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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Wildflower on December 28, 2004, at 11:04:59
In reply to Re: Out of breath » Wildflower, posted by Larry Hoover on December 28, 2004, at 10:44:49
Thanks Lar. You're always so helpful! :-)
I did go to the store and buy some type of inhaler but I'm not sure how effective it is. I have been taking Singulair for allergies but ran out a few weeks ago. Do you think that this could be contributing to my problem?
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 28, 2004, at 11:15:31
In reply to Re: Out of breath » Larry Hoover, posted by Wildflower on December 28, 2004, at 11:04:59
> Thanks Lar. You're always so helpful! :-)
I do try to be. You're welcome.
> I did go to the store and buy some type of inhaler but I'm not sure how effective it is. I have been taking Singulair for allergies but ran out a few weeks ago. Do you think that this could be contributing to my problem?
Singulair is an asthma preventative medicine. The distinction between asthma and allergies is arbitrary. The feeling you get in the nasal sinuses from allergies (swelling, mucous production) is paralleled by what happens in the lungs. When it's in the lungs, we call it asthma. Allergic reactions in the lungs tend to close down the bronchi, giving you that tightness behind the breastbone, and a feeling that you can't inhale enough air (because, literally, you can't).Yes, running out of singulair could be the sole cause of your current distress. This is pretty good evidence that you need it (or some other anti-asthma treatment). In acute situations (the "can't catch my breath" feeling you described), singulair is not going to help. That's where a salbutamol inhaler is really helpful. Ventolin is a common brand name, but there are numerous generics. Niacinamide works on the acute symptoms, too, but not as quickly as a puffer.
Lar
Posted by KaraS on December 29, 2004, at 17:25:06
In reply to Re: Out of breath » Larry Hoover, posted by Wildflower on December 28, 2004, at 11:04:59
Hi,
I am the one Larry mentioned who was doing well on niacinamide (vitamin B3). It really did help me a lot. I don't know if it's a long-term solution though. Also, I don't know for certain if my inability to catch my breath is anxiety related or asthma related or some combination of both. (I keep changing my opinion on that.) The niacinamide is sedating as well as working as an antihistamine so it would help both of those conditions. I have since taken only a little bit of the B3 in the last few days and now my breathing problems are back. I'm increasing the B3 again and will take it regularly. I really should see a doctor soon though to figure out what the whole situation really is.
Good luck and keep us posted. Since I have the same issue, I'm very interested in how it all works out for you.
Take care,
Kara
Posted by Wildflower on December 29, 2004, at 20:42:10
In reply to Re: Out of breath » Wildflower, posted by KaraS on December 29, 2004, at 17:25:06
Thanks guys. I gave in and went to the doctor today. He said that he was stumped. I definitly have a horrible case of bronchitis to the point where I'm not allowed to workout or exert myself. Honestly, I don't feel too bad, maybe like a slight cold. He said that my condition is far worse than I think. He said that I may also have a blood clot. His instructions were to get to the ER right away if I start to feel worse. Also, if I don't feel better by Monday, either call his office to report to the ER. Very scary. Oh yes, and I probably have a borderline case of asthma. Lovely.
Posted by Fallen4MyT on December 29, 2004, at 21:26:28
In reply to Went to the docs, posted by Wildflower on December 29, 2004, at 20:42:10
Wildflower wow I am so sorry. I had pneumonia once and knew I felt like I had a cold but didn't know how ill I was.....I hope the doc gave you some antibiotics, told you to drink a lot and maybe sit where you have lots of steam like the bathroom with the shower running and at bed a humidfier to help bring up any phlegm...Let us know,,,,did he do xrays?
> Thanks guys. I gave in and went to the doctor today. He said that he was stumped. I definitly have a horrible case of bronchitis to the point where I'm not allowed to workout or exert myself. Honestly, I don't feel too bad, maybe like a slight cold. He said that my condition is far worse than I think. He said that I may also have a blood clot. His instructions were to get to the ER right away if I start to feel worse. Also, if I don't feel better by Monday, either call his office to report to the ER. Very scary. Oh yes, and I probably have a borderline case of asthma. Lovely.
