Question:
I just don't know how to get over this. Remember when Peeps was sick with her sneezing? Well when she sneezes now I get thise burning in my stomach and can't breath, like a panic attack. I go into some kind of shock and can't function and I feel so much fear. This was a LONG LONG time ago but I can't get a grip on this panic attack. How often do your chin sneeze? What is normal? I really NEED to get over this because I make myself so sick when she sneezes. HELP!


Answer:
Courtney, I'm sorry that this is still affecting you, and panic attacks are not something to deal with lightly. Nonetheless, remember to first keep breathing yourself. If this is not your first panic attack when Peeps sneezes, then you know that both of you made it through the last panic attack. You will make it through the next one, too. Getting a "grip" on a panic attack is easier said than done. Count your breaths, and focus on the sound of your breath. Slow each breath down just a bit from the last one, until you are taking big healthy breaths and getting lots of oxygen in your system. We all worry about our pets because they are so important to us, but you can't help Peeps when you are so worried. I'm sending you a big electronic hug, which is the best I can do from way out here!
If Peeps is sneezing after a dust bath, that is pretty normal. Even our wacky chinchillas, who seem to go into blissful states when rolling in dust, can get dust up their cute little noses. Getting it out by sneezing is the most normal thing ever. Some chinchillas are just more sensitive to the dust. I know that some people switch over to sand for those little furballs. I've even heard of chinchillas with allergies, which quite surprised me at first. If you've had the windows open more, and it's been hot and dusty outside, more dust could have been filtering over into Peeps' cage, making her sneeze. There are lots of possible reasons.
Go over to Peeps' cage, give her a scritch, and make both of you feel a little bit better. Let us know how things are going, okay?


Answer:
Thanks for your help. It's not my first panic attack. Your right, we made it through many of them. She was just a tiny little peanut when she got sick. I also think what scares me is I lost a chin, Chucker to pneumonia and she was sooo sick, a horrible experience. Hehe You can hop on your jet and come over here, LOL. The breathing worked. I felt kind of light headed after. I defenitly need to get a grip on this when she does sneeze.
I would actually be suprised if they didn't sneeze after a dust bath. I even sneeze. It's just when Peeps was sick it was an awful experience.
Actually I have a chin, Candy who is allergic to pine bedding so I have to use Aspen. I experimented a bit with it to see if that was the cause and it was.
Hmm I think the windows have been open more. We have had some really strange weather, hot then cold then rainny.
You really have helped me a ton. I can't thank you enough. This little squirt really did a number on me. I just love her so much and I can't stand to see any animal sick or hurt.
I gave Peeps a big hug and she got mad at me, LOL. Little brat! You made me feel much better!


Answer:
Chinnie Girl, not be be rude but I would check w/ a psychiatrist or GP about the panic. this is not to be taken lightly. Good luck.


Answer:
No offence taken. I developed panic disorder when I was with my X beyfriend. He was very abusive and controllong and when I got out of it he stocked me for 2 years. I've been to councelling, group therapy and have a psychatrist. I've come a LONG way and now I can say I am over it but still have panic disorder. I never talk about it because it's kind of embarrousing. Im on meds for anxiety and the meds for my anxiety help with my Fibromyalgia.
I only get panic attacks over Peeps now.


Answer:
Ever since I lost Anya, I get anxious whenever I see any of my chins stretching (which is something she did in the last couple days). It doesn't precipitate a panic attack but I do worry so much that I feel sick. I'm not much help but I wanted to tell you that you shouldn't be embarrassed or feel silly because of this. Maybe you could make a little note each time she sneezes and when you look back, it probably won't be as often as you think it is. My chins sneeze after they've had a bath and sometimes throughout the day depending on what they are doing. I guess it's just like a human sneezing.


Answer:
Oh Courtney, I'm sorry your going through this too.
Kreenish seems to know of what she speaks,easier said!
But doable, and you've done it before is right.
Your breathing is key, and a good cope is too zone out. Find something you truely like to think about, and when an attack happens go there.
Train your brain to go there, and you can.
It's like meditating for folks who don't., or on the run.
Panic attacks happen to many for many reasons. Find a key that works for you.
Next time she sneezes, just say, bless you, breath and zone out for 1 minute.


Answer:
You know, when we cut our finger, we put on a bandage. People ask us, "Hey, what'd ya' do to your finger?" Then we can talk about our pain, and the pain becomes lessened. The problem with mental pain is that it is often not visible, and not talked about enough. The pain stays with us, and never gets to leave. We should NOT be embarassed to talk about being worried, or anxious. I'm great at first aid at school for kids and other people. I care about their pain, but I can keep my distance from their pain. When my father had his first seizure, however, I was nauseous and nearly threw up. I feel the same way when anyone I am emotionally attached to becomes hurt, including any of my chinchillas. I look pretty calm on the outside, but there is definite turmoil underneath!
Courtney, if I helped you at all, I'm very happy. Don't ever feel like you have to do this alone. A counsellor I've worked with told me once, "We can own our fears, or let our fears own us." I'm not sure if that was original to him, but it certainly made sense to me. When I win the lottery (guess I better start buying tickets) I'll buy that jet and come give you a real hug!


Answer:
Candica - what happened to Anya? I don't remember that. When did she pass away? Worrying sure does cause the body some majour stress. I know that sick queezing feeling. I also get a headake and dry mouth and my heart pounds fast and feel tingly - Is that a "true" panic attack? If someone were to walk in they would not notice at all how panicked I was so that's why I never truley believed it was a true panic attack. I really don't know much about it, just know my insides are shivvering and my bones are really tence.
Candice - I had a good chuckle because when you told me to write down how much she sneezes it would be like once a month, LOL. HAHA Im cracking up rolling over here realizing how funny that sounds - I freak for a week over a couple of sneezes once a month. Boy am I a fruit loop. I guess you do have a good point because humans will sneeze a lot one day and the next day there fine. I know some days I sneeze up a storm. If I look at it that way I feel better.
I've done it before, yes. And I will do it again next month but if I look back now from just you guys helping I know I will feel so much better. I already do. It's just so hard when you in that moment. I would have to say my animals are a happy zone out place for me. What relaxes me and maybe what I will try is to go over, sit on my bed and watch my fish and concentrate on breathing. Fish are soothing and relaxing to watch.
You are so right that mental pain is not talked about enough.I think sometimes it's worse then physical pain and harder to heal. I think some people look down on people for not being "sane" and has a bad reputation. That makes a lot of sence and I truly want to own my fears. It just this one itty bitty fear and it's fear for an itty bitty chin. That monkey - I LOVE HER TO PEACES! She's got her mommy all worked up again over a couple of sneezes and I bet she is chuckling inside. I really feel much better and as I was writing this it kind seems silly to be this scared. I mean she is 1 year and 7 months old now - this happened when she was only 3 months old! LOL
Thanks everyone for calming a paranoid mommy down.


Answer:
Anya passed about a month and a half ago.
http://www.pets-on-the-net.com/forum...pic.php?t=5937