anxiety, shortness of breath, and PFTs

[ladybug]

Hello.

I am wondering if anyone else has experience with general anxiety (realting to CF or anything in general)? I often get short of breath or feel tight in my chest and docs usually do not know the cause (no drop in lung function, x-ray changes, infections, etc.). It has been happening since I was a freshman in college of and on and seems to get worse when I don't get much sleep the night before or when I have something on my mind or something bothering me. (Almost like a panic attack, but it doesn't involve any other symptoms.)

It also happens everytime I go to take the PFT.... I start feeling really panicky as I breathe into that tube and am supposed to be taking calm breaths.... I usually feel very nervous almost like I"m hyperventilating. Does anyone else get that way doing PFTs? Does it effect the PFTs? I've asked my docs if it effects the PFT if I start kinda panicking (I think I freak out cause I feel like I have to do good and match or surpass my last number). The doc said probably not, but I can't imagine it not effecting a PFT if you feel like your chest is closing right before that big breath in!

Does anyone else experince things like this? I see a therapist and am diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorders, and often my docs have attributed the shortness of breath to these things. I'm just wondering what your thoughts are? Thanks!

<img src="i/expressions/sun.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

Sonia,
Can I relate to what you said! I have said before that I would rather have a root canal than a PFT. I wonder if others feel this way? I'm doing better, but I used to be afraid that if my numbers went down that my doctor would get on me about taking better care of myself, etc. But, my numbers have declined & he really doesn't make a huge deal about it.
NOW it's me that feels the same way as you do about at least having the same FEV1 as last time & if I could improve it, then that would be sweet.
I used to get anxiety while driving & at other times & you're right, the shortness of breath definately was a factor. Now I kind of can sense when it's coming on & I practice the deep breathing & try to think of more pleasant things.
I always tell myself that it's not the end of the world if my numbers are slightly lower. In my opinion, things like allergies, humidity, your monthly cycle, etc. can effect these numbers too. I don't know if the anxiety itself effects PFT's, but it almost seems logical??
You are not alone in your feelings, if that helps<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

yea i got those kind of attacks when on antibiotics 4 tb,{another story}put the panic attacks down to physical overload from drugs,very scary,,,told my doc an he said also that i should see a shrink,made me think he should see one if u no what i mean,cut short my corse of antibiotics and i went back to normal,ie no bad panic attacks,feelling ansixous in the middle of the night an stuff,not very nice ,
sos about spelling,,,,my probs were deff physical

 

[anonymous]

I have a HUGE problem with anxiety/panic attacks and PFT's. My panic attacks started about a year ago after getting way to scared after completing my lung transplant evaluation. My outlook for life seemed so grim after that, that I would just be walking through the grocery store or parking lot and my heart would start racing, tight chest, couldn't catch my breath at all, and I immediately would thnk "my lungs must be failing me". Anyway, my doctors and I figured it out- that it was anxiety. NOw Im on Paxil and that does help after awile. BUT, the PFT's- forget it! I hate them and get so nervous at the mere thought of them. AND I thought I was the only one that felt like this? My doctor now laughs at me and has started to take a small drop in my numbers with not much concern as she now knows that I freak out having to do them. Curious- does your blood pressure increase when you have to do your pft's?? My goes sky high. I feel the exact same way about finding out results, but we can't help it- it is like a performance test and who doesn't want to do well?? Thanks for your story, I feel better knowing this doesn't just happen to me!
LMG 28yrs