Please put my mind at ease

[Ginger_Snap]

So, I have fibromyalgia and the last couple of days I’ve been struggling with shortness of breath or more accurately oxygen hunger, feeling like I can’t fill my lungs and it’s tight in my chest and throat, I’ve also got pains in my knees, ankles and numb toes, something I know I get with this condition. I’m wondering if anyone else has this symptom of Fibro...... I have had it many times before but not for this long of a period, just wanting someone to give me peace of mind or tell me it’s more serious and I need to seek medical help

[Annab124]

Hi I’ve had this , have you felt stressed at all? Because anxiety can be a big part of Fibro too x

[Ginger_Snap in reply to Annab124]

Well currently I’m living in a very stressful situation and this breathing problem isn’t helping haha

[Ginger_Snap in reply to Ginger_Snap]

Do you have any ideas how to relieve this ? X

[Annab124 in reply to Ginger_Snap]

I felt like that around a year ago. I was living in a stressful situation and still am (doctors think this is what caused my Fibro) . Your probably focusing on it because your worried about it too! I’d go to the doctors just to check an get peace of mind. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about but it’s always better checking x

[Ginger_Snap in reply to Annab124]

Thank you

[LozzieC]

Breathing from you diaphragm can really help with shortness of breath I have asthma and use the technique a lot x

[Ginger_Snap in reply to LozzieC]

Thank you so much

[hen-house]

Hi Ginger-snap, sounds like me with Anxiety, theres a breathing technique you can find online called stomach breathing - im not into all of that but i got so desperate i tried it and it helps!! and caffeine of any kind makes it worse - i had to give up my daily amll original lucozade as it was making me worse! but if you have a fan, try and lay for 5 mins with the fan on next to you and shut your eyes, it does help were all here too xx take care your not alone xx

[Ginger_Snap in reply to hen-house]

Thank you for this xx

[Greenpeace]

Hi Ginger_Snap , you may well be having a Fibro flare up due to stress.

The ankle, knee and numb toes you say you have experienced before. The shortness of breath and “air hunger” are not specific to Fibro, but Costcoconditrus which is inflammation of the muscles around your rib cage, can be experienced with Fibro. Also your symptoms could be escalated by stress.

I think you may be asking if the breathing problems could be symptoms of Corona Virus.?

Do you have a high Temperature? because that is one of the first symptoms of the virus.

On the assumption that you have a Treatment Plan for your Fibro and are following it, and your symptoms persist, you may need a Meds review from your Dr.

The NHS is under tremendous stress just now, but if your breathing problems persist, despite trying out some of the suggestions that the members above have given you,

call 111 for advice. If you feel your breathing symptoms are becoming life threatening then 999.

We are living in very stressful times and sometimes we get overwhelmed with pain and worry about something more serious. You will get a lot of support on here, so keep posting.

Hoping you feel better soon.

GP.

😊😊

[Ginger_Snap in reply to Greenpeace]

Thank you, this was very reassuring, I know it isn’t corona virus but the stress of losing my job because of the virus and have no money may not be helping!

[Greenpeace in reply to Ginger_Snap]

I’m so sorry to hear that you have lost /may lose your job, and wondering how you might pay your bills, that is very stressful, on top of Fibro.

This is a very caring and supportive forum where you can share, vent, and get support from people who are non-judgemental and live with Fibro.

I believe that the Government is making changes to some benefits for people who get sick or lose their jobs because of the current situation. It will not be the same as your wages, but it might help.

Look after yourself and try some of the tips that you’ve been given to help with breathing and stress.

