Yes I relate to not wanting to leave the house, and chain smoking trying to cope with it, its like the devil enjoying making you suffer. But at the time the medication was causing me to have panic attacks. The drugs were no longer working as was causing the problem. I asked them, okay no I told them, hey this is my body, my life, my daughter is on double, now give it to me! his mutterings of his own anxiety. 1, month, my brain started thinking clearly, and fog starting to clear, day by day there was a subtle difference.

I started doing things, i had not done, for 30 years the crippling anxiety gone, replaced with, an enquiring mind, and concentration improved. Its taken three years. Okay, still cant do figurework, or in my head, and takes days to get my brain, in a position to tackle difficult challenges that is needed for a court case.
I have to think about it, try for formulate it, and work out what Im trying to achieve. Really, we used to do something like that, without a hesitation. Now we have been taught, to never talk life for granted, or people again. Because all can be taken away in a heartbeat. Im thankful for the sun coming up each day, and feeling its warmth on my skin. Keep fighting it, Your the survivors.

i get them as well and i take lorazapam as needed and that helps smooth them out

I used to get some bad panic attacks. It got so bad last year I went to the hospital and spent 10 days in a psych hospital. Thankfully they haven't been that bad since then.

Hi. I am a retired respiratory therapist. I have worked with COPD patients for years. A lot of Dr's won't prescribe anything for anxiety because it depresses the nervous system. I think you should tell your Dr that you want to have someone who will listen to what you really want/need. It is time as you say, to discuss the pros/cons. Have they had you in Pulmonary Rehab? It is unacceptable, to me, to have them not giving you something so you can get out and enjoy things. i am sorry that you have such bad attacks. I have had some, but I am sure that it is nothing compared with yours. I don't know if you are that forward, but that is what I would tell my loved ones.