Good morning! I've posted in other groups but figured I'd try here too since my symptoms resemble some of those listed here. My story: I'm 51. First, I quit smoking in March of 2012 after approximately 25 years of 3/4 packs per day. For the past 10 years I’ve experienced intermittent chest pains. I’ve had every non invasive cardiac test done and all came back normal. The diagnosis ended up being Costochondritis (chest wall inflammation). In February of 2021, I tested positive for COVID. Symptoms were very mild only lasting 1-2 days. Slight fever of barely 100. F. But I began experiencing intermittent SOB. The type of SOB where I can’t catch a satisfying deep breath that I starve for (sigh breath its been labelled). Eventually I achieve the deep breath and I seem to be satisfied but only for a short period of time. At first, the SOB was sporadic. Every few days lasting for a day or two and then resolving and staying away for a week or longer but it always returned. I'm pretty sure I had COVID again in July of 2021. Once again, it was pretty mild. Runny nose, sinus issues etc. etc. In the summer of 2021, I was diagnosed with mild hypertension. All cardiac tests (CT w/contrast of the chest, ECHO, stress, Holter etc. etc.) were checked and all tests/scans were found to be normal. No plaques or blockages by CT angiography. No acute process in the lungs. Lungs clear. The SOB continues and became more frequent. In November of 2021, I saw a Pulmonologist. Pulmonary Function Tests were performed and I was cleared for COPD and any lung disease, SOB improved slightly for a period of time. In February of 2022, I tested positive for COVID AGAIN. This time the virus seemed to get into my lungs a lil' bit as I had a mild respiratory infection for about a week or so. It took a couple weeks for it to totally clear but the SOB returned much more frequently. In May of 2022, I saw a different Pulmonologist in a different city. He ordered PFT and sleep apnea study. As of the morning of June 22,2022 I was emphatically cleared of COPD and any interstitial lung disease by now two different pulmonologist groups in two different cities. Further, my yearly ECHO done in early June was normal. Where do I stand?!?!? I have pretty consistent SOB (breathlessness, starving for air, excessive yawning). No cough of note unless I force it (rare), some mucus/phlegm, inflamed nasal passages and under control BP and heart rate.
Some sinus pressure perhaps leading to sinus headaches. I try to stay reasonably active with walks, runs and strength training. The NOT KNOWING is really bothering me. I've become increasingly anxious. Anxiety related SOB with some upper and lower back pain??? I’m taking Buspirone. GERD?!? I take AcidPH. I’m 5’9 and weigh 210 lbs. I’m a pretty muscular guy with some extra weight. Could it be I need to lose a few pounds?!? Diaphragm issue?!? I might be going a little crazy but I feel like it's getting worse. I keep reminding myself that the CT of chest in May and in July of '21 and CXR of chest in February of '22 were all completely clear. BTW, I just had another CXR in August of '22 and once again results suggested my lungs are clear. No cardiopulmonary process. I check my O2 sat first thing every morning, it's consistently 97-98. At my last pulmonologist appointment I was given a rescue inhaler, albuterol sulfate. I've tried it. Hard to tell if it's really helping or just a psychological effect. I must admit I'm a lil' concerned about long haul COVID-19 induced IPF?? Although, in each case, my bouts with COVID were mild at best. SOB, chest wall discomfort specifically associated with intercostals and the sternum, headaches, intermittent upper and lower back pain. Although, in each case, my bouts with COVID were mild at best.