I suffered from anxiety and mild panic for years. I finally conquered it with deep breathing. I felt invincible...that I could handle anything.

When my nose stopped working, and my breathing was affected, I became unable to take those controlled breaths. I lost the ability to take that deep satisfying, relaxing breath.

The breathing I do most of the time is shallow and rapid. I can't do any better. Sometimes if I get a bit more nasal resistance, and pull my face to engage a nasal valve, I can get a deep breath that feels ok. But, then things shift and I can't do it again.

I am trying to find a way to control my breathing. It is now very difficult to bring myself back from the rapid, shallow breathing that I find myself doing. I can't exert myself much because the simple act of walking or talking sets it off.

It is also difficult to bring myself back from panic when the breathing gets really out of control, because the coping skill I had is physically not available.

I have not found anyone who can advise me. But, I know that there must be a way.

I have tried breathing through my mouth, but that always ends in hyperventilation. IT did before the surgery when I could not breath through my nose, and it still does now. In fact, breathing through my mouth now seems even worse. I feel as though I am getting more air in my nose unwillingly which adds to the total. I have tried blocking my nose while breathing through my mouth  and I can feel a difference. In any event. breathing through my mouth is not an option.