday, went to bed and even dreamed about being short of breath and woke this morning with it on my mind again.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Jules

2 Comments

Short of breath tips

by harley63 - 2008-03-21 11:03:21

Hi Jules,
When I experience this sensation - short of breath and anxious feelings.. I know that there are few things that I, personally, need to do.. 1) slow down whatever I'm doing, 2) get a better quality of sleep that night, 3) find a way to relax and 4) stop focusing on those 2 sensations. I’m the classic type A personality.. go, go and go some more. Having a MD tell me that I needed to slow down my life style was like hog tying the Taz Mania devil.. I've been able to achieve what I feel is a "slowed down" life style that I'm willing to accept. Only you will know what defines that for you. Try making a journal of what is happening when those sensations occur. This might map out if there are triggers that could be managed or alleviated to reduce the occurrence of the shortness of breath and anxiety.

Good luck and know that your not alone in this journey to find answers/solutions to these concerns.

I am new to PM too!

by Swedeheart - 2008-03-22 02:03:46

Hello Jules,

I see by your profile you received your PM this year. That means you haven't had it all that long.... I have had mine only 3 weeks. I have gone through some really horrible anxiety attacks. However, they are finally settling down. Finding this site and being able to learn more about my pacemaker and how others have reacted to theirs has helped a great deal.

I know sometimes I still feel gloomy or anxious... and it usually is at night when I go to bed. I am having trouble sleeping so my mind starts in. I spoke to my primary care physician and he gave me a short supply of Ativan to help relax me when I need it. It has really helped. He said in a couple months if I am still having trouble we will need to look at what else we can do.

My anxiety has reduced quite a bit as I am finally beginning to feel a little better. I was totally unprepared for the lengthy recovery period ~ especially as my implant was considered "outpatient"...

One of the things I have done is keep detailed notes of how I feel the dates, etc. Then I also take my blood pressure, etc. This gives me something positive to do to feel like I am taking control of my health. I take the list of notes to the doctor when I see him. I feel that if I do have a health/heart/PM problem (not only anxiety) he might be able to "see" it with my notes.

Be sure and post anytime you are anxious... believe me you aren't alone!

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