Drops, feels like I can't breathe-anyone?

[kikiV]

I want to do splash mountain so bad but when I go on POC and hit the drop, I can't breathe and my head and throat feel all crazy. I don't know how to stop this feeling so that I can start to do some rides. Goofy's roller coaster was not enjoyable although I did it a couple of times.

I am not afraid of rides like we are going to die or anything, just that feeling inside me. I wish it would stop.

Does anyone else have this and how can you overcome it?

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Hmmmmm I don't know. Maybe check your blood pressure? It sounds like you have something going on. One of my friends has to put her head to the side on her shoulder.

 

[SDSorority]

I want to do splash mountain so bad but when I go on POC and hit the drop, I can't breathe and my head and throat feel all crazy. I don't know how to stop this feeling so that I can start to do some rides. Goofy's roller coaster was not enjoyable although I did it a couple of times.

I am not afraid of rides like we are going to die or anything, just that feeling inside me. I wish it would stop.

Does anyone else have this and how can you overcome it?

Yep! I know exactly what you're feeling. My DMIL is a nurse with a heart condition (has a hard time on POTC) and the only way to overcome that is to take a deep breath at the top of the drop, and blow your air out or scream going down the hill. This will keep you from tensing up and holding your breath, causing that throat/head feeling. If I have learned nothing else from my MIL lmao:)... it really helps. This has helped me go on RNRC, Maelstrom (I'm serious!), BTMRR, SM, SPL M, ToT, etc.

 

[iwrbnd]

Do you blow out your nose or mouth? I would love to get rid of that feeling, too, although I'm told that's half the fun!

 

[LeahA]

You might be experiencing a minor anxiety attack. I agree with the previous poster to take some deep breaths, enhale, hold, exhale.

 

[Mickeyfollowers]

I know what you mean. I have gone on Splash M once and havent been on it again. I tried TM and Space M, I like TM and still trying to get use to Space M. I cant go on Space M twice in a row. The first time I rode these rides I was shaking, sweating, and could not enjoy the ride because I didnt know what was coming. On Splash M I held my breath on the big drop even on the little drops inside the ride. When my DS2 is able to ride the rides I might try it again. Space M if I could have seen myself I bet I looked funny. I had my arms wrapped around the bar like a pretzel,and my eye where big as saucer plates. Now you wont catch me on any of the other rollercoasters at Disney. My DH fav one is TOT and is always begging for me to get on even to pay me, no way. Next time I get on Spalsh M I will have to try the screaming thing and just have people look at me like I just lost my marbles. I hope you over come your fears and enjoy the rides.

 

[pickles]

try some bonine "meclizine" motion sickness pills maybe it will help

if that doesnt help the other thing to try is Zyrtec one of those pills are good for a day

Zyrtec helped me..tho I have vertigo

 

[LYNSUE]

From my past experiences with feelings like that, I have found it is brought on by excess tension in the body. Especially the head and throat discomfort.

 

[SuperTink]

It happens to me. It's very unpleasant. The only thing that helped me was screaming. The problem for me is if a second drop comes before I can inhale enough to scream again, or if the drop is too long and I run out of scream. That's pretty much why I have to avoid big drops. But it's been that way since I was a kid so I've accepted it and it's OK.

 

[Nadjalu]

I agree, the absolute best way to get over the "can't breathe" issue is to breathe as normally as possible on the ride until you get to the very top of the hill, then just as you start the creast take a big breath in thru your nose.
As you start down exhale thru your mouth.....all the while screaming, viola no "can't breathe" scenario.

Now as a PP said you could be experiencing a anxiety attack. This is what I have, I get so worked up sometimes I can't breathe correctly and have passed out 2 times on coasters.
So I learned to do breathing exercises to reduce the stress. They teach that in anxiety class, so it sort of is the same thing.

Another thing I have learned is to not think about the drop. Prepare for the drop with the breathing and don't think about it until you are half way up, that way you don't build the anxiety.
Think about where you are, talk with your ride partner about the ride itself, be overly concense about the scenery around you, that will help you to remain calm.

I hope these tips help you. It is miserable when you want to have fun like others but have this issue.
Good luck and remember.............BREATHE......

 

[GiGi30]

It sounds like a classic panic attack. if you want to go the medication route, Clonazepam in a low dose will keep you from feeling that way!

 

[MrsLS]

You might be experiencing a minor anxiety attack. I agree with the previous poster to take some deep breaths, enhale, hold, exhale.

I was going to say the same thing. I get like that. I can't help because I don't go on those type of rides or do but only with little drops, like POTC.