Posted by KaraS on December 30, 2004, at 1:16:01
In reply to Went to the docs, posted by Wildflower on December 29, 2004, at 20:42:10
> Thanks guys. I gave in and went to the doctor today. He said that he was stumped. I definitly have a horrible case of bronchitis to the point where I'm not allowed to workout or exert myself. Honestly, I don't feel too bad, maybe like a slight cold. He said that my condition is far worse than I think. He said that I may also have a blood clot. His instructions were to get to the ER right away if I start to feel worse. Also, if I don't feel better by Monday, either call his office to report to the ER. Very scary. Oh yes, and I probably have a borderline case of asthma. Lovely.
Wish the doctor could have been more helpful in regard to the blood clot. I imagine it's very frustrating and scary not to know for sure. The other two things are more easily treatable. I hope you feel better soon and the scare turns out to be nothing.K
Posted by Wildflower on December 30, 2004, at 11:36:01
In reply to Re: Went to the docs » Wildflower, posted by Fallen4MyT on December 29, 2004, at 21:26:28
> Wildflower wow I am so sorry. I had pneumonia once and knew I felt like I had a cold but didn't know how ill I was.....I hope the doc gave you some antibiotics, told you to drink a lot and maybe sit where you have lots of steam like the bathroom with the shower running and at bed a humidfier to help bring up any phlegm...Let us know,,,,did he do xrays?
When I was at the office, he gave me a breathing test to find out the capacity of my lungs and then he gave me a breathing treatment - no x-rays. He prescribed a z-pak, inhaler and an expectorant. I'm not coughing at all but my chest really feels like someone is standing on it. I moved a chair from one end of the room to the other last night and I felt like I had just run a marathon. It's a very strange feeling.
Posted by Wildflower on December 30, 2004, at 11:38:01
In reply to Re: Went to the docs » Wildflower, posted by KaraS on December 30, 2004, at 1:16:01
> Wish the doctor could have been more helpful in regard to the blood clot. I imagine it's very frustrating and scary not to know for sure. The other two things are more easily treatable. I hope you feel better soon and the scare turns out to be nothing.
It is scary not knowing. The funny thing is that I had a feeling that he was going to mention a clot. He was so confused as to what was going on inside me. I live alone and the thought of me getting worse and having no one around really frightens me. Good thing that there's a hospital two miles from my house.
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 30, 2004, at 13:01:27
In reply to Re: Went to the docs » Fallen4MyT, posted by Wildflower on December 30, 2004, at 11:36:01
> > Wildflower wow I am so sorry. I had pneumonia once and knew I felt like I had a cold but didn't know how ill I was.....I hope the doc gave you some antibiotics, told you to drink a lot and maybe sit where you have lots of steam like the bathroom with the shower running and at bed a humidfier to help bring up any phlegm...Let us know,,,,did he do xrays?
>
> When I was at the office, he gave me a breathing test to find out the capacity of my lungs and then he gave me a breathing treatment - no x-rays. He prescribed a z-pak, inhaler and an expectorant. I'm not coughing at all but my chest really feels like someone is standing on it. I moved a chair from one end of the room to the other last night and I felt like I had just run a marathon. It's a very strange feeling.I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I just want to again state that niacinamide is a really useful treatment for relaxing the airways. You could well be feeling a nutrient stress from your psych meds.
I'm really glad you went to see the doctor. And I truly hope you follow up if you are not feeling well by Monday. Breathing is an under-rated ability.
Take care.
Lar
Posted by emme on January 1, 2005, at 10:19:55
In reply to Out of breath, posted by Wildflower on December 28, 2004, at 10:16:16
Wildflower, I hope you feel better quickly and that you don't have a clot problem. This must be frustrating as well as very scary.Anybody.... I've noticed in the last year or so that sometimes I can't seem to inhale enough air after the first few minutes of jogging. It feels as though my airway is too small. If I slow down to a walk and then increase the pace gradually it improves. Aerobics classes are fine. But they include a warm-up period.
I came to the conclusion (maybe incorrect?) that ramping up exercise too abruptly somehow triggers some sort of bronchial spasm. It persists longer if I take medication that makes me tired and saps my stamina.
