Iwood
01-11-2013, 12:59 PM
Hello,
I wanted to post something and see what types of responses I got from the board.
My background:
I have always been on and off with OCD (hand washing-checking to make sure doors are locked-and a weird one always checking to make sure I didn't back over anyone when backing up). I also have had bouts of random weird thoughts that would get stuck in my head for a week or 2.
At the age of 15 I started smoking cigarettes and at 16 marijuana. Basically for the next 14 years I would either smoke weed or drink alchohol. I also became a pack a day smoker around the age of 20. I am now 30 and 6 months ago quit cigarettes, coffee and marijuana. I quit because I ended up in the hospital with what I thought was a heart attack from working out but it was just dehydration (oh you mean I shouldn't have had an extra large coffee and smoked a half a pack of cigs before going to the gym?) I do still have 2-3 beers a couple times a week but not the 12 pack a day I did during college.
When I smoked after the hospital I got panic attacks because my heart would race, then I got them because I was quitting. I said screw it and quit. Then about 2 months into the quit I thought I had COPD because when I am at rest it is sometimes tough to breath. I went to a astham doctor who said-you might have mild asthma, pulmonolgist said-if you can exercise you don't have asthma and a cardiologist who said-see you in 20 years.
I started walking everyday and taking herbal supplements to help and it did. I felt pretty good at about the 3 month mark. I then messed up 2 months ago and smoked a couple cigars and cigarettes and the shortness of breath and anxiety has been with me since. I recently drove from philadlephia to little rock and had a couple mini-anxiety episodes but nothing to bad (one was a delayed reaction from driving in an ice storm). The trip kind of screwed with my bathroom schedule and exercise.
Whenver I feel a cramp or anything in my chest the first thought is OMG am I ok? Yes, you are ok. Had a heart palpation and instant anxiety. Anxiety about anxiety. Anxiety about the shortness of breath etc.I have been seeing a counselor and she has told me it is definitely anxiety. I went to the doctor today during the pre exam the PA asked if I had a heart murmur before. Then the doctor came in and listend to me and I was fine. He also said I am fine to exercise (6'4 200lbs). He said it might not hurt to try lexapro but I am scared of the side effects.
Sorry this is so long- I guess what I am wondering is: 1-is the shortness of breath an anxiety or a quitting smoking issue. 2-chest cramps-working out, not going #2 enough or anxiety. 3-Is it time for me to try the medicine or can I beat this with exercise and herbal products? 4. Chest tightness and palpatations anxiety as well?
Really appreciate your time reading this and thanks in advance for any responses.
Ian
I wanted to post something and see what types of responses I got from the board.
My background:
I have always been on and off with OCD (hand washing-checking to make sure doors are locked-and a weird one always checking to make sure I didn't back over anyone when backing up). I also have had bouts of random weird thoughts that would get stuck in my head for a week or 2.
At the age of 15 I started smoking cigarettes and at 16 marijuana. Basically for the next 14 years I would either smoke weed or drink alchohol. I also became a pack a day smoker around the age of 20. I am now 30 and 6 months ago quit cigarettes, coffee and marijuana. I quit because I ended up in the hospital with what I thought was a heart attack from working out but it was just dehydration (oh you mean I shouldn't have had an extra large coffee and smoked a half a pack of cigs before going to the gym?) I do still have 2-3 beers a couple times a week but not the 12 pack a day I did during college.
When I smoked after the hospital I got panic attacks because my heart would race, then I got them because I was quitting. I said screw it and quit. Then about 2 months into the quit I thought I had COPD because when I am at rest it is sometimes tough to breath. I went to a astham doctor who said-you might have mild asthma, pulmonolgist said-if you can exercise you don't have asthma and a cardiologist who said-see you in 20 years.
I started walking everyday and taking herbal supplements to help and it did. I felt pretty good at about the 3 month mark. I then messed up 2 months ago and smoked a couple cigars and cigarettes and the shortness of breath and anxiety has been with me since. I recently drove from philadlephia to little rock and had a couple mini-anxiety episodes but nothing to bad (one was a delayed reaction from driving in an ice storm). The trip kind of screwed with my bathroom schedule and exercise.
Whenver I feel a cramp or anything in my chest the first thought is OMG am I ok? Yes, you are ok. Had a heart palpation and instant anxiety. Anxiety about anxiety. Anxiety about the shortness of breath etc.I have been seeing a counselor and she has told me it is definitely anxiety. I went to the doctor today during the pre exam the PA asked if I had a heart murmur before. Then the doctor came in and listend to me and I was fine. He also said I am fine to exercise (6'4 200lbs). He said it might not hurt to try lexapro but I am scared of the side effects.
Sorry this is so long- I guess what I am wondering is: 1-is the shortness of breath an anxiety or a quitting smoking issue. 2-chest cramps-working out, not going #2 enough or anxiety. 3-Is it time for me to try the medicine or can I beat this with exercise and herbal products? 4. Chest tightness and palpatations anxiety as well?
Really appreciate your time reading this and thanks in advance for any responses.
Ian