GP. 😊😊

[Hidden]

Hi

Are you bunged up as well? My Mum told me with any chest/cold symptoms, put some Vic in a bowl of boiling water , put a towel over your head and take deep breaths in and out. Hope you get some relief soon. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Ginger_Snap in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I have been struggling with my sininus’ so could be linked to that also maybe

[Hidden in reply to Ginger_Snap]

It's worth a try. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Ginger_Snap in reply to Hidden]

I’ll try anything haha x

[Hidden]

I suffer terribly from air hunger and its much worse when I'm very anxious xx

[Ginger_Snap in reply to Hidden]

Thank you this helps a lot

[Hidden in reply to Ginger_Snap]

Yes, me too, I'm in so much pain at the moment. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Ginger_Snap]

It’s odd I don’t seem to get the pain side of it, more like a dull annoying ache

[Hidden in reply to Ginger_Snap]

Everyone's pain is different and so are peoples pain thresholds, my pain is sometimes unbearable but then I read posts from Lynne (Oldham) and read about all that she suffers I think that I must be a bit of a lightweight 🙄we're all different in many ways but all the same in others, take care and keep in touch xx

[Ginger_Snap in reply to Hidden]

Honestly this group has saved my life today!!!! Thank you for helping me x

[Hidden]

Hi ginger snap fibro causes many crazy Symtoms my toes feel broke and I have fast heart at themomment along with cluster head aches and shoulder pain my Rhumatologist told me I must avoid stressful situations completely my friend your living in one!i hope you resolve those home issues as it will make you feel much worse xxxx I also some times feel like I'm not breathing in and out properly very odd Symtoms but fibromyalgia is a very odd illness don't worry or fear your be ok xxxx

[Ginger_Snap in reply to Hidden]

Thank you this has helped a lot! Unfortunately I am one of them people who takes on stress physically and not mentally so I don’t notice I’m stressed till it’s far too late!

[CrystalGecko76]

Yes it can...there is another condition relating to the ribs and chest that feel like constriction and tightening of the chest....I have it and shallow breath a lot. When you do try to pull a big breath it feels hard like you are struggling to breath or like being in a high humid environment - then that makes you anxious and panic which can make it worse...mine started up again few days ago along with a sore throat as well so yes I've been panicking and making it worse. But dr confirmed I have iron deficiency on monday so that's why a lot of extra symptoms have showed up and become worse (light headed dizzy spells, no appetite, nausea, stomach pain and issues as well as heart drops/palpitations) and yet I'm too afraid to actually go to dr to get extra check ups...thanks global pandemic!

[Ginger_Snap in reply to CrystalGecko76]

Everything will be fine soon, it’ll all blow over x

[kejusa]

I have had this too, Drs diagnose Rib Cage Infection for want of giving it a name, it is and can be quite painful and has affected breathing too, in this case the doctor has been phoned and my husband was informed to take me to hospital, but with today's situation maybe 111 should be called. Good luck x

[Ginger_Snap in reply to kejusa]

Thank you x

[Ginger_Snap]

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you all! It’s really helped put my mind at ease and my partner is grateful he doesn’t have to listen to me panicking anymore haha! X

[dinkic]

I have this problem when fibro is at its worse, but put it down to stress. If it continues or gets worse seek medical help (not easy I know at the moment) speak to nurse or doctor at your surgery cos anything they do not know how to deal with 111 say go to hospital and cannot think of a bigger hell at the moment.

[Ginger_Snap in reply to dinkic]

Thank you x

[KnackeredKaty]

Have you got numb fingers aswell as toes. Air hunger can be caused by stress, but pins and needles, numbness can be caused by hyperventilation too. Try some relaxation techniques, or breathe into a brown paper bag. If your symptoms don't improve see a doctor.

[Ginger_Snap in reply to KnackeredKaty]

Thank you x

[CrystalGecko76 in reply to KnackeredKaty]

Yes I have this too...its an oversensativity off the extremities - it feels "numb" but is actually painful...cbd has lessened mine slightly (not cured it or got rid though) but at least when the cat runs her head on my foot it doesnt feel like someone is running a chainsaw over my foot

[Hidden]

Yes , I had it but it turned out to be low B12, as soon as I treated that ( guidance from the Pernicious Anemia forum on HU) it improved.

You do need to be checked though, my GP ordered a chest xray and ECG ( both ok) and referred me to a respiratory clinic. They did blood tests, breathing tests, almost whole body CT scan—- all ok. So it must have been the low B12.