It's shocking and a lil' disappointing to see so many of you experiencing similar symptoms that I share. I haven't posted in a while but here it goes. As far as I know, I've been cleared by cardiology, Stress tests, ECHOs, holter monitors all have come back normal. Perhaps a case of mild hypertension but nothing beyond that. Clean CT scan in May 2021 and multiple clean CXR's since that time which have all been all compared to the CT. Over the past year and a half, I've seen three different pulmonologists all in different cities including Johns Hopkins Pulmonary. PFT's, most recent in January 2023, have all returned and read as perfectly normal. Normal sleep apnea study results. Endoscopy, less than a month ago due to GERD, suggested I should be taking Esomeprazole regularly. CT scan of the nasal cavity confirmed blockage of the sinus on the left side and a deviated septum. I carry a finger oximeter around everyday and generally range between 95-98 whether at rest or exercising. During extreme physical activity, sprinting up a hill the blood O2 levels do drop to 89-93 but they quickly recover within 20-30 seconds of completion. Like many others, I continually experience dyspnea daily. Forced to try and take deep breaths regularly. Forced to yawn to catch a satisfactory deep breath. In some cases, I have to try multiple times to get that satisfactory breath. No longer is it automatic. I do experience constant runny nose, congestion at night (I take Mucinex before I go to bed to dry me out). I find it very difficult to breathe through my nose often having to mouth breathe. I get the impression thats it's seems to be getting worse over time. I wanna send best wishes to all of you. Praying for all our recoveries.
P.S. After being evaluated at Johns Hopkins Pulmonary, the chief of Pulmonology hypothesized the theory of the COVID virus attacking the Vagus nerve endings causing inflammation. The Vagus nerve is responsible for breathing. He said it seems as if the Vagus nerve is sending signals that my lungs are not completely full requiring me to take unnecessary reoccurring deep breaths. According to him, GOOD news is that its really not dangerous and mainly just an uncomfortable annoyance. BAD news is that he doesn't know when or if the inflammation will subside