1. < Lung Health

Shortness of breath mystery

Posted by smokeys @smokeys, Aug 10, 2016

I am a 69 y/o female who takes no meds. For years I have had shortness of breath preventing me from being able to walk a block; my hair is also thinning (no indication it is genetic). After screening including Echocardiogram, CAT Scan, MRI, and Chest X-Ray ruling out heart issues, COPD, lung cancer, emphysema, and asthma, I convinced the fifth doctor I tried to order a complete iron screen even though my iron tests came back high. The complete screen showed high results for all except Ferritin which was very low. Until I could see my doctor again, I researched treatments and started taking 10 mg/day bioavailable iron (Bovine Ferritin and as aspartate) which helped somewhat. My oxygen levels went from the 86-88 range to 89-91. My doctor supported the course of action I implemented and suggested taking 20 mg/day which may have helped a bit more. I have moved to another city and have yet to find a new doctor. Even when I do, I am leery about finding one who was as willing as the fifth doctor was to pay attention to my request. Does anyone have any ideas, theories, or experiences that can help me? I want my energetic, wonderful life back!

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Katherine, Alumni Mentor | @katemn | Aug 27, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

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apportee, I can ONLY speak for myself .. but quite frankly I would NEVER work with a doctor who was "not so receptive to patient suggestions". That doctor would be OUT THE DOOR as I quickly started my research for a second opinion. I may be age 73 .. but I am NOT of my parents generation where doctors were "gods" .. and we were to sit reverently at their feet! GARBAGE!! As far as I am concerned .. doctors are my EMPLOYEES .. AND I me THEIR EMPLOYERS!! Enough said and I will get off my soap box .. but it ticks me off when I hear about doctors are still of the old school and will not "work with" the patient. Just my opinion. Katherine

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tdrell | @tdrell | Aug 27, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

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Apportee...not being a trouble maker but reminding you....all my tests except the nuclear scan were normal including the stress test. Terri s

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apportee | @apportee | Aug 28, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

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Thanks @katemn, I agree. I needed that. I will discuss this with my doctor.

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Katherine, Alumni Mentor | @katemn | Aug 28, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

Jump to this post

apportee, you just follow your OWN good instincts. I think sometimes as women we "stuff" our gut instincts .. which is our body/brain telling us what is right for us. My guess is right along your "gut instinct" TOLD you .. you had a funny feeling that your doctor was not "respecting" your opinions .. or just SOMETHING .. your instincts TOLD you .. but as women we stuff them .. tell ourselves '' they are right and WE are wrong". BULL! YOU follow what YOU know you body is telling you! You have lived in that body longer than that doctor has! You KNOW when it is goofy .. NOT what it used to be like. Fight for your body .. so it can take good care of you for the rest of your life! We are given just one body in this lifetime .. it is a partnership .. we take care of it .. it takes care of us! You go girl! Take care of yourself! Sending you a hug! Katherine

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Aug 28, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

Jump to this post

@apportee, I too, have had shortness of breath.. I do not know where you live or any details, but I'll tell you what's happening here for me. I am a liver/kidney transplant recipient 7 years. And being on antirejection meds makes me real nervous when anything changes for me. Well, I'm an avid walker and I enjoy a good hike. This year I have experienced a sudden change in my ability, due to breathlessness. This was especially noticeable on hills where I had to work harder. I went from 4,5,6 miles walks to not making it up the stairs. Frightening situation with hospital observation. Cardiology and pulmonary works ups are excellent. And I did not have any breathlessness during any of those tests. I am thankful that my family physician knows my background and that he was proactive in moving forward. Right now I am being considered to have exercise induced asthma, possibly due to the absolute awful humid yucky air we are having this summer. With daily inhaler, emergency inhaler, and allergy medication, I am hopeful that I may be on road to happy hiking. In the past 3 weeks I have worked back up to 3 mile walks. I keep a diary of my progress and will follow up with pulmonologist in November. I don't have any idea why this came on now; it is not a typical side effect of my meds. I don't know if this information helps you , but it is another thought to consider.
I hope that you get some answers soon. Rosemary

REPLY
heathert | @heathert | Aug 28, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

Jump to this post

Hi @rosemarya I am the same with hills and exercise, with feeling short of breath and am also being treated for very mild asthma and allergies, however I also feel that anxiety and gerd make me more breathless also.I feel my asthma is bought on by anxiety and exertion and cold temps etc.Kathryn has talked of reactive airways. Thanks for your post it sounds so similar to me. I have been like this for a few years now and nothing has got worse, just stays the same.

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Aug 28, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

Jump to this post

Hi @heathert, I can honestly say that I know how you feel. I wish you the best. And I am going to keep in mind @katemn's suggestion about the sputum test in case my progress slows. Rosemary

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Aug 28, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

Jump to this post

@heathert I don't know if asthma is treated differently than exercise induced asthma, might that be a consideration? Rosemary

REPLY
apportee | @apportee | Aug 28, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

Jump to this post

Thanks@katemn.

REPLY
apportee | @apportee | Aug 28, 2016
In reply to @apportee "I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short..." + (show)
@apportee

I also suffer from shortness of breath when going up stairs and just walking a short distance. I have seen a cardiologist, lung specialist and had several test done . But no one have come up with a diagnosis on why I am having shortness of breath when walking. I am 59 yrs old now. Have been bother with this for 2 years now. Do anyone else have any information or input on this? Thanks<br><br>

Jump to this post

Thanks @rosemarya.

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