Because it's not severe and isn't worsening, it doesn't really worry me or my doctor. But I thought it was interesting.
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 2, 2005, at 9:48:51
In reply to Went to the docs, posted by Wildflower on December 29, 2004, at 20:42:10
> Thanks guys. I gave in and went to the doctor today. He said that he was stumped. I definitly have a horrible case of bronchitis to the point where I'm not allowed to workout or exert myself. Honestly, I don't feel too bad, maybe like a slight cold. He said that my condition is far worse than I think. He said that I may also have a blood clot. His instructions were to get to the ER right away if I start to feel worse. Also, if I don't feel better by Monday, either call his office to report to the ER. Very scary. Oh yes, and I probably have a borderline case of asthma. Lovely.
I hope you're feeling better. Please let us know how you're doing.
Lar
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 2, 2005, at 19:42:19
In reply to Re: It's Monday now.... » Wildflower, posted by Larry Hoover on January 2, 2005, at 9:48:51
Posted by Wildflower on January 4, 2005, at 10:17:05
In reply to Re: It's Monday now.... » Wildflower, posted by Larry Hoover on January 2, 2005, at 9:48:51
Thanks Lar.
I feel better but I'm still out of breath. I know that I had bronchitis but there has to be something else there. I'm too scared to go back to the doctor...
Posted by emme on January 4, 2005, at 11:17:47
In reply to Re: It's Monday now...., posted by Wildflower on January 4, 2005, at 10:17:05
I'm glad you're doing a little better. Have you called to let your doctor know how you're doing? It's got to be scary. I hope you continue to improve.
> Thanks Lar.
>
> I feel better but I'm still out of breath. I know that I had bronchitis but there has to be something else there. I'm too scared to go back to the doctor...
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 4, 2005, at 12:15:04
In reply to Re: It's Monday now...., posted by Wildflower on January 4, 2005, at 10:17:05
> Thanks Lar.
>
> I feel better but I'm still out of breath. I know that I had bronchitis but there has to be something else there. I'm too scared to go back to the doctor...Geez, I wish I could make this sound like it was in Mother Voice....
Scared isn't going to get you better, hon. Your doctor said that if you weren't better by Monday, to see him again. Breathing is one of those essential functions. Please, go and see you doctor again. You need to be monitored, if nothing else. He'll be able to see how you condition has changed, and what further assessments or treatments might be necessary.
Lar
Posted by Wildflower on January 4, 2005, at 12:28:55
In reply to Re: It's Monday now.... » Wildflower, posted by Larry Hoover on January 4, 2005, at 12:15:04
I made an appt. for later today. A woman upstairs had a blood clot and I asked her about it. She scared me into making an appt. I'm just worried that their going to say that I'm just out of shape or something stupid like that.
They've ruled out mono, diagnosed me with bronchitis and are concerned about a clot. What on earth could it possibly be?
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 4, 2005, at 13:12:18
In reply to Ok, Ok..., posted by Wildflower on January 4, 2005, at 12:28:55
> I made an appt. for later today. A woman upstairs had a blood clot and I asked her about it. She scared me into making an appt. I'm just worried that their going to say that I'm just out of shape or something stupid like that.
>
> They've ruled out mono, diagnosed me with bronchitis and are concerned about a clot. What on earth could it possibly be?It's going to be OK. First, you need to clear away some doubt about what it is and what it isn't. Then, selecting the right way to care for you, and you'll be good as new, soon enough. It's going to be OK.
Lar
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 5, 2005, at 12:35:23
In reply to Ok, Ok..., posted by Wildflower on January 4, 2005, at 12:28:55
> I made an appt. for later today. A woman upstairs had a blood clot and I asked her about it. She scared me into making an appt. I'm just worried that their going to say that I'm just out of shape or something stupid like that.
>
> They've ruled out mono, diagnosed me with bronchitis and are concerned about a clot. What on earth could it possibly be?Not that it's necessarily any of our business, but how did the doctor say you were doing? I hope you're feeling well.
Lar
Posted by Wildflower on January 5, 2005, at 15:21:33
In reply to Re: Ok, Ok... » Wildflower, posted by Larry Hoover on January 5, 2005, at 12:35:23
Don't say that it's none of your business. I know that you're just concerned.
