Need some advice

[bostongirl]

I was recently diagnosed with mild emphysema but the shortness of breath is really bad. Anyone experience this? I am a 52 year old ex smoker but smoked since my teens. I have quit now from the day this started on Sept 1 and am sure I will never light up again. My dr thinks the issue isn’t my lungs but is a musculoskeletal issue. Seems like a stretch to me. I describe a mild burning sensation in the lungs. He says that he hasn’t had those symptoms be lung related . I feel better when I lay down and am not short of breath. I started Symbicort today and hope it works soon. Any advice. I am scared to death.

[Markedup]

Hi girl, try to relax. Being stressed is bad. Try to find an experienced chiropractor. A good realignment always helps me. I’m an active 70 year old. I have the same problem, emphysema from smoking. Now without smoking, you can exercise more. Breath as deeply as you can. Exhaleing a lot several times is relaxing, if you remember to inhale also. I’m not sure how a burning sensation in the lungs could be not related to said lungs. But I’m not a doctor. Which leads to seeing a pulmonologist. You should do this as soon as you can. I don’t know what symbicort is, but I just use an inhaler. Also, withdrawals are hard on your body. Congratulations on quitting. Please, don’t ever “light up again”, to quote a very smart person. Don’t worry, you’ll feel better. Mark

[anymouse]

I agree with Markedup that you should see a pulmonologist so you know exactly what is what. I would make that a priority. I also agree with Markedup that stress will make you short of breath and quitting is very stressful. When I quit I started doing something called QiGong (Tai Chi). It was very helpful, lots of deep breathing, mindful meditation and gentle movements. There are tons of videos on youtube. I like Mimi Kuo-Deemer's videos. She offers lots of them for free. Some of the free trailers alone are good enough, you don't have to spend money. I suggest you go explore this site, it helped me. I quit a little over 3.5 yrs ago after 45+ years of smoking. mkdeemer.com/youtube-videos...

Also it is not a stretch at all that you being short of breath is a musculoskeletal issue, the two go hand in hand. That is why exercise and pulmonary rehab are so important to people with COPD. See a pulmonologist and talk to your doctors about a regular exercise program. I have very severe emphysema and I exercise regularly, it is the thing that keeps me going. Regardless of your diagnosis, exercise will be key to maintaining your best possible health, after the pulmonologist exercise would be top on my list.

[bostongirl in reply to anymouse]

Thanks @anymouse I am seeing the pulmonologist next week. I will check out the videos. I have been mostly walking lately and that seems to help with the anxiety and stress but I need to do more. I think I am struggling with a bit of depression now coming to terms with the fact I did this to myself and I worry that my two kids will be without me sooner than they should. I know attitude is key so I need to move on from the self deprecation and be grateful each morning to be able to get on with another day.

[Kristicats]

Please get help from your pulmonary physician . Meanwhile please try an ant acid remedy such as gaviscon etc just to see if it’s acid reflux( common with lung problems and often sets off the coughing).

[bostongirl in reply to Kristicats]

Thanks Chriskho. I will give that a try.

[Feelingblessed2013]

I agree with the others, stress can cause breathing problems. I also agree that you should see a pulmonologist asap.

The burning in your chest could be heartburn/acid reflux, if so, a good antacid should help.

I smoked for over 30 years, have been an ex-smoker for almost 18 years now. Five years ago I was diagnosed with emphysema and lung cancer, I was 56 at the time.

[bostongirl in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Thanks so much for the reply. I have an appointment with the pulmonologist on the 15th of Oct. I just had the full pulmonary testing so I will see her to explain the results. Thanks for the replies and support.

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to bostongirl]

I hope you get all your questions answered.

[Kristicats in reply to bostongirl]

That’s good let us know what she says, hope all eases soon Cx