So confused...

[Roxade]

Hi there. Any suggestions will be helpful.

I was diagnosed with mild copd a year ago. Up until a week ago I was absolutely fine. Quit smoking, gym twice a day, eating healthy. Then all of a sudden one day my chest felt tight. Really tight. Chest pain as if a really strong guy is squeezing my chest and back together. Short of breath and dizzy. 6 days now. Had a ECG fine, blood pressure fine. Pulmonologist said I might have a bug - no meds required. Also just started menopause. So for shits and giggles I also have hot flushes for the first time. Is any of this normal. To go backwards overnight like this?

[Joaniemdc]

Sounds good to me

[Ldycatcoach]

Yes, unfortunately it's called hitting a "bump". Use your rescue inhaler when needed and check your pulse and oxygen levels with an oximeter often especially when active. Be aware of what your body needs. I went from stage one to stage three over night. With the right combination of inhalers and the use of oxygen 24/7, I was able to stabilize for about 3 years. Then another bump occurred and I'm now recovering from a bilateral lung transplant (January 1, 2017). Happy New Year to me! I'm here continuing to enjoy being with my family and young grandsons! Night sweats are part of the process. Hormone replacement therapy does help some. May God bless you and give you strength and comfort on your journey. Everyone has a different story, but I have found my extreme faith in my awesome God to be my stronghold.

[Roxade in reply to Ldycatcoach]

I'm so scared though. Not sure I can handle all this like you guys. Today I feel absolutely terrible. Blurred vision, no energy, when I drink it feels as though I've burned my throat. Crazy. Last week I was at the gym.

[Dgtheel in reply to Roxade]

We all have our ups and downs, I try to focus on positive, but it's hard, go to dr. Do you have acid reflux? I developed a sliding hiatal hernia couching one day, it hurts like crazy some days. It took going to gastrointestinal dr.and a upper radiology test to find. Plus it found that I have GERD, reflux, since I've been taking meds for reflux my chest feels a little better. Worth looking into,

[Sandra1944]

I think it is right to say it a ride for all of us.

[Ldycatcoach]

Personally, it sounds like you have an infection at the moment. Maybe even strep or the flu. It probably just didn't show in the exam the other day. I would call my doctor again and even go to a "walk-in" if he does not give any help. If you're running a temperature of 100.4 or more, go to the ER. You may already have pneumonia. Don't panic - it sounds bad, but if you seek proper care, things will get better. May God bless you ....

[MaryWerd]

I wish there was a magic solution to all these ups and downs for all of us! I've been on high flow oxygen since April 2015 24/7. There is a grieving process involved when you deal with this all. You can do this. Find a new pulmonologist. You need to have complete faith in your doctor.

[Roxade in reply to MaryWerd]

I definitley felt this. I'm in a sticky situation. I'm only 47. Two daughter's 13 and 19. Their father passed away 10 years ago in an accident. Grand parents have also just passed away. So I HAVE TO keep healthy, fit, strong and positive for my girls as they are way too young to be on their own.

[Joaniemdc]

Wow I really can't answer that for I never went through a normal menopause. However my daughter is. And keeps having digestive problems and abdominal pain. It could be anxiety, but I would definitely have your heart, lungs checked out like I Told my daughter, doctor's seen to want to blame everything on menopause. How are you doing now?

[Roxade]

Hi Guys. I feel much better. Thank you for being here though. Not sure what caused my chest to pain so badly though. I will say that after 5 days of pain I did experience heart burn for the first time in my life. Meds for that stopped it in its tracks immediately - so that was good. Chest pain eased off. I woke up yesterday morning lying flat on my back thinking "oh nice! I can breath and nothings sore!" Then I got up and tweeked my neck. haha But I'm happy I'm ok again. Still not sure what the hell happened last week as it was so bad. Wish I knew for peace of mind and how to avoid it though.

[GrannyCakes]

I had COPD for may years and all of a sudden I'm told I had Emphysema and was put of oxygen at night a month later I was put on oxygen for any activity did read they called it a BUMP I on the other hand have other names for it. Good luck

[Acstal]

Roxade, don't panic, I was diagnosed in 2014 and am still learning about this condition. I have found that fear and anxiety make me feel worse. Education is indispensable. I have also signed up to the Lung Association website, "Inspire". Look for other sites to broaden your perspective. It has been helpful to me. Good Luck and Blessings. Peace.