Breathing problems

[Muff20]

My second post today. Is there anyone here that has breathing problems that are connected to muscle problems/ weakness and the diaphragm and not the lungs?

[whatsit]

Hi I have for a few years , laying I get pressure lower ribs and feel it’s affecting my breathing also laying on my right side I take Amitripoline ( think that how to spell it ,) before bed helps to relax , I hope Someone reply’s with t more knowledge than me 🤞🤞❤️

[Muff20 in reply to whatsit]

Thank you Whatsit. Yes I can't breath if I lie on my right side or my back. Have you had it investigated? Has anyone told you what the problem is?

[whatsit in reply to Muff20]

I have had ct scan and MRI they can’t find anything , I think fibromyalgia, but it’s only what I think for myself,,have you had a test for this , a consultant touched my chest very gently asked if it hurt , well no it didn’t , was that a test for it , when my partner hugs me in bed his arm feels like lead weight , I’m not good at going to the doctors , but please you go 💕💕

[Muff20 in reply to whatsit]

I was diagnosed with fibro at the beginning but I did not have the criteria. Symmetrical pain points around the body with no other cause. I was numb down one side and pain in shoulder pain on other. I think Drs often use that as a diagnosis at the beginning. No treatment, don't need to follow up. They can discharge you. 7 yesrs on and 3rd rheumatology consultant later, I have been told I definitely don't have fibromyalgia.

[whatsit in reply to Muff20]

I do have connective tissue disease so maybe all to do with that , i expect you’ve been tested hopefully

[Jmiller623]

I suspect this. I get this feeling only in my right lung like it can’t expand all the way. Feels like a wet Velcro sponge at the bottom. I have multiple cranial neuropathies that affect eyes, ears, taste, face muscles and sensory, swallowing, hearing and balance just to name a few if not all. Your diaphragm is controlled by cranial nerves and I do worry my diaphragm isn’t working properly. My pulmonary scans have always been normal despite desatting and being very short of breath.

As we say in medical school, cranial nerves 3, 4 and 5 keep the diaphragm alive. If you have neuropathy, it is totally possible to fry the ones that innervate your diaphragm. Have your doctor order a sniff test (not super accurate but its what they use typically) which checks that your diaphragm functions properly.

Hope this helps! ❤️

[Muff20 in reply to Jmiller623]

Hi, spoke to the department that have done 2 different lung tests on me over 2 years. He has suggested a respiratory muscle assessment which checks for muscle weakness. I think some tests you do laying down. I struggle to breath laying on my back. My rheumatolgy consultant is on holiday but my nurse will speak to her when she gets back. So frustrating, they will only do 1 test at a time. I end up losing years! If they don't find it going to push for CT scans etc.