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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ClearSkies on November 18, 2006, at 22:42:36
Or anything that doesn't involve ingesting a supplement, herb, prescribed medication, addictive substance (you get the idea, something that doesn't need chemical assistance)...
...that will help me untighten my constricted-feeling throat. It is so uncomfortable and disruptive. It shows up like clockwork (ha!) when I am approaching nighttime. Taking something to help me sleep doesn't do a thing for the anxiety; I just fall alseep feeling like my throat is all tight and blocking deep breaths.
Thanks for any suggestions.
ClearSkies
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 19, 2006, at 5:40:36
In reply to Seeking effective relaxation exercise, maybe?, posted by ClearSkies on November 18, 2006, at 22:42:36
Funny you should say that, I was feeling that exact same thing last night, in fact I have a slight fear that my throat is going to swell and I'm going to die.
I have a tube which I keep handy, it seems to help relieve this fear somewhat, as if it really is going to swell up, then I'll just shove the tube down and voila!
I realise that this is all in my head, but that doesn't help much.
Well I guess you could try some essential oils, lavender is good for relaxation, get an oil burner.... hmmm... you could buy some relaxation tape or something? I personally don't have any, although my mother has alot.
I'm sure that others here will have some good ideas.
Kiknd regards
Meri
Posted by madeline on November 19, 2006, at 15:54:31
In reply to Seeking effective relaxation exercise, maybe?, posted by ClearSkies on November 18, 2006, at 22:42:36
That is a really unusual symptom. I don't think I have ever heard of it before.
Why do you think you get it?
Maddie
Posted by ClearSkies on November 19, 2006, at 18:10:47
In reply to Re: Seeking effective relaxation exercise, maybe?, posted by madeline on November 19, 2006, at 15:54:31
> That is a really unusual symptom. I don't think I have ever heard of it before.
>
> Why do you think you get it?
>
> MaddieI've had this throat-closed off feeling during panic attacks, and it's part of my general anxiety portfolio :-\
It used to happen in my sleep. Now it's definitely connected to the pressure I put on myself to fall asleep without pills or substances. If I do drop off on my own I can't stay under for more than 90 minutes.Last night I finally gave in to it, just kind of laid there feeling pitiful, and I said to myself, "that's it. This will never go away. There's nothing I can do to make it better." With that surrender came some release from the anxiety.
I take so many deep breaths, you'd think I was in training to be a sponge diver.
Posted by madeline on November 19, 2006, at 18:47:22
In reply to Re: Seeking effective relaxation exercise, maybe? » madeline, posted by ClearSkies on November 19, 2006, at 18:10:47
i know you want to stay off pills and the like, but have you tried an anti-histamine?
Honestly, what you are describing appears to be more like an allergic reaction than anxiety. And acute allergies can sometimes mimic anxiety - heart racing, shaking etc...
But there is another explanation. Sometimes acid reflux can make it feel as though your throat is closing off. The irritation can cause mild spasms in the esophagus and pain in the back of the throat. Try taking a pepcid complete before bed.
Also, do you have a pdoc/therapist? I would definately talk about this symptom with a health care provider. It's not that I think there is something horrible going on, but I suspect that, if you can get someone to listen, there might be an easy fix.
Keep me posted please.
As far as relaxation exercises, I have a gigantic exercise ball. Before going to bed, I usually roll around a bit on it. I look so ridiculous that it helps me not to take everything that's going on so seriously.
ALso, maybe something warm to drink before bed would help relax your throat.
Love to you
Maddie
Posted by ClearSkies on November 20, 2006, at 5:08:28
In reply to Re: Seeking effective relaxation exercise, maybe? » ClearSkies, posted by madeline on November 19, 2006, at 18:47:22
Yes, I have addressed this with my pdoc and my therapist. It comes and goes according to some obvious stressors, so maybe an allergy is being aggravated?? Also, I don't even get heartburn; is acid reflux likely, then?
Pdoc has had me on xanax in the past (2 1/2 years). I weaned off of it almost a year ago, and the anxiety has been mostly manageable since then. I have had periods of experiencing none at all. I can understand why she'd want me to work on the therapy aspect of it.
It does seem to be something that I can help lessen with determined effort, mostly by confronting its awfulness. Antihistamines can make me super hyper - a bad thing on top of anxiety.
Thanks so much, Maddie - you are a peach!
Posted by madeline on November 20, 2006, at 6:38:46
In reply to Re: Seeking effective relaxation exercise, maybe? » madeline, posted by ClearSkies on November 20, 2006, at 5:08:28
acid reflux can (and often does) present in the absence of heartburn. Not only that, but it can result from anxiety! Pepcid is available over the counter. I would consider taking one about an hour before bed and seeing if it helps. If not, you can always not take it.
Anti-histamines can sometimes freak me out as well, but claritin seems to do so less than benadryl.
Do you have any sinus problems or chronic congestion?
Maddie
Posted by ClearSkies on November 20, 2006, at 11:44:02
In reply to Re: Seeking effective relaxation exercise, maybe? » ClearSkies, posted by madeline on November 20, 2006, at 6:38:46
> Do you have any sinus problems or chronic congestion?
>
> MaddieBig-time. My ears always feel like they have to "pop" like when you're in an elevator or a plane. I used to take Sudafed for them but that makes me hyper too.
If all this stuff cranks me up, why am I so tired?I think I will ask for an entire head replacement. That should take care of ALL my problems.
I'm going to see an ears nose and throat person in the new year (I just can't deal with yet another doctor right now). My GP is completely useless, just calls in prescriptions for antibiotics whenever I call with a sinus complaint.
CS
Posted by tealady on November 20, 2006, at 19:18:17
In reply to Re: Seeking effective relaxation exercise, maybe? » madeline, posted by ClearSkies on November 19, 2006, at 18:10:47
> > That is a really unusual symptom. I don't think I have ever heard of it before.
> >
> > Why do you think you get it?
> >
> > Maddie
>
> I've had this throat-closed off feeling during panic attacks, and it's part of my general anxiety portfolio :-\
> It used to happen in my sleep. Now it's definitely connected to the pressure I put on myself to fall asleep without pills or substances. If I do drop off on my own I can't stay under for more than 90 minutes.
>
> Last night I finally gave in to it, just kind of laid there feeling pitiful, and I said to myself, "that's it. This will never go away. There's nothing I can do to make it better." With that surrender came some release from the anxiety.
> I take so many deep breaths, you'd think I was in training to be a sponge diver.
>
>
>nah, consider training to be a pearl diver.. more distinguished or something!
Have you also considered B1?
I suspect it helped my breathing,enough to allow me to try the exrecises anyway, but I can't find much about it.
http://tealady-health.blog.co.uk/2006/09/22/b1_mechanism_of_action~1149571
Posted by madeline on November 21, 2006, at 6:51:52
In reply to Re: Seeking effective relaxation exercise, maybe? » madeline, posted by ClearSkies on November 20, 2006, at 11:44:02
I thought you might have some sinus problems. And probably chronic post nasal drip. That can also irritate the throat.
Good luck at the ear nose and throat doc, but, as I'm sure you know, sinus problems are the devil to get rid of.
Keep me posted about your progress.
Maddie
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