Hyperinflation of the lungs

[Ltonzola]

Hello my name is Lawna. I was recently in a auto accident. I passed out behind the wheel of my car. I had a fainting incident just a month and half ago in the shower, thank god my husband was there. To say the least than ran all kinds of tests after admitting me to the hospital. My spinal tap came back abnormal with protein levels of 77. Now they can't seem to find out why. The did a chest X-ray because I have been short of breathe and not able to make it up the stairs sometimes. My breathing becomes labored and I just can't get that refreshing breathe in. The X-ray showed I have hyperinflation of my lungs. We went to a pulmonary doctor and they did a breathe test, you know the one where you have to blow the monkeys out of the tree! Lol My youngest, who is 6 just thought it was funny. I could take a good breathe in but I couldn't exhale for as long as I guess I was supposed to. Today is August 7. 2017. Tomorrow I have a CT and a PFT to perform. To say the least we have been an emotional bag of bones around here at night after we put our four kids to bed. Emphysema runs on both sides of my family. It killed my grandmother and grandfather but I am not going to let that tell me what is going on. They started me on Ventilon which seems to help wether I am laying down or standing up. My regular breathing isn't enough, I take a lot of really deep breathes it seem and have had it wake me a few times. I was fine a few months ago and since then I'm fatigued after a while of being up. I have a cane that have to walk with because I'm a little unstable at times. I guess I'm just on hear for comfort right now until tomorrow...thanks for taking the time.

Lawna Tonzola❤️

[Hidden]

Sorry to read about your issues ... hopefully just be csf lab measuring discrepancies.

At least doctors giving you good work up MIGHT be results of car wreck AS internal stuff can take longer to resolve.

My lung doctor told me about puddles and eating soup as a no no when at risk of passing out.

Defo was lucky husband was there to save you

As to breathing with hyperinflation WORSE thing can do is take big breaths in that's properly why passing out.

My lung doctor told me to belly breath and breath out longer than I breath in for to combat hyperinflation.

Anyway nice to meet you and am sure doctors just being cautious proactive.

[joyce74]

Hope today will lead to some improvements for you. There is always someone around to help with support when needed. Keep it touch. Joyce

[Ergendl]

Try singing exercises to learn diaphragmatic breathing to take some control. Or lie flat with a heavy book on your abdomen, and try to raise the book when you breathe in, and lower the book when you breathe out.

[Dedalus]

Hello and welcome Lawna

[Carnival567]

I hope they will be able to sort you out and ease your worries xx

[Hidden]

Hi Ltonzola. I'm sorry that you are having such a rotten time. The ct scan should show them if there is damage to your lungs and the full PFT will show them if you do have hyper inflation of the lungs, are retaining air in there when you breathe out or if your problem relates to not being able to breathe in enough air. If they cannot find a problem in your lungs I would ask to have some tests on your heart because an irregular heartbeat can cause breathing difficulties and fainty feelings.

Emphysema is usually related to smoking or damage from pollution at work. If your grandparents were smokers and you are a smoker too, there is an inherited condition which makes it more likely that emphysema will develop because of the smoking.

Anyway, one step at a time. Once all of the tests are done, hopefully you will get a proper diagnosis and then management of whatever condition you have.

There are lots of people on here who are living very full lives with all kinds of lung conditions, including emphysema. It is all down to the right treatment and self management.

Do try not to be too worried and let us know how you go on.

[vere]

Hi Lawna

Sorry to hear of your worries and condition but rest assured the health care professionals are all very good and seem to be making sure of your diagnosis. I have asthma, COPD hyperinflated lungs but at 72 I thaink I have done very well especially as I had asthma from five years of age. Then they didn't have the quick fixes that thank goodness they do today.

I found after my diagnosis of COPD and more recently hyperinflated lungs that after a while, I was able to accept my conditions together with all the help and information available. I feel I am able to lead a very active life with regular check ups and monitoring my own health.

I do wish you well and am sure the medics will help you enormously.

[Sillysausage234]

Hello and welcome lawna.alan