[Huustafa]

Okay, I don't even know if its really a panic attack but its screwing me all up. For the last two years, I have really struggled with this issue while climbing but thus far, have had no medical opinion or treatment as its my last line of defense if all else fails (stupid logic, I'm just not a go to the doc kinda guy). In any case, a couple years ago (while mountain biking, I was on a difficult climb and pushing max HR when suddenly, I was sure I was a goner. Seriously did not think I'd get another breath in and I couldn't calm down. Fortunately my buddy was with me and really helped get me head right and I seemed to get things under control almost as fast as it came on. The problem is that its happened dozens of times since and always during huge exertions and typically climbing. I feel like I have plenty left in the tank but then I start to panic and its a struggle and unbelievably frustrating.

One thing I have started doing is backing off when I feel it coming on but that doesn't work terribly well when racing and makes me nuts since I know that physically, I can go with the guys who I am letting pass. Don't get me wrong, I still finish the climbs in the top 10 riders or so but its not without the price I know Ill pay to that demon that keeps trying to convince me I'm going to die (literally, that's how it feels and its scares the crap outta me).

Does this sound like panic, asthma, or maybe something else? I don't usually get this way, even in fast crits when at the front or sprinting (well, a little sometimes in a sprint but nothing like on a climb).

Can anyone offer some constructive advice on this or do I need to get in and get checked out? FYI, I have never had a panic attack other than in this situation (exertion) and, to the best of my knowledge, I'm not asthmatic.

Someone, please help!

I know this is a very old thread, but I was wondering how you went overcoming/managing this issue?
Its been something thats troubled me in ebbs and flows for around the last 27 years, starting with running and then bleeding over to cycling.
I just tried to expose myself to it, backing off on the intensity as you have been, but as little as possible, always with the intent of building gradually back up to maximum intensity.
On the bike, I find having water handy is important. The panic tends to occur in hot and sometimes humid conditions. I also found syncing my breathing with my pedal stroke (one of the suggestions above) useful.
I saw an NLP woman when it started on the bike and ever since it seems when Im on the brink of panic, I never cross the line and spiral out of control anymore. The anticipation of it happening that you mention is a very real thing!
Anyway, if you found a silver bullet Id be interested to hear about it. Either way I hope you got on top of it.

 

[Ed Special]

I am sure lots of people have told you to go ask a doctor your questions. I will back them up. For serious health problems, a doctor would be at the top of the list for good information, the internet forum at the bottom of the list.