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Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?
Lung Health | Last Active: 6 hours ago | Replies (3526)Comment receiving replies
I'm at the end of my rope with this. I really am.
From about 2012 to 2017 (iirc), I was a pack a day smoker. Very little on and off weed smoking. At some point during 2017, I hit a bong a little too hard multiple times and ended up having a panic attack, vomiting and such. The days following that, I noticed an increased heartbeat, and started noticing my breath getting a little shorter. One afternoon, I got up and started seeing stars. Next thing I knew, I was on the ground.
I brushed it off that night, but got up the next morning unable to get a full breath. Ended up going to a quick care that same day.
They told me I had COPD and then the doctor left. No meds, no recommendations. Nothing. The two weeks that followed had several panic attacks alongside quitting smoking cold turkey.
I'd set up an actual appointment with my doctor but would have to wait two week. But the panic attacks remained. So I ended up going to the ER. Was there for 8 hours, scans, trays, etc. only to be told to COPD again.
Finally went to a doctor. Had breathing tests done, along with blood and urine tests. Came back and was told I had "reactive airways disease". I was given abuterol, told to eat more vegetables, and get more active. Along with saying that there was some dander, dog fur, and cockroach (had an inspection and there was nothing for any bugs, but I've long since moved) in my blood All of which I did. Which is hard given I work a desk job with limited movement.
Between the inhaler and more exercise, things got better for a few years. Still had times without full breaths, but better. At some point, I stopped using the inhaler and kept exercising. I was fine. Until about two days ago. I couldn't get a full breath in again. Thought, maybe I could sleep it off. Nope.
The panic attacks are back. I don't have an inhaler, and can't really afford insurance. I make too much for medicaid, but too little to afford good insurance via health healthlink. I'm going to a quickcare later, but I'm not really expecting much beyond an inhaler. Hopefully.
The only thing that seems to marginally help are Xanax as my friend has given me a few for the panic attacks.
All I want is to breathe normally, even just half the time. It's been almost 8 years of this now. I don't know how much longer I can take it. Nobody I can talk to, no affordable help, no doctor that seems to care.
Like what's the point anymore? Between my RCE (recurrent corneal erosion) and this, I'm just miserable or in pain.
Sorry for the rant, just really toeing a line right now.
Replies to "I'm at the end of my rope with this. I really am. From about 2012 to..."
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Hi @dan21. Really sorry to hear all you've been dealing with. Breathing is such a central function, something we normally take for granted (as it's supposed to be, since it's normally an automatic "background" function) but when something is off again, it commands our attention due to the discomfort.
It sounds like there's a high degree of certainty and probability that your particular cause is COPD. There's a link for you, and that's a very good thing. Something not many of us have. Having a cause means you can focus with precision on solutions. So hang in there!
An obstacle is the affordability and insurance side of things. Tough but not insurmountable. What do you do for a living if you don't mind me asking?
While you figure out a way to get better medical there, I do believe there solutions you can do on your own with a little research and grit. Doctors are good- they can provide immediate relief for these things and help uncover symptoms, but I understand they can be hard to come by sometimes given people's work and insurance challenges, like yours.
Research "Pulmonary Rehabilitation" for COPD, as as well as Oxygen Therapy. Pair this with breathing exercises that deal with anxiety and I believe you will be on your way to a better life. Overcoming the mental challenges is another part of this all.
I know it sounds simplistic and maybe idealistic, but start with believing that you WILL overcome this and it is not insurmountable. "You got to believe!" Again, might sound corny, but believing will help you overcome the mental challenge.
If you don't have easy access to direct medical help, this is where you will need to be somewhat of your own doctor- it's going to require research, work, diligence, and consistency- but having a plan and working daily on improving will give you things to look forward to- another good thing for the mindset to help you hang on.
You're not alone-- there are MANY people who have dealt with what you're going through and have solutions. Please let me know how else I can help! I think there are specific COPD discussion on this MayoClinic site- do a search for COPD and I think you'll find more valuable information!