Can't breathe

[Cyndibear]

Quit 6 days ago. All my muscles in my back and chest hurt. Especially hard to breathe at night. Can't lay down. Sick to my stomach too. I will not go back to smoking but I don't know how ill make it through this. Chest hurts. Feel like I'm suffocating. What can help?

[glolin LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi cyndibear and a big warm welcome to quit support. Sorry to hear that you are feeling poorly.

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What you are experiencing is very common , try not to worry too much as that won't help you..There are some great breathing exercises under the pinned posts to the right of the screen..try these as they have helped others ..If you are concerned, talk to your GP just to be on the safe side.

If it is any help. my chest hurt like hell when i quit, it was very scary for me...i had to brace myself just to sneeze of cough as it felt as if my entire rib cage was going to snap in half. Like all the other symptoms of recovery..it did pass.

I wish you all the very best on your quit journey and please let us know how you are progressing

cdn.mdjunction.com/componen...

[glolin LONG TERM WINNER in reply to glolin]

Hello again does this make your quit date the 4th of September? Please let me know so i can add you to our wall of winners

[Cyndibear 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to glolin]

Yes sept 4

[letaparadise56]

Hello there Cyndi,

I am so, so sorry for the troubles on your journey to quitting. That is what it is, my dear, a journey.

Let's see, what can help???? Quitting!!!! I promise you ( and I am not a liar ) you are going to feel better soon. The initial symptoms are frustrating and rather unbelievable.

I think we were all expecting these "miracles" from quitting. They do not exist. There is discomfort. There is pain. There is self-doubt. BUT THINK ABOUT IT: leaning on Mr. Nic??? He does NOT love you. Left to his own devices....he will kill you. And in a most uncomfortable manner.

So my love....please power through. You can and must. I was 35 year + smoker and did it.

Take care and sending love from Spicewood, TX.

Leta

[letaparadise56]

Do some yogic breathing exercises, Cyndi.

Four breaths deep in.....hold @ the top....six out to the bottom...hold. Start again. This can really help you get centered ( which is really all you need ) to overcome the craving + fear.

We all send our best. This is the best place you can be for encouragement and the empathetic approach to quitting. You will not be alone!!!!

[Jude11 LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi, know exactly how u feel, I went to docs as could not breathe had antibiotics for two weeks , slept with six pillows an done the breathing exercises, also done steaming fill a bowl with boiling water put a towel over head an breathe in steam, got loads of rubbish up,, hope it doesant last to long an feel better soon

[demeter74 7 MONTH WINNER]

Hi Cyndi, we both stopped smoking the same day!!!!! Sept. 4th, i am still coughing, but this time we both will make it.

[glolin LONG TERM WINNER in reply to demeter74]

hi demeter and and welcome to quit support

Well done on quit smoking ..thats great that you and cyndi quit the same day, you two can enjoy the quit journey together

All the very best of luck

[Cyndibear 7 MONTH WINNER in reply to demeter74]

I'm so glad u and I are quitting together. I don't feel so alone! I will be ur cheerleader!

[Cyndibear 7 MONTH WINNER]

Thanks everyone for the support. One surprising thing is that I am not having the cravings for Mr. Nic this time that I thought would be the hardest part. I guess that how I know I'll make it. I just never expected to experience this much pain and anxiety (from the suffocating feeling) mostly because it feels like my muscles are trying to squeeze the air out of my lungs that I'm trying desperately to get in them. I've had a few panic attacks the last few nights because I was so tired but afraid of falling asleep and really suffocating. I know it will eventually pass and I'll feel better. I appreciate all the encouragement and I know it will take a little time. After all, I have (had) been a smoker for nearly 30 years as I started in my 18th bday. And I'll be 48 next month. But I'll make it. Thanks again. I want to be a winner like all of u!

[Briarwood Administrator LONG TERM WINNER in reply to Cyndibear]

Hiya Cyndi, well done you are already a winner and yes you will have a wonderful smokefree birthday next month, you can do it👍🏼😊x

[Feelingfresh 17 Month Winner]

Hi Cindy.. Plz don't worry about it... I know u r feeling terrible and may be circumstances r tempting u to have one more last puff.. But don't give up.. I'm pretty sure you'll feel quite relieved after another week....

But make sure u do some breathing excercises and drink gallons of water....

If sometime u feel like smoking.... Plz do remind yourself of why u decided to quit then...

Trust me my friend... It's worth it..

Being a non smoker is the biggest gift as it increases the length and quality of our life ....

Take care

[QuitEm]

Hi Cindibear - Well Done on your 6 day quit and Welcome to quit support

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having, but hope the suggestions you have already been given here will help. Perhaps a visit to the doctor may get you something to help and also reinforce the assurance you are getting here that these symptoms will not last

Sending you a BIG (((HUG))) and wishing you well

[Cyndibear 7 MONTH WINNER]

Thank u so much. Just knowing I'm not alone has helped alot!

[Oolou 10 MONTH WINNER]

I would visit the local clinic. No harm in getting a check up and some medical advice face to face. The support here is great, but you sound very anxious.