MY husband has been having some very odd symptoms. He had blood clots in oct of 2009 that almost killed him. When he went in for a check up 2 months ago, he mentioned some symptoms he was having that he had when he had the clots. The scary thing about all this is that they never found out what caused them. ( I think it was either the chantix or pristiqu he took)
He mostly has this at night: Chest pains, waking up, shooting out of bed. Feeling like he can't breathe, shortness of breath, he also has problems swallowing. He tells me he has a hard time explaining how he feels to the doctor. He does snore, sleeps with his mouth opened, and his mouth is open during the day too, like he is breathing out of it. Could this be sleep apenea? Or reflux? We have had issues with reflux laely, he has needed to take antacids lately.
We also have some added stress over the past few months. I lost my job and just this week, his mother told us she has breast cancer ( her mom and sister passed away from it) BUT the outcome is VERY hopeful. When we talked about it today, he started having pains.
Any ideas?
It sounds like panic attacks to me, exactly like I used to have. He has a lot on his mind and he needs to see the doc and ask about some anti anxiety meds.
I would definitely get it checked out. Anxiety would be something to look into as well.
For reflux, you can put a 2 X 4 under the head of the bed. I know someone that cured their reflux that way. He said that you can not even tell it is raised.
Good luck in 2012
Has he had a complete medical work up? I was having difficulty with shortness of breath as well as difficulty sleeping at night. In the past I've woken up with a scared feeling.
I had several different tests including blood tests. I saw a sleep clinic doctor and learned that snoring alone is not sleep apnea. My bed partner said I never stopped breathing. It's the stopping breathing that indicates the possibility of apnea. If I stopped breathing I would've been tested in the sleep clinic.
After the blood tests, a chest ex-ray, an EKG, I was told that the shortness of breath most likely indicated I was out of shape. I've also gained some weight and I think that contributes to it too.
As for the waking up scared, the doctor suggested taking Valium or Ativan and see if that helped. I was feeling extra stress at the time. I took Ativan for a few weeks which stopped the night anxiety.
The latest difficulty going to sleep and awaking during the night was taken care of by taking Trazadone at bedtime. It's commonly used for sleep. It's not an actual sleep aid, is not addictive, and is worn off before morning so does not result in morning grogginess.
If he has not had a complete medical workup I urge that he make an appointment. All he has to do is list the symptoms as you've listed them here. If nothing else, his and your anxiety will be lessened by knowing that nothing is wrong. If they do find something, there will be a treatment.
He may just need to start taking an anti-anxiety medication to get him thru this stressful time.
BTW since he's having reflux I suggest that he take Prilosec. It provides long term prevention rather than just treating the symptoms. You can buy it over the counter. Reflux can result in chest pains.
I wonder if this is an anxiety attack?
The stress you have been under from your job loss, his mom has breast cancer, his blood clots and the unknown cause....it sounds like anxiety. It can manifest itself in symptoms of heart attack.
Tell his doctor about the episodes with him there with you - as you have witnessed the episodes. Then ask about anxiety medications. There are several mom's here that have anxiety issues and take medication for it.
I'm truly sorry you have lost your job! I hope you get one soon! I hope your MIL survives breast cancer!! I hope they find the reason for the blood clots!
One simple method is to chew your food a long time 50 times for each bite. It helps digestion which helps everything else. You husband needs to go to a meditation class. Meditation will help him to reduce stress and relax. Yoga is another thing that keeps panic attacks and digestive troubles away. It will teach him breathing techniques that make sleep better with fewer episodes of apnea.
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One simple method is to chew your food a long time 50 times for each bite. It helps digestion which helps everything else. You husband needs to go to a meditation class. Meditation will help him to reduce stress and relax. Yoga is another thing that keeps panic attacks and digestive troubles away. It will teach him breathing techniques that make sleep better with fewer episodes of apnea.
It sounds EXACTLY like my DH who was a smoker for too many years, he has COPD & Emphysema. That doesn't mean that is what it is but he needs a thorough exam including but not limited to a stress test & chest Xray. If the reflux that you are both experiencing is severe you should get meds from the Doc or at the very least get the Prilosec OTC, it takes a couple of days to begin to work but will be better on the reflux & your bodies than constantly taking the quickie antacids.
Anxiety and/or panic attacks can be devastating for sleep, another thing to consider since the pains began today when you talked about his mom, another thing to bring up with the Doc.
I hope all is better for your family soon it sounds like you need all the support you can get. Sending Angels & Blessings.