I went in for a chest x-ray last night and I was supposed to get the results this morning. However, they seem to have misplaced the x-rays. Hospitals, ugh.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they find them soon.
Posted by Wildflower on January 5, 2005, at 17:06:25
In reply to Results » Larry Hoover, posted by Wildflower on January 5, 2005, at 15:21:33
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 5, 2005, at 20:43:15
In reply to Results » Larry Hoover, posted by Wildflower on January 5, 2005, at 15:21:33
> Don't say that it's none of your business. I know that you're just concerned.
Yes, but there's a fine line between concerned and pestering. I do care, W.
> I went in for a chest x-ray last night and I was supposed to get the results this morning. However, they seem to have misplaced the x-rays. Hospitals, ugh.
>
> I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they find them soon.Ok, a clear chest x-ray also means no clot, right? So this is purely an airway thing.
I really do hope you try some niacinamide. At the least, it will minimize your need for medication. At best, it might mean you don't need it at all.
I haven't used my steroid puffers in weeks because I'm using niacinamide. It's that effective for me.
Sounds like you're doing better, and that's GOOD.
Lar
Posted by Wildflower on January 5, 2005, at 21:36:58
In reply to Re: Results » Wildflower, posted by Larry Hoover on January 5, 2005, at 20:43:15
Well, the x-ray is not capable of showing clots -- just found out. My regualar doctor called me tonight and asked how I felt (not realizing that I saw one of his colleagues yesterday). I think he's sending me in for a catscan tomorrow. Once we rule out a clot, I can breathe a little easier (get it?) ;-) Seriously, the other options for this symptom are easily treatable.
Thanks so much for hanging in there with me. It's just so scary.
Posted by Wildflower on January 6, 2005, at 13:37:50
In reply to Re: Results » Larry Hoover, posted by Wildflower on January 5, 2005, at 21:36:58
Just had an IV catscan and there is no clot. I've been told it could be an inflammation of the lung or an infection of the lung or pluracy or blah, blah, blah. They put me on steroids along with an antibiotic and hopefully one or the other will work. If they don't, it's off to the lung doctor.
Posted by Larry Hoover on January 6, 2005, at 14:10:36
In reply to How can this be?, posted by Wildflower on January 6, 2005, at 13:37:50
> Just had an IV catscan and there is no clot.
You were convinced there was one? The clear x-ray was almost a full exclusion of PE (pulmonary embolism). I was just about to post about that, when I saw this post.
The clot doesn't show on an x-ray, but the changes in lung shape, accumulation of fluids, changes in circulation within the lung clearly do (in almost every case). The CT (with contrast) ruled out the slim remaining chance you had a clot. And cancer was ruled out, too, by the way. And fungal infection. And tuberculosis. And other stuff.
> I've been told it could be an inflammation of the lung or an infection of the lung or pluracy or blah, blah, blah. They put me on steroids along with an antibiotic and hopefully one or the other will work. If they don't, it's off to the lung doctor.
I'm quite sure a steroid and antibiotic combination will clear it all up. What steroid? What dose?
It's going to be OK. I'm serious. The cause of your difficult breathing has pretty much been attributed to some sort of inflammation. Inflammation could be caused by a bacterium (hence, the antibiotic), or by a virus (wait and see solves that, most of the time), or by some sort of allergenic or auto-immune reaction (hence, the steroids).
A bacterial infection sometimes follows a viral one, so it is possible that the cause of the breathing difficulty is actually changing day by day. That's another reason for the antibiotic.
One thing you can do is note places you go that make your symptoms worse (suggesting exposure to something), things you eat or make-up or skin products you use (a different kind of exposure), if your symptoms vary with time of day (could be drug related), and so on. Patterns sometimes can be identified, which let you find non-drug management of your difficulties. Long-term steroid use should be avoided, if there's any way around that.
Lar
Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 6, 2005, at 14:19:03
In reply to How can this be?, posted by Wildflower on January 6, 2005, at 13:37:50
I just wanted you to know I am still thinking about you and praying for you. Keep on keeping us posted on your progress you will have that now that youre on steriods they will help the inflammation
HUGS
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